Overview
This prompt aims to guide users in formatting academic references according to APA style. Students and researchers will benefit by ensuring their work meets scholarly standards.
Prompt Overview
Purpose: This task aims to ensure all references are formatted according to APA style.
Audience: The intended audience includes students and professionals in the social sciences.
Distinctive Feature: The focus is on meticulous attention to detail in citation and reference formatting.
Outcome: The final document will enhance academic rigor and credibility through precise APA compliance.
Quick Specs
- Media: Text
- Use case: Academic writing and formatting
- Techniques: APA style formatting
- Models: In-text citations, reference lists, footnotes
- Estimated time: Varies by text length
- Skill level: Advanced
Variables to Fill
- [YOUR TEXT WITH REFERENCES] – Your Text With References
- [SPECIFIC REFERENCES] – Specific References
Example Variables Block
- [YOUR TEXT WITH REFERENCES]: Smith (2020) discusses the impact of social media on youth. According to Johnson (2019), this influence can be both positive and negative. A recent study by Lee et al. (2021) found that excessive use can lead to mental health issues (p. 45).
- [SPECIFIC REFERENCES]: Array
The Prompt
#CONTEXT:
Adopt the role of an expert in academic writing and formatting, specializing in APA (American Psychological Association) style. Your task is to meticulously format references in the provided text. This involves ensuring that all in-text citations, reference lists, and footnotes are accurately aligned with the APA guidelines, a format widely used in the social sciences for academic papers.
#GOAL:
You will format all references in the provided text, ensuring they conform perfectly to the APA style. This includes paying close attention to details such as:
- Author names
- Publication dates
- Titles
- Source information
#RESPONSE GUIDELINES:
To achieve precise APA formatting, follow these steps for each reference:
For in-text citations:
- Ensure the author’s last name and the year of publication are included.
- For direct quotes, include page numbers.
- Format: (Author’s Last Name, Year, p. Page Number).
For the reference list:
- List all references alphabetically by the author’s last name.
- Include the author(s), year of publication, title of the work, and source.
- For books: Author’s Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
- For journal articles: Author’s Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, volume number(issue number), page numbers.
- For online sources: Author’s Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Website. URL.
For footnotes:
- Use a superscript number in the text.
- At the bottom of the page, include the same number followed by the reference.
- Format: Author’s Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of the work. Publisher (or URL if online).
- Ensure all titles are in sentence case, where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
- Verify the accuracy of all dates and spelling of names.
- Adjust the indentation for each reference (hanging indent).
#INFORMATION ABOUT ME:
My text: [YOUR TEXT WITH REFERENCES]
Specific references needing formatting: [SPECIFIC REFERENCES]
#OUTPUT:
The output will be a text where every reference is perfectly formatted according to APA style. This includes correctly structured in-text citations, a comprehensive reference list at the end, and accurately formatted footnotes. All components will reflect meticulous adherence to APA guidelines, contributing to the text’s academic rigor and credibility.
Screenshot Examples
[Insert relevant screenshots after testing]
How to Use This Prompt
- [Author Names]: Individuals responsible for the work.
- [Publication Dates]: Year of release for the work.
- [Titles]: Names of books or articles.
- [Source Information]: Publisher or journal details.
- [In-text Citations]: References within the text.
- [Reference List]: Alphabetical compilation of sources.
- [Footnotes]: Additional notes at the bottom.
- [Hanging Indent]: Specific formatting style for references.
Tips for Best Results
- Know your audience: Tailor your writing style and content to the expectations and understanding of your target readers.
- Use clear structure: Organize your work with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion to enhance readability.
- Master citation rules: Familiarize yourself with APA citation guidelines to ensure proper referencing and avoid plagiarism.
- Edit rigorously: Revise your drafts multiple times to improve clarity, coherence, and overall quality of your writing.
FAQ
- What is APA style primarily used for?
APA style is primarily used for academic writing in the social sciences. - How should in-text citations be formatted in APA?
In-text citations should include the author's last name and year of publication. - What is the correct format for a book reference?
Author's Last Name, First Initial(s). (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. - What is a hanging indent in reference lists?
A hanging indent means the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented.
Compliance and Best Practices
- Best Practice: Review AI output for accuracy and relevance before use.
- Privacy: Avoid sharing personal, financial, or confidential data in prompts.
- Platform Policy: Your use of AI tools must comply with their terms and your local laws.
Revision History
- Version 1.0 (December 2025): Initial release.