apa format answering essay questions

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How to Answer Essay Questions Using APA Format

APA, which stands for American Psychological Association, is a format or editorial style created to standardize scientific writing. It is often used as a format when you are writing reviews, articles, reports and term papers. When writing the answer to essay questions for an exam or assignment, you may be asked to follow a certain writing style guideline, including APA. These guidelines generally refer to style, page formatting and citations.

When typing out the answer to an essay question, follow the general APA guidelines for formatting your page.

Use 1-inch margins on all sides and a 12-point font -- preferably Times New Roman.

Double-space your document and omit a title page, unless you are specifically requested to include it. Instead, place your title at the top of your paper, centered, followed by your name and the course name.

Double-space and begin your essay question answer on the same page, indenting every paragraph.

Style and Voice

APA allows the use of first person point-of-view when discussing research steps. For example, when discussing any conclusion reached, it is appropriate to say, "I found that...”

Answer your essay question in a straightforward manner and avoid using poetic language and devices. For example, try not to use metaphors or analogies in your answer. Precise, clear language that is absent of any bias is preferred.

In-text Citations

When discussing any research via a summary or paraphrase, include an in-text citation following the author-date citation system. Include the last name of the author and year of publication from your research.

You can do this in your sentence or following your sentence in parentheses.

For example:

Brown (2012) states that….

Research suggests that… (Brown, 2012)

Add page numbers any time you include a direct quotation.

Brown (2012) states, "There was a direct correlation between both studies" (p.12).

Following your essay question, include a reference or citation that gives further information about your sources. Include the author's last name, his first initial, the date and the title of the book (in italics) and publication information.

Brown, A. (2012). History of animal kingdoms. New York, NY: Perennial Publishers

If you are using a journal article as a reference, include the journal title (in italics), volume number and page number information.

Smith, B. (2001). Bird species of the Amazon. Birding Monthly. 34 (1): 54-57

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• APA Style 7th edition
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APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) | Generator, Template, Examples

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

The 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual provides guidelines for clear communication , citing sources , and formatting documents. This article focuses on paper formatting.

Generate accurate APA citations with Scribbr

Throughout your paper, you need to apply the following APA format guidelines:

• Set page margins to 1 inch on all sides.
• Double-space all text, including headings.
• Indent the first line of every paragraph 0.5 inches.
• Use an accessible font (e.g., Times New Roman 12pt., Arial 11pt., or Georgia 11pt.).
• Include a page number on every page.

Let an expert format your paper

Our APA formatting experts can help you to format your paper according to APA guidelines. They can help you with:

• Margins, line spacing, and indentation
• Font and headings
• Running head and page numbering

Table of contents

How to set up apa format (with template), apa alphabetization guidelines, apa format template [free download], page header, headings and subheadings, reference page, tables and figures, frequently asked questions about apa format.

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

References are ordered alphabetically by the first author’s last name. If the author is unknown, order the reference entry by the first meaningful word of the title (ignoring articles: “the”, “a”, or “an”).

Why set up APA format from scratch if you can download Scribbr’s template for free?

Student papers and professional papers have slightly different guidelines regarding the title page, abstract, and running head. Our template is available in Word and Google Docs format for both versions.

• Student paper: Word | Google Docs
• Professional paper: Word | Google Docs

In an APA Style paper, every page has a page header. For student papers, the page header usually consists of just a page number in the page’s top-right corner. For professional papers intended for publication, it also includes a running head .

A running head is simply the paper’s title in all capital letters. It is left-aligned and can be up to 50 characters in length. Longer titles are abbreviated .

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The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

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APA headings have five possible levels. Heading level 1 is used for main sections such as “ Methods ” or “ Results ”. Heading levels 2 to 5 are used for subheadings. Each heading level is formatted differently.

Want to know how many heading levels you should use, when to use which heading level, and how to set up heading styles in Word or Google Docs? Then check out our in-depth article on APA headings .

The title page is the first page of an APA Style paper. There are different guidelines for student and professional papers.

Both versions include the paper title and author’s name and affiliation. The student version includes the course number and name, instructor name, and due date of the assignment. The professional version includes an author note and running head .

For more information on writing a striking title, crediting multiple authors (with different affiliations), and writing the author note, check out our in-depth article on the APA title page .

The abstract is a 150–250 word summary of your paper. An abstract is usually required in professional papers, but it’s rare to include one in student papers (except for longer texts like theses and dissertations).

