apa format descriptive essay

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format

What is apa format, apa essay format basics.

• Steps to Follow

Frequently Asked Questions

If your instructor has asked you to write an APA format essay, it might at first seem like a daunting task, especially if you are accustomed to using another style such as MLA or Chicago. But you can master the rules of APA essay format, too.

An essay is one type of paper that can be written in APA format; others include lab reports, experimental reports, and case studies. Before you begin, familiarize yourself with some of the basic guidelines for writing a paper in APA format. Of course, it will also be important to follow any other formatting instructions that are part of your assignment.

How do you write an essay in APA format? The basic elements you need to include are:

• A title page
• An abstract
• An introduction, main body, and conclusion
• A reference section
• Proper APA formatting with regard to margins, layout, spacing, titles, and indentations

This article discusses how to write an essay in APA format, including the basic steps you should follow and tips for how to get started.

Whether you’re taking an introductory or graduate-level psychology class, chances are strong that you will have to write at least one paper during the course of the semester. In almost every case, you will need to write your paper in APA format, the official publication style of the American Psychological Association . It is also used for academic journals.

Such rules are generally the same whether you are writing a high school essay, college essay, or professional essay for publication.

APA format is used in a range of disciplines including psychology , education, and other social sciences. The format dictates presentation elements of your paper including spacing, margins, and how the content is structured.

Most instructors and publication editors have strict guidelines when it comes to how your format your writing. Not only does adhering to APA format allow readers to know what to expect from your paper, but it also means that your work will not lose critical points over minor formatting errors. 

While the formatting requirements for your paper might vary depending on your instructor's directions, writing APA essay format means you will most likely need to include a title page, abstract, introduction, body, conclusion, and reference sections.

Your APA format essay should have a title page . This title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and your school affiliation. In some instances, your teacher might require additional information such as the course title, instructor name, and the date.

• The title of your paper should be concise and clearly describe what your paper is about.
• Your title can extend to two lines, but it should be no longer than 12 words.

An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that immediately follows the title page. It is not required for student papers, according to APA style. However, your instructor may request one.

If you include an abstract , it should be no more than 100 to 200 words, although this may vary depending upon the instructor requirements.

Your essay should also include a reference list with all of the sources that were cited in your essay,

• The reference section is located at the end of your paper.
• References should be listed alphabetically by the last name of the author.
• References should be double-spaced.
• Any source that is cited in your paper should be included in your reference section.

When writing in APA essay format, the text will include the actual essay itself: The introduction, body, and conclusion.

• There should be uniform margins of at least one inch at the top, bottom, left, and right sides of your essay.
• The text should be in Times New Roman size 12 font or another serif typeface that is easily readable.
• Your paper should be double-spaced.
• Every page should include a page number in the top right corner.
• The first word of each paragraph in your paper should be indented one-half inch.

For professional papers (usually not student papers), every page of the essay also includes a running head at the top left. The running head is a shortened form of the title, often the first few words, and should be no more than 50 characters (including spaces).

Steps to a Successful APA Format Essay

In addition to ensuring that you cite your sources properly and present information according to the rules of APA style, there are a number of things you can do to make the writing process a little bit easier.

Choose a Topic

Start by choosing a good topic to write about. Ideally, you want to select a subject that is specific enough to let you fully research and explore the topic, but not so specific that you have a hard time finding sources of information.

If you choose something too specific, you may find yourself with not enough to write about. If you choose something too general, you might find yourself overwhelmed with information.

Research Your Topic

Start doing research as early as possible. Begin by looking at some basic books and articles on your topic to help develop it further. What is the question you are going to answer with your essay? What approach will you take to the topic?

Once you are more familiar with the subject, create a preliminary source list of potential books, articles, essays, and studies that you may end up using in your essay.

Remember, any source used in your essay must be included in your reference section. Conversely, any source listed in your references must be cited somewhere in the body of your paper.

Write Your Rough Draft

With research in hand, you are ready to begin. Some people like to create an outline to organize their argument prior to drafting. You may want to start with a very rough outline, and then add details.

Once you have a detailed outline, the next step is to translate it from notes to complete sentences and paragraphs. Remember, this is a first draft. It doesn't have to be perfect.

As you write your paper in APA essay format, be sure to keep careful track of the sources that you cite.

How do you start an APA paper? Your paper should begin with an introduction that includes a thesis statement that presents your main ideas, points, or arguments. Your introduction should start on the third page of your paper (after the title page and abstract). The title of your paper should be centered, bolded, and typed in title case at the top of the page.

Review and Revise

After you have prepared a rough draft of your essay, it's time to revise, review, and prepare your final draft. In addition to making sure that your writing is cohesive and supported by your sources, you should also check carefully for typos, grammar errors, and possible formatting mistakes.

When citing information or quotations taken from an interview, APA format requires that you cite the source, how the information was collected, and the date of the interview. They should not be included in the reference section, however, because they are not something that can be located by a reader in any published source or searchable database.

Instead, the information should be cited parenthetically in the main body of the text. For example: “There was an increase in the number of college students who screened positive for depression/anxiety” (R. Heathfield, personal communication, May 9, 2021).

If the essay is in a chapter of a book, edited collection, or anthology, APA format states that you should cite the last name, first name, title of essay, title of collection, publisher, year, and page range. For example: Smith, John, "The Light House," A Book of Poems , editing by Peter Roberts, Allworth Press, 2005, pp. 20-25.

According to APA format, a two-part essay is formatted the same as an essay, however, you'll need to create two title pages.

If you're including a short direct quote in your APA-format essay, you will need to cite the author, year of publication, and page number (p.) or page number span (pp.). Quotations longer than 40 words should omit the quotation marks and be put in the text using block quotation formatting, on its own line and indented 1/2 inch from the left margin.

The cover page or "title page" in APA essay format should always include the title of your paper, your name, and school affiliation as well as the course title, instructor name, and date, if requested by your teacher.

Nagda S.  How to write a scientific abstract.   J Indian Prosthodont Soc.  2013;13(3):382-383. doi:10.1007/s13191-013-0299-x

American Psychological Association.  Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association  (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2019.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Descriptive Essay: Your Guide to Writing an Effective One

A descriptive essay is one of the four main types of essays, alongside narrative, argumentative, and expository essays. Among these, descriptive essays can be particularly challenging because they demand a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for aesthetics. By vividly describing scenes and details, you engage your reader’s senses, making your essay memorable and engaging. In this guide, our essay writers will break down the writing process for you, offering step-by-step instructions, practical examples, and clear definitions to help you excel in your next assignment.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

Descriptive writing aims to vividly portray something through essays, helping readers visualize and feel the scene or object being described. Such essays draw on detailed descriptions to create a clear and impactful image that not only presents the subject but also evokes emotions and memories.

There are three main techniques used in descriptive writing: naming, detailing, and comparing .

Naming identifies the subject and its characteristics, answering questions like 'What is it?' and 'What features does it have?'

Detailing elaborates on these features, providing answers to detailed questions such as 'How many are there?' and 'What is its value?' Techniques like synesthesia and comparisons enhance these descriptions.

Comparing uses similes and metaphors to make descriptions more vivid, linking the subject to familiar concepts.

What Is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

The purpose of a descriptive essay is multifaceted. Primarily, it allows writers to give readers a vivid impression of a person, place, or event, making the subject come alive through words. By using detailed descriptions, writers can help readers visualize settings and characters as if they were seeing them firsthand.

Additionally, descriptive essays can serve to clarify abstract ideas. By describing these concepts with concrete images and examples, writers make complex ideas easier to understand and more relatable to the reader.

Descriptive essays also aim to make information more memorable. When details are vivid, they are more likely to stick in the reader's mind, enhancing recall and engagement with the text.

Lastly, it can bolster an argument by providing concrete, detailed evidence that supports a point of view. This helps persuade the reader by making the argument more tangible and credible.

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Descriptive Essay Topics

When you're tasked with writing a descriptive essay, you'll usually get a prompt that asks you to describe something. These descriptive essay prompts allow you to explore different settings, time periods, and imaginative scenarios in your essays. 

Personal Prompts:

• Describe a favorite childhood memory.
• Describe a treasured family heirloom.

Imaginative Prompts:

• Describe a day in the life of a pirate.
• Describe what it would be like to explore an underwater city.

Historical Prompts:

• Describe the atmosphere of a bustling ancient marketplace.
• Describe the experience of witnessing a significant moment in history, like the moon landing or the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Nature Prompts:

• Describe the sights and sounds of a peaceful forest at dawn.
• Describe the feeling of standing at the edge of a majestic waterfall.

Everyday Prompts:

• Describe the chaos of a busy morning commute in a big city.
• Describe the tranquility of a sunset picnic in the countryside.

If you need topic ideas for other essay genres, consult our guide on narrative essay topics .

How to Write a Descriptive Essay in 8 Steps

Now that you understand the essence and purpose of this type of essay let's explore some fundamental yet valuable tips for writing a descriptive essay. 

Step 1: Select Your Topic

The first step in creating a captivating descriptive essay is choosing the right topic. Start by paying close attention to your surroundings. 

• Consider describing a person you know well in your life, like a sibling, a close friend, or a teacher who has made a significant impact on you.
• Alternatively, you could focus on a specific place or object that holds sentimental value to you, such as a favorite vacation spot, a cherished childhood toy, or a meaningful piece of jewelry.
• Another option is to explore a strong emotion that you have experienced, like excitement, nostalgia, or determination. 

Avoid using overly technical or jargon-filled language in your topic selection. Instead, aim for simplicity and clarity to ensure that your chosen topic resonates with your audience and allows you to convey your unique perspective effectively.

Step 2: Gather Details

Once you've selected your topic for your descriptive essay, the next step is to gather details that will bring your chosen subject to life on the page. Start by closely observing your subject, whether it's a person, place, object, or emotion. Pay attention to its appearance, characteristics, and any unique features that stand out to you.

For example, if you've chosen to describe your childhood home, take note of its architectural style, color scheme, and any distinctive elements like a front porch or a cozy fireplace. Recall memories associated with the home, such as family gatherings or quiet moments spent reading in your favorite spot.

If your topic is a person, like a close friend or family member, observe their physical appearance, mannerisms, and personality traits. Consider the ways in which they interact with others and the impact they have on your life.

Step 3: Draft an Outline

When structuring your essay, you can organize your paragraphs from top to bottom or near to far, chronologically, or from general to specific. Here's a simple descriptive essay outline from our custom writers to guide you: 

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

When developing your thesis statement, consider the main points or aspects of your subject that you want to highlight in your essay. Think about the emotions or impressions you want to evoke in the reader and tailor your thesis statement accordingly.

