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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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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.

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What Is An Appendix In Writing?

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

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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 1,713,434 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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What is an appendix in a paper

What is an appendix?

What type of information includes an appendix, the format of an appendix, frequently asked questions about appendices in papers, related articles.

An appendix is a section of a paper that features supporting information not included in the main text.

The appendix of a paper consists of supporting information for the research that is not necessary to include in the text. This section provides further insight into the topic of research but happens to be too complex or too broad to add to the body of the paper. A paper can have more than one appendix, as it is recommended to divide them according to topic.

➡️ Read more about  what is a research paper?

An appendix can take many types of forms. Here are some examples:

• Surveys. Since many researchers base their methodology on surveys, these are commonly found attached as appendices. Surveys must be included exactly as they were presented to the respondents, and exactly how they were answered so the reader can get a real picture of the findings.
• Interviews . Whether it’s a transcript or a recording, interviews are usually included as an appendix. The list of questions and the real answers must be presented for complete transparency.
• Correspondence . All types of communication with collaborators regarding the research should be included as an appendix. These can be emails, text messages, letters, transcripts of audio messages, etc.
• Research tools . Any instrument used to perform the research should be acknowledged in an appendix to give the reader insight into the process. For instance, audio recorders, cameras, special software, etc.
• Non-textual items . If the research includes too many graphs, tables, figures, illustrations, photos or charts, these should be added as an appendix.
• Statistical data . When raw data is too long, it should be attached to the research as an appendix. Even if only one part of the data was used, the complete data must be given.

➡️ Learn more about surveys, interviews, and other research methodologies .

The format of an appendix will vary based on the type of citation style you’re using, as well as the guidelines of the journal or class for which the paper is being written. Here are some general appendix formatting rules:

• Appendices should be divided by topic or by set of data.
• Appendices are included in the table of contents.

The most common heading for an appendix is Appendix A or 1, centered, in bold, followed by a title describing its content.

• An appendix should be located before or after the list of references.
• Each appendix should start on a new page.
• Each page includes a page number.
• Appendices follow a sequential order, meaning they appear in the order in which they are referred to throughout the paper.

An appendix is usually added before or after the list of references.

There is no specific space limit to an appendix, but make sure to consult the guidelines of the citation format you are using.

Yes, all appendices must be included in the table of contents.

Appendices feature different types of material, for instance interviews, research tools, surveys, raw statistical data, etc.

How to Write an Appendix Essay

Are you wondering how to write an appendix essay for the document you have just created? If so, then you have landed in the right place. A literary appendix, just like its human body counterpart, includes supplementary information, which is not strictly compulsory to the main body of the document.

What is an Appendix?

Appendices are often added at the end of a document to give additional information that will help a reader understand the materials presented. This can include and reference section for students, summary of raw data or additional details on techniques behind the work.

Why Appendix Writing is Important

Writing an appendix is an efficient way of presenting vital information that is too large to be included in your paper. It contains those explanatory details that your readers should reference in case of such a need. Including appendix information is always beneficial for both the reader and writer if one wants to achieve a custom research paper with good references. To create a professional appendix, read the introduction part for your assignment. It will help you remember the general objectives and aims of your writing. You may include all supporting materials in appendices without creating clutter in your paper, making it convenient for your readers. As someone reaches the final part, it is always possible to check appendices before the list of references and your Bibliography page. A well-written appendix must be easily accessible, valuable, and engaging. If you are struggling to know how to make an appendix, knowing why it is important will be beneficial as you learn and come up with a perfect assignment.

What should be Included in Appendices

How to do an appendix? This is a common question asked by every other student stuck in the situation of preparing appendices for his essay or document. Collecting all the relevant content for the appendices is key to get your job done in a simple way. While it will always depend on your subject and the necessity of an appendix, it will contain the following essential elements as you learn how to write an appendix:

• Raw data collected during research work for your essay
• Supporting charts, images and graphs
• Instruments used to conduct research work
• All statistics, surveys and interview transcripts
• Research methods and sample calculations
• Appendix Number or Letter corresponding to your assignment.
• References related to your body paragraphs with a # sign placed after the sentence.
• Corresponding page numbers if there are multiple appendix cases.
• Label + Title. It must be centered and use normal capitalized fonts. Your title must be followed by the appendix label.
• Provide a clear link to Appendix and your body text to ensure that everything is linked properly.
• Your first paragraph must not be intended. The second, third, and subsequent body paragraphs go with indents.
• Format each paragraph using double-spacing.
• If your appendix essay represents some date, it must be referenced as a number in the body text.
• In case some third-party references have been mentioned, they must be cited as usual within body paragraphs.
• There is no need to create a separate references list.

Regardless of your structure, remember that only supporting evidence and relevant contributory facts must be included. If there is any specialized data with technical figures, tables, maps, or any technical descriptions, it must be mentioned and properly referenced as well.

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Adding Raw Data

Add all raw data that you have collected during research for your document. There’s no need to get worried about the details as you can add anything that you consider relevant to the text in your paper. Anything that supports your findings is worth adding to appendices. Some students want to know how to use appendices. This is because information given there might not separated in a useful way or in accordance with the details discuss earlier.

