Introduction > Writing Scientifically > Formatting Your Writing > Aspects of Formatting

Aspects of Formatting Although examples are given on how to format your work, be aware that the criteria for your work may change depending on the type of assignment and the requirements of your supervisor/Department. Make sure you know what format you should use before you begin writing! Font: there are two broad categories of font - serif and sans-serif. Serif fonts contain 'flicks' at the end of the text, sans-serif fonts don't. This can be seen more clearly when comparing the font type Times New Roman (serif) with Arial (sans-serif). Can you spot the difference between the Es, Fs and Gs? Generally, sans-serif fonts are considered easier to read, particularly for people with dyslexia, dyspraxia etc. Avoid using excessively artistic fonts; they not only detract from the message of your work but they can be difficult to decipher Font size: in some way depends on the font you use - Arial is a larger font and you can get away with decreasing the size, whereas Times New Roman is a smaller font. The size you choose may depend on whether or not you have a page limit - if space is a limiting factor you may have no choice but to decrease the font size Justification: the 'norm' is to fully justify your document so that the text is flush down each margin. Although this looks professional and is used it the majority of documents, fully justifying your text often increases the distances between words and thus creates 'rivers' of white space that run through your document. This can make it difficult for people with dyslexia, dyspraxia etc to read. Although considered more messy, left justifying your text is easier to read Margins: again, if you're constrained to a certain number of pages, decreasing the margin size may help you fit all your text in to the document. A common mistake is to decrease the margins so much that the text becomes intimidating and difficult to read. If you decide to reduce the margin size, you must take into account how your pages will be bound. If you staple your sheets together, you can probably have a relatively small margin, but if you’re using spiral binder or having your work professionally bound you’ll need to leave a larger marking on the left hand side. Also, if you have a header or footer, make sure that you don't decrease the margin size so much that it all looks squashed Headers/footers: can be used to add a running title to your document and to include page numbers or footnotes. Adding a solid line below the header and above the footer gives a definite beginning and ending to each page and looks professional. Exercise Here are some examples of different ways your work can be formatted. Can you identify aspects of each that you like or are not so keen on?

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