Read the instructor's directions. On the pad of paper, use the pencil to make clear and simple notes as to what the instructor requires. Use a bullet format.
Note any specific requirements, especially due dates, and enter them on your calendar, day planner or computer.
Review the notes you have made so far, and make a final decision on a topic. Be sure the topic matches the requirements you have pinpointed.
Research APA format on the Internet or in the library. Print out a copy of the levels of headings for APA format and an example of APA references; this step is critical. Use the latest APA version; if you have questions, ask a librarian for assistance
Level one headings on the APA format will apply to the main points of your topic. The first heading is generally a background of the information.
Determine which points will fit into the main body of the paper. Establish a level one heading for each of these main points.
Develop the final level one text heading. The final level one text heading should be a summary or conclusions depending on what your instructor has requested. Add a level one heading for "References."
Determine which sub-points, or level two headings, will be needed for each level one heading. Insert them in your notes or your computer.
If any secondary sub-points are needed, they will be level three headings. Insert them into the notes or the computer. A typical paper will not need more than three levels of headings; a dissertation or a complex paper might need as many as five.
To do a sentence outline, go back and write a topic sentence for each heading and subheading, putting them in the proper place on the outline.
Make a tentative list of the references you think you may use for the paper. Make sure they are in the same format as the example you printed out.
Add the references to the end of the outline, under the level one heading "References." This is the final step of creating an outline for a successful APA paper.