Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide

APA Style

APA Sixth Edition Style to be used for all citations and references
For assistance, refer to the Avondale Reference Guide for APA
Contents

ASSIGNMENT WRITING AND PRESENTATION .......................................................................................... 2

1. Content .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Answer the essay topic.................................................................................................... 2
1.2 Be well informed ............................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Select only reputable websites ........................................................................................ 2
1.5 Comply with the word limit ............................................................................................. 3
1.6 Structure the content ...................................................................................................... 3
1.7 Formal Language ............................................................................................................ 3
1.8 Punctuation .................................................................................................................... 3
1.9 Sentence Structure .......................................................................................................... 4
1.10 Spelling ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.11 Use of tense .................................................................................................................... 4

2. Format ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1 Cover page...................................................................................................................... 4
2.2 Line spacing, margins, numbering pages, and footers ..................................................... 5
2.3 Paragraphs ..................................................................................................................... 5
2.4 Capitalisation of words ................................................................................................... 5
2.5 Abbreviations, numbers and numerals ............................................................................ 5
2.6 Using quotes ................................................................................................................... 6
2.7 Paraphrasing .................................................................................................................. 7
2.8 Plagiarism....................................................................................................................... 7
2.9 Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 7
2.10 Order of sections ............................................................................................................. 8
2.11 Photocopies .................................................................................................................... 8

3. Referencing .................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Reference list format....................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Tables and figures ........................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Paragraph Settings ....................................................................................................... 10
3.4 Extra rules..................................................................................................................... 11

4. Slide Presentation Assignments ................................................................................... 12

4.1 Referencing in slide presentations ................................................................................. 12

Bibliography ............................................................................................................................. 13

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 1
ASSIGNMENT WRITING AND PRESENTATION
There are three major areas to be considered when preparing an assignment at tertiary level.
These are content, format and referencing.

1. Content
When writing a formal assignment it should not be written in point form but should follow a
series of logical steps. Here are some tips for writing a top scoring essay:

1.1 Answer the essay topic

Make sure you understand the topic and identify the main points to be answered. In
particular, note terms such as outline, describe, discuss, contrast, compare, analyse, what or
why, and present the information accordingly.

1.2 Be well informed

Read widely. Look at both sides of an issue and avoid bias. Ensure that material is relevant to
the topic. Your lecturer or Unit Information/Unit Outline may provide guidance on the
number of references you should use, but generally the quality of references is more
important than the quantity. Aim to use a range of resource types, such as books and journal
articles.
There are a number of options for locating information. This includes not only websites and
PrimoSearch (the Library Catalogue), but also databases, which require you to use your
student log-in and password if you are not already logged in to an Avondale computer.
Remember that PrimoSearch also accesses material from most of the databases and will
retrieve book titles as well as journal articles.

On the library homepage

select either Primo
Search or, for a more
detailed search, select
individual Databases to
find information.

1.3 Select only reputable websites

Ensure that material is from a reputable site. For example if you are researching diabetes, a
Google search will bring up a wide range of sites. In the following two examples, both have
official-sounding titles but are quite different, with the first one being a member-based
organisation while the second is a professional association and is therefore more likely to
have reliable information.
 Diabetes NSW and ACT (http://diabetesnsw.com.au/) The first site is
We work to improve lives of people affected by diabetes. Read More! not as
authoritative as
 Diabetes Australia (https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/) the second site,
National peak body for diabetes providing a collective voice for people but both sound
living with diabetes, their families and carers. official.

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 2
1.4 Organise ideas logically
Collect data from various sources and present the information in logical steps so that it is easy
for the reader to follow your ideas. Link ideas together and show clearly how the information
relates to the overall topic. Do not just take slabs from various references, place them in
sequence, and then add a conclusion. Make frequent use of transitional phrases to help keep
the reader informed of the direction you are taking.

1.5 Comply with the word limit

Make sure you meet the word limit, but do not exceed it. Usually a latitude of 10% either side
is allowed. The total number of words is made up of the actual essay itself and does not
include the cover page, abstract, references used in the actual essay, reference list or
appendix. Direct quotes are also excluded from this count.