The abstract is placed on a separate page after the title page . At the top of the page, write the section label “Abstract” (bold and centered). The contents of the abstract appear directly under the label. Unlike regular paragraphs, the first line is not indented. Abstracts are usually written as a single paragraph without headings or blank lines.

Directly below the abstract, you may list three to five relevant keywords . On a new line, write the label “Keywords:” (italicized and indented), followed by the keywords in lowercase letters, separated by commas.

APA Style does not provide guidelines for formatting the table of contents . It’s also not a required paper element in either professional or student papers. If your instructor wants you to include a table of contents, it’s best to follow the general guidelines.

Place the table of contents on a separate page between the abstract and introduction. Write the section label “Contents” at the top (bold and centered), press “Enter” once, and list the important headings with corresponding page numbers.

The APA reference page is placed after the main body of your paper but before any appendices . Here you list all sources that you’ve cited in your paper (through APA in-text citations ). APA provides guidelines for formatting the references as well as the page itself.

Creating APA Style references

Play around with the Scribbr Citation Example Generator below to learn about the APA reference format of the most common source types or generate APA citations for free with Scribbr’s APA Citation Generator .

Formatting the reference page

Write the section label “References” at the top of a new page (bold and centered). Place the reference entries directly under the label in alphabetical order.

Finally, apply a hanging indent , meaning the first line of each reference is left-aligned, and all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches.

Tables and figures are presented in a similar format. They’re preceded by a number and title and followed by explanatory notes (if necessary).

Use bold styling for the word “Table” or “Figure” and the number, and place the title on a separate line directly below it (in italics and title case). Try to keep tables clean; don’t use any vertical lines, use as few horizontal lines as possible, and keep row and column labels concise.

Keep the design of figures as simple as possible. Include labels and a legend if needed, and only use color when necessary (not to make it look more appealing).

Check out our in-depth article about table and figure notes to learn when to use notes and how to format them.

The easiest way to set up APA format in Word is to download Scribbr’s free APA format template for student papers or professional papers.

Alternatively, you can watch Scribbr’s 5-minute step-by-step tutorial or check out our APA format guide with examples.

APA Style papers should be written in a font that is legible and widely accessible. For example:

• Times New Roman (12pt.)
• Arial (11pt.)
• Calibri (11pt.)
• Georgia (11pt.)

The same font and font size is used throughout the document, including the running head , page numbers, headings , and the reference page . Text in footnotes and figure images may be smaller and use single line spacing.

You need an APA in-text citation and reference entry . Each source type has its own format; for example, a webpage citation is different from a book citation .

Use Scribbr’s free APA Citation Generator to generate flawless citations in seconds or take a look at our APA citation examples .

Yes, page numbers are included on all pages, including the title page , table of contents , and reference page . Page numbers should be right-aligned in the page header.

To insert page numbers in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, click ‘Insert’ and then ‘Page number’.

APA format is widely used by professionals, researchers, and students in the social and behavioral sciences, including fields like education, psychology, and business.

Be sure to check the guidelines of your university or the journal you want to be published in to double-check which style you should be using.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Streefkerk, R. (2024, January 17). APA Formatting and Citation (7th Ed.) | Generator, Template, Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved March 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/format/

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How to Write an Essay in APA Format

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

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

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."

APA Style Guide 7th Edition--Frequently Asked Question and Updates: Introduction and Link to APA 7th

• Introduction and Link to APA 7th
• APA 7th Edition--New Changes--Quick Guide
• Other Citation Styles and APA 6th edition
• Other APA 7th edition Libguides
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APA Style Guide--7th Edition --Introduction

The APA (American Psychological Association) Style is used by many researchers,   scholars,  students and publishers around the world.  Fields from psychology, social work, communications, education and other disciplines  used the style for dissertations, theses, research papers and articles.     Using a style guide helps writers present their ideas in a clear, concise and organized manner.  When you learn how to format your papers based on a style guide you are better able to credit sources, present tables and figures consistentl y, and use correct grammar and sentence structure.  The 7th edition of  The Publication Manual of the American  Psychological Association is the  recent revision of the style guide.  This guide attempts to answer some of the Frequently Asked Questions regarding this new edition .  

http://mypanther-lib.pvamu.edu/record=b1453375~S1

• APA 7th edition changes-- short Powerpoint presentation

APA 7th edition Powerpoint presentation

Helpful links

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition (2020)

https://apastyle.apa.org/products/publication-manual-7th-edition

APA Style Blog

https://apastyle.apa.org/blog?_ga=2.112121158.331217480.1573758839-970069031.1573758839

APA Style--Paper format guidelines

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/paper-format/

APA Style—In Text Citation guidelines

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/

APA Style--References guidelines

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/

APA Style--Tables and Figures

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/tables-figures/

APA Style—Punctuation

https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/punctuation/

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association 7th Edition--Frequently Asked Questions

When will students need to use the 7th edition of APA?

