APA Style: Writing an Outline

The APA Style has declared distinct specifications for writing articles in social sciences. Unquestionably, it may be a complicated assignment to select a desirable material for research and structure it accordingly. The students may find it challenging to write an APA-style outline, mainly if they have never used this particular form earlier. This article will unquestionably help those who need to formulate a framework in APA format. Should you also seek free examples of papers in APA format, we have gathered many of them on this website.

Get Started With an Outline

Initially, creating a coherent outline will benefit the long run if you want to present your work. The outline primarily orders your paper rationally and guarantees that you adequately display your main issues. Although, before you start, decide what type of outline you prefer to use.

Three Techniques to Outline

Fundamentally, three main types of formating an outline in MLA are generally used. Regularly, they are APA basic outline, full sentence format, and decimal format. Moreover, the basic one is the most widespread type of composing an outline, and examples could be easily found everywhere. Hence, you can always consult with your professor about which type you should use; however, it is unnecessary.

Essential Formatting Requirements in MLA

If you want your outline to look neatly organized, there are the basic rules in APA to follow. The subsequent steps can be easily accomplished using any word applications like Microsoft Word. Below are the following requirements:

• 12-point Times New Roman, Sheriff, or Courier is preferred, and the minimum font for tables and figures is 8-point font.
• The paragraphs should be double-spaced.
• The page digits must be located on the top-right edge.
• Underlined text is not used. Moreover, boldfaced lines can be used only on figures and records when detailed data must be emphasized and highlighted.
• Using uppercase is also rarely practiced. For example, job names can be capitalized if the person’s name serves.
• The boundary of the pages should be arranged to one inch to each side.
• In addition to the previous information, the first page of the outline should contain information such as the student’s name, name of the guide or professor, title of the paper, and date.

Structure and Formating

The basic outline comprises three essential parts: an introduction, the main body, and a conclusion. On average, the intro are highlighted the main background statements, and the thesis is presented. Then the body can contain several statements with more facts and details related to the topic. Consequently, A conclusion comes at the end and should briefly summarize all the points and clarify how these ideas support your final position.

Besides, there are also specific instructions for using headings and subheadings. Generally, the headings with the essential info are counted with Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.). The following subparagraphs are labeled with capital letters(A, B, C, etc.). Moreover, any other additional points start with Arabic numerals (1,2,3, etc.), then come to a lower case letter (a, b, c, etc.)

Other Key Points to Consider

Once you know the basics of formatting an APA outline, you need to master the writing skill:

1. Examine what your instructor recommends you before you start thinking about different methods of organization. Importantly, do not forget to present your most solid points first and support your thoughts with analysis and examples.
2. A division is a single rule of running your outline sections precisely and splitting things up rather than allowing them to grow tedious.
3. Headings should start vaguely, with sub-points developing more and more specific the further they go.

Summing up

A well-written outline is a remarkable instrument in producing the best achievable research paper. Additionally, following the basics of APA format facilitates writing the outlines. Consequently, with all these guidelines, writing your outline seems not so obstinate.