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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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• Knowledge Base
• APA Style 7th edition
• How to create an APA Style appendix

How to Create an APA Style Appendix | Format & Examples

Published on October 16, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 9, 2022.

An appendix is a section at the end of an academic text where you include extra information that doesn’t fit into the main text. The plural of appendix is “appendices.”

In an APA Style paper, appendices are placed at the very end, after the reference list .

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Table of contents

Do i need an appendix, appendix format example, organizing and labeling your appendices, frequently asked questions.

You don’t always need to include any appendices. An appendix should present information that supplements the reader’s understanding of your research but is not essential to the argument of your paper . Essential information is included in the main text.

For example, you might include some of the following in an appendix:

• Full transcripts of interviews you conducted (which you can quote from in the main text)
• Documents used in your research, such as questionnaires , instructions, tests, or scales
• Detailed statistical data (often presented in tables or figures )
• Detailed descriptions of equipment used

You should refer to each appendix at least once in the main text. If you don’t refer to any information from an appendix, it should not be included.

When you discuss information that can be found in an appendix, state this the first time you refer to it:

Note that, if you refer to the same interviews again, it’s not necessary to mention the appendix each time.

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The appendix label appears at the top of the page, bold and centered. On the next line, include a descriptive title, also bold and centered.

The text is presented in general APA format : left-aligned, double-spaced, and with page numbers in the top right corner. Start a new page for each new appendix.

The example image below shows how to format an APA Style appendix.

If you include just one appendix, it is simply called “Appendix” and referred to as such in-text:

When more than one appendix is included, they are labeled “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on.

Present and label your appendices in the order they are referred to in the main text.

Labeling tables and figures in appendices

An appendix may include (or consist entirely of) tables and/or figures . Present these according to the same formatting rules as in the main text.

Tables and figures included in appendices are labeled differently, however. Use the appendix’s letter in addition to a number. Tables and figures are still numbered separately and according to the order they’re referred to in the appendix.

For example, in Appendix A, your tables are Table A1, Table A2, etc; your figures are Figure A1, Figure A2, etc.

The numbering restarts with each appendix: For example, the first table in Appendix B is Table B1; the first figure in Appendix C is Figure C1; and so on. If you only have one appendix, use A1, A2, etc.

If you want to refer specifically to a table or figure from an appendix in the main text, use the table or figure’s label (e.g. “see Table A3”).

If an appendix consists entirely of a single table or figure, simply use the appendix label to refer to the table or figure. For example, if Appendix C is just a table, refer to the table as “Appendix C,” and don’t add an additional label or title for the table itself.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Caulfield, J. (2022, August 09). How to Create an APA Style Appendix | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 18, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/apa-style/appendices/

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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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What Is An Appendix In Writing?

What is the purpose of an appendix, how to format an appendix.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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How to Write an Appendix

Last Updated: October 4, 2023

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. This article has been viewed 1,748,156 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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How to Write an Appendix

By: Max Malak

• What is an Appendix?

An appendix is an addendum to a research paper or book that contains supplementary information about the elements within the article or book itself.

What is the Purpose of An Appendix in a Paper?

Does your paper even need an appendix, collect data, title the section, order the data, place the additional sections appropriately, proofread and polish, rules for apa referencing, rules for mla referencing, a bad example to avoid, how do you reference an appendix in the text, what is appendix in report, should you capitalize the word "appendix", should you cite your appendix in the paper, should the appendix come before or after the references section in your paper, what should i put in an appendix, how do you cite an image in an appendix, how do you include an appendix in an essay.

Appendices are a vital part of adding information to a topic. However, many students have difficulty figuring out what to include in an appendix and what shouldn't. But what is an appendix in writing? A research paper ought to stand independently without the added information in the added section. The information presented in this supplement should add to the report and allow for a more in-depth understanding of the work delivered. Elements like the definition of words or other scientific material are found in this addendum of a written paper or book. This is a succinct demonstration of what is an appendix in a research paper. Have you ever seen a sample of an appendix in a research paper? At the bottom of the page, we include a few samples for your perusal.

What is an appendix in an essay? Essays typically have addendums that give insight into how the paper was crafted. The information within a paper’s additional section is aimed at people who want to know more about the research. Usually, the addendum contains links or references to the source material used to write the paper. In some cases, such as in scientific essays, or discussions with data, the additional part of the paper will have the statistics or a link to find them.

The thought that the supplemental section is where an author should put additional information that they can't find anywhere else in their main text to fit is erroneous. This is not a good approach to have for when to define an appendix in a paper. Instead, the addendum should serve as a tool where supplementary information can be housed. The appendix should not contain vital information crucial to the paper or book. That information is better represented within the body of the paper itself.

An addendum in a paper is an essential part of communicating information to the reader that doesn’t have a place within the main body. The paper appendix sample included at the bottom of the page shows what information is typically included in those sections.

The addendum in a book would significantly differ from one in a research paper. The appendix usually lists citations, definitions, or other documents for further reading in a book. The additional section summarizes the supplementary materials used for research in a research paper. Graphical representations of facts and statistics may also find their way into a research paper's supplement.

Another crucial piece of information, mostly for business professionals, is how to write an appendix in a report . To help report writers, an appendix format example is included at the bottom of the page in several styles, depending on what the writer wishes to use. See the paper appendix example included at the bottom of the page to learn more.

What to Put in An Appendix?

Appendices aren't a dumping ground for extraneous information, even though many people (including published authors) tend to treat them that way. Thus, what to write in the appendix tends to be a question many students ask their lecturers. Unfortunately, there are very few real guidelines about what a particular lecturer wants. However, there are many structured formats for producing these addendums, based on the paper’s reference style.

Proper appendix format, therefore, must follow certain key rules. What to include in an appendix is a pertinent question, regardless of if it’s for a book or a research paper. This supplementary section serves a particular purpose, and to this end, it should present supplementary factual data that help round out the edges of the paper’s central premise and argument.

