The SBTS Style Manual provides essential guidelines for producing scholarly writing with clarity, precision, and professionalism. It serves as a comprehensive reference for formatting, style, and citation standards.
1.1 Purpose of the Style Manual
The SBTS Style Manual is designed to establish uniform standards for academic and theological writing. Its primary purpose is to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency in all written works. By providing detailed guidelines for formatting, style, and citation, it helps authors communicate their ideas effectively. The manual serves as a valuable resource for students, scholars, and writers, promoting professionalism and excellence in their work. Adhering to these standards enhances the readability and credibility of written content.
1.2 Scope of the Style Manual
The SBTS Style Manual covers formatting, citation, and stylistic guidelines for academic writing. It addresses margins, fonts, headings, in-text citations, references, punctuation, numbers, abbreviations, tables, figures, and appendices. The manual ensures consistency across all written works, providing clear instructions for students and scholars to present their research professionally and accurately. By adhering to these guidelines, authors maintain uniformity in style, enhancing readability and academic integrity.
1.3 Importance of Consistency in Writing
Consistency in writing ensures clarity, professionalism, and readability, making academic work more credible. Uniform formatting, style, and tone help maintain a coherent flow, enhancing the reader’s understanding. Inconsistent writing can confuse readers and undermine the authority of the content. By adhering to established guidelines, writers create a polished and professional document that reflects scholarly integrity and attention to detail. Consistency is fundamental for producing work that is both visually appealing and intellectually engaging.
General Formatting Guidelines
General formatting guidelines ensure consistency, readability, and professionalism in documents. They cover margins, fonts, spacing, and page setup, providing a uniform framework for all written content.
2.1 Margins and Page Setup
Margins must be set to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right). The page should be in portrait orientation. Headers and footers are not permitted. Page numbers should be placed in the top right corner, starting from the first page. Use standard letter-size paper (8.5 x 11 inches). Ensure all text is within the margins, avoiding any content in the gutter. Exceptions for tables or figures may apply, but must be clearly justified. Proper page setup ensures readability and professional presentation.
2;2 Font and Size Requirements
The SBTS Style Manual specifies that all documents should use Times New Roman font, size 12-point for the main text. Headings may use a larger size, up to 14-point, for emphasis. Consistency in font style is crucial throughout the document to maintain professionalism and readability. Exceptions, such as footnotes or captions, may use a smaller font size, typically 10-point, but this should be applied uniformly. Adhering to these guidelines ensures a polished and visually coherent presentation of academic work.
2.3 Line Spacing and Indentation
Line spacing should be set to double-spacing throughout the document to ensure readability. Indentation requires a 0.5-inch indent for the first line of each paragraph. For block quotes, increase the indent to 1 inch on both sides. Avoid using the tab key or multiple spaces for indentation; instead, use paragraph formatting. Consistent spacing enhances the professional appearance of the document and adheres to academic standards. Proper indentation helps organize content and improves readability across all sections of the manuscript.
2.4 Page Numbers and Headers
Page numbers should be placed in the top right corner of each page, starting with the first page of the document. Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) and ensure consistency throughout. Headers, if used, should be simple and include only the document title and page number, avoiding special formatting. Exceptions may apply for the first page, which may omit the header but still include the page number. Consistency in placement and style is crucial for a professional appearance.
Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings organize content, enhancing readability and structure. They guide readers through documents, creating a clear visual hierarchy and professional presentation of ideas and information.
3.1 Levels of Headings
The SBTS Style Manual outlines a hierarchical structure for headings to organize content effectively. There are four primary levels of headings, each with distinct formatting requirements. Level 1 headings are bolded, centered, and in title case. Level 2 headings are bolded, left-aligned, and in title case. Level 3 headings are italicized and indented, while Level 4 headings are plain text with a hanging indent. This hierarchy ensures clarity and consistency in document organization, guiding readers through the content seamlessly.
3.2 Formatting Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings should be formatted to create a clear hierarchical structure. Main headings are bold, uppercase, and separated by a line space. Subheadings are italicized or bold, depending on the level, and directly precede the content. Ensure consistent font size and style across all headings. Proper casing should be used for title case, avoiding unnecessary punctuation. Indentation and spacing must align with the style manual’s specifications to maintain visual clarity and readability throughout the document.
- Use bold for primary headings and italics for subheadings.
- Maintain consistent font size and spacing.
- Avoid over-embellishing with multiple formats.
3.3 Consistency in Heading Styles
Maintaining consistency in heading styles is crucial for a professional and cohesive document. All headings must follow the same formatting rules, including font style, capitalization, and numbering. This ensures readability and uniformity across sections. Inconsistent headings can confuse readers and undermine the document’s credibility. The SBTS Style Manual provides clear guidelines to achieve harmony in heading styles, ensuring a polished and professional presentation of academic work. Adherence to these standards is essential for clarity and visual appeal.