1.6 Structure the content

The essay should have an introduction, a body and a conclusion:
The introduction
The introduction forms the first paragraph and it should clarify the topic of the essay,
define major terms and outline what will be presented in the essay. It should be
written in such a way that it encourages the reader to read on.
The body
This is where the topic statement or question is actually answered. The main points of
the topic should be presented in logical order and each point elaborated on
separately. Factors such as relevance, word constraints and the purpose of the essay
need to be considered.
The conclusion
The conclusion of the essay constitutes the final paragraph and should bring together,
in summary, the major points presented in the body of the essay. The purpose is to
sum up and reflect on the information found in relation to the topic. No new ideas
should be presented in the conclusion. Avoid concluding with a quote.

1.7 Formal Language

Tertiary assignments should be presented as professional papers. Please take particular care
with the use of formal language, punctuation, sentence structure, spelling and tense. As an
Avondale student you may access a premium Grammarly account to assist with writing. For
more information see http://www.avondale.edu.au/library/information-skills/grammarly/
Use formal language and terms in essays, avoiding jargon, clichés and slang. When identifying
people in the text of the essay, do not refer to them by first name only. Surnames may be
used on their own; first names may be used with surnames, if desired. As a rule, write essays
in the third person, avoiding the use of first and second person pronouns such as ‘I’, ‘we’, ‘us’,
‘our’, etc., unless the topic asks you to share your own experience. Use gender neutral
language as appropriate.

1.8 Punctuation
Ensure that all punctuation is correct. Special care needs to be taken with the use of
apostrophes, especially in relation to their use to depict ownership. Remember to place the

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 3
apostrophe after the actual owner/s. For example, the pupil’s classroom versus the pupils’
classroom. Be aware also of the use of an apostrophe in the word it’s. It’s refers to “it is”,
whereas, its refers to “the possessive case singular of it”, for example ‘Hold the book by its
spine.’ Take care to also differentiate between your (belonging to you) and you’re (you are).
Do not use contractions such as can’t, haven’t etc.

1.9 Sentence Structure

As a general rule, material in tertiary essays should be presented in complete sentences.
Ensure that correct grammar is used, and check that each sentence contains a subject and a
verb and is constructed as a complete sentence.

1.10 Spelling
There should be no spelling errors. Use a dictionary or spell check to ensure that spelling is
correct. Be consistent - do not mix American and Anglicised forms e.g. color and colour.

1.11 Use of tense

Avoid changes of tense within an assignment, and certainly within the one paragraph. Write
in the tense appropriate to the topic e.g. an essay on an historical topic should be written in
the past tense, but one describing the status quo would be in present tense.

2. Format
An assignment should be submitted in a form that makes it a pleasure to read and grade.
Untidy presentation and inconsistency in format is not acceptable and can result in a reduced
grade. Follow these guidelines when preparing the final draft for submission.

2.1 Cover page

A cover page is to be placed at the front of the assignment and must include the required
signed statement regarding plagiarism and ownership of work. Use the cover page template
from the Library website under Assignment Style Guides. Attach a cover page even if you are
submitting an assignment through Turnitin.

To insert a cover page into your assignment, place your cursor at the beginning of your
assignment, then go to Insert and select: Object – Text from File.

Windows: On a Mac:

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 4
You will have already completed and saved your title page somewhere on your computer –
select it now from your files.
Make sure it does not have a page number on it. You will probably need to insert a page
break to prevent the title page starting with Page 1. The first page of your assignment will
start with Page 1.
Some lecturers ask for the assignment rubrics to be attached, or they may ask for an abstract.
See the sample essay under How to Reference on the library homepage for an example of a
completed essay.