Among the most common items that should be included when creating an appendix are:

• Raw Data: Experimental data is a good candidate for inclusion. If the paper deals with a statistical analysis of a survey, the survey data should be included so that others can check your work.
• Tables and Graphs: Some authors include supporting tables and graphs (not those key to their thesis statement). If doing so, these elements should be labeled independently from those within the text of the paper.
• Maps, Photographs, or Diagrams: If you have supporting information you would like to reference within the text, these would fit well within the appendix. It's vital to remember that these additions are supplementary. If the paper needs them for the reader to understand something, they're better off included within the text itself.
• Letters and Correspondence: Collaborations with other authors or research personnel can also be included, allowing readers to get an idea of the work that went into the book or paper.
• Questionnaires or Survey Forms: If data is collected through these means, including the forms used for this data collection can be useful in helping the reader understand the context of the data.
• Research Instruments: Specialized research instruments may need to be mentioned, and their operating parameters discussed. Offering an insight into how the data was collected along with potential margins of error can help replicate an experiment to get a similar result.
• Sample Calculations: These calculations may include a discussion of methods used, including formulae, or detailed descriptions relating the significance of the measurements to the conclusions drawn.
• Interview Transcripts: If interviews are done, these transcripts should be provided in their original transcripted forms to readers if they would like to go through the interview themselves.

A student should remember that appendices shouldn't be complicated. How to structure an appendix is crucial knowledge to remain within the boundaries of referencing guidelines. They simply present information that will help readers grasp the paper and its focus. If there is too much data to add, consider housing it on google drive and giving a simplified link when making the appendix itself.

A paper or book isn't limited to a single supplementary section either. If there are multiple appendices that you would like to add, you're free to create a supplement within your main document for each one of them. Breaking these appendices into broad categories makes it easier for readers to find the information they're looking for within the paper or book itself. If you have multiple appendices, it's best to arrange them in the order they were mentioned in the text.

A common question many new researchers have is whether their research paper even requires an addendum. To determine whether information should go into the supplementary section or not, an individual should seek to answer the following questions:

• Is the material you intend to include necessary for a reader to understand what's in the paper? If so, you're better off including it within the body of the text.
• Would the information included in the supplement interrupt the flow of the paper? If the answer is yes, then it should make up the appendix and be left out of the body of the article.
• Is the information good background for what's already within your paper? If so, the information is a good candidate.

Appendices complete a paper by offering the reader supplementary information they would not have gotten within the article but allow for the contextualization of the research process. Authors should examine their appendices and see that they meet the minimum requirement for inclusion within the text.

How To Write an Appendix

So, exactly how do you write an appendix? Appendices may be an easier part of a text to complete but writing them does take time. As mentioned above, several different elements may be included in this additional section. Before writing the appendix, the best practice would be to collect and organize all the data to know what you have and what you don't. This helps you figure out how to set up an appendix in a way that makes sense.

Appendices are also referenced throughout the text. If you intend to have more than one supplementary section, you should note when they are mentioned within the text. This gives you an idea of the flow of appendices since they should be created in the order they are referenced within the text.

It’s a good practice to know beforehand how to include an appendix in the text. Ordering the content means making it more approachable and reader-friendly. To this end, an author should try to sectionalize the appendices based on the type of information they have. So, for example, an author should include all collected data in an additional section and save questionnaires and surveys for another one.

Appendices go after the reference list. This arrangement is the accepted standard in a paper or a book. The progression also makes it easier to see where the text for the paper or book ends and the appendices start. The list of references is like a boundary that the reader encounters to break up the main text from the appendices.

Page numbers in the appendix layout should follow the same numbering format as the rest of the manuscript. It's essential to continue the numbering from the text into the extra section so that it feels like part of the book or paper.

Appendices require more than just copying and pasting data or references. An author who wants a polished piece of text needs to spend time on their appendices. Proofreading and fact-checking appendices are time-consuming, but it's necessary to ensure that the paper is complete. You may have to do one or more revisions to clarify the information within the supplementary section. To help with this, one should get someone who is not a researcher to read through the appendices. Having a non-specialist do this gives an author some feedback on what the average individual may see when skimming through the paper’s addendum.

Writing an appendix can be broken down, therefore, into a simple, stepwise checklist:

All the relevant information that the paper or book can use for its supplementary section should be collected and collated. This approach makes it easier to know the order of these addendums and which supplementary information should go where. Content within each additional section may include surveys, questionnaires, interviews, graphs, charts, or raw experimental data, as noted above.

The title of the supplementary section is what you will use to refer to it throughout the text. It's crucial that you use the same title to refer to this section throughout the paper, or else you risk confusing your reader.

The data content should be presented in the order that the reader encounters it within the text. This approach makes for a more readable and approachable supplementary section.

The addendum sections should go after the list of references, allowing the reader a break in the paper.

Rereading the content of the appendix and ensuring that it's formatted properly is a crucial part of preparing it for publication. Depending on the publication guidelines, it may take some time to perfect the location and orientation. Having an independent observer give feedback for this process is ideal.

An appendix is an additional part of a book or scientific paper that should be used to reference the information and data that has no direct bearing on the study but is still helpful to a reader. With this in mind, the supplementary section should be as readable as possible without sacrificing the presentation of the facts.

How To Format an Appendix

How to do an appendix for a research paper? Appendices can be formatted differently depending on the type of reference style you intend to use. However, there are a few standard guidelines for the naming and formatting of an appendix. How to structure an appendix varies depending on the reference format. Each of these additional sections ought to contain:

• A number (1, 2, etc.) or a letter (A, B, etc.)
• Page numbers
• References within the text
• Links that allow for quick access

It pays to know how to write an appendix for a research paper. While there are several constructions and referencing styles for an appendix section of a research paper, the two most common referencing styles used by authors are APA referencing and MLA referencing. These are used in particular situations and have distinct differences in constructing their appendices.

The APA appendix is widely used in academia, and it's common to see them in published papers. Because of the widespread use of the APA referencing format, many students may have encountered these appendices in books or articles they have perused before. The APA has well-defined guidelines for constructing appendices, and publications are encouraged to follow these.

