APA Format: What Does It Mean?

Almost every KGSM written assignment specifies that the paper conform to APA style. But no one really knows what this means. At the very least, the requirement could be that references be cited as described in the APA manual. But APA style involves a lot more. In this document, I will explain and/or provide examples of what I, personally, consider to be important in my classes. Some professors may require more or less. My best advice for what to do in other classes is to ask the professor.
Two Required Elements
Every paper has to have an introduction and a conclusion. The introduction establishes why the reader should read the paper. Notice that the introduction does not get a heading. The introduction can be really straightforward or it may be more creative.
The conclusion describes the major findings of the paper. The conclusion may provide a summary of the paper. The conclusion may call for action. The conclusion does get a heading.
Headings
Headings can be a great friend. Not only can headings help you organize your paper, they also help your reader understand the organization. Sometimes, appropriate headings will be suggested by the assignment. Often an assignment will provide that there should be certain components to your paper. Those required sections can become your headings. The format for headings is specified by the manual. Level one headings are bold and centered. Level two headings are bold and left-justified. Level three headings are indented and bold. Level four headings are bold, ended with a period, and incorporated into the paragraph. Level five headings are like level four headings except the level four heading is italicized. The level of the headings is very similar to the nested aspect of outline that you certainly remember from English classes.
Formality
The APA