Cursive letters lean, like rain blowing in the wind. The important thing is that they all lean the same way.
Key idea
Every letter leans the same amount, in the same direction.
Why it works
Even slant makes cursive look calm and easy to read. When letters lean different ways, the word looks wobbly and letters can be misread.
Worked example: What helps the slant?
Sam’s letters lean every which way. What can he try?
- Tilt the paper the right way for his writing hand.
- Pull each slant line down toward himself, the same way each time.
- Then all the letters lean together.
Answer: Tilt the paper and pull every slant the same way.
Common mistake
Some letters lean and others stand up straight or lean backward. Draw light slanted lines through your word: do the letters follow them?
For the grown-up. Left-handed writers tilt the paper the other way (top to the right). Some left-handers write with less slant or almost upright; even slant matters more than the exact angle. See Placing the Paper.