Caleb S.
Caleb S.

Extensive Guide on Appendix Writing For Graduating Students

5 min read

Published on: Jul 7, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 3, 2023

Appendix Writing

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Congratulations on making it to graduation!

You're almost done with this hectic journey. With that in mind, we want to give you some tips on how to write your appendix for your thesis or dissertation.

Your appendix contains information about sources of data and other material not used in the thesis but necessary for the reader's understanding of what has been written.

So if you are struggling with any of these points, don't worry!

For graduating students, the prospect of writing an appendix is daunting. It's a lot to take in, and it can be overwhelming.

But if you follow this guide, you will have no problem whatsoever! The key is not to freak out about it. Just read through the next few paragraphs and everything will make sense. You'll be off in no time!

Happy Reading!

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What is Appendix Writing?

What is an appendix writing in a research paper?

An appendix contains information that supports but is not important to your research. For example,

  • if you interview people and then list their answers in an appendix
  • if you have raw data like numbers or graphs, then they would be put in the appendix

This appendix is only worth including if it will be referred to in the text (i.e., quoting from an interview transcript). If it isn't referred to, then you should probably remove it.

Moreover, an appendix is the last section in a paper. The content in the appendix should be easy to see. It shouldn't take a long time or be hard to read because it would distract people too much.

Examples of things that go into an appendix are:

  • lengthy lists
  • detailed descriptions, instructions to participants
  • tests, scales, inventories, and demographic details for subpopulations studied by the paper.

Purpose of Appendix Writing

The main purpose of an appendix is to give more information about your research without distracting from the main part of your paper. Thus, it can include too long or detailed information in the body of the paper, or raw test data or results

Where does the Appendix appear in Your Paper?

In MLA and APA style, the appendix is placed after the reference list. In it, you put information that is not in the main part of your paper. The list should have your name and the page number.

Have a look at the section where it appears:

  • Title page
  • Abstract
  • Text of paper
  • References list
  • Tables
  • Figures
  • Appendices

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Appendix Writing Format

An appendix is a way to store information that is not essential for this paper but that still needs to be included. An appendix can seem difficult at first, but it won't be too hard.

Here are in general points of formatting an appendix:

  • At the top of the page is an appendix label.
  • You should write a descriptive title on the next line of the appendix, also bold, title case, and centered.
  • The text is presented in general APA format:
    • Left-aligned
    • Double-spaced
    • page numbers in the top right corner.

Paragraph Appendix Writing Formatting

  • The first paragraph is flush left and not indented.
  • The second and following paragraphs are indented as "normal" paragraphs are.
  • Double-space the paragraphs.

Appendix Formatting for Tables

  • If your appendices include tables or figures, refer to the tables as they would be treated in the main text.
  • An exception to the rule about numbering tables/figures: when there are many things in the appendix, add the letter of that appendix to it. For instance, if this is in Appendix A then Table 2 would be Table B2 in Appendix B.
  • cite the outside source parenthetically within the text of the appendix.

Remember to use a separate page for every appendix.

How to Write an Appendix?

Follow the easiest steps to write an appendix in your thesis and dissertation:

  • 1. Collecting Raw Data

    The appendix is where you can put information that other people might not read. It's good for data that goes with the paper, but it may confuse readers.

    Raw data is information that you found. You can use it to do calculations and then show those in your paper. Raw data could also be facts that you found from somewhere else, like a website or book. They are important for supporting your ideas because they are not just something that you made up, but they are real things that someone else said or did.

  • 2. Add Visual Elements

    You can make your paper more engaging by adding a creative visual document, such as a chart or graph. You may find one from an existing source, or you can create one to support the findings in your paper.

  • 3. Include Tools and Instruments Used

    When you are conducting research, the most important thing is to have the right tools. You want people to understand how you did your research, so it's best not to keep them in suspense and add in the appendix.

  • 4. Add Transcripts and Interviews

    Interviewing and asking people questions can be very important. It can tell you what other people believe. You may include photocopies of hand-written survey results or saved copies from online surveys completed by other people to help support your argument if needed.

    Add these supporting details in the appendix.

  • 5. Sum up your Details

    Now you have collected all the details; it’s time to add these to your appendix. While writing the appendix, make sure you do not miss any essential source or technique used. You can check the formatting guidelines; they are explained above.

  • 6. Proofread

    It is a really important step, don't ignore this. Make sure the information included in an appendix matches your paper's context. Remove anything that doesn't fit with your paper's context.

    Also, check for grammar and spelling errors. Then, read it again and again until there are no more errors. In the last, go back through your paper and refer to the appendix by title.

    Use a table of contents feature if available to help reference all of this information as you write about it in your paper.

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Appendix Writing Examples

With the help of these examples, it will be easy for you to write your research paper appendix. Here are some professionally written examples.

The appendix is an important part of the paper, even if it is not always read. It gives readers a chance to see your research in-depth and may convince them that you are knowledgeable about this topic.

You want people reading your papers to feel like they learned something new by finishing what you wrote, so make sure to include interesting information in your appendices!

We hope these examples have given you some ideas for writing yours. If you need help with any aspect on how to write one or formatting it correctly, let us know!

Writers at CollegeEssay.org can guide you through every step of the process from start to finish while giving feedback along the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Contact us now and avail the preeminent academic writing help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between appendix and reference writing?

A reference is a list of the sources of information that were used. It is also called a bibliography. An appendix gives information that is not mentioned in the main text but which you will want to read. 

How long should an appendix be?

Appendixes are pages that are not in the main part of the paper. They can be any length, but they should only have information about the paper. 

Do I need to number my appendices in APA style?

In APA Style, if you have more than one appendix, they should be labeled "Appendix A", "Appendix B" and so on. On the other hand, if you only have one appendix, just call it Appendix. 

Can I cite sources in an appendix?

You can and should include APA citations in your appendices. You use the same citation style as you do for the rest of your paper. Include any sources that you cite in your appendices in your reference list, but do not create a separate reference list for them. 

Caleb S.

WRITTEN BY

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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