For example, if you're writing about your favorite childhood memory, your thesis statement could be: 'My summers spent at my grandparents' farm were filled with laughter, adventure, and a sense of belonging.'

Or, if you're describing a beautiful sunset, your thesis statement might be: 'The breathtaking colors and serene atmosphere of the sunset over the ocean evoke a sense of peace and wonder.'

Step 5: Craft the Introduction

Start your descriptive essay introduction by hooking the reader with an engaging opening sentence or anecdote related to your topic. This could be a vivid description, a thought-provoking question, or a surprising fact. For example:

• Growing up on my grandparents' farm, each summer brought new adventures and unforgettable memories that still warm my heart to this day.

After hooking the reader, provide some background information or context for your topic. This could include brief details about the setting, time period, or significance of your subject. For instance:

• Nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, my grandparents' farm was a sanctuary of simple pleasures and cherished traditions.

Finally, end your introduction with your thesis statement, clearly stating the main point of your essay. This ties everything together and gives the reader a roadmap for what to expect in the rest of your essay. 

Step 6: Compose the Body Paragraphs

Once you've crafted your introduction, it's time to compose the body paragraphs, where you delve into the details and descriptions that bring your topic to life.

Each body paragraph should focus on a specific aspect or detail of your topic, expanding upon the ideas presented in your thesis statement. Use vivid language, sensory details, and descriptive devices to paint a clear picture for the reader.

For example, if you're writing about summers spent at your grandparents' farm, you could dedicate one body paragraph to describing the sights and sounds of the farm:

• The rolling fields stretched out before me, golden waves of wheat swaying gently in the breeze. The air was filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers, mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil.

In another body paragraph, you might explore the adventures and activities that filled your days:

• From sunrise to sunset, there was never a dull moment on the farm. Whether we were exploring the woods, splashing in the creek, or helping with chores, each day brought new excitement and adventure.

Continue with additional body paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect of your topic and providing rich, detailed descriptions. Be sure to vary your language and sentence structure to keep the reader engaged and interested.

Step 7: Conclude the Essay

The conclusion should bring together all the ideas presented in your essay. Avoid introducing any new information in the conclusion. Instead, focus on evaluating your thoughts and reflections on the topic. End with a strong final sentence that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

For example, if you were writing about summers spent at your grandparents' farm, your conclusion might reflect on the significance of those memories:

• 'As I reminisce about the summers spent amid the rustic charm of my grandparents' farm, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures and cherished moments that shaped my childhood. The laughter echoing through the fields, the adventures awaiting around every corner, and the sense of belonging that enveloped me there will forever hold a special place in my heart.'

Step 8: Refine Your Essay

Once you've finished writing your essay, it's time to refine it for clarity and impact. Start by reading your essay aloud to yourself. Listen for any sentences that sound awkward or unclear. Mark these sentences so you can revise them later.

You can also read your essay aloud to others and ask for their feedback. Invite friends, family members, teachers, or mentors to listen to your essay and share their thoughts. Ask them if there are any parts that are difficult to understand or if they have trouble picturing the subject you're describing.

Be receptive to constructive criticism and feedback. Use it as an opportunity to improve your essay and make it stronger. And if it sounds too demanding right now, you can buy cheap essay to sidestep the hassle and reclaim some much-needed free time.

Descriptive Essay Format

The standard format for a descriptive essay typically includes five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, you can also organize your essay into sections, allowing for flexibility in the length of the body paragraphs.

Introductory Paragraph: This paragraph sets the scene by describing where, when, and to whom the experience occurred. It should include descriptive words to capture the reader's attention.

First Body Paragraph: Here, the writer provides details that allow the reader to visualize the situation. Descriptive language is key in painting a clear picture for the reader.

Second Body Paragraph: More details are provided, with a focus on using descriptive adjectives. Figurative language, such as metaphor (e.g., describing the city as a 'jungle of concrete'), can enhance the imagery.

Third Body Paragraph: The writer continues to appeal to the reader's senses with visually descriptive words. Figurative language, like personification (e.g., describing the wind as a playful dancer), adds depth to the description.

Conclusion: The conclusion alludes to another sense, such as touch or sound, and uses strong words to signify closure. It ends with a powerful concluding sentence to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Descriptive Essay Examples

In this section, you'll discover essay examples that demonstrate how to captivate your readers' attention effectively. After exploring these examples, you might find yourself tempted to ask, 'Can someone do my homework for me?' - and that's completely understandable! We're here to help you become more confident and articulate communicators through your writing!

3 Additional Tips for Writing

While writing a descriptive essay, your goal is to make your subject come alive for the reader. Unlike more formal essays, you have the freedom to be creative with your descriptions, using figurative language, sensory details, and precise word choices to make your writing memorable.

Use Figurative Language: Figurative language, like metaphors and similes, adds flair to your descriptions. Instead of sticking to literal descriptions, use comparisons to create unique and memorable imagery. 

• For instance, describing a city as a bustling beehive of activity ' or a forest as ' a blanket of whispers ' adds an unexpected twist that captures the reader's attention.

Engage Your Senses: In a descriptive essay, don't just focus on what something looks like; appeal to all the senses. Describe how things smell, sound, feel, and even taste, if applicable. This adds depth and richness to your descriptions, making them more immersive. 

• For example, instead of just describing a beach visually, include sensory details like feeling the warm sand between your toes , hearing the rhythmic crash of waves , and t asting the salty sea breeze.

Choose Your Words Carefully: Use effective adjectives, verbs, and nouns to convey your impressions vividly. Avoid clichés and opt for original, precise language that reflects your unique perspective. Take the time to review your sentences and consider if there are better word choices that could enhance your description.

In Wrapping Up

To sum it up, descriptive essays are all about encouraging students like you to explore your surroundings and unleash your creativity by describing scenes in detail with words. When you carefully select and organize these descriptive details, it not only enhances your writing but also sharpens your critical thinking skills. Plus, diving into this expressive writing style allows you to appreciate the beauty of language and feel more connected to written communication. And remember, if you ever need a little boost in your writing journey, our descriptive essay writing service is here to help!

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How To Write A Descriptive Essay?

What is a descriptive essay, what is the purpose of a descriptive essay.

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is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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• New samples
• New information on each of the rest sections 

Axelrod, R. B. and Cooper, R. C. (2008). The st martin’s guide to writing. (English Edition). New York: Bedford/St Martins

Okono, U. M. (2021). Descriptive essay: An assessment of performance by undergraduates of AkwaIbom State University. Erudite Journal of Linguistics and Languages . https://www.globalacademicstar.com/download/article/descriptive-essay-an-assessment-of-performance-by-undergraduates-of-akwa-ibom-state-university.pdf

Okono. U. M. (2020). “Qualities of a good essay: An assessment of the writings of Nigerian undergraduates.” International Journal on integrated Education. 3: vi.

https://irsc-asc.weebly.com/uploads/3/1/8/1/31813909/e7__descriptive_essay_guidelines.pdf

A step-by-step guide for creating and formatting APA Style student papers

The start of the semester is the perfect time to learn how to create and format APA Style student papers. This article walks through the formatting steps needed to create an APA Style student paper, starting with a basic setup that applies to the entire paper (margins, font, line spacing, paragraph alignment and indentation, and page headers). It then covers formatting for the major sections of a student paper: the title page, the text, tables and figures, and the reference list. Finally, it concludes by describing how to organize student papers and ways to improve their quality and presentation.

The guidelines for student paper setup are described and shown using annotated diagrams in the Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3.40MB) and the A Step-by-Step Guide to APA Style Student Papers webinar . Chapter 1 of the Concise Guide to APA Style and Chapter 2 of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association describe the elements, format, and organization for student papers. Tables and figures are covered in Chapter 7 of both books. Information on paper format and tables and figures and a full sample student paper are also available on the APA Style website.

Basic setup

The guidelines for basic setup apply to the entire paper. Perform these steps when you first open your document, and then you do not have to worry about them again while writing your paper. Because these are general aspects of paper formatting, they apply to all APA Style papers, student or professional. Students should always check with their assigning instructor or institution for specific guidelines for their papers, which may be different than or in addition to APA Style guidelines.

Seventh edition APA Style was designed with modern word-processing programs in mind. Most default settings in programs such as Academic Writer, Microsoft Word, and Google Docs already comply with APA Style. This means that, for most paper elements, you do not have to make any changes to the default settings of your word-processing program. However, you may need to make a few adjustments before you begin writing.

Use 1-in. margins on all sides of the page (top, bottom, left, and right). This is usually how papers are automatically set.

Use a legible font. The default font of your word-processing program is acceptable. Many sans serif and serif fonts can be used in APA Style, including 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, 12-point Times New Roman, and 11-point Georgia. You can also use other fonts described on the font page of the website.

Line spacing

Double-space the entire paper including the title page, block quotations, and the reference list. This is something you usually must set using the paragraph function of your word-processing program. But once you do, you will not have to change the spacing for the entirety of your paper–just double-space everything. Do not add blank lines before or after headings. Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs. For paper sections with different line spacing, see the line spacing page.

Paragraph alignment and indentation

Align all paragraphs of text in the body of your paper to the left margin. Leave the right margin ragged. Do not use full justification. Indent the first line of every paragraph of text 0.5-in. using the tab key or the paragraph-formatting function of your word-processing program. For paper sections with different alignment and indentation, see the paragraph alignment and indentation page.

Page numbers

Put a page number in the top right of every page header , including the title page, starting with page number 1. Use the automatic page-numbering function of your word-processing program to insert the page number in the top right corner; do not type the page numbers manually. The page number is the same font and font size as the text of your paper. Student papers do not require a running head on any page, unless specifically requested by the instructor.

Title page setup

Title page elements.

APA Style has two title page formats: student and professional (for details, see title page setup ). Unless instructed otherwise, students should use the student title page format and include the following elements, in the order listed, on the title page:

• Paper title.
• Name of each author (also known as the byline).
• Affiliation for each author.
• Course number and name.
• Instructor name.
• Assignment due date.
• Page number 1 in the top right corner of the page header.

The format for the byline depends on whether the paper has one author, two authors, or three or more authors.

• When the paper has one author, write the name on its own line (e.g., Jasmine C. Hernandez).
• When the paper has two authors, write the names on the same line and separate them with the word “and” (e.g., Upton J. Wang and Natalia Dominguez).
• When the paper has three or more authors, separate the names with commas and include “and” before the final author’s name (e.g., Malia Mohamed, Jaylen T. Brown, and Nia L. Ball).

