research paper apa format outline

APA Research Paper Outline: Examples and Template

Table of contents

• 1 Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?
• 2.1 Purpose of research paper outline
• 2.2 APA outline example
• 3.1 APA paper outline example
• 3.2 Introduction:
• 3.4 Conclusion:
• 4 The Basic APA Outline Format
• 5 APA Style Outline Template Breakdown
• 6.1 APA Research Paper Outline Example
• 6.2 APA Paper Outline Format Example
• 7.1 First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis
• 7.2 Main Body
• 7.3 Conclusion
• 7.4 Decimal APA outline format example
• 7.5 Decimal APA outline format layout
• 8.1 A definite goal
• 8.2 Division
• 8.3 Parallelism
• 8.4 Coordination
• 8.5 Subordination
• 8.6 Avoid Redundancy
• 8.7 Wrap it up in a good way
• 8.8 Conclusion

Formatting your paper in APA can be daunting if this is your first time. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a guide or rules to follow when conducting projects in the social sciences or writing papers. The standard APA fromat a research paper outline includes a proper layout from the title page to the final reference pages. There are formatting samples to create outlines before writing a paper. Amongst other strategies, creating an outline is the easiest way to APA format outline template.

Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?

Consistency in the sequence, structure, and format when writing a research paper encourages readers to concentrate on the substance of a paper rather than how it is presented. The requirements for paper format apply to student assignments and papers submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed publication. APA paper outline template style may be used to create a website, conference poster, or PowerPoint presentation . If you plan to use the style for other types of work like a website, conference poster, or even PowerPoint presentation, you must format your work accordingly to adjust to requirements. For example, you may need different line spacing and font sizes. Follow the formatting rules provided by your institution or publication to ensure its formatting standards are followed as closely as possible. However, to logically structure your document, you need a research paper outline in APA format. You may ask: why is it necessary to create an outline for an APA research paper? Crafting a well-organized APA outline is crucial for any research paper. If you’re struggling with this process, consider seeking help from a professional research paper writer , who can guide you through each step.

Concept & Purposes of Research Paper Outline

A path, direction, or action plan! Writing short essays without a layout may seem easy, but not for 10,000 or more words. Yet, confusing a table of contents with an outline is a major issue. The table of contents is an orderly list of all the chapters’ front matter, primary, and back matter. It includes sections and, often, figures in your work, labeled by page number. On the other hand, a research APA-style paper outline is a proper structure to follow.

Purpose of research paper outline

An outline is a formalized essay in which you give your own argument to support your point of view. And when you write your apa outline template, you expand on what you already know about the topic. Academic writing papers examine an area of expertise to get the latest and most accurate information to work on that topic. It serves various purposes, including:

• APA paper outline discusses the study’s core concepts.
• The research paper outlines to define the link between your ideas and the thesis.
• It provides you with manageable portions that you can handle.
• The research paper’s APA outline enables the detection of structural faults or gaps.
• As shown in the example, it must clearly comprehend the subject at hand.

Trust your APA research paper to experts! Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

APA outline example

This research paper outline example will guide you in formatting the layout for a clear direction to work on. It eliminates the inconsistency along with lacking proper substance in the paper.

Understanding the APA Outline Format

It would not be wrong to say there is no standard outline format. The official publishing handbook does not give precise guidelines for preparing an outline. But, it requires certain basic guidelines to follow regarding typeface, font size, structure, margins, etc.

APA paper outline example

Moreover, the final shape of your work relies on your instructor’s specifications and your particular preferences for APA citation format. Though, it would be better to follow some standards for formatting your outline, for instance:

Times New Roman is a widely accessible standard typeface for an APA essay format in 12-point font. However, serif and sans serif fonts like Arial and Georgia are acceptable in font size 11pt.

The text of your paper format should be double-spaced.

The primary headlines use Roman and Arabic numerals to write an outline.

Headings & Subheadings

While writing an APA essay, there are particular standards for utilizing headings in your outline: I – Main headings are numbered by Roman numerals like I, II, III, IV A  – Subheadings are numbered with Capital letters (A, B, C, D) 1  – The APA outline uses Arabic numerals (1-9 type numbers) within those subheadings. a  – Below Arabic number subheadings, lower-case letters are used (a, b, a). [1] – Headings below those subheadings use Arabic numbers enclosed in parenthesis.

