Description
In a 7 to 10 slide PowerPoint presentation, describe the stages of the business lifecycle. What are the characteristics of each stage, and what might the organization experience at each stage? Provide examples to support your description.Instructions:Prepare a 7 to 10 slide PowerPoint presentation. Use Speakers Notes for explanations and details (How to create a PowerPoint video 1 and how to add speaker notes 2).• Follow APA format for structure.• Use speaker notes.• Support your presentation with 3 credible references. Please note Wikipedia, Investopedia, and similar websites are not credible academic references. The best place to locate credible references is the Online Library.
Unformatted Attachment Preview
Presentation Title Goes Here
Your Name Here
Name of School
Heading Goes Here
• Keep font of text consistent
• Be sure headings are consistent in their
spacing, placement, size, etc.
• Consider using the slide after the title slide to
summarize your presentations points
Heading Goes Here
•
Go to the Home tab at the
top menu bard and click
the New Slide or Layout
button to access different
formatting for your slides
•
Choose formatting that
presents your information in
a way most logical
•
Use consistent,
grammatically parallel
format for bulleted lists
•
For example, each element
begins with an
commanding verb
Heading Goes Here
• Keep your slides brief – your audience does
not want to focus on reading each slide that
you will likely read to them
• If a slide contains entire paragraphs – Citation
rules apply just as a paper. When citing in a
slide as you would in a paper (Author, year).
According to Author (year), state the point…
Heading Goes Here
Use APA style
rules to format
any table or
figure in your
presentation
Figure !. Bar graph showing useful
information. From “WHERE” by
Author, year, source.
Heading Goes Here
• Remember to adhere to the assignment
guidelines
• Keep in mind – there is no such thing as an
“APA standard PowerPoint”. The APA 7th ed.
Manual does not have a section on how to
format a PowerPoint – follow APA style
guidelines
References
• Always include a reference list at the end of
your presentation, just like in a paper.
• Reference entries are formatted the same as
a paper – Alphabetize/hanging
indent/double-spaced (if room permits)
This module is designed to show the basic elements of
APA style writing and provide examples of appropriate
APA guidelines; however, it is not intended as an
exhaustive reference guide.
APA STYLE SEVENTH EDITION – 2019
WHY USE APA?
APA writing style provides a foundation for effective
communication aiding writers to present ideas in a
clearer, concise, and organized manner.
APA rules create uniformity and consistency.
APA (Seventh Edition) has broadened its audience
consulting not only by psychologists but also students &
researchers in many fields such as business, education,
social work, nursing and many other behavioral and
social sciences.
BASIC APA PAPER CONSIST OF:
The title page
Text of the paper
Reference page
Notice No Running Head – YAY!
THE TITLE PAGE
APA requires seven basic elements to your title page:
1. Title
2. Author name
3. Institution affiliation
4. Course number/name
5. Instructor name
6. Due date
7. Page number (top header right)
SEVEN COMPONENTS OF THE TITLE PAGE
Title
Author name; first name, last name, no titles or
degrees used.
Institution affiliation – American Public University
Course number/Course name
Instructor name
Assignment due date (Month, ##, YYYY)
Page number, page number in header flush right
TEXT OF THE PAPER
The body must conform to but a few guidelines:
•
1” margins all the way around
•
All text double-spaced
•
Every new paragraph 1 tab indent (0.5 inches)
GENERAL FORMATTING INFORMATION
Begin writing your paper on page two (the cover page is page
one). The page numbering top right hand side must reflect
page 2 in the Header.
Same typeface throughout – various typeface font choices
acceptable (2.19).
Double space the entire paper (2.21).
Margins are set at one inch (top, bottom, left, and right) (2.22).
First sentence of every paragraph must e indented (2.24).
Center the title at the top of page two. The title is written in the
title case (6.17).
Quotes 40+ words blocked no quotation marks (8.27)
.
WRITING THE PAPER
APA writing should be straightforward with an
active voice – i.e., “Jones developed the project..” as
opposed to the passive voice – i.e. “The project was
developed by Jones…”
Use past tense when describing earlier research
Spell out the first use of an acronym (example:
American Public University (APU) – first use. Next
time referenced in paper use (APU).
QUOTES OF 40 WORDS OR MORE
If a quotation contains 40 words or more,
treat it as a block quotation
Start a block quotation on a new line
Indent the whole block 0.5 in. from the left margin.