The American Psychological Association anticipates that most people will start using the 7th edition in the spring of 2020 or thereafter. It’s best to check with your professor or check the website of the journal you want to get published in to see which APA guidelines you should follow.

What if I already started a paper in 6 th edition?

The publishers realize it make take a while to get everyone accustomed to using the new edition.  If you have started a paper using the 6 th edition, generally speaking, you should finish it with the same style.  However, always ask your professor or publisher if you need to make an adjustment.  

What are some of the changes in the 7 th edition?

• New guidance on research methods, ethical compliance and data sharing.
• The title page, running head and heading formats are changed, as well as font specifications for accessibility.
• Journal Article Reporting Standards (JARS) are updated.
• Inclusive and bias-free language is the new standard, and APA’s new publication manual contains a separate chapter on this topic.
• Changes to the mechanics of style, including the placement of periods, quotation marks, abbreviations, more flexibility for lettered, numbered and bulleted lists.
• More than 40 new samples of tables and figures are included.
• The accessible use of color in figures is discussed.
• There is more guidance on plagiarism, self-plagiarism, levels of citation and unethical writing practices.
• There are over 100 examples of APA style references, with detailed explanations.
• Chapter 11 presents expanded legal reference guidelines from The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation.
• Chapter 12 provides guidance on the publication process for new researchers and authors.

Introducing the APA 7th Ed.

What's New with APA 7th Edition

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General Questions on APA Style

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APA Style FAQs

• Questions on the Format of an APA Paper

Questions on Citing Sources

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How can I learn about APA style? This Libguide has answers to frequently asked questions about APA style, but there is no replacement for a hard copy of the APA publication manual , which is available in the reference sections of several Vanderbilt libraries , and wherever fine books are sold. In this FAQ , where appropriate, reference is made to the relevant section of the print APA manual. See also the Purdue OWL site, the main APA style page , and the APA Style Blog for more information and advice on APA style. You can also contact the Peabody Librarians to ask questions on APA style or to suggest additions to this page.

What’s a style? APA style is a citation and formatting style , a set of guidelines for how a paper looks and how it credits its sources. Using a consistent style makes your papers easier to read and ensures that you are giving proper credit to those whose work you have engaged with in your own research and writing.

Many citation styles are on offer, and different academic disciplines use different styles. In the humanities, the Modern Language Association (MLA) or Chicago / Turabian styles are more commonly used. In medicine the American Medical Association (AMA) style predominates. In the social and behavioral sciences, including education, the American Psychological Association (APA) style is most common. Many other styles are used in other disciplines, so check your local listings.

Individual journals or publishers may have their own house styles , which are usually modifications of one of the major styles. If you are submitting an article to a journal, you will want to check the journal’s style requirements.

A close cousin of the citation and formatting style is the usage guide . Newspapers and news agencies, such as the New York Times and Associated Press , have often-consulted usage guides. And there are famous usage guides written by, among others, H.W. Fowler , Bryan Garner , and E.B. White , which advise on points of syntax, grammar, spelling, punctuation, diction, and writing style generally. The APA manual also makes recommendations on these points, but it goes beyond them in its guidance on citing sources and on general formatting.

What’s the difference between a citation and a reference? These terms are often used interchangeably and so can become confusing. In APA style, a citation usually refers to the in-text citation that is in the text of the paper and that briefly tells the reader where the information he or she is reading about came from. The reference is the full information (in APA style, at the end of the paper) about that original source. In short: The citation points to the reference, which points to the original source.

Questions on APA Paper Format

Questions on APA Reference Format

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APA Formatting and Style Guide (7th Edition)

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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

Citation Style: APA 7th Edition: Frequently Asked Questions

• Avoiding Plagiarism
• APA Style Guides
• Basic Formatting
• Title Page & Abstract
• The Main Body
• The References Page
• Reference Citation Examples
• Citation Generation Tools

Frequently Asked Questions

• 7th Edition vs. 6th Edition

How to Use This Page

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page for APA. This is where we put the answers to some questions we get asked often.

