APA: Avoiding Plagiarism and Documenting Sources

Essentials of the APA Paper Style and Format

APA Paper Types

Two common types of papers written in APA style:

• Literature review
• Experimental report

Always follow your instructor's directions!

APA Paper Format

• One inch margins on all sides
• Left justify text and Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch (1/2") or five spaces
• Double-spaced throughout the paper
• Single-space footnotes when additional information or explanation is needed
• A header on each page in the upper right-hand corner, half (1/2) inch below the top edge that includes one or two words of the title then five spaces and the page number.

First Page

Title page (most instructors requiring the APA format will want you to include one)

• Header: In the upper right-hand corner place the first word or two of your paper title and page number (numbered i)
• Running Head: at the top of each page, right justified (shortened form of title)

Center the following:

• the Title of your paper in the next line
• your name
• course and section number
• instructor's name
• date due

Remember: Instructor requirements may vary!

Abstract

One-paragraph, 100 to 120 word, summary of the main aspects and key points of the paper. It might suggest any implications or applications of the research discussed in the paper. (The abstract may be an optional requirement for the paper).

• This is the second page (numbered ii) and goes behind the title page
• Center the word Abstract one inch from the top of the page
• Indent each line so that the paragraph is in a block format
• Include page header and page number in the upper right corner
• Double-spaced as the rest of the paper
• Use the past tense

Body of Paper

• This is page 3 but numbered page 1
• Include one or two word page header and page number in the upper right corner
• Center title of the paper on line 1
• Include an introduction and conclusion paragraphs
• Indent the first line of the paper five spaces and new paragraphs/sections that follow
• Indent Block Quotations five spaces or 1/2 inch from the margin
• Use headings to identify important sections and give organization to the paper
• Center Main headings
• Sub-headings are left justified
• Use tables and figures for crucial data
• Appendix or Appendixes
• Footnotes to convey an idea or or give special information
• Double-space throughout the paper

List of References Page

The References page lists all the sources you used (or cited) in your paper.

• Begin your list of references on a new sheet of paper
• Title it References in the center of the first line
• Double-spaced as the rest of the paper
• Arrange reference entries in alphabetical order by last name of author
• Align each entry at the left margin and indent all additional lines of the entry by one-half (1/2) inch or five space. This is called Hanging Indentation. Each entry will look something like this:

Eberstadt, M. (2004). Home alone America: The hidden toll of day care, behavioral

drugs, and other parent substitutes. New York: Sentinel.

 

Here's a Tip!

Activity

Click on the DragNDrop Activity below to match the APA guideline with the item it refers to.

   

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