APA Format Discussion Post Writing Hints
- Start with a Proper Heading
- Include your name, course title, and the date at the top of your post.
- Example: John Doe, PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology, February 28, 2024.
- Write a Clear Introduction
- Start with a concise introduction that outlines the topic you're addressing.
- Include a thesis statement or your main point to guide the post.
- Body of the Discussion Post
- Organize your post into paragraphs to ensure clarity and flow.
- Use a professional yet conversational tone.
- In-Text Citations
- Use in-text citations when referring to specific sources or course material.
- Provide the author's last name and the publication year. Example: (Smith, 2019).
- Reference List (if required)
- If you use external sources, include a reference list at the end of your post.
- Follow the standard APA format for references. Example: Smith, J. (2019). Title of the Book. Publisher.
- Be Concise and Direct
- Ensure your post is clear and to the point, addressing the main ideas without unnecessary elaboration.
- Aim for brevity while maintaining clarity.
- Conclusion
- Conclude your post by summarizing your key points or posing a thought-provoking question.
- Encourage further discussion or exploration of the topic.
- Follow Course-Specific Guidelines
- Check your instructor's requirements for any additional format preferences or guidelines for discussion posts.