Fundamentals of APA Style Tutorial - Essay Example

How to Format an APA Paper According to 6th Edition Standards (Use Strayer CIS105 Introduction to Information Systems Instructor Name: (Use your instructors name) 25th July, 2014. Abstract The Abstract is often optional for research papers. Students enrolled in courses at Strayer University should verify with the instructor if an Abstract is required for the paper. The Abstract should be written in block form, which means that the paragraph should not be indented. The Abstract should contain between 150 and 250 words and should not contain in-text citations or references. The Abstract provides a brief summary of the paper and usually contains words such as, “This paper will discuss…”, or “The purpose of this paper is to…”. The Abstract should not to be confused with the thesis statement. Write the Abstract in short and concise sentences that tell the story of the paper. The Abstract should be written after the entire paper has been completed. The Abstract should be located after the title page, but before the introduction of the paper. Do not write the Abstract in first-person; write the Abstract in third-person. How to Format an APA Paper According to 6th Edition Standards Introduction and Thesis Statement Input and center the title of the paper at the top of the page. An introduction and thesis statement header is not used and should not be included. The first sentence of the introduction should grab the attention of the audience of readers. It should be an original, broad statement, quote, or paraphrase. Narrow down the broad topic to a specific argument that is worthy of research and writing. Research papers should be written in a narrative format. Write the paper in third-person; refrain from writing papers in first- and second-person. Provide background, definitions, or other details about the topic that will help the audience of readers understand the topic more effectively and writer’s logical flow of the paper. The introduction paragraph should lead into a specific or main topic, known as the thesis statement. The thesis statement should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph. The type of thesis statement used in this paper is the expository thesis statement. In this case, the expository thesis statement is one comprehensive sentence that displays three main argumentative points that the writer thinks are critically important for the readers to know. The writer needs to conduct research about these specific opinions and support them with objective and accurate data. Here is an example of an expository thesis statement: In order to write a great research paper, writers must understand word processing software, APA 6th Edition formatting, and how to structure content. Without a thesis statement, there can be no body of the paper or conclusion. Word Processing Software The body of the paper should outline the three main argumentative points in the thesis statement. Therefore, if a Header such as “Word Processing Software” is used, the paragraph or subsequent paragraphs within the section should discuss thesis statement argument #1. Data that presents opposing viewpoints related to different Word processing software, the types that exist, advantages and disadvantages, and any other relevant information should be written within the paragraph or subsequent paragraphs. Subsequent paragraphs may be necessary. This can be up to the writer, the instructor, or the constraints of the assignment. For example, a five-paragraph paper should include: 1. An introduction paragraph, with thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph. 2. A body of the paper that contains three paragraphs related to the thesis statement. 3. A conclusion paragraph that includes a restatement of the thesis statement, whether it is confirmed or disconfirmed, a summary of the findings of each paragraph, and final words based on the writer’s perspective of the research paper. However, a research paper that is required to be longer in length (i.e., 5-6 pages, 8-10 pages) will more than likely require additional paragraphs and sections. This is when the use of Headers and sub-Headings may prove useful. The writer will need to ensure that the logical flow of data naturally transitions from paragraph to paragraph. Content also needs to be written objectively, not with bias. Reducing bias in language can be easier achieved with third-person writing and critical thinking. Writers should support the argument with credible research from peer-reviewed resources. Wikipedia, the media, or other non-peer-reviewed articles may not always be reliable or acceptable. Validity and accuracy can sway the opinions of readers if data is derived from reputable sources. Remember, one major goal of the paper is to convince the audience of the writer’s opinion makes sense. Another major goal of the paper is to increase the knowledge of the writer. If this research is done well, it should add to the body of knowledge. The last sentence of this paragraph should transition nicely into thesis statement argument #2. APA 6th Edition Formatting This paragraph or series of paragraphs within this section should present data about argument #2, APA 6th Edition Formatting. Just as paragraph #1 within the body of the paper, data that presents opposing viewpoints related to APA 6th Edition formatting should be researched and written. Approximately 80-85% of the paper should be written in the writer’s original words; 15-20% of the paper should be written with in-text citations. Paraphrasing in-text citations is preferred compared to quoting author statements. However, if quotations are used, the writer must write them correctly. For example, thirty-nine (39) words or less require in-text citations to be written as follows: “The quoted sentence” (Author Last Name, Year of Publication, page or paragraph number). Here are a few examples: 1. “The quoted sentence” (Phillips, 2013, p. 3). 2. Phillips (2013) stated, “The quoted sentence” (para. 7). The two previous sentences utilized the author of this paper’s name for illustration purposes only. Quoting forty (40) words or more requires a different formatting called Blocked Quotes. This is how they must be written: 3. Phillips (2013) stated, “The quoted sentence” (p. 3) A sentence that naturally transitions into thesis statement #3 should be written here. Structuring Content This paragraph should discuss thesis statement argument #3, which is how to structure content within a research paper. The same guidelines apply for this topic and paragraph. The writer should articulate the components necessary to write this entire paper from beginning to end so that the content will make sense to anyone, anywhere in the world, who decides to read it. Writers should not write with colloquialisms or verbiage that people in different venues, environments, or cultures will not understand. Writers should also consider writing in past tense as well. The content in this paragraph or section should transition nicely to the conclusion section of the paper. Conclusion The first sentence should re-state the thesis statement in different or similar words. This sentence will remind the reader of the overall arguments researched within the paper based on the writer’s opinions on the topic. The writer should then summarize the main points of each paragraph or section. Writers should refrain from inputting quotes and paraphrases in the conclusion paragraph or paragraphs. Writers should continue to write in third-person. The last few sentences are where the writer inputs his/her objective perspective of the overall research. In other words, the writer should have learned something from conducting this research and should state those facts clearly and concisely. The final product should equate to a great research paper that contains objectively written content that is well-formatted in APA 6th Edition by learning how to use the functions within word processing software. The reference page should be written on the next page, in alphabetical order, and according to a specific format. Instructions for writing Headers are written within Appendix A. Instructions for writing in-text citations are written within Appendix B. References American Psychological Association (2013). Basics of APA style tutorial. Retrieved from http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics/index.htm Purdue University (2013). Tips and examples for writing thesis statements. 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