But you’re able to master the rules of APA essay format, too.
Before you begin, familiarize yourself withsome of the basic guidelinesfor writing a paper in APA format.
Your instructor may also have specific requirements you should be sure to follow when formatting your essay.
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How do you write an essay in APA format?
What Is APA Format, Exactly?
Whether taking an introductory or graduate-level psychology class, you’ll probably have to write at least one paper.
APA format is used in a range of disciplines, not justpsychology.
Most instructors and publication editors have strict guidelines when it comes to how your format your writing.
Title Page
Your APA format essay should have atitle page.
This title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school affiliation.
However, your instructor may request one.
Choose a Topic
Start bychoosing a good topicto write about.
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?
Remember, any source used in your essaymustbe included in your reference section.
Conversely, any source listed in your referencesmustbe 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.
Remember, this is a first draft.
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
How do you start an APA paper?
Your introduction should start on the third page of your paper (after the title page and abstract).
2019;13(Suppl 1):S12-S17.
doi:10.4103/sja.SJA_685_18
American Psychological Association.Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association(7th ed.).
Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.
American Psychological Association.Page header.
2017;13(9):e1005619.
