Cecil Said:

Can i write in 1st person when using APA Writing Style?

We Answered:

APA is really a style of doing citations, not writing style. Generally, you don't use the first person in formal writing, but given how the question is being asked, I don't see how you could do it any other way

Regina Said:

What is the point of using APA style when writing a thesis paper?

We Answered:

It makes it a lot easier for anyone to read your paper and evaluate it. Basically, the prof is tired of students turning in shoddy papers and wasting his time. It is the equivalent of writing your name clearly on the top of a homework assignment. You'd say what does it matter, but that overworked TA would still take off a point for the irritation.

Yvonne Said:

Using 1st person in APA style writing?

We Answered:

you should use the same format throughout the entire paper, don't switch from 1st to 3rd, then back

Lori Said:

What are the main points of writing in APA style?

We Answered:

The key to writing in APA style is to maintain active voice. For example:

Passive: "Instead of answering questions on Yahoo Answers, I should be writing my final."

Active: "I should be writing my final instead of answering questions on Yahoo Answers."

Some other tips:
- Buy the APA manual and read the sections about language and word choice.
- Read studies or papers that interest you. If you're in college you should have access to a number of databases including PsychInfo; if not, you can find studies on various websites including academic journals. Pay attention to the way the authors organize paragraphs and their sentence structure.
- Remember, APA style was designed as a standard for publishing study results- it's very structured and strict on format, citations, etc.
- Cite all the time and double-check EVERY citation. Always.

Hope this helps. Really the best way to learn a new writing style is by example (especially APA), so just continue to read studies and papers and you'll pick it up eventually. Good luck.

Max Said:

Adding a Section Title in the APA Style While Writing an Essay?

We Answered:

No it doesn't