Final answer:
To indent the first line of every paragraph in a document, the Tab key should be used, ensuring consistent indents. For special cases like bibliographies, a hanging indent may be required, which can be set in Microsoft Word's Paragraph menu.
Step-by-step explanation:
To indent the first line of every paragraph in a document, you should use the Tab key at the beginning of each paragraph. This is preferable to using the space bar, as the Tab key ensures a consistent indent size, which is typically set to one-half inch by default. In programs like Microsoft Word, you can also adjust the document settings to automatically indent the first line of paragraphs by adjusting paragraph formatting options.
For specific formatting, such as in an annotated bibliography or a works-cited page, you might need to create a hanging indent. This can be done by highlighting the text and then choosing the 'Hanging' option from the Indentation section of the Paragraph menu in Word. Similarly, for block formatted business letters, paragraphs should not be indented but instead left-justified with a double space between paragraphs. Always refer to the specific guidelines required for your document to ensure proper formatting.