Citation Styles
Citation styles ensure proper attribution of sources, maintaining academic integrity; The SBTS Style Manual outlines formats for in-text citations, reference lists, and specific examples to guide accurate scholarly writing.
4.1 In-Text Citations
In-text citations are essential for crediting sources and maintaining academic integrity. The SBTS Style Manual requires authors to use either parenthetical citations or footnotes, depending on the specified format. Citations should include the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers for direct quotes. For works with multiple authors, list up to three names; beyond that, use et al.. When citing multiple sources, separate them with semicolons. Consistency in citation style is crucial throughout the document to avoid confusion and ensure proper attribution.
4.2 Reference List or Bibliography
The Reference List or Bibliography is a comprehensive list of all sources cited in the document. It should include author names, publication years, titles, and source details. Each entry must follow specific formatting guidelines, such as alphabetical order by the author’s last name. Use a hanging indent for each entry, ensuring consistency in punctuation, capitalization, and formatting. Accuracy is crucial, as this list allows readers to locate and verify sources. Properly formatted references enhance credibility and adhere to academic standards, reflecting attention to detail and respect for intellectual property.
4.3 Specific Citation Examples
The SBTS Style Manual provides clear examples for various citation formats. For books: (Author, Year, Title, Publisher). Journal articles: (Author, Year, “Article Title,” Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page). Websites: (Author, Year, “Title,” Website. URL). Ensure consistency in formatting and punctuation. Properly attribute all sources to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. These examples guide writers in accurately citing their research, adhering to the manual’s standards for clarity and precision.
Punctuation and Grammar
The SBTS Style Manual emphasizes proper punctuation and grammar to ensure clarity, consistency, and academic integrity in written work, addressing common rules and style conventions effectively.
5.1 Common Punctuation Rules
The SBTS Style Manual outlines essential punctuation rules to ensure clarity and academic integrity. Commas are used to separate items in lists and independent clauses, while periods end complete sentences. Semicolons connect closely related independent clauses, and colons introduce explanations or lists. Quotation marks enclose direct speech or specific terms, and parentheses add supplementary information without disrupting the flow. Consistency in punctuation is crucial, and authors should avoid over-punctuation or misplacement of marks to maintain readability and professionalism.
5.2 Grammar and Style Conventions
The SBTS Style Manual emphasizes clear and concise writing, advocating for the active voice and precise language. It promotes consistency in tone, avoiding overly formal or casual language. Proper pronoun usage, subject-verb agreement, and parallel structure in lists are stressed. The manual discourages vague references and ensures clarity in pronoun antecedents. It also addresses article usage, modal verbs, and preposition placement. Consistency in tense and number is mandatory to maintain logical flow and coherence in scholarly writing.
5.3 Avoiding Common Errors
Avoiding common errors in writing is crucial for maintaining professionalism and clarity. Frequent mistakes include subject-verb agreement issues, incorrect comma usage, and inconsistent tense. Properly understanding punctuation rules, such as those for Oxford commas and possessive apostrophes, is essential. Additionally, ensuring pronoun-antecedent agreement and avoiding dangling modifiers prevents confusion. Regular proofreading and using grammar-checking tools can help identify and correct these errors. Adhering to the SBTS Style Manual’s guidelines ensures accuracy and enhances the overall quality of written work.
Numbers and Abbreviations
This section outlines clear guidelines for using numbers and abbreviations in academic writing, ensuring consistency, clarity, and professionalism in scholarly work.
6.1 Writing Numbers in Text
In the SBTS Style Manual, numbers are typically written out in words when they are less than 10. For numbers 10 and above, numerals are preferred. Exceptions include numbers in tables, figures, or specific measurements. Hyphens are used for ranges (e.g., 12-15) and in compound adjectives (e.g., 20th-century theology). Consistency is key; once a style is chosen, it should be applied throughout the document to maintain clarity and professionalism in scholarly writing.
6.2 Using Abbreviations Correctly
Abbreviations enhance clarity and brevity in academic writing when used correctly. The SBTS Style Manual advises using standard abbreviations for recognized terms, such as e.g., i.e., and etc.. Always spell out the full term at first mention, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses. Avoid using abbreviations in headings or titles unless they are widely recognized. Consistency is key; once an abbreviation is introduced, use it throughout the document. This ensures readability and maintains scholarly integrity in all written works.
