how to start an essay apa style

A step-by-step guide for creating and formatting APA Style student papers

The start of the semester is the perfect time to learn how to create and format APA Style student papers. This article walks through the formatting steps needed to create an APA Style student paper, starting with a basic setup that applies to the entire paper (margins, font, line spacing, paragraph alignment and indentation, and page headers). It then covers formatting for the major sections of a student paper: the title page, the text, tables and figures, and the reference list. Finally, it concludes by describing how to organize student papers and ways to improve their quality and presentation.

The guidelines for student paper setup are described and shown using annotated diagrams in the Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3.40MB) and the A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Style Student Papers webinar . Chapter 1 of the Concise Guide to APA Style and Chapter 2 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association describe the elements, format, and organization for student papers. Tables and figures are covered in Chapter 7 of both books. Information on paper format and tables and figures and a full sample student paper are also available on the APA Style website.

Basic setup

The guidelines for basic setup apply to the entire paper. Perform these steps when you first open your document, and then you do not have to worry about them again while writing your paper. Because these are general aspects of paper formatting, they apply to all APA Style papers, student or professional. Students should always check with their assigning instructor or institution for specific guidelines for their papers, which may be different than or in addition to APA Style guidelines.

Seventh edition APA Style was designed with modern word-processing programs in mind. Most default settings in programs such as Academic Writer, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs already comply with APA Style. This means that, for most paper elements, you do not have to make any changes to the default settings of your word-processing program. However, you may need to make a few adjustments before you begin writing.

Use 1-in. margins on all sides of the page (top, bottom, left, and right). This is usually how papers are automatically set.

Use a legible font. The default font of your word-processing program is acceptable. Many sans serif and serif fonts can be used in APA Style, including 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, 12-point Times New Roman, and 11-point Georgia. You can also use other fonts described on the font page of the website.

Line spacing

Double-space the entire paper including the title page, block quotations, and the reference list. This is something you usually must set using the paragraph function of your word-processing program. But once you do, you will not have to change the spacing for the entirety of your paper–just double-space everything. Do not add blank lines before or after headings. Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs. For paper sections with different line spacing, see the line spacing page.

Paragraph alignment and indentation

Align all paragraphs of text in the body of your paper to the left margin. Leave the right margin ragged. Do not use full justification. Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5-in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. For paper sections with different alignment and indentation, see the paragraph alignment and indentation page.

Page numbers

Put a page number in the top right of every page header , including the title page, starting with page number 1. Use the automatic page-numbering function of your word-processing program to insert the page number in the top right corner; do not type the page numbers manually. The page number is the same font and font size as the text of your paper. Student papers do not require a running head on any page, unless specifically requested by the instructor.

Title page setup

Title page elements.

APA Style has two title page formats: student and professional (for details, see title page setup ). Unless instructed otherwise, students should use the student title page format and include the following elements, in the order listed, on the title page:

• Paper title.
• Name of each author (also known as the byline).
• Affiliation for each author.
• Course number and name.
• Instructor name.
• Assignment due date.
• Page number 1 in the top right corner of the page header.

The format for the byline depends on whether the paper has one author, two authors, or three or more authors.

• When the paper has one author, write the name on its own line (e.g., Jasmine C. Hernandez).
• When the paper has two authors, write the names on the same line and separate them with the word “and” (e.g., Upton J. Wang and Natalia Dominguez).
• When the paper has three or more authors, separate the names with commas and include “and” before the final author’s name (e.g., Malia Mohamed, Jaylen T. Brown, and Nia L. Ball).

Students have an academic affiliation, which identities where they studied when the paper was written. Because students working together on a paper are usually in the same class, they will have one shared affiliation. The affiliation consists of the name of the department and the name of the college or university, separated by a comma (e.g., Department of Psychology, George Mason University). The department is that of the course to which the paper is being submitted, which may be different than the department of the student’s major. Do not include the location unless it is part of the institution’s name.

Write the course number and name and the instructor name as shown on institutional materials (e.g., the syllabus). The course number and name are often separated by a colon (e.g., PST-4510: History and Systems Psychology). Write the assignment due date in the month, date, and year format used in your country (e.g., Sept. 10, 2020).

Title page line spacing

Double-space the whole title page. Place the paper title three or four lines down from the top of the page. Add an extra double-spaced blank like between the paper title and the byline. Then, list the other title page elements on separate lines, without extra lines in between.

Title page alignment

Center all title page elements (except the right-aligned page number in the header).

Title page font

Write the title page using the same font and font size as the rest of your paper. Bold the paper title. Use standard font (i.e., no bold, no italics) for all other title page elements.

Text elements

Repeat the paper title at the top of the first page of text. Begin the paper with an introduction to provide background on the topic, cite related studies, and contextualize the paper. Use descriptive headings to identify other sections as needed (e.g., Method, Results, Discussion for quantitative research papers). Sections and headings vary depending on the paper type and its complexity. Text can include tables and figures, block quotations, headings, and footnotes.

Text line spacing

Double-space all text, including headings and section labels, paragraphs of text, and block quotations.

Text alignment

Center the paper title on the first line of the text. Indent the first line of all paragraphs 0.5-in.

Left-align the text. Leave the right margin ragged.

Block quotation alignment

Indent the whole block quotation 0.5-in. from the left margin. Double-space the block quotation, the same as other body text. Find more information on the quotations page.

Use the same font throughout the entire paper. Write body text in standard (nonbold, nonitalic) font. Bold only headings and section labels. Use italics sparingly, for instance, to highlight a key term on first use (for more information, see the italics page).

Headings format

For detailed guidance on formatting headings, including headings in the introduction of a paper, see the headings page and the headings in sample papers .

• Alignment: Center Level 1 headings. Left-align Level 2 and Level 3 headings. Indent Level 4 and Level 5 headings like a regular paragraph.
• Font: Boldface all headings. Also italicize Level 3 and Level 5 headings. Create heading styles using your word-processing program (built into AcademicWriter, available for Word via the sample papers on the APA Style website).

Tables and figures setup

Tables and figures are only included in student papers if needed for the assignment. Tables and figures share the same elements and layout. See the website for sample tables and sample figures .

Table elements

Tables include the following four elements: 

• Body (rows and columns)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the table)

Figure elements

Figures include the following four elements: 

• Image (chart, graph, etc.)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the figure)

Table line spacing

Double-space the table number and title. Single-, 1.5-, or double-space the table body (adjust as needed for readability). Double-space the table note.

Figure line spacing

Double-space the figure number and title. The default settings for spacing in figure images is usually acceptable (but adjust the spacing as needed for readability). Double-space the figure note.

Table alignment

Left-align the table number and title. Center column headings. Left-align the table itself and left-align the leftmost (stub) column. Center data in the table body if it is short or left-align the data if it is long. Left-align the table note.

Figure alignment

Left-align the figure number and title. Left-align the whole figure image. The default alignment of the program in which you created your figure is usually acceptable for axis titles and data labels. Left-align the figure note.

Bold the table number. Italicize the table title. Use the same font and font size in the table body as the text of your paper. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the table note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Figure font

Bold the figure number. Italicize the figure title. Use a sans serif font (e.g., Calibri, Arial) in the figure image in a size between 8 to 14 points. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the figure note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Placement of tables and figures

There are two options for the placement of tables and figures in an APA Style paper. The first option is to place all tables and figures on separate pages after the reference list. The second option is to embed each table and figure within the text after its first callout. This guide describes options for the placement of tables and figures embedded in the text. If your instructor requires tables and figures to be placed at the end of the paper, see the table and figure guidelines and the sample professional paper .

Call out (mention) the table or figure in the text before embedding it (e.g., write “see Figure 1” or “Table 1 presents”). You can place the table or figure after the callout either at the bottom of the page, at the top of the next page, or by itself on the next page. Avoid placing tables and figures in the middle of the page.

Embedding at the bottom of the page

Include a callout to the table or figure in the text before that table or figure. Add a blank double-spaced line between the text and the table or figure at the bottom of the page.

Embedding at the top of the page

Include a callout to the table in the text on the previous page before that table or figure. The table or figure then appears at the top of the next page. Add a blank double-spaced line between the end of the table or figure and the text that follows.

Embedding on its own page

Embed long tables or large figures on their own page if needed. The text continues on the next page.

Reference list setup

Reference list elements.

The reference list consists of the “References” section label and the alphabetical list of references. View reference examples on the APA Style website. Consult Chapter 10 in both the Concise Guide and Publication Manual for even more examples.

Reference list line spacing

Start the reference list at the top of a new page after the text. Double-space the entire reference list (both within and between entries).

Reference list alignment

Center the “References” label. Apply a hanging indent of 0.5-in. to all reference list entries. Create the hanging indent using your word-processing program; do not manually hit the enter and tab keys.

Reference list font

Bold the “References” label at the top of the first page of references. Use italics within reference list entries on either the title (e.g., webpages, books, reports) or on the source (e.g., journal articles, edited book chapters).

Final checks

Check page order.

• Start each section on a new page.
• Arrange pages in the following order:
• Title page (page 1).
• Text (starts on page 2).
• Reference list (starts on a new page after the text).

Check headings

• Check that headings accurately reflect the content in each section.
• Start each main section with a Level 1 heading.
• Use Level 2 headings for subsections of the introduction.
• Use the same level of heading for sections of equal importance.
• Avoid having only one subsection within a section (have two or more, or none).

Check assignment instructions

• Remember that instructors’ guidelines supersede APA Style.
• Students should check their assignment guidelines or rubric for specific content to include in their papers and to make sure they are meeting assignment requirements.

