Writing in APA Style

Examples created by: Matthew Bradstreet, Erin Danaher, Brandy Davis, Jessica Floyd

Examples of Correct APA In-Text Citation: Examples also based on University of Ottawa article “Beware of Plagiarism” (University of Ottawa, 2004, p.3-4).

Example 1)Your Use of Text: According to Farah, “The rising problem of how to dispose of outmoded electronic gadgets has caught the attention of the US Congress. Last week, legislation was introduced in the House that would charge consumers a fee on the purchase of computers and TVs to fund a nationwide recycling program. So far, American consumers have been largely uninterested in pushing companies to make their products more recyclable” (2005, Environmentalists push for a greener ipod, para. 5).

Why this is right: You’ve correctly cited the author by using his/her name and quotations around the information you’ve borrowed. You’ve also correctly included the publication date.

Example 2)Your Use of Text: In his article about the short-life span of Apple Ipod batteries Farah mentions that, “the rising problem of how to dispose of outmoded electronic gadgets has caught the attention of the US Congress. Last week, legislation was introduced in the House that would charge consumers a fee on the purchase of computers and TVs to fund a nationwide recycling program” (2005, Environmentalists push for a greener ipod, para. 5). Farah also reports that the majority of U.S. consumers aren’t interested in influencing companies to become more environmentally friendly.

Why this is right: You’ve correctly cited the author and publication date, as well as article heading and paragraph number, used quotes, and paraphrased the author all in the same paragraph.

Example 3)Your Use of Text: According to Farah (2005) the US congress is looking a bill that would charge consumers an additional fee when they purchase electronics like TVs and computers so that the expensive cost of recycling these products will be covered. He also says that U.S. consumers aren’t interested, as of yet, in getting companies to produce environmentally friendly products.

Why this is right: You’ve correctly paraphrased the author and used proper citation.

Other Sources for APA Writing Style help

1. A really good source for APA referencing style is the APA Pocket Handbook. The Bookstore usually has some in stock, but if not you may try asking a Professor where to find one, or better yet, if they might order more. You can also purchase your own copy at http://www.apa.org/books/4210000.html.

2. For easy access to online examples of title pages, in-text citations, reference lists and more see: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/.

3. The following is another good site for help with your reference pages is http://www.liu.edu/cwis/CWP/library/workshop/citapa.htm it is color coded and gives examples of many different kinds of resources, from journals to websites.