This handout focuses on how to format in-text citations in APA.
Note: Individual instructors may require other elements not listed above, such as an abstract, table of contents, tables, or appendices. If you are unsure of which elements to include in your essay, read your assignment's guidelines or ask your instructor.
APA 7th Ed. permits several styles of font, depending on whether the text will be read on a screen or in physical copy. Always check to see if your professor requires a certain font, especially since Times New Roman 12pt font has been the default for so long.
Note: APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).
Example of a student title page in APA 7 format
APA Style uses a unique headings system to separate and classify paper sections. Headings are used to help guide the reader through a document. The levels are organized by levels of subordination, and each section of the paper should start with the highest level of heading. There are 5 heading levels in APA. Regardless of the number of levels, always use the headings in order, beginning with level 1. The format of each level is illustrated below:
Note: APA 7 provides slightly different directions for formatting the title pages of professional papers (e.g., those intended for scholarly publication) and student papers (e.g., those turned in for credit in a high school or college course).
When you write a college paper, your professor may ask you to use the . This is a standard way to format the look of your paper and your references. These instructions refer to the newest 7th edition of the APA manual (2020).
The APA style was designed specifically for publications such as books and journals, and does not apply to presentations. Presentations such as posters and slide shows (like PowerPoint) should follow the instructions given by the organisation hosting the conference. For an assignment, this means you will need to follow the instructions given by your lecturer.
A generic example of a figure formatted in APA 7 style.
Check your syllabi or ask your professors to determine what elements are required in your papers. Arrange the pages of an APA Style paper in this order:
Here’s an APA format example of a table:
The APA 7th edition now provides specific guidelines for the title page on a student paper. A student paper title page should include the following elements: title of your essay, your name, course number and name, instructor name, and assignment due date. Students should follow the guidelines from their instructors or institution when determining which title page format is most appropriate to use. For more details on setting up the title page see: .
There are many commonly used figures in papers. Examples APA Format:
Correct formatting and citation are crucial for academic writing. A particular referencing style must be followed throughout the document. College students often ask how to write an essay in APA format, as accurate academic referencing is critical to achieving high grades. In addition to understanding APA format, it is equally important to grasp effectively. This article provides the APA 7th edition guidelines and best tips.
The image below from EssayPRO has basic APA format guidelines.
In almost every case, you'll need to use the APA format when writing a publication for academic journals or completing an assignment on Education, Psychology, Economics, Business Studies, or Social Sciences. This formatting style was developed by the American Psychological Association and is one of the academic referencing formats along with MLA, Vancouver, and Chicago/Turabian formats.
10+ Best APA Research Paper Examples for Effective Writing
APA tells us to use "only the number of headings necessary to differentiate distinct section in your paper." Therefore, the number of heading levels you create depends on the length and complexity of your paper.
Formatting Essays - APA 7th Edition Citation Guide
The APA 7th essay format specifies the presentation elements of your paper, such as margins, spacing, and content structure. It also uses an "author-date" system, requiring a brief reference to the author and publication date in the main body of the text and a complete reference list at the end. Writing an essay in APA format requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines, which is why some students opt to services to ensure their papers meet all the necessary criteria.