Double-space the entire block quotation. (8.27)
Do NOT use quotation marks for the entire quotation.
You must give credit for the source.
Place periods or commas within quotation marks when
they are part of the quoted material.
At end of quote, place period then page number. Example:
…… placebo effect. (p. 276)
CITATIONS–GIVING CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
It is very important to give
proper credit when words or
thoughts are not ours originally.
Citing the source means
mentioning the author/s within
the text so the reader can look up
the source at the back of the
paper.
APA has very specific ways this
must be done. The model must
be followed exactly. With a little
practice, citing sources gets
easier!
PARAPHRASING
Paraphrasing is your own rendition of someone else’s information or idea. (8.23)
Parenthetical Citation Example: Many people possess knowledge on a multitude of
topics, but infrequently have the chance to take advantage of such knowledge
(Conner, 2004).
Narrative Citation Example: Conner suggested many people possess knowledge on a
multitude of topics, but infrequently have the chance to take advantage of such
knowledge (2004).
Direct quote: reproduces words verbatim from an author or source. (8.25)
Parenthetical Citation Example: “Many of us understand all sorts of things but never
have the opportunity to take the time to try them out” (Conner, 2004, p. 161).
Narrative Citation Example: According to Conner (2004) “Many of us understand all
sorts of things but never have the opportunity or take the time to try them out” (p.
161).
BASIC IN-TEXT CITATION STYLES
Author type
Parenthetical citation
Narrative citation
One author
(Luna, 2020)
Luna (2020)
Two Authors
(Salas & D’Agostino, 2020)
Salas and D’Agostino (2020)
Three or more authors
(Martin et al., 2020)
Martin et al. (2020)
(National Institute of Mental Health
[NIMH], 2020)
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH,
2020)
Subsequent citations
(NIMH, 2020)
NIMH (2020)
Group author without abbreviation
(Stanford University, 2020)
Stanford University (2020
Group author with abbreviation
First citation
Table 8.1 p. 266
NEW GUIDELINES FOR CITING REFERENCES
Keep the format as simple as possible.
No retrieval dates needed unless the source material may
change over time. (9.16)
For electronic references, give the DOI, if no DOI is assigned
provide the URL. (9.34)
For works associated with specific location, include the
location such as conference presentations, include the
location, (Example: New York, NY) (9.31)
THE DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)
The digital object identifier (DOI)
is an alphanumeric string identifying content
Give DOI for
journal articles,
books,
book chapters accessed online.
Do not use the phrase retrieved from
Do not give a retrieval date. (9.34)
For electronic references,
give the DOI
If no DOI assigned, provide the URL. (9.35)
TO SEARCH FOR A DOI
Search for a DOI: Go to a free DOI lookup:
http://www.crossref.org/guestquery/
or
http://www.crossref.org/SimpleTextQuery/
REFERENCE PAGE
➢
The Reference page is the last page (unless an appendix).
➢
Insert a page break at the end of the final paragraph to prevent distortion
➢
The word References should appear at the top center of the page.
➢
Entries are double spaced, left and additional lines of each reference are indented
(hanging indent).
Example
References
Stielow, F. J. (2003). Building digital archives.
New York: Neal- Schuman.
REFERENCES ARE ALPHABETIZED
➢
References
➢
➢
➢
➢
Alphabetical order by author(s) last name
List last name, then first and middle initials (if applicable) only.
Author. Date. Title. Source.
When author is unknown or cannot reasonably be determined, move the title of the work
to the author position followed by a period before the date of the publication, i.e.,
Anderson, M. (2018). Getting consistent with consequences. Educational Leadership, 76(1),
26-33. or Anonymous. (2017). or Generalized anxiety disorder. (2019). respectively.
➢
Only list the last name of an author or authors followed by initials for the first and
middle names. For example: Marcia L. Conner would be listed as Conner, M. L.
➢
Do not list the author as anonymous or unknown unless the work is signed
‘Anonymous’. (9.29)
INSERT THE PUBLICATION DATE IN PARENTHESES
FOLLOWING THE AUTHOR.
Following the author’s name is the publication date. The date (in
parentheses) is always the second part of a reference. (9.4) List the date as
follows:
(year only). For example: (2009).
(year, month). For example: (2007, January). Note: Do not use month
abbreviations.
(year, month, day). For example: (1998, June 16).