To see the answer,  just click on one of the questions below. It will expand to reveal the answer.

Do you have a question that is not answered in this guide? Send an email to [email protected] and let us know!

Missing Citation Information

Q: I’m using a section of a website for one of my sources. How do I find out who the author is?

A: Here are a few places you will often find authors and dates of webpages:

• Bottom of the page (scroll all the way down) - but be wary of a copyright date that is the same on every page (it's better to use n.d. for "no date" in that case).
• In the “Contact” or “About Us” sections
• Go to the root or home page.
• Keep in mind that the author could be an organization rather than a person.

Example for navigating to the root or home page:

If you are at this page: https://identify.whatbird.com/obj/617/overview/Green-tailed_Towhee.aspx

Try going to this page: https://identify.whatbird.com/

Q: What if I still cannot find an author or a date?

A: If you still cannot find an author, cite the resource by its title in your references list. For your in-text citation, you will use a shortened version of the title instead of the author’s last name.

See the Purdue OWL example for "Unknown Author" here.

For a source with an unknown date, use the abbreviation “n.d.” instead of the date. (It stands for “no date.”)

Q: What if my source has no page numbers (like an electronic source)?

A: If you are directly quoting a source that is lacking page numbers, try to use some other identifier to help your reader find your original source. Heading titles, section titles, and paragraph numbers can help you identify the section of your source which you quoted.

If your source has no section or heading titles, count the paragraphs from the top to where your quote is, and use that as a paragraph number for your in-text citation. If the source is quite long, it will (hopefully) have headings, which you can use to point to a section, and then count the paragraphs down from that section to the location of your quotation.

For example:

According to Smith (1980), "The engineers’ most productive month of the year was April." (Seasonal Affective Disorder section, para. 4).

For more information, see the following source:

Purdue OWL - Sources Without Page Numbers

Formatting & Basic Rules

Q: What if we are writing the paper as a group (multiple authors)? How do we format the title page in this case?

A: Put all of the authors’ names on one line, in order by contribution, separated by commas, with the last author preceded by the word “and.” Or just use the word "and" in between if there are only two names.

Source and example at: APA Student Title Page Guide

Q: What if I include an image in my paper? How should I present the image and cite the source?

A: Any image you include should have a figure number and title below the image. If you did not take the photo yourself, you must include a citation for the image in a caption beneath the image.

For information on how to cite an image, see: https://libguides.scf.edu/c.php?g=847004&p=6077102

For more information on using Figures, Tables, and Graphs – see the following sources:

Purdue OWL APA Tables & Figures

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) pp.195 - 250

Q: What is common knowledge information and why don’t I need to cite it?

A: Common knowledge means that the information is generally known by professionals in the field of research you are conducting. You don’t need to cite it because you could find this same piece of information in a number of sources, therefore it is not a unique idea to any one source. This is a "gray area" of citation that falls upon the discretion of the writer. The Purdue OWL APA Guide recommends finding the information in at least five different sources before deciding it is common knowledge. When in doubt, cite the source.

For more information on Common Knowledge practices, see the following sources:

Purdue OWL - Common Knowledge & Attribution

What is Common Knowledge?

Paraphrasing & Quoting

Q: What is the difference between paraphrasing and quoting?

A: Quoting is when you take a portion of your source and copy it exactly word-for-word into your paper. In this case, you are taking the author’s language and tone along with his/her ideas. Quoting is best for cases when the author's phrasing is the best way to convey the idea to your reader.

Paraphrasing is when you describe someone else’s ideas using your own unique language and tone. Paraphrasing is the best way to keep the paper’s tone your own. Even though you are using your own language to convey the idea, the idea is still the author’s and must be cited.

For more info, see: Purdue Guide to Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing

Q: How should I format quotations?

A: If the quotation is less than 40 words long , you can simply put quotation marks around the quote. Often times, writers will use a signal phrase to identify the author and year to begin the quote, then put the page number of the source at the end of the sentence. If you do not identify the author and year in the signal phrase, then you will need to include them at the end-of-sentence citation as you would normally do.

According to Smith (1980), "The engineers’ most productive month of the year was April." (p. 86).

If the quotation is more than 40 words long , you will need to create a block-quotation. To do this, start the quotation on a new line and left-indent it by half an inch. In this case, you will not need quotation marks. The quote will still be double-spaced and have an in-text citation at the end.

