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The Appendix (How to Use One in an Essay)

2-minute read

• 30th March 2017

The appendices in an essay are not typically essential, but they can play an important supporting role. Not everyone knows how to use an appendix in academic writing , though, so we’ve prepared this handy guide.

What Is an Appendix?

An appendix (plural: appendices ) is a section at the end of a book or essay containing details that aren’t essential to your work, but which could provide useful context or background material.

In the main body of your essay, you should indicate when you’re referring to an appendix by citing it in parentheses. For example:

The interviews show that most people like ice cream (see Appendix C).

What Should Go in the Appendices?

Appendices can include many things depending on your topic. Common examples of information added to an appendix include:

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• Raw data from tests
• Technical figures, graphs or tables
• Maps, charts or images
• Letters or emails used in research
• Sample questionnaires or surveys
• Full interview transcripts

What these have in common is that you might need to refer to them in an essay without going into too much detail. For example, you might summarise the results of a test in the ‘Results’ section of a dissertation, then include the full data in appendices to ensure clarity.

How to Format Appendices

Exactly how to format appendices can vary between universities, so you should always check your style guide. Generally, though, appendices should:

• Appear at the end of your document, often after the reference list
• Be divided into sections depending on topic (e.g. separate sections for questionnaire results and interview transcripts)
• Have each appendix section start on a new page
• Be labelled with a letter or number, along with a title clarifying content (Appendix A: Instrument Diagrams, Appendix B: Test Results, etc.)
• Appear in the table of contents at the beginning of your document

Are Appendices Included in the Word Count?

Appendices are not usually included in the word count for an essay. Consequently, you can focus on key information in your work and place extra data in an appendix without worrying about the word count.

However, you should always check your style guide on this. And remember that if you rely on something in your main essay, it needs to be included there: you can’t just shuffle it into the appendices to reduce the word count !

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Easy Guide on How to Write an Appendix

Understanding What Is an Appendix

Many students ask, 'What is an appendix in writing?'. Essentially, an appendix is a compilation of the references cited in an academic paper, prevalent in academic journals, which can be found in any academic publication, including books. Professors frequently require their students to include an appendix in their work.

Incorporating an appendix in your written piece can aid readers in comprehending the information presented. It is important to note that different professors may have varying guidelines on how to write an appendix. To learn more about how to write an appendix for a research paper according to APA, Chicago, and MLA styles, check out the following paragraphs prepared by our PRO nursing essay writing service !

Meanwhile, note that an appendix comprises all the information utilized in a paper, including references and statistics from several authors and sources (the number varies according to the type of academic paper). The purpose of the appendix is to prevent vague or irrelevant information and improve the reader's understanding of the paper.

The Purpose of an Appendix

To understand what an appendix tries to accomplish and how to write an appendix example, after all, we must first answer the key question, 'What is the purpose of an appendix?'. In short, an appendix is crucial for further explaining complex information that may be difficult to fully convey within the main text of an essay. It is intended to offer readers additional information about the topic addressed in the paper.

The material presented in an appendix has the potential to bolster the argument and sway the reader's opinion. Nonetheless, you should try to incorporate supporting material and examples toward the end of the paper to avoid disrupting the flow of the main text. Furthermore, the likelihood of including an appendix increases as a paper becomes more advanced. The use of an appendix is especially prevalent in the academic writing of a research document and journal-style scientific paper, in which extra information is usually needed to support a main point of view.

How to Structure an Appendix

While there are variations between formats, each one follows a basic structure. Thus, understanding the general structure is an essential first step in learning about this topic. No matter if you're tasked with 'how to write an appendix MLA or APA style?' - remember that both adhere to this structure, despite their differences:

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Every Appendix Should Contain:

• A clear title: The title of the appendix should be concise and descriptive, clearly indicating what information is contained within it. For example, 'Appendix A: Data Tables for Study Results or 'Appendix B: Images of Experimental Setup.'
• A list of contents: Including a table of contents in the appendix can be helpful for readers to navigate the information provided. For example:

Table of Contents:

A. Data Tables for Study Results

B. Images of Experimental Setup

C. Survey Questions and Responses

D. Sample Interview Transcripts

• Page numbers: The appendix should be a separate page, independently numbered from the main body of the paper, and specified uniformly (e.g., 'Appendix A,' 'Appendix B,' etc.). For example:

Page 1 of 5

• Relevant information: The appendix should contain all the relevant information supporting the main arguments of the document, including tables of data, raw statistical data, charts, or other documents. For example:

Figure 1: Experimental Results

[insert graph or chart here]

• Proper formatting: The appendix should be formatted in accordance with the specific requirements of the chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). For example:

Appendix B: Survey Questions and Responses

[insert survey questions and responses here, formatted following APA style guidelines]

• Clear labeling: Each element should have a clear appendix label so readers can easily understand its relevance to the paper. For example:

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Survey Respondents

• Concise explanation: It is important to provide short detailed descriptions of each element in the Appendix so that readers can understand its importance. For example:

Appendix C: Sample Interview Transcripts

Transcripts of the three interviews with the study participants shall be included for reference. These interviews provide further insights into the experiences of participants and their views on the subject addressed in this document.

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General Appendix Format

To ensure proper formatting, it is important to understand the basics of how to structure an appendix. Although it may seem overwhelming, the basic format is relatively easy to comprehend and serves as a foundation for understanding the APA and MLA formats. Additionally, mastering the basic format can be helpful when writing an appendix for a book or dissertation.

• Heading “Appendix #” . Contains a number or letter, that could be 1 or A.
• Reference List.
• Index Table followed a list of appendices.
• Page Number.

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How to Write an Appendix in Different Styles

There are two distinct styles for creating an appendix, and it's important to familiarize yourself with both since a professor may request one or the other. Our expert writers have compiled guidelines and rules for both formats - the Appendix APA format and the Appendix MLA format. Although they share some similarities, they also have unique features and regulations that must be strictly followed.

Appendix APA

Many professors require students to write an appendix in a paper of this format. To master how to write an appendix APA format and get the structure correct, it's a good idea to follow these guidelines and rules:

The guidelines for Appendix APA:

• The appendix begins with the heading 'Appendix' followed by ABC.
• It should also be written on top of the appendix title.
• Every appendix follows the order of the stated information in the paper.
• Include the appendix after the reference list.
• Include page numbers for each appendix.
• Appendices are to have their own page, regardless of the size.
• Include Footnotes.

The general rules for Appendix APA are to be followed when writing. This is what professors look for when a paper is required when apprentices are to be written in this format. Learn the general rules to master how to write an appendix APA style and get you onto the right path to success. You may find it useful to memorize this information or keep a note of it.

Rules for APA:

• All appendices should include their own point.
• Include a title for each appendix.
• For multiple appendices, use ABC for tilting them.
• For reference within the body, include (see appendix a) after the text.
• The title should be centered.
• All appendices are to have their own page, regardless of the size.
• Paragraph One should be written without indents.
• The rest of the paragraphs should have the intended formatting.
• Include double spacing.

Whether you're tackling how to write an interview paper in APA appendix or any other type of academic work, the following example can serve as a valuable blueprint to guide you through the process.

Appendix Chicago Style

Writing an appendix Chicago style is rather similar to APA. Though, there are some minor differences. Take a look at these guidelines for this form of an appendix.

Guidelines for an Appendix Chicago Style

• More than one appendix is described as appendices.
• The font required for the appendix Chicago style is Times New Roman.
• The text size should be 12 points.
• The page numbers should be displayed on the top right of each page.
• The page numbers should also be labeled as 'Page 1,2,3'.
• Avoid including a page number on the front cover.
• The bibliography should be the final new page. It should not share a page with any other content.
• It is possible to include footnotes in the bibliography.

To better comprehend how to write an appendix in Chicago style, glance through the example below:

Appendix MLA Format

The guidelines and regulations for creating an appendix in MLA format are largely similar to those in APA format. However, there are some differences between the two, the most notable being that the MLA appendix is placed before the reference list.

The guidelines for MLA Format:

• The appendix is included before the list of references.

It may be useful to follow the example of an appendix to better understand how to write an appendix in MLA style. Doing so can increase the chances of getting a grasp of the MLA rules to fulfill the requirements of your professor on your academic paper.

Rules for MLA

• The title is to be centered.
• The list should be double-spaced.
• The first line should include each reference in the left margin. Every subsequent line is to be formatted so it's invented. This can be referred to as 'hanging indent' to make things easier.
• The reference list must be in alphabetical order. This can be done with the first letter of the title of the reference. Though, this is usually done if the writer is unknown. If the writer is known, you can also use the first letter of the surname.
• If you include the name of the known writer, use this order. SURNAME, FIRST NAME, YEAR.
• Italic fonts are required for the titles of complete writings, internet sites, books, and recordings.
• It is important not to use an italic font on reference titles that only refer to the part of a source. This includes poetry, short papers, tabloids, sections of a PDF, and scholarly entries.

Before we conclude, let's dive deeper into the world of appendix writing by exploring an example of how to write an appendix MLA style.

Let's wrap this up! It's safe to say that following the APA, Chicago, and MLA formats is crucial when crafting an appendix. As we've seen, starting with an APA appendix example can help ease you in mastering how to write an appendix of paper. Once you have a handle on the precise formats and guidelines, creating an appendix becomes a piece of cake. Also, memorizing the format can help you whip up accurate appendices for any type of paper, whether an essay or a dissertation. Trust us, mastering this topic is a must if you want to excel in knowing how to write an appendix in a report or any other academic work.

