DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING; LAFAYETTE COLLEGE
Write-up
General Format
All reports must be typed with line spacing at 1.5 lines on a word processor (to facilitate
editing) and submitted on standard weight 8 1/2" x 11" pages. One or both sides of the page may
be used, depending upon the capability of the printer. The font should be12 point and should be
easily readable. If sheets supplied in the laboratory manual or by the instructor are used for any
portions of the assignment, all requested information should be included in the spaces provided.
Margins should be one inch on all sides unless the report is to be bound, in which case the left-
hand margin should be 1.5 inches. Neatness and readability should both receive high priority
during the preparation of the final copy. Material should be arranged in the order listed, and be
securely stapled or bound.
Headings
In the body of the report, utilize headings and sub-headings in any style you feel
appropriate, but be consistent throughout. As a suggestion, major headings (e.g.,
INTRODUCTION) could be centered and capitalized while sub-headings could be left justified
and include both upper and lower case (e.g., Background). Allow adequate breaks between
sections and sub-sections or new sections, but it is not necessary to start a new page for each
section.
Spelling and Grammar
The use of spell-check software is expected, and the use of additional editing software is
very strongly encouraged. In either case, careful proof-reading (preferably by someone other
than the author) is essential.
Style
The use of slang, colloquial forms, shop-talk and other informal phrases is generally not
acceptable. Either passive voice or active voice may be used, but the voice should be consistent
throughout the document. Each paragraph in a report should express only one essential idea or
recommendation. Review St. Martin’s handbook or Strunk and White’s “The Elements of Style”
for information concerning paragraph structure.