Students have an academic affiliation, which identities where they studied when the paper was written. Because students working together on a paper are usually in the same class, they will have one shared affiliation. The affiliation consists of the name of the department and the name of the college or university, separated by a comma (e.g., Department of Psychology, George Mason University). The department is that of the course to which the paper is being submitted, which may be different than the department of the student’s major. Do not include the location unless it is part of the institution’s name.

Write the course number and name and the instructor name as shown on institutional materials (e.g., the syllabus). The course number and name are often separated by a colon (e.g., PST-4510: History and Systems Psychology). Write the assignment due date in the month, date, and year format used in your country (e.g., Sept. 10, 2020).

Title page line spacing

Double-space the whole title page. Place the paper title three or four lines down from the top of the page. Add an extra double-spaced blank like between the paper title and the byline. Then, list the other title page elements on separate lines, without extra lines in between.

Title page alignment

Center all title page elements (except the right-aligned page number in the header).

Title page font

Write the title page using the same font and font size as the rest of your paper. Bold the paper title. Use standard font (i.e., no bold, no italics) for all other title page elements.

Text elements

Repeat the paper title at the top of the first page of text. Begin the paper with an introduction to provide background on the topic, cite related studies, and contextualize the paper. Use descriptive headings to identify other sections as needed (e.g., Method, Results, Discussion for quantitative research papers). Sections and headings vary depending on the paper type and its complexity. Text can include tables and figures, block quotations, headings, and footnotes.

Text line spacing

Double-space all text, including headings and section labels, paragraphs of text, and block quotations.

Text alignment

Center the paper title on the first line of the text. Indent the first line of all paragraphs 0.5-in.

Left-align the text. Leave the right margin ragged.

Block quotation alignment

Indent the whole block quotation 0.5-in. from the left margin. Double-space the block quotation, the same as other body text. Find more information on the quotations page.

Use the same font throughout the entire paper. Write body text in standard (nonbold, nonitalic) font. Bold only headings and section labels. Use italics sparingly, for instance, to highlight a key term on first use (for more information, see the italics page).

Headings format

For detailed guidance on formatting headings, including headings in the introduction of a paper, see the headings page and the headings in sample papers .

• Alignment: Center Level 1 headings. Left-align Level 2 and Level 3 headings. Indent Level 4 and Level 5 headings like a regular paragraph.
• Font: Boldface all headings. Also italicize Level 3 and Level 5 headings. Create heading styles using your word-processing program (built into AcademicWriter, available for Word via the sample papers on the APA Style website).

Tables and figures setup

Tables and figures are only included in student papers if needed for the assignment. Tables and figures share the same elements and layout. See the website for sample tables and sample figures .

Table elements

Tables include the following four elements: 

• Body (rows and columns)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the table)

Figure elements

Figures include the following four elements: 

• Image (chart, graph, etc.)
• Note (optional if needed to explain elements in the figure)

Table line spacing

Double-space the table number and title. Single-, 1.5-, or double-space the table body (adjust as needed for readability). Double-space the table note.

Figure line spacing

Double-space the figure number and title. The default settings for spacing in figure images is usually acceptable (but adjust the spacing as needed for readability). Double-space the figure note.

Table alignment

Left-align the table number and title. Center column headings. Left-align the table itself and left-align the leftmost (stub) column. Center data in the table body if it is short or left-align the data if it is long. Left-align the table note.

Figure alignment

Left-align the figure number and title. Left-align the whole figure image. The default alignment of the program in which you created your figure is usually acceptable for axis titles and data labels. Left-align the figure note.

Bold the table number. Italicize the table title. Use the same font and font size in the table body as the text of your paper. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the table note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Figure font

Bold the figure number. Italicize the figure title. Use a sans serif font (e.g., Calibri, Arial) in the figure image in a size between 8 to 14 points. Italicize the word “Note” at the start of the figure note. Write the note in the same font and font size as the text of your paper.

Placement of tables and figures

There are two options for the placement of tables and figures in an APA Style paper. The first option is to place all tables and figures on separate pages after the reference list. The second option is to embed each table and figure within the text after its first callout. This guide describes options for the placement of tables and figures embedded in the text. If your instructor requires tables and figures to be placed at the end of the paper, see the table and figure guidelines and the sample professional paper .

Call out (mention) the table or figure in the text before embedding it (e.g., write “see Figure 1” or “Table 1 presents”). You can place the table or figure after the callout either at the bottom of the page, at the top of the next page, or by itself on the next page. Avoid placing tables and figures in the middle of the page.

Embedding at the bottom of the page

Include a callout to the table or figure in the text before that table or figure. Add a blank double-spaced line between the text and the table or figure at the bottom of the page.

Embedding at the top of the page

Include a callout to the table in the text on the previous page before that table or figure. The table or figure then appears at the top of the next page. Add a blank double-spaced line between the end of the table or figure and the text that follows.

Embedding on its own page

Embed long tables or large figures on their own page if needed. The text continues on the next page.

Reference list setup

Reference list elements.

The reference list consists of the “References” section label and the alphabetical list of references. View reference examples on the APA Style website. Consult Chapter 10 in both the Concise Guide and Publication Manual for even more examples.

Reference list line spacing

Start the reference list at the top of a new page after the text. Double-space the entire reference list (both within and between entries).

Reference list alignment

Center the “References” label. Apply a hanging indent of 0.5-in. to all reference list entries. Create the hanging indent using your word-processing program; do not manually hit the enter and tab keys.

Reference list font

Bold the “References” label at the top of the first page of references. Use italics within reference list entries on either the title (e.g., webpages, books, reports) or on the source (e.g., journal articles, edited book chapters).

Final checks

Check page order.

• Start each section on a new page.
• Arrange pages in the following order:
• Title page (page 1).
• Text (starts on page 2).
• Reference list (starts on a new page after the text).

Check headings

• Check that headings accurately reflect the content in each section.
• Start each main section with a Level 1 heading.
• Use Level 2 headings for subsections of the introduction.
• Use the same level of heading for sections of equal importance.
• Avoid having only one subsection within a section (have two or more, or none).

Check assignment instructions

• Remember that instructors’ guidelines supersede APA Style.
• Students should check their assignment guidelines or rubric for specific content to include in their papers and to make sure they are meeting assignment requirements.

Tips for better writing

• Ask for feedback on your paper from a classmate, writing center tutor, or instructor.
• Budget time to implement suggestions.
• Use spell-check and grammar-check to identify potential errors, and then manually check those flagged.
• Proofread the paper by reading it slowly and carefully aloud to yourself.
• Consult your university writing center if you need extra help.

About the author

Undergraduate student resources

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

This could be something as simple as your favorite flavor of ice cream or as complicated as the politics of 13th century Vienna. Different than a simple description, a descriptive essay allows the writer to really show off both their imagination as well as their writing skills.

What is a Descriptive Essay?

A descriptive essay is a type of academic writing that asks the writer to fully describe a place, person, situation, event, or thing. They can be simple or they can be very complex depending on the subject matter and audience written for. These types of essays train a writer’s ability to express themselves accurately as well as build compelling sentences and arguments.

Descriptive Essay Ideas

There is no exhaustive list of things that can be described, but these are some of the most common things you may be asked to write about. 

A Location - The goal of writing about a place is to make the reader feel as if they are there. Words, similes, and metaphors that ignite the reader’s imagination are essential. Try and immerse the reader in the sights, smells, and sounds of the place you are describing. Examples could be a city, a view, a particular building like your house, etc. 

A Time Period - Similar to writing about a location, the goal is to make the reader lose themselves in the time you are describing. This requires great research to be able to describe physical characteristics as authentically and as well as possible. This could include how you felt a year ago, an ancient time period, or the future.

An Event - The goal of describing an event is to explain a series of interesting circumstances. Typical storytelling elements like describing the plot, setting, and characters are useful, but make sure you focus on the chain of events.

An Emotion - The goal of describing an emotion is to make the reader feel the sentiments of the character you are describing. Metaphors and similes are very useful when trying to evoke an emotion in a reader along with physical descriptions that express the emotion. 

A Person - The goal of writing about a person is to make the reader understand something about that person. This includes physical descriptions of what they look like, what kind of clothing they wear, a sense of the physical presence along with their profession,  as well as how they behave. 

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Descriptive Essay Outline and Structure

Though a descriptive type of essay is quite different from a typical academic paper, it still follows a classic 5 paragraph format. Always follow any directions though, sometimes you may need more or fewer body paragraphs. This is a general structure you should keep in mind for this type of essay.

Introduction

• Introduction/background information

Body Paragraphs

• Topic Sentence
• Sensory Information
• Physical Descriptions
• Transition Sentence
• Summary of the main points
• Restate the thesis

An outline is always a good idea for any kind of writing, but it is particularly useful for this type of essay because it collects your thoughts and makes sure your essay stays on track. 

Introduction 

• Hook - The sting of salty water, the hypnotic crash of the waves, the breathtaking sunsets, the best vacation spot?
• Background information - Everyone is different and everyone likes different types of things. When it comes to vacations though, there is a place that almost everyone enjoys.
• Thesis - In my opinion, the beach is the best possible vacation spot because of the variety of ways one can enjoy it. 

Body Paragraph 1 

• Topic Sentence - The beach has many kinds of natural beauty
• Sensory information - The unlimited expanse of the ocean combined with glorious sunrises and sunsets.
• Physical descriptions -The crunch of sand below your bare feet and the crash of waves on your body.
• Transition sentence - There’s more than just natural beauty though, there are physical activities to enjoy as well 

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence - The beach has unlimited activities for physical enjoyment.
• Sensory information - The thrill of battling with the ocean, the joy of falling on the sand, the wind streaming through your hair, and the pleasant tingling of the sun on bare skin.
• Physical descriptions - Water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and the like allow you to exercise in one of the most fun ways possible. Not to mention sports like frisbee, volleyball, beach soccer, and more.
• Transition sentence - If you just want to relax, the beach is perfect for that too!

