APA Report Writing Mechanics

APA General Format Requirements--Check with your teacher or assignment details

Paper:

  • White, 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches.
  • Use one side only.
  • Left alignment.

Header - Pagination:

  • Running title (abbreviated title printed on all pages) in all capital letters; left alignment; header set a 1 inch
  • Pagination automatic numbering, right alignment;

Title page:

  • Running title and page number used (page 1)
  • Centered. Title in upper third of page.
  • Do not underline title, or put in quotation marks, or type it in all caps.
  • Author byline--double spaced below title
Abstract:
  • Brief summary of the research
  • Located on page 2
  • Double-spaced below centered title "Abstract"

Margins:

  • One inch at top, bottom, and sides.

Indenting:

  • Indent five spaces (or one inch for handwriting) for each new paragraph.
  • Set-off long direct quotations (four or more lines) by indenting one inch (10 spaces) from the left margin.
  • For reference list entries, indent all lines one half inch except the first line. Set your word processing program to do a hanging indention.

Text:

  • Double space body text and reference list entries.
  • Double space set-off quotations. Block quotations are usually introduced with a colon.
  • Use standard 12 point fonts. Preferred font is Times New Roman.
  • When ending a sentence, use two spaces before starting the next sentence.

Quoting:

  • When quoting directly, use quotation marks with reference citation.
  • Do not use quotation marks for set-off quotations.
  • Use three spaced periods...when omitting anything within a quotation.
  • Use brackets [ ] to enclose anything added or changed within a quotation.