Moreover, if you ever find yourself in need of additional academic assistance, be sure to check out our resources on how to write an article review . Or, better yet, why not let us handle your most challenging tasks with ease by simply sending us a ' write my paper request? We are here to support you every step of the way.

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How to Write an Appendix

Last Updated: October 4, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 16 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 1,699,045 times.

Like the appendix in a human body, an appendix contains information that is supplementary and not strictly necessary to the main body of the writing. An appendix may include a reference section for the reader, a summary of the raw data or extra details on the method behind the work. You may be required to write an appendix for school or you may decide to write an appendix for a personal project you are working on. You should start by collecting content for the appendix and by formatting the appendix properly. You should then polish the appendix so it is accessible, useful, and engaging for your reader.

Collecting Content for the Appendix

• Raw data may include sample calculations that you refer to in the body of the paper as well as specialized data that expands on data or information you discuss in the paper. Raw statistical data can also be included in the appendix.
• You may also include contributory facts from other sources that will help to support your findings in the paper. Make sure you properly cite any information you are pulling from other sources.

• You may include graphs or charts you have created yourself or graphs or charts from another source. Make sure you properly cite any visuals that are not your own in the appendix.

• For example, you may note in the appendix: “All interviews and surveys were conducted in person in a private setting and were recorded with a tape recorder.”

• You should also include any correspondences you had with subjects in your research, such as copies of emails, letters, or notes written to or from your research subjects.

Formatting the Appendix

• If you have more than one appendix, order them by letter or number and be consistent about the ordering. For example, if you are using letters, make sure the appendices are titled “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc. If you are using numbers, make sure the appendices are titled “Appendix 1,” “Appendix 2,” etc.
• If you have more than one appendix, make sure each appendix begins on a new page. This will ensure the reader is not confused as to where one appendix ends and another begins.

• For example, if raw data is mentioned in the first line of your paper, place that raw data first in your appendix. Or if you mention interview questions at the very end of your paper, make sure the interview questions appear as the last point in your appendix.

• You should also make sure you list the appendix in your table of contents for the paper, if you have one. You can list it based on title, for example, “Appendix”, or “Appendix A” if you have more than one appendix.

• For example, if the text ends on page 17, continue numbering from page 17 when you put in the page numbers for the appendix.

Polishing the Appendix

• You may find it helpful to have someone else read through the appendix, such as a peer or a mentor. Ask them if they feel all the included information is relevant to the paper and remove any information they deem unnecessary.

• Read through the appendix backwards so you can make sure there are no spelling errors. You want the appendix to appear as professional as possible.

• For example, you may note an appendix in the text with: “My research produced the same results in both cases (see Appendix for raw data)” or “I feel my research was conclusive (see Appendix A for interview notes).”

Sample Appendices

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• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/appendices
• ↑ http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/appendices
• ↑ https://askus.library.wwu.edu/faq/116707

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To write an appendix, start by writing “Appendix” at the top of the document, using the same font you used for your chapter headings. Then, order the contents, such as graphs, surveys, or interview transcripts, based on the order in which they appear in your paper. Next, number the pages so they follow sequentially, coming after your paper and your reference list or list of sources. Finally, make sure to check for spelling and grammar errors, so everything will look polished and professional. For more tips from our English co-author, including how to refer to the appendix in your paper, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Research Paper Appendix | Example & Templates

Research Paper Appendix | Example & Templates

Published on August 4, 2022 by Tegan George and Kirsten Dingemanse. Revised on July 18, 2023.

An appendix is a supplementary document that facilitates your reader’s understanding of your research but is not essential to your core argument. Appendices are a useful tool for providing additional information or clarification in a research paper , dissertation , or thesis without making your final product too long.

Appendices help you provide more background information and nuance about your thesis or dissertation topic without disrupting your text with too many tables and figures or other distracting elements.

We’ve prepared some examples and templates for you, for inclusions such as research protocols, survey questions, and interview transcripts. All are worthy additions to an appendix. You can download these in the format of your choice below.

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Table of contents

What is an appendix in a research paper, what to include in an appendix, how to format an appendix, how to refer to an appendix, where to put your appendices, other components to consider, appendix checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about appendices.

In the main body of your research paper, it’s important to provide clear and concise information that supports your argument and conclusions . However, after doing all that research, you’ll often find that you have a lot of other interesting information that you want to share with your reader.

While including it all in the body would make your paper too long and unwieldy, this is exactly what an appendix is for.

As a rule of thumb, any detailed information that is not immediately needed to make your point can go in an appendix. This helps to keep your main text focused but still allows you to include the information you want to include somewhere in your paper.

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An appendix can be used for different types of information, such as:

• Supplementary results : Research findings  are often presented in different ways, but they don’t all need to go in your paper. The results most relevant to your research question should always appear in the main text, while less significant results (such as detailed descriptions of your sample or supplemental analyses that do not help answer your main question), can be put in an appendix.
• Statistical analyses : If you conducted statistical tests using software like Stata or R, you may also want to include the outputs of your analysis in an appendix.
• Further information on surveys or interviews : Written materials or transcripts related to things such as surveys and interviews can also be placed in an appendix.

You can opt to have one long appendix, but separating components (like interview transcripts, supplementary results, or surveys ) into different appendices makes the information simpler to navigate.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Always start each appendix on a new page.
• Assign it both a number (or letter) and a clear title, such as “Appendix A. Interview transcripts.” This makes it easier for your reader to find the appendix, as well as for you to refer back to it in your main text.
• Number and title the individual elements within each appendix (e.g., “Transcripts”) to make it clear what you are referring to. Restart the numbering in each appendix at 1.

It is important that you refer to each of your appendices at least once in the main body of your paper. This can be done by mentioning the appendix and its number or letter, either in parentheses or within the main part of a sentence. It’s also possible to refer to a particular component of an appendix.

Appendix B presents the correspondence exchanged with the fitness boutique. Example 2. Referring to an appendix component These results (see Appendix 2, Table 1) show that …

It is common to capitalize “Appendix” when referring to a specific appendix, but it is not mandatory. The key is just to make sure that you are consistent throughout your entire paper, similarly to consistency in  capitalizing headings and titles in academic writing .

However, note that lowercase should always be used if you are referring to appendices in general. For instance, “The appendices to this paper include additional information about both the survey and the interviews .”

The simplest option is to add your appendices after the main body of your text, after you finish citing your sources in the citation style of your choice. If this is what you choose to do, simply continue with the next page number. Another option is to put the appendices in a separate document that is delivered with your dissertation.

Remember that any appendices should be listed in your paper’s table of contents .

There are a few other supplementary components related to appendices that you may want to consider. These include:

• List of abbreviations : If you use a lot of abbreviations or field-specific symbols in your dissertation, it can be helpful to create a list of abbreviations .
• Glossary : If you utilize many specialized or technical terms, it can also be helpful to create a glossary .
• Tables, figures and other graphics : You may find you have too many tables, figures, and other graphics (such as charts and illustrations) to include in the main body of your dissertation. If this is the case, consider adding a figure and table list .

Checklist: Appendix

All appendices contain information that is relevant, but not essential, to the main text.

Each appendix starts on a new page.

I have given each appendix a number and clear title.

I have assigned any specific sub-components (e.g., tables and figures) their own numbers and titles.

My appendices are easy to follow and clearly formatted.

I have referred to each appendix at least once in the main text.

Your appendices look great! Use the other checklists to further improve your thesis.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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Yes, if relevant you can and should include APA in-text citations in your appendices . Use author-date citations as you do in the main text.

Any sources cited in your appendices should appear in your reference list . Do not create a separate reference list for your appendices.

An appendix contains information that supplements the reader’s understanding of your research but is not essential to it. For example:

• Interview transcripts
• Questionnaires
• Detailed descriptions of equipment

Something is only worth including as an appendix if you refer to information from it at some point in the text (e.g. quoting from an interview transcript). If you don’t, it should probably be removed.

When you include more than one appendix in an APA Style paper , they should be labeled “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on.

When you only include a single appendix, it is simply called “Appendix” and referred to as such in the main text.

Appendices in an APA Style paper appear right at the end, after the reference list and after your tables and figures if you’ve also included these at the end.

You may have seen both “appendices” or “appendixes” as pluralizations of “ appendix .” Either spelling can be used, but “appendices” is more common (including in APA Style ). Consistency is key here: make sure you use the same spelling throughout your paper.

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How to Write an APA Appendix

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Amanda Tust is a fact-checker, researcher, and writer with a Master of Science in Journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.

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• When to Use an Appendix
• What to Include
• Basic Rules

If you are writing a psychology paper for a class or for publication, you may be required to include an appendix in APA format. An APA appendix is found at the end of a paper and contains information that supplements the text but that is too unwieldy or distracting to include in the main body of the paper. 

APA format is the official writing style used by the American Psychological Association . This format dictates how academic and professional papers should be structured and formatted. 

Does Your Paper Need an APA Appendix?

Some questions to ask about whether you should put information in the body of the paper or in an appendix:

• Is the material necessary for the reader to understand the research? If the answer is yes, it should be in your paper and not in an appendix.
• Would including the information interrupt the flow of the paper? If the answer is yes, then it should likely appear in the appendix.
• Would the information supplement what already appears in your paper? If yes, then it is a good candidate for including in an appendix.

Your appendix is not meant to become an information dump. While the information in your appendices is supplementary to your paper and research, it should still be useful and relevant. Only include what will help readers gain insight and understanding, not clutter or unnecessary confusion.

