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APA Style Guide: General Formatting

NLC's guide to APA formatting, citations, and references

General Guidelines

For all components of your paper/assignment:  

  • Make sure all text is double-spaced 

  • Use a typeface and font size that is easy to read. Size 11 Calibri is a strong recommendation 

  • Set the margins to 1 inch on each side of the page 

  • Add page numbers to every page, including the title page and reference list

 

 

 

 

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Title Page

APA formatting does require a title page. The title page should include the following information (in the following order) in the top half of the page: 

  • The title of your essay/assignment in bold

  • Your Name 

  • "Northern Lakes College"

  • Course Code: Course Name

  • Instructor's Name 

  • Date (Month Day, Year) 

Add page numbers to the top right-hand corner of the page. 

Body

This is where your paper/essay will go. Make sure to: 

  • Indent the start of each paragraph (use the "Tab" key) 

  • Ensure all text is double-spaced 

  • Ensure there is no extra spacing between paragraphs 

  • Ensure page numbers continue in the top-right corner of every page.   

Reference List

The reference list is the final portion of your paper where you list all of the sources you used in your writing. It will appear at the end of your paper. Make sure to: 

  • Bold and center "References” at the top of the page

  • Put sources in alphabetical order 

  • Format each source with a hanging indent 

  • Ensure there is no extra spacing between sources 

  • Use the correct format for each type of source 

Why Cite Your Sources?

  • Help your reader locate the sources you used
  • Provide evidence that your opinion is based on valid evidence
  • Avoid plagiarism by giving credit to authors