Tips for better writing

• Ask for feedback on your paper from a classmate, writing center tutor, or instructor.
• Budget time to implement suggestions.
• Use spell-check and grammar-check to identify potential errors, and then manually check those flagged.
• Proofread the paper by reading it slowly and carefully aloud to yourself.
• Consult your university writing center if you need extra help.

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format

What is apa format, apa essay format basics.

• Steps to Follow

Frequently Asked Questions

If your instructor has asked you to write an APA format essay, it might at first seem like a daunting task, especially if you are accustomed to using another style such as MLA or Chicago. But you can master the rules of APA essay format, too.

An essay is one type of paper that can be written in APA format; others include lab reports, experimental reports, and case studies. Before you begin, familiarize yourself with some of the basic guidelines for writing a paper in APA format. Of course, it will also be important to follow any other formatting instructions that are part of your assignment.

How do you write an essay in APA format? The basic elements you need to include are:

• A title page
• An abstract
• An introduction, main body, and conclusion
• A reference section
• Proper APA formatting with regard to margins, layout, spacing, titles, and indentations

This article discusses how to write an essay in APA format, including the basic steps you should follow and tips for how to get started.

Whether you’re taking an introductory or graduate-level psychology class, chances are strong that you will have to write at least one paper during the course of the semester. In almost every case, you will need to write your paper in APA format, the official publication style of the American Psychological Association . It is also used for academic journals.

Such rules are generally the same whether you are writing a high school essay, college essay, or professional essay for publication.

APA format is used in a range of disciplines including psychology , education, and other social sciences. The format dictates presentation elements of your paper including spacing, margins, and how the content is structured.

Most instructors and publication editors have strict guidelines when it comes to how your format your writing. Not only does adhering to APA format allow readers to know what to expect from your paper, but it also means that your work will not lose critical points over minor formatting errors. 

While the formatting requirements for your paper might vary depending on your instructor's directions, writing APA essay format means you will most likely need to include a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference sections.

Your APA format essay should have a title page . This title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school affiliation. In some instances, your teacher might require additional information such as the course title, instructor name, and the date.

• The title of your paper should be concise and clearly describe what your paper is about.
• Your title can extend to two lines, but it should be no longer than 12 words.

An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that immediately follows the title page. It is not required for student papers, according to APA style. However, your instructor may request one.

If you include an abstract , it should be no more than 100 to 200 words, although this may vary depending upon the instructor requirements.

Your essay should also include a reference list with all of the sources that were cited in your essay,

• The reference section is located at the end of your paper.
• References should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the author.
• References should be double-spaced.
• Any source that is cited in your paper should be included in your reference section.

When writing in APA essay format, the text will include the actual essay itself: The introduction, body, and conclusion.

• There should be uniform margins of at least one inch at the top, bottom, left, and right sides of your essay.
• The text should be in Times New Roman size 12 font or another serif typeface that is easily readable.
• Your paper should be double-spaced.
• Every page should include a page number in the top right corner.
• The first word of each paragraph in your paper should be indented one-half inch.

For professional papers (usually not student papers), every page of the essay also includes a running head at the top left. The running head is a shortened form of the title, often the first few words, and should be no more than 50 characters (including spaces).

Steps to a Successful APA Format Essay

In addition to ensuring that you cite your sources properly and present information according to the rules of APA style, there are a number of things you can do to make the writing process a little bit easier.

Choose a Topic

Start by choosing a good topic to write about. Ideally, you want to select a subject that is specific enough to let you fully research and explore the topic, but not so specific that you have a hard time finding sources of information.

If you choose something too specific, you may find yourself with not enough to write about. If you choose something too general, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information.

Research Your Topic

Start doing research as early as possible. Begin by looking at some basic books and articles on your topic to help develop it further. What is the question you are going to answer with your essay? What approach will you take to the topic?

Once you are more familiar with the subject, create a preliminary source list of potential books, articles, essays, and studies that you may end up using in your essay.

Remember, any source used in your essay must be included in your reference section. Conversely, any source listed in your references must be cited somewhere in the body of your paper.

Write Your Rough Draft

With research in hand, you are ready to begin. Some people like to create an outline to organize their argument prior to drafting. You may want to start with a very rough outline, and then add details.

Once you have a detailed outline, the next step is to translate it from notes to complete sentences and paragraphs. Remember, this is a first draft. It doesn't have to be perfect.

As you write your paper in APA essay format, be sure to keep careful track of the sources that you cite.

How do you start an APA paper? Your paper should begin with an introduction that includes a thesis statement that presents your main ideas, points, or arguments. Your introduction should start on the third page of your paper (after the title page and abstract). The title of your paper should be centered, bolded, and typed in title case at the top of the page.

Review and Revise

After you have prepared a rough draft of your essay, it's time to revise, review, and prepare your final draft. In addition to making sure that your writing is cohesive and supported by your sources, you should also check carefully for typos, grammar errors, and possible formatting mistakes.

When citing information or quotations taken from an interview, APA format requires that you cite the source, how the information was collected, and the date of the interview. They should not be included in the reference section, however, because they are not something that can be located by a reader in any published source or searchable database.

Instead, the information should be cited parenthetically in the main body of the text. For example: “There was an increase in the number of college students who screened positive for depression/anxiety” (R. Heathfield, personal communication, May 9, 2021).

If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems , editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

According to APA format, a two-part essay is formatted the same as an essay, however, you'll need to create two title pages.

If you're including a short direct quote in your APA-format essay, you will need to cite the author, year of publication, and page number (p.) or page number span (pp.). Quotations longer than 40 words should omit the quotation marks and be put in the text using block quotation formatting, on its own line and indented 1/2 inch from the left margin.

The cover page or "title page" in APA essay format should always include the title of your paper, your name, and school affiliation as well as the course title, instructor name, and date, if requested by your teacher.

Nagda S.  How to write a scientific abstract.   J Indian Prosthodont Soc.  2013;13(3):382-383. doi:10.1007/s13191-013-0299-x

American Psychological Association.  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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How to Write an APA Style Paper

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Noah Taxis . Noah Taxis is an English Teacher based in San Francisco, California. He has taught as a credentialed teacher for over four years: first at Mountain View High School as a 9th- and 11th-grade English Teacher, then at UISA (Ukiah Independent Study Academy) as a Middle School Independent Study Teacher. He is now a high school English teacher at St. Ignatius College Preparatory School in San Francisco. He received an MA in Secondary Education and Teaching from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Education. He also received an MA in Comparative and World Literature from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a BA in International Literary & Visual Studies and English from Tufts University. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 336,657 times.

APA style can seem intimidating, but it’s mostly a matter of dividing your paper into the right sections and following basic formatting guidelines. Give your paper a strong intro, then follow up with the methods, results, and discussion sections. Include references, an abstract, and any relevant tables or figures, and you’re good to go!

APA Style Paper Outline

Formatting the Title Page and Abstract

• For instance, a title like “Age, Health, and Cities” is too short and vague.
• ”Age-Based Influences on the Perception of Access to Healthcare in Cities” is more informative.
• Center the title on the page.

• Age as an Influence on Perceived Access to Healthcare in Cities
• Rohanda Jenkins
• University of Toledo

• For example, “AGE AND PERCEIVED ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE”

Creating the Main Body

• Your introduction should summarize your topic, it’s relevance to other research, and how you arrived at your hypothesis.
• Keep things interesting. Avoid boring your readers with lists like “Schmidt concluded in 2009 that…. As Donaldson conferred in 2011…. In 2013, Pavlov then argued…”
• Instead, write in terms of ideas: “Scholars such as Schmidt and Donaldson have proven that there is widespread variability in access to healthcare. The role of age in creating this variability has not been adequately considered. Knowledge of health care options among the elderly is an important starting point that Pavlov’s research explores, but a more comprehensive study of age-based influences is needed.”

• Title each subsection (“Participants,” “Materials,” “Procedures”) in bold print, and set the subsection titles all the way to the left. Begin each paragraph on the next line.
• If it is necessary to describe the equipment you used, you can also include an “Apparatus” section instead of or in addition to the “Materials” section.
• The goal of the methods section is to show other researches how to replicate the study, if they wanted to.

• Refer to the APA manual or your specific field for precise information on how to format statistics.
• Make references to any supplementary materials you have in your paper (charts, images, graphs, tables, etc.). For example, you might write something like “As Figure 1 indicates…”

• For example, your discussion might say something “Although this study indicated that teens perceive health care as being less accessible than adults over 35, additional research is needed to explore this topic among 18-35 year olds.”

Applying the Finishing Touches

• List the references alphabetically, according to the first author’s last name.
• Don’t put an extra space between each reference. Regular double spacing is all you need.
• Use hanging indentation for the reference entries.
• Make sure to also include APA style in-text citations if you cite a reference in the body of your essay.

• If you are a student, however, your instructor may ask you to incorporate tables or figures into the body of your paper. Always ask if you aren’t sure.

• Put the word “Abstract” centered in regular type on the line above the paragraph.
• You should write the abstract after you’re finished with the paper, put position it on its own page just after the title page.

Expert Q&A

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about academic writing, check out our in-depth interview with Noah Taxis .

• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa6_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/title-page
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html
• ↑ https://www.canadacollege.edu/htpcommittee/docs/GUIDELINES%20FOR%20RESEARCH%20PAPER%20S14.pdf
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/discussion-phrases-guide.pdf
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_basic_rules.html
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/tables-figures/figures
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/instructional-aids/abstract-keywords-guide.pdf

About This Article

To write an APA-style paper, use a 12-point font size, double spacing, and 1-inch margins all around. You should also include a title page with the title of your paper and your name and institution. Also, include a page header at the top of every page that gives a brief synopsis of your paper's title in under 50 characters. At the end of your paper, make a "References" page that contains all of the sources you used in alphabetical order according to the author's last name. To learn how to write and format the body of an APA-style paper, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• The Complete Guide to APA Format in 2020
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APA Format is the official writing style of the American Psychological Association, and is primarily used in subjects such as psychology, education, and the social sciences.

