How to Do an Abstract Page in APA Format

An abstract lets a reader know the main points of your paper before they read it.

An abstract page gives a brief overview of your paper from start to finish, containing the most important information of your paper. Your abstract page should be a separate page devoted to the summary of your research. The abstract does not need to take up the entire page, but don't put your title page or begin your paper on the same page; if you have room left over, leave it blank.

Instructions

1. Center the title of your page, which should simply be the word "Abstract." Capitalize the "A." There should be no special formatting such as bold print, italicizing or underlining.

2. Give a summarization of the subject and the questions or problems you are trying to answer. What is the topic of your research? What are the questions or problems that you are trying to solve?

3. Detail the main points or results contained in your paper. You should also include the number of participants and the methods used to get to the results.

4. List the conclusions of your paper. What do the results tell you about your subject or your initial questions? Were your initial questions answered by the research?

5. Indent the next line after your abstract is finished to place your keywords. Type the word "Keywords" in italics, followed by a colon, and then list the keywords from your abstract. Center this line.

References

• Purdue Online Writing Lab: APA Formatting and Style Guide