Smith’s (1980) study found that:

Seasonal affective disorder decreased the productivity of 86% of the engineers at the lab. My hypothesis is that the decreased levels of sunlight and increased indoor living caused a lack of motivation on the part of the engineers and therefore their productivity decreased. Furthermore, the engineers’ most productive month of the year was April, probably due to the fact that April is the first significantly warm month after several months of a cold and dreary winter. (p. 86)

Keep in mind that whenever you use a quotation in your paper, you must cite the page or range of pages it comes from.

For more information on using quotations, see: https://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/quotations/

Q: My professor says I am paraphrasing / quoting too much in my paper? I am citing everything; what’s the problem?

A: If you are citing everything that comes from another source, that’s great! That means you are avoiding plagiarism. However, you want the majority of your paper to be your ideas. You don’t want to just compile other peoples’ ideas. You want to analyze and make conclusions about those other peoples’ ideas. In this way, your writing adds to the conversation on a topic so that whoever reads your paper will have a better understanding of that topic, and they will be able to add their own voice to the conversation in turn. Make sure no more than 50% of your paper is ideas from other sources.

Q: If I’m paraphrasing a theory or idea somewhere in my paper that takes up an entire paragraph of text, do I have to put an in-text citation for the same source after every single sentence?

A: According to the APA Style Webpage, "A paraphrase may continue for several sentences. In such cases, cite the work being paraphrased on first mention. Once the work has been cited, it is not necessary to repeat the citation as long as the context of the writing makes it clear that the same work continues to be paraphrased."

Tricky Questions

Q: How do I cite a source within a source?

A: A "source within a source" is often referred to as a secondary source. Here are some examples:

• A book quoted in another book.
• An article paraphrased and cited in another article.
• A book paraphrased and cited in an article.
• ...And so on. Anytime a source is cited in another source, that means the source you are using counts as a secondary source for that specific piece of information.

Here is what the APA Publication Manual 7th Edition (p. 258) says about using secondary sources:

In scholarly work, a primary source reports original content; a secondary source refers to content first reported in another source. Cite secondary sources sparingly—for instance, when the original work is out of print, unavailable, or available only in a language that you do not understand. If possible, as a matter of good scholarly practice, find the primary source, read it, and cite it directly rather than citing a secondary source. For example, rather than citing an instructor’s lecture or a textbook or encyclopedia that in turn cites original research, find, read, and cite the original research directly (unless an instructor has directed you to do otherwise).

When citing a secondary source, provide a reference list entry for the secondary source that you used. In the text, identify the primary source and then write “as cited in” the secondary source that you used. If the year of publication of the primary source is known, also include it in the text.

For example, if you read a work by Lyon et al. (2014) in which Rabbitt (1982) was cited, and you were unable to read Rabbitt’s work yourself, cite Rabbitt’s work as the original source, followed by Lyon et al.’s work as the secondary source. Only Lyon et al.’s work appears in the reference list.

(Rabbitt, 1982, as cited in Lyon et al., 2014)

If the year of the primary source is unknown, omit it from the in-text citation.

Allport’s diary (as cited in Nicholson, 2003)

For more examples, visit the following links:

• Purdue OWL's "Work Discussed in a Secondary Source"
• Walden University "Citing a Source within a Source"

Q: How do I cite a famous quote?

A: The APA Style Blog discusses how you would cite a famous speech in a paper, so you would use the same rule for citing a quote by a famous person. In both cases, you don’t reference the speech or quote directly- instead, you find an authoritative (reliable) source where that quote or speech is located and cite that. So for example, if you found one of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speeches in a book about great 20th century speeches, you would cite that book in your reference list. The key is to find that quote in a reliable source—don’t just use some random website without some idea of who created it. (Please note that this entry from the APA Style Blog was written for APA 6th edition, so please don't use the reference citation examples given in the link above. However, the concepts described above are still the same.)

If you need to find a source on the web with the quote, we recommend using the Advanced Google Search to find it. Go into Advanced Google and type in keywords from the quote you want to cite in your paper. Then, under “Search within a site or domain,” specify either “.gov,” “.edu” or “.org.” (Stay away from “.com’s.”) This way, you can cite a reliable website published by an organization or an educational or governing entity. For example, you could go to www.winstonchurchill.org to try and find a quote by Winston Churchill, instead of a .com site. Your citation would then be the same as citing a specific page on a website (see the Purdue OWL Example for "Webpage or Piece of Online Content" for the proper citation example).

