By DalatTESOL
This guide introduces the essential rules of APA 7th referencing, using simple explanations, examples, and detailed analysis to help you avoid common mistakes. You’ll learn how to use APA style in both in-text citations and reference lists, with a special focus on applied linguistics research.
🧠 Why Use APA Style?
APA (American Psychological Association) style is the standard format used in education, psychology, applied linguistics, and social sciences. It helps researchers cite sources in a clear, consistent way so that:
- Readers can easily locate your sources,
- You avoid plagiarism,
- And your writing looks professional.
The current version is the 7th edition, released in 2019.
✍️ Part 1: In-Text Citations
In-text citations briefly show the source of an idea within your paragraph. APA uses the author–date format:
(Author, Year)
There are two ways to cite in your text:
✅ 1.1. Parenthetical Citation
This is placed at the end of a sentence in parentheses.
Example:
Generative AI tools may support learner autonomy in writing (Dizon & Gayed, 2023).
✅ 1.2. Narrative Citation
This includes the author name as part of the sentence.
Example:
Dizon and Gayed (2023) suggest that ChatGPT can improve writing fluency.
📌 1.3. Rules Based on Number of Authors
| Number of Authors | First Citation | Subsequent Citations | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | (Nguyen, 2023) | Same | (Nguyen, 2023) |
| 2 | (Nguyen & Bui, 2022) | Same | (Nguyen & Bui, 2022) |
| 3 or more | (Nguyen et al., 2021) | Same | (Nguyen et al., 2021) |
⚠️ Tip: Use “et al.” for 3+ authors, even in the first mention.
🔁 Always use “&” inside parentheses and “and” in narrative form.
📝 Example Paragraph with Analyzed Citations
Many scholars in applied linguistics have explored how AI tools shape academic writing. Dizon and Gayed (2023) argue that such tools can enhance learner autonomy. However, others warn that these tools might weaken students’ self-editing skills if overused (Ranalli, 2018). Teng et al. (2024) emphasize that, with proper scaffolding, generative AI can actually help reduce writing anxiety.
🔍 What’s happening here?
- Dizon and Gayed (2023): Two authors, used in narrative form → use “and”.
- (Ranalli, 2018): One author, parenthetical form.
- Teng et al. (2024): Three authors or more → “et al.” used correctly in narrative form.
📚 Part 2: Reference List Format
The reference list is placed at the end of your paper. It includes full details so readers can find the original sources.
✅ General Rules:
- Start on a new page, titled References (bold, centered).
- Alphabetize by author’s last name.
- Use hanging indent (the second line is indented).
- Follow this order:
Author(s). (Year). Title. Source (journal or book). DOI/URL
🧾 Sample Reference Entry (Analyzed)
Dizon, G., & Gayed, J. (2023). Exploring the effects of ChatGPT on EFL learners’ academic writing. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 36(4), 789–805. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2023.000000
🔍 Line-by-Line Explanation:
- Authors: Last name, initials. Use “&” before final author.
- Year: In parentheses, followed by a period.
- Article Title: Sentence case – only first word and proper nouns capitalized.
- Journal Name: Italicized and Title Case.
- Volume: Italicized.
- Issue Number: In parentheses (not italicized).
- Page Range: Include full range with an en dash (–).
- DOI: Use full clickable link, if available.
📘 Example Reference List (with multiple source types)
Journal Article
Ranalli, J. (2018). Automated writing evaluation and the development of second language writing. Language Learning & Technology, 22(1), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/langtech.2018.001
Book
Paltridge, B., & Starfield, S. (2019). Research methods in applied linguistics: A practical resource. Bloomsbury.
Chapter in Edited Book
Hyland, K. (2016). Academic publishing and the myth of linguistic injustice. In R. Tupas (Ed.), Unequal Englishes (pp. 83–104). Palgrave Macmillan.
🧪 Part 3: Practice Exercises
Try the following to test your understanding.
✍️ Exercise 1: In-text citation
Correct this citation:
(Nguyen and Lee 2020)
✅ Your answer: ____________________________
✍️ Exercise 2: Reference Formatting
Which of these is correct for a journal article?
A.
Teng, F. The use of ChatGPT in essay writing. System, 121(4), 199–209. (2024)
B.
Teng, F. (2024). The use of ChatGPT in essay writing. System, 121(4), 199–209.
✅ Your answer: ____________________________
✅ Answer Key
Exercise 1 Answer:
(Nguyen & Lee, 2020)
→ Use “&” and include a comma before the year.
Exercise 2 Answer:
✅ Correct: B
→ APA 7 requires the year immediately after the author, journal and volume italicized.
📌 Final Reminders
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Use sentence case for article titles | Use title case for article titles |
| Use et al. for 3+ authors | List all authors in-text |
| Italicize journal names and volume | Forget hanging indents |
| Include DOI or URL | End DOI with a period (❌) |