How to Format a Research Paper



Invention Research Paper


St. Cecilia School



2008 / 2009 School Year


This paper is an overview to help students to format a research paper to the specific guidelines
of their teacher. By reviewing this paper, the reader should be able to read the directions and
complete their paper successfully at home. This paper will be found as a link on the Mr.
Broderick’s web page where students may also download the document. This paper is written in
Microsoft Word and the directions are for this common program. This paper will cover how to
format the general paper, insert a graphic, include footers, and reminders.
In order to format the paper in the proper setting it is important to use one of the approved
fonts, 10 or 12 point. The final paper will need to have one-inch margins. To check that the
margins are the correct size go to file then down to page setup and then select the tab that has
margins at the top. When looking at this window make sure that the top, bottom, left and right
are all one inch (1.00) margins. To set up double spacing first go to edit, select all; then
click on the tab labeled format at the top and click on paragraph. When looking at this window,
look in the middle right and under line spacing select double. To insert your name as the footer
go to the tab view at the top and click on header and footer. Click the proper icon to be able
to make it at the bottom of the page and insert your name and grade; for those who have
downloaded this document just double click at the bottom and insert

Name: Grade:

Now that the paper has the basic formatting set up, it is important to insert a picture into the
document. To do this it is first important to insert a text box (inset… textbox).
Once the box is in the paper it needs to be enlarged so that the picture can be put inside. The
box should be no more than a 4-inch square. Below the picture/graphic, it is essential to insert
a caption and the URL (site the e-source) that the image was gained. (If there is no
documentation of the source, it is plagiarism!) To make sure that the text goes around the
graphic put the curser on the edge of the box and click on format text box. When there, click
onto the layout tab and click on the image that says tight. With these steps, text will not get
lost behind the box and there will not be a large empty space in the document. Additionally it
is very important to refer to the diagram within the body of the research paper and to limit
graphics to no more than one per page.
When writing this specific research paper, please do not forget the following. This is a
research paper; write in 3rd person. Your audience is another 7th/8th grader; write on a level
that you understand. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Be sure to give credit to the source when
necessary and to include at least one direct quote.
Individual papers are to be more than two and less than four typed pages with at least four
bibliographical resources; no more than two sources from the Internet. If while working with
Microsoft Word problems are encountered, do not forget to use the help tab or ask a
knowledgeable friend or adult (ex. Mr. Broderick or Mrs. Stigler).
Do not forget that the research paper is due on February 20, 2009. The paper is to be stapled
together and all drafts are attached behind the bibliography. Walk into class with the paper
printed out. If necessary go to the library, a friends or Kinko’s to print out your research
paper so that it is ready to turn in when you have class.