• Appendices should be numbered as "Appendix #," where the X can be either a letter or a number. If there is only one extra section, it is simply labeled as "Appendix."
• References from the text should be of the form "see Appendix #."
• Each item should go into its own extra section.
• If the addendum contains a source, the reference should be inserted according to APA style guidelines.
• Every additional section should begin on its own separate page.
• The first paragraph should be written without intent.
• The section’s label and title should be center-aligned and capitalized.
• The addendum should follow similar style guidelines to the rest of the paper (double spaced, Times New Roman Size 12 font, etc.)

MLA’s appendices are similar to the APA. The 9th edition is currently used for the MLA style guidelines, but some organizations and institutions still use the 8th edition for their referencing (Modern Language Association of America, 2021). A few differences stand out between the MLA and the APA version of constructing the addendum.

• Appendices should go in order of appearance within the text.
• Referencing the appendices can be done using the same format as the APA ("see Appendix #"), but one can just as easily use "refer to Appendix #" as well.
• The labels and titles of each addendum should be clearly defined and readable.
• In-text citations can be included but should follow the MLA guidelines for citations.
• Each added section should deal with its own issue. Try not to overlap appendices. If necessary, construct more than one added section to house the supplemental information.
• The MLA appendix typically goes before the works cited, not after it, as in most appendices.

Appendix Examples

An appendix report format should conform to one or the other major referencing systems currently used in academia. The best way to understand appendix formatting is to see what appendices are supposed to look like.

Added sections can show up in a variety of places, as already mentioned. These examples are a small cross-section of the types of elements that may show up in reports or papers. In general, these additions can span a wide range of supplements. The text mentioned in these examples is one of those supplementary additions. However, there are also other additions such as tables, raw data, and instrumentation details that aren’t covered in these examples.

Here, we have an MLA style example and an APA style sample to examine how they are created and what a student should do to maintain what is expected from these guidelines.

The title is centered and clearly labeled, separating it from the rest of the text within the body. The page numbering continues from the rest of the paper, ensuring that the example appendix doesn't feel like an add-on or extra. The information contained within this added section (a collection of terms that the reader might find helpful to know) is supplementary. The paper or book itself doesn't require the reader to understand these terms, but the reader may be encouraged to learn more by reading the definitions mentioned. This is an excellent example of how to structure an appendix and the information it should contain. It's also a good representation of how to make an appendix for a paper in APA style.

Above is an example of an appendix in a research paper. The appendix page example title is clearly visible and stylistically unique compared to the rest of the text on the page, in keeping with MLA standards. The appendix example collates all the information that pertains to the title into a single reference, making it easy for a reader to flip through the references as they like.

The appendix writing example also does not contain any core information that the paper requires, but these supplementary data sources can help the reader contextualize the data presented. The additional section is appropriately numbered, showing that it's part of the paper, adding to the sense of the paper's completeness. This is a great example of how to write an appendix for a paper in MLA format.

The above is a sample of the appendix in the research paper. While having the distinctive labeling for the title, this APA appendix page format shows a glaring error. Whether through notable inclusion or automatic numbering, there are two sets of numbers, making the referencing questionable. Additionally, the appendix page sample tries to incorporate several different and distinct types of information within a single addendum, leading to possible confusion from the reader. The literature review forms a core part of the research in many engineering papers and is included as part of the manuscript, not as a supplement. Ideally, students should avoid including appendices that look like this in their research papers or publications. This picture is not a good appendix writing example.

These examples only cover text addendums. A student may want to know how to make an appendix for pictures, for example. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to source an appendix picture example. These addendums typically follow a similar methodology to text appendices. However, the appendix essay example we present would fall into a different format to one with pictures and maps.

An example of an appendix in a report would follow much of these same guidelines. An appendix sample in a project report typically houses tables and statistics that are pertinent to the report but isn’t directly referenced. Typically, the appendix meaning in a report relies on the data provided within the main document.

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The article is very explanatory and includes professional advice. I only read this as a guide on how to format an appendix. I learned so much about making a list and being careful with the length of each sentence. I'll just bookmark this just in case I forget anything😊.

This blog post exudes clarity! Especially in the area of having to number the appendix pages, I have been struggling with it for a while, but with the info this post has provided, I can be bold about coming up with one now. I can even make notes about how to write one myself!

This article was shared on our group chat by a classmate. I'm really glad they did. An important criterion for an assignment was to ensure we point out every resource used and at least make mention of the author of each book. Well, after reading this, my footnotes will never stay the same.

In summary, this blog post has all the relevant info regarding how to write a good appendix. All the paragraphs have an idea passed across to the reader; they paint perfect images of what appendix pages should look like.

Well, this was really helpful. I'm presently sorting out my project work for a science course, and my teacher kept talking about appendix matching the page number and something related to extra information. I was honestly confused. Now, I know how to make the appendix pages properly. Guess who has appendix b and appendix c? Yup! Me 😅.

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How to Write an Appendix for your Essay

(Last updated: 13 October 2023)

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An appendix is an essential part of any academic essay, serving as a repository for supplementary material that supports your arguments but may be too detailed or tangential to include in the main body of the text.

Whether you're looking to append data sets, charts, images, or additional information that may not fit neatly within your essay, creating an effective appendix is crucial for presenting a comprehensive and well-rounded argument. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of writing an appendix for your essay.

What to Include in an Appendix:

The contents of an appendix can vary, but typically it includes any material that expands on or supports the information presented in your essay. This can include:

- Raw data and statistical analyses - Graphs, charts, and tables - Images, photographs, or diagrams - Transcripts of interviews or surveys - Additional sources or references - Supplementary literature reviews

The key is to ensure that the material included in the appendix is relevant to your essay and serves to enhance your reader's understanding of your arguments.