(range of dates (e.g., range of years, range of exact dates) (9.13)
(n.d.). Use n.d. for works without a publication date (9.17)
Capitalize only the first word of titles, proper nouns (names of people,
places, studies, etc.), & subtitles following a colon (:). (6.29)
WHAT TO ITALICIZE
Italicize the name of books, reports, webpages, and other stand-
alone works (6.22) journals, magazines, or newspapers (10.1 ex.3),
but do not italicize the name of an article. (10.1 ex.5)
Journal: Journal of Social Psychology (10.1 ex.1)
Magazine: Newsweek (10.1 ex.15)
Newspapers: The New York Times (10.1 ex.16)
Book: Learn more now: 10 simple ways to learning better, smarter
& faster. (10.2)
JOURNAL ARTICLE REFERENCE WITH DOI
EXAMPLE (10.1 EX. 1)
Last name, Initials. (yyyy of journal volume). Article title. Journal,
volume number, (issue number), pages. doi: xx.xxxxx
Roy, A.J. (1982). Suicide in chronic schizophrenia. British Journal of
Psychiatry, 96(1), 171-177. doi: xx.xxxx
It should be noted using the words Volume or Vol., Issue or Iss., or
Pages, p. or pp. are not acceptable in the reference citation. Also, the
journal title and volume number are italicized.
***Note: For electronic references, give the DOI, if assigned, if not
include the URL.
EXAMPLE JOURNAL ARTICLE REFERENCE
WITHOUT DOI EXAMPLE (10.1 EX. 2)
Last name, Initials. (yyyy of journal volume). Article title. Journal,
volume number, (issue number), pages.
Roy, A.J. (1982). Suicide in chronic schizophrenia. British Journal of
Psychiatry, 96(1), 171-177.
It should be noted using the words Volume or Vol., Issue or Iss., or
Pages, p. or pp. are not acceptable in the reference citation. Also, the
journal title and volume number are italicized.
Note: Provide URL if DOI is not available. (9.35)
EXAMPLE BLOG POST EXAMPLE
(10.1 EX. 17)
Last name, Initials. (Date). Title of article. Title of Blog. Source location
Klymkowsky, M. (2018, September 15). Can we talk scientifically about
free will? Sci-Ed. https://blogs.plos.org/scied/2018/09/15/canwe-talk-scientifically-about-free-will/
EXAMPLE CHAPTER IN AN EDITED BOOK
WITHOUT DOI EXAMPLE (10.3. EX. 39)
Last name, Initials. (yyyy). Title of chapter. In E. E. Editor (Ed.), Title
of book (if 2nd+ ed., pp. #). Publisher Name.
Weinstock, R., Leong, G. B., & Silva, J. A., (2003). Defining forensic
psychiatry: Roles and responsibilities. In R. Rosner (Ed.), Principles
and practice of forensic psychiatry (2nd ed., pp. 7-13). CRC Press.
ONLINE MEDIA TEMPLATE
Source
Author
Twitter and Instagram:
Author, A. A. [@username].
Name of Group [@username].
Facebook and others:
Author, A. A.
Name of Group.
Name of Group [Username].
Username
Table 10.15 p. 348
Date
Title
(n.d.).
Content of the post up to the first 20 words.
(2019, August, 8).
Content of the post up to the first 20 words
[Description of audiovisuals].
[Description of audiovisuals].
Social media site
name
Site Name.
URL
https://xxxxxxx
Retrieved August 27, 2020,
from https://xxxxx
WEBPAGES OR WEBSITES TEMPLATE
Author
Author, A. A. &
Author, B. B.
Name of Group.
Date
(2020).
(2019, August).
(2020, September 28).
(n.d.).
Table 10.16 p. 351
Title
Title of work.
Source
URL
Social media site
name
Site Name.
https://xxxxxxx
Retrieved
December 22,
2020, from
https://xxxxx
ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES
➢ The new Seventh Edition of the APA Manual has various templates
along with various examples of different types of references
including, but not limited to,
periodicals
➢ books
➢ technical
➢ research reports
➢ meetings & symposia
➢ doctoral dissertations & master’s theses
➢ reviews & peer commentary
➢ audiovisual media
➢ data sets, software, internet message boards, electronic mailing lists &
other sources
➢
WRITING & GRAMMAR
BASIC WRITING COMPONENTS
Title: Name your paper. The title can “hook” your readers.
