Network Diagram

Abstract

This is the abstract, which is typed in block format with no indentation. It is a brief summation of your paper and should be 120 words or less. It should be accurate and concise. Your abstract should also be written in a self-contained way so people reading only your abstract would fully understand the content and the implications of your paper. It may be helpful to write this section last when you have collected all the information in your paper. See section 2.04 APA for helpful tips and for more information on writing abstracts.

Title of the Paper

Do not add any extra spaces between your heading and your text (check Spacing under Format, Paragraph in your word processor, and make sure that it’s set to 0”)—just double space as usual, indent your work a full ½ inch (preferably using the tab button), and start typing. Your introduction should receive no specific heading because it is assumed that your first section is your introduction section.

Once you’ve considered these formatting issues, you will need to construct a thesis statement, something that lets your reader know how you synthesized the literature into a treatise that is capable of advancing a new point of view. This statement will then provide your reader with a lens for understanding the forthcoming research you’ve decided to present in the body of your essay (after all, each piece of literature should support and be made applicable to this thesis statement).

Once you’ve established your thesis, you can then begin constructing your introduction. An easy template is as follows:

1. Start with what’s been said/done regarding your topic of interest.

2. Explain the problem with what’s been said or done.

3. Offer your solution, your thesis statement (one that can be supported by the literature).

4. Explain how your thesis brings about social change.

Level 1 Heading

This will be the beginning of the body of your essay. Even though it has a new heading, you want to make sure you connect this to your previous section so your reader can follow you and better understand your hard work. Remember to make sure your first sentence in each paragraph both transitions from your previous paragraph and summarizes the main point in your paragraph. Stick to one topic per paragraph, and when you see yourself drifting to another idea, make sure you break into a new paragraph. Try to avoid long paragraphs to avoid losing your reader and to hold his or her attention–it’s much better to have many shorter paragraphs than few long ones. Think: new idea, new paragraph.

Another Level 1 Heading

Here’s another Level 1 heading. Again, the topic sentence of this section should explain how this is related or a result of what’s been discussed in the previous section. You’ll also want to consider using transitions between your sentences as well. Below are a few examples of how to transition from one statement to another (or in some cases, one piece of literature to another):

1. Many music teachers at Olson Junior High are concerned about losing their jobs (J. Thompson, personal communication, July 3, 2004). This is not surprising considering the state’s recent financial cutbacks of fine arts programs (Pennsylvania Educational System, 2004).

2. Obesity affects as much as 17% of the total population of children (Johnson & Hammer, 2003). This increase of obesity leads to other chronic health problems, some short term and some long term (Christianson, 2004).

For more examples, see some of our transitions handouts on our website.

Level 2 Heading

The Level 2 heading here implies that we are in a subsection of the previous section. Using headings are a great way to organize your paper and increase its readability, so be sure to review heading rules on APA 3.02 and 3.03 in order to format them correctly. For shorter papers, using one or two levels is all that is needed. You would use Level 1 (centered, bold font with both uppercase and lowercase) and Level 2 (left aligned, bold, both uppercase and lowercase).

Level 3 heading. The number of headings you need in a particular paper is not set, but for longer papers, you may need another heading level. You would then use Level 3 (indented, bold, lowercase paragraph heading).

One crucial area in APA is learning how to cite in your academic work. You really want to make sure you cite your work throughout your paper to avoid plagiarism. This is critical: you need to give credit to your sources and avoid copying other’s work at all costs. Look at APA starting at 6.01 for guidelines on citing your work in your text.

Level 1 Heading

APA can seem a bit tricky to master, but it’s really fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. There are also plenty of sources to help you—don’t be afraid to ask!

And so forth until the conclusion…..

Level 1 Heading

Your conclusion section should recap the major points you have made in your work. However, perhaps more importantly, it should also interpret what you have written and what it means in the bigger picture. In your concluding remarks, think big! Some questions to ask yourself include: What do you want to happen with the information you’ve provided? What do you want to change? What is your ultimate goal in using this information? What would it mean if the suggestions in your paper were taken and used?

References

(Please note that the following references should NOT appear in your paper)

Alexander, G., & Bonaparte, N. (2008). My way or the highway that I built. Ancient Dictators, 25(7), 14-31. doi:10.8220/CTCE.52.1.23-91

Babar, E. (2007). The art of being a French elephant. Adventurous Cartoon Animals, 19, 4319-4392. Retrieved from http://www.elephants104.ace.org

Bumstead, D. (2009). The essentials: Sandwiches and sleep. Journals of Famous Loafers, 5, 565-582. doi:12.2847/CEDG.39.2.51-71

Hansel, G., & Gretel, D. (1973). Candied houses and unfriendly occupants. Thousand Oaks, CA: Fairy Tale Publishing.

Hera, J. (2008). Why Paris was wrong. Journal of Greek Goddess Sore Spots, 20(4), 19-21.

Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2007). How to cite a video: The city is always Baltimore [DVD]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Sinatra, F. (2008). Zing! Went the strings of my heart. Making Good Songs Great, 18(3), 31-32. Retrieved from http:///articlesextollingrecordingsofyore.192/fs.com

Smasfaldi, H., Wareumph, I., Aeoli, Q., Rickies, F., Furoush, P., Aaegrade, V., … Fiiel, B. (2005). The art of correcting surname mispronunciation. New York, NY: Supportive Publisher Press. Retrieved from http://www.onewaytociteelectronicbooksperAPA7.02.com

White, S., & Red, R. (2001). Stop and smell the what now? Floral arranging for beginners (Research Report No. 40-921). Retrieved from University of Wooded Glen, Center for Aesthetic Improvements in Fairy Tales website: http://www.uwg.caift/~40_921.pdf