APA format offers a standard layout for each paper, such as

• 1-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right.
• The page number on the upper right corner.

The structure of writing an outline consists of three major sections:

• Introduction

Introduction:

This section highlights crucial background information.

Explain the primary points that support your ideas.

Conclusion:

• Summarize your key arguments.
• Explain how these concepts support your ultimate stance, as shown in APA outline example below.

An outline in APA has three common formats that vary in the numeric sequence of all. To make it easier for you, we have compiled all three templates. You can format your document using these examples for added coherence and structure.

The Basic APA Outline Format

APA Style Outline Template Breakdown

Numbering the APA style format follows five levels of headings that use different alphabets and numbers. For instance, I – Headings use Roman numerals like I, II, and III. A – CAPITAL ALPHABETS”, such as A, B, C, etc. 1 – Headings and subheadings use Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3). a – If there are further headings (the fourth level), use lower-case alphabets. [1] – Headings below that (the fifth level) use Arabic numerals enclosed in parentheses, such as [1], [2], [3].

Full Sentence Outline Format

As the name specifies, the full-sentence style outline format requires every line to be a proper sentence. Full-sentence APA style outline is best recommended for essays and speeches. It gives your writing process an idea or a logical path to follow.

APA Research Paper Outline Example

If you are looking for how to write a research paper outline APA in Full Sentence Format, here is an example:

Full Sentence APA format heading utilizes Roman numerals I, II, and III. Every heading must be a full sentence. Here is an APA style paper outline template for the full-sentence format that will clear all your confusion on how to write an outline in full-sentence format.

APA Paper Outline Format Example

I. Introduction

III. Conclusion

Decimal Outline Format

The decimal outline format for APA research papers differs from other formats. The decimal APA style is simple and uses paragraphs for structure. It contains three main paragraphs, introduction, main body, and conclusion.

First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis

• The first paragraph is a sentence or two that introduces the central concept of your article.
• Introduce your topic or subject of study where your research is applicable as a context for further research.
• Explain why the mentioned issue is essential or relevant to the audience.
• A thesis statement is a claim that you make throughout your whole essay.
• The topic phrase is the first point in any writing to support a thesis statement.
• Give an explanation or provide evidence to support your point.
• Provide verifiable facts, figures, and/or citations from credible sources in your writing. It helps in the substantiating assertion.
• Include as many supporting statements and related evidence in your decimal outline.

Finally, when you write an outline, provide a concluding remark to support your claims.

Decimal APA outline format example

1.0 The main heading 1.1 Subheading under the main heading 1.2 Second digit is represented by subheadings under the main headings 1.2.1 Further division adds another digit in decimal format 1.2.2 You can number them as per the number of paragraphs or points, or lines An easy way to write in decimal APA outline format is to remember the structure, i.e.; 1.1.1 = Heading.Paragraph.Sentence/point under paragraph.”

Decimal APA outline format layout

1.0 Main heading 1.1 First paragraph for first heading. 1.2 Second paragraph for first heading. 1.2.1 First point or sentence for the second paragraph. 2.0 Second heading 2.1 Second heading, first paragraph. 2.2 Second heading, second paragraph. 2.2.1 Second, heading, second paragraph, first sentence, or point. 3.0 Decimal working 3.1 You must remember that each digit represents a segment. 3.2 It is easier to remember the placement of numbers. 3.2.1 First digit represents the heading 3.2.2 Second digit represents the paragraph under the main heading <3.2.3 The third digit represents any point or sentence under the paragraph.

Tips for Writing an Outline: Organize Your Ideas

You may feel it is easier to write without outlines, but once you start writing, organizing your ideas or thoughts becomes hard. Even if you have some fantastic ideas, producing an engaging story is practically hard. If you are not first creating an outline or conceptual guides while writing a research paper, you may lose track. A well-written outline is essential in completing your paper and maintaining quality. Establishing your point in paper writing is easy if you create an outline first. You can find an APA research paper outline template that best suits your requirement. Moreover, these tips can help you polish your writing. These tips and sample papers can help you write outstanding outlines without making any hassle.

