Creating an essay is just half the battle; formatting and citing the sources well is vital for a successful and credible work. If you do not format and cite well, even the most convincing arguments can appear unprofessional and rushed. So, here are some helpful hints on how to be successful in essay formatting and citations so you can submit your paper confidently.
1. Understand The Formatting Style Required
Some subjects and even professors have specific formatting standards, so know which one you need to go with before you get started. Styles that are often used are APA, MLA, and Chicago. Each of them has different guidelines for headings, font sizes, spacing, etc. Studying these guidelines in advance will spare you a lot of hassle down the road.
Read the syllabus or contact your professor for details on the format. There are websites for every style; some universities even offer templates. Make sure to have the formatting style in mind at the start, and you will have a much easier time writing.
2. Set Up Basic Formatting Elements First
It can save you time if you pre-format your document with some basic formatting before you begin to write. It means resizing the margins, font type, font size, and line spacing according to the specified rules. The basic rules are usually these:
- Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Choose a readable font, like Times New Roman or Arial, in 12-point size.
- Set double spacing throughout unless instructed otherwise.
- Include page numbers, if required, according to your formatting style.
3. Organize Your Title And Header Correctly
The title and header are both important elements that present your piece professionally. Your title needs to represent what is being said in the essay, but it should not be long or incoherent. (For instance, the title “What Climate Change Does to Marine Life” is better than just “Climate Change”).
Depending on the style, you may need to add various elements to your header:
- MLA: Your name, instructor’s name, course, and date in the top left corner.
- APA: A title page with the title, author’s name, and institution, along with a page header on every page.
- Chicago: A title page may be required, and often, a header with page numbers only.
4. Keep Your Paragraphs And Sections Consistent
Consistency is the key to a good essay. That includes how you lay out paragraphs, headings, and sections. If you are writing essays with several sections, such as an introduction, body, and conclusion, break up the paragraphs by headings. APA, for example, allows specific levels of headings, which can help you present complex topics core clearly.
5. In-Text Citations: Give Credit Where It Is Due
You should include a citation to the sources within the text to avoid plagiarism. Each style has different guidelines for citing the work in the text. All citation styles differ in their rules, but the objective is the same: credit other people’s work. Get to know the guidelines of your style so your citations are consistent.
6. Create A Properly Formatted Reference List Or Works Cited Page
Add a bibliography at the end of your essay. This page has a different title in different styles (“Works Cited” in MLA, “References” in APA). You will want to alphabetize each source and format them differently for each reference type (book, journal, website, etc.).
7. Use Quotation Marks And Block Quotes Correctly
There are special formatting requirements for quoting other works. Short quotes (less than 40 words) are positioned in brackets and added to your paragraph. For larger quotes, you might have to resort to a block quote structure (indented and without quotes). It is always better to only use block quotes if necessary. Do not use them too much, as your essay will appear overly reliant on sources. Do not deviate from the rules of the style for block quotes, as different styles have different lengths and indentations.
8. Proofread For Formatting Consistency
After you’ve composed your essay, you do not just proofread it to make sure it has good grammar. Review your paper for typos as well. Does your in-text citation correspond correctly to the references? Is the font consistent throughout? Do headings look the same? Small formatting mistakes can take away from your paper’s professional feel, so make sure to invest time in this one last check. It can be helpful to read your paper aloud or have someone else look it over to find any errors. You can ask a writing essay service for students to proofread and edit your paper. Academized is a provider that can do it quickly and effectively, so consider them for your next project.
Formatting Makes A Difference
Learning about essay formatting and citation style can be boring, but these points matter a lot. Formatting your article professionally helps to cement your point and give credit where credit is due. When you properly prepare your document, adhere to the style guide, and proofread, you will deliver a credible paper that shows off your efforts. With these tricks, you will be on your way to wowing your professors with your essays every time!
