How to format your research paper

We know that one of the most frustrating things about writing a research paper is the formatting. That’s why we’ve found what we believe are the most up-to-date and relevant research paper templates in all the citation styles in both Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

And, while we’re all about automation, keep in mind that you should always still go over your paper to look for correct styling. The most important piece is looking over any requirements from your professor or teacher, and making sure your paper matches those.

Happy writing,

the Sorc’d team

Ways citation style affects your paper

Citation styles govern you paper in three main ways:

Formatting. The general format of your paper - including margins, font, page numbers, line spacing, titles, headings, etc.
Source citing. The cumulative list of all sources used in your research.
- MLA style calls this section: Works Cited (where only cited sources are included). If you have other sources that you have consulted to write your paper, add them in an additional section called the Bibliography.
- APA style calls this section: References
- Chicago style calls this section: Bibliography
In-text citation. When citing sources within the body of your paper, use in-text citation. This lets your reader know that you are incorporating someone else’s work.