* Times New Roman: This is a classic serif font and is often the default choice for many word processors. It's highly readable and widely available. Many style guides (like APA and MLA in older versions) either explicitly recommend it or implicitly accept it as a suitable option.
* Arial: This is a sans-serif font (lacks the small decorative strokes at the ends of letters, called serifs) and is also very common. It tends to be preferred for online readability, and some modern style guides favor it or sans-serif fonts in general.
* Calibri: Another sans-serif font, Calibri is becoming increasingly popular and is the default font in some newer versions of Microsoft Word.
* Garamond: This is an elegant serif font with a long history. It's often chosen for its readability and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Important Considerations:
* Style Guide: Always check the specific style guide for the paper (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). These guides often specify the font, font size, and line spacing. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to rejection.
* Readability: The font should be easily readable. Avoid overly decorative or unusual fonts that might distract the reader.
* Consistency: Maintain consistency throughout the entire paper. Don't switch fonts mid-paper.
In summary, while Times New Roman is still a very safe and widely accepted choice, checking the specific style guide requirements is paramount. If no font is specified, a clear, readable serif or sans-serif font like those listed above is a good bet.