What to Include in an APA Appendix

The APA official stylebook suggests that the appendix should include information that would be distracting or inappropriate in the text of the paper.

Some examples of information you might include in an appendix include:

• Correspondence (if it pertains directly to your research)
• Demographic details about participants or groups
• Examples of participant responses
• Extended or detailed descriptions
• Lists that are too lengthy to include in the main text
• Large amounts of raw data
• Lists of supporting research and articles that are not directly referenced in-text
• Materials and instruments (if your research relied on special materials or instruments, you might want to include images and further information about how these items work or were used)
• Questionnaires that were used as part of your research
• Raw data (presented in an organized, readable format)
• Research surveys

While the content found in the appendix is too cumbersome to include in the main text of your paper, it should still be easily presented in print format.

The appendices should always act as a supplement to your paper. The body of your paper should be able to stand alone and fully describe your research or your arguments.

The body of your paper should not be dependent upon what is in the appendices. Instead, each appendix should act to supplement what is in the primary text, adding additional (but not essential) information that provides extra insight or information for the reader. 

Basic Rules for an APA Appendix

Here are some basic APA appendix rules to keep in mind when working on your paper:

• Your paper may have more than one appendix.
• Each item usually gets its own appendix section.
• Begin each appendix on a separate page.
• Each appendix must have a title.
• Use title case for your title and labels (the first letter of each word should be capitalized, while remaining letters should be lowercase).
• If your paper only has one appendix, simply title it Appendix. 
• If you have more than one appendix, each one should be labeled Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, and so on.
• Put the appendix label centered at the top of the page.
• On the next line under the appendix label, place the centered title of the appendix. 
• If you refer to a source in your appendix, include an in-text citation just as you would in the main body of your paper and then include the source in your main reference section.
• Each appendix may contain headings, subheadings, figures, and tables. 
• Each figure or table in your appendix should include a brief but explanatory title, which should be italicized. 
• If you want to reference your appendix within the text of your paper, include a parenthetical note in the text. For example, you would write (See Appendix A).

Formatting an APA Appendix

How do you format an appendix in APA? An APA appendix should follow the overall rules on how to format text. Such rules specify what font and font size you should use, the size of your margins, and the spacing of the text.

Some of the APA format guidelines you need to observe:

• Use a consistent font, such as 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri
• Double-space your text
• All paragraphs should be indented on the first line
• Page numbering should be continuous with the rest of your paper

The appendix label should appear centered and bolded at the top of the page. A descriptive title should follow and should also be bolded and centered. As with other pages in your paper, your APA format appendix should be left-aligned and double-spaced. Each page should include a page number in the top right corner. You can also have more than one appendix, but each one should begin on a new page.

Data Displays in an APA Appendix

When presenting information in an appendix, use a logical layout for any data displays such as tables or figures. All tables and figures should be labeled with the words “Table” or “Figure” (sans quotation marks) and the letter of the appendix and then numbered.

For example, Table A1 would be the first table in an Appendix A. Data displays should be presented in the appendix following the same order that they first appear in the text of your paper.

In addition to following basic APA formatting rules, you should also check to see if there are additional guidelines you need to follow. Individual instructors or publications may have their own specific requirements.

Where to Include an APA Appendix

If your paper does require an appendix, it should be the very last pages of your finished paper. An APA format paper is usually structured in the following way:

Your paper may not necessarily include all of these sections. At a minimum, however, your paper may consist of a title page, abstract, main text, and reference section. Also, if your paper does not contain tables, figures, or footnotes, then the appendix would follow the references.

Never include an appendix containing information that is not referred to in your text. 

A Word From Verywell

Writing a paper for class or publication requires a great deal of research, but you should pay special attention to your APA formatting. Each section of your paper, including the appendix section, needs to follow the rules and guidelines provided in the American Psychological Association’s stylebook.

American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington DC: The American Psychological Association; 2020.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

APA 7th edition - Paper Format: Appendices

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How to Format An Appendix - Tutorial

• APA Appendices - JIBC Tip Sheet All you need to know about appendices in APA Style.

Information in this section is as outlined in the APA Publication Manual (2020), sections 2.14, 2.17, 2.24, and 7.6.

Appendices are used to include information that supplement the paper’s content but are considered distracting or inappropriate for the overall topic. It is recommended to only include an appendix if it helps the reader comprehend the study or theoretical argument being made. It is best if the material included is brief and easily presented. The material can be text, tables, figures, or a combination of these three.

Placement :

Appendices should be placed on a separate page at the end of your paper after the references, footnotes, tables, and figure. The label and title should be centre aligned. The contents of the appendix and the note should be left-aligned.

• If you are choosing to include tables and figures in your appendix, then you can list each one on a separate page or you may include multiple tables/figures in one appendix, if there is no text and each table and/or figure has its own clear number and title within the appendix.
• Tables and figures in an appendix receive a number preceded by the letter of the appendix in which it appears, e.g. Table A1 is the first table in Appendix A or of a sole appendix that is not labeled with a letter.

The follow elements are required for appendices in APA Style:

Appendix Labels:

Each appendix that you place in your paper is labelled “Appendix.” If a paper has more than one appendix, then label each with a capital letter in the order the appendices are referred to in your paper (“Appendix A” is referred to first, “Appendix B” is referred to second, etc).

• The label of the appendix should be in bold font, centre-aligned, follow Title Casing, and is located at the top of the page.
• If your appendix only contains one table or figure (and no text), then the appendix label takes the place of the table/figure number, e.g. the table may be referred to as “Appendix B” rather than “Table B1.”

Appendix Titles:

Each appendix should have a title, that describes its contents. Titles should be brief, clear, and explanatory.

• The title of the appendix should be in bold font, centre-aligned, follow Title Casing, and is one double-spaced line down from the appendix label.
• If your appendix only contains one table or figure (and no text), then the appendix title takes the place of the table/figure title. 

Appendix Contents:

• Left aligned and indented; written the same as paragraphs within the body of the paper
• Double-spaced and with the same font as the rest of the paper
• If the appendix contains a table and/or figure, then the table/figure number must contain a letter to correlate the table and/or figure to the appendix and not the body of the paper, e.g. “Table A1” rather than “Table 1” to clarify that the table appears in the appendix and not in the body of the paper.
• All tables and figures in an appendix must be mentioned in the appendix and numbered in order of mention. 
• All tables and figures must be aligned to the left margin, (not center aligned), and positioned after a paragraph break, preferably the paragraph in which they are referred to, with a double-spaced blank line between the table and the text. 
• Each table and figure should include a note afterwards to further explain the supplement or clarify information in the table or figure to your paper/appendix and can be general, specific, and probability. See “Table Notes” in the section “Table and Figures” above for more details.

Referring to Appendices in the Text:

In your paper, refer to every appendix that you have inserted. Do not include an appendix in your work that you do not clearly explain in relation to the ideas in your paper.

• In general, only refer to the appendix by the label (“Appendix” or “Appendix A” etc.) and not the appendix title.

Reprinting or Adapting:

If you did not create the content in the appendix yourself, for instance if you found a figure on the internet, you must include a copyright attribution in a note below the figure. 

• A copyright attribution is used instead of an in-text citation. 
• Each work should also be listed in the reference list. 

Please see pages 390-391 in the Manual for example copyright attributions.

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How to Write an Appendix for an Essay – Complete Guide

What is an appendix ? Some of us may think about the anatomical structure of our digestive system. However, in the context of academic writing, it is an extra part of a paper that serves as a repository of tables, schemes, figures, diagrams, pictures, etc. Even though the role of the human appendix is a pretty debatable question, the part of the appendix in the area of paper writing is relatively straightforward and significant since it gives a vivid explanation or proof of the information mentioned in the text. How to write an appendix for an essay ? Find the expert answer down the line. 

If you feel at a loss, wondering, ‘ What is an appendix in writing ?’ After an attentive overview of our explanatory guide, you will be well-informed concerning all the peculiarities of adding an appendix to your paper in different formatting styles. 

What Is an Appendix in an Essay ?

Before we delve into the exploration of the question of how to write an appendix for an essay , it is necessary to define what is an appendix and its functionality in an essay. We used to think that an essay is creative writing. However, you should not forget that you may face different types of essays, including argumentative, research essay, informative, descriptive, and other types, where it will not be superfluous to add appendices or appendix .

An appendix in an essay is a supplemental or additional section that provides extra information or supporting materials that may not fit smoothly within the main body of the essay. It is typically used to present detailed data, charts, graphs, images, surveys, questionnaires, transcripts, or any other relevant information that supports the arguments or findings discussed in the essay. 

The purpose of including an appendix in a paper is to ensure that the main text remains focused and concise while still offering readers access to additional relevant information. Appendices are usually numbered or labeled with letters (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B) and referenced within the essay to direct readers to the specific content provided in the appendix. But first things first. 

