what does it mean to double space on an essay

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Many guidelines for formatting essays, as presented in rubrics, recommend double-spacing as one of the proper formats for standard comprehensive essays . For instance, when you receive the assignment instructions, essay prompts, or other academic homework assignment instructions, the Spacing of the work is usually specified.

The common spacing specifications include a 1.5 spaced essay, single-spaced essay, and a double-spaced or 2.0 spaced essay. In most cases, instructors will insist that your essay must be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized 8.5" by 11" paper, with margins of 1" on all sides.

In this detailed guide, we focus on the definition of a double-spaced essay, how to double-space an essay on MS Word or Mac Pages, and how to spice up that essay so that you score higher marks.

What is a double-spaced essay?

Here is the meaning of a double-spaced essay : A double-spaced essay is a standard essay written on a standard-sized (8.5" x 11") paper with a one-inch margin around the paper formatted with double spaces between the lines that make a paragraph with no extra spacing between paragraphs.  

In terms of word count, a double-spaced essay contains either 275 or 300 words in total per page, depending on the font used. Formatting a paper in double-spacing makes it easier for the tutor to read through the essay, make corrections within the left spaces, and follow through with ideas in your essay.

The number of words in a double-spacing essay also depends on the page margins you have set for your text. For instance, if you use A-4 sized page, an essay will have fewer words, the same as an A3 page. However, a standard-sized age with one-inch margins all around should have 275 words as a standard.

With short essays being between 250 words and 1000 words, with the most common in college being a 500-word essay, you can write as many words as you wish depending on the scope of the question, essay prompt, and the topic.

In most instances, students are advised to use font 12 points of 11 depending on the font type you are using. Failure to format your essay in the required Spacing might lead to penalties ranging from deduction of grades to poor grades.

As you set out to write or edit your essay, ensure that you choose a font that your professor advises. But this should only be the last thing you do as you polish your essay. For instance, some students find it comfortable writing with a given font, say Arial font 13, and then converting to Times New Roman font 12 when editing.

What is the significance of Double Spacing in essays and assignments?

You are probably wondering why we double-space essays or why it is the preferred standard for essays you write in high school and college. Below are some of the top three reasons why teachers want essays to be double-spaced.

• Double-spacing makes it easier to read through the document quickly as the lines do not blur together.
• Double-spaced essays are also reader-friendly. A reader can easily read and trace the points in your essay without needing extra aids or larger fonts.
• Double-spaced essays or assignments are also preferred because they leave whitespaces where the instructors can write comments on the paper.
• Another reason is that double-spaced essays give you (the essayist) enough room to communicate to your readers. The Spacing enhances the spatial mode of the essay or paper, making it easier to spot main points, read without getting lost or straying into other lines, and use one's fingers.

Double-Spacing vs. Other tyles of Spacing for Essays

When writing an essay, report, dissertation, annotated bibliography, or research paper for school, you should be aware of the type of Spacing required. There are three types of Spacing for school assignments: single, 1.5, and double Spacing.

A double-spaced paper or document, which is the most common, entails creating 2.0 spaces between lines in a paragraph without spaces between paragraphs. Double-spacing is a norm of most college assignments; even dissertations and theses are mostly double-spaced.

A 1.5 spaced essay or document means that the lines or sentences in a paragraph are spaced 1.5 mm from one another without spaces between paragraphs.

Finally, a single-spaced paper has little white spaces between the typed lines in the paragraphs. The lines within the paragraph are spaced 1.0 from one another. This means that there is little room for comments, remarks, or feedback from the professor. You should only use single and 1.5 spacing if your instructor advises so.

If you have typed your paper and realize that you have the wrong spacing, do not worry. You can do the Spacing of an essay or document either on a word document or on a Mac, as we shall explain shortly. The good news is that you can do this at any point in your writing process. The process will differ depending on the program you are using. Let's explore widely.

If you are wondering what a double-spaced essay looks like, have a look below.

Here is how single Spacing should look like in an essay:

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

To try to bring things to their perspective, here is a table comparing word count to Spacing. It can help you plan your essays.

You can simply conclude from the table abov e that a single-spaced page has the exact word count as twice a double-spaced paper.

How to set Double-Spacing on your Computer

Some people prefer to use other font styles and formats when writing, then edit the entire document to the required format and Spacing later, which is okay. Others like to keep everything organized from the beginning, which means setting double-spacing from the onset. Whether on Mac Page's word processor or MS word processor, here are some steps to take.

Pages on a Mac

If you are using a Page's word processor on a mac, you can follow these steps to double-space your paper:

• Highlight the text that you wish to double-space
• Click on Inspector, a blue button on the top right of your window
• In the new window, select the Text tab or the "T."
• Find the section labeled Spacing and type 2 into the box to the right of the slide bar.

On Microsoft Word Processor

If you are typing your assignment on a word document, follow the following steps to double-space it:

1. Select the text that you wish to change its Spacing

2. Under the Home tab , go to the Paragraph Click on the small arrow in the bottom left corner, as shown below.

3. A new window will pop up with various settings, including general, indentation, and Spacing, as shown in the figure below.

4. Click on the line spacing drop-down arrow

5. Select " Double " from the list

6. Check the " Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style ."

7. Press OK to execute the changes and save

The process is more or less the same for all Microsoft word processing versions. 

You can also adjust the line-spacing from the toolbar on your Microsoft word processor . This is probably the best way if you are one of those that want a page with double-spacing from the onset.

1. Under the Paragraph section of the Home Tab , locate the line-spacing button .

2. Click on the button to expand it as shown below.

3. Choose 2 . 0 for double-spacing , 1.5 for 1.5 line-spacing, and 1.0 for single spacing.

4. Click on OK to make the paper double-spaced.

How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: 9 Steps to Take

Suppose you are assigned to write a double-spacing essay and you are wondering how to proceed, here is a little cheat sheet to keep you going. We asked our top essay writers and here were their exact recommendations; they can help you craft a double-spaced essay or assignment.

1. Read the essay prompt

The first thing you should always do when assigned to write a double-spaced essay is to thoroughly read the assignment prompt. It helps you unpack the question, brainstorm on a good topic, and pick the best topic for your essay. additionally, you also get to understand the Spacing, font type and size, and length/wordcount of your essay. It is an integral step in writing an essay.

2. Select a good essay topic

After reading the instructions, you need to rewrite the question on your own terms, conduct some research, evaluate the viable topics, then choose a hot topic for your essay. depending on your area of study, select a topic that is neither too narrow nor too broad. Go with a topic that is easy to find resources and one that you have genuine interest in writing a paper. If you are left with the option of selecting a topic on your own, select a topic that is relevant to the subject of study.

3. Use appropriate evidence

We cannot insist less how much it is important to cite all the sources that you use in an essay. First, failure to cite sources used in an essay could amount to plagiarism, which is a punishable offense in higher education and even professional realms. Therefore, you need to manage your in-text citations and reference list to ensure that your paper has some scholarly rigor. Citing facts paraphrased, quoted, or summarized from a source bolsters the arguments in the paragraphs of your essay. It brings in a string of a scholarly streak that makes the paper flow, make sense, and support your thesis statement.

4. Present your facts well

When planning for your essay or writing an essay outline/structure, you ought to have thought of the scaffolding of your essay. An essay scaffold refers to the order in which you present your arguments, themes, or texts in an essay. Have some semblance of organization in your essay. As an essayist, ensure that you substantiate your claims using proper evidence.

Instead of casually presenting an idea because you do not believe in it, use the available empirical evidence to make the essay even more desirable. It is also appropriate not to jump into unwarranted or unsupported conclusions.

If you do so, let it be on grounds of the evidence presented to support your thesis statement. Equally, your essay must always address the readers, so focus on what would interest them. From the title to the reference page, ensure that your readers are well-entertained and hooked.

5. Have a good essay structure

Apart from determining the order of argument, ensure that your essay is also well-structured. A comprehensive essay with a definite structure intrigues the readers. It also simplifies the writing process because everything falls into its rightful place.

You will have a laser-sharp focus on a structured essay than an essay you write haphazardly. Such an essay (a poorly-planned essay) will probably miss a thing or two. But when you have an essay outline , your chances of intriguing your readers increased. In short, a well-structured essay is reader-friendly.

Instead of beginning with the introduction, like anyone else, why not begin with the body paragraphs. Because you have a preliminary thesis, your body paragraphs can be developed without the introduction.

You can then finalize the writing process by tweaking the thesis into a final thesis, based on the arguments on the body paragraphs, and then writing a catchy introduction.

When you have your introduction, you can now finalize the writing process by writing an equally catchy conclusion that leaves your readers yearning for more.

As long as you maintain the standard format of a three-paragraph or a five-paragraph essay, whichever order you use to write does not matter provided the quality of the essay is met.

Choose the essay scaffold depending on the type of essay you are writing. For instance, you can use Toulmin, classic argument method, or Rogerian approach when writing an argumentative essay . similarly, you can choose to use chronology or point-by-point contrast when writing a classification or compare and contrast essay .

