Is indentation(spacing before writing in a line) necessary in the 1st paragragh(introduction) of an essay?

Question

this question was brought about bcos some model essays do not contain any indentation in their 1st paragraph.

Answer 1

if its a busincess letter, dont indent, but if its a letter to college, or anywhere important, then indent

Answer 2

The two main formats for writing are the block format, where there is not indentation, and the standard (also called indented) format, where the first line of every paragraph is indented.

In block format, there is not indentation, and paragraphs are separated by a double space (one full line between them).

In standard or indented format, each paragraph begins with an indented sentence (usually a standard, 5-space tab indentation), and paragraphs are separated by a single space (no full line between paragraphs.) If you are using indented format, every new paragraph begins with an indented sentence, not just the first one.

The standard format is old-fashioned, and used to be used so that people could tell where a new paragraph began. Since the advent of word-processing and computers, block format has pretty much taken over.

If you have a question, you should consult your instructor. Most schools have a preferred format for papers and essays, and that's what should be followed. Back when I was in college, many moons ago, both styles were acceptable, but I always found block easier, so I used block. I also use block when writing by hand, as I find it easier to skip a line between paragraphs than to indent.

Answer 3

THERE'S no right or wrong answer to this -- it's a matter of formatting style. It appears quite common these days for the first paragraphs of newspaper articles, book chapters, and so on, not to be indented. Sometimes, the first word or first few words in the opening paragraph are also capitalized (as I've done here), or a drop capital is used (the first letter of the first word is enlarged and spans more than one line).

Subject, of course, to any guidelines issued for the presentation of essays, your main concern should be whether your essay is readable. Some people prefer not to indent paragraphs at all, but instead to leave a blank line between paragraphs (again, as I've done here). However, it's more conventional to indent the first line of each paragraph. It's especially important to do so if you do not leave blank lines between paragraphs, otherwise it may be very difficult for the reader to tell where one paragraph ends and another begins.

Answer 4

it would depend on for whom you're writing your essay....traditional style is to indent the first line of paragraphs and run the paragraphs one after the other with no blank line in between, if you're writing for an "old-style" professor, this will be what they'll be expecting

a newer style, called "block style" uses a blank line between paragraphs and no indentation of the first line, this is becoming the standard in business correspondence and some professors may accept it for essays

Answer 5

the first paragraph doesn't have to be indented. you have two possibilities: 1. indente every paragraph. 2. put a space line between the paragraphs

Answer 6

Either is correct, depending on context and local requirements. Many schools have a Style Manual that specifies standards to be used in formatting, grammar, footnoting (or endnoting) etc. Style Manuals are also used by major publications, from scientific journals to The New York Times.

If your school has a Style Manual the answer to your question should be specified. Other wise (assuming this is an academic essay) a teacher or professor should be able to let you know what the local standard is.

Answer 7

Essay Format: Intro: In the intro, you should briefly talk about the topic of your essay and what you're going to talk about. Get a good attention grabber.. don't start with something like "in my essay I'm going to talk about bla bla bla" just get straight to the point.. =P Paragraphs: You should have a statement in the first sentence of each paragraph followed by an explanation and evidence.. For Ex. Driving cars with fast speed can leed to fatal accidents. The reason being is because the driver cannot control his breaks at one point. There has been over 6316000 serious car accidents in the USA during 2004, almost all are the result to driving beyond the speed limit. Conclusion: In the conclusion you should briefly talk about everything you mentioned in your paragraphs... this is where your topic sentences come in handy.. This is what i mean.. In conclusion, driving cars with fast speed can lead to fatal accidents (topic sentence 1), (topic sentence 2), (topic sentence 3).. You can end this paragraph with a quote like, "life's too short for drivers not to follow directions" or something like that.. Hope I helped, Gd Luck! =)

Answer 8

as per my knowledge indentation is not necessary in the 1st paragraph of an essay

Answer 9

yes you have to give an indentation before starting a paragraph. its a rule n it must b followed otherwise ur essay wud b a complete mess.

Answer 10

You should check guidelines in writing an essay with your University/College. I studied at University of Dundee where we were all provided with a free guide called 'Write it right'.

Indentations were strictly not allowed and led to being marked down. Your University/College should proivde with their own guidelines.

Good luck with your essay!

Ros

Answer 11

Indentation is suggested for every new paragraph... Especially if you don't double space before starting it...