How to Structure Appendix : Key Issues to Consider

When adding an appendix to your essay, it is essential to follow a structured format to ensure clarity and ease of navigation for readers. Here’s an original answer on how to add an appendix to an essay following academic standards:

• Title and Label: Begin by creating a precise heading for your appendix section. Use descriptive and concise language that reflects the content within. For example, “Appendix A: Survey Results” or “Appendix B: Supporting Data Tables.”
• Numbering or Labeling: Each appendix should be numbered or labeled distinctly using a consistent format. You can use alphabetical or numerical order (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B, or Appendix 1, Appendix 2). Ensure that the numbering or labeling corresponds to the references made within your essay.
• Content: Present the information within the appendix logically. If you have multiple items, such as charts, graphs, or images, group them accordingly. You can use subheadings or numerals to organize the content within each appendix further.
• Captions and Titles: Provide a clear and concise title or caption for each item within the appendix. It helps the reader understand how to use an appendix , its context, and the purpose of the information presented. For example, “Table A1: Demographic Data” or “Figure B2: Growth Trends.”
• References: If you refer to specific content within the appendix in your essay, make sure to mention it and provide cross-references. It enables readers to navigate between the main text and the appendix easily.
• Citation: If any of the information in the appendix is sourced from external references, cite them appropriately following the citation style specified in your essay guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Remember, the appendix should be supplementary material that supports and enhances the main essay without overwhelming it. Knowing how to structure an appendix , you can provide additional context and evidence while maintaining a coherent and professional presentation.

Appendices Formatting 

When it comes to formatting an appendix in an essay, there are a few guidelines you can follow to ensure clarity and consistency. Here is a step-by-step approach that can help you effectively include an appendix in your essay:

• Start by considering if an appendix is necessary: Before deciding to include an appendix, determine whether the information you wish to add is crucial for understanding the main body of your essay. If the content is vital but too detailed or extensive for the main text, an appendix can be a helpful addition.
• Create a separate section: This is how to attach an appendix to an essay . Begin by inserting a new section after the conclusion of your essay. You can label it as “Appendix” or “Appendices” if you have multiple sections.
• Label and title each appendix: If you have multiple appendices, assign each of them a clear and descriptive title. For example, you can use “Appendix A: Survey Questions,” “Appendix B: Statistical Analysis,” and so on. Ensure that the titles accurately represent the content contained in each appendix.
• Number the appendices: Use a consistent numbering system to label your appendices. You can use capital letters (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B), Arabic numerals (e.g., Appendix 1, Appendix 2), or a combination of both based on your preference or the style guide you are following.
• Format the content of each appendix: Each appendix should be formatted consistently, depending on the nature of its content. For instance, if you are including surveys, charts, or tables, make sure they are clearly labeled and easy to understand. You may also need to consider the formatting requirements specified by your academic institution or the style guide you are adhering to (e.g., APA, MLA).

By following these guidelines, you will know how to put an appendix in an essay and enhance the clarity and completeness of your essay. Remember to consult any specific requirements from your educational institution or the style guide you are utilizing for additional formatting instructions.

How to Add an Appendix to an Essay Depending on the Formatting Style

When including appendices in your essay, the formatting requirements may differ based on the style guide you are using. When you start working on the Appendices section, you need to know the basic requirements of how to write an appendix for an essay , depending on the required formatting style. Here’s a brief guide on how to add appendices in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and Vancouver styles:

Appendix in APA Style

In APA style, it is necessary to locate appendices at the end of your work and adhere to the following recommendations. 

• Start the appendix on a new page after the body of your essay.
• Use the title “Appendix” followed by a capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
• If you have multiple appendices, label them as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on.
• Include a clear and descriptive title for each appendix.
• Number the pages of your appendices, continuing the page numbering sequence from the essay.

Make sure you include all the information in your appendix and select the proper title.

Appendix in MLA Style

When an MLA essay writing an appendix is needed, follow such demands.

• Begin the appendix section as a new page after the essay’s conclusion.
• Use the title “Appendix” in bold and centered.
• If you have multiple appendices, label them as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so forth.
• Provide each appendix with a concise and descriptive title.
• Do not include page numbers for appendices in MLA style.

Remember to consult the 9th edition of MLA formatting style to be precise if there are any disputing situations. 

Appendix in Chicago Style

When working in Chicago style, you need to refer to the 17th edition and do the following steps.

• Start each appendix on a separate page.
• Title the section as “Appendix” followed by a capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
• If you have multiple appendices, label them accordingly.
• Include a descriptive title for each appendix.
• Number the pages of appendices using lowercase Roman numerals.

Do not forget to include appendices in the context if your paper has such. 

Appendix Harvard Style

If you wonder, ‘ What is an appendix formatting in Harvard style?’ you need to comply with the requirements listed below. 

• Begin the appendices on a new page after the essay’s references section.
• Label the appendices numerically, such as “Appendix 1,” “Appendix 2,” etc.
• Provide a clear and concise title for each appendix.
• Paginate the appendices using Arabic numerals, continuing the numbering sequence from the main text.

Do not forget to revise the appendices as well as the whole paper before submission. 

Vancouver Referencing for Appendix

Vancouver’s formatting style is not as popular for essay writing as others, but you need to be aware of the chief demands. 

• Commence the appendices on separate pages following the essay’s references section.
• Label each appendix with a capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
• Include a concise and descriptive title for each appendix.
• Use Arabic numerals to paginate the appendices, restarting the numbering sequence from 1.

Now, you are well informed about what an appendix is in writing and the must-know requirements for Vancouver style. 

Essay Writing Appendix : All-Purpose Help

Not many students may state that essay writing is their cup of tea. In addition, adding appendices may turn out to be a great challenge or even a failure. The magic phrase “ Do my essay for me ” may solve numerous problems and guarantee expert assistance and winning outcomes within the shortest time. 

How to Write an Appendix Essay

Are you wondering how to write an appendix essay for the document you have just created? If so, then you have landed in the right place. A literary appendix, just like its human body counterpart, includes supplementary information, which is not strictly compulsory to the main body of the document.

What is an Appendix?

Appendices are often added at the end of a document to give additional information that will help a reader understand the materials presented. This can include and reference section for students, summary of raw data or additional details on techniques behind the work.

Why Appendix Writing is Important

Writing an appendix is an efficient way of presenting vital information that is too large to be included in your paper. It contains those explanatory details that your readers should reference in case of such a need. Including appendix information is always beneficial for both the reader and writer if one wants to achieve a custom research paper with good references. To create a professional appendix, read the introduction part for your assignment. It will help you remember the general objectives and aims of your writing. You may include all supporting materials in appendices without creating clutter in your paper, making it convenient for your readers. As someone reaches the final part, it is always possible to check appendices before the list of references and your Bibliography page. A well-written appendix must be easily accessible, valuable, and engaging. If you are struggling to know how to make an appendix, knowing why it is important will be beneficial as you learn and come up with a perfect assignment.

What should be Included in Appendices

How to do an appendix? This is a common question asked by every other student stuck in the situation of preparing appendices for his essay or document. Collecting all the relevant content for the appendices is key to get your job done in a simple way. While it will always depend on your subject and the necessity of an appendix, it will contain the following essential elements as you learn how to write an appendix:

• Raw data collected during research work for your essay
• Supporting charts, images and graphs
• Instruments used to conduct research work
• All statistics, surveys and interview transcripts
• Research methods and sample calculations
• Appendix Number or Letter corresponding to your assignment.
• References related to your body paragraphs with a # sign placed after the sentence.
• Corresponding page numbers if there are multiple appendix cases.
• Label + Title. It must be centered and use normal capitalized fonts. Your title must be followed by the appendix label.
• Provide a clear link to Appendix and your body text to ensure that everything is linked properly.
• Your first paragraph must not be intended. The second, third, and subsequent body paragraphs go with indents.
• Format each paragraph using double-spacing.
• If your appendix essay represents some date, it must be referenced as a number in the body text.
• In case some third-party references have been mentioned, they must be cited as usual within body paragraphs.
• There is no need to create a separate references list.

Regardless of your structure, remember that only supporting evidence and relevant contributory facts must be included. If there is any specialized data with technical figures, tables, maps, or any technical descriptions, it must be mentioned and properly referenced as well.

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Adding Raw Data

Add all raw data that you have collected during research for your document. There’s no need to get worried about the details as you can add anything that you consider relevant to the text in your paper. Anything that supports your findings is worth adding to appendices. Some students want to know how to use appendices. This is because information given there might not separated in a useful way or in accordance with the details discuss earlier.

• Raw data should include sample calculations, specialized data and raw statistical data.
• Feel free to add contributory facts from other informative sources that support the findings in your writing. Never forget to cite information that you are giving from other sources.

Include Supporting Charts, Graphs and Images

All visual supporting papers including images, maps, charts, drawing, graphics and photographs need to be presented in your appendices.

• You can include charts and graphs that you have created specifically for the appendices or can refer to another source for such details.
• Keep a straightforward structure for all supporting maps, graphs and images.

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Mention Research Instruments

Never forget to note research instruments that you have used throughout the research work, meaning tools like tape recorder, video camera or any other device.

• For instance, you can write in your appendices, “All surveys and interviews were recorder with a tape recorder.”
• Mention details about any other device that you used for gathering any specific information related to your study.

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Include Surveys or Interview Transcripts

Interviews and surveys are an important part of the overall layout. So always make sure to add all the surveys and interview transcripts conducted as part of research. The transcript being added should include all questions and answers. Feel free to include stuff like photocopies of hand-written surveys for a better impression.

How to Format an Appendix?

Before you collect relevant information for your appendix, it is vital to learn appendix format rules. Luckily, there is not much to learn as it follows basic (APA or MLA) formatting rules. An additional data may be included if you are dealing with a book or dissertation writing.

The basic appendix essay rules:

• Heading with corresponding [Appendix #]. It should also contain a number or letter that may be either 1 or A, depending on what formatting style you choose.
• Your References list should come next.
• Index Table. The list of relevant appendencies must come next.
• The corresponding page number.

There may be some minor differences in some appendices in an essay (like in some engineering research papers) where you have to provide files that have been generated by the specialised software. In such a case, it will include additional references with a full explanation of the online links.

