How to Write APA Style Term Papers?
APA style papers are formatted similarly to MLA style papers, but there are some differences to look out for. If you aren't sure how to write an APA style paper, don't get too bogged down in the details. Here is a great guide to get you started.
General Format
- All papers should be typed and double-spaced
- All margins should be 1-inch on all sides.
- Times New Roman in 12 point is the most accepted font.
- A page header should be included at the top of every page. In this header you should have the page number flush to the right margin and the title of your paper should be flushed left and in all capital letters. This heading (known as a running head) cannot be longer than 50 characters, including punctuation and the page number.
Paper Sections
There are four sections to an APA paper and they should go in this order: Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.
The title page needs to be centered and have the title of your paper done in case title, your name, and the school or institution for whom you are writing this paper. The title should be no more than 12 words. Do not use titles to identify yourself, only your name. You do need to include the header on this page and you should put the words “Running Head:” before the title on this page only.
The abstract simply tells the reader what your paper is about. The main body of the paper and the abstract should be formatted as listed above.
Do not title your reference page as such. All lines after the first on references should be indented by a half inch. Author's names should be inverted. If a work has more than one author, list them all in alphabetical order and do not list the full name of more than six authors to one work. Any authors after the sixth should only be mentioned by last name. All entries need to be alphabetized. If one author has done several works, list the author then the works in chronological order. The title's of journals should be listed in full and as they are spelled by the publication.
It is important to note that APA is ever changing and you should always look up ways to cite certain references as even the APA guides themselves don't list every single way to cite a source. If you cannot find it on the APA guide, an Internet search should be able to assist you further. This guide is meant to be a way to get you started and if your teacher has specific instructions, always follow those.