Construct a title page. The title page not only identities your paper, but also acts as a cover for your work. The full title, writer’s name, name and number of your department, instructor’s name and date should all be centered on the front page.
Include a page header (short title and page number) in the upper right-hand corner of every page. This will help identify and organize the pages of your paper. Example: Language and Development 10.
Develop your abstract. Center the word "Abstract" and type a 200-word review that covers the four main topics discussed in the body of the paper. The four main points should summarize the research, procedures, results and conclusions found within your paper.
Write the body of your paper. Remember, APA style is formal in structure and should be written in concise straightforward language. The body of your paper should also be written in third person with an active voice (subject-verb-object).
Always cite your references. An APA paper is an accumulation of verifiable research; even if the information is based on personal experience, you need to provide a reference to support your claim. Resource citations are important not only because they give credit for ideas, but also back up your conclusions to your reader.
For in-text quotations, include the author's last name, year and page number in parentheses after the quotation mark. These citations should directly refer to your sources on your reference page; therefore, detailed information, such as titles and volume numbers are not needed. Example: “… the use of in-text citations is important to avoid plagiarism and breach of copyright” (Brown, 1999, pg. 55). Keep in-text quotations to less than four sentences within the body.
If your quotation exceeds four sentences (called a long-quote), place the information in a new block of lines, and omit the quotation marks.Type the entire quotation on the new margin, and indent the information five spaces from the left margin. Your long-quote should appear set-off and independent from your paragraph.
Remember to also cite your sources when paraphrasing ideas or facts. As with in-text quotations, you only have to reference the author and year of publication in your in-text reference; however, APA guidelines encourages you to provide the page number when applicable. Example: When in doubt, always cite your references (Brown, 1999, pg. 57).
Create your reference page. Type the word "References" in the center of the paper and include detailed information on each source you cited in your paper. Your references should also follow APA format: Author's name. (Year). Title of selection. In Editor's name (Ed.), Title of the book (Vol. volume number if appropriate). Place of publication: Publisher.
An example of proper APA referencing: Brown, B. (1999). APA Formatting. In M. Meyer (Ed.), APA Publication Manual (pg. 55-57). Boston: St. Martin's Press.
NOTE-- The title of the book should be italicized.