Do not forget that some papers will include several appendices, which will introduce additional formatting rules. For example:

• Each appendix that you include must be related to a single topic.
• Refer to each appendix by using Name in a bold font like Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.

When you include the Appendix in your text, refer to it as “see Appendix A” at the end of some sentences in parentheses.

An appendix example of citation:

In addition to provided information regarding cyberbullying, Jones et al. (2009) researched relevant studies that focused on illegal gambling and exchange of intellectual property materials in private closed networks (see Appendix B for detailed information).

Each appendix that you use must be labeled with a corresponding letter (like A, B, C, and so on) depending on where exactly it appears in your text. In other words, your first appendix mentioned would become “Appendix A”, the second Appendix (a separate one) would become Appendix B. However, if you must include over 26 appendices, it is recommended to proceed with the AA, BB, CC patterns. Using only one appendix, it does not come with any letter or number and is mentioned in a bold font just as “ Appendix “.

As you learn how to use an appendix in an essay, remember that:

• Each appendix must have a title.
• Start each new appendix on a separate page with a page number.
• Title and label of each appendix must be placed at the top of the page with the normal capitalisation.
• First paragraph must be flushed left with an indent.
• If you include tables or figures, use the same references system as you would with the usual text, except for tables and figures with a numbering rule where it would become Table B4 as the fourth table in Appendix B. It is also relevant for appendices in report cases.

How to Write an Appendix in Different Styles

Here is how to create an appendix in popular academic writing styles:

• All appendices should refer to a relevant point.
• Include a title for each appendix used.
• Use the ABC title pattern for multiple appendices.
• When referencing appendix within the body, use “see appendix A” format.
• Your APA appendix title must be centered.
• All appendices must start at their separate page.
• First paragraph is written without indents. Subsequent paragraphs have normal indented formatting.
• Pages must be double-spaced.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12.

The rules are mostly the same as in APA:

• Appendix must be placed before your Works Cited page.
• Appendix label and title must be centered and capitalised.

The same rules as above apply, except for:

• Page numbers must be labeled as “page, 1,2,3”
• Front cover page number is not included.
• Your bibliography should be the final page that starts on a separate page.
• You are allowed to include footnotes for your Bibliography.

Here is how to structure an appendix in Harvard style:

• Appendices must be placed before the end of research work or essay and before the reference list.
• Anything that is placed in an appendix must be cited in the body of your essay as “Appendix”.

The rest follows the same set of rules as APA and MLA formats.

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Home » Appendices – Writing Guide, Types and Examples

Appendices – Writing Guide, Types and Examples

Table of Contents

Definition:

Appendices refer to supplementary materials or documents that are attached to the end of a Book, Report , Research Paper , Thesis or other written work. These materials can include charts, graphs, tables, images, or other data that support the main content of the work.

Types of Appendices

Types of appendices that can be used depending on the content and purpose of the document. These types of Appendices are as follows:

Statistical Appendices

Statistical appendices are used to present raw data or statistical analysis that is relevant to the main text but would be too bulky to include in the main body of the document. These appendices may include tables, graphs, charts, or other types of visual aids that help to illustrate the data.

Technical Appendices

Technical appendices are used to provide detailed technical information that is relevant to the main text but would be too complex or lengthy to include in the main body of the document. These appendices may include equations, formulas, diagrams, or other technical details that are important for understanding the subject matter.

Bibliographical Appendices

Bibliographical appendices are used to provide additional references or sources that are relevant to the main text but were not cited in the main body of the document. These appendices may include lists of books, articles, or other resources that the author consulted in the course of their research.

Historical Appendices

Historical appendices are used to provide background information or historical context that is relevant to the main text but would be too lengthy or distracting to include in the main body of the document. These appendices may include timelines, maps, biographical sketches, or other historical details that help to contextualize the subject matter.

Supplemental Appendices

Supplemental appendices are used to provide additional material that is relevant to the main text but does not fit into any of the other categories. These appendices may include interviews, surveys, case studies, or other types of supplemental material that help to further illustrate the subject matter.

Applications of Appendices

Some applications of appendices are:

• Providing detailed data and statistics: Appendices are often used to include detailed data and statistics that support the findings presented in the main body of the document. For example, in a research paper, an appendix might include raw data tables or graphs that were used to support the study’s conclusions.
• Including technical details: Appendices can be used to include technical details that may be of interest to a specialized audience. For example, in a technical report, an appendix might include detailed calculations or equations that were used to develop the report’s recommendations.
• Presenting supplementary information: Appendices can be used to present supplementary information that is related to the main content but doesn’t fit well within the main body of the document. For example, in a business proposal, an appendix might include a list of references or a glossary of terms.
• Providing supporting documentation: Appendices can be used to provide supporting documentation that is required by the document’s audience. For example, in a legal document, an appendix might include copies of contracts or agreements that were referenced in the main body of the document.
• Including multimedia materials : Appendices can be used to include multimedia materials that supplement the main content. For example, in a book, an appendix might include photographs, maps, or illustrations that help to clarify the text.

Importance of Appendices

Appendices are important components of research papers, reports, Thesis, and other academic papers. They are supplementary materials that provide additional information and data that support the main text. Here are some reasons why appendices are important:

• Additional Information : Appendices provide additional information that is too detailed or too lengthy to include in the main text. This information includes raw data, graphs, tables, and charts that support the research findings.
• Clarity and Conciseness : Appendices help to maintain the clarity and conciseness of the main text. By placing detailed information and data in appendices, writers can avoid cluttering the main text with lengthy descriptions and technical details.
• Transparency : Appendices increase the transparency of research by providing readers with access to the data and information used in the research process. This transparency increases the credibility of the research and allows readers to verify the findings.
• Accessibility : Appendices make it easier for readers to access the data and information that supports the research. This is particularly important in cases where readers want to replicate the research or use the data for their own research.
• Compliance : Appendices can be used to comply with specific requirements of the research project or institution. For example, some institutions may require researchers to include certain types of data or information in the appendices.

Appendices Structure

Here is an outline of a typical structure for an appendix:

I. Introduction

• A. Explanation of the purpose of the appendix
• B. Brief overview of the contents

II. Main Body

• A. Section headings or subheadings for different types of content
• B. Detailed descriptions, tables, charts, graphs, or images that support the main content
• C. Labels and captions for each item to help readers navigate and understand the content

III. Conclusion

• A. Summary of the key points covered in the appendix
• B. Suggestions for further reading or resources

IV. Appendices

• A. List of all the appendices included in the document
• B. Table of contents for the appendices

V. References

• A. List of all the sources cited in the appendix
• B. Proper citation format for each source

Example of Appendices

here’s an example of what appendices might look like for a survey:

Appendix A:

Survey Questionnaire

This section contains a copy of the survey questionnaire used for the study.

• What is your age?
• What is your gender?
• What is your highest level of education?
• How often do you use social media?
• Which social media platforms do you use most frequently?
• How much time do you typically spend on social media each day?
• Do you feel that social media has had a positive or negative impact on your life?
• Have you ever experienced cyberbullying or harassment on social media?
• Have you ever been influenced by social media to make a purchase or try a new product?
• In your opinion, what are the biggest advantages and disadvantages of social media?

Appendix B:

Participant Demographics

This section includes a table with demographic information about the survey participants, such as age, gender, and education level.

Age Gender Education Level

• 20 Female Bachelor’s Degree
• 32 Male Master’s Degree
• 45 Female High School Diploma
• 28 Non-binary Associate’s Degree

Appendix C:

Statistical Analysis

This section provides details about the statistical analysis performed on the survey data, including tables or graphs that illustrate the results of the analysis.

Table 1: Frequency of Social Media Platforms

Use Platform Frequency

• Facebook 35%
• Instagram 28%
• Twitter 15%
• Snapchat 12%

Figure 1: Impact of Social Media on Life Satisfaction

Appendix D:

Survey Results

This section presents the raw data collected from the survey, such as participant responses to each question.

Question 1: What is your age?

Question 2: What is your gender?

And so on for each question in the survey.

How to Write Appendices

Here are the steps to follow to write appendices:

• Determine what information to include: Before you start writing your appendices, decide what information you want to include. This may include tables, figures, graphs, charts, photographs, or other types of data that support the main content of your paper.
• Organize the material: Once you have decided what to include, organize the material in a logical manner that follows the sequence of the main content. Use clear headings and subheadings to make it easy for readers to navigate through the appendices.
• Label the appendices: Label each appendix with a capital letter (e.g., “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” etc.) and provide a brief descriptive title that summarizes the content.
• F ormat the appendices: Follow the same formatting style as the rest of your paper or report. Use the same font, margins, and spacing to maintain consistency.
• Provide detailed explanations: Make sure to provide detailed explanations of any data, charts, graphs, or other information included in the appendices so that readers can understand the significance of the material.
• Cross-reference the appendices: In the main text, cross-reference the appendices where appropriate by referring to the appendix letter and title (e.g., “see Appendix A for more information”).
• Review and revise: Review and revise the appendices just as you would any other part of your paper or report to ensure that the information is accurate, clear, and relevant.

When to Write Appendices

Appendices are typically included in a document when additional information needs to be provided that is not essential to the main text, but still useful for readers who want to delve deeper into a topic. Here are some common situations where you might want to include appendices:

• Supporting data: If you have a lot of data that you want to include in your document, but it would make the main text too lengthy or confusing, you can include it in an appendix. This is especially useful for academic papers or reports.
• Additional examples: I f you want to include additional examples or case studies to support your argument or research, but they are not essential to the main text, you can include them in an appendix.
• Technical details: I f your document contains technical information that may be difficult for some readers to understand, you can include detailed explanations or diagrams in an appendix.
• Background information : If you want to provide background information on a topic that is not directly related to the main text, but may be helpful for readers, you can include it in an appendix.