A definite goal

For better expression, make a list of primary objectives on a title page in a single phrase or less. Your goal should be specific and measurable. If it is too broad or imprecise, you will not achieve anything. If you are working on a large paper format that covers a variety of themes or topics, you may have a more general purpose in mind. But, if you plan to write an essay, the aim should be as specific and clear as possible to be effective.

Breaking things up rather than allowing them to become verbose is known as the division rule. Make sure that each subsection in the document corresponds to its parent heading. If it doesn’t compare to the section, removing it or moving it to another location is better.

Parallelism

It is mainly related to the consistency and structure of the document. It keeps your paper’s layout tidy and also ensures relevancy. For instance, if you begin one heading with a verb, make sure all other headings and subheadings also start with a verb.

Coordination

Having headings aligned is critical to creating a well-organized outline. This rule also applies to subheadings, which is a good thing. If one title is less important than another, consider changing your layout by incorporating it into a subsection instead.

Subordination

Subordination deals with maintaining a connection between your paper’s headings and subheadings. It helps in the proper sequencing of headings and subheadings. Headings should be broad at the outset. At the same time, the subheadings become more particular as they go further into the document.

Avoid Redundancy

While writing a paper outline, look through it many times and cross out any items that aren’t necessary or have no significance. While outlining, make sure to be specific and concise. It will prevent you from adding information that does not supporting your final essay. Remove all the extra information and points while c that weighs you down while you write.

Wrap it up in a good way

Creating an outline does not only help in writing a coherent term paper, but it also helps in ending with precise understanding. Be considerate of your audience’s time and effort when you write an outline in APA, and ensure it serves its purpose. If you still have any doubts about formatting your paper outline, you can use this APA-style research paper outline template to write your document. We have provided Outline Format Example for every style.

People find it hard to write an outline in APA, but if you are aware of the requirements and structure, it’s no breeze. Sometimes, your instructor may alter your paper format by introducing or removing existing sections. As a result, if you come across any templates for an outline in APA, pay close attention to them. If you are looking for a quick answer to how to outline an APA paper, here’s a standard logical sequence of typical parts to include when writing an outline in APA:

• Thesis statement
• Techniques employed
• Body of paper
• Conclusions section
• List of references

A well-written outline is an excellent tool for presenting an outstanding paper. Including the key components while writing an outline for a research paper is necessary.

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

APA Sample Paper

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Media Files: APA Sample Student Paper  ,  APA Sample Professional Paper

This resource is enhanced by Acrobat PDF files. Download the free Acrobat Reader

Note: The APA Publication Manual, 7 th Edition specifies different formatting conventions for student  and  professional  papers (i.e., papers written for credit in a course and papers intended for scholarly publication). These differences mostly extend to the title page and running head. Crucially, citation practices do not differ between the two styles of paper.

However, for your convenience, we have provided two versions of our APA 7 sample paper below: one in  student style and one in  professional  style.

Note: For accessibility purposes, we have used "Track Changes" to make comments along the margins of these samples. Those authored by [AF] denote explanations of formatting and [AWC] denote directions for writing and citing in APA 7. 

APA 7 Student Paper:

Apa 7 professional paper:.

• Bipolar Disorder
• Therapy Center
• When To See a Therapist
• Types of Therapy
• Best Online Therapy
• Best Couples Therapy
• Managing Stress
• Sleep and Dreaming
• Understanding Emotions
• Self-Improvement
• Healthy Relationships
• Student Resources
• Personality Types
• Guided Meditations
• Verywell Mind Insights
• 2024 Verywell Mind 25
• Mental Health in the Classroom
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Review Board
• Crisis Support

How to Write an Outline in APA Format

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amanda Tust is an editor, fact-checker, and writer with a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

• Before Starting Your Outline
• How to Create an Outline

Writing a psychology paper can feel like an overwhelming task. From picking a topic to finding sources to cite, each step in the process comes with its own challenges. Luckily, there are strategies to make writing your paper easier—one of which is creating an outline using APA format .