6. Use simple vocabulary

When writing any essay, it is not the chance to measure who knows what vocabulary. Instead, it is a chance to present facts from research to reinforce your ideas and thoughts on a given topic. Resist the temptation of using tough words to impress your teacher. Simplicity always wins when it comes to essay writing. Write in plain and simple language.

Use the ordinary words that makes it easier for your instructor to read and flow with your ideas. They never have the time to peruse a thesaurus, and even if they do, you would probably irritate their appetite leading to poor grades.

Use simple common words to communicate with the audience. Most engaging and top-grade essays are written in simple language. Students who write simple papers end up scoring better, as long as the facts are presented, flowing, and well organized.

7. Use short and long sentences

Every piece of assignment you write is meant to impress your readers. Using short sentences and long sentences blended together makes an essay readable. Short sentences are brief, easy to understand, and allow for easier navigation.

Although sometimes it is tempting to use complex sentences, they are counted as run-on or ambiguous sentences. When writing, this should not trouble you. However, when editing the paper, shorten the long sentences that have empty but complex vocabularies. It narrows down to simplicity again.

All our writers are better because they have mastered the art of balancing short and long sentences. With such a craft, you can convince even the toughest professor on earth for the best grades.

Brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity comes from a mastery of how to use short sentences. So, try to practice often and use this approach for success in your essays.

8. Balance your paragraphs

To achieve a perfect paragraph in an essay is akin to getting an A+. It is not hard although it is something that most people struggle with.

Ensure that your topic sentences achieve cohesion and coherence. Cohesion means a good flow while coherence means achieving a sense of the whole. Your paragraphs should transition into one another.

Each paragraph should present a single idea linked to the order. Check out our guide on the PEEL paragraphing format . We also have a checklist for a good essay paragraph . A paragraph is an indispensable or irreplaceable node within a coherent sequence of logic. They are the building blocks of the essays. So, make them count.

Finally, your paragraphs need to be balanced in terms of number of words. Remember, by default the body paragraphs comprise 80% of the entire word count. This means that if you are writing a five-paragraph essay, the three body paragraphs should be spread to cover for the same.

9. Edit and format correctly

The writing process is no doubt the hardest part. Since it comes with researching, reading, and critical thinking, by the time you are done chances are that you are exhausted and probably fatigued. If you make the mistake of rushing directly to edit and format the paper, you'll probably make mistakes. It is the sole reason why it is good to plan an essay � allocate some good time for editing and polishing the essay or any assignment for that matter.

Now, when you're done with writing, take some much-deserved break. You can go for a walk, have a nap, watch your favorite show, activate your social media and plug back, or visit a friend, whatever will ease your mind.

After the rest, spend some quality time objectively reading, editing, and formatting your essay. focus on spelling, grammar, stylistic, and organization mistakes. You should also check the right Spacing, fonts, and font type. If you find the process consuming and tiresome, you can use our essay editing service. We have keen editors who can always help.

After everything is okay, check your paper for plagiarism, and submit it before the deadline.

Parting Shot!

To this end, you now understand what a double-spaced essay is, how to set double Spacing on your Computer, and how to make a double-spacing interesting enough to earn you a better grade.

Whether you are writing in MLA, Harvard, APA , or Chicago, the process remains the same. If you need tips on how to make an essay longer , check out our guide on the same. We also have various guides that can help you become a better essay writer.

Related: How to indent in an essay or paper.

Otherwise, if all you need is someone who can assist you with writing a well-researched, refined, and polished school essay, we have excellent and talented writers on the wait. Place an order through the form on our homepage and experience a perfect essay help you have never seen before.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

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How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay: Full Guide with Examples

• peachyessay
• October 11, 2022
• Blogs , Essay Writing Guideline

Writing a double-spaced essay doesn’t have to be complicated. Just like any other essay, the key is to write an excellent piece of work. With the right set of tips and advice, you can easily create a high-quality double-spaced essay. There are several tips and tricks associated that can help you write better. So, how can you, as a student, write the best double-spaced essay easily? If you face any issues, you can easily order “ write my essay for me ” from our reliable essay writing service.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

In a double-spaced essay, the lines are separated by one inch around the paper, with no extra space between paragraphs. The essay should be on standard-sized (8.5″ x 11″) paper, with an inch margin around the paper.  

A double-spaced essay has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Double-spacing a paper makes it easier for the tutor to read, make adjustments, and follow your thoughts.

Page margins affect the number of words in a double-spaced essay. A4-sized pages have fewer words than A3 pages, for example. Standard-sized age with 1-inch margins should have 275 words.

Short essays are between 250 and 1000 words, with 500 being the most typical in college. You can write as many words as you want to depend on the question, prompt, and topic.

Depending on the font type, pupils should utilize font 12 points of 11. Failure to structure your essay properly may result in grade deductions or failing grades.

Choose a font your lecturer recommends while writing or editing an essay. This is the last step in polishing your essay. Some pupils like writing in Arial 13 and editing Times New Roman 12.

Essay Double-Spaced Examples

If you double-space your text, it will have a blank line (the same height as a line of text) between each pair of words in a phrase. If your instructor requires double spacing in an essay, you’ll need to change your spacing options accordingly.

What does it mean to use double spacing?

If you see the term “double-spaced,” it simply implies a blank line between each set of text. These days, no word processor is without a double-spacing option. Line spacing should be doubled in Microsoft Word 2013, and extra spaces should not be left before or after paragraphs.

Difference Between Single and Double-Spaced Essays

When comparing single and double spacing , remember that the former provides more breathing room between lines while the latter provides less.

White space between lines of text is measured in terms of the difference between single and double spacing. When you double-space text, there’s twice as much blank space between lines as when you single-space. Because the lines of text are less likely to overlap thanks to the additional white space, it’s simpler to read.

Whether you should utilize single or double spacing ultimately depends on your individual preferences and the requirements of the task at hand. Both strategies have their benefits and drawbacks, so you should consider them carefully before making a choice.

How to Write a Double-spaced Essay

1. choose an essay topic.

After reading the instructions, restate the question in your own words, undertake research, and evaluate the possible topics. Choose a topic that’s neither too restricted nor too wide for your field. Choose an easy-to-research topic you’re interested in writing about. If you can choose your topic, choose one related to your studies.

2. Format properly

Writing is difficult. Since it requires research, reading, and critical thinking , you may be exhausted when finished. You’ll make blunders if you rush to edit and format the paper. It’s why it’s important to plan an essay — to provide time for editing and polishing.

Now edit and structure your essay objectively. Check spelling, punctuation, style, and structure. Check spacing, typefaces, and type. If you find editing tedious, use our service. We have helpful editors. After checking for errors, submit your paper before the deadline.

3. Provide proof

Citing all sources in an essay is crucial. First, failing to credit sources in an essay could be considered plagiarism , which is punished in higher education and the workplace. You must maintain your in-text citations and reference list to ensure scholarly rigour. Paraphrased, quoted, or summarized source facts strengthen essay paragraphs. It makes the paper flow, makes sense, and supports your thesis statement .

4. Write well-structured essays

• Also, make sure your essay is well-structured. A well-structured, comprehensive essay engages readers. Everything falls into place, which simplifies writing.
• Structured essays are more focused than unstructured ones. A poorly-planned essay may omit something. With an essay plan, you can better engage readers. Well-structured essays are reader-friendly.
• Start with the body paragraphs instead of the introduction. Because you have a preliminary thesis, you can skip the introduction.
• You can finish by revising the thesis based on the body paragraphs and crafting an introduction.
• After your opening, write a conclusion that leaves readers wanting more.
• As long as you follow the usual framework of a three- or five-paragraph essay , the order in which you write is irrelevant.
• Choose an essay framework based on your topic. Argumentative essays can use Toulmin, classic argument, or Rogerian approaches. Classification and compare-and-contrast essays can use chronology or point-by-point contrast.

5. Simplify

Essays aren’t a chance to test vocabulary. Instead, it’s a chance to share research to support your opinions. Use simple words to impress your teacher. Essay writing requires simplicity. Write clearly.

Use simple terms to make your instructor’s job simpler. They don’t have time to use a thesaurus; if they did, you’d irritate them and lower their marks.

Communicate using basic phrases. Top-notch writings use basic language. Simple papers score better if the facts are provided, flowed, and arranged.

6. Be factual

You should have considered your essay’s scaffolding when developing or drafting an outline/structure. An essay scaffold organizes arguments, ideas, and texts. Organize your essay. As a writer, prove your claims.

Instead of presenting a notion, you don’t believe in, use empirical evidence to strengthen your argument. Avoid jumping to unjustified or unfounded assumptions.

If yes, cite the evidence supporting your thesis. Your essay must address the readers, therefore, focus on what interests them. From the title through the bibliography, keep readers engaged.

7. Read prompt

When writing a double-spaced essay, read the prompt first. It helps you deconstruct the question, brainstorm, and choose an essay topic. You may also see the essay’s spacing, typeface, and word count. Typically, essay writing requires it.

8. Paragraph balance

• An A+ essay needs a great paragraph. It’s easy, but most people have trouble.
• Cohesive topic sentences are key. Cohesion is flow, while coherence is wholeness. Paragraphs should flow.
• Each paragraph should have one order-related notion. PEEL paragraphing guidance. We have a paragraph checklist. Paragraphs are essential to logical progression. They’re the essay’s foundation. Be strategic.
• Paragraphs should be evenly worded. Body paragraphs make up 80% of the word total. If you’re creating a five-paragraph essay, spread out the three body paragraphs.

