Apa 5th Ed

APA (5th ed.) Format and Style Checklist

General Guidelines

Font

Style must be Times New Roman or Courier New. Font size for word processors is 12-pt.

Page Headers

Headers must include the first two or three words of the title. Type the page header 5 spaces to the left of the page number (p. 288, 5.06; sample paper, p. 306).

Note: Do not confuse the page header with the running head. In fact, the running head is typically used ONLY for material submitted for publication (p. 296, 5.15).

Title Page

Double-space, use upper and lowercase, include a page header, and number as page 1 (pp. 296-298, 5.15). APA contents of title page are listed on pp. 10-11. The title page is page #1 (p. 306).

Main Body of the Text

Margins

All four sides must be 1", per University of Phoenix guideline. (APA states at least 1", p. 240, 4.04). Make the right margin ragged.

Page Numbers

Page numbers must be 1" from the right edge, between top edge and first line of text on all pages (p. 288, 5.06; pp. 306-320).

Abstract

Use only for University of Phoenix papers if required by the assignment. When assigned, use APA guidelines (p. 298, 5.16).

Title of Paper

Type in upper and lowercase letters, center on first page of text, double-space, and then start text (p. 298, 5.17).

Headings

Headings indicate the organization of the paper and establish importance. Match headings to the complexity of the paper. Use at least Level 1 to better organize paper. Title of paper (centered, upper and lowercase) on first page is not considered a separate heading level. If the paper requires two headings, use levels 1 and 3; if three headings are required, use levels 1, 3, and 4 (pp. 111-115, 3.30-3.32). See manuscript example, pp. 307-308.

Justification

Use flush-left style, leaving the right margin ragged. Do not divide words at the end of the line (p.287, 5.04).

Paragraphs

Indent paragraphs 5-7 spaces. Use the tab key for consistency (p. 289, 5.08). Paragraphs should contain one topic. Do not use one-sentence paragraphs or lengthy paragraphs (p. 36).

Punctuation

One space should be used after periods, commas, colons, semi-colons;

Uses of punctuation can be found on pp. 78-88, 3.01-3.09; exceptions can be found on p. 290, 5.11.

Abbreviations

Use of abbreviations is covered on pp. 103-104, 3.20. The first time, spell out the full name (p. 104, 3.21). Some abbreviations are accepted as words (p. 105, 3.22).

Capitalization Rules

General principles of capitalization can be found on pp. 94-100, 3.13-3.18.

Seriation

Enumerate elements in a series to prevent misreading, or clarify the sequence, particularly if lengthy or complex.

Series within a Paragraph or Sentence

Identify elements by lowercase letters. The use of semicolons, commas, or colons in a series can be found on pp. 115-116, 3.33. Example: The three choices were (a) blue and white flag, (b) red and white flag, and (c) blue and red flag.

Series in Separate Paragraphs, such as Itemized Conclusions or Lengthy Steps

Includes