Here we share what APA format entails and the basics of this writing style. Then we get into how to create a research paper outline using APA guidelines, giving you a strong foundation to start crafting your content.

At a Glance

APA format is the standard writing style used for psychology research papers. Creating an outline using APA format can help you develop and organize your paper's structure, also keeping you on task as you sit down to write the content.

APA Format Basics

Formatting dictates how papers are styled, which includes their organizational structure, page layout, and how information is presented. APA format is the official style of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Learning the basics of APA format is necessary for writing effective psychology papers, whether for your school courses or if you're working in the field and want your research published in a professional journal. Here are some general APA rules to keep in mind when creating both your outline and the paper itself.

Font and Spacing

According to APA style, research papers are to be written in a legible and widely available font. Traditionally, Times New Roman is used with a 12-point font size. However, other serif and sans serif fonts like Arial or Georgia in 11-point font sizes are also acceptable.

APA format also dictates that the research paper be double-spaced. Each page has 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right), and the page number is to be placed in the upper right corner of each page.

Both your psychology research paper and outline should include three key sections:

• Introduction : Highlights the main points and presents your hypothesis
• Body : Details the ideas and research that support your hypothesis
• Conclusion : Briefly reiterates your main points and clarifies support for your position

Headings and Subheadings

APA format provides specific guidelines for using headings and subheadings. They are:

• Main headings : Use Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV)
• Subheadings: Use capital letters (A, B, C, D)

If you need further subheadings within the initial subheadings, start with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3), then lowercase letters (a, b, c), then Arabic numerals inside parentheses [(1), (2), (3)]

Before Starting Your APA Format Outline

While APA format does not provide specific rules for creating an outline, you can still develop a strong roadmap for your paper using general APA style guidance. Prior to drafting your psychology research paper outline using APA writing style, taking a few important steps can help set you up for greater success.

Review Your Instructor's Requirements

Look over the instructions for your research paper. Your instructor may have provided some type of guidance or stated what they want. They may have even provided specific requirements for what to include in your outline or how it needs to be structured and formatted.

Some instructors require research paper outlines to use decimal format. This structure uses Arabic decimals instead of Roman numerals or letters. In this case, the main headings in an outline would be 1.0, 1.2, and 1.3, while the subheadings would be 1.2.1, 1.2.2, 1.2.3, and so on.

Consider Your Preferences

After reviewing your instructor's requirements, consider your own preferences for organizing your outline. Think about what makes the most sense for you, as well as what type of outline would be most helpful when you begin writing your research paper.

For example, you could choose to format your headings and subheadings as full sentences, or you might decide that you prefer shorter headings that summarize the content. You can also use different approaches to organizing the lettering and numbering in your outline's subheadings.

Whether you are creating your outline according to your instructor's guidelines or following your own organizational preferences, the most important thing is that you are consistent.

Formatting Tips

When getting ready to start your research paper outline using APA format, it's also helpful to consider how you will format it. Here are a few tips to help:

• Your outline should begin on a new page.
• Before you start writing the outline, check that your word processor does not automatically insert unwanted text or notations (such as letters, numbers, or bullet points) as you type. If it does, turn off auto-formatting.
• If your instructor requires you to specify your hypothesis in your outline, review your assignment instructions to find out where this should be placed. They may want it presented at the top of your outline, for example, or included as a subheading.

How to Create a Research Paper Outline Using APA

Understanding APA format basics can make writing psychology research papers much easier. While APA format does not provide specific rules for creating an outline, you can still develop a strong roadmap for your paper using general APA style guidance, your instructor's requirements, and your own personal organizational preferences.

Typically you won't need to turn your outline in with your final paper. But that doesn't mean you should skip creating one. A strong paper starts with a solid outline. Developing this outline can help you organize your writing and ensure that you effectively communicate your paper's main points and arguments. Here's how to create a research outline using APA format.

Start Your Research

While it may seem like you should create an outline before starting your research, the opposite is actually true. The information you find when researching your psychology research topic will start to reveal the information you'll want to include in your paper—and in your outline.

As you research, consider the main arguments you intend to make in your paper. Look for facts that support your hypothesis, keeping track of where you find these facts so you can cite them when writing your paper. The more organized you are when creating your outline, the easier it becomes to draft the paper itself.