Body Paragraph 3

• Topic Sentence - The beach is ideal just to relax, destress, and take it easy. 
• Sensory information - To relax as you are massaged by either human hands or the sun is a pleasure. Lazing around might be frowned upon, but the beach is the ideal place to spend some time taking care of yourself and letting the stresses of the world melt away.
• Physical description - Whether it’s reading a book, or enjoying a refreshing beverage with umbrellas in it, you can get taken care of on the beach. Building sandcastles, painting, and meditating are other activities easily and freely enjoyed. 
• Transition sentence - The beach has so much to offer.
• Summary of the main points - Whether it’s nature, physical exercise, or simple relaxation, the beach can offer all of that and more. 
• Restate the thesis - That’s the main reason that a beach is the ideal vacation spot, it allows for diverse ways of having fun. 
• Closing statement/Clincher - Think about the last time you went to the beach, don’t you want to go again?

What is the Purpose of a Descriptive Essay?

It should leave the reader with a clear idea of the topic of the essay. The goal is to explain things in a comprehensive and interesting way so that the information stays with the reader. Let’s go into the details of how to accomplish this. 

Did you like our inspiring Descriptive Essay Guide?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay editing services!

Writing Process & Descriptive Essay Examples

It may seem challenging to write a successful essay of this type, but if you follow the advice below, it will be a breeze. 

How to Start a Descriptive Essay

Making sure you choose the right topic is the first hurdle to cross. A topic for a descriptive essay is vital because it is the main subject you will be writing about. Spend at least 20 minutes brainstorming different topic ideas and make sure you choose a topic that you know well.

Next, create an outline to better structure your thoughts and figure out the pieces of information you need to find out more about. The more time you spend creating a well-researched outline, the better your endpaper is going to be, and you’ll end up spending less time on actually writing the paper. Now you can move on the writing the descriptive essay introduction.

How to Write a Descriptive Essay Thesis

A thesis statement is the main argument you are trying to make in your paper. It is the main point you are trying to describe. A good thesis statement for descriptive essay is particular without being too brief. It should include not only just what the topic is, but also mention why the topic is important.

How to Write Body Paragraphs

You can have as many body paragraphs as you think are necessary to achieve the goal of describing something clearly. This means you could have just one body paragraph, the standard three, or more. 

Start every paragraph with a topic sentence that explains what the main purpose of the paragraph is. Next fill in sensory details, describing the emotions before moving on to describing the actual physical details. End each body paragraph with a transition sentence that helps each paragraph flow into the other. Not only does this make your writing stronger, but it also helps you create an immersive experience.

How to Write the Conclusion 

Summarize the main points of your essay and make sure that you reiterate the thesis statement. This reminds people of the point of your essay and ensures that when writing, you don’t stray too far from the point. 

Descriptive Essay Format 

There are 3 main formats of citation types for essays. Though the most common one is MLA, it is possible that you may have to use APA or Chicago Style citations. 

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is used primarily for the arts and humanities.  MLA uses in-text parenthetical citation in the format of (Author, Page). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Works Cited page. The format of these entries is unique to MLA but is easy to make with a citation generator. 

APA stands for American Psychological Association and is used mostly for the sciences and social sciences. APA uses in-text parenthetical citations in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the References section

Chicago Style is used primarily for Business, History, and the Fine Arts. In-text citation can be either as footnotes or parenthetical citation in the format (Author, Date). The page at the end that contains all the sources is called the Bibliography. 

Most descriptive essays will follow the MLA style of citation, but if you need any more help, find a guide on Studyfy.com for more information about citation styles in general. 

Descriptive Essay Topics

The topic is crucial, because all the research you do, and the entire paper, will specifically be about describing the topic. Here are some descriptive essay prompts to inspire you!

The person you’ve most admired in your life

A movie scene that made you feel strong emotions

The time period you would travel to if you had a time machine

Why a beach is better than the mountains for a vacation (or vice versa)

The taste of a drink when you are incredibly tired

An author that inspired you 

Your favorite cuisine

The best place in the world to be by yourself

The best Christmas morning you’ve ever had

An accent that you really enjoy 

A time when you wanted something so much it burned

Describe the day in the life of your favorite celebrity 

The joy of escaping into a video game

What dancing means to you 

A life philosophy you believe in 

The feeling of holding a baby in our arms

The sound of crashing waves

Standing in front of a gorgeous view

A vacation that was meaningful 

Why fireworks are magical 

The first time you cosplayed 

How it feels to listen to music that you hate 

The best thing you have ever eaten in your life

What would it be like to live 100 years in the future

Why hearing people laugh is beautiful 

A day in the life of your favorite animal 

A strange superstition you believe in

The strangest person you’ve ever met

Your favorite tv show 

Playing your favorite sport 

What it’s like to be in love

Descriptive Essay Tips

Before we end, let’s go over some of the key points of information in this article.

• Use figurative language including metaphors and similes 
• Use your senses
• Choose appropriate words
• Show don't tell 
• Focus on specific details
• Spend time choosing the right topic
• Create a detailed outline
• Forget about the purpose of the essay
• Submit your first draft
• Make it too complicated
• Ignore your audience 
• Ignore any directions

In addition to the information provided in this article, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs. If you are struggling to write your descriptive essay, you can turn to professional writers and editors for assistance. You may consider hiring a research paper writing service or seeking help from dissertation writers .

Additionally, if you need someone to " write my admission essay ", there are various options available. You can hire a writer for a custom writing service or seek help from online tutors and teachers. Furthermore, if you need to write a strong admission essay, there are services available that specialize in providing guidance and assistance with this type of writing.

It is important to note that before submitting any work, it should be proofread and edited thoroughly to ensure its quality. Studyfy offers a range of services to help with this, including professional proofreaders and editors who can check your work for grammatical errors and ensure that it meets academic standards.

In summary, there are various resources available to help with your writing needs, including professional writing services, proofreaders, and editors. By utilizing these resources and following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can write a successful descriptive essay that effectively conveys your ideas and engages your readers.If you are looking for the query " I need someone to write an essay for me ", Studyfy has got you covered

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Writing Center APA Paper Formatting: APA Paper Formatting

Apa paper formatting.

APA provides guidelines for how to format academic essays. Be sure to follow the guidelines below when submitting your papers.

APA Formatting Videos

APA Paper Formatting | Microsoft Word

APA Formatting Rules

Paper guidelines.

• Use 1-inch margins.
• Double-space the entire document
• 12-point Times New Roman
• 11-point Georgia
• 11-point Calibri
• 11-point Arial
• 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode
• The title of the paper should be the first line of the page after the title page. The title should be centered and bolded, with major words capitalized.
• Indent all paragraphs. Make sure there are no extra line between paragraphs.

Paper Sections

Papers written in APA style typically include a title page, the body of your essay, and a references page. Depending on your assignment, you may also need to include an abstract and appendices. These sections should appear in the following order:

• Body of the essay
• Appendices*

*Only include these if required by your instructor or the assignment.

• The first page of your document should be the title page.
• Insert page numbers at the top of every page in the header. Page numbers should be aligned with the right margin.
• The title should be bolded, and all major words should be capitalized.
• The title should be on its own line. There should be a blank line between the title of your paper and your name.
• Student Name
• Colorado State University Global
• Course Code: Course Name

An abstract should only be included in your essay if it is required in the assignment guidelines or by your instructor.

An abstract is a brief summary (typically 150-250 words) that appears at the beginning of an academic journal article. Sometimes, an abstract is required in more complex graduate-level writing, like research papers. Abstracts are intended to provide a quick overview of a text so that a reader can skim the abstract and determine right away if the source/text is relevant to their research. If you need to include an abstract in your assignment, write the abstract after you finish writing your essay because it’s easier to summarize your ideas once you’ve already written them.

To format the abstract:

• The abstract should appear on its own page, after the title page and before the beginning of your essay.
• The word “Abstract” should be centered at the top of the page, without any additional formatting.
• Make sure that your abstract is double-spaced and in the same font and font size as the rest of the paper.
• Do not indent the first line of your abstract; it should be aligned with the left margin.

For more information, see our Header document .

• Use a page break to create a new page. The word References should be centered at the top.
• List your references in alphabetical order.
• Each reference should be double-spaced.
• The first line of each reference should be aligned with the left margin. Each subsequent line of the reference should have a hanging indent.

An appendix or appendices should only be included in your essay if it is required in the assignment guidelines or by your instructor. An appendix is information that is not essential to your paper but is included for your reader to reference if desired. As such, the appendix goes at the end of your essay after the references page.

Depending on how many items you want to include, you might need more than one appendix. Each appendix will go on its own page. For example, if you have 3 charts, each chart would go on its own page: the first would be Appendix A, the second would be Appendix B, etc.

To format the appendix:

• Appendices should come after the references page.
• Each item you want to include as an appendix should be on its own page:
• The appendix should be on its own page after the references. The word “Appendix” will be bolded and centered at the top of the page.
• On the line after the appendix label, include a descriptive title for the appendix (ex: Quarterly Profits for ABC Company). The title should be bolded and centered.
• The image, chart, text, etc. should be below the title for the appendix.

Any outside source material included in your appendix should have a corresponding reference on your references page. All appendices must be mentioned in the body of your essay. When referring to the appendix in the body of your essay, write the phrase “see Appendix A” in parentheses. For example: To better understand the financial situation of ABC Company, it is worth examining the increase in profits between 2016 and 2019 (see Appendix A).

APA Template Paper

Note: This template may not translate appropriately in some products. Please be sure the paper you submit adheres to APA formatting standards.

APA Paper Setup Guide

This guide comes from the official APA website, and can help you format your paper.

APA Title Page Guide

This guide from the official APA website can help you setup your paper title page.

• Last Updated: Jul 12, 2023 4:49 PM
• URL: https://csuglobal.libguides.com/paper_formatting

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APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

In-Text Citations

Resources on using in-text citations in APA style

Reference List

Resources on writing an APA style reference list, including citation formats

Other APA Resources

How to Write a Descriptive Essay

A descriptive essay is one of several forms of writing you may be required to use in college, with the other forms being the argumentative, narrative and expository forms. When you write your essay you should create a written account of a particular experience or describe a person, emotion, and situation or place so vividly that your readers feel like they can almost reach out and touch it. As such, the descriptive form allows for a great deal of artistic freedom and focuses less on facts and statistics than many other forms of writing you will do while in college.

What is the purpose of your essay?

Think about a topic that has many interesting features you can present in a descriptive way. Combine that with a strong understanding of what are you trying to convey to your readers and why. For example, what details can you include to ensure that your readers will gain a vivid impression that is infused with your emotion or perspective? What sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures are important for developing your description? What feelings will you convey and why? The ΓÇ£whyΓÇ¥ will focus the other details you will include and how you will write about them.

Include as many detailed images as possible and use all your senses.