Introduction Paragraph: Tell the readers what you are about
to tell them. The thesis statement is often the last sentence of
the first paragraph.
Thesis Statement: Essentially, a thesis statement answers
the question, “What do I want my readers to know after they
have read my essay?”
Body: Discuss topic. The number of paragraphs will depend
on the length and complexity of your paper.
Concluding Paragraph: A short summary. Do not introduce
any new information.
WRITING TIPS
Use Formal Voice: Academic writing is more formal than casual
conversations, emails, and instant messages.
Complete Sentences: Write in complete sentences. Complete sentences
contain both subjects and verbs.
Subject-Verb Agreement: Be sure your subject and verb agree. For
example, “we are” rather than “we is,” or “they did” rather than “they
done.”
Verb Tense and Active Voice: Limit shifts in verb tense, and use active
voice rather than passive voice.
Awkward Phrasing: Use standard English phrasing. For example, “try to
do” rather than “try and do,” or “we went” rather than “us went.”
Long Paragraphs Preferred: Be sure your ideas are fully developed in
each of your paragraphs. This usually results in paragraphs of three to
five sentences.
WRITING TIPS CONT…
Brainstorming: Before beginning to write, take the time to put your
ideas on paper. Mind-mapping and list-making are two useful
brainstorming techniques.
Organizing: Plan your paper or assignment. This may be as simple as
a chronological list of your points or as elaborate as a formal outline.
Multiple Drafts: Professional writers create multiple drafts of their
writing. You should too.
Extra Time: Quality writing takes time – lots of time. Build in a
cushion of extra time.
Allow Time Between Drafts: While a break of 24- hours or more is
ideal, a 30-minute break will yield positive results.
Help From Others: Being mindful of plagiarism and academic
honesty, request proofreading help.
WRITING TIPS CONT…
Full Wording Rather Than Contractions: Convert contractions to
their complete word-partner. For example:
▪ it’s = it is
▪ won’t = will not
▪ haven’t = have not
Homonyms: Homonyms are words that sound alike but are
spelled differently and have different definitions. For example,
new and knew, your and you’re, and know and no or piece and
peace, or versus and verses.
Non-words: Ensure that all your words are standard English
words. For example, “alot” is not a word.
Frequently Misspelled Words: Be alert for commonly confused
words. For example, possess and posses, a lot and allot, definitely
and defiantly, and their and there.
etc.: Avoid using etc. at the end of a list unless it is part of a
quotation.
WRITING TIPS CONT…
Use 3rd person point of view (unless opinion paper): Avoid pronouns such as
I, we, my, our (1st person) and you, yours, your, us, we (2ndperson). Deal with
facts, thus, providing citations within paper and reference page. Focus on
subject; not feelings about the subject. The use of 3rd person retains a formal
tone: Academic writing is more formal than casual conversation.
Parenthesis: Parentheses are most often used in citations. Before using them
in other applications, consult the APA handbook for guidance.
Commas and Introductory Phrases: Usually commas are placed between an
introductory phrase and the main sentence; however, commas are rarely used
to separate a concluding phrase.
Colon: Colons should only be used when the introductory phrase is a
complete sentence.
Semicolon: Semicolons are used to either connect two complete sentences, or
to connect a list that contains commas.
Slashes: Use dashes rather than slashes.
WRITING TIPS CONT…
Punctuation when ending a Quote: If quotation is at the end of a
sentence, close quote with quotation marks, cite the source in
parentheses, and end with a period or other punctuation outside
the final parenthesis. (6.7)
Mid-sentence quote: If quote is in mid-sentence, close quote with
quotation marks, cite the source immediately after the quotation
marks, and continue the sentence. (6.7)
Question Marks and Quotation Marks: Place question marks
outside the quotation mark unless the question mark is part of
the quotation.
Single Quotation Marks: The only time you use single
quotation marks is inside of double quotation marks.
Exclamation Points: Exclamation points should not be used
unless the exclamation point is part of a quotation.
Titles of Books and Magazines: Italicize the title of books and
magazines.
SPELL-CHECKER,
GRAMMAR-CHECKER,
AND YOU!
Use your word processor’s spell-checker and grammarchecker to catch common mistakes. Remember, these are
tools and no software program is perfect.
Spell-checkers identify the words in its dictionary but can not
identify correct contextual spelling.
Grammar-checkers may fail to identify incorrect punctuation
or usage. It may also highlight correct usage and
punctuation.