Purpose of Appendices

The purposes of appendices include:

• Providing additional details: Appendices can be used to provide additional information that is too detailed or bulky to include in the main body of the document. For example, technical specifications, data tables, or lengthy survey results.
• Supporting evidence: Appendices can be used to provide supporting evidence for the arguments or claims made in the main body of the document. This can include supplementary graphs, charts, or other visual aids that help to clarify or support the text.
• Including legal documents: Appendices can be used to include legal documents that are referred to in the main body of the document, such as contracts, leases, or patent applications.
• Providing additional context: Appendices can be used to provide additional context or background information that is relevant to the main body of the document. For example, historical or cultural information, or a glossary of technical terms.
• Facilitating replication: In research papers, appendices are used to provide detailed information about the research methodology, raw data, or analysis procedures to facilitate replication of the study.

Advantages of Appendices

Some Advantages of Appendices are as follows:

• Saving Space: Including lengthy or detailed information in the main text of a document can make it appear cluttered and overwhelming. By placing this information in an appendix, it can be included without taking up valuable space in the main text.
• Convenience: Appendices can be used to provide supplementary information that is not essential to the main argument or discussion but may be of interest to some readers. By including this information in an appendix, readers can choose to read it or skip it, depending on their needs and interests.
• Organization: Appendices can be used to organize and present complex information in a clear and logical manner. This can make it easier for readers to understand and follow the main argument or discussion of the document.
• Compliance : In some cases, appendices may be required to comply with specific document formatting or regulatory requirements. For example, research papers may require appendices to provide detailed information on research methodology, data analysis, or technical procedures.

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Appendix in Essay: Definition, Writing Tips, and Examples

As a college student, you will be required to complete various academic assignments over the course of your college education. We are, of course, talking about essays, term papers, or perhaps even dissertations. These academic assignments are very complex, and they need to meet very strict standards, not just when it comes to their quality, but also their format. What you will definitely be required to do is write an appendix for your essay or research paper. The writers from our essay writing service prepared everything you need to know about writing an appendix.

Now, every teacher might have different requirements when it comes to writing an appendix, as they might want you to stick to a particular style guide, such as APA, Chicago, or MLA formats. We will cover each one in this article, so that you are prepared to write an essay appendix regardless of the class, topic, or professor. But, before we get into the details of each of those styles, let’s explain what appendices actually are, what should be inside their contents, how you should structure them, and so on.

What Is an Appendix?

The appendix is a section of your essay or research paper that contains content and material which is referenced in the main part of your essay, but is either too detailed or complex to be a part of the actual paper. For example, there you will find stuff like calculations, tables, diagrams, drawings, or raw data that your paper draws from. Also, all the materials that are in your appendix essay need to be summarized first, so they can be referenced in your research paper. If we were to include the contents of the appendix in the paper, it would affect its overall readability and make its structure too complex to follow.

What Should Be Included in the Appendices Section of Your Paper?

Appendices can include a wide variety of content, depending on what kind of appendix essay you are writing and what your field of research is. You can include some of the following in your appendix:

• Evidence that supports your claims inside the paper, such as raw data
• Calculations
• Technical content, such as drawings, diagrams, graphs, tables, statistical data
• Explanations on how instruments that have been used to gather data work
• Photographs, drawings, maps, charts
• Letters, emails, messages, as well as any other form of written communication
• List of pole/survey/questionarry instruments you have used to collect data, and whose results are listed in the paper
• Interview transcripts
• Field notes
• Specifications and data sheets

You may also include other types of data, as long as they support your arguments in a non-speculative manner.

How to Structure an Appendix?

Even though there are differences in appendix essay formatting because of the different style guides, pretty much every appendix follows the same basic structure:

• Letter or number of the appendix
• List of references to your essay body paragraphs
• Index table
• Page numbers in case you have more than one appendix
• Appendix label and title, centered on the page, using normal capitalized fonts
• The crossover of appendix and body text

General Guideline on How to Format Appendices

Now that we have covered all the basic points of the appendix essay and its structure, we can get into the details of the formatting for the most common style guides. We will cover how you can write an appendix using APA, MLA, and Chicago style guides. While they are similar for the most part, they also have some unique characteristics of their own.

How to Write an Appendix in APA Style

You will most likely need to write an appendix in this format at some point. Appendices written in APA style should stick to the following rules:

• Every appendix should have an “Appendix” heading, followed by a letter
• It should be placed on top of the appendix title
• They should follow the order in which their information is stated in the paper
• Appendix should be placed after the reference list
• Each appendix should have page numbers
• Each appendix should have its own page, regardless of length
• Implement footnotes

Also, implement the following rules for APA style:

• Give each appendix a title
• Each appendix should focus on a single point as opposed to mixing different ideas
• In case of multiple appendices, name them Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C…
• After each reference inside the body, write (see appendix ABC) after the text
• Always center the title
• The first paragraph of the appendix should never be indented
• Use the indent for all remaining paragraphs
• Use double spacing

How to Write an Appendix in MLA Style

Although APA and MLA styles are very similar, there are a few subtle differences between the two. The key difference is that the MLA style requires you to incorporate the appendix before your list of references. Here are the guidelines for the MLA style:

• Centered title
• Use double spacing for the list
• If you are referencing a known writer, write their name like this: SURNAME, FIRST NAME, YEAR
• The first line should include all references in the left margin, all the remaining lines should be indented
• References should be listed in alphabetical order, using the first letter of the author’s surname, for know authors. In case the writer is unknown, use the first letter of the reference title
• The titles of books, internet sites, recordings, and other complete writings should be in italic
• Italics should not be used on reference titles that only refer to some part of a source, such as poems, tabloids, sections of PDF, and scholarly papers

All other guidelines are identical to APA style guide rules.

How to Write an Appendix in Chicago Style

Just like MLA, the Chicago style is also very similar to APA, but with a few key differences. Here are the key guidelines for Chicago style:

• In case of more than one appendix, they are referred to as “appendices”
• “Times New Roman” font is mandatory
• Choose 12 as font size
• Page numbers should be present at the top of every page
• Each page number should follow this format “ Page 1, 2, 3…”
• Don’t use a page number on the cover
• Bibliography should be on the last page, even if there is already some content there
• It’s possible to incorporate footnotes in the bibliography

Frequently Asked Questions about Appendices in Papers

Now that we have covered all there is to know about the contents, structure, and formatting, we will some of the most frequently asked questions regarding appendices:

Are Appendices Included in the Word Count?

Where should i add an appendix to my paper, what title do i give to an appendix, how long can an appendix be, can i cite source in an appendix.

And there you have it, everything you need to know when it comes to writing an appendix to your paper, including tips on how to format and structure, as well as tips on how to write it using the most common style guides. Good luck!

Useful Guides

• How To Write an Essay
• How To Write an Assignment for College
• How To Write an Essay Introduction
• How To Write a Conlusion for an Essay

• Referencing

How to create appendices for essays

Many primary sources are not in written form and trying to describe them in an essay is difficult. This can often occur when you are referring to a particular building or artefact. In these cases, providing an image of the source is helpful for the reader.

Any images to which you refer in your writing need to appear in appendices. Appendices are put after the pages of your written essay but before your bibliography.

Appendices are a useful way of presenting:

historical buildings

direct quotes that were too long for the essay (typically multiple paragraphs in length)

translations of ancient texts, accompanied by the ancient language version of the text

an extended academic discussion about a side point that your essay touched upon

  There are rules for how to set out appendices:

Use a separate appendix for each source

Each appendix appears on a new page

Provide a clear image of the source

Write a brief description of a visual source

Provide a complete bibliographical reference for the source

Make sure the same bibliographical reference appears in your bibliography

  An example appendix:

A Roman lamp made of orange clay, displaying a figure of Cybele. Date unknown.

Source: University of Queensland R.D. Milns Antiquities Museum. Item No. 83.041

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Copyright © History Skills 2014-2024.

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Footnotes & Appendices 

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

APA style offers writers footnotes and appendices as spaces where additional, relevant information might be shared within a document; this resource offers a quick overview of format and content concerns for these segments of a document. Should additional clarification be necessary, it is always recommended that writers reach out to the individual overseeing their work (i.e., instructor, editor, etc.). For your convenience, a student sample paper is included below; please note the document is filled with  Lorem Ipsum  placeholder text and references to footnotes and appendices are highighlighted. Additional marginal notes also further explain specific portions of the example. 

Footnotes 

Footnotes are supplementary details printed at the bottom of the page pertaining to a paper’s content or copyright information. This supporting text can be utilized in any type of APA paper to support the body paragraphs.

Content-Based Footnotes

Utilizing footnotes to provide supplementary detail can enrich the body text and reinforce the main argument of the paper. Footnotes may also direct readers to an alternate source for more detail on a topic. Though content footnotes can be useful in providing additional context, it is detrimental to include tangential or convoluted information. Footnotes should detail a focused subject; lengthier sections of text are better suited for the body paragraphs.

Acknowledging Copyright

When citing long quotations, images, tables, data, or commercially published questionnaires in-text, it is important to credit the copyright information in a footnote. Functioning much like an in-text citation, a footnote copyright attribution provides credit to the original source and must also be included in a reference list. A copyright citation is needed for both direct reprinting as well as adaptations of content, and these may require express permission from the copyright owner.