How to Format an Appendix:

When it comes to formatting an appendix, there are a few key guidelines to follow:

- Appendices should be placed at the end of your essay, after the references or bibliography. - Each appendix should be labelled with a letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B) and have a descriptive title. - If you have more than one appendix, make sure to label each one accordingly and include a table of contents at the beginning of your appendices section. - Each appendix should begin on a new page. - Reference the appendix within the main body of your essay when necessary. For example, you can write "See Appendix A for the full survey results."

Including Citations:

If you include information from other sources in your appendix, you must properly cite these sources. Follow the same citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) that you used in the main body of your essay.

Mastering Your Essay Writing

An appendix can be a valuable addition to your essay, providing supplementary material that enhances your reader's understanding of your arguments. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your appendix is formatted correctly and includes relevant and useful information.

Struggling with your essay writing? Our team of experienced academics is here to provide you with the support you need. Get in touch today to learn more about how we can help you achieve academic success.

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Do You Need an Appendix in Your Paper?

• 2-minute read
• 25th June 2018

The debate over whether the human appendix does anything useful rages on . Much less controversial are the appendices you’ll find in a dissertation or thesis . These are definitely helpful!

However, not every college paper needs an appendix. And if you do include one, you need to make sure you do it right . Here, then, is our guide to using appendices in academic documents.

Do You Need an Appendix?

You will only need appendices in your paper if you have a lot of extra material that doesn’t fit in the main body of the document.

For instance, if you have conducted a survey , you might want to focus on certain data in the Results section of your paper. You can then pick and choose the key information, with the rest given in an appendix. This should be pointed to in the main text as follows:

The full data shows that political engagement is increasing among those aged 18-24 years (see Appendix A).

Your reader would then know to look in “Appendix A” for the survey results. If you do not mention an appendix in the main body of your paper, however, it probably doesn’t need to be there.

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What to Put in Appendices

But what should go in appendices? The usual candidates include:

• Raw test data or results
• Graphs, charts, and tables
• Maps and illustrations
• Letters and emails
• Questionnaires and survey forms
• Interview transcripts

The most important thing is that you only include non-essential information in appendices. If you rely upon something in your arguments, make sure to include it in the main body of your work.

How to Format Appendices

The correct format for appendices will depend on your school’s requirements, so make sure to check your style guide or ask your professor. As a general guideline, though, you should:

• Put appendices after the reference list at the end of your document
• Use a separate appendix for each type of information
• Clearly label each appendix with a letter or number, plus a title that tells the reader what it contains (e.g., Appendix A: Survey Results )
• Include all appendices in the table of contents at the start of your document

If you do all of this, you should have a good set of appendices on your hands! For more information about writing a dissertation or thesis, read our full dissertation writing guide .

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An appendix contains supplementary material that is not an essential part of the text itself but which may be helpful in providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research problem. An appendix may also contain information that is too cumbersome to be included in the body of the paper. A separate appendix should be used for each distinct topic or set of data and always have a title descriptive of its contents [e.g., Appendix 1: Interview Protocol].

Tables, Appendices, Footnotes and Endnotes. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Importance of...

Appendices are always supplementary to the research paper. As such, your study must be able to stand alone without the appendices, and the paper must contain all information including tables, diagrams, and results necessary to understand the research problem. The key point to remember when including an appendix or appendices is that the information is non-essential to understanding the research problem being investigated. In other words, if it were removed, the reader would still be able to  comprehend the significance, validity , and implications of your research even if that additional data was missing.

It is appropriate to include appendices for the following reasons:

• Including this material in the body of the paper that would render it poorly structured or interrupt the narrative flow;
• Information is too lengthy and detailed to be easily summarized in the body of the paper;
• Inclusion of helpful, supporting, or useful material would otherwise distract the reader from the main content of the paper;
• Provides relevant information or data that is more easily understood or analyzed in a self-contained section of the paper;
• Can be used when there are constraints placed on the length of your paper; and,
• Provides a place to further demonstrate your understanding of the research problem by giving additional details about a new or innovative method, technical details, or design protocols.

Appendices. Academic Skills Office, University of New England; Chapter 12, "Use of Appendices." In Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write a Successful NIH Grant . Otto O. Yang. (New York: Kluwer Academic, 2005), pp. 55-57; Tables, Appendices, Footnotes and Endnotes. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  General Points to Consider

When considering whether to include content in an appendix, keep in mind the following:

• It is usually good practice to include your raw data in an appendix, laying it out in a clear format so the reader can re-check your results. Another option if you have a large amount of raw data is to consider placing it online [e.g., on a Google drive] and note that this is the appendix to your research paper.
• Any tables and figures included in the appendix should be numbered as a separate sequence from the main paper . Remember that appendices contain non-essential information that, if removed, would not diminish a reader's ability to understand the research problem being investigated. This is why non-textual elements should not carry over the sequential numbering of non-textual elements in the body of your paper.
• If you have more than three appendices, consider listing them on a separate page in the table of contents . This will help the reader know what information is included in the appendices. Note that some works list appendices in the table of contents before the first chapter while other styles list the appendices after the conclusion but before your references. Consult with your professor to confirm if there is a preferred approach.
• The appendix can be a good place to put maps, photographs, diagrams, and other images , if you feel that it will help the reader to understand the content of your paper, while keeping in mind the study should be understood without them.
• An appendix should be streamlined and not loaded with a lot information . If you have a very long and complex appendix, it is a good idea to break it down into separate appendices, allowing the reader to find relevant information quickly as the information is covered in the body of the paper.

II.  Content

Never include an appendix that isn’t referred to in the text . All appendices should be summarized in your paper where it is relevant to the content. Appendices should also be arranged sequentially by the order they were first referenced in the text [i.e., Appendix 1 should not refer to text on page eight of your paper and Appendix 2 relate to text on page six].

