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Citing Sources Guide

Iona University Libraries Research Guide on Citing Source

Research Paper


 

General
  • Include Page Numbers on all pages that are right justified in the header section of the page
  • Use Double Spacing 
  • Use a 12-point font
  • Running Header
    • Not used on a student paper
    • If the paper is for publication or if the instructor specifies a running header:
      • It is an abbreviated version of the title
      • Left justified on the top of every page in the header section of the page
      • Write in all capital letters
      • Avoid abbreviations
      • Use the same running header on all pages
Title page - Page 1 
  • Double Spaced
  • Title of Paper should be Bold, Centered, and three or four lines down from the top of the page
  • Add one blank space between the title of the paper and your name 
  • The name of the author should be centered 
  • Include the name of the institution.  
  • Include the Course Number and Course Name
  • Include the Instructor's Name
  • Include the Assignment Due Date is written: month day, and year 
Paper - Page 2
  • Repeat title from the first page of the paper, centered and bold
References
  • A new page after the final page of text
  • The page is labeled References - Bold and Centered
Order of pages:
  • Title page
  • Abstract
  • Text
  • Footnotes (if applicable)
  • Table (if applicable)
  • Figures (if applicable)
  • Appendices (if applicable)
Headings
  • All topics of the same importance should have the same level of heading 
  • The number of headings to use depends on the complexity of the work. 
    • Level 1 Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading Text begins as a new paragraph.
      • Don't use Introduction as your first heading; it is assumed, and why you use the title of the paper as your first heading at the start of your paper on the first page of text.
      • After the Introduction (the paper's title), use a Level 1 heading for each main section.
    • Level 2 Flush Left, Bold, Title Case Heading Text begins as a new paragraph.
      • Use Level 2 headings for  headings within the Level 1 
      • Avoid having only one subsection heading. Use at least two subsection headings within a section or use no subsection headings.
    • Level 3 Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading Text begins as a new paragraph.
      • Use Level 3 headings for subsections of Level 2 headings.
    • Level 4 Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. The text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph.
      • Use Level 4 headings for subsections of Level 3 headings.
      • Do not add blank lines before or after headings.
      • Do not add extra spacing between paragraphs.
    • Level 5 Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. The text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph.
      • Use Level 5 headings for subsections of Level 4 headings.