Typing Template For APA Papers: A Sample Of Proper Format ✓ Solved
Typing Template for APA Papers: A Sample of Proper Format
This is an electronic template for papers written in APA style (American Psychological Association, 2010). The purpose of the template is to help the student set the margins and spacing. Margins are set at 1 inch for top, bottom, left, and right. The type is left-justified only—that means the left margin is straight, but the right margin is ragged.
Each paragraph is indented five spaces. It is best to use the tab key to indent. The line spacing is double throughout the paper, even on the reference page. One space is used after punctuation at the end of sentences. The font style used in this template is Times New Roman and the font size is 12.
The heading above would be used if you want to have your paper divided into sections based on content. This is the first level of heading, and it is centered and bolded with each word of four letters or more capitalized. The heading should be a short descriptor of the section. Note that not all papers will have headings or subheadings in them.
The subheading is flush left and bolded, with each word of four letters or more capitalized. APA dictates that you should avoid having only one subsection heading and subsection within a section. In other words, use at least two subheadings under a main heading, or do not use any at all.
When you are ready to write, and after having read these instructions completely, you can delete these directions and start typing. The formatting should stay the same. However, one item that you will have to change is the page header, which is placed at the top of each page along with the page number. The words included in the page header should be reflective of the title of your paper, so that if the pages are intermixed with other papers they will be identifiable.
In addition to spacing, APA style includes a special way of citing resource articles. See the APA manual for specifics regarding in-text citations. The APA manual also discusses the desired tone of writing, grammar, punctuation, formatting for numbers, and a variety of other important topics. Although the APA style rules are used in this template, the purpose of the template is only to demonstrate spacing and the general parts of the paper. The student will need to refer to the APA manual for other format directions.
GCU has prepared an APA Style Guide available in the Student Writing Center for additional help in correctly formatting according to APA style. The reference list should appear at the end of a paper. It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the body of the paper. Each source you cite in the paper must appear in your reference list; likewise, each entry in the reference list must be cited in your text.
A sample reference page is included below; this page includes examples of how to format different reference types (e.g., books, journal articles, information from a website). The examples on the following page include examples taken directly from the APA manual.
Paper For Above Instructions
In today's academic and professional landscape, it is essential for students and researchers to adhere to specific formatting guidelines, especially when writing in APA (American Psychological Association) style. The APA formatting guidelines serve as a standardized method for preparing documents that convey clear research findings, ensuring uniformity across scholarly work. This paper will provide an in-depth look at the fundamental aspects of APA formatting according to the 6th edition of the publication manual, discussing critical elements such as margins, font choices, paragraph structure, headings, in-text citations, and reference lists.
1. Margins and Font Choices
One of the primary requirements outlined by the APA style is the setting of margins. The specified margin size is 1 inch on all sides of the document: top, bottom, left, and right. This creates a uniform appearance for all pages and ensures that the text is appropriately centered on the page. In addition, the recommended font is Times New Roman with a size of 12 points. This font choice is considered standard for academic papers and contributes to the overall readability of the document.
2. Paragraph Structure
In APA formatting, every paragraph must have a five-space indentation at the beginning. It is advisable to utilize the tab key for this purpose to maintain consistency. Furthermore, the line spacing throughout the paper should be set to double; this includes the text, the references, and any footnotes. APA guidelines also specify the use of one space after punctuation at the end of sentences, which differs from some other formatting styles.
3. Headings and Subheadings
The use of headings and subheadings is crucial in organizing content in an APA formatted paper. The first-level heading should be centered, bolded, and capitalized for significant content sections. Subsequent subheadings should be flush left, bolded, and also capitalize each major word. Importantly, to maintain clarity and promote readability, APA style cautions against using a single subheading without supplementary subheadings within the same section.
4. In-text Citations
In-text citations are fundamental in APA style as they provide the necessary attribution for sources referenced within the text. The corresponding citation format requires the author's last name and the year of publication to appear in parentheses immediately following the referenced material or information. For instance, a citation might read as follows: (Smith, 2020). Furthermore, if a specific idea or quote is being cited, the page number should also be included (Smith, 2020, p. 15).
5. Reference List
At the end of the paper, a reference list is required, showcasing all sources cited within the text. When creating a reference list entry, key components must include the author’s name, publication year, title of the work, and publication information. The entries should be formatted with a hanging indent, meaning that the first line of each citation is flush with the left margin, and subsequent lines are indented by 0.5 inches. This style allows readers to locate and access the sources easily.
Conclusion
In summary, adhering to APA formatting guidelines is paramount for students and researchers preparing scholarly documents. Proper formatting not only enhances the presentation of information but also demonstrates professionalism and adherence to academic standards. Following the outlined structure, including margins, font types, paragraph indentations, appropriate use of headings, and accurate in-text citations and reference lists will ultimately contribute to the clarity and credibility in scholarly writing. The 6th edition of the APA manual remains an essential resource for anyone engaged in research and academic writing.
References
- American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
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