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CSE Style Guide: Formatting Your Paper

The Council of Science Editors (CSE) style guide is designed for the natural and physical sciences. IRSC students writing in these disciplines can use this guide.

Typography

Typography is not prescribed in the CSE Manual.

The library suggests using 12-point Times New Roman font.

Line Spacing & Margin Suggestions

Use double-spacing throughout the entire paper.

Leave 1 in. margins on top, bottom, and sides.  

CSE Paper Format

The basic components of an original research article are introduction, methods, results, and discussion. CSE does not specify a format for the body of a college paper, so ask your instructor for clarification. The following guidelines are suggested:

Cover page

  • Include paper title and your name, and other pertinent information (centered).
  • Omit a header and page number on the cover page.

Body of the paper or report:

  • Add a header after the cover page. The header should contain the title and page number (starting with 2).
  • Double space the entire paper and use 1 inch  margins.
  • If you use sections like "Abstract, Introduction, Discussions", center the section title on the page.
  • Start your "End References" section on a new page.

Sample Paper (Name-Year)

 

 

Second page screenshot

 

 

3rd page screenshot