Project: Formatting a Research Paper
Working with a word processor requires more than just a knowledge of typing. A good word processor includes a number of tools designed to aid in formatting documents to meet the needs of the reader. In this project you will use your word-processing skills and a basic knowledge of APA Style to format a research paper. The skills you will need for this project include the following:
adjusting line spacing (double-spacing)
breaking text into pages (page break)
centering text
changing the font, style, and size of the text
editing text
inserting page numbers
inserting a table
using spell check
Objectives
Format a document using a word processor.
Use APA Style.
Directions
Read the following guidelines carefully before you proceed.
The research paper should contain four sections. They are:
Title page—should include title, student name, course name, and date. Center all text and double-space. Include the page header in the upper-right corner.
Abstract—should appear on a separate page, double-spaced and not indented; center the word "Abstract" on the first line of the abstract page.
Main body—should be double-spaced; the table should be labeled and include a caption.
Reference list—should include the following:
Indent the second and following lines of each reference by pressing the Tab key once.
Double-space.
Start each reference with the author's name (last name, first name).
Alphabetize the references by the last name of the author.
Capitalize only the first letter of a book, article, or Web page.
Capitalize all major words in journal titles.
Italicize the title of a book, journal, newspaper, encyclopedia, or magazine.
Make sure that you follow the rules below as you format:
Keep the margins at one inch on all sides of the paper. (This is the default setting for most word processors.)
Double space. (Set your word processor so that double-spacing is automatic)
Use 12 pt. Arial font.
Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch by pressing the Tab key once.
Include page numbers on all pages. (Use the page-numbering feature on your word processor)
Label tables (Table 1) and include captions.
Label images, photographs, or diagrams (Figure 1).
Include a page header in the upper-right-hand corner of every page. To create a page header, type the first 2–3 words of the title of the paper, type five spaces, and type the page number.