There are few rules regarding what type of material can be included in an appendix, but here are some common examples:

• Correspondence -- if your research included collaborations with others or outreach to others, then correspondence in the form of letters, memorandums, or copies of emails from those you interacted with could be included.
• Interview Transcripts -- in qualitative research, interviewing respondents is often used to gather information. The full transcript from an interview is important so the reader can read the entire dialog between researcher and respondent. The interview protocol [list of questions] should also be included.
• Non-textual elements -- as noted above, if there are a lot of non-textual items, such as, figures, tables, maps, charts, photographs, drawings, or graphs, think about highlighting examples in the text of the paper but include the remainder in an appendix.
• Questionnaires or surveys -- this is a common form of data gathering. Always include the survey instrument or questionnaires in an appendix so the reader understands not only the questions asked but the sequence in which they were asked. Include all variations of the instruments as well if different items were sent to different groups [e.g., those given to teachers and those given to administrators] .
• Raw statistical data – this can include any numerical data that is too lengthy to include in charts or tables in its entirety within the text. This is important because the entire source of data should be included even if you are referring to only certain parts of a chart or table in the text of your paper.
• Research instruments -- if you used a camera, or a recorder, or some other device to gather information and it is important for the reader to understand how, when, and/or where that device was used.
• Sample calculations – this can include quantitative research formulas or detailed descriptions of how calculations were used to determine relationships and significance.

NOTE:   Appendices should not be a dumping ground for information. Do not include vague or irrelevant information in an appendix; this additional information will not help the reader’s overall understanding and interpretation of your research and may only distract the reader from understanding the significance of your overall study.

ANOTHER NOTE:   Appendices are intended to provide supplementary information that you have gathered or created; it is not intended to replicate or provide a copy of the work of others. For example, if you need to contrast the techniques of analysis used by other authors with your own method of analysis, summarize that information, and cite to the original work. In this case, a citation to the original work is sufficient enough to lead the reader to where you got the information. You do not need to provide a copy of this in an appendix.

III.  Format

Here are some general guideline on how to format appendices . If needed, consult the writing style guide [e.g., APA, MLS, Chicago] your professor wants you to use for more detail or choose the style you are most familiar with:

• Appendices may precede or follow your list of references.
• Each appendix begins on a new page.
• The order they are presented is dictated by the order they are mentioned in the text of your research paper.
• The heading should be "Appendix," followed by a letter or number [e.g., "Appendix A" or "Appendix 1"], centered and written in bold type.
• If there is a table of contents, the appendices must be listed.
• Depending on the type of information, the content can be presented in landscape format rather than regular portrait format.
• The page number(s) of the appendix/appendices will continue on with the numbering from the last page of the text.

Appendices. The Structure, Format, Content, and Style of a Journal-Style Scientific Paper. Department of Biology. Bates College;  Appendices. Academic Skills Office, University of New England; Appendices. Writing Center, Walden University; Chapter 12, "Use of Appendices." In Guide to Effective Grant Writing: How to Write a Successful NIH Grant . Otto O. Yang. (New York: Kluwer Academic, 2005), pp. 55-57 ; Tables, Appendices, Footnotes and Endnotes. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Lunsford, Andrea A. and Robert Connors. The St. Martin's Handbook . New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989; What To Know About The Purpose And Format Of A Research Paper Appendix. LoyolaCollegeCulion.com.

Writing Tip

Consider Putting Your Appendices Online

Appendices are useful because they provide the reader with information that supports your study without breaking up the narrative or distracting from the main purpose of your paper. If you have a lot of raw data or information that is difficult to present in textual form, consider uploading it to an online site. This prevents your paper from having a large and unwieldy set of appendices and it supports a growing movement within academe to make data more freely available for re-analysis. If you do create an online portal to your data, note it prominently in your paper with the correct URL and access procedures if it is a secured site, or if needed, with clear directions on how to contact the author to obtain access.

Piwowar, Heather A., Roger S. Day, and Douglas B. Fridsma. “Sharing Detailed Research Data Is Associated with Increased Citation Rate.” PloS ONE (March 21, 2007); Wicherts, Jelte M., Marjan Bakker, and Dylan Molenaar. “Willingness to Share Research Data Is Related to the Strength of the Evidence and the Quality of Reporting of Statistical Results.” PLoS ONE (November 2, 2011).

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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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• Dissertation
• Research Paper Appendix | Example & Templates

Research Paper Appendix | Example & Templates

Published on 15 August 2022 by Kirsten Dingemanse and Tegan George. Revised on 25 October 2022.

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 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.

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 is 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 capitalise ‘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 capitalising 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.’

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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 utilise many specialised 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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

Dingemanse, K. & George, T. (2022, October 25). Research Paper Appendix | Example & Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 18 September 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/appendix/

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• Referencing Guides

Harvard Referencing Guide

Appendix guidelines.

• An appendix (plural appendices) contain material that belongs with your paper, rather than in it. They go at the very end of your paper, after your reference list.
• The appendix can include text, tables, figures, or a combination of these.
• Each appendix starts on a separate page.
• If you have one appendix in your assessment, label the section, Appendix. If there are two or more, label each appendix with a capital letter (e.g. Appendix A, Appendix B etc).
• … showed higher participation rates (see Appendix A).
• As shown in Appendix B, the results …
• If you have written the appendix and used outside materials, just insert the citations in the text of your appendix as normal, and include the full reference in the main reference list for your paper.
• << Previous: Reference list
• Next: Books >>
• Last Updated: Sep 13, 2024 10:22 AM
• URL: https://libguides.scu.edu.au/harvard

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Definition of Appendix in a Book or Written Work

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The word appendix comes from the Latin "appendere," meaning "hang upon." An appendix is a collection of supplementary materials, usually appearing at the end of a report , academic paper,  proposal  (such as a bid or a grant), or book. It typically includes data and supporting documents the writer has used to develop the written work.

Examples of Supporting Materials

Not every report, proposal, or book requires an appendix. Including one, however, allows a writer to point to additional information that may be relevant to readers but would be out of place in the main body of the text. An appendix can give the reader more depth regarding the topic, supply resources for further reading or contact lists, or provide documentation to make the case for a grant or bid proposal. That said, an appendix should not be treated as an opportunity for padding .