To get the clearest picture in their mind, your readers want to know all about the event or object you are describing, so be sure to provide everything that the reader would use to understand your subject if they were to experience it for themselves. For example, if your essay is about cars, make a list of details, like the horn, upholstery, bumpers, lights etc. Once you have written them down, you can compile a descriptive list for each of them. When you are writing your essay, think in terms of ΓÇ£showingΓÇ¥ and not just ΓÇ£tellingΓÇ¥. You are painting a picture with words so it is important to describe it fully.

Narrow and refine your descriptions.

It is important to keep in mind that every object, person or event can be experienced form many different perspectives. Start from some general characteristics of the subject and then proceed to specific and striking ones. Define the unique qualities of the subject that cannot be found in other persons, places or things.

A descriptive essay can be the most liberating and pleasurable essay to write. You are writing something as you see it and you can elaborate in your own language. However, make sure that you keep to the point — your ΓÇ£whyΓÇ¥ — and donΓÇÖt get lost in unnecessary details that can diminish the impact of your writing and distract your readers from the purpose. Keep your original intentions in mind when you review what you have written. DonΓÇÖt be afraid to edit until your words convey exactly what you want to your readers.

What format should I use?

When writing a descriptive essay, you will often use the MLA format. However, depending on your assignment and your professor, you may need to format in a different style. You have to make sure that your reader will be able to confirm your references, so be sure to cite them accurately. Formatting software can guarantee accuracy to the MLA format or other styles. It will ensure your grade does not suffer for formatting errors. Additionally, you can save time during the editing process. This will allow you to focus on the quality of your college essay, which is the thing that matters most to you.

David Plaut

David Plaut is the founder of Reference Point Software (RPS). RPS offers a complete suite of easy-to-use formatting template products featuring MLA and APA style templates, freeing up time to focus on substance while ensuring formatting accuracy. For more information, log onto http://www.referencepointsoftware.com/ or write to: info @ referencepointsoftware.com

Reference Point Software is not associated with, endorsed by, or affiliated with the American Psychological Association (APA) or with the Modern Language Association (MLA).

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APA In-Text Citations and Sample Essay 7th Edition

This handout focuses on how to format in-text citations in APA.

Proper citation of sources is a two-part process . You must first cite each source in the body of your essay; these citations within the essay are called in-text citations . You MUST cite all quoted, paraphrased, or summarized words, ideas, and facts from sources. Without in-text citations, you are technically in danger of plagiarism, even if you have listed your sources at the end of the essay.

In-text citations point the reader to the sources’ information on the references page. The in-text citation typically includes the author's last name and the year of publication. If you use a direct quote, the page number is also provided.

More information can be found on p. 253 of the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.

Citation Rules

Direct quotation with the author named in the text.

Heinze and Lu (2017) stated, “The NFL shifted its responses to institutional change around concussions significantly as the field itself evolved” (p. 509).

Note: The year of publication is listed in parenthesis after the names of the authors, and the page number is listed in parenthesis at the end of the quote.

Direct Quotation without the Author Named in the Text

As the NFL developed as an organization, it “shifted its responses to institutional change around concussions significantly” (Heinze & Lu, 2017, p. 509).

Note: At the end of the quote, the names of the authors, year of publication, and page number are listed in parenthesis.

Paraphrase with 1-2 Authors

As the NFL developed as an organization, its reactions toward concussions also transformed (Heinze & Lu, 2017).

Note: For paraphrases, page numbers are encouraged but not required.

Paraphrase with 3 or More Authors

To work toward solving the issue of violence in prisons begins with determining aspects that might connect with prisoners' violent conduct (Thomson et al., 2019).

Direct Quotation without an Author

The findings were astonishing "in a recent study of parent and adult child relationships" ("Parents and Their Children," 2007, p. 2).

Note: Since the author of the text is not stated, a shortened version of the title is used instead.

Secondary Sources

When using secondary sources, use the phrase "as cited in" and cite the secondary source on the References page.

In 1936, Keynes said, “governments should run deficits when the economy is slow to avoid unemployment” (as cited in Richardson, 2008, p. 257).

Long (Block) Quotations

When using direct quotations of 40 or more words, indent five spaces from the left margin without using quotation marks. The final period should come before the parenthetical citation.

At Meramec, an English department policy states:

To honor and protect their own work and that of others, all students must give credit to proprietary sources that are used for course work. It is assumed that any information that is not documented is either common knowledge in that field or the original work of that student. (St. Louis Community College, 2001, p. 1)

Website Citations

If citing a specific web document without a page number, include the name of the author, date, title of the section, and paragraph number in parentheses:

In America, “Two out of five deaths among U.S. teens are the result of a motor vehicle crash” (National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, 2004, Overview section, para. 1).

Here is a print-friendly version of this content.

Learn more about the APA References page by reviewing this handout .

For information on STLCC's academic integrity policy, check out this webpage .

For additional information on APA, check out STLCC's LibGuide on APA .

Sample Essay

A sample APA essay is available at this link .

முகப்பு > வலைப்பதிவு > APA கட்டுரை வடிவம்: ஒரு கண்ணோட்டம்

APA கட்டுரை வடிவம்: ஒரு கண்ணோட்டம்

• ஸ்மோடின் ஆசிரியர் குழு
• புதுப்பித்தது: ஆகஸ்ட் 21, 2024
• எழுதுவதற்கான படிப்படியான வழிமுறைகள்

நீங்கள் ஒரு APA கட்டுரையை எழுத வேண்டுமா, ஆனால் வடிவமைப்பு விதிகள் பற்றி எதுவும் தெரியவில்லையா? நீங்கள் தனியாக இல்லை, தொடங்கும் போது பல மாணவர்களுக்கு ஒரே கேள்விகள் இருக்கும். விதிகளைப் புரிந்துகொள்ள உங்களுக்கு உதவ, APA கட்டுரை வடிவமைப்பின் அனைத்து விவரங்களையும் நாங்கள் பகிர்வோம், எனவே நீங்கள் சரியான வரி இடைவெளி, APA மேற்கோள்கள் மற்றும் சுருக்கப் பக்கத்தைக் கொண்ட ஒரு கட்டுரையை எழுதலாம்.

மேலும், APA வடிவத்தில் எழுதும்போது எதைத் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும் என்பதற்கான சிறந்த எடுத்துக்காட்டுகளையும் நாங்கள் பகிர்ந்து கொள்வோம். உங்கள் இறுதி வகுப்பை பாதிக்கக்கூடிய பெரிய தவறுகளை நீங்கள் செய்யாமல் இருப்பதை இது உறுதி செய்கிறது.

APA கட்டுரை வடிவமைப்பைப் பயன்படுத்தும் போது நீங்கள் பின்பற்ற வேண்டிய விதிகளைப் பற்றி மேலும் அறிய தொடர்ந்து படிக்கவும்.

APA வடிவமைப்பு கட்டுரை என்றால் என்ன?

APA வடிவம் என்பது கல்வித் தாள்களை எழுதுவதற்கு சமூக அறிவியலில் பொதுவாகப் பயன்படுத்தப்படும் ஒரு நடை வழிகாட்டியாகும். தி அமெரிக்க உளவியல் சங்கம் , உளவியலாளர்களை பிரதிநிதித்துவப்படுத்தும் ஒரு அமெரிக்க அடிப்படையிலான அறிவியல் மற்றும் தொழில்முறை அமைப்பு, இந்த பாணியை உருவாக்கியது.

APA கட்டுரை வடிவம் என்ன என்பதை அறியும்போது நீங்கள் தெரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டிய முக்கிய புள்ளிகளின் கண்ணோட்டம் இங்கே:

• தலைப்புப் பக்கம்: தாளின் தலைப்பு, ஆசிரியரின் பெயர் மற்றும் நிறுவன இணைப்பு ஆகியவை அடங்கும். மாணவர் தாள்களுக்கு, இது ஒரு பாடநெறி எண் மற்றும் பயிற்றுவிப்பாளரின் பெயரையும் உள்ளடக்கியது.
• சுருக்கம்: ஆராய்ச்சியின் சுருக்கம். இது பொதுவாக 150-250 வார்த்தைகள் மற்றும் முக்கிய புள்ளிகள் மற்றும் முடிவுகளை கோடிட்டுக் காட்டுகிறது.
• முக்கிய அமைப்பு: அறிமுகம், முறை, முடிவுகள் மற்றும் கலந்துரையாடல் பிரிவுகளைக் கொண்டுள்ளது. ஒவ்வொரு பகுதியும் தெளிவாக லேபிளிடப்பட்டு, தெளிவான ஓட்டம் கொண்ட விதத்தில் ஆராய்ச்சி கண்டுபிடிப்புகளை முன்வைக்க ஒழுங்கமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.
• தலைப்புகள் மற்றும் துணைத்தலைப்புகள்: உள்ளடக்கத்தை படிநிலையாக ஒழுங்கமைக்கவும், வழிசெலுத்துவதை எளிதாக்கவும் குறிப்பிட்ட அளவிலான தலைப்புகளைப் பயன்படுத்தவும்.
• உரையில் மேற்கோள்கள்: ஆசிரியர் தேதி முறையைப் பயன்படுத்தி உரையில் உள்ள ஆதாரங்களை மேற்கோள் காட்டவும், எடுத்துக்காட்டாக, “ஸ்மித், 2020,” இது இறுதியில் விரிவான குறிப்புப் பட்டியலை இணைக்கிறது.
• குறிப்புகள்: தாளில் மேற்கோள் காட்டப்பட்ட அனைத்து ஆதாரங்களையும் பட்டியலிடுங்கள், தொங்கும் உள்தள்ளல்களுடன் வடிவமைத்து, ஆசிரியரின் கடைசி பெயரால் அகரவரிசையில் ஒழுங்கமைக்கவும்.
• வடிவமைத்தல்: நிலையான 12-புள்ளி டைம்ஸ் புதிய ரோமன் எழுத்துரு, இரட்டை இடைவெளி கோடுகள் மற்றும் அனைத்து பக்கங்களிலும் ஒரு அங்குல விளிம்புகள்.

APA வடிவத்தில் ஒரு கட்டுரை எழுதுவது எப்படி

இப்போது APA வடிவத்தில் ஒரு கட்டுரை எழுதுவது எப்படி என்பதை அறிந்து கொள்வதில் கவனம் செலுத்துவோம். இந்த செயல்முறை உங்களை தொடக்கத்தில் இருந்து முடிவிற்கு அழைத்துச் செல்லும் மற்றும் APA பாணிக்கான சரியான வடிவமைப்பை உங்களிடம் வைத்திருப்பதை உறுதி செய்யும். ஒரு கல்வி அமைப்பில் நல்ல முடிவுகளைப் பெற ஆரம்பநிலையாளர்கள் இந்த APA வழிகாட்டுதல்களைப் பயன்படுத்தலாம்.