If you are required to turn in your outline before you begin working on your paper, keep in mind that you may need to include a list of references that you plan to use.

Draft Your Outline Using APA Format

Once you have your initial research complete, you have enough information to create an outline. Start with the main headings (which are noted using Roman numerals I, II, III, etc.). Here's an example of the main headings you may use if you were writing an APA format outline for a research paper in support of using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety :

• Introduction
• What CBT Is
• How CBT Helps Ease Anxiety
• Research Supporting CBT for Anxiety
• Potential Drawbacks of CBT for Anxiety and How to Overcome Them

Under each main heading, list your main points or key ideas using subheadings (as noted with A, B, C, etc.). Sticking with the same example, subheadings under "What CBT Is" may include:

• Basic CBT Principles
• How CBT Works
• Conditions CBT Has Been Found to Help Treat

You may also decide to include additional subheadings under your initial subheadings to add more information or clarify important points relevant to your hypothesis. Examples of additional subheadings (which are noted with 1, 2, 3, etc.) that could be included under "Basic CBT Principles" include:

• Is Goal-Oriented
• Focuses on Problem-Solving
• Includes Self-Monitoring

Begin Writing Your Research Paper

The reason this step is included when drafting your research paper outline using APA format is that you'll often find that your outline changes as you begin to dive deeper into your proposed topic. New ideas may emerge or you may decide to narrow your topic further, even sometimes changing your hypothesis altogether.

All of these factors can impact what you write about, ultimately changing your outline. When writing your paper, there are a few important points to keep in mind:

• Follow the structure that your instructor specifies.
• Present your strongest points first.
• Support your arguments with research and examples.
• Organize your ideas logically and in order of strength.
• Keep track of your sources.
• Present and debate possible counterarguments, and provide evidence that counters opposing arguments.

Update Your Final Outline

The final version of your outline should reflect your completed draft. Not only does updating your outline at this point help ensure that you've covered the topics you want in your paper, but it also gives you another opportunity to verify that your paper follows a logical sequence.

When reading through your APA-formatted outline, consider whether it flows naturally from one topic to the next. You wouldn't talk about how CBT works before discussing what CBT is, for example. Taking this final step can give you a more solid outline, and a more solid research paper.

American Psychological Association. About APA Style .

Purdue University Online Writing Lab. Types of outlines and samples .

Mississippi College. Writing Center: Outlines .

American Psychological Association. APA style: Style and Grammar Guidelines .

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

APA Outline

Ai generator.

If you’re a beginner in writing a research paper  or an essay and your instructor asked you to use the APA format, you may not have the faintest idea what APA means, let alone use the format. If your instructor gives you the APA guidelines then good for you. If they haven’t, don’t panic. You’re going through the perfect article that will help you get acquainted and familiarize the APA format outline. You may also see essay outline .

Most college students or teachers who are majoring in social sciences, such as Psychology, Sociology, History, Linguistics, use the American Psychological Association or APA guidelines for writing research papers and assignments in this field of study. Other fields of study also use the APA format but not limited to Business, Economics, Nursing, and Criminology. The APA covers the initial title page to bibliography citation page. APA basically provides the basic layout style and outline to correctly write your paper in the APA format. Of course, other formats are also used by researchers, students, and teachers such as MLA, Harvard, etc. You may also see free outline .

What is an APA Outline?

Download APA Outline Examples Bundle

Apa Outline Format

An APA outline format is a structured way to organize ideas and main points in a research paper according to the American Psychological Association (APA) style. This format helps writers create a clear hierarchy, making it easier to present ideas logically. Here’s how to structure an APA outline:

General Structure

Each level is indented to indicate its place in the hierarchy.

