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Citing and References
- Common APA Reference ExamplesThis is a quick guide to the most common APA resources.
- APA In-text CitationsThis guide from the APA provides information and examples for in-text citations.
- APA Citation GuideThis comprehensive citation guide from the APA includes a breakdown of the structure and requirement of reference lists, as well as an extensive list of citation examples.
Paraphrasing
- APA Paraphrasing GuidelinesThis page provides guidance from the APA about paraphrasing sources. Direct quotations are rarely used in APA; it is better to paraphrase.
- APA Appropriate Level of Citation GuidelinesThis guide from the APA provides instructions about when and how frequently to cite sources. Avoid both undercitation and overcitation. Undercitation can lead to plagiarism and/or self-plagiarism. Overcitation can be distracting and is unnecessary.
Scholarly Writing and Language
Objectivity vs. Subjectivity in Scholarly Writing
Scholarly writing should be objective and impersonal and restrict use of pronouns (I, we, he, she, they, them, you, your, it, etc.). Subjective writing may be regarded as relying on opinion or emotion rather than building a reasonable argument based on evidence.
- Scholarly VoiceThis guide shares information about scholarly voice in academic writing, or the formal language and tone expected in scholarly writing.
- Scholarly ToneThis guide provides guidance about writing clearly and engagingly, while maintaining scholarly voice.
- APA Mechanics of StyleThis guide from the APA provides information about preferred punctuation, spelling, capitalization, and other writing mechanics required for APA style.
- APA Grammar GuidelinesThis guide from the APA provides in-depth information about the grammar requirements of APA style.
Sample Papers
- APA Sample PaperThis is a sample APA paper with guidance and annotations to help you format APA papers.