how to write an essay apa style

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How to Write an APA Style Paper

Last Updated: August 26, 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 337,609 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

APA Style Essay Format

• 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.

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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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APA Format Guidelines, Tips, and Examples

How to Write in APA Format

10'000 Hours / Getty Images

APA format is the official style used by the  American Psychological Association  and is commonly used in the fields of psychology , education , and other social sciences. APA style refers to the way that student and professional publications are formatted for submission and publication. Knowing how to write in APA format is an important skill for both students and professionals.

The seventh edition of the "Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association" is the official guidebook for formatting your APA papers. It's the latest edition published in 2019. Of course, if you have further questions about how to format your paper, check with your professor or instructor on what they prefer.

If you're a beginner and need to write a paper in APA format, the following step-by-step guide can help you format your paper correctly and create the different sections that you will need.

General APA Format Guidelines

There are some basic rules of APA format that apply to any type of APA paper. These include:

• Type on standard-size (8.5-inch by 11-inch) paper
• Have a 1-inch margin on all sides
• Have a title page, a reference list , and a byline
• Use an easy-to-read font such as Calibri or Times New Roman
• Double-space the whole paper
• Align text to the left-hand side
• Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches

According to APA guidelines, your paper should include four main sections: a title page, abstract, main body, and references.

APA format emphasizes accessibility for all readers. Be sure to review their official information on how to make your paper accessible .

APA Format Title Page

There are two different versions of an APA title page : the student and professional versions. A student title page should include:

• Title of paper
• Name of each author of the paper (the byline)
• Affiliation for each author (the university attended, including the name of the department)
• Course number and name
• Instructor name (check with the instructor for their preferred format)
• Assignment due date (i.e., November 4, 2020)
• Page number

For a professional APA paper, include:

• Name of each author of the paper (byline)
• Affiliation for each author
• Author note
• Running head (an abbreviated version of the paper title)

For both student and professional papers, the paper title is in title case, bold, and centered. It should be about three to four lines down from the top margin of the page.

Be concise. Your title should be a short statement of what the reader will find in the paper. Your title will often identify the major variables and their relationships. Examples of APA paper titles include:

• Effect of Sleep Deprivation on Math Performance
• Impact of Leadership Style on Employee Productivity
• How Music Tempo Affects Running Pace
• How Medication Improves Smoking Cessation Outcomes

A title page for a professional paper should also include an author note, which provides more information about the paper's authors, study registration, data sharing, disclaimers on any conflicts of interest, a point of contact, and funding sources.

When writing your title, be concise and avoid any extraneous words that do not add meaning to your title. The APA style guide advises writers to avoid phrases such as "An Experimental Investigation of..." or "A Study of...".

APA Format Abstract

Think of an abstract as a summary of your paper. If you are a student, your instructor may or may not require an abstract; be sure to check.

Follow these tips for writing your abstract in APA format:

• The abstract should have its own page right after the title page.
• Centered at the top of the page in bold, write "Abstract."
• In the next line, briefly summarize the main points of the paper.
• While the content will vary, an abstract typically includes the research topic , research questions, information on participants and methods , the data analysis used, and main conclusions. 
• An abstract should be a single paragraph, double-spaced, and usually no more than 250 words.

The "Publication Manual" states that a good abstract is accurate, coherent, and concise. Be sure not to include any information in the abstract that isn't in the paper itself.

Tables in APA Format

Tables are an efficient way to display a great deal of information in a concise, clear, and easy-to-read format. In APA format papers, tables are generally used to describe the results of statistical analysis and other pertinent quantitative data .

However, it is important to note that not all data should be presented in a table. If you have little numeric information to present, it should be described in the text of your paper.

The APA's publication manual recommends designing your table with the reader in mind. Strive to communicate data in a way that is clear and easy to understand.

Basic Rules for Tables

Keep these tips in mind when using a table in your APA format publication:

• Add an individual title to each table. It should be italicized and capitalized in APA style.
• Begin each table after the reference list on a page of its own.
• Number all tables (i.e., Table 1, Table 2, Table 3).
• Reference all tables in the text of the paper.