• Raw data should include sample calculations, specialized data and raw statistical data.
• Feel free to add contributory facts from other informative sources that support the findings in your writing. Never forget to cite information that you are giving from other sources.

Include Supporting Charts, Graphs and Images

All visual supporting papers including images, maps, charts, drawing, graphics and photographs need to be presented in your appendices.

• You can include charts and graphs that you have created specifically for the appendices or can refer to another source for such details.
• Keep a straightforward structure for all supporting maps, graphs and images.

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Mention Research Instruments

Never forget to note research instruments that you have used throughout the research work, meaning tools like tape recorder, video camera or any other device.

• For instance, you can write in your appendices, “All surveys and interviews were recorder with a tape recorder.”
• Mention details about any other device that you used for gathering any specific information related to your study.

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Include Surveys or Interview Transcripts

Interviews and surveys are an important part of the overall layout. So always make sure to add all the surveys and interview transcripts conducted as part of research. The transcript being added should include all questions and answers. Feel free to include stuff like photocopies of hand-written surveys for a better impression.

How to Format an Appendix?

Before you collect relevant information for your appendix, it is vital to learn appendix format rules. Luckily, there is not much to learn as it follows basic (APA or MLA) formatting rules. An additional data may be included if you are dealing with a book or dissertation writing.

The basic appendix essay rules:

• Heading with corresponding [Appendix #]. It should also contain a number or letter that may be either 1 or A, depending on what formatting style you choose.
• Your References list should come next.
• Index Table. The list of relevant appendencies must come next.
• The corresponding page number.

There may be some minor differences in some appendices in an essay (like in some engineering research papers) where you have to provide files that have been generated by the specialised software. In such a case, it will include additional references with a full explanation of the online links.

Do not forget that some papers will include several appendices, which will introduce additional formatting rules. For example:

• Each appendix that you include must be related to a single topic.
• Refer to each appendix by using Name in a bold font like Appendix A, Appendix B, etc.

When you include the Appendix in your text, refer to it as “see Appendix A” at the end of some sentences in parentheses.

An appendix example of citation:

In addition to provided information regarding cyberbullying, Jones et al. (2009) researched relevant studies that focused on illegal gambling and exchange of intellectual property materials in private closed networks (see Appendix B for detailed information).

Each appendix that you use must be labeled with a corresponding letter (like A, B, C, and so on) depending on where exactly it appears in your text. In other words, your first appendix mentioned would become “Appendix A”, the second Appendix (a separate one) would become Appendix B. However, if you must include over 26 appendices, it is recommended to proceed with the AA, BB, CC patterns. Using only one appendix, it does not come with any letter or number and is mentioned in a bold font just as “ Appendix “.

As you learn how to use an appendix in an essay, remember that:

• Each appendix must have a title.
• Start each new appendix on a separate page with a page number.
• Title and label of each appendix must be placed at the top of the page with the normal capitalisation.
• First paragraph must be flushed left with an indent.
• If you include tables or figures, use the same references system as you would with the usual text, except for tables and figures with a numbering rule where it would become Table B4 as the fourth table in Appendix B. It is also relevant for appendices in report cases.

How to Write an Appendix in Different Styles

Here is how to create an appendix in popular academic writing styles:

• All appendices should refer to a relevant point.
• Include a title for each appendix used.
• Use the ABC title pattern for multiple appendices.
• When referencing appendix within the body, use “see appendix A” format.
• Your APA appendix title must be centered.
• All appendices must start at their separate page.
• First paragraph is written without indents. Subsequent paragraphs have normal indented formatting.
• Pages must be double-spaced.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12.

The rules are mostly the same as in APA:

• Appendix must be placed before your Works Cited page.
• Appendix label and title must be centered and capitalised.

The same rules as above apply, except for:

• Page numbers must be labeled as “page, 1,2,3”
• Front cover page number is not included.
• Your bibliography should be the final page that starts on a separate page.
• You are allowed to include footnotes for your Bibliography.

Here is how to structure an appendix in Harvard style:

• Appendices must be placed before the end of research work or essay and before the reference list.
• Anything that is placed in an appendix must be cited in the body of your essay as “Appendix”.

The rest follows the same set of rules as APA and MLA formats.

Learning With Professionals

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APA 7th edition - Paper Format: Appendices

• Introduction
• Mechanics of Style
• Overall Paper
• Sample Papers
• Reference List
• Tables and Figures
• APA Citations This link opens in a new window
• Additional Resources
• Writing Skills This link opens in a new window

How to Format An Appendix - Tutorial

• APA Appendices - JIBC Tip Sheet All you need to know about appendices in APA Style.

Information in this section is as outlined in the APA Publication Manual (2020), sections 2.14, 2.17, 2.24, and 7.6.

Appendices are used to include information that supplement the paper’s content but are considered distracting or inappropriate for the overall topic. It is recommended to only include an appendix if it helps the reader comprehend the study or theoretical argument being made. It is best if the material included is brief and easily presented. The material can be text, tables, figures, or a combination of these three.

