Are you a student or researcher struggling to format your papers in APA style? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating an APA format template on Microsoft Word.
Why Use APA Format?
APA (American Psychological Association) style is the most commonly used format for academic papers in the social sciences. It provides a standardized way of citing sources, formatting papers, and organizing research.
Using APA format not only ensures consistency and professionalism in your work, but it also allows readers to easily locate and verify the sources you have used.
APA Citation Format for Online Harassment
In today’s digital age, online harassment has become a prevalent issue. As a result, it is important to properly cite online sources when discussing this topic in academic papers.
According to the APA citation format, online sources should be cited as follows:
- Author’s Last Name, First Initial. Second Initial. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper. Retrieved from URL
For example:
- Smith, J. (2021, January 15). The impact of online harassment on mental health. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/15/online-harassment-mental-health.html
Creating an APA Format Template on Microsoft Word
Now, let’s get into the steps for creating an APA format template on Microsoft Word.
Step 1: Set Margins and Font
The first step is to set the margins and font according to APA guidelines.
- Margins should be 1 inch on all sides.
- Font should be Times New Roman, size 12.
To set these parameters, go to the “Layout” tab and click on “Margins”. Select “Normal” from the drop-down menu. Then, click on the “Home” tab and select “Times New Roman” from the font options. Set the font size to 12.
Step 2: Add a Running Head
A running head is a shortened version of your paper’s title that appears on every page. It should be no more than 50 characters and should be in all capital letters.
To add a running head, go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Header”. Select “Blank (Three Columns)” from the drop-down menu. Type your running head in the first column, align it to the left, and add the page number in the third column.
Step 3: Add a Title Page
The title page is the first page of your paper and should include the following information:
- Title of your paper
- Your name
- Your institution
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Due date
To create a title page, go to the “Insert” tab and click on “Cover Page”. Select the APA format template from the options provided. Replace the placeholder text with your information.
Step 4: Add an Abstract
An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that appears on the second page. It should be between 150-250 words and should include the following:
- Purpose of the study
- Methodology
- Results
- Conclusion
To add an abstract, go to the second page of your document and click on the “Insert” tab. Click on “Page Break” to create a new page. Type “Abstract” in the center of the page and begin typing your abstract below it.
Step 5: Add Headings and Subheadings
Headings and subheadings are used to organize your paper and make it easier for readers to follow your arguments. APA format has five levels of headings, each with its own formatting guidelines.
To add headings and subheadings, use the “Heading 1” to “Heading 5” styles provided in the “Home” tab. Make sure to use the appropriate level for each heading.
Step 6: Add In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to give credit to the sources you have used in your paper. They should be included after any information that is not your own, including direct quotes, paraphrases, and summaries.
To add an in-text citation, place the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses after the information. For example: (Smith, 2021).
Step 7: Create a Reference Page
The reference page is where you list all the sources you have cited in your paper. It should be titled “References” and should be in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
To create a reference page, go to the end of your paper and click on the “Insert” tab. Click on “Page Break” to create a new page. Type “References” in the center of the page and begin listing your sources in APA format.
Tips for Using APA Format on Microsoft Word
- Use the “Styles” feature to easily format headings and subheadings.
- Use the “Insert Citation” feature to add in-text citations and create a reference list.
- Use the “Page Layout” feature to adjust margins and spacing.
- Use the “References” tab to add and manage sources in your reference list.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using APA format on Microsoft Word may seem daunting at first, but with these simple steps, you can easily create a professional and well-formatted paper. Remember to always double-check your formatting and citations to ensure accuracy and consistency. Happy writing!
