ACADEMIC STYLE

Structure
- introduction, body and conclusion
- orderly, logical presentation of ideas
Paragraphs
- topic sentences
- length of 3-8 sentences +
Supporting evidence from authoritative sources in paragraphs
Clear expression: Sentences make sense when read aloud
Formal expression
- word choice: useful instead of jargon or slang great
- complete form: will not instead of contraction wont
- objective language: It can be seen instead of You can see
Non-discriminatory language in ethnicity, disabilities, age,
gender
e.g. (he/she instead of he)
PROOF READING
Spelling e.g. The principal of the school received praise.
- spell-check, use of Australian spelling, e.g. labelled
Typographical errors
Grammar
- complete sentences e.g. contains subject and verb
- subject-verb agreement e.g. Research has been done.
- correct sequence of tenses, e.g. does not mix up past and
present
Punctuation
- e.g. possessive apostrophe s:
One teachers class was gone. Many teachers classes were
gone.
Spacing and lay-out e.g. 1.5
Font size, e.g. 12
Word limit
IN-TEXT REFERENCES (APA)
Authors name followed by year, page e.g. (Smith, 2008, p.4).
Correct format for and citation of direct quotations
- double quotation marks for quotations of fewer than 40 words
long quotations: indent from left margin, no quotation marks
Correct format for and citation of paraphrasing/indirect
quotations: - cite author, year (and preferably page
number)
in mid-sentence (Miele, 1993, p. 276).
at end of a sentence or a block quote: (Miele, 1993, p.
276).
Selection of authoritative sources, e.g. research evidence.
Citation of secondary source
- School policies (Smith, 2001, cited in Wu,
2005, p.5).
Correct use of et al. which means and others (et alia)
REFERENCE LIST
Correct APA format in indentation, italics, punctuation,
spacing
Alphabetical order by family name of (first) author
Format for authorship of article/chapter in an edited book
Format for authorship of journal article
Citation for electronic references
- Name of author(s). (Year). Title of article. Title of Work.
Retrieved from source: month, day, year. For an
undated document, use n.d. abbreviation for no date.
Correct use of upper and lower case letters
-e.g. Literacy: Reading, writing and childrens literature.
Differentiation between Ed. (Editor) and ed. (edition)
Matching of in-text citations and Reference List