Writing academic papers in social sciences requires using the APA style 7th edition. The most recent (2019) seventh edition of the APA Publication Manual suggests new formatting rules. This guide explains the critical elements needed to format your paper in the APA 7th edition so that your work follows the appropriate standard, remains professional and is presented clearly.
Why Use APA Style?
Consistency in academic work is provided by APA style 7th edition. If you follow these rules, your paper will look professional and credible. The 7th edition is aided with more flexible formatting options, making it easier for students to use. No matter what type of paper you are writing, whether it is a research paper, a literature review, or some other sort of academic work, bettering your APA style will help improve your presentation and the readability of your paper.
Different Types of Elements Used in APA Format
1: General Document Setup
Setting up your document is essential before writing each section of your paper. Some of the fonts that are acceptable in the abstract APA 7th edition is Times New Roman (12 pt.), Arial (11pt.), Calibri (11 pt.), and Georgia (11 pt.). Set the margins on all the sides to 1 inch. The paper should be double-spaced, including the title page, abstract, body, and reference list. It is easy to indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches—to do this, press the “Tab” key in Word. Page numbers should be given after the title page on the top right-hand corner of every page.
2: Title Page
The title page is where you have basic information relating to your paper. Student and professional papers have different title page formatting. The title for a student paper should be centred on the page in bold, using title case. Double-space extra-long titles across more than one line. Avoid abbreviations. Your full name should be centred and double-spaced under the title, and your institution’s name should be included. Below the institution, list the course number and title, your instructor’s name, and the paper’s due date in Month Day, Year format (e.g., October 10, 2024).
3: Abstract
A summary of your paper is an abstract. It is usually optional for a student paper but required for professional papers; however, if your professor requires it, you must include it. After the title page, the abstract should be on a new page. At the top, “Abstract” should be bold and centred. The abstract is a single paragraph of 150-250 words, unindented. It should discuss your key points (research or main argument), which are discussed in the paper.
4: Main Body of the Paper
Sections add the main content to your paper. The APA style 7th edition follows a five-level heading system to divide these sections further.
Level 1 headings are centred, bold, and in title case.
Level 2 headings are bold and left-aligned in title case.
For level 3 headings, use left alignment, bold text, and italicization in title case.
Level 4 headings are indented, bold, in title case, and end with a period.
Level 5 headings are indented, bold, italicised, in title case, and end with a period. The text follows on the same line.
These headings assist with outlining the major sections or subsections, including Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion.
5: Citations
Citation style in APA is an author-date system. You must have an in-text citation whenever you refer to a source, whether paraphrasing or quoting directly. Author (Year): Paraphrased information. For example: (Smith, 2020). If you are quoting from a printed source, include the page number in parentheses at the end of the quotation. Use paragraph numbers for quotations taken from online resources that do not have page numbers. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 45). Every complete reference on the reference list should correspond with an in-text citation.
6: Reference List
A reference list is an integral part of an APA style 7th edition, giving full details of all sources mentioned in the text. A new page starts, and the word “References” is centred and bolded at the top. Apa References should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the first author. A hanging indent is used, with the first line of each entry left aligned and subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches. The reference list should also be double-spaced
7: Running Head
For professional papers, a running head is required. A running head is not required for student papers unless instructed otherwise. A running head is a shortened version of the paper’s title, no more than 50 characters, including spaces. For professional papers, type “Running head:” All caps are aligned left on the title page, followed by the abbreviated title. If you have a running head on the first page, you will not need the abbreviated title on the subsequent pages (just the abbreviated title is enough on the following pages).
CONCLUSION
Formatting your paper according to the APA style 7th edition can be difficult initially, but these instructions help make it professional and uniform. Following proper font, spacing, citation, and reference list practices will make your work easy to follow, more accessible to believe, and easier to read. Learning to write in APA types of writing style will improve your writing and reputation as a serious academic writer. However, you should always check your instructor’s or journal’s specific requirements as they may differ somewhat. With time and focus, you will find that APA formatting will become just as routine as other features of your academic work.
