1. How to Format Your Thoughts Academically
Created by Deanna from the Student Success Centre

2. Brief Overview of Concepts
General APA Specifics
Title Page
Abstract
General Academic Writing
Referencing the Ideas of Others
Essential Citations
Student Success Centre Services

3. General APA Specifics use white, 8 ½ by 11 inch paper
double space EVERYTHING
set up 1-inch margins
align text to the left margin
indent all paragraphs
use a standard typeface (i.e. – Times Roman)
think of each section as separate pieces
Title page
Abstract
Introduction – Body – Conclusion
References

4. Running head: WRITING AS FREEDOM AND IMPRISONMENT 1
* shortened title, less than than 50 characters (counting spaces)
* numbering starts here
Writing Unites the Freedom to be Creative
within the Imprisonment of Guidelines
Deanna Selin
University of Regina
* title, name, and affiliation

5. WRITING AS FREEDOM AND IMPRISONMENT 2
* running head & page number
* section title
Abstract
This paper examined the relationship between the freedom of creativity
and the imprisonment of guidelines during the writing process.
Participants were 25 graduate-level students from the University of
Regina. It was hypothesized that these students would show more
creativity in their writing skills as guidelines increased. The
methodology included using learning journals to discuss thoughts on
how each student viewed his/her personal writing style. The hypothesis
was shown to be true and will be discussed at length in the paper.
Keywords: writing, freedom, creativity
* word limit:

6. General Academic Writing
Introduction
identify the topic (without assumptions)
explore and resolve an interesting problem
THESIS STATEMENT = problem, contradiction, argument
Body Paragraphs
engage in dialogue and ‘talk through it’
use transition words and phrases to create flow
your own words are more powerful than others
Conclusion
closed ending: restates main ideas to remind the reader
open ending: shows new thought to leave the reader thinking and may end with another question

7. Referencing the Ideas of Others
paraphrase/summarize to condense material
According to Smith (2003) writing can be fun and creative.
direct quotation
“Writing can also be challenging” (Newman, 2002, p. 7).
Newman (2002) suggests writing can be “challenging” (p. 7).
direction quotation of length (50 words or more)
Bob’s (2005) research found the following:
Writing can be challenging and rewarding. It is a challenge to learn guidelines, but rewarding to write about something of interest to the individual student. Students have unique perspectives that require creativity. (p. 54)

8. * reference EVERY contributor you used
WRITING AS FREEDOM AND IMPRISONMENT
* running head & page number
* section title
References
Author’s last name, first and middle initial. (Year). Title of
publication. City of Publication: Who Published It.
Azul, M. P. (2005). How to write effectively: In university. Toronto:
Hook Publishing.
Bourne College. (2012). Freedom in captivity affecting students.
Retrieved from
Contributors' names (Last edited date). Title of resource. Retrieved
from address
* reference EVERY contributor you used

9. WRITING AS FREEDOM AND IMPRISONMENT 25
* how many authors?
References
Astin, A. W. (1999). Student involvement: A theory for higher education Journal of College
Student Development 40(5), Retrieved from
Naghavi, M., Falk, E., Hect, H.S., Jamieson, M. J., Kaul, S., Berman, D., … SHAPE Task
Force. (2006). From vulnerable plaque to vulnerable patient – part III: Executive
summary of the screening for heart attack prevention and education (SHAPE) task
force report. The American Journal of Cardiology 98(2A), 2H-15H. doi:
/j.amjcard
Van Driel, J. H., Beijaard, D., & Verloop, N. (2001). Professional development and reform in
science education: The role of teacher’s practical knowledge. doi: /1098-
2736(200102)
* no DOI?
use website
- one ?
- more than 7?
* What is a DOI? Digital object identifier – must include in reference. It ensures good content and always begins with the number ‘10’.
- 7 or less ?

10. Student Success Centre Services
information on website
academic writing workshops
writing tutor sessions

11. Student Success Centre
Riddell Centre 230
Website:
Learning Lounge in RC
used for SSC workshops

12. References
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. Washington: American Psychological Association. The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2012). Welcome to the OWL. Retrieved from Student Success Centre. (2012). Writing support. Retrieved from