It specifies how to format academic papers and citations for publication in journals, periodicals, and bulletins.

This guide will show you how to prepare and format a document to be fully compliant with APA Format in 2020.

Before You Start Writing...

There are several steps you must take to prepare a new document for APA style before you start writing your paper:

• Make sure the paper size is 8.5" x 11" (known as 'Letter' in most word processors).
• Set the margin size to 1" on all sides (2.54cm).
• Change the line spacing to double-spaced .
• Add page numbers to the top-right corner of every page.
• Add a running head to the top-left corner of every page.

We have a pre-made APA style template document you can download to be sure you are ready to start writing. You can download it below:

When your document is ready, proceed to writing the title page .

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APA Style Guide - 7th: What is APA?

• How do I write my paper in APA style?
• How should I start?
• How do I cite?
• In-Text Citation Examples
• Journal Article
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This guide is designed to help you understand the APA style rules. To jump directly to citation examples, click "Reference Page Citation Examples" on the left.

All materials posted in this online guide are for APA 7th , the most recent edition. To see the guide for the previous version, APA 6th, click on the link below.

If you are unsure about which edition you should use, please check with your professor.

APA 7th edition:

• APA 7th Style Quick Guide Shortened, printable PDF guide for APA 7th ed.

Previous, APA 6th edition:

• APA 6th Style Guide Full electronic version of the APA 6th style guide
• APA 6th Style Quick Guide Shortened, printable PDF guide for APA 6th ed.

What is APA? What does APA style mean?

The guide is a joint effort by CSN Library Services and the CSN Writing Center.

The guide is a joint effort by CSN Libraries and the CSN Writing Center.

Last updated July 2020

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format: A Comprehensive Guide with Examples

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Writing an essay in APA format can initially seem challenging, but with the right guidance, it becomes a straightforward process. The APA (American Psychological Association) style is commonly used for citing sources within the social sciences. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay in APA format, complete with examples.

Understanding APA Format

Before diving into writing, it’s crucial to understand what the APA style entails. The APA style includes guidelines for various aspects of academic writing , such as the title page, abstract, main body, and references. These guidelines ensure clarity, consistency, and credibility in scholarly writing.

General Guidelines for APA Format

Font and spacing.

When preparing your essay, use a standard, easily readable font such as 12pt Times New Roman. Double-space all text, including the references, to enhance readability and provide space for comments or corrections. Additionally, include a page header, known as the “running head,” at the top of every page. This header should consist of a shortened version of your essay title, followed by the page number.

Margins and Alignment

Set 1-inch margins on all sides of your document. Align the text to the left-hand side, leaving the right-hand side ragged to maintain a clean, professional appearance. Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches to signal the start of a new paragraph.

The title page of your essay is the first impression your reader will have, so it’s important to get it right. It should include the essay title, your name, and your institutional affiliation, all centred on the page. 

Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance

University of Education

The abstract is a concise summary of your essay, usually no longer than 250 words. It provides a brief overview of the main points and findings of your essay, allowing readers to quickly understand the content and purpose of your work. Place the abstract on a separate page following the title page.

This study explores the impact of social media on students’ academic performance. Through a survey of 200 students, it was found that excessive use of social media has a negative effect on grades. The implications of these findings suggest a need for increased awareness and educational interventions.

The main body of your essay should be well-structured and organised, consisting of the following sections:

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your essay. Begin by introducing the topic, providing necessary background information, and stating your thesis or main argument. The thesis should be clear and concise, outlining the purpose and direction of your essay.

Introduction: The rapid growth of social media has sparked interest in understanding its effects on various aspects of life, including education. This essay examines how social media influences students’ academic performance. 

The method section describes the research methods or approaches you used in your study. Provide detailed information on how you collected and analysed your data, allowing others to replicate your study if desired.

A quantitative survey was conducted among 200 university students to gather data on their social media usage and academic performance. Participants were asked to report the average time spent on social media platforms and their grades.

In the results section, present the findings of your research. Use tables, graphs, or charts where appropriate to illustrate your data clearly. Ensure that you explain the significance of your findings in relation to your research question.

The discussion section interprets the results, discussing their implications and how they relate to your original thesis. Consider any limitations of your study and suggest areas for future research.

The findings suggest that while social media can offer educational benefits, its excessive use can hinder academic performance. Educational institutions should consider integrating social media literacy into their curriculum to help students manage their online time effectively. Future research could explore the impact of specific social media platforms on academic outcomes.

In-Text Citations and References

APA in-text citations guide readers to the full reference entry at the end of your essay. They must be included within the text when you quote or paraphrase someone else’s ideas or words to prevent plagiarism. APA style uses the so-called author-date system as per the example below.

The reference page is a crucial component of your essay, listing all sources cited in your work. Ensure each reference follows APA style, using a hanging indent for each entry. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also allows readers to locate the sources you used.

(Ross, 2022, p. 123)

Ross, J. A. (2022). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Research , 45 (3), 123-134.

Tips for Writing an Essay in APA Format

Writing an essay in APA format requires careful attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you master an essay in APA format (and other popular style guides ):

• Use Headings and Subheadings : Headings and subheadings help organise your essay and make it easier for readers to follow your argument. Follow APA guidelines for heading levels to maintain consistency.
• Cite Sources Properly : Proper citation is crucial in academic writing. Always give credit to the original authors of the sources you use. In-text citations should include the author’s last name and the year of publication, while the reference list should provide full publication details.
• Proofread and Edit : Before submitting your essay, thoroughly proofread and edit it to ensure it is free from grammatical errors and follows APA format strictly. Consider using writing tools or seeking feedback from peers to improve the quality of your essay.

You can effectively write an essay in APA format that meets academic standards by following these guidelines. The key is to stay organised, pay attention to detail, and adhere to the specific rules of APA style. With practice, writing in APA format will become second nature, helping you produce polished and professional academic papers.

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What is “Referencing Style” and Why You Need It?

Good academic writing involves proper formatting and citing of the works and thoughts of other reputable authors and researchers. In order to do that, a specific style of referencing is assigned that should be followed consistently throughout the whole academic paper. This style then defines the format for other components of the text. Every student knows that proper academic referencing is the key to obtaining a high grade for a paper or an essay.

APA style format was developed by the American Psychological Association and it is one of the academic referencing styles — along with MLA, Vancouver, and Chicago/Turabian styles. It is also known as the “author-date” system, meaning that the APA format guide requires a brief reference to the author and the date of publication to be included in the main body of the text, and also the full reference list at the end.

This article from our admission essay writing services team contains a wide array of information and tips that answer the question “What is APA format?”. However, as a student, you should always follow the requirements provided by the school/professor and not hesitate to ask for specific citing instructions before starting to write your essay.

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Everything You Need to Know About APA Format

First of all, APA writing format is not something that has been set in stone for ages – it is a current referencing style that is being constantly updated by the American Psychological Association. The most recent requirements can be found in the 6th edition of the APA's Publication Manual.

The requirement of what referencing style to use is often attributed by a specific discipline. APA paper format is commonly used for subjects such as Psychology, Social Sciences, Education, Economics, and Business studies.

Another question every student keeps asking while struggling to come to terms with his or her APA format essay is: why do people use referencing styles at all? There are at least three reasons why your professors require you to use the APA referencing guide:

1. To make your work more presentable. Can you sense how all the articles you read for class have a professional and serious tone when they cite all their references and give credit to ideas published by previous authors? That’s exactly the kind of professionalism your essay will acquire when you engage with literature and use a defined referencing style.

2. To speak the same language as your reader. APA citation format allows you to save your word count and communicate what sources you used for the essay by using special formats for journals, books, or online articles.

3. To avoid being penalized for plagiarism. When a student cites an author or uses ideas that were developed by another scholar, he or she must give credit to that person. Otherwise, those essay parts will be marked as plagiarism and the grade will be substantially reduced. Some school penalties for plagiarism go as far as reducing the grade by 50%, or even failing you from the course — thus, giving you no credit. If you are struggling with the uniqueness of the article, you can buy essay writing at our APA paper writing service .

As you can see, avoiding plagiarism penalties and supporting essay arguments with references to credible sources are the key benefits a student will get once he or she learns how to write a paper in APA format.

General APA Format Rules: From Formatting to Making Proper References

The basics of APA formatting include giving the paper a proper look so that your professor is impressed at first sight. After reading hundreds of papers throughout their careers, professors can recognize it when the APA format is not followed properly. That’s why it is of crucial importance to make sure you follow the requirements for line spacing, page margins, font sizes, and APA format headings.

First of all, the text should be typed double-spaced with sufficient margins on each side of the page (at least 1 inch or more). Wide margins are important for professors to make notes and leave feedback while reading the paper. The preferred font is Times New Roman in size 12.

The APA outline format, or, in other words, the structure of any academic paper, should include these main parts:

• The cover page or title page
• Abstract, introduction, or outline
• Main body, analysis, or main arguments
• Conclusions, recommendations, or discussions
• Reference list

The topics and individual university requirements will affect what sections should be present in the essay or paper. The sections will also be affected by the arguments that a student wants to make in the essay and how these are developed in the main body of the text. But, not a single APA format essay can be written without these five crucial components. We will now examine the requirements for each of these parts in more detail.