Appendix information may include tables, figures, charts, letters, memos, detailed technical specs, maps, drawings, diagrams, photos, or other materials. In the case of research papers, supporting materials may include surveys, questionnaires, or schematics and the like that were used to produce the results included in the paper.

Supplemental vs. Elemental

Because of its supplementary nature, it's important that material in an appendix not be left to speak for itself. "This means that you must not put vital information only in an appendix without any indication in the main text that it is there," notes Eamon Fulcher, author of "A Guide to Coursework in Psychology."

An appendix is an ideal place to include information and other data that are simply too long or detailed to incorporate into the main body text. If these materials were used in the work's development, readers may want to reference them to double-check or locate additional information. Including the materials in an appendix is often the most organized way to make them available.

The appendix material should be streamlined, relevant to your topic or thesis, and useful to the reader—but it's not a place to put all of your research materials. The citations in the references, bibliography, works cited, or end notes will take care of citing your sources. An appendix is a place for items that help the reader's understanding of your work and research and the topic at hand. If the material is not important enough to refer to in your text, then don't include it in an appendix.

Fast Facts: Should You Include an Appendix?

Whether you include an appendix depends on your topic and what will benefit the reader. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, create an appendix.

• Will supplemental materials aid the reader's understanding of your topic?
• Will they provide resources for further reading or exploration?
• Will they supply additional depth to the data presented in your report, article, book, or proposal?
• Will the materials provide additional backup for your thesis or message?
• Do you have items that would be unwieldy to present in a footnote?

Formatting an Appendix

The way in which you format your appendix depends on the style guide you have chosen to follow for your work. In general, each item referred to in your text (table, figure, chart, or other information) should be included as its own appendix. However, if there are many data sets under one grouping, keep them together in their appendix and label each piece appropriately.

If you have more than one appendix, label the appendices "Appendix A," "Appendix B," an so forth, so that you can easily cite them in the body of the report, and start each on a separate page. For the ease of the readers, put your appendices in the order that you refer to them in the paper and don't forget to note them in the table of contents—if your work has one.

Research papers, including academic and medical studies, usually follow APA style guidelines for the formatting of appendices. They can also follow the Chicago Manual of Style. For each of these styles, format the appendix as follows:

• APA: Center the title, and use upper and lowercase letters. The text of the appendix should be flush left, and you should indent your paragraphs.
• Chicago: The Chicago style manual also allows for numbered appendices (1, 2, 3, not just A, B, C). As far as location, they appear before any end notes sections so that any information in the appendices that needs a note can refer to the notes section. If there are many tables in the appendices, though, it might be best to keep the notes with the tables.

Appendix vs. Addendum

An addendum is new material added to a book or other written work after its first edition has been produced. For example, an addendum may contain updated research or additional sources that came to light or further explanation about the book from the author.

Addendums can also be used in legal documents. An addendum can change the terms of a contract, such as canceling sections or updating terms or pricing in sections of a contract without the contract becoming null and void in its entirety, which would require all parties involved to read, agree to, and sign it again. The parties to the contract simply need to sign the addendum, and usually initial the noted changes.

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Formatting your work

General advice.

The format of your assignment (eg margin size, font size, word count, line spacing) will vary module by module. Please consult your module handbook (via Blackboard ) or ask your module tutor for advice.

Library staff have produced a sample essay in the UWE Harvard style (PDF)  you can refer to and guidance for using figures and tables (PDF) in your work.

Formatting Appendices

What is it.

An appendix includes additional information that provides useful background and context for your topic. This must be relevant and aid the reader in understanding your work. This could include your own research data or information from other sources. If you are using more than one appendix, you would refer to them as appendices.

What to include in your appendices

Supporting information for your work from other sources, for example data or diagrams. If you have conducted your own research, it is a good idea to include your raw data for example: interview transcripts, surveys, correspondence (emails, letters etc.), statistics. Additionally, consider putting images or graphs in an appendix, whether your own or from another source.

Where are they?

They are located at the end of your work after your reference list or bibliography.

What do they look like?

• To make it clearer for your reader, consider breaking down long appendix into separate ones.
• Keep information in a single appendix within a particular focus area, for instance interviews on a topic with participants.
• Label each new appendix alphabetically, for example appendix A, appendix B.
• Give each appendix a meaningful title.
• Start each appendix on a new page.
• Refer to individual tables or sources within the appendix as numbered items. This ensures you can easily refer to these individual sources within your body of work. Order the appendices as they are referred to within the main body of the text for the first time. If your work includes a contents page, add appendices to the table of contents.
• Continue page numbers from the end of your main body of work.

How to refer to appendices in your work

All appendices should be mentioned in your work.  You could do this in the following ways: The data I gathered on this topic suggests there’s a correlation (see appendix A). Appendix B suggests … If your appendix contains more than one information source, refer to it in the following way: (see appendix A1) As shown in appendix B3 … If your appendix refers to your own research or data you do not need to provide a reference. However, if your appendix refers to the work of others, provide an-text citation in the appendix and add the full reference to your reference list. For instance, if you’ve created a table using someone else’s work, underneath the table it could look like this: (Table author’s own, data from Greig, 2021.)

Quoting other works in your assignment

You are expected to acknowledge the books, journal articles and other sources of information that you use when preparing and completing your university work. This is known as referencing .

You will often find you need to quote  from your sources of information. Use your own judgement to make sure that the layout and flow of your writing is logical, and that use of quotations is clear and easy to follow as well as being consistent throughout your assignment.

(The following guidance applies when referencing using the UWE Bristol Harvard  style only.)

Quoting one or two lines

Put quotation marks around the quote and include within a standard-format paragraph of your text. Include any italics and errors of spelling or punctuation found in the original. Example: As Pearson et al . state (2007, p.72), "The basis of evidence-based practice is, of course, evidence".

Quoting more than two lines

Indent the quotation in its own paragraph and leave out the quotation marks. Include any italics and errors of spelling or punctuation found in the original. Example: Pearson et al . (2007, p.74) summarise the issue as follows:

Critical appraisal is a difficult component of the systematic review process, and a good understanding of research design is required. The major aim of critical appraisal of any type of evidence is to establish the validity of the evidence for practice. Validity refers to the soundness of the evidence; in other words, it is about the degree to which we can accept the evidence as trustworthy and believable.

