APA Writing Format Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

APA Writing Format - Essay Example All text in the title page is written in the â€Å"Capitalize Each Word† format. Abstract The â€Å"Abstract† section in the APA format is optional. When included, it provides a quick insight into the content of the paper. The first word of the Abstract is kept flush with the left hand side and there is no indent unlike the paragraphs in the rest of the paper. Word limit for the Abstract ranges from 150 to 250 words. Abstract is always written on the second page since the first page is the Title Page. Page numbers start displaying from the second page onwards. Title The title should be concise and appropriately signify the content of the paper. Words for the title must be chosen with utmost care since it is the fundamental phrase that attracts the audiences to read the paper. Introductory Paragraph The introductory paragraph, as the name indicates, introduces the readers to the subject of the paper and the particular aspect in the vast field that is explored in the pape r. The introductory paragraph should contain detailed information about the subject with an intent to inform a reader who is new to the subject. The introductory paragraph is the first paragraph of the paper that is indented, and so are all paragraphs that follow. The introductory paragraph ends with a thesis statement. Usually, past tense is used in the text included in the introductory paragraph. Thesis Statement The thesis statement is a concise summary just a sentence long that plays the role of a roadmap and highlights all main points in the same sequence as they are discussed in the body of the paper. The thesis statement essentially reflects what the author wants the readers to learn by reading the paper. The thesis statement should present a debatable point. It should constitute such words and ideas that one can possibly disagree with. The thesis statement is ideally just one sentence long. Occasionally, it may extend to two sentences but no more than that otherwise it becom es difficult for the readers to tell it from the rest of the sentences in the introductory paragraph. Body The body of the paper is where the author can express every point of the thesis statement in the same sequence in detail. The number of paragraphs included in the body of the paper varies from one paper to another depending upon how complex the paper is and how long it is required to convey the points effectively. Good writing requires logical flow of ideas and smooth transition from one idea to another, without abrupt changes. This requires proper mind-mapping before the writing can be commenced. In APA writing format, headings assist the readers in tracking the argument’s development. No heading is provided in the introduction since the first paragraph is already taken as an introduction. Nevertheless, the title of the paper shows on the very first line of the third page. Headings in the APA format are not labeled with numbers or letters. There are five levels of headi ngs that are used as needed in the body of the paper. In-text citations are incorporated in the body of the paper. There are different ways to use the in-text citations when they are used before the quote or paraphrase than when they are used after the quote or the paraphrased sentence. When the in-text citat