You must follow along behind them
to ensure that the spelling and grammar
are correct.
APA 7TH ED.
GUIDELINES
New Seventh Edition
Provided by Dr. Jill Fuson & Dr. Doris Blanton, American Public University System (April, 2020). Information
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 7th ed., S.L., American Psychological Assoc., 2019
***In-text citation: (Publication Manual Of The American Psychological Association.)
3/19/2020
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
2019
The Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association has recently
updated the widely referenced Manual to a
Seventh Edition. Updated for simplified,
condensed material while retaining and
strengthening the basic rules of APA.
American Public University
Page 1
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
NEW GUIDELINES SEVENTH EDITION 2019
In today’s fast growing technological world, new inventions have altered the manner in which we gather
report and perform scientific research. Thus, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association updated the widely referenced Manual to a Seventh Edition, which simplifies, condenses,
and meets the needs of users in mind. This edition promotes accessibility for everyone, including Web
Content Accessibility Guidelines while also concentrating on the Basic Elements of APA writing.
October 2019, the American Psychological Association released its seventh edition of the Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association, with modifications to APA Style writing, sources, &
structure.
As you continue your higher education, you are faced with different writing styles. This reference guide
will concentrate on the basic principles of APA style as it applies to writing term (research) papers and
essays. This reference guide will provide helpful tips and suggestions to assist in producing a scholarly
term paper or essay using APA formatting and style guidelines.
CHANGES TO THE NEW APA EDITION
Citing online material
Use of inclusive & bias-free language
References & in-text citations are easier and clearer
APA diversity for paper guidelines professionally or academically created
Better explained guidelines for mechanics
Page 2
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
APA MANUAL 7TH EDITION: THE MOST NOTABLE CHANGES
Date published October 11, 2019 by Raimo Streefkerk. Date updated: November 5, 2019
In October 2019, the American Psychological Association (APA) introduced the 7th edition of the APA
Publication Manual, which replaces the 6th edition published in 2009.
In that time a lot of things have changed. Citing online material has become more common
the use of inclusive
bias-free language is increasingly important
technology used by researchers and students has changed
The 7th edition addresses these changes by providing better and more extensive guidelines. This
article outlines the biggest changes that you should know about.
REFERENCES AND IN-TEXT CITATIONS IN APA STYLE
When it comes to citing sources, more guidelines have been added that make citing online
sources easier and clearer.
In total, 114 examples are provided, ranging from books and periodicals to audiovisuals and
social media. For each reference category an easy template is provided that helps you to
understand and apply the citation guidelines. The biggest changes in the 7th edition are:
1. The publisher location is no longer included in the reference. Instead of “New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill” it’s just “McGraw-Hill.” (9.29)
2. The in-text citation for works with three or more authors is now shortened right from the first
citation. You only include the first author’s name and “et al.”. (8.17)
3. Surnames and initials for up to 20 authors (instead of 7) should be provided in the reference list.
(9.8)
4. DOIs are formatted as urls (https://doi.org/xxx). The label “DOI:” is no longer necessary. (DOI)
5. URLs are embedded directly in the reference, without being preceded by “Retrieved from,”
unless a retrieval date is needed.
6. For ebooks, the format, platform, or device (e.g. Kindle) is no longer included in the reference.
(10.2)
7. Clear guidelines are provided for including contributors that are not an author or editor. For
example, when citing a podcast episode, the host of the episode should be included; for a TV
series episode, the writer and director of that episode are cited. (Table 10.15)
8. Dozens of examples are included for online source types such as podcast episodes, social
media posts, and YouTube videos. Also, the use of emojis and hashtags is explained. (Table
10.15)
INCLUSIVE AND BIAS-FREE LANGUAGE (5.1-5.10)
Writing inclusively and without bias is the new standard, and APA’s new publication manual contains a
separate chapter on this topic.
Page 3
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
The guidelines provided by APA help authors to reduce bias around topics such as gender, age,
disability, racial and ethnic identity, and sexual orientation, as well as being sensitive to labels. Some
examples are:
9. The singular “they” or “their” is endorsed as a gender-neutral pronoun.
10. Descriptive phrases such as “people living in poverty” are preferred over adjectives as nouns to
label people (e.g., “the poor”).
11. Instead of broad categories (e.g., over 65 years old), you should use exact age ranges (e.g., 6575) that are more relevant and specific.