2.2 Line spacing, margins, numbering pages, and footers

Typed assignments must be double-spaced, including references. Handwriting is not
acceptable. On occasion you may be required to print an assignment rather than submit it
electronically. In that case print on one side of the paper only. Preferred fonts, in black only,
are Times New Roman 12 point, Arial 12 point, and Calibri 12 point, or a font and size
specified by your lecturer. Different sizes, 8-14, may be used in figures.

A margin of approximately 2.54 centimetres all round, on the left and right edges of the page,
as well as the top and bottom, is essential. Each page, except the cover page, should be
numbered. Your lecturer may give further guidance e.g. where to place the numbering. Your
student ID number should be included in a footer.

Note: See section 3.3 for instructions on the settings to use in Word.

2.3 Paragraphs
Indent the first line of each paragraph (See settings in section 3.3). A paragraph is a group of
sentences that develops one main point or idea. Generally, the idea is introduced in the key
sentence and the successive sentences explain or illustrate the point that the paragraph is
making.
Ensure that there is continuity between paragraphs with one paragraph flowing logically on
from the previous one. Each paragraph should end in a way that leads into the next. The
length of a paragraph may vary depending on assignment type, but a paragraph should
generally have at least three sentences. As a guide a paragraph should be around 100 - 150
words in length, and while it can be longer, it shouldn’t be excessively so.

2.4 Capitalisation of words

Any proper nouns such as names of medications, organisations, etc. should begin with a
capital letter when referred to in the assignment.

2.5 Abbreviations, numbers and numerals

Abbreviations may be used but only after they have initially been identified in full when first
used. For example: …the blood pressure (BP). His BP was subsequently…
Spell out whole numbers less than 10 and any numbers used to begin a sentence; otherwise
numerals are used. For example:
“There were five apples on the plate.”

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 5
“There were 50 apples on the bench.”
“Fifty five apples were provided.”

2.6 Using quotes

All quoted material must be identified as being quoted. Direct quotation occurs when you
use “word for word material directly quoted from another author’s work” (APA, 2010, p. 173).
There are two methods of doing this depending on the length of the quote.
Where a quote is shorter than 40 words in length it is to be included in the text of the essay
and identified by double quotation marks at the beginning and end of the actual quoted
material. The source of the quote must also be given within the sentence or at its conclusion.
Please note the placement of the full stop at the end of the sentence. For example:
Researchers have observed that “falls are frequently reported adverse events in the adult
inpatient setting” (Perry, Potter, & Elkin, 2012, p. 37).

Alternatively, the author’s name can be used as part of the actual sentence. For example:
Perry et al. (2012, p. 37) observe that “falls are frequently reported adverse events in the
adult inpatient setting.”
(Note the use of et al as the authors have previously been cited above)
Or, if you paraphrase what the author has said it would appear as: Hint: There is no
point in quoting
Falls are particularly dangerous in the elderly and Perry et al. (2012, p.
from standard
37) note that they can become deeply traumatic experiences. textbooks!
Indent and double space quotes which are 40 words or longer in length.
Quotation marks are not used. For example:

The authors emphasise that:

Assessment of respiratory function is one of the most critical assessment skills because

alterations can be life threatening. Routine assessment is essential; changes in

respirations or breath sounds can occur quickly as a result of a variety of factors,

including immobility, infection and fluid overload. (Perry, et al., 2012, p. 37)

Note the placement of the full stop in a block quotation. Compare this to the placement of
the full stop in a short quotation at the end of the sentence (see above).
Quotes should not be used in excess. They should be reserved for such items as definitions,
brief extracts that cannot be expressed adequately in another way, or for special emphasis. As
a general guide, quotes should constitute less than 10% of an essay.
When quoting, copy the original wording exactly and use the same spelling and punctuation
as is used in the original. If there is an error in the original this can be identified in the quote
by placing [sic] after the error. When including a quote in the text of an essay, make sure that
the sentence is grammatically correct. If it is necessary to include an extra word or phrase in a

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 6
quote to ensure correct sentence structure, place the word or phrase in square brackets.
If you omit part of the original work within a quote then indicate this with three spaced
periods, (. . .) with another full stop added (. . .). if this is at the end of a sentence or between
two sentences.

