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How to Write an Abstract in APA Style

An abstract in a formal paper contains the general thesis of the paper. While the abstract summarizes the paper, it also includes the research questions, the methods used to answer those questions, participants, results and conclusions. The American Psychological Association, or APA, offers basic guidelines for preparing the abstract. It should be a single paragraph, double-spaced and contain between 150 and 250 words.

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Instructions

- 1
  Write your paper before the abstract, which is a summary of essential elements in the paper.
- 2
  Format the abstract using APA style. The abstract is the second page of your paper, following the title page. Center the word, "Abstract" on the first line. Use one inch margins, 12 point font, and double spacing consistent with the rest of the paper. Write the abstract using block format, which means no no indentation for the single paragraph.
- 3
  Write the abstract. Use your central thesis statement to open the abstract, close with your summarizing statement. The central sentences are best created by summarizing your major theme for each section of the paper. The end result should be clear and concise, yet give the scope of your paper.

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