Remember that your table is there to supplement rather than replicate the text of your paper. Do not feel the need to discuss every element of your table in your text. Extraneous information can overwhelm and confuse the reader. Stick to reporting the most important data.

Instead, focus on keeping your table concise. Mention key highlights and tell the reader what to look for in your table.

Table Headings

Keep these tips in mind when writing table headings:

• Capitalize the first letter of each heading.
• Identify each column using a descriptive heading.
• Use abbreviations for standard terms in the table itself. Uncommon definitions should be explained in a note below the table.

Additional Notes

If an additional explanation is needed, a note can be added below the table. There are three kinds of notes: general notes, specific notes, and probability notes.

General notes refer to some aspect of the entire table; specific notes refer to a particular column, row, or cell; probability notes specify the values of symbols in your table.

Reference Pages in APA Format

All sources cited in your paper should be included in the reference page. The reference page should appear at the end of your APA paper. This page makes it easy for the reader to easily look up all of the materials you cited.

Anything cited in the text must appear in the reference section and anything included in the reference section must be cited somewhere in the text.

Your references should begin on a new page with the title "References" in bold and centered at the very top. Do not underline, italicize, or place quotation marks around the title.

Basic Reference Page Rules

Be sure not to forget these rules when putting together your APA format reference page:

• Alphabetize references by the last names of the first author of each source.
• Capitalize all major words in the title of a journal (i.e., The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology ).
• Capitalize only the first letter in article titles. If a colon appears in the title, the first letter after the colon should also be capitalized. The title should not be placed in quotations, underlined, or italicized.
• Double-space all references.
• Italicize the titles of books and journals.
• When the same author is cited multiple times, list references in chronological order with the oldest first, working your way up to the most recent one.
• Use a hanging indentation for each reference; the first line of the reference should be aligned to the left, but each additional line needs to be indented.

Journals and Periodicals

Journal articles should appear in alphabetical order in your reference list. More APA format tips include:

• Capitalize the first letter of the first word in the title, subtitle, and proper nouns.
• Italicize the name of the publication and the volume number.

The basic format of a journal article reference is to first list authors by their last names followed by the initials of their first names. Next, the publication year is enclosed in parentheses and followed by a period.

The title of the article should then follow, with only the first letter of the first word capitalized as well as the first letter of any proper nouns.

The italicized title of the journal comes after, followed by a comma. Place the volume number next, also italicized. Follow this with the issue number in parentheses, followed by a comma.

Then, place page numbers, using a hyphen in between if it's a range of pages. Place a period after this. Finally, a hyperlink including the DOI number should be included if there is one available.

This style is applicable to printed texts. The format for citing books in APA format is as follows:

• Name of author (last name, first initial)
• The date of the publication in parentheses
• The italicized title of the book
• If applicable, put the edition of the book in parentheses
• Publisher name
• Hyperlink with DOI number

Note: Place a period after each of these elements.

Electronic Sources

The basic format of an electronic reference is very similar to that of any other reference. However, you typically need to include the online location of the document.

Since online URLs can change, the APA recommends utilizing a digital object identifier (DOI) in your references whenever possible.

A DOI is a unique alphanumeric string that begins with a 10 as well as a prefix (usually a four-digit number assigned to organizations) and a suffix (a number assigned by the publisher).

Many publishers will include the DOI on the first page of an electronic document. If a DOI is available, simply include it as a hyperlink at the end of the reference as follows: https://doi.org/10.0000/00000000000.

Be sure to consult the latest information from The American Psychological Association for more information on citing electronic sources.

A Word From Verywell

It's helpful to consult the latest edition of the APA "Publication Manual" when you have questions about proper formatting for your APA paper. If you're a student, it's a great idea to consult with your instructor as well. They can help establish clear guidelines and expectations for your papers before you submit them.

Nicoll LH, Oermann MH, Chinn PL, Conklin JL, Amarasekara S, Mccarty M. Guidance provided to authors on citing and formatting references in nursing journals . J Nurses Prof Dev . 2018;34(2):54-59. doi:10.1097/NND.0000000000000430

American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition (2020) .