Example of an APA Outline

Here is a sample structure: I. Introduction A. Background information B. Purpose of the paper C. Thesis statement II. Literature Review A. Previous research on the topic B. Gaps in the current research C. Theoretical framework III. Methodology A. Research design B. Data collection methods C. Analysis approach IV. Results A. Key findings B. Data presentation C. Summary of results V. Discussion A. Interpretation of findings B. Implications for future research C. Limitations of the study VI. Conclusion A. Recap of major points B. Final thoughts C. Recommendations

Additional Formatting Tips

Double-space the outline, following APA guidelines. Align text consistently , with each level indented further than the one above. Use parallel structure by keeping similar headings grammatically consistent (e.g., all verb phrases or all noun phrases). The APA outline format is an effective way to organize and structure ideas, ensuring a logical flow that supports the development of a well-organized paper.

The APA outline format typically uses the following order for headings: Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main topics Capital letters (A, B, C) for primary subtopics Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for secondary subtopics Lowercase letters (a, b, c) for supporting details

APA Outline Style

The APA outline style is used to organize and structure the content of a research paper according to the American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. This style ensures clarity, coherence, and a logical flow of information. Here’s a guide to using APA outline style effectively:

Structure of an APA Outline

The outline format uses a specific hierarchical system with the following order:

• Roman Numerals (I, II, III) : Main headings or major sections of the paper.
• Capital Letters (A, B, C) : First-level subheadings under each main heading.
• Arabic Numerals (1, 2, 3) : Second-level subheadings that further break down the information.
• Lowercase Letters (a, b, c) : Third-level subheadings or supporting details.

Each level should be indented to show the hierarchy and relation between topics and subtopics.

Apa outline Sample

Apa Outline Example

Apa Style Outline Example

More Apa Style Outline Samples

• Apa Outline Template Word
• Apa Outline Example for Research Paper
• Apa Annotated Outline Example

Radio Outline Format Example

Full-Sentence Outlines

Basic full-sentence outline.

Though there are only a few differences between an alphanumeric outline and a full-sentence outline, you might still need a sample to illustrate these variations. See this simple full-sentence outline sample to learn more.

Full-Sentence Outline Example

What is an APA Outline Format?

APA stands for American Psychological Association, and an APA outline format is a standardized format for outlining papers and other documents. An APA outline format is typically used for research papers, dissertations, and theses. It is a way to organize your ideas and thoughts in a clear and concise manner before writing your paper.

How to write an APA Outline Format

Using an APA format as your outline might be confusing at first but once you have familiarize yourself with the format, then it is easier for you to organize your topics and sub-topics you want to discuss in your essay or research paper. You may also see  book outline .

Having a good outline has more chances of you presenting a well-written research paper or essay. Making an APA outline is the first thing to do in creating a structure on what will be written in the paper and how it is written. There is a grammatical format that you have to follow while writing your paper to make it sound credible. Having a sloppy grammar makes your paper less impressive. Here are some tips:

1. Observe the use of parallelism.

Parallelism means the use of consecutive verbal constructions in a sentence that corresponds to the grammatical structure. In this format, this refers to the structure between the headings and sub-headings. Once you’ve established your structure, it must be consistent with all your headings and subheadings. If you start your headings with a verb, then your subheadings should start with a verb. If you use a noun, then all your headings and sub-headings must use nouns. You may also see  write a speech outline .

2. The use of coordination is vital between your headings.

All your headings must be equal in significance or importance of each other. The rule applies to sub-headings as well, but their information may be less significant than the headings. You may also see a  speech outline .

3. Make use of subordination.

Subordination is the relationship between the headings and the sub-headings. The headings usually have general information while the information contained in the sub-headings are more specific, and so on to more sub-headings. The subordination is created using Arabic numerals. You may also see the  program outline .

4. To organize your outline you should use division.

Each heading must have at least two or three divisions. However, if you have too many divisions, you need to use another heading or sub-heading. You may also see a  biography outline .

5. Your headings should always use Roman Numerals (I, II, III, etc.) when you list them.

For example, if you are writing research for The Foundation of Mugs, your heading must look like this:

I. The Foundation of Mugs

Don’t forget to always use Roman Numerals while writing your main headings. Your heading is the first and basic step in formatting your APA outline. You may also see the  chapter outline .

6. Next is the subheading.

The subheading follows the main heading. When listing them use a capital letter of the English alphabet. In the example above, your heading was “The Foundation of Mugs”. Suppose your subheading is “History of Mugs” then it should be listed using the English alphabet. Start with the capital letter A. You may also see the  presentation outline .