Editing a quote

You can make minor changes to a direct quotation as long as you don't change the meaning and indicate where you have made changes:

• If you insert your own words, or different words, into a quotation, put them in square brackets [ ]
• To draw attention to an error in a quotation (for example a spelling mistake) do not correct it, but write [sic] after the error
• To emphasise something in a quotation, put the emphasised words in italics, and state that the emphasis is your own

"Mobile-learning (m-learning) is learning in which mobile technologies play a central role" (Davis, 2011, p.125, my italics)

Omitting text within a quote

If you wish to omit part of a quote, indicate the omission by inserting a space, three full-stops, and another space. Example: Pearson et al . (2007. p.74) conclude that "Critical appraisal is a difficult component of the systematic review process ... The major aim of critical appraisal of any type of evidence is to establish the validity of the evidence for practice."

Single or double quotation marks

When quoting from other works you can use single or double quotation marks. If your source of information is quoting direct speech, use the two types of quotation marks to differentiate them. Check with your module tutor if you need advice and be consistent with the use of single or double quotation marks throughout your piece of work.

• In-text citations and quotations are included in your assignment's word count.
• References, bibliographies and footnotes containing references are not included in the word count, unless it is clearly stated in the coursework instructions that the module is an exception to this rule.

Please consult the UWE Bristol Policies  for further advice (includes the Assessment Content Limit policy).

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• 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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Guidelines and steps for writing a coursework | Tips for good writing

What is a coursework and why to write a coursework.

A coursework is a written or practical work done by student in form of thesis, dissertation, project or paper as a part of course. This is often an essential requirement for being awarded a degree and counts towards successful completion of the course. A coursework is assessed by class instructors or by other teachers in the school. Many students cannot clearly define what is a coursework. In a nutshell, at the “A” and GSCE level , a coursework is written in the form of projects or essays. There are few guidelines and good practices which should be followed while writing a coursework. Perfect examples of a coursework include extended essay, field studies, practical activities, design studies and internal assessment test set. Conversely, each coursework have differing objectives from one course unit to another. In addition, a coursework may incorporate work for which the experiments, topics, themes or parameters of a project or essay have been designed by the teacher, or specified in the syllabus, or selected by the students themselves. Therefore, a coursework is presented in a form of a research assignment meant to reflect the understanding of topics and concepts by the student. Students can handle their coursework either at school under the controlled conditions in class sessions, and/or as homework.

Some rules & guidelines for writing a coursework

Deciding good topic for a coursework

The capability to choose a good topic to write on is a vital skill in coursework writing. All the work and efforts will revolve around the chosen topic. If given the liberty to choose, then the topic should be something you would love to write about.

The steps on how to finish a coursework is easy as it necessitates one to edit their papers prior to the submission. Prior to the submission, students would have time to proffered and confirm features such as word count, word choice, grammar errors, spellings as well as the punctuation mistakes. It is advisable to carry out a manual proofreading as the modern spell checking and grammar checking software can overlook some common mistakes. Importantly, a student is required to include in-text citation according to the writing style used. A well-written coursework is thought-provoking, enjoyable for the reader and enhances the reader’s knowledge.

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• How to Make Your Coursework as Good as It Can Possibly Be

Many GCSE and A-level subjects are assessed in part by coursework in addition to exams, meaning that the mark you receive for coursework contributes to your overall grade. Many students prefer coursework, because it’s a chance to showcase your academic abilities away from the high-pressured environment of the exam room, making it ideal for those who don’t perform to the best of their abilities in exams. However, the time you have available for coursework, in contrast with the time constraints of the exam room, can lull some students into a false sense of security. Coursework is arguably just as challenging as exams, just in different ways – and, given the fact that you have more time, much higher standards are expected of you in coursework than in exams. Careful planning and research are needed for successful coursework, as well as strong data-gathering and essay-writing skills. In this article, we look at how to produce excellent coursework, from planning to proofreading. This information might also be useful to you if you’re planning on attending an Oxford Summer School this summer.

What is coursework?

GCSE and A-level coursework typically takes the form of an extended essay or project. Its objectives vary from one subject to another, but there’s usually an emphasis on the student conducting independent research into a topic of their own choice. Thus coursework often takes the form of some sort of investigation; it may, therefore, help to have your ‘detective’ hat on as you explore, investigate and analyse your topic. You can usually work on your coursework at home, though it’s sometimes completed under controlled conditions through sessions at school. To give you a better idea of how coursework varies from one subject to another, here are some examples:

• English – English coursework usually takes the form of an extended essay with a title of your choice. You’re usually given a choice of themes and/or texts to explore, and you could choose a format such as a comparison between a set text and another one.
• Geography – Geography coursework usually focuses on the gathering, reporting and interpretation of data designed to answer a particular geographical question. You could investigate usage of a shopping centre, for example, or look at erosion on a particular beach.
• Sciences – coursework for science subjects often takes the form of a scientific project or experiment that you conduct and report on yourself.

Before you start work on your coursework, it’s essential that you have a thorough understanding of the rules. Failing to conform to the rules – inadvertently or not – may result in your coursework (or possibly even your entire qualification) being disqualified, so it’s a serious matter.

• No plagiarism – this is particularly dangerous given the ready availability of relevant information on the internet these days. Make sure everything is in your own words; you’ll need to sign a declaration stating that it’s your own original work.
• There’s only so much help your teacher can give you . They can provide guidance on what you need to include, and on what the examiners will be looking for. You can ask them questions, but they’ll usually only be able to check through your first draft once and offer broad hints on updating it.
• Check the word count , and stick to it. Find out whether footnotes, appendices and bibliographies are included in the word count.
• Check what topics you’re allowed to do your coursework on; if there’s an exam on this topic, you’ll almost certainly have to choose a different one for your coursework.