American Psychological Association.  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2020.

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 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.

How Our Academic Essay Editing Services Can Help You

Struggling with APA formatting? Our professional academic editors can help you enusre that your essays adhere to the APA style guide, enhancing the clarity and credibility of your work.  Don’t let formatting issues detract from your academic achievements. With our assistance, you can focus on your content while we handle the technical details. Get a bespoke quote now and elevate your essays to meet the highest academic standards.

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• The Complete Guide to APA Format in 2020
• Headings and Subheadings
• Discussion Section
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• Journals and Periodicals
• Other Print Sources
• Other Non-Print Sources
• In-text Citations
• Footnotes and Endnotes
• Using MyBib Responsibly
• Miscellaneous Questions

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 .

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

General Format

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.

Please use the example at the bottom of this page to cite the Purdue OWL in APA.

You can also watch our APA vidcast series on the Purdue OWL YouTube Channel .

General APA Guidelines

Your essay should be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11"), with 1" margins on all sides.   Include a page header (also known as the “ running head ”) at the top of every page. For a professional paper, this includes your paper title and the page number. For a student paper, this only includes the page number. To create a page header/running head , insert page numbers flush right. Then type "TITLE OF YOUR PAPER" in the header flush left using all capital letters. The running head is a shortened version of your paper's title and cannot exceed 50 characters including spacing and punctuation.

The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual requires that the chosen font be accessible (i.e., legible) to all readers and that it be used consistently throughout the paper. It acknowledges that many font choices are legitimate, and it advises writers to check with their publishers, instructors, or institutions for guidance in cases of uncertainty.

While the APA Manual does not specify a single font or set of  fonts for professional writing, it does recommend a few fonts that are widely available. These include sans serif fonts such as 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, and 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode as well as serif fonts such as 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Georgia, 10-point Computer Modern.

Major Paper Sections

Your essay should include four major sections: the Title Page , Abstract , Main Body , and References .

Note: APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).

The title page should contain the title of the paper, the author's name , and the institutional affiliation . A professional paper should also include the author note . A student paper should also include the course number and name , instructor name , and assignment due date .

Type your title in upper and lowercase letters centered in the upper half of the page. The title should be centered and written in boldface. APA recommends that your title be focused and succinct and that it should not contain abbreviations or words that serve no purpose. Your title may take up one or two lines. All text on the title page, and throughout your paper, should be double-spaced.

Beneath the title, type the author's name : first name, middle initial(s), and last name. Do not use titles (Dr.) or degrees (PhD).

Beneath the author's name, type the institutional affiliation , which should indicate the location where the author(s) conducted the research.

A professional paper should include the author note beneath the institutional affiliation, in the bottom half of the title page. This should be divided up into several paragraphs, with any paragraphs that are not relevant omitted. The first paragraph should include the author’s name, the symbol for the ORCID iD, and the URL for the ORCID iD. Any authors who do not have an ORCID iD should be omitted. The second paragraph should show any change in affiliation or any deaths of the authors. The third paragraph should include any disclosures or acknowledgements, such as study registration, open practices and data sharing, disclosure of related reports and conflicts of interest, and acknowledgement of financial support and other assistance. The fourth paragraph should include contact information for the corresponding author.

A student paper should not include an author note.

Note again that page headers/page numbers (described above for professional and student papers) also appear at the top of the title page. In other words, a professional paper's title page will include the title of the paper flush left in all capitals and the page number flush right, while a student paper will only contain the page number flush right.

Student APA title page

Title page for a student paper in APA 7 style.

Professional paper APA title page

Title page for a professional paper in APA 7 style.

Begin a new page. Your abstract page should already include the page header (described above). On the first line of the abstract page, center and bold the word “Abstract” (no italics, underlining, or quotation marks).

Beginning with the next line, write a concise summary of the key points of your research. (Do not indent.) Your abstract should contain at least your research topic, research questions, participants, methods, results, data analysis, and conclusions. You may also include possible implications of your research and future work you see connected with your findings. Your abstract should be a single paragraph, double-spaced. Your abstract should typically be no more than 250 words.