Placement :

Appendices should be placed on a separate page at the end of your paper after the references, footnotes, tables, and figure. The label and title should be centre aligned. The contents of the appendix and the note should be left-aligned.

• If you are choosing to include tables and figures in your appendix, then you can list each one on a separate page or you may include multiple tables/figures in one appendix, if there is no text and each table and/or figure has its own clear number and title within the appendix.
• Tables and figures in an appendix receive a number preceded by the letter of the appendix in which it appears, e.g. Table A1 is the first table in Appendix A or of a sole appendix that is not labeled with a letter.

The follow elements are required for appendices in APA Style:

Appendix Labels:

Each appendix that you place in your paper is labelled “Appendix.” If a paper has more than one appendix, then label each with a capital letter in the order the appendices are referred to in your paper (“Appendix A” is referred to first, “Appendix B” is referred to second, etc).

• The label of the appendix should be in bold font, centre-aligned, follow Title Casing, and is located at the top of the page.
• If your appendix only contains one table or figure (and no text), then the appendix label takes the place of the table/figure number, e.g. the table may be referred to as “Appendix B” rather than “Table B1.”

Appendix Titles:

Each appendix should have a title, that describes its contents. Titles should be brief, clear, and explanatory.

• The title of the appendix should be in bold font, centre-aligned, follow Title Casing, and is one double-spaced line down from the appendix label.
• If your appendix only contains one table or figure (and no text), then the appendix title takes the place of the table/figure title. 

Appendix Contents:

• Left aligned and indented; written the same as paragraphs within the body of the paper
• Double-spaced and with the same font as the rest of the paper
• If the appendix contains a table and/or figure, then the table/figure number must contain a letter to correlate the table and/or figure to the appendix and not the body of the paper, e.g. “Table A1” rather than “Table 1” to clarify that the table appears in the appendix and not in the body of the paper.
• All tables and figures in an appendix must be mentioned in the appendix and numbered in order of mention. 
• All tables and figures must be aligned to the left margin, (not center aligned), and positioned after a paragraph break, preferably the paragraph in which they are referred to, with a double-spaced blank line between the table and the text. 
• Each table and figure should include a note afterwards to further explain the supplement or clarify information in the table or figure to your paper/appendix and can be general, specific, and probability. See “Table Notes” in the section “Table and Figures” above for more details.

Referring to Appendices in the Text:

In your paper, refer to every appendix that you have inserted. Do not include an appendix in your work that you do not clearly explain in relation to the ideas in your paper.

• In general, only refer to the appendix by the label (“Appendix” or “Appendix A” etc.) and not the appendix title.

Reprinting or Adapting:

If you did not create the content in the appendix yourself, for instance if you found a figure on the internet, you must include a copyright attribution in a note below the figure. 

• A copyright attribution is used instead of an in-text citation. 
• Each work should also be listed in the reference list. 

Please see pages 390-391 in the Manual for example copyright attributions.

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How to Write an Appendix for an Essay – Complete Guide

What is an appendix ? Some of us may think about the anatomical structure of our digestive system. However, in the context of academic writing, it is an extra part of a paper that serves as a repository of tables, schemes, figures, diagrams, pictures, etc. Even though the role of the human appendix is a pretty debatable question, the part of the appendix in the area of paper writing is relatively straightforward and significant since it gives a vivid explanation or proof of the information mentioned in the text. How to write an appendix for an essay ? Find the expert answer down the line. 

If you feel at a loss, wondering, ‘ What is an appendix in writing ?’ After an attentive overview of our explanatory guide, you will be well-informed concerning all the peculiarities of adding an appendix to your paper in different formatting styles. 

What Is an Appendix in an Essay ?

Before we delve into the exploration of the question of how to write an appendix for an essay , it is necessary to define what is an appendix and its functionality in an essay. We used to think that an essay is creative writing. However, you should not forget that you may face different types of essays, including argumentative, research essay, informative, descriptive, and other types, where it will not be superfluous to add appendices or appendix .

An appendix in an essay is a supplemental or additional section that provides extra information or supporting materials that may not fit smoothly within the main body of the essay. It is typically used to present detailed data, charts, graphs, images, surveys, questionnaires, transcripts, or any other relevant information that supports the arguments or findings discussed in the essay. 

The purpose of including an appendix in a paper is to ensure that the main text remains focused and concise while still offering readers access to additional relevant information. Appendices are usually numbered or labeled with letters (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B) and referenced within the essay to direct readers to the specific content provided in the appendix. But first things first. 

