Psyc 100: Sarah Moore

This sample student paper shows you how to format your document and how to include your student information, in-text citations, and a Reference list in APA format. It can be used as a template to set up your assignment. Please note that the sample paper is meant to help you with formatting only, and does not reflect the length or expectations of an academic paper.

The sample paper reflects the following general formatting rules for APA:

• Font: Use the same font set at the same size throughout your paper. Acceptable fonts include 11-point Calibri, 11-point Arial, or 10-point Lucida Sans Unicode, 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Georgia, or normal (10-point) Computer Modern (the default font for LaTeX).
• Margins: Use 1-in. (2.54 cm) margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right) of each page.
• Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, text, headings, block quotations, table and figure notes, appendices, and References page.
• Page numbers: Insert page numbers in the top-right corner of your document’s header, beginning on your title page. 
• Alignment: Align the text of the paper to the left and leave the right margin uneven; do not use full justification.
• Indentation: Indent the first line of every paragraph 0.5 in. (hit “Tab” on your keyboard).
• Headings: Format the title, headings, and any subheadings in bold.

If your instructor requires you to use APA style headings and sub-headings, this document will show you how they work.

If you are adding an appendix to your paper there are a few rules to follow that comply with APA guidelines:

• The Appendix appears after the References list
• If you have more than one appendix you would name the first appendix Appendix A, the second Appendix B, etc.
• The appendices should appear in the order that the information is mentioned in your essay
• Each appendix begins on a new page

Finished your assignment? Use this checklist to be sure you haven't missed any information needed for APA style.