Q: How do I cite the results of an online personality test I took?

A: This one is definitely tricky. If you need to cite the results of an online test you took, do it the same as you would any other website if you took the test online. Cite it as a book if you got the test from a book, and so on. List the author as whoever issued the test -- was it an organization? Institute? Then, try to find the latest copyright date—or preferably a date that will tell you the last time the test was updated if it is online. The title is going to be whatever is listed at the top of the test or test results. Finally, put a retrieval web address for the test site, and include the date that you retrieved the test results. Here is an example for you to follow:

Enneagram Institute. (2011). Title of test. Retrieved December 3, 2011 from http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/discover.asp/

Q: How do I cite the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)?

A: This information is found in Section 10.2 (example 32, p. 324) of the APA Publication Manual, 7th edition, and the APA Style and Grammar Guidelines

Citing the complete work:

Reference List:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

In-Text citation: (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)

Citing individual chapters:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Cautionary statement for forensic use of DSM-5. In Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.CautionaryStatement

For more examples, please visit the following link:

• APA Style and Grammar Guidelines

Reference Librarian

Need More Quick Answers?

• APA Quick Answers - Formatting This page from the official APA website has links to quick answers on a number of APA-related topics.
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How do I answer midterm questions in APA format?

In general, when instructors say that they want questions answered " in APA format " it means:

• They want the  basic structure of an APA paper, which includes   these things :
• 1-inch margins
• Font size: 12 point
• Font: Times New Roman
• Double-spaced
• A title or cover page
• A References page (if citing any sources).

Since it is not a research paper, an Abstract is not needed.

Visit the  APA Help  guide  for more information.

Thank you for using ASK US. For additional assistance with APA, please contact your Baker librarians .

• Last Updated Feb 03, 2021
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• Thanks much. This info on APA format assignment question and submission was very helpful. Cyndi by Cyndi on Oct 31, 2016

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APA Citation Guide

• About Citation
• What's New in the 7th Edition
• Special Circumstances
• Citing Course Materials
• Formatting Guides for APA Papers This link opens in a new window

Introduction

Example of formatting, writing strategy, questions within questions.

Some courses may require you to write application papers that respond to prompts, similar to a question and answer format.  In these cases, use the following formatting rules unless otherwise specified by your instructor:

To format questions and answers in APA format:

• Begin the question on a new line and type number 1 followed by a period. 
• Type the discussion question in an approved font and size.  Use the correct punctuation at the end -- a question mark if the prompt is a question; a period if it is a statement.   
• Use double spacing and one inch margins.
• Separate the answer from the question by beginning the answer on a new line.
• Always answer in complete sentences.  If your answer is lengthy, it is okay to start a new paragraph.
• Incorporate in-text citations as needed, with a references page at the end.
• Continue to use the same format for fonts and spacing for the whole document.
• Continue the list of questions on a new line and align the number 2 under the 1.

If the Instructor has specific instructions about  bold  type, follow their preference, but APA does not require it.

Use an academic tone; avoid "I" statements such as "I think" or "I believe" or "My opinion is..."

These types of papers are typically not essays that require an introduction and conclusion.  However, you will still need to retain the usual APA components:  proper formatting, a title page, a references page, and in-text citations.

When in doubt, ask your instructor!

1.   Discuss the approaches psychologists have taken to understand human perception.

      Psychologists have taken three main approaches in their efforts to understand human perception. First, is the computational approach. These psychologists try to determine the computations that a machine would have to perform to solve perceptual problems in an effort to help explain how complex computations within the human nervous system might turn raw sensory stimulation into a representation of the world. The computational approach owes much to two earlier approaches .... (and so on and so forth).

Imagine that you've been asked to respond to the following question:

A solid writing strategy for responding to essay questions is the following:

Answer the Question + At Least One Reason + Closing Statement

Keep your responses focused, structured, and prove your points with evidence.

Here's how to do it.  

1)  Begin with a direct answer to the question.  The easiest way to do this is to restate the question in a way that incorporates your answer.   If you will give more than one reason or address more than one topic in your response, pre-outline the topics/reasons you will discuss in order.

2)  Address your reason(s) in order.

A.  Use transitions  to move smoothly between reasons.

B.  Incorporate examples to amplify your reasoning.

C.  Use signal phrases and in-text citations to identify your sources. 

3.  End with a closing statement that wraps up your response and reminds the reader of your position on the question.

Thanks to Texas State University for the example here.