2.7 Paraphrasing
Be especially careful with paraphrasing, or putting ideas in your own words. Just changing one
or two words in a sentence is not paraphrasing.
Reading this sentence, “The man puffed as he ran up the hill” and changing it to “The man
panted as he ran up the steep hill” is not good enough. You would need to change it
substantially to something like “The hill posed a tough challenge to the exhausted man.”
When you paraphrase you will retain the meaning but change the entire structure of the
sentence or paragraph. You must still include reference details.

2.8 Plagiarism
Please familiarise yourself with the Avondale College policy on plagiarism or view the online
tutorial. (See www.avondale.edu.au under Information/policies/academic integrity or view
the online tutorial at Library>Info Skills>Online Tutorials>Avoid Plagiarism).
The APA guide for referencing (APA, 2010) clearly indicates that you cannot present another’s
ideas as your own. It must be noted that “Whether paraphrasing, quoting an author directly,
or describing an idea that influenced your work, you must credit the source” (APA, 2010, p.
172). This infers that the reader should never be confused or in doubt as to where the
information or ideas have been sourced. It is best to reference more often than not.
Use Turnitin to check your work for inadvertent plagiarism. Allow plenty of time before your
assignment is due to submit, check and then resubmit if necessary.
If you fail to adequately reference in an academic paper, an investigation will determine if it
constitutes poor scholarship or plagiarism. Where instances of plagiarism are established,
penalties as outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy, sections 6.7 and 6.8 will be applied.

2.9 Appendices
Material which is deemed necessary to support information in the text of the assignment but
which is not considered appropriate for inclusion in the actual essay may be included as an
appendix. Generally such items as letters, tables, graphs, questionnaires etc. would be placed
in the appendix. Appendices are placed at the back of the assignment, after the reference list.
Each appendix must be referred to in the actual text of the essay.

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 7
2.10 Order of sections
The various sections of an assignment are to be bound together in the following order:
Title Page
Rubric (if required)
Abstract (if required)
The actual essay
References
Tables
Figures
Appendix/Appendices (if applicable)

2.11 Photocopies
As a general rule, do not include photocopied material in an assignment. If it is necessary to
include such material, ensure that it is referenced correctly. It is usually appropriate to include
photocopied material as an appendix rather than part of the actual essay.

3. Referencing
Material quoted from another author’s work needs to be acknowledged in the body of the
assignment and in the reference list.
Referencing correctly is important for a number of reasons:
 It shows you have read widely and provides
credibility to your paper Bibliography vs References
 It shows you understand the issues involved Remember that a bibliography
 It provides the information necessary for someone is a list of everything you have
read for an assignment while a
to locate the sources
reference list is a list of only the
 It avoids plagiarism items you have quoted from or
referred to in your assignment.

3.1 Reference list format

1. Begin the first line at the left margin and indent
subsequent lines by 1.27 cm. All references should be double spaced—between
references as well as within references if it runs into two or more lines
2. The author’s surname appears first; use only initials for other names e.g. Smith, C.
3. If there is no author, begin with the title.
4. Specify the complete title, including subtitles
e.g. Early history: A complete timeline

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APA does not allow many abbreviations in its reference lists, but the following are allowed:

Chapter chap. Part Pt.

Edition ed. Number No.
Revised edition Rev. ed. No date n.d.
Editor Ed. Page p.
Second edition etc. 2nd ed. Pages pp.
Translated by Trans. Volume Vol. (e.g., Vols. 2-5)
Supplement Suppl. Volumes vols. (e.g., 3 vols.)

EndNote and Zotero are programs to assist you with your referencing, or you may prefer to
use www.citefast.com. The college librarians can help you learn how to use these tools.
A complete guide to APA referencing can be found on the Library Website under How to
Reference where you will find many useful examples.

