You’ve set up your document; your title page is flawless; and now you’re ready to begin work in earnest: organizing and expressing your ideas, research, and arguments in the body of your paper. How do you start?

If you said an introduction, congrats, you’re exactly right! But, when writing your paper, know that the APA says there’s no need to formally introduce your introduction.

Allow us to explain.

Section 2.27 of the APA 7 manual states: “Because the first paragraphs of a paper are understood to be introductory, the heading ‘Introduction’ is not needed. Do not begin a paper with an ‘Introduction’ heading…” The level 1 heading on the first line (the title of your paper) serves as the de-facto introduction to your work.

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So – what should the start of the body of your paper look like?

On page 2 of your APA 7 student research paper, PERRLA will always include the title of the paper (centered, bold, and in Title Case) on the first, double-spaced line. From there, it's up to you to start typing the introductory paragraph to your paper – just not a separate heading for "Introduction."

There is one exception to this rule, however (rules love exceptions). If your professor or instructor requires an ‘Introduction’ heading immediately after the title of your paper, then you should definitely include it. After all, they hold the grading pen & their rules always take priority.

Until next time, good writing! And remember, PERRLA has your formatting covered (even the obscure stuff).