How to Structure Appendix : Key Issues to Consider

When adding an appendix to your essay, it is essential to follow a structured format to ensure clarity and ease of navigation for readers. Here’s an original answer on how to add an appendix to an essay following academic standards:

• Title and Label: Begin by creating a precise heading for your appendix section. Use descriptive and concise language that reflects the content within. For example, “Appendix A: Survey Results” or “Appendix B: Supporting Data Tables.”
• Numbering or Labeling: Each appendix should be numbered or labeled distinctly using a consistent format. You can use alphabetical or numerical order (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B, or Appendix 1, Appendix 2). Ensure that the numbering or labeling corresponds to the references made within your essay.
• Content: Present the information within the appendix logically. If you have multiple items, such as charts, graphs, or images, group them accordingly. You can use subheadings or numerals to organize the content within each appendix further.
• Captions and Titles: Provide a clear and concise title or caption for each item within the appendix. It helps the reader understand how to use an appendix , its context, and the purpose of the information presented. For example, “Table A1: Demographic Data” or “Figure B2: Growth Trends.”
• References: If you refer to specific content within the appendix in your essay, make sure to mention it and provide cross-references. It enables readers to navigate between the main text and the appendix easily.
• Citation: If any of the information in the appendix is sourced from external references, cite them appropriately following the citation style specified in your essay guidelines (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

Remember, the appendix should be supplementary material that supports and enhances the main essay without overwhelming it. Knowing how to structure an appendix , you can provide additional context and evidence while maintaining a coherent and professional presentation.

Appendices Formatting 

When it comes to formatting an appendix in an essay, there are a few guidelines you can follow to ensure clarity and consistency. Here is a step-by-step approach that can help you effectively include an appendix in your essay:

• Start by considering if an appendix is necessary: Before deciding to include an appendix, determine whether the information you wish to add is crucial for understanding the main body of your essay. If the content is vital but too detailed or extensive for the main text, an appendix can be a helpful addition.
• Create a separate section: This is how to attach an appendix to an essay . Begin by inserting a new section after the conclusion of your essay. You can label it as “Appendix” or “Appendices” if you have multiple sections.
• Label and title each appendix: If you have multiple appendices, assign each of them a clear and descriptive title. For example, you can use “Appendix A: Survey Questions,” “Appendix B: Statistical Analysis,” and so on. Ensure that the titles accurately represent the content contained in each appendix.
• Number the appendices: Use a consistent numbering system to label your appendices. You can use capital letters (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B), Arabic numerals (e.g., Appendix 1, Appendix 2), or a combination of both based on your preference or the style guide you are following.
• Format the content of each appendix: Each appendix should be formatted consistently, depending on the nature of its content. For instance, if you are including surveys, charts, or tables, make sure they are clearly labeled and easy to understand. You may also need to consider the formatting requirements specified by your academic institution or the style guide you are adhering to (e.g., APA, MLA).

By following these guidelines, you will know how to put an appendix in an essay and enhance the clarity and completeness of your essay. Remember to consult any specific requirements from your educational institution or the style guide you are utilizing for additional formatting instructions.

How to Add an Appendix to an Essay Depending on the Formatting Style

When including appendices in your essay, the formatting requirements may differ based on the style guide you are using. When you start working on the Appendices section, you need to know the basic requirements of how to write an appendix for an essay , depending on the required formatting style. Here’s a brief guide on how to add appendices in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and Vancouver styles:

Appendix in APA Style

In APA style, it is necessary to locate appendices at the end of your work and adhere to the following recommendations. 

• Start the appendix on a new page after the body of your essay.
• Use the title “Appendix” followed by a capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
• If you have multiple appendices, label them as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on.
• Include a clear and descriptive title for each appendix.
• Number the pages of your appendices, continuing the page numbering sequence from the essay.

Make sure you include all the information in your appendix and select the proper title.

Appendix in MLA Style

When an MLA essay writing an appendix is needed, follow such demands.

• Begin the appendix section as a new page after the essay’s conclusion.
• Use the title “Appendix” in bold and centered.
• If you have multiple appendices, label them as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so forth.
• Provide each appendix with a concise and descriptive title.
• Do not include page numbers for appendices in MLA style.

Remember to consult the 9th edition of MLA formatting style to be precise if there are any disputing situations. 

Appendix in Chicago Style

When working in Chicago style, you need to refer to the 17th edition and do the following steps.

• Start each appendix on a separate page.
• Title the section as “Appendix” followed by a capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
• If you have multiple appendices, label them accordingly.
• Include a descriptive title for each appendix.
• Number the pages of appendices using lowercase Roman numerals.

Do not forget to include appendices in the context if your paper has such. 

Appendix Harvard Style

If you wonder, ‘ What is an appendix formatting in Harvard style?’ you need to comply with the requirements listed below. 

• Begin the appendices on a new page after the essay’s references section.
• Label the appendices numerically, such as “Appendix 1,” “Appendix 2,” etc.
• Provide a clear and concise title for each appendix.
• Paginate the appendices using Arabic numerals, continuing the numbering sequence from the main text.

Do not forget to revise the appendices as well as the whole paper before submission. 

Vancouver Referencing for Appendix

Vancouver’s formatting style is not as popular for essay writing as others, but you need to be aware of the chief demands. 

• Commence the appendices on separate pages following the essay’s references section.
• Label each appendix with a capital letter (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B).
• Include a concise and descriptive title for each appendix.
• Use Arabic numerals to paginate the appendices, restarting the numbering sequence from 1.

