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This table contains the raw text / content that must be used for Assignment 3: APA Fundamentals. The text / content below is not formatted for final use and may reside in a different font, size, and paragraph spacing than the final submission of the intended assignment. Note: The supplied text / content subject matter is meant to aid students in their completion of the assignment. Students should refrain from creating their own content for this particular assignment.

Template Section

Text / Content (Cut and Paste below text)

Running header

Please note that on the title page, your page header/running head should look like this:

Pages after the title page should have a running head that looks like this:

Running head: HOW TO FORMAT AN APA PAPER

HOW TO FORMAT AN APA PAPER

Title Page

*The text to the left of the “:” is not required (it is for descriptive purposes), only the actual information should be on the Title Page.

*Title of Paper: How to Format an APA Paper According to 6th Edition Standards

*Student Name: (Use your name)

*University Name: Strayer University

*Course Number and Name: CIS105 Introduction to Information Systems

*Instructor Name: Professor Graham

*Date of Submission: (Use the current date)

Abstract

Level 1 headers should be centered and boldface.

Do not indent first sentence in the Abstract.

The Abstract is often optional for research papers. Students enrolled in courses at Strayer University should verify with the instructor if an Abstract is required for the paper. CIS105 does not have a major APA paper as an assignment. The Abstract should be written in block form, which means that the paragraph should not be indented. The Abstract should contain between 150 and 250 words and should not contain in-text citations or references. The Abstract provides a brief summary of the paper and usually contains words such as, “This paper will discuss…”, or “The purpose of this paper is to…”. The Abstract should not to be confused with the thesis statement. Write the Abstract in short and concise sentences that tell the story of the paper. The Abstract should be written after the entire paper has been completed. The Abstract should be located after the title page, but before the introduction of the paper. Do not write the Abstract in first-person; write the Abstract in third-person.

Introduction and Thesis Statement

The title of the paper is centered but not bolded for this instance.

Do indent the first sentence in a paragraph.

How to Format an APA Paper According to 6th Edition Standards. Input and center the above title of the paper at the top of the page. This title is not bolded but the titles in the rest of the body will be centered and bolded. An introduction and thesis statement header is not used and should not be included. The first sentence of the introduction should grab the attention of the audience of readers. It should be an original, broad statement, quote, or paraphrase. Narrow down the broad topic to a specific argument that is worthy of research and writing. Research papers should be written in a narrative format. Write the paper in third-person; refrain from writing papers in first- and second-person. Provide background, definitions, or other details about the topic that will help the audience of readers understand the topic more effectively and writer’s logical flow of the paper. The introduction paragraph should lead into a specific or main topic, known as the thesis statement. The thesis statement should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph. The type of thesis statement used in this paper is the expository thesis statement. In this case, the expository thesis statement is one comprehensive sentence that displays three main argumentative points that the writer thinks are critically important for the readers to know. The writer needs to conduct research about these specific opinions and support them with objective and accurate data. Here is an example of an expository thesis statement: In order to write a great research paper, writers must understand word processing software, APA 6th Edition formatting, and how to structure content. Without a thesis statement, there can be no body of the paper or conclusion.

Body of the Paper

Note: The body contains three (3) sections with Level 1 Headings: Word Processing Software, APA 6th Edition Formatting, and Structuring Content. These should be Centered and Bolded.

Note: A block quote is highlighted in yellow to show you in the text to the right. Do not include the yellow highlight in your document . Be sure to format this item according to APA 6th edition standards.

Remember to indent the first sentence of a paragraph.

Word Processing Software

The body of the paper should outline the three main argumentative points in the thesis statement. Therefore, if a Header such as “Word Processing Software” is used, the paragraph or subsequent paragraphs within the section should discuss thesis statement argument #1.

Data that presents opposing viewpoints related to different Word processing software, the types that exist, advantages and disadvantages, and any other relevant information should be written within the paragraph or subsequent paragraphs. Subsequent paragraphs may be necessary. This can be up to the writer, the instructor, or the constraints of the assignment. For example, a five-paragraph paper should include:

1. An introduction paragraph, with thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph.

2. A body of the paper that contains three paragraphs related to the thesis statement.

3. A conclusion paragraph that includes a restatement of the thesis statement, whether it is confirmed or disconfirmed, a summary of the findings of each paragraph, and final words based on the writer’s perspective of the research paper.

However, a research paper that is required to be longer in length (i.e., 5-6 pages, 8-10 pages) will more than likely require additional paragraphs and sections. This is when the use of Headers and sub-Headings may prove useful. The writer will need to ensure that the logical flow of data naturally transitions from paragraph to paragraph. Content also needs to be written objectively, not with bias. Reducing bias in language can be easier achieved with third-person writing and critical thinking.

Writers should support the argument with credible research from peer-reviewed resources. Wikipedia, the media, or other non-peer-reviewed articles may not always be reliable or acceptable. Validity and accuracy can sway the opinions of readers if data is derived from reputable sources. Remember, one major goal of the paper is to convince the audience of the writer’s opinion makes sense.

Another major goal of the paper is to increase the knowledge of the writer. If this research is done well, it should add to the body of knowledge. The last sentence of this paragraph should transition nicely into thesis statement argument #2.

APA 6th Edition Formatting

This paragraph or series of paragraphs within this section should present data about argument #2, APA 6th Edition Formatting. Just as paragraph #1 within the body of the paper, data that presents opposing viewpoints related to APA 6th Edition formatting should be researched and written. Approximately 80-85% of the paper should be written in the writer’s original words; 15-20% of the paper should be written with in-text citations. Paraphrasing in-text citations is preferred compared to quoting author statements. However, if quotations are used, the writer must write them correctly. For example, thirty-nine (39) words or less require in-text citations to be written as follows: “The quoted sentence” (Author Last Name, Year of Publication, page or paragraph number). Here are a few examples:

1. “The quoted sentence” (Phillips, 2013, p. 3).

2. Phillips (2013) stated, “The quoted sentence” (para. 7).

The two previous sentences utilized the author of this paper’s name for illustration purposes only. Quoting forty (40) words or more requires a different formatting called Blocked Quotes. This is how they must be written:

A tutorial will show you how to create this within the paper. Please pay close attention to how it is written. Select the appropriate words to lead into the hanging indentation or blocked quote. Please note that the formatting is similar, but the period should be written immediately after the sentence and not before the in-text citation. (Author Last Name, 2013, p. 3)

A sentence that naturally transitions into thesis statement #3 should be written here.

Structuring Content

This paragraph should discuss thesis statement argument #3, which is how to structure content within a research paper. The same guidelines apply for this topic and paragraph. The writer should articulate the components necessary to write this entire paper from beginning to end so that the content will make sense to anyone, anywhere in the world, who decides to read it. Writers should not write with colloquialisms or verbiage that people in different venues, environments, or cultures will not understand. Writers should also consider writing in past tense as well. The content in this paragraph or section should transition nicely to the conclusion section of the paper.

Conclusion

The header should be Centered and Bolded.

The first sentence should re-state the thesis statement in different or similar words and remember to continue indenting the first sentence in a paragraph. This sentence will remind the reader of the overall arguments researched within the paper based on the writer’s opinions on the topic.

References

The header should be Centered and Bolded.

Use a new page for References.

Note: Cite the provided references using the APA 6th edition standards for formatting a Web page.

Reference 1:

Author: American Psychological Association

Publication Date: 2013

Title of Document: Basics of APA style tutorial

Web Address: http://flash1r.apa.org/apastyle/basics/index.htm

Reference 2:

Author: Purdue University

Publication Date: 2013

Title of Document: Tips and examples for writing thesis statements

Web Address: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/