Choose your topic wisely

Ideally, choose something you’re genuinely interested in, as your enthusiasm will come across and you’ll find it more enjoyable to write. If there’s something you’ve been working on for the course so far that you’ve particularly enjoyed, you may be able to focus more on this as part of your coursework. For science coursework, you’ll need to choose something to investigate that you can measure, change and control; it should be what’s called a ‘fair test’, meaning that you have to acknowledge all the controls you use in the experiment and why. Try not to pick a topic for which the scope is too vast, as you’ll struggle to research it properly and you’re unlikely to do it justice, and it’ll be hard to keep within the word limit. Ask your teachers for some guidance on choosing your topic if you’re not sure what to write about; they might even tell you a bit about what previous students have done to give you some inspiration.

Plan how long it’s going to take

Never leave your coursework until the last minute, even if this is your normal approach to essays and it usually works for you. Make sure you understand when the deadlines are, including time for submitting a first draft for comments from your teacher. Then schedule blocks of time for working on it, allowing plenty of time before the deadline to cater for any unexpected delays. Allow ample time for making corrections based on teacher feedback on your first draft, and keep some time aside before the deadline for final editing and proofreading. Because actual deadlines are few and far between, you’ll need to take responsibility for the writing process and impose some deadlines on yourself to ensure it’s finished in time. Write down your deadlines on a calendar, with the coursework broken into stages and dates assigned to each, by which time each task should be complete. You can base your stages on the next few points in this article – research and data gathering, a structure plan for the piece of work, writing up, and so on.

Conducting your research and gathering data

As coursework is primarily a research exercise, the research phase is crucial, so don’t be tempted to skimp on it and go straight to writing up. Use as many different resources as you can to gather data: books, journals, newspapers, television, radio, the internet and anything else you think might be relevant. For science and Geography coursework, you’ll need to base your work on a hypothesis, so the research stage should start by coming up with at least one hypothesis, otherwise your research will lack direction. The research phase for some subjects may involve site visits for gathering data, so allow plenty of time for this, particularly if you need your parents to drive you somewhere to do so. If it’s a scientific experiment you’re conducting for your coursework, you’ll need to pay careful attention to planning the experiment using rigorous scientific methods (also noting what Health and Safety precautions you are taking), as well as reading up on the background and theory so that you have an idea of what to expect from the outcome of your experiment. In the research stage, make notes about what you expect to happen, so that you can later compare your expectations with what actually did happen. The experiment itself also forms part of the research and data-gathering stage for your science coursework; in the write-up stage, which we come onto shortly, you analyse and write up the results.

Plan your structure

Once you’ve completed your research, the process of writing up begins. Before you get down to the actual writing, however, it’s advisable to write a plan for how you’re going to structure it – essentially an essay plan for English coursework and other subjects for which the coursework is based on an extended essay. It’ll look slightly different from an essay plan for science subjects and others that revolve around project work, but the principle is the same: plan out what order you’re going to present your information in. For big projects, this is particularly important, because with a lot of information to convey, you risk being disorganised and waffling.

Writing up your project

For any coursework, but particularly coursework based around an extended essay, you’ll need to perfect your essay-writing abilities. For science coursework, writing up your project also involves data analysis, as you interpret the results of your experiment and work your notes into formal scientific language.

When you’re writing up, it’s important to find a place where you can work quietly, without distractions that could cause you to make careless errors. You wouldn’t want noise or distractions when you were in an exam room, so treat your coursework with the same reverence.

Supporting materials and images

For some subjects, namely the sciences and Geography, it would be appropriate to include images, graphs, charts, tables and so on in your coursework. For example, for Geography coursework, your extra material could include annotated images and maps of the site you’re talking about, plus tables, graphs and charts. An appendix could then detail your raw data; if, for example, your coursework focused on the results of a survey, you could put the raw survey responses in an appendix and provide summaries and analysis in the main body of the coursework.

Footnotes and bibliography

As we said earlier, it’s important that you always use your own words in your coursework to avoid the possibility of falling foul of plagiarism rules. However, it’s acceptable to quote from another source, as you would in any piece of academic writing, but you must make sure that you state where it is from and use quotation marks to show that it’s a quote from somewhere else. The best way of citing another work is to use a footnote; word processors will allow you to insert one, and it just puts a little number at the end of the sentence and another in the footer of the document, into which you put the name of the author and work, and the page within that work that the quote can be found. At the end of your piece of work, include a bibliography that includes a list of every external source you’ve used in the creation of your coursework. Stick to a set formula when including books. A common format is: Author Surname, Initial. (Date) – Title of Book , page number For example: Lewis, C.S. (1960) – Studies in Words , p. 45 When you get to university, you’ll be expected to include footnotes and bibliographies in all your essays, so it’s a good habit to get into and coursework gives you good practice at it.

The final pre-submission check

Having completed a first draft, received feedback from your teacher, and honed your work into a finished piece of coursework, have a final check through it before you send off your coursework for submission.

• Sense check : have a read through your completed piece of work and check that it all makes sense. Make sure you haven’t contradicted yourself anywhere, or repeated yourself, or laboured the point. If there are any facts that you may have meant to look up to double check their accuracy, do so now.
• Word count : ensure that the completed work falls within the word count, and double check whether the bibliography should be included in the word count. If you’ve exceeded it, you’ll need to work through the piece and tighten up your writing, omitting unnecessary information, reordering sentences so that they use fewer words, and so on.
• Proofread : check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that there are no typos. Don’t just use the spellcheck – go through it with a fine toothcomb, manually, and if you can, ask someone to read through it for you to see if they spot anything you haven’t.
• Formatting : check that you’ve included page numbers, and that the font and line spacing is consistent throughout the work. Ensure that the font is plain and easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman.
• Bibliography : check that you’ve included everything, that the format is the same for all sources mentioned, and that the right information is included for each.

Once this stage is complete, you’re ready to submit your coursework along with your declaration that it’s entirely your own work. Get ready for a feeling of immense satisfaction when you finally send off your hard work!

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