7. Add more than one subheading to your main heading

If you like to add more than one subheading to your main heading, just by adding the next English alphabet in capital letters in the next subheading. Example: If you like to add a second subheading to your main heading, “Foundation of Mugs”, you may write this:

B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society

Your heading and subheading will look like this:

I. Foundation of Mugs A. History of Mugs B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society

Use Arab numerals (1,2,3 and so on). If you want to add another subheading “Decoration” under heading B, you may write it like this:

1.  Decoration

Your outline would now look something like this:

I. Foundation of Mugs A.History of Mugs B. Designs and Functions of Mugs to the Society 1. Decoration

Finally, if there are still more subheadings you want to add under your last subheadings, use lowercase letters. If there are still subheadings you want to add under the last subheading, use Arab numerals in parenthesis. You may also see the  course outline .

How do I create an APA outline format?

To create an APA outline format, start by identifying the main points you want to make in your paper. Then, organize those points into sections and subsections using headings and subheadings. Finally, add supporting details and evidence to each section to create a complete and well-organized outline.

In conclusion, an APA outline format is a helpful tool for organizing your ideas and thoughts before you start writing your paper. Whether you are working on a thesis outline, script outline, research paper outline, or book outline, using an APA outline format can help you to create a clear and organized document that is easy to read and follow. By following the guidelines and structure provided by APA outline format, you can ensure that your paper is well-organized, logical, and easy to understand.

FAQ’s

How do i format an apa outline.

An APA outline uses a specific order for headings: Roman numerals (I, II, III) for main topics, capital letters (A, B, C) for primary subtopics, Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) for secondary subtopics, and lowercase letters (a, b, c) for further details. Each level should be indented to show the structure clearly.

Is an APA outline required for all APA-style papers?

No, an APA outline is not required for all APA-style papers. However, many instructors or institutions may recommend or require an outline to help organize ideas. Outlines are especially useful for lengthy or complex papers, as they help ensure a logical flow of information.

Should I use full sentences or bullet points in an APA outline?

APA does not specify whether to use full sentences or bullet points in outlines. You can use either, depending on your preference or instructor’s guidelines. Full sentences provide more detail, while bullet points can make the outline concise and easy to read.

Do I need to include the outline in the final version of my APA paper?

Generally, the outline is not included in the final version of an APA paper unless explicitly required by an instructor. It serves as a planning tool to organize your content and ensure that all relevant points are covered systematically before you start writing the full paper.

Can I modify the structure of an APA outline to suit my paper’s needs?

Yes, you can modify the structure of an APA outline to fit the specific needs of your paper. While the basic hierarchy (Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, lowercase letters) should be maintained, you can add or remove levels, as needed. Adjust the outline to ensure it effectively organizes your content and reflects the flow of your paper.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

• Words with Friends Cheat
• Wordle Solver
• Word Unscrambler
• Scrabble Dictionary
• Anagram Solver
• Wordscapes Answers

Make Our Dictionary Yours

Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get:

• Grammar and writing tips
• Fun language articles
• #WordOfTheDay and quizzes

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

We'll see you in your inbox soon.

APA Outline Format Examples and Guide

• DESCRIPTION Smiling student working on an essay
• PERMISSION ThinkStock

The guidelines from the American Psychological Association (APA) are used for writing papers and doing assignments in the social sciences. The standard APA format provides guidelines for research papers from the initial title page to the final works cited page . The APA even provides format examples for outlines to be prepared before the paper is written.

Understanding the APA Outline Format

When you look at the basic APA outline format example below, you will see that:

• Roman numerals are used for the main headings in your outline.
• Capital letters are used for the first level of subheadings.
• Arab numerals (1-9 type numbers) are used inside those subheadings.
• Lower-case letters are used below Arab numeral subheadings.
• Arab numerals in parentheses are used below those subheadings.

The full sentence outline follows exactly the same format. The only difference is that you will write a full sentence, rather than a sentence fragment, at each level of the outline.

The APA decimal outline is a rarer format, but by no means unknown. It's the simplest of the bunch. Just break your headings into paragraphs and number them using Arab numerals. The first number indicates the heading, the second number indicates the paragraph, and the third number indicates the point being made.