6 Benefits of Double Spacing in Essays

Many students do not understand the importance of double spacing in essays. It is because they think that this will make their essay look messy. But the truth is that it does not matter whether or not you use double spacing in your essays as long as you can write good content on the topic. The following are some benefits you can get from double-spacing your text:

1. It makes your writing easier to read

When you double-space your text, it becomes easier to read because there are fewer words on each line, and the reader doesn’t have to move his eyes from one side of the page to another too often. It’s a fact that double-spaced lines are easier to follow than single-spaced ones. This is because there are no line breaks to distract you from the flow of thought, and it’s easier for your eyes to jump back and forth between lines. It’s also easier for readers because they don’t have to reread sentences frequently or spend extra time figuring out where one sentence ends and another begins.

2. More space for important notes

If you’re writing an essay in class or taking an exam, there might be some important notes that you’d like to include but cannot fit into the main body of your document without making it look cluttered and unprofessional. These can be written at the end of each paragraph as footnotes or endnotes so that they don’t disturb the flow of reading while providing additional information that might help understand what was written earlier in the document (such as definitions).

3. It makes for fewer typos

Because each line of text is its entity, it’s less likely that you’ll accidentally end up with two or three words on one line instead of just one (or vice versa). Double-spaced punctuation marks like periods or commas make them stand out more than usual. This helps people know when they’re done reading a sentence and start another without having to re-read any words or phrases from previous sentences.. This can be especially helpful if someone is learning English as a second language because they’ll better understand where one sentence ends and another begins. It also makes it easier for proofreaders (if you’re lucky enough to have one!) because they can see where each sentence starts and ends more clearly.

4. More emphasis on important points

When you write in single spacing, you may not notice that you have used the same word or phrase more than once in a paragraph, which makes the content look repetitive and boring for the reader. Double spacing helps eliminate this problem by putting more space between words and phrases repeated in a paragraph so that they stand out more prominently and attract attention from the reader . In addition, when you double space after punctuation marks such as exclamation points or question marks, it emphasizes these exclamations or questions more than if there were no spaces after them!

5. You can use it as a guide when writing your essay

Your sentences should be spaced out evenly, making it easier for the reader to follow along with your thoughts. This way, you’ll also learn how to write professionally because double spacing in essays makes them look more professional.

6. It makes your essay look professional

In today’s world of technology, where time is money, and attention span is short, people want everything on their terms and at their convenience. Hence, if you want to impress someone with your writing skills , your essays must be easy on the eyes and appear professional at first glance. This can be ensured by using double spacing, as it gives an impression of professionalism and ease of reading.

Is it Better to Use a Single or Double Space?

It is recommended that you use one space. Writing-wise, there are varying opinions on whether or not double spacing is preferable to single. The majority of style manuals advocate for using a single gap between phrases. This is because two spaces are not believed to be normal by most experts.

Two spaces are not advised after a sentence for several reasons. The first problem is that it can make your writing sound inconsistent. It can make your writing look jagged and unfinished if you use two spaces after some sentences and only one space after others. Having to maintain two separate locations can also be counterproductive. You will need to remove the additional space between sentences when you go back to edit your text.

When in doubt, single spacing is the safer option, so utilize that if you can’t make up your mind. It’s the standard format. Therefore using it will help you prevent any confusion or confusion among readers.

Bottom Line

A standard essay paragraph is written in double-spacing. This allows you to follow the correct space between paragraphs according to the essay length. Every paragraph in your essay should have at least five sentences, not counting initial capitals and concluding transition sentences.

The above is a quick summary of what you must do when writing a double-spaced essay. You must get all the facts right, especially when dealing with academic writing . Make sure that you plagiarize free content only. Efforts should be made to make your content look unique and authentic. We hope that our article on how to write a double-spaced essay gives you a complete idea regarding the process of writing a paper in this style.

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How to Double Space

Last Updated: April 17, 2024

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 178,136 times. Learn more...

Whether you are writing an essay for school or a narrative report for work, you have to choose line spacing for any written work. Most people prefer to write with a double space between lines, because it makes it easier for the reader to follow the flow of the text. How you format your spacing depends on the word processing program you are using. Double space your work by setting up the right parameters for either an entire document or a selected amount of text.

Double Spacing in Microsoft Word

• Look in the Styles group on the toolbar. On the home tab, right-click on Normal. Once a menu pops up, click on Modify.
• Look for the Formatting prompt and click the Double Space button.
• Click OK. This will set your entire document in a double space format.

• Highlight the text you want to double space.
• Click on Line and Paragraph Spacing, which can be found in the Paragraph group of the Home tab.
• Click on the 2.0 option. This will double space the area of the document you have highlighted.

Double Spacing in WordPerfect Programs

• Place your cursor on the very top of the page if you want the entire document to be double spaced. Everything will be double spaced until you reset it to something else, such as 1.0 for single spacing.

Double Spacing in Google Docs

• Click on Create New if you are starting a new document and you want to use double spacing.

• Choose the last option, or 2.0. This is the value for double spacing.

Community Q&A

• Read instructions on double spacing for other word processing programs that are not in the Word, Wordperfect or Google families. Searching within the Help menu of most programs will provide instructions. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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How to Write a Double-Spaced Essay and Score an A for it

Published by Boni on November 11, 2022 November 11, 2022

What Does Double-Spaced Mean

In writing, formatting is essential to improving readability and successfully communicating ideas. Double spacing is a frequent formatting strategy. Whether you are a student, a professional writer, or someone who interacts with written materials frequently, it is essential to comprehend double spacing. You should also assess how it might affect the display and readability of your work.

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Double spacing is simply adding an extra line of space between each line of text. This gives the page a more open appearance and simplifies reading and editing. You can modify the line spacing in word processing systems through settings. For instance, the “Line Spacing” option in a Word document allows users to choose between single, 1.5, and double line spacing. In the majority of word processing programs, double-spacing is usually the default setting.

There are several reasons why writers utilize double spacing. Long passages of text may become easier to read, and it aids in maintaining the reader’s attention on the key ideas. Double spacing can also be used to divide lengthy passages into smaller, easier-to-read portions. Most essays, reports, articles, letters, and more, use this formatting style.

What is a Double-Spaced Essay?

A double-spaced essay is an essay where you separate the lines by one inch around the article with no extra space between the paragraphs. A double-spaced essay should be on a standard-sized (8.5”x 11”) paper with an inch margin around the document.

A double-spaced paper has 275 or 300 words per page, depending on the typeface. Here is a 2 paragraph double spaced essay example .

Double-Spaced Essay Format

It is essential to know how to format your document after writing. No matter the size of the paper, it is always possible to double space, but you should know how the program you have written your documents works. The most common programs students use are Word (Mac version) and Microsoft word.

For the Microsoft word

• You need to highlight the text.
• Open the page layout function at the top.
• In the paragraph section, find a small black arrow on the lower left side
• Click on the arrow to open a new window
• Then open the “intervals and indents” function; if not opened.
• Select the “line spacing,” which is on the double list section
• Click “Ok” to effect and save the changes

For Word (Mac Version), the instructions are as follows:

• Highlight all text or selected lines
• Click the inspector on the upper right corner (blue button)
• A new window will open
• Find a section called “Text” (labeled with a big “T”)
• Click on the interval section
• Enter 2 for double spacing on the right side of the selection bar
• Click “Ok” to save the changes

How to Set Double-Spacing on Your Computer

You can double-space all or part of a word document. Alternatively, some prefer to edit the document to spacing and format after writing, while others prefer keeping everything organized from the beginning, which means you write with double spacing from the start.

The following are double spacing steps on Word (Mac version) or MS Word Processor.

Documents on Mac Version

Use the following steps to double-space your document if you use the word mac version to process your pages.

• To double-space a specific text, highlight the text.
• Then click a blue button (inspector) on the right of your window.
• Select the “T” or Text tab in the new window that pops up
• Go to the section named spacing and write 2 into the box of the slide bar to the right.

On MS Word Processor

Follow the following space to double-space if you use a word document to write your essay.

1. Highlight the text you want to double space

2. Go to the paragraph section under the home tab, and on the bottom left corner, click the small arrow.

3. There will pop up a new window with different settings, including; spacing, identification, and general .

4. Click on the drop-down arrow on the line spacing

5. From the list, choose “double.”

6. Click on the box “ Don’t add space between paragraphs of the same style .”

7. Press OK to save and effect the changes.

All Microsoft word processing versions use more or less the same steps when double spacing.

If you want to use the double spacing from the beginning when writing, you can adjust the line spacing on your Microsoft word processor toolbar.

• Go to the paragraph section on the home tab and find the line and paragraph spacing button.
• Click on the button to find more options

• Select 2.0 for double spacing
• Click OK to save the changes and double-space your document.

How to Write a Double-spaced Essay

You do not have to struggle when writing a double-spaced essay. The trick is to curate an interesting essay, just like you would for any other essay. Then, follow the right formatting style. By following the instructions below, you can ensure that your essay complies with the double-spacing standard and presents your thoughts concisely, readably, and expertly.