APA PAPER FORMAT
In the 7th edition, APA decided to provide different paper format guidelines for professional and student
papers. For both types a sample paper is included. Some notable changes include:
12. Increased flexibility regarding fonts: options include Calibri 11, Arial 11, Lucida Sans Unicode
10, Times New Roman 12, and Georgia 11. (2.19)
13. The running head on the title page no longer includes the words “Running head:”. It now
contains only a page number and the (shortened) paper title. (2.2-Sample)
14. The running head is omitted in student papers (unless your instructor tells you otherwise).
15. Heading levels 3-5 are updated to improve readability. (Table 2.3)
MECHANICS OF STYLE
In terms of style, not much has changed in the 7th edition. In addition to some updated and better
explained guidelines, there are two notable changes:
16. Use only one space after a period at the end of a sentence. (6.1)
17. Use double quotation marks to refer to linguistic examples (e.g. APA endorses the use of the
singular pronoun “they”) instead of italics. (6.22-6.23)
Page 4
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
WHY APA?
APA (Seventh Edition) provides a foundation for effective scholarly communication, helping authors
present ideas clearly, concisely, and in an organization manner. Uniformity and consistency enable
writers and readers to:
a) Focus on ideas being presented vs. formatting
b) Scan works quickly for key points, findings, sources
APA style guidelines encourage writers to disclose essential information allowing readers to dispense
with minor distractions i.e.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Inconsistencies or omissions in punctuation
Capitalization
Reference citations
Presentation of statistics (p. xvii)
APA 7th ed. broadened its audience of consultants of not only by psychologists but also students and
researchers in many fields such as business, education, social work, nursing and many other
behavioral and social sciences. The scope and length of the APA manual has grown in the response to
the needs of researchers, students, and educators across disciplines.
(2.2) APA BASIC/MINIMUM STUDENT PAPER ELEMENTS:
Student papers, narrative essays, literature review, usually include:
The cover page or title page (Sections 2.3-2.6)
Text of the paper (Section 2.11)
Reference page (Section 2.12)
Page numbers (Section 2.18)
Page 5
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
(2.3) COVER PAGE/TITLE PAGE
APA Manuscript elements of the title page:
***For Student Papers there is no requirement
for a Running head in the header.
Page number in the header flush right
Title of the paper in bold
Added space
Student/Author name
Course #
Affiliation
Instructor
Due date
The Seventh Edition has revised the Title Page to consist of seven elements: page number, paper title,
author, affiliation, Course, Instructor, Due date (2.2 – Sample Student Title Page).
1. Title (in title case 6.17) bold, centered, and positioned in the upper half of the title page, 3-4
lines down from top margin (2.4) added space for the next element is not required
2. Author name first name, middle initial, last name. No titles or degrees are used (Dr. or Ph.D.)
(1.22)
3. Under the author’s name is the institutional affiliation – American Public University (2.6)
4. Next is the Course number – Course name
5. Instructor name
6. Due date (month date year)
7. Page numbers (2.18)
Page 6
APA 7th ed. Guidelines
(2.11) TEXT OF THE PAPER
1” margins all the way around
All text double-spaced
Every new sentence 1 tab indent
(0.5 inches)
Format, the text should start on a new page after the title page and after the title of the paper in title
case, bold, and centered.
The text left-aligned, double-spaced paragraphs, the first line of each paragraph indented by one tab
key (0.5 in.; Section 2.23-2.24). Use headings as needed to separate sections and reflect the
organizational structure of content (Section 2.26-2.27). Do not start a new page or add extra line
breaks when a new heading occurs; each section of the text should follow the next without a break.
BASIC APA WRITING COMPONENTS
•
(2.3) Title page: Use APA format (see example above)
•
(2.4) Title: Name your paper. The title can “hook” your readers. The title should summarize the
main idea of the paper
•
(2.11) Introductory Paragraph: Should summarize the prose of the assignment, introducing
the topic. Pretend the reader has no idea of the topic the paper, concisely elaborate on the
topic. The thesis statement is often the last sentence of the first paragraph, generally a segue
sentence to the body/sub-header (if used) essay
•
(2.26) Principles of Organization: The key to writing sound, organized, scholarly structured is
to be clear, precise and logical. Headings in a paper identify the purpose
and aid the reader’s ability to become familiar with the essays content – allows for easier found
information sought.