1. தலைப்பு பக்கம்

நீங்கள் வேண்டும் கட்டுரையைத் தொடங்குங்கள் APA வடிவ அட்டைப் பக்கத்துடன் (அல்லது தலைப்புப் பக்கம்), இது உங்கள் கட்டுரைக்கான களத்தை அமைக்கிறது. தடிமனான 12-புள்ளி டைம்ஸ் நியூ ரோமன் எழுத்துருவைப் பயன்படுத்தி உங்கள் தாளின் தலைப்பை மையப்படுத்தவும். அதன் கீழே, உங்கள் பெயர் மற்றும் நிறுவன இணைப்பு ஆகியவற்றை மையப்படுத்தவும். இங்கே, நீங்கள் பாடத் தகவல், பயிற்றுவிப்பாளரின் பெயர் மற்றும் தேவைப்படும் தேதி ஆகியவற்றைச் சேர்க்கலாம்.

மேலும், சிறந்த முடிவுகளுக்கு தலைப்பு சுருக்கமாகவும் விளக்கமாகவும் இருப்பதை உறுதிசெய்யவும். இதை எப்படி செய்வது என்பது பற்றிய யோசனையைப் பெற நீங்கள் தொழில்முறை ஆவணங்களைப் பார்க்கலாம். பின்னர், தலைப்பில் இயங்கும் தலையை வைக்கவும். தலைப்பின் சுருக்கப்பட்ட பதிப்பு (50 எழுத்துகள் அல்லது அதற்கும் குறைவானது) மற்றும் வலதுபுறம் சீரமைக்கப்பட்ட பக்க எண் ஆகியவை இதில் அடங்கும்.

2. சுருக்கம்

ஒரு புதிய பக்கத்தில், உங்கள் கட்டுரையின் சுருக்கத்தை வழங்கும் சுருக்கத்தைச் சேர்க்கவும். APA வடிவத்துடன் சீரமைக்க, பக்கத்தின் மேல் தடிமனாக "சுருக்கம்" என்ற வார்த்தையை மையப்படுத்துவதை உறுதிசெய்யவும். சுருக்கமானது 150-250 சொற்களுக்கு இடையில் ஒரு பத்தியாக இருக்க வேண்டும். மேலும், இது ஆராய்ச்சி சிக்கல், முறைகள், முடிவுகள் மற்றும் முடிவு ஆகியவற்றின் முக்கிய புள்ளிகளை சுருக்கமாகக் கூற வேண்டும்.

மேற்கோள்கள் மற்றும் விரிவான விளக்கங்களைத் தவிர்க்கவும், அதற்கு பதிலாக உங்கள் காகிதத்தின் சாரத்தை தெரிவிப்பதில் கவனம் செலுத்துங்கள். APA தாளை ஆழமாக ஆராயாமல் உங்கள் ஆராய்ச்சியின் நோக்கத்தை வாசகர்கள் விரைவாகப் புரிந்துகொள்ள இந்த சுருக்கம் உதவுகிறது.

3. முக்கிய உடல்

உங்கள் கட்டுரையின் முக்கிய பகுதியை புதிய பக்கத்தில் தொடங்கவும். உங்கள் தாளின் முழுத் தலைப்பையும் பக்கத்தின் மேல் தடிமனாக மையப்படுத்துவதை உறுதிசெய்யவும். உடல் பல பிரிவுகளை உள்ளடக்கியது, அவை பொதுவாக அறிமுகம், முறை, முடிவுகள் மற்றும் விவாதம்.

அறிமுகத்தில், கோடிட்டுக் காட்டவும் ஆய்வு காட்டுரை கேள்வி மற்றும் சூழல். முறை பிரிவில் உங்கள் ஆராய்ச்சி செயல்முறையை விவரிக்கவும். உங்கள் கண்டுபிடிப்புகளை முடிவுகள் பிரிவில் முன்வைத்து அவற்றை விவாதத்தில் பகுப்பாய்வு செய்ய வேண்டும்.

தெளிவு மற்றும் ஓட்டத்தை உறுதிப்படுத்த உங்கள் உள்ளடக்கத்தை ஒழுங்கமைக்க APA இன் தலைப்பு பாணிகளைப் பயன்படுத்துவதை உறுதிசெய்யவும். இறுதியாக, உரையை இரட்டை இடைவெளி மற்றும் அனைத்து பக்கங்களிலும் ஒரு அங்குலமாக அமைக்க மறக்க வேண்டாம். APA வடிவமைப்பு தலைப்புகள் முக்கியமானவை மற்றும் மாணவர்கள் பெரும்பாலும் கவனிக்காத ஒன்று.

4. குறிப்புகள்

பிரதான பகுதிக்குப் பிறகு, குறிப்புகளுக்கான புதிய பக்கத்தைத் தொடங்கவும். பக்கத்தின் மேலே உள்ள "குறிப்புகள்" என்ற வார்த்தையை மையப்படுத்தி தடிமனாக இந்த பிரிவின் APA வடிவமைப்பைத் தொடங்கவும். உங்கள் கட்டுரையில் மேற்கோள் காட்டப்பட்டுள்ள அனைத்து ஆதாரங்களையும் ஆசிரியரின் கடைசிப் பெயரால் அகரவரிசையில் பட்டியலிடுவதை உறுதிப்படுத்திக் கொள்ளுங்கள். APA பாணியை சரியாகப் பெற, தொங்கும் உள்தள்ளலைப் பயன்படுத்தலாம். இதன் பொருள் நீங்கள் முதல் வரியை இடதுபுறமாகப் பறித்து, அடுத்தடுத்த வரிகளை 0.5 அங்குலத்திற்கு உள்தள்ள வேண்டும்.

கூடுதலாக, ஒவ்வொரு குறிப்பு உள்ளீட்டிலும் ஆசிரியரின் பெயர், வெளியீட்டு ஆண்டு, தலைப்பு மற்றும் ஆதார விவரங்கள் இருக்க வேண்டும். இதை சரியாகப் பெற, முழுமையான மற்றும் துல்லியமான மூலத் தகவலை வழங்க, APA மேற்கோள் வடிவ விதிகளை கவனமாகப் பின்பற்றவும். இது நீங்கள் சரியான கிரெடிட்டை வழங்குவதை உறுதிசெய்து, உங்கள் ஆதாரங்களைக் கண்டறிய வாசகர்களை அனுமதிக்கிறது.

5. உரை மேற்கோள்கள்

உங்கள் கட்டுரை முழுவதும், கடன் ஆதாரங்களுக்கு உரை மேற்கோள்களைப் பயன்படுத்தவும். APA வடிவம் ஆசிரியர் தேதி முறையைப் பயன்படுத்துகிறது. எனவே, மேற்கோள் காட்டப்பட்ட தகவலுக்குப் பிறகு அடைப்புக்குறிக்குள் ஆசிரியரின் கடைசி பெயர் மற்றும் வெளியீட்டு ஆண்டைச் சேர்க்கவும்.

நேரடி மேற்கோள்களுக்கு, பின்வரும் எடுத்துக்காட்டில் உள்ளதைப் போன்ற பக்க எண்களைச் சேர்க்கவும்: ஸ்மித், 2020, ப. 15. ஆசிரியரின் பெயர் வாக்கியத்தின் ஒரு பகுதியாக இருந்தால், அடைப்புக்குறிக்குள் ஆண்டை மட்டும் சேர்க்கவும். ஒவ்வொரு உரை மேற்கோளும் குறிப்புகள் பக்கத்தில் தொடர்புடைய குறிப்புடன் பொருந்துகிறது என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும். தொழில்முறை மற்றும் மாணவர் ஆவணங்களுக்கான உங்கள் ஆதாரங்களை வாசகர்கள் சரிபார்க்க அனுமதிப்பதன் மூலம் கல்வி ஒருமைப்பாட்டை பராமரிப்பது முக்கியம்.

6. பிற்சேர்க்கைகள்

உங்கள் கட்டுரையில் துணை உள்ளடக்கம் இருந்தால், குறிப்புகளைத் தொடர்ந்து புதிய பக்கங்களில் ஒரு பின்னிணைப்பைச் சேர்க்கவும். பல பிற்சேர்க்கைகள் இருந்தால், ஒவ்வொரு பிற்சேர்க்கைக்கும் "இணைப்பு" என்ற வார்த்தையைத் தொடர்ந்து ஒரு எழுத்துடன் (எ.கா., பின் இணைப்பு A) தலைப்பிடுவதை உறுதிசெய்யவும். மேலும், ஒவ்வொரு பிற்சேர்க்கையின் தலைப்பையும் மையப்படுத்தி தடிமனாக்க வேண்டும்.

முக்கிய உரையை ஓவர்லோட் செய்யாமல் உங்கள் கண்டுபிடிப்புகளை ஆதரிக்க விரிவான அட்டவணைகள், புள்ளிவிவரங்கள் அல்லது கூடுதல் தரவை பின்னிணைப்பில் சேர்க்கவும். இது உங்கள் கட்டுரை அல்லது தொழில்முறை காகிதத்தை வழங்கும் சிறந்த எழுத்து ஓட்டம் .

இறுதியாக, உரையில் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு பின்னிணைப்பையும் பார்க்கவும். குறிப்பிட்ட உரை குறிப்புகளைக் கண்டறிய, சொல் செயலாக்க மென்பொருளில் தேடல் செயல்பாட்டைப் பயன்படுத்தலாம்.

APA வடிவத்தில் ஒரு கட்டுரையை மேற்கோள் காட்டுவது எப்படி

இந்தப் பிரிவில், APA வடிவத்தில் ஒரு கட்டுரையை மேற்கோள் காட்டுவது எப்படி என்பதை நீங்கள் கற்றுக் கொள்ளும்போது நீங்கள் பின்பற்ற வேண்டிய செயல்முறையை நாங்கள் விவாதிக்கிறோம். APA எழுத்து வடிவத்தை சிறந்த கட்டமைப்பை வழங்க அமெரிக்க உளவியல் சங்கம் இந்த விதிகளைச் சேர்த்தது. தொழில்முறை இதழ்களுக்கு இடையில் நகரும் போது தரவு மூலங்களை விரைவாகக் கண்டறிய வாசகர்களுக்கு இது உதவுகிறது.

