As a fact, it is a must to provide a full acknowledgment of an author of a specific article, book, or another type of source people use in academic writing to avoid plagiarism. Hence, to accomplish such a goal, there are specific standards of formatting in the world. Such standards are different in their nature and follow specific rules of huge organizations. Their purpose is to deliver information to people in the best possible way. Hence, it is all to comfort a reader and make sure the information reaches its target. Examples of academic writing paper formats include APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, AMA, Vancouver, ASA, IEEE, and RACE, among others.
What Is a Paper Format and Its Purpose
According to its definition, a paper format is a set of rules and guidelines for structuring and organizing written documents. Basically, these requirements typically include specifications for formatting elements, such as font size and type, margins, line spacing, headings, citations, and overall layouts (Pears & Shields, 2022). Moreover, common paper formats include APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, and other citation styles, each tailored to specific fields and types of writing. The main purpose of writing in accordance with a specific paper format is to ensure the essential information is presented in a clear and organized manner, making documents easier to read and understand. Additionally, standardized layouts allow writers to present well-polished documents, ensuring critical components, like citations and references, are consistently and correctly presented (Pears & Shields, 2022). By following specific guidelines, writers can produce professional and credible documents that facilitate effective communication and meet key expectations of their respective fields. In turn, the length of a paper format depends on academic levels, types of assignments, and fields of study, while general guidelines are:
High School
- Length: 1-5 pages
- Word Count: 250-1,250 words
College (Undergraduate)
- Length: 1-10 pages
- Word Count: 250-2,500 words
University (Advanced Undergraduate)
- Length: 2-20 pages
- Word Count: 500-5,000 words
Master’s
- Length: 2-60 pages
- Word Count: 500-15,000 words
Ph.D.
- Length: 10-300+ pages
- Word Count: 2,500-75,000+ words
Characteristics
| Paper Format | Margins | Font | Spacing | Headings | Header | Citation | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| APA | 1 inch | Times New Roman, 12 pt | Double/Single | Title, abstract, main headings, subheadings | Header with a paper’s topic for scholars and page numbers and no header but with page numbers for students | Author-date in-text citation | References |
| MLA | 1 inch | Times New Roman, 12 pt | Double/Single | Title, abstract, main headings, subheadings | Header with an author’s surname and page numbers | Author-page in-text citation | Works Cited |
| Harvard | 1 inch | Times New Roman, 12 pt | Double/Single | Title, abstract, main headings, subheadings | Header with a paper’s topic and page numbers | Author-date in-text citation | Reference List |
| Chicago/Turabian | 1 inch | Times New Roman, 12 pt | Double/Single | Title, abstract, main headings, subheadings | No header and no page number for a title page but with page numbers for next pages | Footnote or endnote citation | Bibliography |
Note: Standard paper formatting typically includes 1-inch margins, double-spacing, a readable font, such as Times New Roman, 12 points, a title page, in-text citations, and a reference list, adhering to specific guidelines based on a chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, etc.). To start a paper format, people begin with a title page that includes a unique title, their names and surnames, and other required information, such as institutional affiliations and dates (Pears & Shields, 2022). In turn, the best format for writing a paper depends on a specific discipline, with APA commonly used for social sciences, MLA for humanities, Chicago/Turabian for history and some humanities, and Harvard for various academic disciplines.
APA
APA is
MLA
MLA is a short form of the Modern Language Association. For example, MLA style is an academic writing layout that lacks a separate title page, has in-text citations with no comma between an author’s last name and a page number, and has a “Works Cited” element at the end of a document (Modern Language Association of America, 2021). MLA is a unique layout as it identifies where writers take information. To achieve this objective, authors point out an exact place in a source where others can spot it. This unique identification is critical when it comes to repeating someone’s investigations or checking works at educational facilities. MLA paper formats appeared to be the most effective above all in tackling plagiarism. That is because students cannot provide fake sources and must actually read what they are mentioning in their texts.
Technical Features
MLA paper format also relies on various technical features. For example, MLA citation uses abbreviations heavily to decrease an overall length of in-text citations, might need additional manuscripts for publications, and might also use footnotes in some cases, as there are rules for that too (Modern Language Association of America, 2021). Moreover, an MLA handbook has specific requirements for MLA headings that people should know when writing their documents. Such aspects make MLA style one of the most commonly used paper formats as it satisfies various needs in comfortable citation and prevents fraud within an academic sphere. Hence, to format a paper in MLA style, people use 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman, 12-point font, include a header with their last names and page numbers, a heading with their names, instructors’ names, course titles, and dates, and end with a document with a Works Cited section.
Harvard Referencing
Many students confuse Harvard style with APA due to its author-date system. However, it is important to understand that Harvard differs from APA citation in many ways. For example, a title page in Harvard uses Caps, while running heads are also different (Pears & Shields, 2022). Further on, in-text citations do not use a comma to separate an author’s last name and a year of publication. Additionally, instead of a “References” element – there is a “Reference List” section. In principle, various differences make a Harvard paper format unique in its features. Basically, its simplicity and use in various countries make it one of the most important paper layouts to learn. In turn, to format a paper in Harvard style, people use 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman, 12-point font, include a title page, headings, in-text citations with an author-date layout, and end a document with a Reference List section.