• Read the essay prompt

When asked to write a double-spaced essay, you must always start by carefully reading the assignment prompt. It enables you to analyze the question, generate ideas for a healthy subject, and select the top subject for your essay. Furthermore, you learn your article’s spacing, font type, size, and word count. It is a crucial phase of essay writing.

• Choose an essay topic

You must read the guidelines, then paraphrase the query in your own terms, do some research, assess the potential essay ideas, and select a good topic. Choose a good and narrow topic based on your field of study. Choose a subject where you can easily get resources and genuinely want to write a paper. Select a topic that is relevant to the study area if you are free to choose your own topic.

• Use appropriate materials

In an essay, you must cite all of your sources. First, forgetting to cite evidences in an essay can be viewed as plagiarism, which is prohibited in learning institutions and employment. To achieve scholarly rigor, you must keep track of your reference list and in-citations. Facts from sources that have been rephrased, cited, or summarized make essay paragraphs stronger. It improves the paper’s logic, flow, and thesis statement support.

• Present your facts well

You should have considered the scaffolding of your article when creating or composing an outline or framework. An essay scaffold arranges readings, arguments, and ideas. Put your essay in order. Writers should back up their claims.

Instead of putting up a theory you do not agree with, support your claim with empirical data. Only make snap judgments or conclusions with sufficient evidence. If so, provide proof to back up your claim. Focus on what fascinates them because your article must speak to the reader. Engage readers from the title through the bibliography.

• Have a good essay outline and structure

In addition to choosing the sequence of your arguments, ensure your essay is appropriately organized. A thorough article with a clear framework captures the interest of the reader. The writing process is also made simpler because everything is properly located.

An essay that is well structured will allow you to focus more intently than one that is hastily written. Such an essay (with poor planning) will likely overlook a few things. However, your chances of captivating your audience enhance when you have an essay framework. Thus, a well-structured essay is easy to read.

Why not begin with the body sections instead of the introductory like everyone else does? Your body paragraphs can be produced without the introduction because you have a working thesis. The writing process can be finished by developing the initial thesis into a final thesis depending on the justifications in the body sections, and then writing a captivating introduction. Once you have written your introduction, you may finish your essay by constructing a compelling conclusion that will leave your audience wanting to read more about it.

• Use simple vocabulary

Examining vocabulary is different from the purpose of essays. It is an opportunity to present evidence that backs up your viewpoints. To win your teacher over, use straightforward language. Simplicity is necessary for writing essays. Write clearly.

Make your instructor’s job easier by using clear language. They have no time to use a dictionary; and once they use one, you would annoy them and reduce their grades. Use simple language to communicate. The best writing is written in simple terms. Simple papers will do well when the proofs are given, organized, and flow smoothly.

• Use short and long sentences

Your audience should be impressed by every assignment you write. An essay is more readable when it combines both short and large sentences. Simple, understandable, and concise sentences make it simpler to navigate.

Although it can be tempting to utilize complex sentences occasionally, they are run-on or unclear sentences and should be avoided. You should not be concerned about this when writing. However, cut long sentences with sparse yet intricate vocabulary when editing the document. Once more, it becomes straightforward.

Understanding how to employ short sentences effectively is the key to brevity, coherence, accuracy, composition, and clarity. So, practice frequently and employ this strategy to succeed in your essays. With such skill, you may persuade even the most difficult professor to give you the finest grades.

• Balance your paragraphs

A perfect paragraph in an essay is equivalent to receiving an A+. Although majority of individuals struggle with it, it is not difficult.

Verify the coherence and cohesiveness of your topic sentences. When something is coherent, it has a good flow and a sense of unity. The transitions between your paragraphs should be smooth. A single order-related idea should be discussed in every paragraph.

Finally, the word count in each paragraph needs to be balanced. Remember that 80% of the word count comprises body paragraphs. Accordingly, the three body paragraphs should be spaced out to cover the same material if you are writing an essay of six paragraphs.

• Edit and format your essay correctly.

It is challenging to write. You could feel worn out once you are done because it demands reading, research, and critical thinking. If you format and revise the paper quickly, you will make mistakes. Planning an essay is crucial to allow time for editing and polishing.

Take a break, and then spend some time reading, editing, and formatting your essay objectively. Concentrate on punctuation, grammatical, stylistic, and organizational errors. Ensure that the fonts and font type are appropriate, as well as the spacing. Our essay editing service is available if you find the process time-consuming and exhausting. Once everything is in order, ensure your paper is original, and submit it before the due date.

Double spacing vs. Other Types of Spacing for Essays

You can space your school assignment using three types of spacing: single, 1.5, and double spacing. You should know the spacing type required when writing your school dissertation, research paper, annotated bibliography, report, or essay.

• Double Spaced Document or Paper

It is the most common type of spacing which involves selecting 2.0 spaces between paragraph lines without any other spaces between paragraphs. Most college assignments, theses, and dissertations are double-spaced.

• 1.5 Spaced Document or Essay

A 1.5-spaced paper has sentences or lines in a paragraph spaced from each other using 1.5 mm space and has no spaces between paragraphs.

• Single Spaced Document

Single spacing is typing that does not leave lines blank. A single-spaced document has a space of 1.0 between the lines in a paragraph, which creates little room for feedback, remarks, and comments. You should use single spacing only when the requirement says so.

However, whether your essay is on Mac or a word document, you can change the spacing of your paper to different spacing styles any time you need.

Pages vs. Spacing Chart

Below is a table that compares the number of pages and words to different spacing styles.

500 Word Example of a Double-Spaced Essay

There are many samples of double-spaced essays on the internet that will enable you to understand these essay types. Most of these samples have picture evidence, a format that helps your understanding. The double-spacing form is used mainly by book authors when sending a text to the publisher to allow enough spacing for error correction by the editors. The extra space allows the editor to make comments or remarks.

Also, students can use double spacing when writing their draft essays as it gives spaces for supervisors or teachers to comment and make remarks before a student can draft the final copy. For example, a student can use a double-spacing format for scientific text, which gives extra space to highlight any grammatical errors or minor flaws that need to be corrected.

Get a quality plagiarism free 500 words essay by using our AI powered essay generator .

Benefits of Double Spacing in Essays

The following are the advantages of using double spaces in your thesis.

• Creates space for crucial notes

Sometimes you may want to include important notes when taking an exam or writing an essay, but the notes cannot fit in your document body without making it look unprofessional. But with a double-spaced essay, there is enough space at the end of each paragraph where you can write end notes or footnotes without disturbing the flow of the reading.

• It makes your essay easy to read

A double-spaced essay means there are few words in a line. This makes it easy to read since you will not have to often move your eyes from one end of the page to the other. There are no line breaks in double-spaced lines to distract you from the flow of ideas, and it is easy to skim through the sentences.

• Help emphasize important points

It may be challenging to notice when you have repeated a phrase or word using single spacing, making the content look repetitive. However, double spacing creates more spaces between repeated texts and phrases such that they stand out more prominently.

• Reduces typos

Double-spaced punction marks such as commas and full stops are more visible than when single-spaced. It lets the reader know where a sentence starts or ends without rereading previous phrases or sentences. It is more crucial, especially if the reader is learning English, as they will see where there are commas and where sentences end, and also easy for proofreaders.

• It makes your writing look professional

Most readers want a document that is convenient and easy to read within a short period. Your writing skills should look professional and impress the reader at first glance. You can achieve this by double spacing, as it makes the document easy to read and creates an impression of professionalism.

Explore an example of a double spaced essay about how to tame a Wild Tongue – summary and response.

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Students often face time constraints in balancing academic and life activities. If you are in this category, you can seek assistance from Gudwriter, and you will have your double-spaced essay written within the shortest time possible. We have a team of seasoned writers experienced in different subjects to craft your essay.

Your work quality is our top priority, and that’s why we have professionals with the necessary education to handle our client’s questions. Whether it is an admission essay term papers, scientific projects, or any double-sapced essay, we will craft your essay from the beginning to the end. Simply reach out to our admission essay service and submit your essay requirements and expect a quality paper.

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Generate accurate MLA citations for free

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• MLA format for academic papers and essays

MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template

Published on December 11, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on May 6, 2024 by Jack Caulfield.

The MLA Handbook provides guidelines for creating MLA citations and formatting academic papers. This includes advice on structuring parenthetical citations, the Works Cited page, and tables and figures. This quick guide will help you set up your MLA format paper in no time.

Cite your MLA source

Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Use double line spacing
• Include a ½” indent for new paragraphs
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

Alternatively, you can automatically apply the formatting with our MLA docx or Google Docs template.

Table of contents

How to set up mla format in google docs, header and title, running head, works cited page, creating mla style citations, headings and subheadings, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about mla format.

The header in MLA format is left-aligned on the first page of your paper. It includes

• Your full name
• Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
• The course name or number
• The due date of the assignment

After the MLA header, press ENTER once and type your paper title. Center the title and don’t forget to apply title-case capitalization. Read our article on writing strong titles that are informative, striking and appropriate.