Now, you are well informed about what an appendix is in writing and the must-know requirements for Vancouver style. 

Essay Writing Appendix : All-Purpose Help

Not many students may state that essay writing is their cup of tea. In addition, adding appendices may turn out to be a great challenge or even a failure. The magic phrase “ Do my essay for me ” may solve numerous problems and guarantee expert assistance and winning outcomes within the shortest time. 

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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.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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What are Appendices and how should they be used?

For some tasks, you may be asked to include parts of your work in an a ppendix or appendices (plural).

Usually an appendix is used to include extra information or research that is useful but too detailed and not necessary to include within the report, but that you would like to include at the end of the report to show the marker that you have completed it.

Examples - This might include interview or survey results, detailed technical drawings, or tables of data collected.

Sometimes an appendix may be used for ESSENTIAL tables and figures which are too large to fit into the text of an essay/report.

The conventions for appendices are as follows:

• each appendix must be labelled with a number (or letter) and title e.g. Appendix A : Cross Sectional Data Set
• there should be a page break between Appendix A, B etc. 
• the appendix numbers and titles must be listed on the Contents page of your report under the heading Appendices (if more than one) or Appendix (if only one)
• The content should be summarised and each appendix must be referred to by number (or letter) at the relevant point within the report e.g.  " Survey results indicated that most respondents aged 14 - 16 had worked casually or would like to work casually in the near future (see Appendix D)"   This prompts the marker to look at Appendix D for a detailed presentation of these survey results either in the form of a graph or a table. 

How to create an appendix

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Appendix in Essay: Definition, Writing Tips, and Examples

As a college student, you will be required to complete various academic assignments over the course of your college education. We are, of course, talking about essays, term papers, or perhaps even dissertations. These academic assignments are very complex, and they need to meet very strict standards, not just when it comes to their quality, but also their format. What you will definitely be required to do is write an appendix for your essay or research paper. The writers from our essay writing service prepared everything you need to know about writing an appendix.

Now, every teacher might have different requirements when it comes to writing an appendix, as they might want you to stick to a particular style guide, such as APA, Chicago, or MLA formats. We will cover each one in this article, so that you are prepared to write an essay appendix regardless of the class, topic, or professor. But, before we get into the details of each of those styles, let’s explain what appendices actually are, what should be inside their contents, how you should structure them, and so on.

What Is an Appendix?

The appendix is a section of your essay or research paper that contains content and material which is referenced in the main part of your essay, but is either too detailed or complex to be a part of the actual paper. For example, there you will find stuff like calculations, tables, diagrams, drawings, or raw data that your paper draws from. Also, all the materials that are in your appendix essay need to be summarized first, so they can be referenced in your research paper. If we were to include the contents of the appendix in the paper, it would affect its overall readability and make its structure too complex to follow.

What Should Be Included in the Appendices Section of Your Paper?

Appendices can include a wide variety of content, depending on what kind of appendix essay you are writing and what your field of research is. You can include some of the following in your appendix:

• Evidence that supports your claims inside the paper, such as raw data
• Calculations
• Technical content, such as drawings, diagrams, graphs, tables, statistical data
• Explanations on how instruments that have been used to gather data work
• Photographs, drawings, maps, charts
• Letters, emails, messages, as well as any other form of written communication
• List of pole/survey/questionarry instruments you have used to collect data, and whose results are listed in the paper
• Interview transcripts
• Field notes
• Specifications and data sheets

You may also include other types of data, as long as they support your arguments in a non-speculative manner.

How to Structure an Appendix?

Even though there are differences in appendix essay formatting because of the different style guides, pretty much every appendix follows the same basic structure:

• Letter or number of the appendix
• List of references to your essay body paragraphs
• Index table
• Page numbers in case you have more than one appendix
• Appendix label and title, centered on the page, using normal capitalized fonts
• The crossover of appendix and body text

General Guideline on How to Format Appendices

Now that we have covered all the basic points of the appendix essay and its structure, we can get into the details of the formatting for the most common style guides. We will cover how you can write an appendix using APA, MLA, and Chicago style guides. While they are similar for the most part, they also have some unique characteristics of their own.

How to Write an Appendix in APA Style

You will most likely need to write an appendix in this format at some point. Appendices written in APA style should stick to the following rules:

• Every appendix should have an “Appendix” heading, followed by a letter
• It should be placed on top of the appendix title
• They should follow the order in which their information is stated in the paper
• Appendix should be placed after the reference list
• Each appendix should have page numbers
• Each appendix should have its own page, regardless of length
• Implement footnotes

Also, implement the following rules for APA style:

• Give each appendix a title
• Each appendix should focus on a single point as opposed to mixing different ideas
• In case of multiple appendices, name them Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C…
• After each reference inside the body, write (see appendix ABC) after the text
• Always center the title
• The first paragraph of the appendix should never be indented
• Use the indent for all remaining paragraphs
• Use double spacing

How to Write an Appendix in MLA Style

Although APA and MLA styles are very similar, there are a few subtle differences between the two. The key difference is that the MLA style requires you to incorporate the appendix before your list of references. Here are the guidelines for the MLA style:

• Centered title
• Use double spacing for the list
• If you are referencing a known writer, write their name like this: SURNAME, FIRST NAME, YEAR
• The first line should include all references in the left margin, all the remaining lines should be indented
• References should be listed in alphabetical order, using the first letter of the author’s surname, for know authors. In case the writer is unknown, use the first letter of the reference title
• The titles of books, internet sites, recordings, and other complete writings should be in italic
• Italics should not be used on reference titles that only refer to some part of a source, such as poems, tabloids, sections of PDF, and scholarly papers

All other guidelines are identical to APA style guide rules.