• The first heading is numbered 1.0.
• The first paragraph in the first heading is 1.1.
• The first point or sentence of your first paragraph is 1.1.1.
• The second sentence is 1.1.2.
• The second sentence of your second paragraph is 1.2.2.
• As you move on to the second heading, you progress to 2.0.
• The first sentence in the first paragraph under your second heading is indicated as 2.1.1.

Your professor should tell you which format they want you to use. If you don't know, ask!

Three Ways to Outline

The best way to gain an understanding of the three distinct forms of the APA outline format is to look at examples. We've provided one example of each:

• APA basic outline
• Full sentence format
• Decimal outline format

Note that the first example is a full-scale outline pattern for you to follow. The other two demonstrate the differences between the APA basic format and the full sentence and decimal outline formats. Always ask your instructor which format they prefer.

APA Basic Outline: College Application Process

The following outline on the college application process illustrates the APA basic outline format. We've also created a downloadable PDF of all three approaches to APA outlines available at the end of this section. Just download and use it as a template, starting at the first Roman numeral.

I. Choose Desired Colleges A. Visit and evaluate college websites Identify tour dates and interesting on-campus events. Student/faculty ratio Retention rate Note important statistics Schedule time with heads of interesting departments B. Visit and evaluate college campuses Take tour Meet with heads of departments On- and off-campus housing Recreation (restaurants, sports, and music venues) Explore area around campus II. Prepare Application A. Write a personal statement Choose an interesting topic Describe an influential person in your life Favorite high school teacher Grandparent 2. Include important personal details Volunteer work Participation in varsity sports B. Revise personal statement III. Compile resume A. List relevant coursework B. List work experience C. List volunteer experience Tutor at foreign language summer camp Volunteer at suicide prevention hotline

APA Full Sentence Format: Greenhouse Gas Essay

As noted above, the only difference between APA basic and a full-sentence outline is that the headings are in full sentences. Again, just start at the first Roman numeral for an APA-compliant full-sentence essay outline.

I. Man-made pollution is the primary cause of global warming. A. Greenhouse gas emissions are widely identified by the scientific community to be harmful. 1. The burning of coal and fossil fuels are the primary releasers of hazardous greenhouse gases. 2. Harmful greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Decimal Outline Format: College Selection

Decimal outlines differ from other APA-compliant formats only in their numbering system. Follow that and you're set. Start at 1.0.

1.0 Choose Desired College 1.1 Visit and evaluate college campuses 1.2 Visit and evaluate college websites 1.2.1 Look for interesting classes 1.2.2 Note important statistics

Apa basic outline 4

More tips on creating an outline.

A well-written outline is a valuable tool in crafting the best possible research paper. By building an outline, you establish a structure for what you will say and how you say it. Here are a few tips on creating a great outline:

• Coordination : Coordinating your headings is vital to a well-organized outline. Coordination means that each of your headings has the same amount of significance. That rule also applies to subheadings. If you find one of your headings is of less importance than another, try to incorporate it into a subheading instead.
• Division : Division is the simple rule of keeping your outline sections specific and splitting things up rather than letting them grow verbose. Make sure every subheading serves its heading. If it doesn't, put it elsewhere or delete it.
• Parallelism : Parallelism refers to keeping a consistent structure between headings and subheadings. Use parallelism to keep your outline organized and your writing on topic. If you start each heading with a verb, for example, then all your headings and subheadings should start with a verb.
• Subordination : Subordination is the relationship between the headings and subheadings. Use subordination to keep your headings and subheadings in the right order. Headings should start out general, with subheadings growing more and more specific the deeper they go.

Outlines Are Here to Help

After laying out all these specific guidelines, it may seem like the outline for a paper will be as much work as the paper itself. Not so. By using this structure, you establish a backbone for your paper. From there, all you need to do is build out. It makes the writing process much easier and produces a better result. Bibliography.com offers further guidelines on basic APA citation format .

For more help with formatting, particularly in other disciplines or contexts, take a look at our examples of MLA format and University of Chicago format . Be sure to stick with the style guide your instructor prefers.