Formatting Footnotes

Each footnote and its corresponding in-text callout should be formatted in numerical order of appearance utilizing superscript. As demonstrated in the example below, the superscripted numerals should follow all punctuation with the exception of dashes and parentheses.

For example: 

Footnote callouts should not be placed in headings and do not require a space between the callout and superscripted number. When reintroducing a footnote that has previously been called out, refrain from replicating the callout or footnote itself; rather, format such reference as “see Footnote 4”, for example. Footnotes should be placed at the bottom of the page on which the corresponding callout is referenced. Alternatively, a footnotes page could be created to follow the reference page. When formatting footnotes in the latter manner, center and bold the label “Footnotes” then record each footnote as a double-spaced and indented paragraph. Place the corresponding superscripted number in front of each footnote and separate the numeral from the following text with a single space.

Formatting Copyright Information

To provide credit for images, tables, or figures pulled from an outside source, include the accreditation statement at the end of the note for the visual. Copyright acknowledgements for long quotations or questionnaires should simply be placed in a footnote at the bottom of the page.

When formatting a copyright accreditation, utilize the following format:

• Establish if the content was reprinted or adapted by using language such as “from” for directly copied material or “adapted from” for material that has been modified
• Include the content’s title, author, year of publication, and source
• Cite the copyright holder and year of copyright or indicate that the source is public domain or licensed under Creative Commons
• If express permission was required to reprint the material, include a statement indicating that permission was acquired

Appendices 

When introducing supplementary content that may not fit within the body of a paper, an appendix can be included to help readers better understand the material without distracting from the text itself. Primarily used to introduce research materials, specific details of a study, or participant demographics, appendices are generally concise and only incorporate relevant content. Much like with footnotes, appendices may require an acknowledgement of copyright and, if data is cited, an adherence to the privacy policies that protect participant identities.

Formatting Appendices

An appendix should be created on its own individual page labelled “Appendix” and followed by a title on the next line that describes the subject of the appendix. These headings should be centered and bolded at the top of the page and written in title case. If there are multiple appendices, each should be labelled with a capital letter and referenced in-text by its specific title (for example, “see Appendix B”). All appendices should follow references, footnotes, and any tables or figures included at the end of the document.

Text Appendices 

Appendices should be formatted in traditional paragraph style and may incorporate text, figures, tables, equations, or footnotes. In an appendix, all figures, tables, and other visuals should be labelled with the letter of the corresponding appendix followed by a number indicating the order in which each appears. For example, a table labelled “Table B1” would be the first table in Appendix B. If there is only one appendix in the document, the visuals should still be labelled with the letter A and a number to differentiate them from those contained in the paper itself (for example, “Figure A3” is the third figure in the singular appendix, which is not labelled with a letter in the heading). 

Table or Figure Appendices 

When an appendix solely contains a table or figure, the title of the figure or table should be substituted with the title of the appendix. For example, if Appendix B only includes a figure, the figure should be labelled “Appendix B” rather than “Figure B1”, as it would be named if there were multiple figures included.

If an appendix does not contain text but includes numerous figures or table, the appendix should be formatted like a text appendix. The appendix would receive a name and label, and each figure or table would be given a corresponding letter and number. For example, if Appendix C contains two tables and one figure, these visuals would be labelled “Table C1”, “Table C2”, and “Figure C1” respectively.

Sample Paper    

Media File: APA 7 - Student Sample Paper (Footnotes & Appendices)

• Why Choose Us
• Vision and Mission
• Hire Writers
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How to Summarize an Appendix in Essay? Process, Format, and More

Table Of Contents

Importance of appendix writing in essay, how to format appendices in an essay, how to summarize the appendices of an essay.

• Points to Keep in Mind While Writing an Appendix in Essay

2 Appendices Examples for Reference

Need help with appendix writing here’s the solution.

The Internet is full of searches for what an  appendix essay  is ,  how to write it, what is the correct writing format, and many others. It appears that writing an appendix in an essay is a difficult task for students, which is why most UK students prefer to reach the academic writers at the Assignment Desk. They trust our experts and our services. We have always tried our best to fulfill their writing requirements and get great reviews in the result.

Still, it is crucial for students to attain knowledge around such writing tasks and enhance their skills. That’s why our appendix writers are here with a complete brief. Here is complete what, why, how to know about the appendices.

Let’s begin with answering “ what is an appendix in an essay ” to get basic knowledge.

Definition:  An appendix is a section inserted at the end of the essay sharing valuable information or background material to guide the readers with the abbreviations and other words used in writing. This section is vital to add to an essay, but you may wonder why?

So, let’s know, “why is  appendix writing  important for an essay?”

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Your essay will be incomplete if you won’t write an appendix in it. Though this  appendix writing  section contains the non-essential information and your paper will be yet understandable if you remove it, you must add it as it helps the future scholars to get complete knowledge around the topic from your appendix. This section provides tables, diagrams, and results necessary to address the research problem at the end of the paper.

There are 3 important reasons that can help you decide whether to include an appendix in essay   or not. Here are all listed:

• The appendix is necessary when the information of your essay is making your writing too long or detailed. You can cut some of the data from the main body text and add it to the appendix.
• Sometimes, excessive material can make your essay format poor. So, you can transfer such information in the essay appendix   section.
• When some information in your essay creates a distraction, cluttering, or breaking up the flow, you have to add an appendix section for it.

So, these are the three main reasons why you should include an appendix section in your essay. Now, you know the importance so let’s move to the format you need to maintain while  writing appendix in essay.

To maintain a perfect appendix format in an essay, here are some pointers that can help you compose better writing. Let’s look at the points.

• You will need to attain complete knowledge on how to format your appendix essay   properly. It will help you to make your document presentable and attractive to impress your professors.
• You can add the appendix section precede or succeed a reference list.
• You must start writing an appendix in an essay every time on a new page.
• You can ask your professor the style of appendix they want, like MLA, APA, Chicago, or any other.
• You have to present the information in the order they are presented in the content of your essay.
• You must title the page with “Appendix” in the center & Bold.
• You can list the appendix in the table of content.
• You should continue the page number in the appendix.

Above are the various pointers that can be helpful for students to maintain a better essay appendix   format in their writing and make it presentable and impressive. The next question that comes to mind is what to write in this section, which is answered below very well. Let’s know it.

No need to wonder anymore what to include in the appendix essay section. Here are the various points that you can summarize to make a perfect segment.

1) Add the supporting evidence, like raw data, in your appendix essay.

2) Add the definition or summary of the raw data in the body text to clarify the point. This information is called contributory facts or specialized data that helps the readers to understand the research better.

3) Add samples of calculations required to solve the problems.

4) Display all the technical figures, graphs, tables, & statistics in the appendix section.

5) Share a description of the instruments used in the research in detail.

6) Provide helpful maps, charts, photographs, & drawings in the appendix, and cite them in the content.

7) Share the letters, emails, and other copies of correspondence.

8) Add the instruments used in the questionnaire or survey and also share the derived results.

9) Share the transcripts of the complete interviews.

10) Add complete field notes taken during observations.

11) Insert the specification & datasheets.

Above are the various things you should include in the essay appendix to make it a perfect section. But to match the university standards and your professors’ expectations, you must keep some vital points in mind while writing an appendix in the essay. Let’s know about these points in brief.

Points to Keep in Mind While Writing an Appendix in an Essay!

5 Points that can be helpful for students to create a better quality appendix essay section are as follows:

1)  Review & Revise:  You must check your essay appendix for errors and mistakes. It will help you make your paper flawless & increase more chances of perfect writing in your document. Maintain a proper format and flow in the section with correct information.

2)  Check for Quality:  You must check whether the given information is easy to read or not. The quality of this section will be checked by the readability & understanding ability of the writing. So, make sure that every factor in your document displays perfection and accuracy.

3)  Check If the Appendix Is Cited in the Text Properly:  You can choose the correct format for citing your appendix section in the document. Mostly preferred citations by the UK students is APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Ask your professor what he will suggest to use and implement in your document.

4)  Check Grammatical Conventions & Style:  You have to hold on to your tone and grammatical usage, like sentence structure, word choice & proper format. So, make sure that you follow every element well after completing your work.

5)  Refer to the Appendix in the Text of the Paper:  You must refer to the information well in the main body text wherever required. It will help the readers check the meaning or description of the word side-by-side while reading your essay. So, make sure to cite it better.

So, these are the various points you must keep in your mind while writing an  essay appendix . It will definitely help you make your document perfect. Looking at some of the appendix examples can be helpful for you. That’s why here we share a few.

• First is the APA appendix example that will help you know the style you need to follow while using this.

So, this is the complete information that can be helpful for you to write the best possible  appendix in essay . Just like many UK students, if you also want online essay help , we have the best offers you can’t find anywhere else.

You may also like:  How to Write an Essay Paragraph in 30 Seconds & Don't Get Caught!

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How to Write a Research Paper Appendix

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Writing a research paper isn’t just a work of mere writing. Writing the perfect research paper takes a lot of research, analysis, framing, formatting, and much more. Correctly writing one of the most essential and academically popular segments of a research paper, the appendix, is one such effort that goes into a dissertation.  In this blog , we will discuss with you the functions of an appendix in-depth and give you some tried and tested tips to craft the perfect appendix section of a research paper! Let’s dive in! 

What is an Appendix?

