Presentation
Most papers are double spaced with one inch margins and stapled in
the corner. Most teachers prefer this format because it’s easy to read and
write comments between the lines.
Of course, this format can also look pretty boring. Consider spicing
things up with charts or images if appropriate and if they enhance the
paper’s message and purpose.
Headings and other visual touches can help readers follow the
organization more easily, just like this book. The easier your thoughts are
to follow, the more brain power can be diverted to processing your actual
ideas and the more pleasant the reading experience will turn out.
Go to Part Ten: Computer Basics (page 158) for more presentation
ideas and how-to.
You could even go the extra mile and turn the whole thing into a web
page (find instructions in Part 12? Computer Basics). Impressing your
instructor with such dedication might even earn you a few extra points.
In fact, there are no real limits to just how creative you can get.
Students have turned in papers on cowboys with a cover made from wood
slats nailed together and burned with an actual cattle brand, papers on
the ocean with seaweed as the cover, papers on Hawaii in the shape of a
surfboard, papers on kissing with big, red, raised lips sewn into the cover,
a paper on watercoloring with sample watercolors included, etc. If you
think your audience would appreciate it, go for it!
P.S. Many teachers hate clear plastic binders. They may look nice, but
they’re awkward to hold open and read.