This information should be in the top half of the page. An “Author Note,” such as the one listed on the
OWL Purdue website, is optional for undergraduate class papers.
Next Step: Once you have completed your title page, tab down to the second page. On the second page,
you should see a “2” in the top right corner. Double-click at the top of the second page to activate the
header box, and type the shortened version of your title in front of the page number. Then, using the space
bar, back this title up to the left side of the page.
The Abstract:
Your professor may require that you include an abstract of your paper. The abstract will go on the page
directly after the title page. The abstract is usually around 150 words but could be as long as 250 words.
Generally, an abstract will cover the major objective/purpose, main points of research including the
process, the findings, and the conclusion. You can also define key words and acronyms in this section.
The Main Body:
Formatting:
If your assignment does
not require an abstract,
then you will begin your
paper on the page directly
after the title page. In
addition to having the
running head title at the
top, you will also have
the full title centered at
the top. If you decide it is
needed, you can label
main sections of your
paper, such as
“discussion”, “findings”,
and “conclusion.”
In-text citations: With APA citations, you will need to use the author-date method. The year of research
is especially pertinent to scientific research, so the year will always follow the author’s name. If you are
directly quoting from a source or paraphrasing, you will need page numbers, as well (although with some
online sources you may not have page numbers). Notice that the closing period follows the in-text
citation. If you are simply referring to another work or study but not quoting or paraphrasing from it, then
you will not need page numbers. See examples on the next page.