Discover how to CITE IN APA

Cover Page for an APA Style Essay

The cover page is the “face” of an essay or a paper and it is the first thing that the examiner or reader will see. It has to be impeccable. Some universities or colleges will have their own sample title page (or cover page) that should be added to each essay submission. Make sure to clarify this with your department before submitting your essay.

Normally, an APA format cover page is expected to include a running head, title of the essay or paper, name of the person who submitted the work, institution to which the work was submitted, and a page number.

What is the Running Head and Where Should It Be Included in an APA Style Essay?

Very often, colleges or universities require each page to have a running head (or page header) which includes certain information. The running head contains the title of the paper, and is also supposed to be present on the title page — a mistake many beginner students make all too often is omitting it.

Just like with everything in academic writing, knowing how to make the text shorter is a golden talent. The same applies to the APA format running head: it should not exceed 50 characters (including spaces). That’s why authors (e.g. persuasive essay writer ) often take their time to come up with shortened versions of their titles specifically for their page headers.

Different Levels of APA Headings and Subheadings

The APA heading format requires a clear division of the text into logical parts that are separated among each other with headings. Normally, there are 5 format types for headings, whereas the author uses the same heading styles to paragraphs with equal importance.

The subheadings help the writer to logically divide one section into subsections. For example, in a section about the possible consequences of performance-based management, subsections can present the benefits and costs of such an approach.

Tips for Using Heading Levels When Writing an APA Essay

Heading levels are the navigation signs that help guide the reader through the text. They denote when an important chapter begins and when an additional idea is added to the same argument that was announced in the previous heading. The general rule is that there are no requirements to use all five styles of headings. The author should only use headings for the sections present in his or her text. Here is how the different levels of headings and their formats look like.

Some Examples for APA Headings

Assuming this article is an academic text for the principles of APA usage in colleges and universities, here is what APA format headings would look like in this context.

Preparing a Proper APA Outline

The outline is a short structure of the text that serves two purposes:

• Preparatory purpose. Writing an outline helps the writer organize his or her thoughts and estimate the workload/research needed to complete the text.
• Explanatory purpose. Having an outline helps the reader get a better idea of what to expect from the text, and what parts and concepts are covered by the author.

Writing outlines is a life-saving skill for beginner writers – they help keep thoughts organized and guide the mind through a defined roadmap, decreasing the chance of becoming lost in one’s thoughts or endless research. So, if we were to prepare an outline for this article, it would look like this.

• What is APA: who developed it, who uses it and why?
• General rules for using APA format:
• Cover/title page
• Main components of a good APA paper:
• Introduction and conclusions
• Some examples and practical tips on APA style usage

After developing the outline, it becomes clear what the author has to cover in the readings, or preparatory materials, for writing the article. Once the text is ready, the outline then serves as a guide for the reader to show which sections the text will cover.

What Is a Good Abstract in APA format?

The abstract is a very condensed and informative paragraph that contains the main information the reader should know about the text before even reading it. Writing abstracts is an art on its own. In a short abstract that is just 200 words (or more if the text is longer — usually it's about 10% of the essay word count), a writer should clearly state the main idea of the text, its objectives, research question, methods, and key conclusions.

In terms of formatting, the abstract is formatted as a separate part of the text that stands out both contextually and visually from the rest of the main text. Usually, it is written in plain text, with no formatting and a simple "Abstract" title on the top. In the end, many scholars like to put a couple of keywords that identify the essence of the paper’s content.

Writing the Main Section of the Text in APA Format

The main section is the juice of the article. It contains all the thoughts, ideas, and arguments of the writer. It follows right after the abstract page, and has a running head on top with a shortened title written in capital letters. Each page should be numbered, with the abstract page being page 2 (the title page is counted as page 1, but the number doesn’t appear there).

The main body is broken down into a couple of sections. The main ones are the introduction, methods, arguments/discussions, and conclusions. Depending on the department or subject requirements, the arguments also have specific sections – always remember to check with the professor about what should be covered in the main body of the text. For example, for a policy report, the arguments should include a framework review, an analysis of the organization or policy challenges, and recommendations based on the academic literature.

Each section (methods, conclusions, and discussions) should begin with a new paragraph and have a title. It can be something as simple as “Methodology”, or something more elaborative like “Results of Analysis How Sanitation Affects Literacy”. Discussions or arguments should be the largest part of the text, that is why the main body is often divided into subsections – to present and elaborate on results in a structured manner.

Depending on the area and specific requirements put forth by the course, here are two APA main body examples in terms of what sections they should cover.

APA main body example 1: quantitative discipline/research results

‍ Introduction: higher contraceptive prevalence is known to reduce HIV Methods: regression analysis of HIV and contraception prevalence in lower middle-income countries Results: statistically significant negative effect of contraception on HIV Discussion: Why contraception lowers HIV; In what conditions it works better/worse; Case study Conclusion: use of contraception can reduce HIV in countries where current contraceptive prevalence is lower than 20%

APA main body example 2: political science policy report

‍ ‍ Introduction: high alcohol consumption is a threat to public health Framework for analysis: a review of different country policies to lower alcohol consumption Application of framework: Which policy can work best for country X and why; Context of country X; Benefits of using approaches A, B, C; Costs of using approaches A, B, C Recommendations: given country’s X political situation and national economic status, it can employ approach A to reduce alcohol consumption Conclusion: country X should consider doing A and expect the following results within 5 years

You might also be interested in reading Beowulf summary essay .

Examples of Essays in APA Style

Below are real examples of some essays formatted according to APA style requirements that can serve as a good basis for you to start writing your own essay. These samples were written by our service according to the specific requirements provided by their corresponding professors or universities and can differ in some ways from what is required from you. So, don’t forget to check with the department or course convener for specific details for the paper that you are expected to produce.

Read also our process analysis essay outline . It can broaden your understanding in writing the essay. This article outlines all the key principles of APA style for academic writing. However, writing is a practical skill that doesn’t improve solely by reading about it – it only improves with practice. If you don’t feel like a pro in essay writing yet and the deadline is fast approaching, have no worries. Our essay service will make sure that the results meet all the stylistic requirements.

Guide on How to Write in APA Format

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to write in APA format, along with a table of useful tips:

Paper Formatting

• Use standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11").
• Set 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Use a clear font like Times New Roman, size 12.
• Include a running head (a shortened version of your title) and a flush page number in the header.
• Center-align the full title of your paper, your name, and your institution.
• Begin on a new page after the title page.
• Summarize the main points of your paper in 150-250 words.
• Use a single paragraph without indentation.
• Start on a new page after the abstract.
• Organize your paper into sections like Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion (IMRAD).
• Use clear and concise language, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
• Use parenthetical in-text citations for paraphrased or quoted material (Author, Year).
• Include a References page listing all sources cited in your paper.
• Follow the APA reference format for different sources (books, journals, websites, etc.).

Tables and Figures

• Include tables and figures to illustrate your findings, if necessary.
• Number tables and figures consecutively and provide clear titles.
• Include a brief description or caption below each table or figure.

Language and Style

• Write in a formal and objective tone.
• Use active voice and a third-person point of view.
• Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

Proofreading

• Proofread your paper carefully to ensure accuracy and coherence.
• Verify that all citations and references are correctly formatted.

Useful Tips for Writing in APA Format

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Apr 18, 2023

How to Write an Essay in APA Format (With Examples)

Unlock Your Writing Potential: Mastering APA Format for Academic Essays. Tips and Examples for Writing an Essay in APA Format!

Welcome to our guide on how to write an essay in APA format, where we'll explore the ins and outs of APA style and provide some examples to guide you along the way. You're in the right place if you're new to APA style or just looking for a refresher!

But before diving into the blog post, let's look at the APA style. APA is a widely used citation style often used in social sciences. It has specific guidelines for formatting, citing sources, and referencing, which can overwhelm some students. That's why we've created this guide to help you understand the basics of APA style and how to apply it to your essay.

In this guide, we'll focus on different types of essays in APA format, including narrative essays, argumentative essays, and research papers. We'll provide you with APA style essay examples, APA format essay examples, APA essay examples, and APA style essay examples to show you how to apply APA style to different types of essays.

At Jenni.ai, writing an essay in APA format is easy. Jenni's AI essay writing tool can help you quickly and confidently write your essay in APA format. So, let's begin your journey to becoming an APA-style pro!

How to Use APA Style Formatting in Your Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to use APA style formatting in your essay. Writing an essay in APA format can be challenging for students, especially if they're new to the style. APA ( American Psychological Association ) style is widely used in social sciences and has specific guidelines for formatting, citing sources, and referencing. Getting these elements right ensures your essay is well-received and reflects your academic capabilities.

In this article, we'll provide a step-by-step guide on using APA style formatting in your essay. We'll cover everything from page layout and font size to in-text citations and reference lists. Whether you're a student working on an essay or a researcher publishing a paper, our guide will help you apply APA style formatting correctly.

By the end of this article, you'll have a solid understanding of how to use APA style formatting in your essay, from page layouts to reference lists. So, let's get started with our step-by-step guide!

Setting Up Your Document in APA Style: Margins, Font, and Spacing

Setting up your document in APA style is an essential step in writing an essay that adheres to the formatting guidelines set out by the American Psychological Association. Proper margins, font, and spacing ensure that your essay looks professional and make it easier to read and understand. This section will walk you through setting up your document according to APA style guidelines.

Margins: 

The margins of your document should be set at 1 inch on all sides. This provides a clear and consistent visual structure for your essay and makes it easier to read and understand.