For a paper with multiple authors, it’s better to use a separate title page instead.

At the top of every page, including the first page, you need to include your last name and the page number. This is called the “running head.” Follow these steps to set up the MLA running head in your Word or Google Docs document:

• Double-click at the top of a page
• Type your last name
• Insert automatic page numbering
• Align the content to the right

The running head should look like this:

The Works Cited list is included on a separate page at the end of your paper. You list all the sources you referenced in your paper in alphabetical order. Don’t include sources that weren’t cited in the paper, except potentially in an MLA annotated bibliography assignment.

Place the title “Works Cited” in the center at the top of the page. After the title, press ENTER once and insert your MLA references.

If a reference entry is longer than one line, each line after the first should be indented ½ inch (called a hanging indent ). All entries are double spaced, just like the rest of the text.

Generate accurate MLA citations with Scribbr

Prefer to cite your sources manually? Use the interactive example below to see what the Works Cited entry and MLA in-text citation look like for different source types.

Headings and subheadings are not mandatory, but they can help you organize and structure your paper, especially in longer assignments.

MLA has only a few formatting requirements for headings. They should

• Be written in title case
• Be left-aligned
• Not end in a period

We recommend keeping the font and size the same as the body text and applying title case capitalization. In general, boldface indicates greater prominence, while italics are appropriate for subordinate headings.

Chapter Title

Section Heading

Tip: Both Google Docs and Microsoft Word allow you to create heading levels that help you to keep your headings consistent.

Tables and other illustrations (referred to as “figures”) should be placed as close to the relevant part of text as possible. MLA also provides guidelines for presenting them.

MLA format for tables

Tables are labeled and numbered, along with a descriptive title. The label and title are placed above the table on separate lines; the label and number appear in bold.

A caption providing information about the source appears below the table; you don’t need one if the table is your own work.

Below this, any explanatory notes appear, marked on the relevant part of the table with a superscript letter. The first line of each note is indented; your word processor should apply this formatting automatically.

Just like in the rest of the paper, the text is double spaced and you should use title case capitalization for the title (but not for the caption or notes).

MLA format for figures

Figures (any image included in your paper that isn’t a table) are also labeled and numbered, but here, this is integrated into the caption below the image. The caption in this case is also centered.

The label “Figure” is abbreviated to “Fig.” and followed by the figure number and a period. The rest of the caption gives either full source information, or (as in the example here) just basic descriptive information about the image (author, title, publication year).

Source information in table and figure captions

If the caption of your table or figure includes full source information and that source is not otherwise cited in the text, you don’t need to include it in your Works Cited list.

Give full source information in a caption in the same format as you would in the Works Cited list, but without inverting the author name (i.e. John Smith, not Smith, John).

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman , since it’s easy to read and installed on every computer. Other standard fonts such as Arial or Georgia are also acceptable. If in doubt, check with your supervisor which font you should be using.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch

The fastest and most accurate way to create MLA citations is by using Scribbr’s MLA Citation Generator .

Search by book title, page URL, or journal DOI to automatically generate flawless citations, or cite manually using the simple citation forms.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

Usually, no title page is needed in an MLA paper . A header is generally included at the top of the first page instead. The exceptions are when:

• Your instructor requires one, or
• Your paper is a group project

In those cases, you should use a title page instead of a header, listing the same information but on a separate page.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, May 06). MLA Format | Complete Guidelines & Free Template. Scribbr. Retrieved August 16, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/mla/formatting/

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Is MLA Format Double Spaced?

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• 6th October 2023

When it comes to academic writing, adhering to specific formatting guidelines is crucial. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities and is known for its strict formatting rules.

One common question that often arises is whether MLA papers should be double-spaced . In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of MLA style formatting, discussing which sections should be double-spaced and how to create double spacing, as well as other important spacing and formatting requirements.

Is MLA Style Double Spaced?

Yes, MLA -style papers are double-spaced. Double spacing is a fundamental aspect of MLA formatting , and it applies to all sections of your paper. This includes:

The main body of your MLA-style paper should be double-spaced. This ensures that your text is easy to read and allows room for comments and corrections if needed.

Any direct quotations, including block quotes , should also be double-spaced. This helps to distinguish them from your writing and maintains consistency in your paper’s appearance.

Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page, which lists all the sources you’ve cited in your paper, should be double-spaced. This makes it easier for readers to locate and reference the sources you’ve used.

How to Create Double Spacing in MLA Style

Creating double spacing in your MLA-style paper is straightforward, especially with modern word processing software. Follow these steps:

• Select your text: Highlight the text that you want to double-space.
• Adjust the line spacing: Go to the Paragraph or Line Spacing settings in your word processor. This is usually found in the toolbar or under the Format menu.
• Choose double spacing: From the line spacing options, select Double or 2.0 . This will set your selected text to be double-spaced.
• Apply the changes: Click OK or Apply to apply the double spacing to your selected text.

Other Spacing Requirements in MLA Style

While double spacing is a key aspect of MLA style, there are other spacing and formatting requirements to keep in mind:

Set one-inch margins on all sides of your paper.

Font Style and Size

Use a legible font (such as Times New Roman) and a 12-point font size for your text.

Indentation

Indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch (or 1.27 cm) by using the Tab key on your keyboard.

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If you include a header with your last name and page number, it should be positioned in the upper right-hand corner of each page, half an inch from the top and right margins.

Center the title of your paper, and don’t apply any special formatting, such as bold or italics.

MLA-style papers have quite a few requirements . Besides formatting, your sources need to be cited correctly as well.

If you want a second pair of eyes to make sure everything looks perfect, be sure to send a copy of your work to one of our editors. Our referencing and formatting experts will make sure your paper follows the requirements of any style or referencing system. You can even try our service out for free .

Is MLA spacing 1.5 or 2?

MLA papers should be double-spaced from start to finish. In Microsoft Word, 2.0 means double-spaced.

How are MLA citations formatted?

Unlike other styles, MLA in-text citations follow the author–page number format.

Where Can I learn more about MLA Format?

We’ve put together this handy guide to MLA Format (9th edition), including source citation templates and how to format citations when your source has missing information.

Alternatively, our MLA format editing and formatting specialists would be happy to help you. Check out our MLA Referencing services page or submit a sample of your work or reference list for free . Just ask for an MLA specialist in the order notes.

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A Guide to Double Spaced Essay (Process, Significance, Tips)

Table Of Contents

What is a double-spaced essay, what is the significance of double spacing, how to write a double spaced essay effectively, 4 tips to spice up your double spaced essay, still confused hire assignment desk writers.

There are several essays you might have heard and worked on, but a double spaced essay is one on which you might not get the proper information. While researching, you would not have gotten all your answers because it is one of the rarest types you come across. Thus, before writing, it is crucial to have in-depth knowledge of this type so that you do not make mistakes in the writing part. Thus, to give you a clear picture, this blog talks in detail about every element of it. So, without any delay, move forward and resolve all your doubts instantly.

What is double spacing in an essay is a common question among students. Thus, clarify all your doubts with us. A double-spaced essay contains a one-inch gap between lines. All you have to do is enter twice to create a space between the lines of the document. Depending on the font, it will usually contain 275 to 300 words per page. The standard font size for a double-spaced essay is 12 points. Also, it is mandatory to read the instructions of your university carefully if you do not want to mess up your grades. The standard size of the paper on which it is written is 8.5 x 11 with a margin of 1 inch from all sides. Now that you are all well-versed in the definition, know its significance. There might be several reasons why professors want you to write a double-spaced essay ; thus, try to understand its importance.

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There are numerous advantages to double spacing in an essay ; have a look at some of them.

Easy to Spot Significant Pointers

It is obvious when sentences have a gap in between; it makes the text easy to understand. Thus, it becomes easy for you and any other person to spot the essential information in the essay.

A Proper Feedback from Professor

Professors always want to give proper feedback on your write-up. It is entirely possible with the double-spaced essay because of the adequate gap they provide in their suggestions.

Gives a Profession Touch

Too much information in a write-up confuses the reader. They do not get an idea from where to start and end. Thus, the double-spaced essay makes this task easy. The information is scattered and gives a professional touch to your write-up.

Eliminates the Scope of Errors

You can commit many mistakes in the editing and proofreading stages. But when you take an overview of double-spaced pages, it becomes easy to spot such errors and correct them then and there.

These pointers clearly indicate the advantages of writing a double spaced essay. But it is essential to know how to write it. Otherwise, you will not be able to score as per your expectations. The pointers will guide you in the right direction and tell you how to deal with double spaced essay effectively.

Have you been surfing for how to write a double spaced essay but have not gotten the correct information yet? If yes, you will get all your answers in this section. So without any delay, you should move forward and learn more about it.

Choose an Appropriate Topic

Even while writing a short essay , you should focus on choosing the right issue. The better the subject matter you choose, the better your chances of scoring A+ grades. Also, one thing to remember here is to select a topic that grabs your attention. Picking such an issue will motivate you to write further, and you will not get bored with the research and writing part.

Include Valid Evidence

After you finalise the topic for a double spaced essay , it is essential to make it eye-catching. Until and unless you do not include justifiable arguments, your essay will not stand out from others. Thus, try to insert your opinions in such a way that they persuade the reader to ponder over your viewpoint and take action towards it.