How to Write an Appendix in Chicago Style

Just like MLA, the Chicago style is also very similar to APA, but with a few key differences. Here are the key guidelines for Chicago style:

• In case of more than one appendix, they are referred to as “appendices”
• “Times New Roman” font is mandatory
• Choose 12 as font size
• Page numbers should be present at the top of every page
• Each page number should follow this format “ Page 1, 2, 3…”
• Don’t use a page number on the cover
• Bibliography should be on the last page, even if there is already some content there
• It’s possible to incorporate footnotes in the bibliography

Frequently Asked Questions about Appendices in Papers

Now that we have covered all there is to know about the contents, structure, and formatting, we will some of the most frequently asked questions regarding appendices:

Are Appendices Included in the Word Count?

Where should i add an appendix to my paper, what title do i give to an appendix, how long can an appendix be, can i cite source in an appendix.

And there you have it, everything you need to know when it comes to writing an appendix to your paper, including tips on how to format and structure, as well as tips on how to write it using the most common style guides. Good luck!

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• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Executive Summary
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• How to Manage Group Projects
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Essays
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Acknowledgements

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 and/or is information which 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 .

Importance of...

Your research paper must be complete without the appendices, and it must contain all information including tables, diagrams, and results necessary to address the research problem. The key point to remember when you are writing an appendix is that the information is non-essential; if it were removed, the paper would still be understandable.

It is appropriate to include appendices...

• When the incorporation of material in the body of the work would make it poorly structured or it would be too long and detailed and
• To ensure inclusion of helpful, supporting, or essential material that would otherwise clutter or break up the narrative flow of the paper, or it would be distracting to the reader.

Structure and Writing Style

I.  General Points to Consider

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

• 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 and note this as 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 understanding of the overall research problem being investigated. This is why non-textual elements should not carry over the sequential numbering of elements in the paper.
• If you have more than three appendices, consider listing them on a separate page at the beginning of your paper . This will help the reader know before reading the paper what information is included in the appendices [always list the appendix or appendices in a table of contents].
• The appendix can be a good place to put maps, photographs, diagrams, and other non-textual elements , if you feel that it will help the reader to understand the content of your paper, but remembering that the paper should be understandable 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.

II.  Contents

Appendices may include some of the following, all of which should be referred to or summarized in the text of your paper:

• Supporting evidence [e.g. raw data]
• Contributory facts or specialized data [raw data appear in the appendix, but with summarized data appearing in the body of the text].
• Sample calculations
• Technical figures, graphs, tables, statistics
• Detailed description of research instruments
• Maps, charts, photographs, drawings
• Letters, emails, and other copies of correspondance
• Questionnaire/survey instruments, with the results appearing in the text
• Complete transcripts of interviews
• Complete field notes from observations
• Specification or data sheets

NOTE:   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 succeed in distracting the reader from understanding your research study.

III.  Format

Here are some general guideline on how to format appendices, but consult the writing style guide [e.g., APA] your professor wants you to use for the class, if needed:

• 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.
• Appendices must be listed in the table of contents [if used].
• 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; 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.

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How to Summarize an Appendix in Essay? Process, Format, and More

Table Of Contents

Importance of appendix writing in essay, how to format appendices in an essay, how to summarize the appendices of an essay.

• Points to Keep in Mind While Writing an Appendix in Essay

2 Appendices Examples for Reference

Need help with appendix writing here’s the solution.

The Internet is full of searches for what an  appendix essay  is ,  how to write it, what is the correct writing format, and many others. It appears that writing an appendix in an essay is a difficult task for students, which is why most UK students prefer to reach the academic writers at the Assignment Desk. They trust our experts and our services. We have always tried our best to fulfill their writing requirements and get great reviews in the result.

Still, it is crucial for students to attain knowledge around such writing tasks and enhance their skills. That’s why our appendix writers are here with a complete brief. Here is complete what, why, how to know about the appendices.

Let’s begin with answering “ what is an appendix in an essay ” to get basic knowledge.

Definition:  An appendix is a section inserted at the end of the essay sharing valuable information or background material to guide the readers with the abbreviations and other words used in writing. This section is vital to add to an essay, but you may wonder why?

So, let’s know, “why is  appendix writing  important for an essay?”

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Your essay will be incomplete if you won’t write an appendix in it. Though this  appendix writing  section contains the non-essential information and your paper will be yet understandable if you remove it, you must add it as it helps the future scholars to get complete knowledge around the topic from your appendix. This section provides tables, diagrams, and results necessary to address the research problem at the end of the paper.