Font: 

APA style requires that your essay be written in a 12-point font, such as Times New Roman. This font size is easy to read and provides a consistent look and feel throughout your document.

Spacing: 

APA style requires that your essay be double-spaced throughout. This means that there should be one blank line between each line of text. Double-spacing makes your essay easier to read and understand and provides plenty of room for your instructor or professor to make comments and suggestions.

Headers and Running Heads: 

Besides margins, font, and spacing, APA style also mandates the use of headers and running heads to improve the organization and navigation of your essay. Headings are used to indicate the main sections and subsections of your essay, and they include the title of your essay and the page number. On the other hand, running heads are placed at the top of each page and indicate the title of your essay. In the following section, we will share some tips on creating headers and running heads that conform to APA style guidelines.

Creating Headers: 

To create a header in APA style, you should use the "Insert" tab in your word processing software. Select "Header," then choose "Blank." Type your title in all capital letters, and then insert the page number using the "Page Number" feature.

Headers and Running Heads: How to Make Your Essay Look Professional

Headers and running heads are essential parts of an essay written in APA style. They not only help to make your essay look professional, but they also make it easier for readers to navigate through your work. In this section, we'll provide tips on creating headers and running heads that adhere to APA style guidelines.

Headers: 

Headers are used to indicate the title of your essay, as well as the page number. To create a header in APA style, you should use the "Insert" tab in your word processing software. Select "Header," then choose "Blank." Type your title in all capital letters, and then insert the page number using the "Page Number" feature.

Running Heads: 

Running heads are used on each page of your essay to indicate the title of your essay. To create a running head in APA style, type the title of your essay in all capital letters, followed by a colon and a shortened version of your title. The running head should be placed in the top left-hand corner of each page and no more than 50 characters long.

In-Text Citations: Guidelines for Citing Sources within Your Essay

In-text citations are an essential component of any essay written in APA style. They allow the reader to verify the information presented and give credit to the original author. In this section, we will provide you with guidelines for citing sources within your essay.

APA Style In-Text Citation Format: 

The APA style uses the author-date citation format. This means you should include the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses immediately after the quoted or paraphrased text. If you cite a source with multiple authors, list all of them in the citation, up to five authors, and for sources with more than six authors, use "et al." after the first author's name.

Citing a Direct Quote: 

When you include a direct quote in your essay, you should enclose the text in quotation marks and include the page where the quote can be found. The citation should appear before the period at the end of the sentence.

Citing a Paraphrase: 

When you include a paraphrase in your essay, you should also include the author's last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the paraphrase. The citation should appear before the period at the end of the sentence.

Different Types of Sources: Books, Journal Articles, and Online Sources

When writing an essay in APA style, it is essential to understand the different types of sources you may use. This section will discuss the three most common sources: books, journal articles, and online sources.

Books: 

When citing a book in APA style, include the author's name, year of publication, book title, and publisher. If you cite a chapter or section from a book, include the chapter or section title, the editor's name, and the page numbers.

Journal Articles: 

When citing a journal article in APA style, include the author's name, year of publication, article title, journal title, volume number, issue number, and page numbers. If you accessed the article online, include the DOI (digital object identifier) if available.

Online Sources: 

When citing an online source in APA style, include the author's name (if available), year of publication (if available), the title of the web page or article, website name, URL, and the date you accessed the source. If you cite an online journal article, follow the same format as a print journal article but include the DOI if available.

Reference Lists: How to Create a Properly Formatted List of Sources

In APA style, a reference list is a list of sources you cited or paraphrased in your essay. This section will discuss creating a properly formatted reference list in APA style.

Formatting: 

The reference list should be double-spaced and have a hanging indent. This means that the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented. Double space should separate each citation.

Ordering: 

The references should be listed in alphabetical order by the author's last name. If the source does not have an author, alphabetize it by the first word in the title.

In conclusion, writing an essay in APA style requires attention to detail and adherence to strict guidelines. From formatting your document to citing your sources, there are many rules to follow. However, with the help of this guide, you should now have a better understanding of how to use the APA style in your writing.

Writing an Argumentative Essay in APA Style: Tips and Tricks

Argumentative essays are a common type of academic writing that require students to present an argument or claim on a particular topic and support it with evidence and reasoning. Writing an argumentative essay in APA style can be challenging, but it's an essential skill for students to master.

APA style is a set of guidelines the American Psychological Association established for formatting academic papers, particularly in the social sciences. It provides specific rules for citing sources, formatting documents, and organizing ideas.

This article will provide tips and tricks for writing an argumentative essay in APA style. We'll cover everything from choosing a topic to structuring your essay and citing sources properly. Whether a beginner or an experienced writer, this guide will help you master the art of argumentative essay writing in APA style.

Choosing a Topic and Developing a Thesis Statement:

Choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement are critical steps in the process of writing an argumentative essay in APA style. The topic you choose should be one that you are passionate about, has plenty of evidence to support your argument, and aligns with APA style guidelines. Here are some tips to help you choose a topic and develop a thesis statement for your argumentative essay:

Brainstorming and Research: 

Start by brainstorming a list of potential topics that interest you and align with APA style guidelines. Research each topic to determine which ones have sufficient evidence to support your argument.

Narrowing Your Focus: 

Once you've identified potential topics, narrow your focus to a specific aspect of the topic. This will help you develop a more focused thesis statement and provide a more straightforward path for creating your argument.

Aligning with APA Style: 

Consider APA style guidelines when choosing a topic and developing a thesis statement. Topics should be relevant to the social sciences, and thesis statements should be written in clear, concise language and avoid using first-person pronouns.

Organizing Your Essay:

Once you have your thesis statement and your arguments planned out, the next step is to organize your essay clearly and logically. This will help your reader follow your argument and stay engaged with your writing. Here are some tips for organizing your argumentative essay in APA style:

Create an outline: 

Before you start writing your essay, create an outline that includes your thesis statement and the main arguments that support it. This will help you stay focused and on track as you write.

Use clear headings: 

In APA style, headings break up long text sections and help the reader navigate your essay. Use clear, descriptive titles that summarize the main point of each section.

Use transitional phrases: 

To help your reader follow your argument, use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and show how they relate. Examples of transitional phrases include "in addition," "however," "therefore," and "on the other hand."

Follow the introduction-body-conclusion structure: 

Your essay should have an introduction that presents your thesis statement, a body that presents your arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis.

Supporting Your Argument with Evidence:

In an argumentative essay, the main objective is to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. To accomplish this, supporting your argument with credible evidence is essential. Here are some tips for keeping your argument with evidence in an APA-style argumentative essay.

Use reliable sources: 

When supporting your argument with evidence, it's important to use credible sources that provide accurate information. Examples of reliable sources include peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, and government publications.

Incorporate statistics and data:

Incorporating statistics and data in your argumentative essay can strengthen your argument. When using statistics, it's essential to ensure they come from reputable sources and are relevant to your argument.

Use direct quotes and paraphrasing: 

When using evidence to support your argument, it's essential to use both direct quotes and paraphrasing. Direct quotes can be used to support a specific point, while paraphrasing can be used to summarize information and keep your argument.

Avoiding Common Mistakes in APA Style:

When writing an argumentative essay in APA style, it is essential to follow the guidelines to ensure a polished and professional final product. However, even when following the guidelines, mistakes can still be made. This article will discuss common mistakes to avoid when writing an argumentative essay in APA style.

Incorrect In-text Citations: 

One common mistake is not properly citing sources within the essay's text. It is essential to include the author's name and the year of publication when citing sources within the text.

In conclusion, writing an argumentative essay in APA style requires careful planning, research, and attention to detail. Choosing a clear and relevant topic, developing a solid thesis statement, organizing your ideas, using reliable evidence to support your argument, and crafting effective introductions and conclusions are all essential components of a successful essay. 

The Importance of Proper APA Citations in Academic Writing"

In academic writing, proper citation is essential to credit the sources used to develop an argument or support an idea. It is also necessary to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the existing literature on a particular subject and to show that a wide range has informed one's research of sources. 

This article will explore the importance of proper APA citations in academic writing. We will discuss why it is crucial to cite sources accurately and how to do so by APA guidelines. 

Understanding APA Style and Citations

APA style is the most commonly used format for academic writing, particularly in psychology, education, and social sciences. It is essential to understand and apply the APA style guidelines correctly to ensure that your academic work is professional, consistent and meets the high standards of academic writing. One of the most crucial components of the APA style is citation.

The Importance of Accurate Citations in Academic Writing

Academic writing is an essential aspect of education, and one of the key elements of academic writing is accurate citations. Citations are used to credit the sources of information used in an academic paper and allow readers to locate and verify the information. 

One of the primary reasons for accurate citations is to credit the original authors of the information. Give them proper credit when using someone else's ideas or research in your paper. This acknowledges their work and demonstrates that you have conducted thorough research and are knowledgeable about the topic. 

In addition to giving credit to the original authors, accurate citations also help to strengthen the credibility of your work. 

Common Types of Sources and How to Cite Them in APA Style

When writing academic papers, it is essential to properly cite all sources used in research to give credit to the authors and to avoid plagiarism. The APA style has specific guidelines for citing different sources, including books, journal articles, and online sources. This article will provide an overview of the most common types of sources and how to cite them in APA style.

Avoiding Plagiarism: The Consequences of Inaccurate Citations

Plagiarism is a serious issue in academic writing that can result in severe consequences. Inaccurate citations can lead to plagiarism accusations, damaging a student's academic and professional reputation. It is crucial for students to understand the importance of accurate sources and to know how to avoid plagiarism.