அடிப்படைகள்

APA-பாணி தாளில், ஆதாரங்களை மேற்கோள் காட்டவும், வாசகர்களுக்கு வழிகாட்டவும் சுருக்கமான உரை வாக்கியங்களைப் பயன்படுத்தவும். நீங்கள் பொதுவாக உள்ள உரையைச் சேர்ப்பீர்கள் மேற்கோள்கள் ஒவ்வொரு மேற்கோளுடனும் APA பாணி வடிவமைப்பு காகிதத்திற்கு, எந்த கருத்துத் திருட்டு இல்லை என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும்.

மேலும், பொது வடிவமைப்பு விதிகள் நீங்கள் ஆசிரியரின் கடைசி பெயர் மற்றும் வெளியீட்டின் ஆண்டைப் பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும் என்று கூறுகின்றன. இது ஆசிரியர் தேதி அமைப்பு என்றும் குறிப்பிடப்படுகிறது. மேலும், நீங்கள் ஒரு குறிப்பிட்ட பகுதியை மேற்கோள் காட்ட விரும்பினால், நீங்கள் நேர முத்திரை அல்லது பக்க எண்ணைப் பயன்படுத்தலாம்.

அடைப்புக்குறிக்கு எதிராக கதை மேற்கோள்

உங்கள் உரை மேற்கோள் எடுக்கக்கூடிய இரண்டு முக்கிய வடிவங்கள் உள்ளன: அடைப்புக்குறி அல்லது விவரிப்பு. அவற்றுக்கிடையேயான வேறுபாடுகளின் எடுத்துக்காட்டு இங்கே:

• அடைப்புக்குறி மேற்கோள்: சமீபத்திய தொழில்துறை போக்குகளின்படி… (ஜோன்ஸ், 2024).
• கதை மேற்கோள்: ஜோன்ஸ் (2024) கூறுகிறது, சமீபத்திய தொழில் போக்குகள்…

பல ஆசிரியர்கள் மற்றும் கார்ப்பரேட் ஆசிரியர்கள்

நீங்கள் பணிபுரியும் மாணவர் ஆவணங்களின் தன்மையைப் பொறுத்து, பல அல்லது கார்ப்பரேட் ஆசிரியர்களை மேற்கோள் காட்ட வேண்டியிருக்கலாம். அடைப்புக்குறி மேற்கோள்களுக்கான வடிவம் இங்கே:

• ஒரு ஆசிரியர்: (ஜோன்ஸ், 2024)
• இரண்டு ஆசிரியர்கள்: (ஜோன்ஸ் & ஆடம்ஸ், 2024)
• 3+ ஆசிரியர்கள்: (ஜோன்ஸ் மற்றும் பலர், 2024)
• அமைப்பு: (பிராண்ட் பெயர், 2024)

இப்போது கதை மேற்கோள் பதிப்பைப் பார்ப்போம்:

• ஒரு ஆசிரியர்: ஜோன்ஸ் (2024)
• இரண்டு ஆசிரியர்கள்: ஜோன்ஸ் & ஆடம்ஸ் (2024)
• 3+ ஆசிரியர்கள்: ஸ்மித் மற்றும் பலர். (2024)
• நிறுவனம்: பிராண்ட் பெயர் (2024)

APA வடிவமைப்பு கட்டுரை எடுத்துக்காட்டுகள்: எதை தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்

நீங்கள் செய்யக்கூடாத தவறுகளின் சில APA வடிவ கட்டுரை உதாரணங்களை இப்போது ஆராய்வோம். இது உங்கள் திட்டத்துடன் நீங்கள் தரையில் இயங்குவதையும், சிறந்த தரங்களைப் பெறுவதையும் உறுதி செய்கிறது.

APA வடிவமைப்பைப் பயன்படுத்தும் போது தவிர்க்க வேண்டிய சிறந்த எழுத்துத் தவறுகள் இங்கே:

• தவறான மேற்கோள்கள்: ஆதாரங்களைச் சரியாக மேற்கோள் காட்டத் தவறினால், திருட்டு குற்றச்சாட்டுகள் எழலாம். எனவே, ஒவ்வொரு மூலமும் உரையில் மேற்கோள்கள் மற்றும் குறிப்புப் பட்டியல் இரண்டிலும் சரியாகக் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளதா என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும். எனவே, தவறான வடிவங்கள் அல்லது முழுமையற்ற விவரங்களைப் பயன்படுத்துவதைத் தவிர்க்கவும். உதாரணமாக, நேரடி மேற்கோள்களுக்கான பக்க எண்களைச் சேர்க்காதது அல்லது வெளியீட்டு ஆண்டுகளைத் தவிர்ப்பது உங்கள் பணியின் நேர்மையை சமரசம் செய்துவிடும்.
• சீரற்ற வடிவமைப்பு: வடிவமைப்பில் உள்ள சீரற்ற தன்மை உங்கள் கட்டுரையின் நிபுணத்துவத்தை குறைமதிப்பிற்கு உட்படுத்துகிறது. எனவே, உங்களிடம் ஒரே மாதிரியான விளிம்புகள், எழுத்துரு வகை மற்றும் அளவு (பெரிய எழுத்துக்கள் மற்றும் பெரிய மற்றும் சிறிய எழுத்துக்கள் போன்றவை) இருப்பதை உறுதிசெய்யவும். கூடுதலாக, தலைப்புகள் APA பாணியை துல்லியமாக பின்பற்ற வேண்டும், மேலும் வரி இடைவெளி மற்றும் உள்தள்ளலில் நிலைத்தன்மை இருக்க வேண்டும். இந்த வழிகாட்டுதல்களிலிருந்து விலகல்கள் வாசகர்களை திசைதிருப்பலாம் மற்றும் கட்டுரையின் நம்பகத்தன்மையைக் குறைக்கலாம்.
• தலைப்புப் பக்கத் தேவைகளைப் புறக்கணித்தல்: APA வடிவத்தில் தலைப்புப் பக்கம் முக்கியமானது. எனவே, தலைப்பு, ஆசிரியரின் பெயர் மற்றும் நிறுவன இணைப்பு போன்ற தேவையான கூறுகளைத் தவிர்ப்பதைத் தவிர்க்கவும். மேலும், இயங்கும் தலை மற்றும் பக்க எண் இருக்க வேண்டும். இந்த கூறுகளைத் தவறவிடுவது குழப்பத்தை ஏற்படுத்தலாம் மற்றும் உங்கள் வடிவமைப்பில் அலட்சியம் போன்ற தோற்றத்தை ஏற்படுத்தலாம்.
• நேரடி மேற்கோள்களின் அதிகப்படியான பயன்பாடு: மேற்கோள் குறிகளால் சுட்டிக்காட்டப்பட்ட நேரடி மேற்கோள்களை அதிகமாக நம்புவது உங்கள் அசல் பகுப்பாய்வு மற்றும் நுண்ணறிவிலிருந்து திசைதிருப்பலாம். மாறாக, பொழிப்புரை மற்றும் முடிந்தவரை சுருக்கவும், மற்றும் உங்கள் புள்ளிகளை ஆதரிக்க நேரடி மேற்கோள்களை குறைவாக பயன்படுத்தவும். அதிகப்படியான பயன்பாடு உங்கள் கட்டுரையை குறைவான அசல் மற்றும் மற்றவர்களின் வேலையைச் சார்ந்து இருக்கும்.
• தவறான குறிப்பு பட்டியல் வடிவமைப்பு: தவறான வடிவமைப்பைத் தவிர்க்க, APA வழிகாட்டுதல்களின்படி குறிப்பு பட்டியலில் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு உள்ளீட்டையும் வடிவமைக்கவும். தவறான உள்தள்ளல், சாய்வுகளின் தவறான பயன்பாடு அல்லது விடுபட்ட கூறுகள் போன்ற பொதுவான தவறுகளை நீங்கள் தவிர்க்க வேண்டும். எடுத்துக்காட்டாக, புத்தகத் தலைப்புகளை சாய்வு செய்து கட்டுரைத் தலைப்புகளை எளிய உரையில் விடவும்.

அடிக்கடி கேட்கப்படும் கேள்விகள்

Apa இல் தலைப்புப் பக்கத்தை எப்படி வடிவமைப்பது.

APA தலைப்புப் பக்கத்தில் தாளின் தலைப்பு, ஆசிரியரின் பெயர் மற்றும் நிறுவன இணைப்பு ஆகியவை அடங்கும். மேலும், APA தாளின் தலைப்புப் பக்கத்தை மையப்படுத்தி இருமுறை இடவும். மாணவர் தாள்களுக்கு, பாடநெறி எண், பயிற்றுவிப்பாளரின் பெயர் மற்றும் கடைசி தேதி ஆகியவை அடங்கும்.

கூடுதலாக, தலைப்பில் சுருக்கப்பட்ட தலைப்பு மற்றும் பக்க எண்ணுடன் இயங்கும் தலை தோன்றும். தலைப்பு சுருக்கமாகவும் விளக்கமாகவும் உள்ளதா என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும், முக்கிய வார்த்தைகள் பெரிய எழுத்துக்களுடன். இது உங்கள் திட்டத்திற்கான சிறந்த பக்க தலைப்புக்கு வழிவகுக்கும்.

APA பாணியில் குறிப்பு பட்டியலை வடிவமைப்பதற்கான சரியான வழி என்ன?

குறிப்பு பட்டியல் தொங்கும் உள்தள்ளலுடன் வடிவமைக்கப்பட வேண்டும். இதன் பொருள் ஒவ்வொரு குறிப்பின் முதல் வரியும் 0.5 அங்குலங்கள் உள்தள்ளப்பட்டு, அடுத்தடுத்த கோடுகள் இடதுபுறமாக உள்ளது. மேலும், ஆசிரியரின் கடைசிப் பெயரால் அகர வரிசைப்படி குறிப்புகளை ஒழுங்கமைக்கவும்.

கூடுதலாக, புத்தகங்கள் மற்றும் பத்திரிகைகளின் தலைப்புகளுக்கு சாய்வு எழுத்துக்களையும் கட்டுரைகள் மற்றும் அத்தியாயங்களின் தலைப்புகளுக்கு சரியான வாக்கிய வழக்கையும் பயன்படுத்தவும். தொழில்முறை ஆவணங்களுடன் ஒப்பிடக்கூடிய தரம் உங்களிடம் இருப்பதை உறுதிசெய்ய முழுவதும் நிலைத்தன்மையை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும்.

