Be able to set line spacing including single, 1.5 times, double, multiple, spacing before and after paragraphs

Topic 17 – Document Production: Line & Paragraph Spacing

Learning Objectives (Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417)

• AO1 – Knowledge & Understanding: Define line spacing, paragraph spacing and related terminology; explain why they are used.
• AO2 – Application of Skills: Set single, 1.5‑line, double and custom multiple line spacing; add spacing before and after paragraphs; combine these settings with styles, tables, headers/footers, file export and proof‑reading; capture appropriate evidence for Paper 2.
• AO3 – Analysis & Evaluation: Analyse how different spacing choices affect readability, document length (page count) and file size; evaluate the most suitable spacing for a given purpose.

Pre‑Task Checklist

1. Open a new or existing document in your chosen word‑processor (Microsoft Word, Google Docs or LibreOffice Writer).
2. Save the file in the required editable format (.docx or .odt).
3. Check the default style (normally “Normal”, 12 pt Times New Roman or Arial).
4. Set the page layout required for the unit (A4, portrait, 2 cm margins).

Key Terminology

Line‑Spacing Options

• Single – s = 1.0 (default). Example: 12 pt × 1 = 12 pt.
• 1.5 lines – s = 1.5. Example: 12 pt × 1.5 = 18 pt.
• Double – s = 2.0. Example: 12 pt × 2 = 24 pt.
• Custom multiple – any multiplier (e.g., 1.25, 1.75, 2.5) or an exact point size (e.g., 21 pt).

Paragraph‑Spacing Options

• Spacing before – space added above the paragraph (e.g., 6 pt or 0.5 lines).
• Spacing after – space added below the paragraph (e.g., 12 pt or 1 line).
• Values can be entered in points (pt) or in line units, depending on the application.

Integrated Practical Workflow

This activity meets the AO2 requirement to set spacing and combine it with other document‑production tasks (styles, tables, headers/footers, proofing and file export).

1. Open & save the document. Press Ctrl+S and name the file Spacing_Task.docx (or .odt).
2. Apply a style.

   • Word: Home → Styles → Normal (12 pt, Times New Roman).
   • Google Docs: Styles → Normal text.
   • LibreOffice: Styles → Apply Style → Default Style.

3. Insert a heading. Type “Impact of Line & Paragraph Spacing”, select the text and apply the Heading 1 style (14 pt bold, 1.5‑line spacing, 6 pt after – create this style if it does not exist).
4. Enter three short paragraphs of body text. Use lorem‑ipsum or a brief description of the task.
5. Set line spacing.

   • Word: Home → Paragraph → Line & Paragraph Spacing → Line Spacing Options…
   • Google Docs: Format → Line spacing → Custom spacing…
   • LibreOffice: Format → Paragraph → Indents & Spacing tab.
   • Choose 1.5 lines for the body paragraphs.

6. Set paragraph spacing. In the same dialog enter 6 pt before and 12 pt after** for the body paragraphs (or the equivalent in “lines”).
7. Insert a simple table. 2 columns × 3 rows, place it after the second paragraph. Apply a basic table style (e.g., “Grid Table 4‑Accent 1”).
8. Add a header and footer.

   • Header: document title, left‑aligned.
   • Footer: page number, right‑aligned.

9. Proof the document.

   • Run spell‑check (F7 in Word, Tools → Spelling and grammar in Docs, Tools → Spelling and Grammar in Writer).
   • Use “Show/Hide ¶” (Word) or “View → Show non‑printing characters” (Writer) to verify that no hidden line‑breaks have been created by the spacing changes.

10. Export for evidence. Save a copy as Spacing_Task.pdf (File → Export as PDF). This demonstrates the ability to export to a generic format as required in the syllabus.
11. Capture evidence. Take a screenshot of the line‑spacing dialog showing the chosen values and paste it into a separate “Evidence” document (e.g., Evidence.docx). Label the screenshot with the task name and date.

Checking the Result

• Turn on “Show/Hide ¶” (or the equivalent) to see the spacing markers.
• Use the ruler (Word/Writer) or the “Line spacing” indicator (Docs) to confirm that the multiplier has been applied correctly.
• Count the number of pages before and after changing the spacing – this will be used in the AO3 activity.

AO3 Activity – Impact of Spacing on Document Length & File Size

1. Create a 500‑word paragraph (copy‑paste the same text three times).
2. Save the document with single line spacing; note the page count and file size (right‑click → Properties).
3. Repeat the same document with double line spacing; note the new page count and file size.
4. Answer the following:

   • How many extra pages were added by using double spacing?
   • Did the file size increase noticeably? Why or why not?
   • Which spacing would you choose for a school essay and why?

Practical Example – Calculating Line Height

Default line height d = 12 pt.

• Desired spacing: 1.5 lines → s = 1.5
  

  Resulting line height: h = 1.5 × 12 = 18 pt.

• Paragraph spacing: 6 pt before, 12 pt after.

The paragraph will start 6 pt lower than the previous paragraph’s baseline and finish 12 pt higher than the next paragraph’s baseline, improving readability without excessive white‑space.

Assessment Questions

1. AO1 – What line height results when the default is 10 pt and you set double spacing?
2. AO2 – List the steps required to set a custom spacing of 1.75 lines in Microsoft Word, including how you would capture a screenshot for the evidence document.
3. AO3 – Explain why a writer might prefer a larger “spacing after” a paragraph rather than increasing line spacing throughout the whole document.

Summary Table