The first step in avoiding plagiarism is to understand what it is. Plagiarism is using someone else's words, ideas, or work without proper attribution. This can include copying and pasting text from a source without citation, paraphrasing without giving credit, or submitting someone else's work as your own.

One of the best ways to avoid plagiarism is to ensure that all sources are correctly cited using APA style. The APA citation style provides a clear and consistent format for citing sources, including books, journal articles, websites, and other sources.

In conclusion, accurate and proper citations are essential in academic writing. It helps the writer avoid plagiarism and provides credibility and validity to their research. APA citation style is widely used in social sciences, and understanding the rules and guidelines is necessary for students and researchers. By understanding the different types of sources and how to cite them properly, writers can ensure their work is trustworthy and reliable. Furthermore, avoiding plagiarism is crucial, and knowing the consequences of inaccurate citations can help writers stay on the right track. By following APA style guidelines and accurately citing sources, writers can demonstrate their knowledge, credibility, and professionalism in academic writing.

Final Words:

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

In-Text Citations: The Basics

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Reference citations in text are covered on pages 261-268 of the Publication Manual. What follows are some general guidelines for referring to the works of others in your essay.

Note:  On pages 117-118, the Publication Manual suggests that authors of research papers should use the past tense or present perfect tense for signal phrases that occur in the literature review and procedure descriptions (for example, Jones (1998)  found  or Jones (1998)  has found ...). Contexts other than traditionally-structured research writing may permit the simple present tense (for example, Jones (1998)  finds ).

APA Citation Basics

When using APA format, follow the author-date method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the year of publication for the source should appear in the text, like, for example, (Jones, 1998). One complete reference for each source should appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

If you are referring to an idea from another work but  NOT  directly quoting the material, or making reference to an entire book, article or other work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication and not the page number in your in-text reference.

On the other hand, if you are directly quoting or borrowing from another work, you should include the page number at the end of the parenthetical citation. Use the abbreviation “p.” (for one page) or “pp.” (for multiple pages) before listing the page number(s). Use an en dash for page ranges. For example, you might write (Jones, 1998, p. 199) or (Jones, 1998, pp. 199–201). This information is reiterated below.

Regardless of how they are referenced, all sources that are cited in the text must appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

In-text citation capitalization, quotes, and italics/underlining

• Always capitalize proper nouns, including author names and initials: D. Jones.
• If you refer to the title of a source within your paper, capitalize all words that are four letters long or greater within the title of a source:  Permanence and Change . Exceptions apply to short words that are verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs:  Writing New Media ,  There Is Nothing Left to Lose .

( Note:  in your References list, only the first word of a title will be capitalized:  Writing new media .)

• When capitalizing titles, capitalize both words in a hyphenated compound word:  Natural-Born Cyborgs .
• Capitalize the first word after a dash or colon: "Defining Film Rhetoric: The Case of Hitchcock's  Vertigo ."
• If the title of the work is italicized in your reference list, italicize it and use title case capitalization in the text:  The Closing of the American Mind ;  The Wizard of Oz ;  Friends .
• If the title of the work is not italicized in your reference list, use double quotation marks and title case capitalization (even though the reference list uses sentence case): "Multimedia Narration: Constructing Possible Worlds;" "The One Where Chandler Can't Cry."

Short quotations

If you are directly quoting from a work, you will need to include the author, year of publication, and page number for the reference (preceded by "p." for a single page and “pp.” for a span of multiple pages, with the page numbers separated by an en dash).

You can introduce the quotation with a signal phrase that includes the author's last name followed by the date of publication in parentheses.

If you do not include the author’s name in the text of the sentence, place the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the quotation.

Long quotations

Place direct quotations that are 40 words or longer in a free-standing block of typewritten lines and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin, i.e., in the same place you would begin a new paragraph. Type the entire quotation on the new margin, and indent the first line of any subsequent paragraph within the quotation 1/2 inch from the new margin. Maintain double-spacing throughout, but do not add an extra blank line before or after it. The parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark.

Because block quotation formatting is difficult for us to replicate in the OWL's content management system, we have simply provided a screenshot of a generic example below.

Formatting example for block quotations in APA 7 style.

Quotations from sources without pages

Direct quotations from sources that do not contain pages should not reference a page number. Instead, you may reference another logical identifying element: a paragraph, a chapter number, a section number, a table number, or something else. Older works (like religious texts) can also incorporate special location identifiers like verse numbers. In short: pick a substitute for page numbers that makes sense for your source.

Summary or paraphrase

If you are paraphrasing an idea from another work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication in your in-text reference and may omit the page numbers. APA guidelines, however, do encourage including a page range for a summary or paraphrase when it will help the reader find the information in a longer work. 

How to Write an Introduction & Conclusion for an APA Style Paper

How to Write a Dissertation Summary

Determining what kind of writing style to use may be confusing with acronyms like MLA, AP and APA. Which one should you use? If you are writing a paper in the social sciences, the writing style developed by the American Psychological Association (APA) is the most accepted option. APA style puts an strong emphasis on being concise and clear and discourages overly-poetic language and metaphor. It is intended to give professional colleagues a common format within which to communicate ideas and findings. Writing an engaging introduction and an elegant conclusion are important parts of the process.

Format Your Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph of the main body of your paper. If your instructor requires you to write an abstract, your paper will begin on the page after the abstract; otherwise, begin on the page following the title page. Use a serif typeface, such as Times New Roman, and set your word processing program to double space the lines. Center your title on the page; don't use boldface type or underlining with the title. On the next line, indent an inch using the tab key and begin your introduction paragraph.

Begin Your Introduction

A good introduction makes an intriguing assertion that your paper will then address. Introduce your topic briefly. For example, you could write an opening introduction that reads like this:

Psychologists have recently found previously-undiscovered effects of classical music on the brain of a child under three. Less attention has been paid to the direct connections to language development.

Referencing Study Results

When referencing a study's results in your writing, give a quick summary of relevant background in APA style formatting. Some examples relating to the classical music effect on children introduction might be:

"Smith (1978) studied toddlers raised backstage at rock concerts and concluded that their language development was accelerated six months beyond that of his control group. "

"Jones (1997) studied toddlers in households where music was not allowed and found that their language development was significantly delayed. This suggests a positive correlation between exposure to music and early language learning."

Your Thesis Statement

In one or two sentences of your introduction, state your thesis: "Comparing the studies of Smith and Jones results in an attempt to isolate the connection between music and language development in the early years and suggests related questions in need of further study." Your thesis encapsulates your entire paper into a single sentence; the ideas you summarize in the earlier part of your introduction should flow logically to this statement of the purpose of your work.

Your Conclusion

The conclusion of an APA paper is the final paragraph where you restate your thesis and tie together supporting ideas you have referenced, spelled out and argued for in earlier paragraphs. Don't just restate the information. Instead put it into logical order in the body of your paper like a series of steps the reader can climb, illustrating the connections between each piece that reinforce your thesis. End with a suggestion to your reader that encourages further study or action.

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Does APA Style Recommend Using the Present Tense?

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: APA Sample Paper
• University of North Alabama: Center for Writing Excellence -- Introduction to APA Style
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Conclusions

Anne Pyburn Craig has written for a range of regional and local publications ranging from in-depth local investigative journalism to parenting, business, real estate and green building publications. She frequently writes tourism and lifestyle articles for chamber of commerce publications and is a respected book reviewer.

Generate accurate APA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 6th edition
• APA format for academic papers (6th edition)

APA Format (6th ed.) for Academic Papers and Essays [Template]

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on September 4, 2023.

In addition to guidelines for APA citations , there are format guidelines for academic papers and essays. They’re widely used by professionals, researchers and students.

Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr

The most important APA format guidelines in the 6th edition are:

• Use 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Apply double line spacing
• Insert a running head on every page
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch

Table of contents

Apa format template, running head, reference page, in-text citations and references, setting up the apa format.

Instead of applying the APA guidelines to your document you can simply download the APA format template for Word.

Download APA Format Template (.docx)

Scribbr Citation Checker New

The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

• Missing commas and periods
• Incorrect usage of “et al.”
• Ampersands (&) in narrative citations
• Missing reference entries

In the header of each page you include the paper title and page number. If your paper title is longer than 50 characters you should use a shortened version as running head. The page number should be positioned in the top right-hand corner. On the title page the APA running head is preceded by the words “Running head:”.

Throughout your paper you use different heading levels. The levels ranging from one to five help structure the document. Major headings, or heading 1, are used for the titles of chapters such as “Methods” or “Results”. Heading levels two to five are used for subheadings. Each heading level is formatted differently. These are the APA heading guidelines :

Title case capitalization : Capitalize the first, last, and principal words. Sentence case capitalization : Capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns.

Note that you are not required to include a table of contents in APA style , but if you do choose to include one, all headings should be formatted as plain text, with an additional indent for each level.

The APA title page , also called cover page, is the first page of your paper. The regular formatting guidelines regarding font and margins apply. In addition, an APA formatted title page contains:

• Running head including page number
• Full paper title (in title case)
• Author name(s), without titles and degrees
• Institutional affiliation

Note: APA style has specific guidelines for including more than one author or institutional affiliation on the title page .

An APA abstract is a one paragraph (± 250 words) summary of your paper. It introduces the objective or problem statement of the paper and includes information on the method, research results, and conclusions of your research. In a separate article we explain in-depth how to write an abstract .

Although most regular APA formatting guidelines apply, the abstract page also has specific requirements. The abstract starts with a centered heading “Abstract”. In contrast to regular APA headings, no styling is applied. The first line of the paragraph is, unlike regular paragraphs, not indented.

