Presentation: Neat Paper Rules

for Hand-Written Assignments

Heading

1. The heading should be on the right or left side of the paper, on the rst three
lines of the paper. Include your full name, the date, and the class or subject.

Title

2. The title should be one or two lines below the heading in the center of
the page.

Margins

3. Leave one-inch margins on all four sides of the paper. The pink margin lines
on both sides of the page are already set up this way. The top of the page
provides an automatic margin. Stop three lines from the bottom to create a
margin.
4. Indent three-quarters of an inch at the beginning of each paragraph.
Your reader should never have to struggle to nd the beginning of a new
paragraph.

Indent

Cursive

Pen/Pencil

5. Cursive is best for your nal draft. Remember to stretch ascending letters
to the top of the line. Keep lowercase letters about half the size of the space
between the lines. Descending letters like y and p should go straight down
below the line. This will make all of your words legible.
6. If you write with pencil, be sure to use dark lead. Never cross out something
written in pencilpencil markings can be erased. If you use ink, use only blue
or black ink on nal drafts. Use an ink eraser or liquid cover-up for mistakes.

Front Side
Only

7. When you write your nal copy, use only the front side of the paper. Leave the
back of the page blank. This makes it easier for others to read what you have
written.

Proofread

8. Proofread your work. Look for common spelling errors (its, its), end
punctuation, indenting, missing words, etc. When you proofread, you are
making your nal copy the best that it can be.

Rewrite

9. Dont hesitate to rewrite something. Rewriting takes only a few minutes.

The Best

10. Turn in papers that clearly show your best efforts.

2008 Sopris West Educational Services.

Secondary-sec10.indd 1

Print Form

Assessment and High Standards

Step Up to Writing Secondary

Tool 10-1a

4/12/07 1:50:58 PM