3.2 Tables and figures

These must be referred to in the text of your essay. Do not refer to the ‘table below’ or the
‘figure above’ or specify a page number as these often change with the final printing.
Tables
Refer to tables by their number: e.g. As shown in Table 4, the results were conflicting…
Table number: e.g. Table 1, Table 2 is determined by the order in which that table is referred
to in your essay. Do not bold or italicise the table number.
Title: Leave a line then write the title directly below the table number; capitalise each word;
italicise without a full stop.
Table 1

Height (in cm) of Three Children at Ages 0-3 Years

Age (years)
Child’s name 0 1 2 3

Charlotte 40 60 82 91
Jackson 61 82 96 106
Alannah 54 73 86 99

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 9
Figures
Examples: Graphs, charts, maps, drawings or photographs. Refer to Figures by their number:
e.g. As shown in Figure 4, the temperature rose quickly …
Figure number: e.g. Figure 1, Figure 2 is determined by the order referred to in your essay.
Place the figure number BELOW the figure.
Title: The figure should not have a title.

120
100
Height (cm)

80
Charlotte
60
Jackson
40 Alannah
20
0
0 1 2 3
Age (years)

Figure 1. Height (in cm) of three children at ages 0-3 years

3.3 Paragraph Settings

Use these paragraph settings to format your Assignment correctly.
(Windows) (Mac)

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 10
Use these paragraph settings to format your References correctly.
Windows: Mac:

(Windows)

3.4 Extra rules

1. Do not right justify your essay or hyphenate words at the ends of lines e.g., hamm
-ering

2. If you are quoting something within a quote, use single quotation marks e.g., “Some
observers refer to a ‘risk epidemic’ in the medical literature.”

3. References must begin on a new page. Centre (do not bold or underline) the title at the
top of page.

4. All sources cited must appear both in-text (in your assignment) and on the reference
page.

5. Titles of books, journals, magazines and newspapers should be in italics.

6. If there is more than one item by the same author, order them by date, from oldest to
most recent e.g. in this order 2003, 2010, 2014.

7. When an author appears as both a sole author, and as the first author of a group of
authors, list the single author entry first in your reference list.

8. If the same author has written several items in the one year, identify each item with a
letter in both reference list and citations. Example: (Smith, 2012a) (Smith, 2012b).

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 11
9. If there is no author, alphabetise by title. Shorten the title for in-text citations.

10. If the author is an organisation with a long name, quote the name and acronym in the
first citation, and then just the acronym. Example: (Sydney Adventist Hospital [SAH],
2003) and then just (SAH, 2003).

4. Slide Presentation Assignments

For a guide to preparing high quality slide presentations, click here. This guide is quick and
easy to look through and gives many practical tips to ensure your slides look good and are
easy to read.

4.1 Referencing in slide presentations

In addition to considering the above presentation tips, you must remember to reference in a
slide presentation assignment just as you would in an essay. If the text of your slides uses any
quotes or other authors’ ideas, you should reference these in-text citations as you would in an
essay.
The information below is taken from Avondale’s Copyright in PowerPoint presentations guide
(Down, 2016):

Do I need to include a Reference List at the end of my presentation?

Maybe. You can either put full bibliographic details on each slide, or you can make a
brief reference to the item and then include the main details in a Reference List on the
last slide of your presentation.

Assignment Writing and Presentation Guide—APA Style. Updated June 2017 Page 12
 Bibliography

American Psychological Association. (2010). Concise rules of APA style (6th ed.). Washington,

DC: Author.

Down, M. (2016) Copyright in PowerPoint presentations [PDF document]. Retrieved from

https://www.avondale.edu.au/Departments/Library/Powerpoints-and-copyright.pdf

Perrin, R. (2015). Pocket guide to APA style (5th ed.). Stamford, CI: Cengage Learning.

Perry, A. G., Potter, P. A., & Elkin, M. E. (2012). Nursing interventions & clinical skills (5th ed.).

St Louis, MI: Elsevier Mosby.

PowerPoint Presentation: Some good advice! (n.d.) [PDF document]. Retrieved from

https://www.avondale.edu.au/Departments/Library/Making-good-powerpoints.pdf

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