At the end of the abstract, keywords relevant to the research are included. These keywords improve the findability of your paper in databases. Indent the line with keywords and start with the italicized word “Keyword:”, followed by the keywords.

The APA reference page , also called reference list, is where all sources that are cited in the text are listed. The citations differs for each source type. Aside from the references itself the reference page as a whole also has specific APA formatting guidelines.

The APA reference page example below highlights those guidelines regarding page margins, hanging indent and the reference page title “References”. Furthermore, the reference list is sorted alphabetically . You can easily create APA references with Scribbr’s free APA Citation Generator .

APA reference page example

APA format citations consist of parenthetical citation in the text ( APA 6 in-text citations ) and the full reference in the reference list. For each webpage, journal article, book or any other source specific citation guidelines apply.

To make things easier Scribbr created the free APA Citation Generator that cites every source perfectly. Just enter the URL, journal DOI or book ISBN and both the in-text citation and full reference are generated.

In addition, Scribbr has in-depth APA citation examples for every source type ranging from journal articles and books to YouTube videos and tweets .

This video will demonstrate how to set up the APA format in Google Docs.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2023, September 04). APA Format (6th ed.) for Academic Papers and Essays [Template]. Scribbr. Retrieved July 30, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/6th-edition/archived-format/

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APA In-Text Citations and Sample Essay 7th Edition

This handout focuses on how to format in-text citations in APA.

Proper citation of sources is a two-part process . You must first cite each source in the body of your essay; these citations within the essay are called in-text citations . You MUST cite all quoted, paraphrased, or summarized words, ideas, and facts from sources. Without in-text citations, you are technically in danger of plagiarism, even if you have listed your sources at the end of the essay.

In-text citations point the reader to the sources’ information on the references page. The in-text citation typically includes the author's last name and the year of publication. If you use a direct quote, the page number is also provided.

More information can be found on p. 253 of the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Citation Rules

Direct quotation with the author named in the text.

Heinze and Lu (2017) stated, “The NFL shifted its responses to institutional change around concussions significantly as the field itself evolved” (p. 509).

Note: The year of publication is listed in parenthesis after the names of the authors, and the page number is listed in parenthesis at the end of the quote.

Direct Quotation without the Author Named in the Text

As the NFL developed as an organization, it “shifted its responses to institutional change around concussions significantly” (Heinze & Lu, 2017, p. 509).

Note: At the end of the quote, the names of the authors, year of publication, and page number are listed in parenthesis.

Paraphrase with 1-2 Authors

As the NFL developed as an organization, its reactions toward concussions also transformed (Heinze & Lu, 2017).

Note: For paraphrases, page numbers are encouraged but not required.

Paraphrase with 3 or More Authors

To work toward solving the issue of violence in prisons begins with determining aspects that might connect with prisoners' violent conduct (Thomson et al., 2019).

Direct Quotation without an Author

The findings were astonishing "in a recent study of parent and adult child relationships" ("Parents and Their Children," 2007, p. 2).

Note: Since the author of the text is not stated, a shortened version of the title is used instead.

Secondary Sources

When using secondary sources, use the phrase "as cited in" and cite the secondary source on the References page.

In 1936, Keynes said, “governments should run deficits when the economy is slow to avoid unemployment” (as cited in Richardson, 2008, p. 257).

Long (Block) Quotations

When using direct quotations of 40 or more words, indent five spaces from the left margin without using quotation marks. The final period should come before the parenthetical citation.

At Meramec, an English department policy states:

To honor and protect their own work and that of others, all students must give credit to proprietary sources that are used for course work. It is assumed that any information that is not documented is either common knowledge in that field or the original work of that student. (St. Louis Community College, 2001, p. 1)

Website Citations

If citing a specific web document without a page number, include the name of the author, date, title of the section, and paragraph number in parentheses:

In America, “Two out of five deaths among U.S. teens are the result of a motor vehicle crash” (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2004, Overview section, para. 1).

Here is a print-friendly version of this content.

Learn more about the APA References page by reviewing this handout .

For information on STLCC's academic integrity policy, check out this webpage .

For additional information on APA, check out STLCC's LibGuide on APA .

Sample Essay

A sample APA essay is available at this link .

APA : Style and Citation Guide

APA Resources

General websites .

• APA Formatting and Style Guide (Purdue OWL)
• APA Style Citation Guide (Seattle)
• APA Citation Guide
• APA Style Guide
• APA Style Help

Formatting Citations and the Works Cited/Reference List 

• In-Text Citations: The Basics
• In-Text Citations: Authors
• APA In-Text Citations
• How to Cite Parenthetical [In-Text] Citations in APA
• APA Reference List: Basic Format (from OWL)
• Writing In-Text Citations in APA Style  &  When and How to Include Page Numbers in APA Style Citations  
• DOI, URL, Database Name, Accession Number or Permalink
• APA style citations handout  from Coates Library at Trinity University. 
• Citing Sources: APA Style
• APA Citation Examples

Formatting the Title Page/Headers

• Formatting Title Page and Headers in APA  from Clark College Libraries

Capitalization and Grammar Formatting

• Capitalization Rules  from the APA Style Blog

Other Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions about APA Style  
• Sample research papers; Skyline College
• APA Style Sample Paper  OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue University

APA Tutorials

APA Tutorials and Webinars :  Various tutorials produced by the American Psychological Association .

• APA Tutorials from the Suffolk County Community College Library
• APA Video Tutorials  (from Memorial University of Newfoundland Library

Niche Academy Tutorials

• Find  Academic Coaching  help with APA style and citations
• Log into the Library Catalog  
• Full  Research Guide  list
• Library Homepage
• WNC Homepage

APA Publication Manual

The library has copies of the most recent version of the APA guide available.

Publication Manual (OFFICIAL) 7th Edition of the American Psychological Association

[T]he Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition is the style manual of choice for writers, researchers, editors, students, and educators in the social and behavioral sciences, natural sciences, nursing, communications, education, business, engineering, and other fields... More than 100 new reference examples covering periodicals, books, audiovisual media, social media, webpages and websites, legal resources, and many other document types  Guidelines that support accessibility for all users, including simplified reference, in-text citation, and heading formats as well as additional font options

• Last Updated: Aug 2, 2024 11:15 AM
• URL: https://library.wnc.edu/apa_style

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How to Format the Top of Your Essay: Practical Guide

Every academic essay that you write will begin with its header, which is why many students look up rules on how to format the top of an essay. The header is not a mere formality: it is the first thing you do to demonstrate your attention to detail and respect for academic standards. A well-formatted header will help your readers get familiar with your work, and it will also give a good, professional first impression to the person reading your essay.

Although it is a small part of your essay, the header is important. If you get it wrong, your essay will look messy. And it won’t have complied with academic formatting requirements. To ensure that you put your best foot forward, it is important to format the top of your essay correctly. Let’s take a look at how to do it!

What to Put at the Top of an Essay

If you are wondering what should go at the top of your essay, chances are that you’re working in MLA format. MLA format is the most common format used in the humanities and liberal arts. Understanding what should go at the top of your essay can help you comply with academic requirements. It also helps to make your work look more professional.

What is MLA Format?

MLA is among the top of paper format styles. When you format your papers and cite sources in MLA format, a style that is widely used in the liberal arts and humanities, you follow certain rules regarding the layout of your pages, the way your text should look on those pages, and how you credit the sources you’ve used. In an MLA-formatted paper, you provide certain information at the top of your essay, following guidelines that let your readers know your essay is set up correctly right from the start. If you need help with paper formatting and think, “Can I get the best essay writing help online?”, you’re in luck. Many online writing services can polish your paper and make it look presentable. They always know the latest formatting rules, so you won’t need to get into the details of each formatting style.

MLA Format Top Of Paper Key Elements

Header as an organizational tool. While writing your essay, the header should never be an afterthought. Instead, it should contain important information in a clear and professional way. Here’s what you need to put at the top of your essay, especially if you’re working within MLA format:

• Name: Start with your full name to show the reader who has written the essay. This serves to distinguish your essay from others.
• Instructor: Putting your instructor’s name at the top of an essay in your submission is a nice touch, and shows respect for the person who will read your essay.
• Course Title: This provides the context for your writing and can help a professor file your essay in your records.
• Date: This simple piece of information is critical because it tells us when you submitted your work and might be one of the factors that a grader takes into account. If you are wondering what date do you put on an essay, the answer is simple - due date.

Without these elements, however, your essay risks looking unfinished and unprofessional, with all information just floating loosely between the margins without the benefit of an academic skeleton to hold it in place. Below are all the elements you need to make your essay look complete. Before we continue, note that all the important identifying information appears at the top of the first page and is vertically aligned to the left margin so that it can be seen at a glance.

Top Of Essay Format Rules: Alignment, Spacing, Font

Following the format of an MLA essay involves paying attention to things like alignment, spacing, and font type, all of which contribute to the document’s readability and formality:

• Alignment: All of your text in an MLA essay should be left-aligned. The MLA format top left corner rule makes your paper look clean and professional. It helps your reader keep track of your essay’s organization.
• Spacing: MLA format calls for double spacing throughout the entire essay, including your header and any works cited pages. This spacing makes your essay more readable and gives your teacher or professor room to make comments or corrections.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12-point size. This isn’t just for aesthetic reasons but also because a formal, readable font ensures that your essay is accessible to those with visual impairments.

These are not arbitrary conventions for what goes at the top of an essay. Such rules make reading and grading easier for everyone who sees your submission. By following these guidelines, you ensure that your essay is seen as serious and taken on its merits rather than its presentation. Also, following these rules will ensure that you won’t lose any points when your paper is graded due to formatting issues.