Sometimes an instructor will prepare a prompt that is more than one question, and may require a response that tackles more than one topic.  Here's an example:

This is actually two related questions -- a main question and then a subset of that main question.

Adjust your strategy as follows:

1)  Prepare a direct response that focuses on the general main topic or question.  

2)  Respond to each question in the prompt as a separate paragraph under the restatement of the question. Use a transitional sentence to move smoothly from the first paragraph of response to the second.

3)  Wrap it up with a concluding sentence at the end of the final paragraph.

Note:  Latin "Lorem ipsum" text is used in lieu of real responses, as you may encounter this question in one of your courses!

• Answering the Short Answer Essay Exam From the University of Arkansas. Printable document that contains tips for writing effective answers to essay questions.
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Guide: Using the Question and Answer Format in Essays

In order to format questions and answers in the APA style, start a new line for the question and type the number 1 followed by a period. type the discussion question in an approved font and size. If the prompt is a question, end it with a question mark; if it is a statement, end it with a period. use double spacing and one inch margins. In order to format questions and answers in the APA style, start a new line for the question and type the number 1 followed by a period. type the discussion question in an approved font and size. If the prompt is a question, end it with a question mark; if it is a statement, end it with a period. use double spacing and one inch margins. Answer. Type the number 1 followed by a period at the start of the question on a new line. use double spacing and one inch margins. Start the response on a new line to distinguish it from the question. keep the fonts and spacing consistent throughout the entire document. Continue the questions on a new line, aligning the second question. Apa sample paper. Note: This page uses the outdated (APA 6) version of the standard. Although it won’t be updated, it will be accessible until 2021. the equivalent apa 7 page can be found here. media file: apa sample paper. this resource is enhanced by an acrobat pdf file. download the free acrobat reader. click this link to download the pdf handout of the. In order to format questions and answers in the APA style, start a new line for the question and type the number 1 followed by a period. Times New Roman font in 12 point size should be used for the discussion question. use double spacing and one inch margins.

Your psychology teacher may insist that you use APA format for discussion questions even when completing homework assignments. follow directions, citing sources when needed. make sure you use the font times new roman. Format. Be sure to format your page according to the general APA guidelines when typing out an essay response. use 12 point Times New Roman font with 1 inch margins on all sides. If a title page is not specifically requested, double-space your document and omit it. instead, place your title at the top of. The process of conducting research involves gathering the data necessary to address a specific research question, as well as developing the conclusion from the data you have gathered. Consequently, a research paper should achieve one of the following three objectives:

Some fundamentals on the apa requirements for my class are on page 1 of the smart student free resources smart writers masterclass mysmartstudent registration system. The paper is from the Purdue Owl website. Get the free APA referencing manual here: mysmartstudent, covering everything from the title page and header to the abstract and body. ck. Page 725ac72f93 Smart Student Free Resources This video will demonstrate how to format a paper in accordance with the 7th edition of the A.P.A. by setting margins and font, as well as other formatting requirements. This video demonstrates how to cite different types of sources for your references page in an apa format paper or essay, including smart student free resources smart writers masterclass mysmartstudent registration page 1, so watch it for more information and an example paper.

How to structure the questions and answer format

When constructing a Q&A essay, be sure to first comprehend the subject before deciding what details to include. Following these steps will enable you to clearly distinguish between the questions and answers:

1. Establish you understand the topic

Create a heading for the essay that includes your name, the names of your instructors or courses, your institution, and the date. Continue by writing the title in the page’s center, below your heading. Use your surname and a number to number each page in the upper right-hand corner.

Type the number one, add a period, and then write the first question on the same line in the appropriate font and size. Put a question mark at the end of the sentence to properly punctuate it. In order for the other questions to be specific and in-depth, the first one is an overview of the essay. Give the responses before moving on to the next question, and so on.

2. Use an academic tone

Simple prose with concise, captivating paragraphs that directly address the audience characterizes a professional tone. When responding to open-ended questions, you can adopt a conversational tone as long as you promote debate. Give clear and concise answers through short and complete sentences. Long answers may begin a new paragraph; however, each new paragraph must be indented.

If the order is crucial, use lists, bullets, or numbers. Ensure you use the correct grammatical punctuation.

3. Use proper capitalizations

The capitalization of the first word of the question and proper nouns within a sentence are only the most basic examples of English rules.

You can also capitalize the following:

Keep in mind that when writing the essay, your instructor may have additional specific capitalization guidelines to follow.

