What is Indentation?
Indentation refers to the blank space inserted at the beginning of a paragraph to visually separate it from the previous one, improving readability and organisation.
Types of Indentation
- First-Line Indent: Common in essays and research papers (typically 0.5 inches).
- Hanging Indent: Used in reference lists and bibliographies.
- No Indent: Often used in block quotes or abstracts.
Why It Matters
Proper indentation enhances clarity and gives your document a clean, professional appearance aligned with academic standards.
Best Practices
- Use the ruler or paragraph settings instead of spaces for consistent indentation.
- Follow your citation style guide for specific indentation rules.