APA கட்டுரையின் முக்கிய பகுதியை நான் எவ்வாறு கட்டமைக்க வேண்டும்?

பிரதான பகுதியானது ஒரு புதிய பக்கத்தில் தாளின் தலைப்பை மையப்படுத்தியும் தடிமனாகவும் தொடங்குகிறது. இது ஒரு அறிமுகம், முறை, முடிவுகள் மற்றும் கலந்துரையாடல் பிரிவுகளைக் கொண்டிருக்க வேண்டும். மேலும், APA வடிவமைப்பில் தலைப்பு பாணிகள் இருக்க வேண்டும்.

உரையானது ஒரு அங்குல விளிம்புடன் இரட்டை இடைவெளி மற்றும் 12-புள்ளி டைம்ஸ் நியூ ரோமன் எழுத்துருவைப் பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும். மேலும், வெவ்வேறு பிரிவுகளுக்கான தலைப்புகளைப் பயன்படுத்தி தர்க்கரீதியாகவும் தெளிவாகவும் உள்ளடக்கத்தை ஒழுங்கமைக்கவும். உங்கள் APA தாளில் தலைப்புப் பக்கத்தில் உடல் இல்லை என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும்.

நான் APA வடிவத்தில் அட்டவணைகள் மற்றும் புள்ளிவிவரங்களைப் பயன்படுத்தலாமா?

ஆம், APA வடிவமைப்பு அட்டவணைகள் மற்றும் புள்ளிவிவரங்களைப் பயன்படுத்தி தரவை தெளிவாக வழங்க அனுமதிக்கிறது. ஒவ்வொரு அட்டவணை அல்லது உருவமும் பெயரிடப்பட்டு ஒரு தலைப்புடன் இணைக்கப்பட வேண்டும். மேலும், குறிப்புகள் பக்கத்திற்குப் பிறகு அட்டவணைகள் மற்றும் புள்ளிவிவரங்களை வைக்கவும்.

கூடுதலாக, உரையில் உள்ள ஒவ்வொரு அட்டவணை அல்லது உருவத்தையும் பார்க்கவும் மற்றும் அவை APA வழிகாட்டுதல்களின்படி வடிவமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்தவும். உள்ளடக்கத்துடன் சிறந்த முடிவுகளுக்கு சரியான இடைவெளி மற்றும் சீரமைப்பு ஆகியவை இதில் அடங்கும்.

ஒரு ஆதாரத்திற்காக பட்டியலிடப்பட்ட ஆசிரியர் இல்லை என்றால் நான் என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும்?

எந்த எழுத்தாளரும் பட்டியலிடப்படவில்லை என்றால், ஆசிரியரின் பெயருக்குப் பதிலாக படைப்பின் தலைப்பைப் பயன்படுத்தவும். உரையில் உள்ள மேற்கோள்களுக்கு, குறிப்பு பட்டியல் நுழைவு மற்றும் வெளியீட்டு ஆண்டின் முதல் சில சொற்களைப் பயன்படுத்தவும்.

Smodin AI உடன் உங்கள் APA வடிவக் கட்டுரைகளை எழுதத் தொடங்குங்கள்

உங்கள் அடுத்த தாளில் உயர் தரத்தைப் பெற இந்தக் கட்டுரையில் நீங்கள் கற்றுக்கொண்ட APA கட்டுரை வடிவமைப்பு விதிகளைப் பயன்படுத்தவும். கருத்துத் திருட்டைத் தவிர்ப்பதற்கு மேற்கோள்களை எவ்வாறு பயன்படுத்துவது என்பதை மறந்துவிடாதீர்கள் என்பதை உறுதிப்படுத்திக் கொள்ளுங்கள். மேலும், உங்கள் கடின உழைப்பை நாசப்படுத்தாமல் இருக்க, தவிர்க்க வேண்டிய முக்கிய தவறுகளை மறந்துவிடாதீர்கள்.

உங்கள் APA கட்டுரை வடிவமைப்பு திட்டத்தை எழுத உங்களுக்கு உதவி தேவையா? வெற்றிக்கான வாய்ப்புகளை உங்களுக்கு சாதகமாக சாய்க்க Smodin AI ஐப் பயன்படுத்தவும். உங்கள் பணிகளுக்கு சரியான வடிவமைப்பை எவ்வாறு பயன்படுத்துவது என்பதை எங்கள் மென்பொருள் காண்பிக்கும். எங்கள் கருவித்தொகுப்பு சரியான APA-பாணி காகிதத்தை எவ்வாறு உருவாக்குவது என்பதைக் கற்றுக்கொள்வதற்கான செயல்முறையை துரிதப்படுத்தும்.

நீ எதற்காக காத்திருக்கிறாய்? இன்றே ஸ்மோடின் AIஐ முயற்சிக்கவும் நீங்கள் முடிவுகளை விரும்புவீர்கள்.

Figure Setup

All types of visual displays other than tables are considered figures in APA Style. Common types of figures include line graphs, bar graphs, charts (e.g., flowcharts, pie charts), drawings, maps, plots (e.g., scatterplots), photographs, infographics, and other illustrations.

This page addresses the basics of figure setup, including figure components, principles of figure construction, and placement of figures in a paper. Note that tables and figures have the same overall setup.

View the sample figures to see these guidelines in action. Information is also available on how to use color to create accessible figures .

Figure components

APA Style figures have these basic components:

• number: The figure number (e.g., Figure 1) appears above the figure title and image in bold font. Number figures in the order in which they are mentioned in your paper.
• title: The figure title appears one double-spaced line below the figure number. Give each figure a brief but descriptive title, and capitalize the figure title in italic title case .
• image: The image portion of the figure is the graph, chart, photograph, drawing, or other illustration itself. If text appears in the image of the figure (e.g., axis labels), use a sans serif font between 8 and 14 points .
• legend: A figure legend, or key, if present, should be positioned within the borders of the figure and explains any symbols used in the figure image. Capitalize words in the figure legend in title case .
• note: Three types of notes (general, specific, and probability) can appear below the figure to describe contents of the figure that cannot be understood from the figure title, image, and/or legend alone (e.g., definitions of abbreviations, copyright attribution, explanations of asterisks use to indicate p values). Include figure notes only as needed.

This diagram illustrates the basic figure components.

Figures are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Sections 7.22 to 7.36 and the Concise Guide Sections 7.22 to 7.32

Related handout

• Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3MB)

Principles of figure creation

The most important principle to follow when creating a figure is to present information in a way that is easy for readers to understand. Provide sufficient information in the figure itself so that readers do not need to read the text to understand it.

When creating a figure, ensure you meet the following standards:

• images are clear
• lines are smooth and sharp
• font is legible and simple
• units of measurement are provided
• axes are clearly labeled
• elements within the figure are clearly labeled or explained

Use graphics software to create figures in APA Style papers. For example, use the built-in graphics features of your word-processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word or Excel) or dedicated programs such as Photoshop or Inkscape.

Placement of figures in a paper

There are two options for the placement of figures (and tables) in a paper. The first is to embed figures in the text after each is first mentioned (or “called out”); the second is to place each figure on a separate page after the reference list.

An embedded figure may take up an entire page; if the figure is short, however, text may appear on the same page as the figure. In that case, place the figure at either the top or bottom of the page rather than in the middle. Also add one blank double-spaced line between the figure and any text to improve the visual presentation.

View the sample figures for more information on figures.

Generate accurate APA citations for free

• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 7th edition
• How to write and format an APA abstract

APA Abstract (2020) | Formatting, Length, and Keywords

Published on November 6, 2020 by Raimo Streefkerk . Revised on January 17, 2024.

An APA abstract is a comprehensive summary of your paper in which you briefly address the research problem , hypotheses , methods , results , and implications of your research. It’s placed on a separate page right after the title page and is usually no longer than 250 words.

Most professional papers that are submitted for publication require an abstract. Student papers typically don’t need an abstract, unless instructed otherwise.

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Table of contents

How to format the abstract, how to write an apa abstract, which keywords to use, frequently asked questions, apa abstract example.

Formatting instructions

Follow these five steps to format your abstract in APA Style:

• Insert a running head (for a professional paper—not needed for a student paper) and page number.
• Set page margins to 1 inch (2.54 cm).
• Write “Abstract” (bold and centered) at the top of the page.
• Do not indent the first line.
• Double-space the text.
• Use a legible font like Times New Roman (12 pt.).
• Limit the length to 250 words.
• Indent the first line 0.5 inches.
• Write the label “Keywords:” (italicized).
• Write keywords in lowercase letters.
• Separate keywords with commas.
• Do not use a period after the keywords.

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The abstract is a self-contained piece of text that informs the reader what your research is about. It’s best to write the abstract after you’re finished with the rest of your paper.

The questions below may help structure your abstract. Try answering them in one to three sentences each.

• What is the problem? Outline the objective, research questions , and/or hypotheses .
• What has been done? Explain your research methods .
• What did you discover? Summarize the key findings and conclusions .
• What do the findings mean? Summarize the discussion and recommendations .

Check out our guide on how to write an abstract for more guidance and an annotated example.

Guide: writing an abstract

At the end of the abstract, you may include a few keywords that will be used for indexing if your paper is published on a database. Listing your keywords will help other researchers find your work.

Choosing relevant keywords is essential. Try to identify keywords that address your topic, method, or population. APA recommends including three to five keywords.

An abstract is a concise summary of an academic text (such as a journal article or dissertation ). It serves two main purposes:

• To help potential readers determine the relevance of your paper for their own research.
• To communicate your key findings to those who don’t have time to read the whole paper.

Abstracts are often indexed along with keywords on academic databases, so they make your work more easily findable. Since the abstract is the first thing any reader sees, it’s important that it clearly and accurately summarizes the contents of your paper.

An APA abstract is around 150–250 words long. However, always check your target journal’s guidelines and don’t exceed the specified word count.

In an APA Style paper , the abstract is placed on a separate page after the title page (page 2).

Avoid citing sources in your abstract . There are two reasons for this:

• The abstract should focus on your original research, not on the work of others.
• The abstract should be self-contained and fully understandable without reference to other sources.

There are some circumstances where you might need to mention other sources in an abstract: for example, if your research responds directly to another study or focuses on the work of a single theorist. In general, though, don’t include citations unless absolutely necessary.

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Streefkerk, R. (2024, January 17). APA Abstract (2020) | Formatting, Length, and Keywords. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/apa-abstract/

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