Writing a research paper is an essential aspect of academics and should not be avoided by high school students. Research papers allow students to deeply explore a topic of interest while developing valuable skills in critical thinking, writing, and synthesis of scholarly sources. While research papers may seem daunting, breaking it down into steps and utilizing the correct formatting helps streamline the process. The American Psychological Association (APA) format is commonly used in high school social sciences classes. This sample APA research paper provides guidelines and examples for formatting, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page.
The first element of a research paper is the title page. The title of the paper should capture the key aspect of the topic. The title should be centered and typed in title case in the upper half of the page. Below the title, your name and your high school should be centered on separate lines. Continue with the page header in the top right corner. The page header is a shortened title no more than 50 characters with page numbers beginning on the title page as page 1. Consistent headers allow the reader to quickly identify the paper.
The second page begins the paper text divided into sections by headings. The introduction should capture your reader’s attention, clearly state the topic, and convey the importance and relevance of your research. To connect the chosen topic to current events or trends sparks interests. For example, if writing about racial disparities in healthcare access due to lack of transportation, consider opening by mentioning transportation shortfalls in your local community or a news story with similar issues. The introduction must use formal academic language and transition smoothly to the thesis statement providing direction for the paper. The thesis should be specific rather than overly broad and clearly state the main argument or purpose of the research.
Three or more body paragraphs logically organize the research findings and transition smoothly between them. Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence directly relating to the thesis. Provide examples, facts, direct quotes and paraphrased information from credible scholarly sources to support your thesis. Do not leave quotes or facts unsupported; properly integrate them within the context of each paragraph through analysis and signposting. Proper citations give credit to authors and support the credibility of your arguments. Parenthetical in-text citations correspond to full citations on the reference list page and follow proper APA format.
Citations consist of the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number if quoting directly. “As stated by Smith (2020), “chronic health conditions disproportionately impact minority and low-income communities due to systemic inequities” (p.23)”. Or if paraphrasing, insert the author’s last name and year inside parentheses after the paraphrased information. (Johnson, 2019). To introduce a quote, you may also write “According to Johnson (2019),…” and follow with the quote.
Transition smoothly between body paragraphs using transition words like furthermore, similarly, Or conversely depending on how the information relates or contrasts between paragraphs. The conclusion restates the thesis and closes by emphasizing the importance and implications of the research. Consider closing with a comment on how the research could potentially inform practical solutions or further areas of study. Provide a clincher sentence leaving the reader with a strong final thought.
Following the conclusion, include a reference list beginning on a new page. Sources must correspond exactly to the citations within the body of the paper. Use hanging indentation and list sources alphabetically by the author’s last name. For works with no individual author, alphabetize by the source title. The format for each entry in the reference list varies depending on whether it is a book, journal article, government document, or other source format. Consult the APA manual or online resources for proper formatting. When citing electronic sources, include a URL or DOI instead of page numbers as necessary.
Proper formatting and organization help create cohesion and allow your arguments and research to flow smoothly. Edit meticulously for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. At the high school level, running papers by the teacher for feedback is beneficial to refine the research process. Students become strong writers through practice and applying proper formatting standards develops important technical skills. With guidance, choosing an interesting topic, crafting an engaging thesis, and thoroughly researching credible sources, any dedicated high school student can excel at writing an impressive paper following the APA research format.