•
(2.27) Heading Levels: The first paragraphs of the paper are understood to be introductory, the
heading “Introduction” is not needed. Do not begin a paper with an “Introduction” heading
•
(4.06) Sentence & Paragraph Length: Discuss topic. The number of paragraphs will depend
on the length and complexity of your paper. There is not minimum or maximum sentence length
in APA Style. Overuse of too short or too long sentences results in incomprehensible. Single
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APA 7th ed. Guidelines
sentence paragraphs are abrupt and used infrequently. A new paragraph signals a shift to a
new idea.
WRITING THE PAPER
There are specific guidelines when writing an APA style paper.
Center the title at the top of page two. The title is written in title case (6.17)
Double space entire paper (2.21)
Use 1 inch margins (2.22)
Text is left aligned (2.23)
APA Style paper should be written in a font accessible to all users.
o Use the same font throughout the paper (2.19)
Suggested options
11-point Calibri
11-point Arial
10-point Lucida
12-point Times New Roman
11-point Georgia
Normal 10-point Computer Modern
First sentence of every paragraph must be indented (2.24)
Quotes 40 words or more must be in blocked quotation format with no quotation marks and
include the page number in parentheses after the last period (8.27)
(2.12) COMPONENTS OF A REFERENCE PAGE
`
Page number
Title of page, in bold (References)
Alphabetize
Double-spaced
Hanging Indent
The word ‘References’ (‘Reference if only one source) should appear at the top center of the page in
bold. Entries are double-spaced using a hanging indent.
**Do not list a reference not used in the body of the paper. Similarly, do not include an in-text citation
without a corresponding reference on the reference page.
(3) Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS)
Specialized guidelines developed by APA referred to as JARS outline for authors what information
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APA 7th ed. Guidelines
should be included for journal articles. Primarily authors seeking publication or students conducting
advanced research projects.
Undergraduate or graduate students conducting advanced projects will use JARS. Common reporting
standards for journal articles include the abstract and the introduction.
Undergraduate and graduate students tend to write less complicated research papers; therefore an
abstract or introduction are not requirements (unless by programmatic design).
WRITING TIPS FOR STUDENTS
•
Acronyms: Identify acronyms on first use. Example: American Public University (APUS).
•
Allow Time Between Drafts: While a break of 24 hours or more is ideal, a thirty minute break
will yield positive results.
•
Ampersand: If the citation is in parentheses, use the ampersand (‘&’) instead of the word “and”
in text of paper. Always use ampersand (&) in tables, captions and on the reference page.
•
Awkward Phrasing: Use Standard English phrasing. For example, “try to do” rather than “try
and do,” “we went” rather than “us went.”
•
Brainstorming: Before beginning to write, take the time to put ideas down on paper. Mindmapping and list-making are two useful brainstorming techniques.
•
Commas and Introductory Phrases: Usually commas are placed between an introductory
phrase and the main sentence; however, commas are rarely used to separate a concluding
phrase.
•
Complete Sentences: Write in complete sentences and avoid slang. Complete sentences
contain both subjects and verbs. Avoid run on sentences.
•
etc.: Avoid using etc. at the end of a list unless it is part of a quotation.
•
Extra Time: Quality writing takes time – lots of time. Build in a cushion of extra time.
•
Help from Others: Being mindful of plagiarism and academic honesty, request proofreading
help.
•
Homonyms: Homonyms are words sounding similar but are spelled differently and have
different definitions. (Example, new and knew; your and you’re; know and no).
•
Multiple Drafts: Professional writers create multiple drafts of their writing. You should too.
•
Non-words: Ensure all words are Standard English words. (Example, “alot” is not a word).
•
Organizing: Plan paper or assignment. This may be as simple as a chronological list of points
or as elaborate as a formal outline.
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APA 7th ed. Guidelines
•
Question Marks and Quotation Marks: Place question marks outside the quotation mark
unless the question mark is part of the quotation.
•
Titles of Books and Magazines: Italicize the title of books and magazines.
•
Titles of Articles and Chapters: Place the title of articles and chapters of books in quotation
marks to set off when mentioned in text.
•
Use Formal Voice: Academic writing is more formal than casual conversations, emails, and
instant messages.
•
Flow of Paper: Use transitional words helping maintain the flow of thought. Use a pronoun
referring to a noun in a preceding sentence allows a smooth transition and elevates repetition.
Other words assisting in transition are time links (after, next, si