6.3 Special Cases for Numbers and Abbreviations
The SBTS Style Manual addresses special cases for numbers and abbreviations, such as centuries, dates, and titles. Numbers in titles or subtitles are spelled out, while decades are written with numerals (e.g., 1990s). Eras like B.C. and A.D. are capitalized and preceded by the year. Abbreviations for units of measurement (e.g., cm, kg) are acceptable in tables and figures but should be spelled out in the main text. Consistency and clarity are emphasized in all cases to maintain scholarly accuracy.
Tables, Figures, and Images
This section outlines guidelines for effectively incorporating tables, figures, and images into documents, ensuring clarity, readability, and proper formatting to enhance scholarly communication and visual presentation.
7.1 Formatting Tables
Tables should be clear, concise, and properly formatted to enhance readability; Use a consistent font size and style throughout. Borders should be simple, with no unnecessary lines. Tables must be numbered consecutively and include descriptive captions above them. Align text to the left for headers and to the right for numerical data. Avoid merging cells or using overly complex layouts. Ensure tables fit within the page margins and are placed near their first mention in the text. Use footnotes for explanations, not endnotes.
7.2 Labeling and Placing Figures
Figs. must be labeled sequentially as “Figure 1,” “Figure 2,” etc., and placed near their first mention in the text. Captions should be concise, explaining the figure’s content without redundancy. Ensure figs. are centered, with no borders, and maintain high resolution for clarity. Avoid overcrowding elements within the figure. Consistency in formatting and placement is crucial for a professional appearance. Adhere strictly to the style manual’s guidelines for fig. labeling and placement throughout the document.
7.3 Captioning Images
Image captions should be clear, concise, and placed directly below the image. Include the figure number (e.g., “Figure 1:”) followed by a brief description. Ensure consistency in formatting and terminology. Captions should explain the image’s content without redundancy. Avoid overly technical language unless necessary. Use complete sentences and proper punctuation. If the image requires attribution, include the source at the end of the caption. Maintain uniformity in caption style throughout the document for readability and professional presentation.
Appendices and Supplements
Appendices and supplements provide additional materials that support the main document, such as data, charts, or detailed explanations, without cluttering the primary text.
8.1 Adding Appendices
Appendices are supplementary materials that support the main document. They should be clearly labeled as Appendix A, B, etc., and placed after the main text but before the reference list. Each appendix must have a descriptive title and be relevant to the content. Use consistent formatting, with headings matching the document’s style. Include only essential materials that enhance understanding without duplicating information. Ensure proper citation for any borrowed content within appendices. Keep the layout clean and organized for readability.
8.2 Including Supplementary Materials
Supplementary materials enhance the clarity and depth of your work. These may include charts, images, datasets, or additional explanations. Label each item appropriately, such as “Appendix A” or “Figure B-1.” Place supplementary materials at the end of the document, after the main content but before the reference list. Ensure all supplementary items are referenced clearly in the text to guide readers. This practice maintains flow while providing additional support for your arguments or analyses.
8.3 Referencing Appendices in the Text
When referencing appendices in the text, use the full title or a shortened form if previously introduced. Appendices should be labeled with capital letters (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B). In the text, refer to them as “see Appendix A” or “as shown in Appendix B.” Avoid using “Appendix” in parentheses or footnotes. Ensure consistency in formatting and cross-referencing throughout the document. This maintains clarity and directs readers to supplementary materials effectively.
The SBTS Style Manual concludes by emphasizing the importance of adhering to its guidelines to ensure clarity, professionalism, and consistency in scholarly writing and communication.
9.1 Summary of Key Guidelines
The SBTS Style Manual offers clear guidelines to ensure academic writing is consistent, professional, and visually appealing. It covers formatting, citations, punctuation, and the use of numbers and abbreviations. Proper headings, margins, and page setup are emphasized, along with the correct inclusion of tables, figures, and appendices. Adherence to these standards enhances readability and maintains scholarly integrity, making it a vital resource for writers seeking to produce polished, error-free documents.
9.2 Final Tips for Adhering to the Style Manual
To ensure compliance with the SBTS Style Manual, review your document thoroughly before submission; Use the checklist provided in the manual to verify formatting, citations, and grammar. Consistency is key, so double-check headings, margins, and font styles. Finally, proofread your work carefully to avoid errors. Adhering to these guidelines will enhance the professionalism and clarity of your writing, aligning it with the standards expected in scholarly work.
9.3 Importance of Review and Editing
Reviewing and editing are crucial steps in ensuring the quality and accuracy of academic writing. They help maintain clarity, coherence, and adherence to style guidelines. Regular revisions allow authors to refine ideas, correct errors, and improve readability. Editors and peer reviewers provide valuable feedback, enhancing the overall quality of the work. Thorough editing ensures that the final document is polished, professional, and free from grammatical or stylistic inconsistencies, ultimately contributing to the credibility and impact of the written content.