Definition
 Layout
is the arrangement of words and pictures on the page.
This
can also mean on the computer screen.
Examples
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Bad layout
This is an example of bad layout on a page. You can see that
the page is too crowded. There are no margins. The writing
looks as if it does not have enough space to 'breathe'. There
are no gaps to show the start of new paragraphs. The writing
has no breaks. You are probably finding it hard to read on
screen. The writing doesn't look at all attractive, does
it? Where does one topic begin and another end? The writer
has tried to cram too much into the space available. You
should try to avoid producing work which looks like this.
You might even lose marks - especially if your handwriting
isn't neat as well. The solution to this problem is shown
in the example of good layout below. Look at the difference
between these two methods of page layout! When you produce
your own work, try to make it look like the example below. |
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Good layout
This is an example of better layout.
The page has much larger margins. You can see that the
page looks more pleasing.
The writing has enough space to 'breathe'
in this case. This is because there are breaks for paragraphs.
The writing is also arranged in topics.
You can see where one topic begins and another ends.
This is a much more attractive layout, don't you think? |
USE
Good
layout makes your work easier to read.
Layout
shows up the important parts of your work.
Good
layout means using these features:
margins
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spacing
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paragraphs
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lines
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type style
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type size
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italics
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bold
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CAPITALS
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underlining
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You
can produce good layout by following these rules:
- use big margins on the page
- divide writing into into paragraphs
- paragraphs are separated by double spaces
- use italics or bold for emphasis
- show headings by larger type size or emphasis [or both]
- use headings and sub-headings
You
can do this in handwriting, as well as word-processing.
One
important part of layout is the choice between serif and sans-serif fonts.
The
serif is a tiny swirl at the tip and foot of letters.
Use
a serif font if you are going to print your document.
A
sans-serif font on the other hand is plain. The edges of letters
are straight.
Use
sans-serif for headings, instructions, or posters. |