There are 3 important reasons that can help you decide whether to include an appendix in essay   or not. Here are all listed:

• The appendix is necessary when the information of your essay is making your writing too long or detailed. You can cut some of the data from the main body text and add it to the appendix.
• Sometimes, excessive material can make your essay format poor. So, you can transfer such information in the essay appendix   section.
• When some information in your essay creates a distraction, cluttering, or breaking up the flow, you have to add an appendix section for it.

So, these are the three main reasons why you should include an appendix section in your essay. Now, you know the importance so let’s move to the format you need to maintain while  writing appendix in essay.

To maintain a perfect appendix format in an essay, here are some pointers that can help you compose better writing. Let’s look at the points.

• You will need to attain complete knowledge on how to format your appendix essay   properly. It will help you to make your document presentable and attractive to impress your professors.
• You can add the appendix section precede or succeed a reference list.
• You must start writing an appendix in an essay every time on a new page.
• You can ask your professor the style of appendix they want, like MLA, APA, Chicago, or any other.
• You have to present the information in the order they are presented in the content of your essay.
• You must title the page with “Appendix” in the center & Bold.
• You can list the appendix in the table of content.
• You should continue the page number in the appendix.

Above are the various pointers that can be helpful for students to maintain a better essay appendix   format in their writing and make it presentable and impressive. The next question that comes to mind is what to write in this section, which is answered below very well. Let’s know it.

No need to wonder anymore what to include in the appendix essay section. Here are the various points that you can summarize to make a perfect segment.

1) Add the supporting evidence, like raw data, in your appendix essay.

2) Add the definition or summary of the raw data in the body text to clarify the point. This information is called contributory facts or specialized data that helps the readers to understand the research better.

3) Add samples of calculations required to solve the problems.

4) Display all the technical figures, graphs, tables, & statistics in the appendix section.

5) Share a description of the instruments used in the research in detail.

6) Provide helpful maps, charts, photographs, & drawings in the appendix, and cite them in the content.

7) Share the letters, emails, and other copies of correspondence.

8) Add the instruments used in the questionnaire or survey and also share the derived results.

9) Share the transcripts of the complete interviews.

10) Add complete field notes taken during observations.

11) Insert the specification & datasheets.

Above are the various things you should include in the essay appendix to make it a perfect section. But to match the university standards and your professors’ expectations, you must keep some vital points in mind while writing an appendix in the essay. Let’s know about these points in brief.

Points to Keep in Mind While Writing an Appendix in an Essay!

5 Points that can be helpful for students to create a better quality appendix essay section are as follows:

1)  Review & Revise:  You must check your essay appendix for errors and mistakes. It will help you make your paper flawless & increase more chances of perfect writing in your document. Maintain a proper format and flow in the section with correct information.

2)  Check for Quality:  You must check whether the given information is easy to read or not. The quality of this section will be checked by the readability & understanding ability of the writing. So, make sure that every factor in your document displays perfection and accuracy.

3)  Check If the Appendix Is Cited in the Text Properly:  You can choose the correct format for citing your appendix section in the document. Mostly preferred citations by the UK students is APA, MLA, or Chicago style. Ask your professor what he will suggest to use and implement in your document.

4)  Check Grammatical Conventions & Style:  You have to hold on to your tone and grammatical usage, like sentence structure, word choice & proper format. So, make sure that you follow every element well after completing your work.

5)  Refer to the Appendix in the Text of the Paper:  You must refer to the information well in the main body text wherever required. It will help the readers check the meaning or description of the word side-by-side while reading your essay. So, make sure to cite it better.

So, these are the various points you must keep in your mind while writing an  essay appendix . It will definitely help you make your document perfect. Looking at some of the appendix examples can be helpful for you. That’s why here we share a few.

• First is the APA appendix example that will help you know the style you need to follow while using this.

So, this is the complete information that can be helpful for you to write the best possible  appendix in essay . Just like many UK students, if you also want online essay help , we have the best offers you can’t find anywhere else.

You may also like:  How to Write an Essay Paragraph in 30 Seconds & Don't Get Caught!

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Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

APPENDICES: Academic Writing Basics

Technical Writing Essentials is designed to follow up on the skills learned in a first year Academic Writing course. If you’d like a refresher on some of the skills and ideas you learned in first year, an excellent open textbook used in some first year writing courses is Why Write? A Guide for Students in Canada . In particular, Chapter 5 of this textbook discusses grammar as a situated practice , offers an excellent overview of “ What is grammar ?” and provides some very helpful information on “ Rules for Academic Writing in English. ”

The following sections provide a review of some of the basic conventions and expectations of academic writing that students should be familiar with and that are relevant to technical writing:

Appendix A:  Referring to Authors and Titles

Appendix B:  Writing Summaries

Appendix C:  Integrating Quotations, Paraphrases and Summaries into your Writing

Appendix D:  Transitional Words and Phrases for University Writing

Appendix E:  Sentence Structure

Appendix F:  Punctuation Matters

Appendix G:  Writing Comparisons

Appendix H:  Peer Review Essentials

Technical Writing Essentials Copyright © by Suzan Last and UNH College of Professional Studies Online is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Appendix A: Concepts and Strategies for Revision