Follow a Proper Structure

Preparing a rough draft and deciding which arguments to include is not enough. There should be a proper hierarchy of thoughts. It means you should aim to put those arguments first, which are of utmost importance. Stating the affair of less significance at the start will not make your essay convincing. Thus, frame a structure beforehand for better results. Or, for better results, you can use the essay typer tool , which provides the entire document.

Conclude It Well

The conclusion is the summary of your double spaced essay. The more action-oriented it is, the better your chances of scoring. Thus, try to write your ending in a persuading way that compels the reader to change their perspective even after reading the opposite side of the topic.

Format Properly

Last but not least, format your write-up according to university guidelines and norms. This aspect of essay writing looks negligible but holds equal significance as compared to other factors. It gives a professional touch to your write-up and even leaves an ever-lasting impression on the professor.

So this is the step-by-step approach you can follow to write your double spaced essay. But while framing double spaced pages there are many mistakes you can commit and even not realise. Worry not; you will get a glimpse of such errors with tips to correct them when you continue to read.

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Although a double-spaced essay is similar to other essays, excluding the spacing factor, it is essential to follow the right path. Here are some free tips you should implement while working on such an essay: Adhering to them reduces the scope of a point deduction.

1. Use Short and Long Sentences

There are times when you can not express any point in limited words. In such a scenario, it becomes mandatory to use long sentences. Thus, while working on a double spaced essay, try to maintain a balance between both. Or if you are unable to provide crisp content, it would be better to seek essay writing service . The experts know the tips and tricks to maintain the ideal length.

2. Use Ordinary Words

It is not wrong to use heavy and fancy words in your double-spaced essay, but as the words become limited in each line, it is preferable to use simpler terms. Also, one point to remember while writing double spaced essay is that you should understand the motive behind your writing. If stating the information in simple words is possible, it is advisable to use lay man terms for better understanding.

3. Pick Trending Topics

Like other essays, your goal should be to deliver an impressive document. It is only possible when you write on current topics. It provokes the reader to read the entire text because there is little information available. But do not take advantage of it by including unnecessary information. You should study first and then draft your paper.

4. Deliver Relevant Essay

There are times when the content does not match the question asked in the double spaced essay. It is wrong to practice when the theme does not match the headings of the essay. Thus, you should aim to answer whatever is asked and eliminate extra information from the content.

These are some tips that will undoubtedly help you deliver a top-notch assignment. Still, if you feel panicked about curating a document according to the professor’s requirements, it is better to pay for essay to Assignment Desk professionals. To know how we, as a team, work, continue reading!

We hope that you get all your answers regarding the double spaced essay. Though these tips can help you, there are times when you need professional help. The reason can be either difficulty in topic selection or the writing part, so you should take assistance from the best in the UK, which is Assignment Desk. Our experts have keen knowledge about every essay type, including PEEL paragraphing , and construct it in a manner that helps you score A+ grades.

Seeking help from us will provide you with fruitful advantages in every manner. The cherry on the cake is that our assignment writers are available around the clock, which means you can ask your query any time and get it resolved. Thus, look no further than us if you desire top-notch quality at an affordable price. Hire our writers to see a remarkable change in your academic journey.

Also Read:  Essay Feedback: Importance and How to Implement It

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How to double space in microsoft word.

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I Replaced Default Linux Commands With These Powerful Alternatives

What is extended ram in your android phone, and is it just a gimmick, how to use the touch command on linux, quick links, what is double-spacing, option 1: configure document to automatically double space, option 2: double space with a keyboard shortcut, option 3: double-space by editing the text properties.

If you need to add some line spacing to your Word document or write an APA style piece, double spacing is a useful feature. You can quickly double space your documents with just a few clicks or a keyboard shortcut.

Virtually every college student eventually has to double space a document in Microsoft Word. It provides plenty of margins to make notes or suggestions in a document. It's also a great way to make it easier to read---I can't read anything on a Kindle without changing the view to double-spaced, for instance---and can be more visually appealing for certain types of writing.

If you use Google's apps,  double spacing on Google Docs  is a common task as well. Fortunately, there are several ways to use double spacing in Microsoft Word. You can set your document up ahead of time with double-spaced formatting, or apply double spacing to the document after finishing it instead.

Related: How to Double-Space on Google Docs

If you don't have anything written yet, you can  use a cool trick  from the 2007 version of Microsoft Word (that still exists in the current version of the software) to create some random text to edit. Simply open up a new document, click anywhere in the field, and type

to create some fancy Lorem Ipsum text . Do this as many times as you like to create additional paragraphs.

Once you've generated your text or finished writing your document, it's time to set your line spacing.

Related: Undocumented Microsoft Word Feature: Insert Lorem Ipsum Text

If you want to configure your document to automatically double space as you write, there are two ways to do it.

The first method uses the "Line Spacing" icon under the "Home" tab. In the "Home" tab, navigate to the "Line Spacing" icon.

Select "2.0" from the drop-down menu. Your text will now be double spaced. You can do this to quickly double spacing at any point in the writing process, but it works best for setting up the document.

You can accomplish the same goal using the Design tab. Start by clicking the "Design" tab in the ribbon.

In the "Design" tab, navigate over to the "Paragraph Spacing" option. Select it to bring up a menu.

In the drop-down menu, select "Double :"

And that's it! Your document will now automatically set each line to double spaced as you write:

Another easy way to double space your documents is to use our old friend, the please note this method works as both a way to configure the document before writing and to double space while writing.

To double space with a keyboard shortcut, first highlight your desired text, or select everything using the Ctrl+A command.

With the desired text selected, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+2 to quickly apply double space formatting to your text.

A third method for double spacing your text is to edit the paragraph settings of specific passages. First, highlight the text you want or use Ctrl+A to select all:

Right-click your mouse to bring up a menu and select "Paragraph: "

In the "Paragraph" menu, select the drop-down menu located beneath "Line Spacing:"

Select "Double" and click "OK :"

Using these methods to quickly double space text in Microsoft Word will help you get past those formatting roadblocks with ease. Happy writing!

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How to Double Space a Word Document

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This article explains how to double space lines, paragraphs, and the entire document in Microsoft Word. There are four ways to double space lines in Microsoft Word. You can use any of these options to modify a few lines or the entire document in Word.

Double Space Lines From the Home Tab

This is the quickest way to double-space your document. You can use this when you want to add double spaces for only part of the document. Select the paragraphs you want to change and follow the steps below.

• Open Microsoft Word.
• Go to the Home > Paragraph group > Select the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon.
• To double space lines, choose 2.0 from the dropdown.
• For more spacing options, select Line Spacing Options in the list.

Double Space Between Paragraphs From the Design Tab

Modify the vertical space between paragraphs in your document by setting the spacing before or after each paragraph. Do note that this applies spacing throughout your entire document and also affects line spacing. It gives you less scope to control line spacing than the other methods here.

• Go to Design > Paragraph Spacing and choose Double .

Double Space Lines From the Page Layout Tab

Use this option to set up double spaced lines before you start adding content to your document. The settings here allow you to finetune your text with other options.

• Go to the Page Layout tab.
• Go to the Paragraph group. Click the tiny down arrow in the bottom right corner to bring up the Paragraph settings dialog.
• Stay on the Indents and Spacing tab.
• Click the down arrow next to the Line spacing box.
• Select Double and click the OK button to exit the dialog box.

Double Space Lines With Styles

Do you write double spaced essays? You can save this as a special style in Word for only essays or modify an existing style.

• Go to the Home > Styles group . Right-click Normal .
• Select Modify from the drop-down menu.
• Under Formatting , click the Double Space button.

What Does Double Spaced Lines Mean?

Line spacing is nothing but the height of the space between each row of text. A double space means sentences will have a blank line equal to the full height of two lines of text between each line. By default, most word processors have single spacing enabled (or slightly more than single spacing), which is space that’s just one line high. Word has a default line spacing of 1.08 .

Line spacing is an important style consideration and just one of the ways to format your text for better legibility.

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Microsoft 365 Life Hacks > Writing > Single spacing vs. double spacing: When to use which

Single spacing vs. double spacing: When to use which

When writing an essay for school or a business document for work, you may be asked to have either single or double-spaced text. It helps to know when to use which type of line spacing, especially if you aren’t provided with instructions on how to space your document. Learn about single versus double spacing and how the sentences in your document should be spaced out.

When would you use single or double spacing?

Line spacing requirements can vary depending on the type of essay or business document you are writing. If you are just writing a journal entry or are freewriting on your own, you can use whatever type of line spacing you like. However, there are some cases when choosing a specific type of line spacing matters:

Writing style guides

Most academic papers must adhere to the spacing requirements of whatever style guide they need to be written in. Most style guides, like MLA and APA , use double spacing. When you are proofreading your essay, be sure to check what line spacing is the requirement for a given style guide. Using the wrong spacing may be an honest mistake, but some strict instructors may end up deducting points for doing so!

Making documents more readable

Having different line spacing options is helpful for enhancing readability. For instance, a double-spaced document may be easier to browse through, and a single-spaced document will appear shorter and less overwhelming. Double spacing also gives instructors room to leave comments or questions on a printed document to show students where they can improve.

