What is APA format?
The APA format is a style of writing. The American Psychological Association developed the style. The format dictates how the sources cited in a paper are identified and the layout of the document.

The APA format has writers list their sources alphabetically. The sources are included on a separate page titled references. It should be the final page and should be numbered. The cited sources are then listed in alphabetical order using the author’s last name as the guide for the entry. If a writer needs to cite more than one source by the same author, it is done in chronological order. The APA is strict in requiring that comma spacing, patterns, and other aspect be maintained in a consistent manner throughout the list.

The purpose of the rules is the rules are to assist readers to comprehend the information. The APA has guidelines for every aspect of writing. By correctly citing a source, the author avoids plagiarism. The APA also dictates basic writing styles. They require that writers must use complete sentences. The first sentence of all paragraphs needs to independent. This serves as an introduction as to what the rest of the paragraph is about. Slang terms are not appropriate for formal writing. Writing should be succinct and avoid excessive terms, phrases, and other meaningless words.

Most writers use a variation of the APA format. They keep their writing formal by using a third person point of view. Slang terms, past tense verbs and other formal writing guidelines are the standard. Following these rules keeps writing interesting and understandable. The average American reads on an 8th grade reading level.