The Writing Center at University of Wisconsin-Madison has a practical online resource for helping writers do APA citation accurately.
What I like about this site: features a podcast and a printable PDF overview, yet the most day-to-day valuable may be the online templates for managing different kinds of sources.
Check it out: APA Documentation
The Center for Writing has reference books, handouts, and carefully selected online resources for multiple documentation styles, including AAA, AP, APA, ASA, CBE / CSE, Chicago / CMS, and MLA.
For a printable list of recommended resources: documentation-style
Ask the Center Staff
How am I ever going to get this project done if I keep changing my mind??? A couple of weeks ago, I finally figured out a claim for my sustained writing project. But after reading more and talking to people, I’m not sure I think about this issue the same way I did when I started. NOW what do I do? – A worried ITW student
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Dear ITW student,
What you describe sounds like you are digging into your own education by thinking, writing, talking, and rethinking. Believe it or not, this is a good thing. It may seem like you are losing focus when you are learning so much, but the tutors say that rethinking and rewriting is entirely normal, and an important learning process. Here’s their advice:
“Come up with a thesis early, but be prepared to edit and change it later, sometimes multiple times.” — Jenn Kant
“Research will help lead to a claim.” — John Vespa
“When it comes to formulating a claim, don’t force it; it may change many times throughout your writing and it may not even come to you until the end of the process.” — Ellen Estabrook
“Take your claim and re-write it three or four times in different ways. Keep what you like and get rid of what you don’t.” — Alex Candee
“Explore and develop your ideas through discussion with peers, teachers, and anyone willing to give you their thoughts. Through discussion, your ideas will develop which will add depth to your writing.” –- Josh Starkey
“Do not be afraid of revision. Think of your first draft as a tabletop of puzzle pieces that you will toy with, rearranging and finding new shapes and forms through your own exploration.” – Erin Stewart