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Business documents

Most work-related documents like business letters are single-spaced. Some longer work documents can be written in double space to make them easier to skim through. Cover letters for job applications should also be written in single space.

Are there other types of line spacing besides single and double?

Some people prefer to use 1.15 and 1.5, which are the two spacing options in between single space (1.0) and double space (2.0). 1.15 is a good option for adding a little more space than single space, and 1.5 is ideal for spacing out documents without making them as large as double space. Some word processing tools like Microsoft Word also offer larger line spacing options like 2.5 and 3.0.

How to adjust your line spacing in Microsoft Word

If you want to change the line spacing of your Microsoft Word document:

• Highlight all of the text in your document.
• Navigate to the Home button.
• Select the Line and Paragraph Spacing icon.
• Under the drop-down menu, choose your desired line spacing.

Learn how to properly format your documents

Knowing which line spacing option to use is one of the many things you must know when formatting a document for work or school. Page indents, adding the correct amount of spaces after a period , and using the right fonts are a few examples of some ways to properly format a document and make it look more visually appealing. Find more writing tips to improve your spelling, punctuation, and formatting for your next paper or work project.

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Should You Double Space an Essay: When and When Not To

Double Space an Essay

What is Double Spacing?

Double spacing can be regarded as the formatting style in which a full blank line is purposefully left between every line within an essay. But when should you double space an essay?

Because of this, it doubles the number of vertical spaces between lines, hence resulting in more spaces between them. 

Double spacing is mostly utilized in academic writing such as essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations. 

Purpose of the Article 

The purpose of this article is to further explore the issue of double spacing in your essays in terms of when it should be done and when it should not, and the pros and cons of it. 

People Also Read : How Long is an Essay: Length and Pages for Different Essays

When to Double Space an Essay

1. academic institutions that require double spacing.

You should double-space your essay if your academic institution requires the summited work to be double-spaced. 

Some educational institutions have set writing standards that should be utilized by every student pursuing education in them.

This standardizes the essay formats to make it easier for grading.

If you are in such an institution and it requires the submitted essays to be double-spaced, ensure that you adhere to the specified formatting to avoid losing marks. 

2. Writing Styles that Recommend Double Spacing

Some writing styles recommend double spacing. In most academic essays, the instructions specify the writing style you are required to present your paper.

The most popular or preferred writing styles for academic writing include American Psychological Association (APA) and Modern Language Association (MLA). 

The two writing styles are formatted in double spacing. If your professor instructs you to write an essay in MLA or APA style without specifying the level of spacing, you should write it in double space.

However, always be keen on following the instructions because you may be told to use the aforementioned formats but with different levels of spacing. 

3. Situations where it is Necessary

As noted, the prevailing academic conventions recommend the use of double spacing when writing your essays. 

As such, if you have been given an assignment on a particular topic and you have been told to write about it, you may decide to use double spacing because it is the most acceptable format within the academic context.

Additionally, you may need to create an essay that has high readability. This may be because you want your readers to follow your thought process without confusion. 

In the case of enhancing readability, it may be necessary to use double spacing because the paper will have more white (blank) spaces between lines. 

Further, longer documents like lengthy essays, research papers, theses, and dissertations will require double spacing instead of single spacing. 

This is because such documents have a lot of content and squeezing the lines and paragraphs together will make them appear dense and overwhelming. 

When Not to Double Space an Essay

1. shorter essays with strict word count limits.

In cases where you have been assigned a short essay with strict word count limits, you should avoid using double spacing. 

This is because shorter essays have lesser content and using more spaces between lines and paragraphs makes the content clattered or appear too far apart. The essay will look unprofessionally written. 

2. Writing Styles that Do Not Require Double Spacing

As noted, some styles dictate the type of spacing you will apply throughout your document.

Some writing styles do not require double spacing and instead may need you to use single space (1.0), or one and a half space (1.5). Such styles especially apply to official letters.

3. Situations Where It’s Not Necessary

There are other situations where it is not necessary to use double space in your document. Such situations can occur when you are required to write an official letter as part of an assignment.

Other situations occur when the essay is short or when you feel that your document will appear more aesthetically pleasing when you use other types of spacing. 

People Also Read : How Many Words are 6 Pages of work? Get Optimized Essay Length

Pros and Cons of Double Spacing

Advantages of double spacing , easier to read.

One advantage of double spacing is that it makes the essay easier to read. The lines and paragraphs will be adequately spaced in relation to each other hence the reader will have no problem following the content. 

Provides Space for Annotations and Comments

Double spaces also leave adequate room for annotations and comments. Since there is enough space between the lines, you can annotate your references and make comments within them.

Additionally, double spacing allows editors or instructors to make corrections and give feedback on your work. 

Disadvantages of Double Spacing

Makes an essay appear longer than it actually is.

A major disadvantage of double spacing is that it makes the essay appear longer than it actually is. This is because double spacing increases the blank spaces between lines and paragraphs making lesser text occupy a page.

For example, 550 words can easily fit into a single-spaced page. However, if the page was double-spaced, only half of those words would fit into it. 

Can Be a Waste of Paper and Ink

By using double spacing in your essay, you will end up having a lot of white spaces (blank) between lines that contain no written text.

This means that you will end up wasting your paper because lesser words will fit into it. Additionally, you will end up printing more papers in a double-spaced essay hence wasting ink.

People Also Read : 9 Ways How to Make an Essay Longer and meet the Word Count

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Double Space an Essay

• Open your document in a word-processing software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
• Select (highlight) the entire text of your essay. You can use your computer’s cursor to manually highlight the entire text and then select it. You simply click and drag the cursor over the text and select it. 

To automatically select the entire text on computers running Windows Operating System (OS), you click “Ctrl + A”. For Apple’s Mac OS, you should click “Command + A”. 

• After selecting the text, go to the formatting options. Those options are mostly found in the toolbar located at the top of the screen. They are labeled as “Line spacing” or “Paragraph”. 
• You should click on the line spacing option where you will find a dropdown menu with pre-set spacing options.
• Select the “2.0” or “Double” option for the dropdown menu. This will automatically adjust your essay’s line spacing to double.
• Apply the changes so that the essay will become double-spaced. You should review the essay to ensure that the changes have taken full effect. 

In conclusion, the advantages of double spacing are that it makes the essay easier to read and it provides adequate space for comments and annotations. 

Additionally, double spacing is the most widely used spacing requirement for academic essays hence it can be widely applicable. 

However, the disadvantages of double spacing are that it is a waste of paper and ink because of the unnecessary spaces and it makes an essay appear longer than it is supposed to. 

The final thought on whether an essay should be double-spaced is that it all depends on the instructions or essay requirements. Always adhere to instructions to avoid academic penalties. 

People Also Read : What is a 3-4 Page Paper: How Long and how Many Paragraphs

What is the standard font size for double-spaced essays?

The standard font size used for double-spaced essays depends on the type of font. However, if you are using Times New Roman or Arial, the size will be 12. 

How much longer does double spacing make an essay appear?

Double spacing makes an essay appear two times longer than a single-spaced essay. This is because it creates double the space between lines hence doubling the length of the entire essay. 

Does double spacing apply to footnotes and references?

Double spacing does not apply to footnotes because the footnotes will end up taking a lot of spacing within the paper hence displacing the actual text (content) of the essay. 

However, references should be double-spaced if the rest of the essay (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion) is double-spaced. There should be consistency. 

Can you mix double spacing and single spacing in the same essay?

Mixing double spacing and single spacing is not acceptable in the same essay. 

However, it can occur if you are writing a double-spaced essay and you need to include a long quote from other sources. The long quote should be treated as an individual single-spaced paragraph. 

Does double spacing affect the readability of an essay?

Double spacing does not affect the reliability of an essay because it is the most utilized spacing option in academic writing.

However, if you have been instructed to use other forms of spacing such as single spacing and you use double spacing, it will make your essay unreliable. This is because you have gone against the instructions. 

Additionally, you will appear like a lazy student who wants to make your essay appear longer. This is because single-spaced essays appear shorter than double-spaced. 

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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Should an Application Essay Be Single-Spaced or Double-Spaced?

Best Practices for Spacing Your College Application Essay

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Some college applications allow applicants to attach an essay as a file. To the chagrin of many, quite a few college applications do not provide guidelines for formatting personal essays , whether it be for undergraduate, transfer, or graduate admission.

Key Takeaways: Single vs. Double Spacing

The Common Application and many online forms will automatically format your essay, so you have no say when it comes to spacing.

Always follow directions if a school states a preference for single- or double-spaced essays.

If the school provides no guidelines, either single- or double-spaced is fine with a slight preference for double-spacing.

Your essay content matters much more than the spacing.

Should your personal statement be single-spaced so that it fits on a page? Should it be double-spaced so it's easier to read? Or should it be somewhere in the middle, say 1.5 spacing? Here you'll find some guidance for these common questions.