4. Space the essay properly

Double-space the sentences and use 1-inch margins. Click on Design, Paragraph Spacing, and then select Double to double space a document. Separate each response from the question by beginning a new line. After you type a question, press the enter key to put a space between it and the first word of the response.

All of your essay’s pages should have 1-inch margins on the left, right, top, and bottom, according to APA and MLA guidelines. Additionally, by pressing the space bar once, indent the first line of every paragraph by 1/2 inch. In your word processor, select Align Left to evenly space the text at the left margin.

5. Cite your sources

Provide a reference page at the end and use in-text citations to support your arguments. To bolster your claim, you can also use direct quotes where you use the author’s exact words and indirect quotes where you paraphrase them.

Some helpful tips for proper citing include:

Citations support your claims, so make sure the sources you select support rather than contradict your arguments.

6. Maintain consistency

Use the same format, spacing and fonts throughout the document. Depending on the instructions you are given, the question and answer essay’s structure may change. You can start your question with the letter Q and end it with the letter A. Except where noted, there is no need to bold or otherwise distinguish the questions and answers.

Put each new query in numerical order and place it on a new line beneath the one before it. Keep the transition natural because the questions frequently lead to more inquiries that cover more ground. A new term at the end of an answer can be followed by the following query to discuss its meaning.

What is the question and answer format for essays?

In the question and answer essay format, a professor poses a question, and the students respond with a written response. By involving the readers in the question and the proof of your answer, you can quickly provide useful information in this format.

Some of the most common types of essay questions include:

The solutions are clear and instructive, using straightforward language to clarify difficult terminologies. For technical and literary essays, Q&A essays use APA and MLA respectively.

Writing tips for Q&A formats

Answering questions in Q&As requires you to use unique ideas, which you can demonstrate by reading precedent publications. As a result, always do extensive research on the subject and attempt to present a unique viewpoint. The following advice for your Q&A essay can help you write with substance:

Create an attention-grabbing title

Use a concise and clear heading to state the essay’s theme. When composing titles, use the question and answer format to acquaint the reader with the subject. The required primary keyword is usually incorporated into six to nine words in a great header. Select the right question words, such as “how,” “explain,” “clarify,” “outline,” etc. , depending on the evaluation depth of the questions.

Add useful subheadings

A well-written essay uses pertinent subheadings to inform the reader of what is happening. Divide the content into manageable sections with subheadings rather than cramming a lot of information into one lengthy paragraph. Multiple H2, H3, and H4 subheadings enable readers to scan a document more quickly and locate the information they need.

Remain relevant

If you want to improve the quality of your essay, stick to one theme rather than tackling several. As long as all information is pertinent, you may use multiple choices, discussions, or fundamental questions in your paper. Think about the questions to make sure you order them logically and begin with the most important information at the top.

Only if the reader recognizes the value are Q&A essays relevant. Reduce the number of questions to make sure the audience can find, understand, and use the information with ease. Focus only on the most important details because asking too many questions could make the reader feel overwhelmed

Consider the type of question

There are various essay question types, so you might want to adjust your approach to fit the demands. For instance, it would be best to address the primary query directly before providing a thorough narrative to address the sub-questions for a query within a query. Each response can be provided in a separate paragraph, followed by your final conclusion.

Pay attention to the details

Pay close attention throughout the entire writing process to make sure the final product is timely, accurate, and educational.

Try using the following steps for your next Q & A essay:

Use straightforward language and stay away from complex jargon in general because you want your essay to be simple for readers to understand. Always proofread your writing after you’ve finished it, fix any grammatical errors, and make any necessary edits.

5 Rules for Answering ESSAY Questions on Exams

How do you write a Q&A format?

• Make it short. Even shorter. …
• Focus, focus, focus. Concentrating on a single facet of the topic at hand is the quickest way to keep things brief.
• Ask unexpected questions. …
• Vary the pace. …
• Edit the heck out of it.

How do you structure a Q&A article?

Always use the same consistent format for the headline: the subject’s name, a colon, followed by a brief, first-person excerpt that captures the essence of the story.

What is a Q&A paper?

One of the simplest ways to present an interview to an audience is through a Q&A. In essence, it is a written response to the interviewee’s written responses as well as the interviewer’s direct questions.

How do you list questions in APA?

Put a period after the Arabic number 1 and a new line after it to signal the start of a new paragraph to begin your list of questions. If you’re writing your list by hand, indent the number 1 so that it starts a new paragraph.

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