The appendix on a research paper is a supplementary segment at the end of a dissertation or the research paper. This section isn’t considered a part of the main body text of the dissertation, but it is an important part of doing research. Appendices often feature raw data in the form of tables, figures, maps, diagrams and statistics and thus contribute to the credibility of the research and make it a perfect research paper . 

Using academic resources, books, and research tools can help frame an appendix better. Appendices are essential since they provide extra support to your research and make the dissertation seem more transparent regarding data. 

However, the appendix section of a research paper should only be supplementary; thus, you cannot depend on it to help the reader understand the main text. Your dissertation text should be detailed enough to be understandable without appendices, and they should only be placed to support your arguments presented in the research report. 

How to Write an Appendix for a Research Paper

Writing the perfect research paper appendix can be overwhelming if it’s your first time doing so. However, drafting the appendix section of a research paper can be quite fun if you know the basics and understand how exactly you should go about it. Here are our 5 tips on how to write the perfect appendix for your dissertation: 

Step 1: Organize the Appendix

With all the raw data, stats, and information, an appendix on a research paper can be difficult to go through and understand if they’re drafted disorganizedly. So, while writing your research paper appendix, make sure you are not just ramming all information into it but organising it well so the reader can utilise it. Structure it well, for it can very well come across as a reflection of your daily choices.

Step 2: Consider Accessibility

A research paper appendix can include non-textual information like tables, diagrams, graphs, images, illustrations, etc. If you’re adding such visual data elements to your appendices, ensure the material is clear and readable so the reader can comprehend the data. You should also ensure you are labelling these elements well and adding brief descriptions to each figure. 

Step 3: Review for Relevance

It is easy to lose track of the relevance of your data while preparing appendices since you have to work with many different types of data simultaneously. However, you have to remember that the goal is not to stuff your appendices with data. Rather, craft a precise, careful research paper appendix that can give your reader relevant and additional data that supports your research.

Step 4: Proofread and Revise

When it comes to dissertation writing, typos, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes can cost you way more than just miscommunication. These seemingly harmless errors can make your work look casual and unprofessional, bringing in questions about the credibility of your work. It is a similar case when it comes to writing an appendix for a research paper. 

Step 5: Seek Guidance

It is important to remember that seeking guidance when you feel stuck is pretty normal, and there is nothing to be embarrassed about it. You may feel lost while writing an appendix for a research paper, and it is the perfect time to seek guidance from your peers, advisor or even dissertation committee members. 

How to Format an Appendix

Ensuring proper formatting is crucial for the seamless integration of the research paper appendix into the main body. Follow the guidelines below for a sharp-looking appendix:

Consistency with the Main Body

Formatting elements, fonts, font sizes and margins should have uniformity. Consistent and professional appearance gives your research paper a neat look.

Organisation and Structure

Use headings and subheadings to categorise your data logically. You can also use a well-structured numbering system to facilitate easy navigation.

Descriptive Elements

Introduce each content with short descriptions and paragraphs. Giving additional context makes the information more accessible and interpretable.

Consistent Formatting Style

Use a formatting style that goes well with the rest of your dissertation, along with font styles, sizes, and other formatting guidelines instructed by your academic institution.

Visual Accessibility

Any non-textual elements, such as tables, graphs, or images, should be clear and readable. Label these visual elements and add alternative texts for inclusivity in the digital appendix.

Where does the appendix go in your dissertation? 

Although the appendix section of a research paper is an essential part of your dissertation, it is not to be included in the main body of the dissertation. As a compilation of supplementary material and raw data, your research paper appendix should go at the end of the dissertation, typically inserted after the reference lists. Some even present appendices as separate supplementary documents, mostly done in specially requested cases. 

The format of the research paper appendix should be similar to the rest of your report for consistency. It should thus be drafted and formatted in the same style as the dissertation in terms of fonts, margins, and font sizes.

What to include in your appendix 

While drafting your research paper appendix, remember that it needs to be as precise as possible. Thus, there cannot be unnecessary information in it. Typically, appendices include raw data that supports your research and is referenced in the dissertation you have prepared. Here are some of the elements that you should include in your appendix: 

• Research results 
• Transcribed interviews 
• Survey/questionnaire details 
• Table and figures 
• Co-respondence 
• List of abbreviations used 
• Calculations and formulas 

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Referring appendix in-text 

Only adding your appendix to the research paper at the end of the dissertation would not make sense if there are no references to them in the main text. To justify its existence and inclusion in the research report, you should reference the appendix at least once in the whole report. A neatly labelled and properly referred research paper appendix can make your dissertation look more professional and supported. 

How to refer to an appendix

Referring to the research paper appendix within the main text is important in highlighting its relevance. Use these five methods for referencing:

In-text references

Specific references embedded in your sentences contextually shape your information. For example, "In Table 2 of Appendix B, the commonality between subjects A and B is illustrated.

Parenthetical references

You can use parentheses for concise references without disrupting the main text's flow. For instance, "The result [refer to Appendix C, Fig. 2] is not consistent with the previous findings."

Referring to the entire appendix

Refer to the entire research paper appendix in your text when appropriate. For example, "The data supporting this conclusion can be found in Appendix B."

Clarity and labelling

References should be clear and well-labelled. Proper labelling ensures easy identification of referenced material within the appendix, polishing your research paper professionally.

Cross-referencing

Cross-referencing helps you establish connections between the main text and the appendix. Phrases like "As discussed in Appendix A" guide readers to supporting material.

Crafting the perfect appendix section of a research paper involves meticulous attention to detail and adherence to formatting and referencing guidelines. As an integral part of your dissertation, the appendix contributes significantly to the transparency, credibility, and overall professionalism of your research. By following the comprehensive guidelines provided in this guide, you can ensure that your appendix not only complements your main text but also serves as a valuable resource for readers seeking additional insights. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do i write in a research paper appendix, why is an appendix important for a dissertation, where is the appendix placed in the research paper, is writing a research paper appendix difficult, what are the basic guidelines for writing an appendix.

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APPENDICES: Academic Writing Basics

Technical Writing Essentials is designed to follow up on the skills learned in a first year Academic Writing course. If you’d like a refresher on some of the skills and ideas you learned in first year, an excellent open textbook used in some first year writing courses is Why Write? A Guide for Students in Canada . In particular, Chapter 5 of this textbook discusses grammar as a situated practice , offers an excellent overview of “ What is grammar ?” and provides some very helpful information on “ Rules for Academic Writing in English. ”

The following sections provide a review of some of the basic conventions and expectations of academic writing that students should be familiar with and that are relevant to technical writing:

Appendix A:  Referring to Authors and Titles

Appendix B:  Writing Summaries

Appendix C:  Integrating Quotations, Paraphrases and Summaries into your Writing

Appendix D:  Transitional Words and Phrases for University Writing

Appendix E:  Sentence Structure

Appendix F:  Punctuation Matters

Appendix G:  Writing Comparisons

Appendix H:  Peer Review Essentials

Technical Writing Essentials Copyright © by Suzan Last and UNH College of Professional Studies Online is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Appendix Pain

Preventing Appendicitis Complications

The appendix is a finger-like pouch that branches off from your large intestine. No one is sure what it does or why it evolved. But when something goes wrong, it can be dangerous.

“We do know that it causes problems,” says Dr. Nicole Wilson, a pediatric surgeon at the University of Rochester. “And we do know that people do just fine without it.”

Some studies suggest that your appendix may help your body’s disease defenses, or immune system. But some people get appendicitis, or inflammation Heat, swelling, and redness caused by the body’s protective response to injury or infection. of the appendix. This can happen for different reasons. Sometimes the tiny opening that leads from the appendix to the large intestine gets blocked by stool. Other times an infection can be the cause. Swelling from inflammation can lead to pain in your abdomen, the cavity that holds your organs.

“The classic symptoms of appendicitis are pain that starts around the belly button and kind of migrates down to the right lower side of the belly,” Wilson explains. Other symptoms include an upset gut, like nausea, vomiting, or not wanting to eat. Sometimes appendicitis also comes with a fever.

If you have these symptoms, get medical care right away. The sooner appendicitis is caught, the better. You’re less likely to have complications like a perforated, or “burst,” appendix. This is when a hole forms in your appendix. The hole lets bacteria leak into your abdomen, which can be life threatening.

Doctors diagnose appendicitis based on symptoms and lab and imaging tests. Treatment depends on the severity of inflammation and whether your appendix has burst. You may only need antibiotics. But often, patients require both surgery and antibiotics. If your appendix bursts, you’ll need surgery.

Patients with a perforated appendix are at risk for getting an abscess, Wilson says. This is a pocket of pus that forms within the abdomen. People who get these internal infections are usually hospitalized. They’re given IV antibiotics for days or weeks.

Wilson’s research focuses on a new way to prevent infections from a perforated appendix. It’s called photo-dynamic therapy, or PDT. The technique uses laser light and a light-reactive dye. When combined, they produce molecules that cause bacteria to burst open and die. Surgeons might use the technique to sterilize the abdomen after removing the appendix.

With antibiotics alone, some bacteria can survive. They can develop resistance to the drugs. But PDT kills all the bacteria. Wilson and her colleague, Dr. Timothy Baran, are testing PDT in animal models and on bacteria collected from patients with perforated appendicitis.

Baran’s work has already shown that the technique can be used to treat abscesses in people. Now, Wilson and Baran are testing whether PDT can be used to prevent and treat internal infections.

“For a long time, we’ve treated appendicitis the same way, and this is one of the first studies that I know of looking at new and innovative ways to add to the treatment of it,” Wilson says. “It’s probably years down the road, but I’m really excited about it.”

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