You may also want to list keywords from your paper in your abstract. To do this, indent as you would if you were starting a new paragraph, type Keywords: (italicized), and then list your keywords. Listing your keywords will help researchers find your work in databases.

Abstracts are common in scholarly journal articles and are not typically required for student papers unless advised by an instructor. If you are unsure whether or not your work requires an abstract, consult your instructor for further guidance.

APA Abstract Page

Abstract page for a student paper in APA 7 style.

Please see our Sample APA Paper resource to see an example of an APA paper. You may also visit our Additional Resources page for more examples of APA papers.

How to Cite the Purdue OWL in APA

Individual resources.

The page template for the new OWL site does not include contributors' names or the page's last edited date. However, select pages  still include this information.

In the absence of contributor/edit date information, treat the page as a source with a group author and use the abbreviation "n.d." for "no date":

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.).  Title of resource.  Purdue Online Writing Lab. http://Web address for OWL resource

Purdue Online Writing Lab. (n.d.).  General Writing FAQs. Purdue Online Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/general_writing_faqs.html

The generic APA citation for OWL pages, which includes author/edit date information, is this:

Contributors' names. (Last edited date).  Title of resource . Site Name. http://Web address for OWL resource

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 .

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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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 .

• Essay Editor

How to Write a Table of Contents for Research Paper: A Complete Guide

After hundreds of hours of non-stop working, the research essay is finished! Unfortunately, it is not the time to celebrate. That’s when you must get down to one of the least pleasant things in professional college or high school writing – a table of contents. The following article will define table of contents, discuss its purpose, and provide guidance on how to make a table of contents for a research paper.

What is a research paper table of contents?

Academic essays can be from 2–3 to hundreds pages long. They can contain a wide range of different studies, theoretical analyses, and practical examinations. They make up the substance of the study and assist you in showcasing the subject of your labor.

Since you are always required to cover many different aspects in your study, navigating the document quickly becomes top priority. This is why all expansive academic papers require a table of contents (also known as TOC). 

This fragment of your paper is an overview of every topic explored in it. The TOC looks like an invisible table where cells house a chapter, segment, or simple section heading. Consequently, each title corresponds to a page index which is also indicated in the TOC. This indicator is located at the beginning of the document, preceding the introduction but following the title page.

Why do we need a table of contents in research paper?

Let’s break down the purpose of table of contents as well as its essential functions.

• Usability. By scanning TOC, readers can quickly find certain sections or chapters within the research.
• Structure. TOC helps the audience gain an immediate understanding of the subject matter and how the study has been organized and conducted.
• Professional presentation. It betters the professional appearance of the essay by reflecting your insightful planning as well as attention to detail.
• Clarity. A TOC makes sure to list all big chapters, sections, sub-sections, and supplements, which navigates the audience and sets their expectations for what the research covers.

Overall, the purpose of TOC is to improve the reader's experience by making the research more accessible and easier to navigate.

What guideline should you follow when preparing a table of contents?

In a nutshell, the way you organize, format and make a TOC is subject to the style guide required by your professor. Here is an exploration on how to prepare a TOC for different writing guides.

• Title. Per the MLA style, a table of contents is not obligatory. Nonetheless, if your professor requires it, this part must be called "Contents" or "Table of Contents" and lined up at the top center area of the page.
• Formatting. The MLA guide generally uses a simpler approach with fewer formalities regarding the TOC. Consult your professor’s requirements to see which kind of spacing and dot leaders rules you will need to apply.
• Page index. MLA format traditionally uses Arabic numerals in the main body, but any TOC is up to the discretion of the author or professor.
• Sections. The TOC should include all major parts of the essay like introduction, body sections, works cited, and appendices.
• Title. In the APA style, the TOC should be named "Table of Contents" and centered at the top.
• Headings. While compiling your APA table of contents, you must Include all major sections like abstract, foreword, method, conclusions, discussion, references, and supplements.
• Formatting. APA has stricter requirements for formatting rules. You should use double-spacing throughout the TOC, which is in line with the rest of the study and the general requirements of the APA guide. The font repeats the one used in the main text (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-point).
• Page index. Align page indexes along the right side of the page and use dot leaders to connect the headings to the page indexes.