How To Format Top Of Essay If I Have a Different Style?

Sometimes, your academic field will demand a different format, and if you’re not working in MLA format, you might be writing in APA, Chicago, or Harvard styles. These formats all have different rules about how to format your essay’s title page and header. These matters are important for citation and presentation:

Title Page: The title page is a cover page that introduces your essay. It’s an answer to the query about how and where to put your name on an essay. The title page of an APA paper should include the title, your name, the name of your institution, the course you are taking, the instructor of that course, and the date. It should all be centered on both the vertical and horizontal axes of the page. If you need help with APA formatting, contact the professional APA paper writer on our website.

Running head: The title is shortened and left-justified (up to 50 characters), followed by the page number (right-justified). This running head is critical for establishing a ‘stair-step’ identifier that aids in page location and reference. It’s among the first things you add to your page when you think about what to write at the top of an essay.

Chicago Style

Notes-Bibliography System: The Notes-Bibliography System is common in literature and history. It uses footnotes or endnotes, as well as a bibliography. You will center ‘Title’, ‘Author’, and ‘Course Information’ on the title page.

Author-Date: This system is common in the sciences and uses parenthetical author-date citations and a reference list. The title page is similar to the Notes-Bibliography system, but the in-text references emphasize the publication date and author’s last name.

Harvard Style

Harvard-style title page must include the following elements, which should be centered instead of being at the top left corner of the essay: the title of your paper, your name, the University, the Name of the course, and the Date of submission.

Further Page Headers: These should be a short title on the left and the page number on the right, mirroring the simplicity and clarity of the title page layout.

The specifics of each style exist to help you communicate with your peers and the larger academic community. By following the rules, you make sure that your academic writing is well-organized, readable, and respectful of the conventions of your discipline. It’s also a good practice to look up paper samples formatted in the style you need so that you can see for yourself what to put in the top left corner of an essay. Thankfully, you find many essay examples for free online. This will help you see the visual representation of all the formatting requirements.

Attention to format signals that you are serious about the field, about your discipline, and about the standards that your colleagues and your teachers expect you to meet. If your text looks like it was written by a professional, then it will be taken as if it was written by one. You will have set a model of clarity and organization that will make your essay all the more readable.

Always check the latest style guides - they will tell you how to put your name on a college paper, what alignment to use, how to cite sources, etc. They are updated periodically to reflect changing norms and standards in academic writing. Also, always ask your instructor to clarify any specific formatting requirements for your assignments.

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Case study topics with fresh ideas and intriguing questions: Dive into examples perfect for students aiming to conduct interesting and good research.

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Title Page Setup

A title page is required for all APA Style papers. There are both student and professional versions of the title page. Students should use the student version of the title page unless their instructor or institution has requested they use the professional version. APA provides a student title page guide (PDF, 199KB) to assist students in creating their title pages.

Student title page

The student title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation, course number and name for which the paper is being submitted, instructor name, assignment due date, and page number, as shown in this example.

Title page setup is covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Section 2.3 and the Concise Guide Section 1.6

Related handouts

• Student Title Page Guide (PDF, 263KB)
• Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3MB)

Student papers do not include a running head unless requested by the instructor or institution.

Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the student title page.

Professional title page

The professional title page includes the paper title, author names (the byline), author affiliation(s), author note, running head, and page number, as shown in the following example.

Follow the guidelines described next to format each element of the professional title page.

Carey Business School blog

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Jul 17, 2024

Admissions tips: How to write a graduate admissions essay

An admissions essay is a standard part of the admissions application. To help, we’ve curated our top tips on how to write a standout graduate admissions essay.

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Everyone has a unique narrative, and we firmly believe that your qualifications go beyond what can be captured on your resume. But the question is, how will you distinguish yourself from the competition when applying to Johns Hopkins Carey Business School?

What to consider when writing a graduate school application essay The essay portion of the application is your opportunity to broaden our admissions team’s understanding of your abilities beyond what they can see on your transcript and resume. Writing an essay is your chance to share your unique strengths, personal history, journey of growth, and any additional qualities that show you are a strong candidate.

Preparing to write your essay Prior to starting your essay, read all prompts carefully. Take a moment to reflect on your reasons for pursuing a graduate business degree. It may be beneficial to have a pen and notepad at your disposal for this reflective exercise. Think about your personal journey and pinpoint pivotal moments in your growth and learning, then take note of how those moments have shaped you and your experiences, and how they could help guide you through your business school journey. Be sure to also use the correct formatting and avoid adding lists and bullet points to your essays.

Outline your thoughts Once you have a solid understanding of how to convey your personal journey within the context of the essay prompts, the next step is to construct an outline. As you shape the direction and flow of your essay, always keep your audience in mind. Our admissions team reviews thousands of application essays, so it’s crucial to find a creative hook that will make your story stand out.

Don’t overthink As you begin to write your first draft, allow your ideas to flow freely. Don’t fixate on grammar or finding the perfect words at this stage–simply capture your thoughts on paper. You can refine your essay in the second draft.

Step away After finishing your first draft, set it aside for a day or two before returning to edit it. Revisiting your work with a fresh outlook allows for a new perspective. During this second review, tackle the details of grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. You might find it helpful to read your essay in reverse order to catch any typos.

Ask for feedback Once you feel your essay is in good shape, it’s highly recommended that you share your draft with an advisor, professor, trusted colleague, friend, or even your recommender. Gaining insights from a trustworthy source can enhance the quality of your essay and assist in identifying any typos or minor adjustments. While editing is an important step, it should not cut out your authentic voice and tone. When identifying a proofreader, make sure to find someone who knows your authentic voice and tone and can edit your paper while still preserving your natural voice and tone.

Finalize and submit You’re almost done! Before finalizing your essay submission, do one last review. Run a spell check and read your essay out loud to yourself. This approach can help you pinpoint areas that might require clarification or fine-tuning. As you review your final draft, be sure that you thoroughly addressed the question on the application.

Keep in mind that the essay portion of the application is your chance to set yourself apart Admissions team members want to hear your authentic voice, with a style that sounds natural and genuine. By sharing your authentic self, and your transformative experiences, passions, goals, and voice, you can leave a lasting impression.

Best of luck with the rest of your application journey!

Upcoming Carey application deadlines

The Fall 2025 Full-time MBA application is now open. Applications for all other Fall 2025 programs will open this fall. Please visit our upcoming deadlines webpage to view all application, decision, and deposit deadlines.

Full-time MBA Fall 2025: Early action application deadline

September 11, 2024

Part-time programs Spring 2025: Round 1 application deadline

October 9, 2024

Full-time MBA Fall 2025: Round 1 application deadline

October 23, 2024

APA Cover Page

Apa essay generator.

When you do essay writing examples , the main thing to always take notice is what kind of format you are going to be using. Since there are a lot of types of format essays, you also have to be careful which type to use. The most common being APA format essay and MLA format essay.

1. APA Format Essay Example

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2. Creating an APA Essay Template

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3. APA Essay Documentation Style

Size: 79 KB

4. Sample Essay APA 6th Edition

Size: 56 KB

5. Format Essay Using APA Style Guidelines

Size: 62 KB

6. Sample APA Essay Formatted Research Paper

Size: 72 KB

7. APA Essay Checklist

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8. Types of APA Essay Papers Literature Review

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9. Reflective APA Essay in Education

Size: 58 KB

10. Expository APA Essay Paper Template

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11. Formatting APA Essay Report

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What Is an APA Essay?

An APA format essay is a type of writing format designed for writing essays. APA essay formats differ from other formats as an APA essay format follows a strict outline format when writing short report essays , reports , or other documents.

How to Use APA Essay Format

Writing an essay using the APA essay format can be complicated to study or use. However, there are guidelines that show a specific and clearer way to use the APA essay  outline examples format. Here are the following simple guidelines when writing an APA essay format.

Step 1: The One Inch Margin of Your Paper

It is basic knowledge when writing an essay that you need to place an inch margin on all sides of your paper. The one inch margin does not only work for essay writing , but it is also for APA formats and MLA format essay . Unless stated otherwise, a one inch margin is appropriate.

Step 2: All Texts Including the Heading Has to Be Double Spaced

When you use the APA essay outline format, all your texts that you wrote on the paper, and this includes your heading has to be in double space. This is the strict format for an APA essay. Any and all texts must be double spaced, no more no less.

Step 3: Professional Papers Include a Paper Title and Page Number

If you are writing a professional paper such as an essay, or a thesis paper using the APA essay format, it must include the paper’s title and the page number. The page number is commonly found below on the center. However, it can also be on the lower left corner of the page.

Step 4: Double Check the Format before Writing Your Essay

An important factor to making your APA format essay is to follow the exact format before making the essay. Not only does it take some time to get all the formats correctly and in order, it is also important to follow them to a tee. When you start writing the whole essay, following the correct formats as before will be easier.

What is an APA essay format?

An APA essay format is one of the many formats used for writing out an essay. An APA essay format is a kind of outline format that focuses on APA essay writing. The outline format is the universal format that is designed to make your journals, essays, and other academic writing under APA.

How many inches does an APA essay format margin?

The inches for the margin may differ, unless stated otherwise. But the most basic is an inch on all the sides of your paper. However, when you write your essay, the indention is different. It is not based on inches but on double spacing.

When writing an essay, a journal, an academic paper, or even a research paper, often than not it is usually an APA outline format that is used. For academic essays or professional essays, APA essay format is the format to be used. Be careful and follow the format to a tee.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write an APA essay on the effects of online learning on students' academic performance

Describe in an APA essay how social media influences public opinion