How to Write a Paper

Writing Papers That Are Easy to Grade:
APA Style and Format

Warren Sharp, PhD, PE
University of Maryland University College
MGMT 610, 29 May 2012



Abstract
It is in the interest of students to submit papers that are easy for the instructor to grade.   Not only do they make life easier for the instructor, but such effort on the part of the student makes it more likely they will receive a better grade.   While the content of a paper is important, so is the style and format.   University of Maryland University College (UMUC) requirements are that papers conform to standards of the American Psychological Association (APA).   Essays should include four major sections: the Title Page, Abstract, Main Body, and References.   As illustrated here, an abstract is a concise summary of the key points of your paper or research.   If appropriate, “Your abstract should contain at least your research topic, research question . . . and conclusions” (Angeli et al., 2010).   It should be a single paragraph double-spaced, and consist of approximately 150 to 250 words.











Writing Papers That Are Easy to Grade:
APA Style and Format

Quality papers are easier for teachers to grade.   They take less time and they are less irritating.   Consequently quality papers tend to get better grades.   It is not unusual for an instructor to spend two or more hours grading a paper which ultimately gets a D or a C.   Many universities require that student papers conform to guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) in their Publication Manual (2010).   This paper is written purely from the self interest perspective of the instructor, and its purpose is to point out the bare basics of APA format.
First, here are the bare necessities:
• A paper consists of a title page, the text pages, and references.
          • Use Times New Roman 12 pt. font and 1” margins.
          • Double space (this includes the References).
          • Justify the...