How to Reference Articles in an APA Format Paper


If you want to cite an article in , you have to start with the author of the article. The surname is mentioned first. This is followed by the year of publication in brackets, the title of the article (no quotation marks), and the title of the journal in italics. The volume and issue number come right after the journal title, and then page numbers. The reference list is ordered alphabetically based on the first letters of the surnames of the authors who are cited.


Consistency in applying APA style for article titles not only enhances the professional appearance of your essay but also adheres to academic standards. When referencing the article in your reference list, the same formatting rules apply. The title should appear in quotation marks with appropriate capitalisation. For instance, if you are citing an article titled 'Innovative Strategies for Renewable Energy', it should be entered as "Innovative Strategies for Renewable Energy" in your reference list. Here are additional tips to ensure your formatting is spot-on:

The table below shows the general reference form for citing articles in APA style and three examples (cf. APA manual 2010: 198-199 & Szuchman 2005: 103.).

How to Reference in an Essay: All You Need to Know

If you cite two works by the same author, MLA style asks that you list them in alphabetical order by the title, and include the author’s name only for the first source. For the other sources, include three hyphens (as above) to indicate that the work is by the same author. (After the authors’ names, follow the instructions on this site for the type of book or article you’re citing.)

When writing an academic essay using the American Psychological Association (APA) style, it's crucial to format article titles correctly to adhere to strict academic standards. In APA style, the titles of articles are not italicised but are instead enclosed in quotation marks. This rule helps differentiate the titles of articles from titles of larger works like books or journals, which are italicised. For example, when referencing an article within your essay, you would format the title as "The Impact of Climate Change on Polar Bears." Additionally, ensure that you capitalise all major words in the article title. Here are some key points to remember when formatting article titles in APA style:

Consistency in applying MLA style for article titles not only enhances the professional appearance of your essay but also adheres to academic standards. When referencing the article in your 'Works Cited' page, the same formatting rules apply. The title should appear in quotation marks with appropriate capitalisation. For instance, if you are citing an article titled 'New Approaches to Renewable Energy', it should be entered as "New Approaches to Renewable Energy" in your list of works cited. Here are additional tips to ensure your formatting is spot-on:

The above table has all the necessary information components that you must include when citing an article. However, the order of the information presented above differs depending on the citation system you are using.


How to Reference in an Essay (3 Simple Tips)

Another effective approach is to incorporate a rhetorical question or a bold statement that challenges common beliefs. Titles such as 'What If We Are Wrong About Climate Change?' or 'The Myth of Progress: Revisiting Our Steps Towards Sustainability' can provoke thought and debate, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the essay content. Remember, the goal of a creative title is not just to attract attention, but also to reflect the depth and perspective of the essay. It should be a beacon that guides the reader into the heart of your writing, promising them a journey worth their time.

How to Cite an Article in an Essay

Journal title: Another vital element is the title of the journal. Depending on the citation system you choose to follow, the title is put in quotation marks. The title of the journal is also part of a full citation and must be italicized to contrast it with the title of the article. Thus, it is possible to distinguish article and journal title at a glance.

How to Use Sources and References in Essay

Crafting a creative and impactful title for your essay is essential in capturing the reader's interest right from the start. A well-thought-out title sets the tone and preps the reader for what to expect. Some strategies for creating such titles include using powerful adjectives or unexpected phrases that resonate with the essay’s theme. For example, titles like 'Unveiling the Shadows: The Silent Crisis of Mental Health' or 'Beyond the Echo: Voices of the Unheard' use evocative language to intrigue and pull the reader into the essay’s narrative.

Mastering How to Write an Article Title in an Essay

Beyond descriptive and analytical titles, there are provocative titles that are crafted to spark curiosity and interest, such as 'Is Global Warming an Inconvenient Truth?'. These titles are particularly effective for essays intended to challenge or introduce controversial viewpoints. Additionally, question-based titles like 'How Does Global Warming Affect Marine Life?' directly engage the reader by posing a query. This type of title is effective for essays that aim to explore and answer specific questions. Understanding these different types can help you tailor your title to not only match the content of your essay but also to attract the right audience, enhancing the overall impact of your work.

How to Put an Article in an Essay

When crafting an article title for an essay, understanding the different types that can be employed is crucial. Each type of title serves a unique purpose and suits different academic contexts, making the choice of title an integral part of your essay's success. For instance, descriptive titles aim to give a straightforward preview of the essay’s content, such as 'The Effects of Global Warming on Coral Reefs'. On the other hand, analytical titles reflect on the deeper analysis contained within the essay, like 'Evaluating the Long-term Impacts of Global Warming on Marine Biodiversity'. Choosing the right type of title helps in setting the correct expectation for your readers.