How to Start a Topic in APA Format

Students are often asked to write a research paper following one of two standard style formats, either the Modern Language Association or the American Psychological Association. The APA format is most commonly used for topics on social sciences, especially when it comes to citing sources. A paper must contain certain elements to meet APA format requirements.

Instructions

    • 1

      Select the proper type of paper. Use standard 8 1/2-by-11 inch bond paper for all parts of the paper, including illustrations, graphs and tables.

    • 2

      Set up the proper formatting for your paper. Choose Times New Roman for the typeface, set to 12-point size. Select double spacing for everything that appears in your paper -- never use any other spacing. Set the proper margins -- one inch all the around. Paragraphs should not be justified -- leave them as ragged right. Limit the number of lines that appear on a single page to 27.

    • 3

      Properly set up the title page. Include title, author's name and institutional information. Place the page header flush left, with the page number, at the top of the page. The title should appear in the center just above halfway. Type the author's name just below the title, including first name, middle initial and last name; do not use titles or degrees. List the institutional affiliation below your name.

    • 4

      Set up the abstract page. Use the same page header as the title page. Center the word "Abstract" below the header. Begin typing the abstract below the title; do not indent any paragraphs. Limit the abstract to one page.

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