Format Your Writing - APA Guildelines

Although styles may seem like you're being put into a box, it's really an expansion that allows your work to be comprehended. APA style has its own box of rules and guidelines that make it unique. It may not be the most popular style used, but it still has benefits that help publishers or readers better understand what you are wanting to say.

The structure of an APA style work has the following:

1. Title Page
2. Abstract
3. Body of Work
4. References

Standard APA Guidelines include:

• 12-point letter size
• Legible font (Times New Romans is preferred)
• Double Spaced (Everything from title to citations)
• 1-inch margins on all sides, left-justified
• Includes page numbers at the top right of each page after the title page.
• Indent every paragraph by 1/2-inch.

Differences APA has from MLA:

• The cover page (or title page) is on a separate page in the center and includes the capitalized title, along with required personal information, all capitalized as well.
• It includes an abstract page after the cover page, which is a single paragraph summarizing your body of work (described in more detail below).
• It includes a "running head," which is a summarized version of your title, in all caps, at the top left corner of each page, including the cover page. "Running Head:" is included on the title page, but the words ("Running Head:") is taken off of any pages following the title page, and it should be less than 50 letters.
• Two spaces follow every period in each sentence. 
• You cannot have hyphenations at the end of a line of text that continues on the next line. 
• In MLA, the citations within the body of the work is cited as last name, while APA style references by last name, first initial. 
  • MLA: (Smith)
  • APA: (Smith, J.)
  • Note: If author's name isn't provided, title of the reference will suffice. EXAMPLE: (How to Write a Book, pp. 10)

Abstract Guidelines Include:​

• 150-250 words for the paragraph.
• It is in past tense, except the conclusion, which is able to be in present tense if you want.
• The word, "Abstract," should be at the top as a title, centered right above your paragraph (No added effects, like bold or italics).
• Double spaced
• Two spaces after every sentence, like in the body of the work.
• No indentation at the beginning of the paragraph, and it is all left-justified.
• This page will have also the running head at the top left and a page number in the top right.
• At the end of your paragraph, the Abstract page will include a list of keywords, which will also hone down your writing even more for your readers. This line requires an indentation of 1/2-inch and the word, "Keywords," will be italicized. 
  • EXAMPLE: Keywords: action, romantic relationships, black hole, aliens 

MLA and APA are not the same thing, and should not be treated as such. Granted, APA style is similar, but it has its quirks among the style guides available. The APA style allows your work to be respectfully and accurately read as you intended. Each style has a great standard to offer any body of work.

Citations:

Alnaggar, Maryam. Abstract Template APA. Retrieved from https://writingcommons.org/abstract-template-apa.

Modig, D. Zeau. (2016, August 10). IIRP Graduate School Writing & APA Style Guidelines. Retrieved from http://www.iirp.edu/pdf/IIRP-APA-Guidelines.pdf.

Easybib. APA Formatting Rules for Your Paper. Retrieved from http://www.easybib.com/guides/students/writing-guide/iv-write/a-formatting/apa-paper-formatting/.