how to write a term paper in apa

how to write a term paper in apa

Writing a term paper in APA 6th edition style within a 1000-word limit requires adherence to specific formatting and citation guidelines. Please note that APA 7th edition is the most recent version, but I can provide guidance for APA 6th edition. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Title Page:
   • Include the title of your paper, your name, the institution, and a running head.
   • Place the running head on the upper left corner of the title page.
   • Center-align all elements on the page.
2. Abstract (100 words):
   • Write a concise abstract that summarizes your paper’s key points, including the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusion.
3. Introduction (100 words):
   • Begin with a brief overview of your topic’s relevance.
   • Introduce the problem or question your paper addresses.
   • State your thesis or research question.
4. Literature Review (200 words):
   • Summarize relevant literature sources that inform your study.
   • Highlight key findings and debates in the literature.
   • Connect the literature to your research topic.
5. Methodology (100 words):
   • Briefly describe the research design, methods, and data sources you used.
6. Results (150 words):
   • Present your findings concisely, including any statistical data.
   • Use tables or figures to visually represent your results.
7. Discussion (150 words):
   • Analyze and interpret your results in the context of your research question.
   • Discuss the implications of your findings and how they align with existing literature.
8. Conclusion (100 words):
   • Summarize your main points and findings.
   • Emphasize the significance of your research.
9. References (100 words):
   • List all the sources you’ve cited in your paper in alphabetical order.
   • Follow APA 6th edition guidelines for formatting references.
10. Proofreading and Editing (50 words):
    • Review your paper for coherence, grammar, and spelling errors.
    • Ensure your paper adheres to APA 6th edition formatting.
11. Formatting and Presentation (50 words):
    • Set the font to Times New Roman, 12-point.
    • Double-space the entire paper, including the references.
    • Use 1-inch margins on all sides.

Remember that APA 6th edition has specific rules for in-text citations, headings, and other formatting elements. Ensure you follow these guidelines closely to maintain consistency and credibility in your term paper.