Type. Computers allow writers to choose among a great variety of type sizes and typefaces, or fonts. For most college writing, the easy-to-read 11- or 12-point type size is best.

This is 12-point Times New Roman

This is 11-point Times New Roman

A serif font, as is used in the main text of this book, is generally easier to read in print than a sans serif font. Although unusual fonts might seem attractive at first glance, readers may find such styles distracting and hard to read over lengthy stretches of material.

Remember that typefaces help you create the tone of a document, so consider your audience and purpose when selecting type.

Most important, be consistent in the size and style of typeface you use, especially for the main part of your text. Unless you are striving for some special effect, shifting sizes and fonts within a document can give an appearance of disorderliness.