Chicago/Turabian
Chicago/Turabian style is not only one of the most complicated but also best-looking paper layouts. A particular simplicity of an idea that in-text citations should not ruin a reader’s attention makes Chicago/Turabian unique among other paper styles. Chicago/Turabian relies on footnotes, endnotes, and “Bibliography,” while all of these features are outside of an actual text (The University of Chicago Press, 2017). The only thing that appears in a text is a footnote’s number. Moreover, they are small, so only those who need those resources will recognize them. Such a choice of features made an overall reading comfortable, while a full acknowledgment of sources still helped to prevent plagiarism. In turn, Chicago/Turabian is more like an MLA paper format. That is because it provides a particular identification of where the information is and shows exactly a place of its origin, which is critical.
Key Aspects
Chicago/Turabian paper format also has unique title and bibliography pages. A particular use of a running head is also unique in terms of its utilization separately from a title page. Additionally, a fact that in-text citations are shortened after writers use them more than once in a row makes this citation style stand out among others due to its magnificently comfortable nature for readers (The University of Chicago Press, 2017). Unfortunately, writers pay for a reading comfort of audiences due to a complexity of this paper layout. Therefore, to format a paper in Chicago/Turabian style, people use 1-inch margins, double-spacing, Times New Roman, 12-point font, include a title page, headings, footnotes or endnotes for citations, and end with a document with a Bibliography section.
What to Include
| Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Title Page | Contains a paper’s title, an author’s name, institutional affiliation, course, instructor, and date. |
| Abstract | Presents a brief summary of an essay or research paper, typically 150-250 words, highlighting main points and findings. |
| Introduction | Introduces a specific topic, provides background information, and includes a research question or thesis statement. |
| Literature Review | Reviews existing research on a chosen topic, identifying gaps and positioning a current study within a specific field. |
| Methods | Describes a particular research design, procedures, and tools used to collect and analyze data. |
| Results | Presents research findings, often including tables, figures, and statistical analyses. |
| Discussion | Interprets obtained results, explaining their implications and how they fit into a broader context. |
| Conclusion | Summarizes key findings, restates the significance of a study, and suggests areas for future research. |
| List of Sources | Lists all the sources cited in a paper, formatted in accordance with citation styles, like APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, or any other. |
| Appendices | Includes supplementary material, such as raw data, detailed calculations, or additional graphs. |
| Acknowledgments | Recognizes individuals or organizations that contributed to a particular research but are not listed as authors. |
| Footnotes/Endnotes | Provides additional information or citations that are relevant but would disrupt an overall flow of a main text. |
| Figures and Tables | Visual representations of data or information, often with descriptions or captions and numbers for reference. |
| Definitions | Defines specialized or technical terms used in a document. |
| Abbreviations | Clarifies shortened versions of terms or concepts. |
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Citation Style: Using a wrong citation style or mixing elements from different styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, and others).
- Improper Margins and Spacing: Not adhering to required margin sizes or line spacing.
- Wrong Font and Size: Using fonts or sizes that do not meet specified guidelines (e.g., using Arial instead of Times New Roman, 12 pt).
- Missing Title Page Elements: Failing to include all necessary information on a title page, such as a unique title, author’s name, and institutional affiliation.
- Incorrect Header and Page Numbers: Misplacing or omitting headers and page numbers, or formatting them incorrectly.
- Inconsistent Headings: Using headings inconsistently or not following a required hierarchy and format.
- Improperly Formatted References: Incorrectly formatting a reference list or bibliography, including wrong punctuation, order, or capitalization.
- Lack of In-Text Citations: Omitting in-text citations for quotes, paraphrases, or data, or formatting them incorrectly.
- Incorrect Placement of Figures and Tables: Placing figures and tables in a wrong location or without proper captions and numbering.
- Ignoring Specific Guidelines: Failing to follow specific instructions provided by instructors, journals, or style guides, such as those for abstracts, appendices, or specific sections.
Summing Up
Understanding and correctly applying various paper formats is crucial for academic success. Each format, whether APA, MLA, Harvard, Chicago/Turabian, or others, has unique guidelines for citations, references, and overall structure, aimed at ensuring clarity, consistency, and proper attribution of sources. By adhering to these standards, writers can effectively communicate their research, avoid plagiarism, and present their work professionally. Mastery of these formats enhances readability and credibility, facilitating better academic and professional communication.
References
American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
Modern Language Association of America. (2021). MLA Handbook (9th ed.).
Pears, R., & Shields, G. J. (2022). Cite them right: The essential referencing guide (12th ed.). A&C Black.
The University of Chicago Press. (2017). The Chicago manual of style (18th ed.).