Spacing and the Common Application

For applicants using The Common Application , the spacing question is no longer an issue. Applicants used to be able to attach their essay to the application, a feature that required the writer to make all kinds of decisions about formatting. The current version of The Common Application, however, requires you to enter the essay into a text box, and you won't have any spacing options. The website automatically formats your essay with single-spaced paragraphs with an extra space between paragraphs (a format that doesn't conform to any standard style guides). The simplicity of the software suggests that essay format really isn't a concern. You can't even hit the tab character to indent paragraphs. For Common Application users, instead of formatting, the most important focus will be on choosing the right essay option and writing a winning essay .

Spacing for Other Application Essays

If the application provides formatting guidelines, you should obviously follow them. Failure to do so will reflect negatively on you. So if a school says to double space with a 12-point Times Roman font, show that you pay attention to both details and instructions. Students who don't know how to follow directions are not likely to be successful college students.

If the application does not provide style guidelines, the bottom line is that either single- or double-spacing is probably fine. Many college applications don't provide spacing guidelines because the admissions folks truly don't care what spacing you use. You'll even find that many application guidelines state that the essay can be single- or double-spaced. After all, the school has an essay requirement because it has holistic admissions . The admissions officers want to get to know you as a whole person, so it's the content of your essay, not its spacing, that truly matters.

When in Doubt, Use Double-Spacing

That said, the few colleges that do specify a preference typically request double-spacing. Also, if you read the blogs and FAQs written by college admissions officers, you'll usually find a general preference for double-spacing.

There are reasons why double-spacing is the standard for the essays you write in high school and college: double-spacing is easier to read quickly because the lines don't blur together; also, double-spacing gives your reader room to write comments on your personal statement (and yes, some admissions officers do print out essays and put comments on them for later reference).

Of course, most applications are read electronically, but even here, double spacing allow more room for the reader to append side comments to an essay.

So while single-spacing is fine and will be the default for a lot of essays submitted electronically, the recommendation is to double-space when you have a clear option. The admissions folks read hundreds or thousands of essays, and you'll be doing their eyes a favor by double-spacing.

Formatting of Application Essays

Always use a standard, easily readable 12-point font. Never use a script, hand-writing, colored, or other decorative fonts. Serif fonts like Times New Roman and Garamond are good choices, and sans serif fonts such as Ariel and Calibri are also fine.

Overall, the content of your essay, not the spacing, should be the focus of your energy, and the reality is that your spacing choice doesn't matter much if the school hasn't provided guidelines. Your essay, however, is extremely important. Be sure to pay attention to everything from the title to the style , and think twice before selecting any of these bad essay topics . Unless you fail to follow clear style guidelines provided by the school, it would be shocking for the spacing of your essay to play a factor in any admissions decision.

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Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, should my college essay be double-spaced.

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of finalizing my college essay and I was wondering if it should be double-spaced or if single-spacing is fine. I want to make sure my essay is easy to read and follows any formatting requirements.

Hey there! When it comes to spacing, it usually depends on the application platform you're using and their specific requirements. Generally, double-spacing is preferred as it makes the essay easier to read and allows for better organization of thoughts.

Most application platforms, like the Common App or Coalition App, will have their own formatting guidelines, so I would recommend checking their requirements first. If they don't mention anything about spacing, then going with double-spacing is a safe bet.

Remember, the admissions officers will be reading a lot of essays, so making it easy on their eyes is always a good idea. My child also experienced this while applying and decided to use double-spacing for their essay. It worked out well for them. Good luck with your application!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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Rape and murder of doctor in hospital sparks protests in India

Early on Friday morning, a 31-year-old female trainee doctor retired to sleep in a seminar hall after a gruelling day at one of India’s oldest hospitals.

It was the last time she was seen alive.

The next morning, her colleagues discovered her half-naked body on the podium, bearing extensive injuries. Police later arrested a hospital volunteer worker in connection with what they say is a case of rape and murder at Kolkata’s 138-year-old RG Kar Medical College.

Tens of thousands of women in Kolkata and across West Bengal state are expected to participate in a 'Reclaim the Night' march at midnight on Wednesday, demanding the "independence to live in freedom and without fear". The march takes place just before India's Independence Day on Thursday. Outraged doctors have struck work both in the city and across India, demanding a strict federal law to protect them.

The tragic incident has again cast a spotlight on the violence against doctors and nurses in the country. Reports of doctors, regardless of gender, being assaulted by patients and their relatives have gained widespread attention. Women - who make up nearly 30% of India’s doctors and 80% of the nursing staff - are more vulnerable than their male colleagues.

The crime in the Kolkata hospital last week exposed the alarming security risks faced by the medical staff in many of India's state-run health facilities.

At RG Kar Hospital, which sees over 3,500 patients daily, the overworked trainee doctors - some working up to 36 hours straight - had no designated rest rooms, forcing them to seek rest in a third-floor seminar room.

Reports indicate that the arrested suspect, a volunteer worker with a troubled past, had unrestricted access to the ward and was captured on CCTV. Police allege that no background checks were conducted on the volunteer.

"The hospital has always been our first home; we only go home to rest. We never imagined it could be this unsafe. Now, after this incident, we're terrified," says Madhuparna Nandi, a junior doctor at Kolkata’s 76-year-old National Medical College.

Dr Nandi’s own journey highlights how female doctors in India's government hospitals have become resigned to working in conditions that compromise their security.

At her hospital, where she is a resident in gynaecology and obstetrics, there are no designated rest rooms and separate toilets for female doctors.

“I use the patients’ or the nurses' toilets if they allow me. When I work late, I sometimes sleep in an empty patient bed in the ward or in a cramped waiting room with a bed and basin,” Dr Nandi told me.

She says she feels insecure even in the room where she rests after 24-hour shifts that start with outpatient duty and continue through ward rounds and maternity rooms.

One night in 2021, during the peak of the Covid pandemic, some men barged into her room and woke her by touching her, demanding, “Get up, get up. See our patient.”

“I was completely shaken by the incident. But we never imagined it would come to a point where a doctor could be raped and murdered in the hospital,” Dr Nandi says.

What happened on Friday was not an isolated incident. The most shocking case remains that of Aruna Shanbaug , a nurse at a prominent Mumbai hospital, who was left in a persistent vegetative state after being raped and strangled by a ward attendant in 1973. She died in 2015, after 42 years of severe brain damage and paralysis. More recently, in Kerala, Vandana Das, a 23-year-old medical intern, was fatally stabbed with surgical scissors by a drunken patient last year.

In overcrowded government hospitals with unrestricted access, doctors often face mob fury from patients' relatives after a death or over demands for immediate treatment. Kamna Kakkar, an anaesthetist, remembers a harrowing incident during a night shift in an intensive care unit (ICU) during the pandemic in 2021 at her hospital in Haryana in northern India.

“I was the lone doctor in the ICU when three men, flaunting a politician’s name, forced their way in, demanding a much in-demand controlled drug. I gave in to protect myself, knowing the safety of my patients was at stake," Dr Kakkar told me.

Namrata Mitra, a Kolkata-based pathologist who studied at the RG Kar Medical College, says her doctor father would often accompany her to work because she felt unsafe.

“During my on-call duty, I took my father with me. Everyone laughed, but I had to sleep in a room tucked away in a long, dark corridor with a locked iron gate that only the nurse could open if a patient arrived,” Dr Mitra wrote in a Facebook post over the weekend.

“I’m not ashamed to admit I was scared. What if someone from the ward - an attendant, or even a patient - tried something? I took advantage of the fact that my father was a doctor, but not everyone has that privilege.”

When she was working in a public health centre in a district in West Bengal, Dr Mitra spent nights in a dilapidated one-storey building that served as the doctor’s hostel.

“From dusk, a group of boys would gather around the house, making lewd comments as we went in and out for emergencies. They would ask us to check their blood pressure as an excuse to touch us and they would peek through the broken bathroom windows,” she wrote.

Years later, during an emergency shift at a government hospital, “a group of drunk men passed by me, creating a ruckus, and one of them even groped me”, Dr Mitra said. “When I tried to complain, I found the police officers dozing off with their guns in hand.”

Things have worsened over the years, says Saraswati Datta Bodhak, a pharmacologist at a government hospital in West Bengal's Bankura district. "Both my daughters are young doctors and they tell me that hospital campuses in the state are overrun by anti-social elements, drunks and touts," she says. Dr Bodhak recalls seeing a man with a gun roaming around a top government hospital in Kolkata during a visit.

India lacks a stringent federal law to protect healthcare workers. Although 25 states have some laws to prevent violence against them, convictions are “almost non-existent”, RV Asokan, president of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), an organisation of doctors, told me. A 2015 survey by IMA found that 75% of doctors in India have faced some form of violence at work. “Security in hospitals is almost absent,” he says. “One reason is that nobody thinks of hospitals as conflict zones.”

Some states like Haryana have deployed private bouncers to strengthen security at government hospitals. In 2022, the federal government asked the states to deploy trained security forces for sensitive hospitals, install CCTV cameras, set up quick reaction teams, restrict entry to "undesirable individuals" and file complaints against offenders. Nothing much has happened, clearly.

Even the protesting doctors don't seem to be very hopeful. “Nothing will change... The expectation will be that doctors should work round the clock and endure abuse as a norm,” says Dr Mitra. It is a disheartening thought.

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