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Writing Center
APA Style Guidelines
Basic Rules for Formatting a Paper
This handout is based on the rules set out in the publication manual
(fifth edition) of the American Psychological Association (APA). It
is not intended to replace the APA manual. When in doubt consult the
APA publication manual and your professor. The library call number is:
Ref
BF 76.7
P83
2001
Remember that if you are writing a paper for a course, your professor's
specific instructions (e.g., headings with letters added) take precedence
over those of the Publication Manual.
Basic Paper Formatting
- Margins are to be 1" from top, bottom, and both sides
- Sentences are double-spaced in all situations.
- Acceptable typefaces are Times Roman or Courier and in 12-point
size.
- Justification is only on the left side of paper. In other words,
the text on the right side of the paper should have ragged edges.
- Page numbers are placed in the header in the top right corner of
the page – the number only in numerals. All pages except the
title page are numbered including references and appendices.
- The title page is not numbered (different first page in Microsoft
Word page setup). All other pages are numbered sequentially.
- Every new paragraph is indented five spaces, or one-half inch.
Download the Basic Rules for Formatting a Paper (APA style)
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