It would be difficult to summarize all the writing style guidelines as prescribed by the APA manual. What is most important is that you remain as clear and concise as possible (instructors can easily recognize "padding"), avoid slang and colloquialisms ("The subject took her time choosing a book"), remain in the active voice whenever possible ("The student chose the book," not "The book was chosen by the student"), avoid contractions (isn't, can't, wouldn't), and be sensitive to racist and sexist language. APA guidelines recommend using past tense in the abstract, introduction, and methods sections. Results and discussion can be written in the present tense. It's a good idea to have a tutor or editor look over your drafts if you feel you could use some guidance in this area.
One of the more difficult obstacles to get past when writing an academic paper is to come up with a variety of active verbs to use in place of the word "said." Some alternatives are provided below; you may wish to copy these verbs and keep them near your keyboard to help you while you are writing. Add your own to ensure variety in your writing.
maintain, assert, contend, insist, repeat, express, respond, acknowledge, reply, claim, admit, reflect, state, express, volunteer, demonstrate, testify, mention, categorize, depict, interpret, outline, elucidate, construe, define, denote, portray |
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