Chicago style

• Title. The TOC should be called "Contents" and placed at the top center of the page.
• Formatting. The Chicago Manual suggests single-spacing within entries and double-spacing between entries. Fonts should be consistent with the rest of the document.
• Headings. Include all chapters or major parts and list subheadings if needed. Use dot leaders between entries and page indexes.
• Hierarchy. Always make sure to distinguish main headings from subheadings for better readability. This might be done through bold or italic formatting, and indentation for subheadings.
• Page indexes. Place page indexes flush with the right margin. It is permissible to use Roman numerals for introductory pages, but the central text should only contain Arabic numerals.

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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.

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• APA Style 7th edition
• APA Title Page (7th edition) | Template for Students & Professionals

APA Title Page (7th edition) | Template for Students & Professionals

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on January 17, 2024.

APA provides different guidelines for student and professional papers. The student version of the APA title page should include the following information (double spaced and centered):

Paper title

• Author name
• Department and university name
• Course number and name
• Instructor name
• Due date of the assignment

The professional title page also includes an author note (flushed left), but not a course name, instructor name, or due date.

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Table of contents

Title page example (student and professional version), institutional affiliation, course information, author note, page header, including an image on the title page.

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Write an informative, striking title that summarizes the topic of your paper. Try to keep the title focused and use relevant keywords.

Place the title three or four lines down from the top of the paper. Center align and bold it. Don’t forget to use title case capitalization (capitalize the first letter of each word, except small words such as articles and short prepositions).

Write the author’s name under the paper title (leave a blank line in between). Give their full names (first name, middle initial(s) and last name), but don’t include titles (Dr., Prof.) or degrees (Ph.D., MSc).

Multiple authors on the title page

List the authors in order of their contribution. If there are two authors, separate their names with the word “and”, like this:

If there are more than two authors, separate their names with a comma. Only write “and” before the last author, like this:

Write the author’s affiliation on the next line under the author names. Students should specify the department and institution where they’re attending school. Professional researchers should specify the department and institution where they conducted their research.

Multiple authors with different affiliations

Use superscript numbers on the author line to indicate which institution they’re affiliated with. Don’t use superscript numbers if all authors are affiliated with the same institution (and department).

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

On a student title page, provide information about the course. List the following information on separate (double spaced) lines under the author’s affiliation:

• Instructor(s)
• Assignment’s due date

For professional papers, you may include an author note. This note may contain the author’s ORCID iD, affiliation changes, disclosures of conflicts of interest, brief acknowledgments, and contact information (in that specific order). Present this information in separate paragraphs.

Place the author note on the bottom half of the page. Center the label “Author note” and apply bold styling. The paragraphs in the author note are left-aligned. The first line of each new paragraph is indented.

For more information about formatting the author note, see section 2.7 of the APA Publication Manual.

For a student title page, the page header consists of just a page number in the top-right corner. There is no need for a running head (as was the case in APA 6th edition).

A professional title page does have a running head. The running head is an abbreviated version of the paper title in all capital letters. The maximum length is 50 characters (counting spaces).

Images are not usually included on an APA title page, and APA does not provide any guidelines for doing so. It’s usually viewed as unprofessional to include an image, since the title page is there to provide information, not for decoration.

If you do decide to include an image on your title page, make sure to check whether you need permission from the creator of the image. Include a note directly underneath the image acknowledging where it comes from, beginning with the word “ Note .” (italicized and followed by a period):

• If you found the image online or in another source, include a citation and copyright attribution .
• If it’s an image you created yourself (e.g., a photograph you took, an infographic you designed), explain this (e.g., “Photograph taken by the author.”).

Don’t give the image a label, title, or number. Only images within the text itself are labeled as figures .

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. (2024, January 17). APA Title Page (7th edition) | Template for Students & Professionals. Scribbr. Retrieved September 3, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-title-page/

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