Let’s start with a few definitions. What is an essay ? It’s likely that your teachers have been asking you to write essays for years now; you’ve probably formed some idea of the genre. But when I ask my students to define this kind of writing, their answers vary widely and only get at part of the meaning of “essay. “

Although we typically talk of an essay (noun), I find it instructive to think about essay (verb): to try; to test; to explore; to attempt to understand. An essay (noun), then, is an attempt and an exploration. Popularized shortly before the Enlightenment Era by Michel de Montaigne, the essay form was invested in the notion that writing invites discovery: the idea was that he, as a lay-person without formal education in a specific discipline, would learn more about a subject through the act of writing itself. What difference does this new definition make for us, as writers?

• Writing invites discovery . Throughout the act of writing, you will learn more about your topic. Even though some people think of writing as a way to capture a fully-formed idea, writing can also be a way to process through ideas: in other words, writing can be an act of thinking. It forces you to look closer and see more. Your revisions should reflect the knowledge you gain through the act of writing.
• An essay is an attempt, but not all attempts are successful on the first try. You should give yourself license to fail, to an extent. If to essay is to try, then it’s okay to fall short. Writing is also an iterative process, which means your first draft isn’t the final product.

Now, what is revision ? You may have been taught that revision means fixing

commas, using a thesaurus to brighten up word choice, and maybe tweaking a sentence or two. However, I prefer to think of revision as “re | vision.”

Revision isn’t just about polishing—it’s about seeing your piece from a new angle, with “fresh eyes.” Often, we get so close to our own writing that we need to be able to see it from a different perspective in order to improve it. Revision happens on many levels. What you may have been trained to think of as revision—grammatical and mechanical fixes—is just one tier. Here’s how I like to imagine it:

Even though all kinds of revision are valuable, your global issues are first-order concerns, and proofreading is a last-order concern. If your entire topic, approach, or structure needs revision, it doesn’t matter if you have a comma splice or two. It’s likely that you’ll end up rewriting that sentence anyway.

There are a handful of techniques you can experiment with in order to practice true revision. First, if you can, take some time away from your writing. When you return, you will have a clearer head. You will even, in some ways, be a different person when you come back—since we as humans are constantly changing from moment to moment, day to day, you will have a different perspective with some time away. This might be one way for you to make procrastination work in your favor: if you know you struggle with procrastination, try to bust out a quick first draft the day an essay is assigned. Then, you can come back to it a few hours or a few days later with fresh eyes and a clearer idea of your goals.

Second, you can challenge yourself to reimagine your writing using global and local revision techniques, like those included later in this appendix.

Third, you can (and should) read your paper aloud, if only to yourself. This technique distances you from your writing; by forcing yourself you read aloud, you may catch sticky spots, mechanical errors, abrupt transitions, and other mistakes you would miss if you were immersed in your writing. (Recently, a student shared with me that she uses an online text-to-speech voice reader to create this same separation. By listening along and taking notes, she can identify opportunities for local- and proofreading-level revision.)

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, you should rely on your learning community . Because you most likely work on tight deadlines and don’t always have the opportunity to take time away from our projects, you should solicit feedback from your classmates, the Writing Center, your instructor, your Peer Workshop group, or your friends and family. As readers, they have valuable insight to the rhetorical efficacy of your writing: their feedback can be useful in developing a piece which is conscious of audience. To begin setting expectations and procedures for your Peer Workshop, turn to the first activity in this section.

Throughout this text, I have emphasized that good writing cannot exist in a vacuum; similarly, good rewriting often requires a supportive learning community. Even if you have had negative experiences with peer workshops before, I encourage you to give them another chance. Not only do professional writers consistently work with other writers, but my students are nearly always surprised by just how helpful it is to work alongside their classmates.

The previous diagram (of global, local, and proofreading levels of revision) reminds us that everyone has something valuable to offer in a learning community: because there are so many different elements on which to articulate feedback, you can provide meaningful feedback to your workshop, even if you don’t feel like an expert writer.

During the many iterations of revising, remember to be flexible and to listen. Seeing your writing with fresh eyes requires you to step outside of yourself, figuratively.

Listen actively and seek to truly understand feedback by asking clarifying questions and asking for examples. The reactions of your audience are a part of writing that you cannot overlook, so revision ought to be driven by the responses of your colleagues.

On the other hand, remember that the ultimate choice to use or disregard feedback is at the author’s discretion: provide all the suggestions you want as a group member, but use your best judgment as an author. If members of your group disagree—great! Contradictory feedback reminds us that writing is a dynamic, transactional action which is dependent on the specific rhetorical audience.

Chapter Vocabulary

Revision activities, establishing your peer workshop.

Before you begin working with a group, it’s important for you to establish a set of shared goals, expectations, and processes. You might spend a few minutes talking through the following questions:

• Have you ever participated in a Peer Workshop before? What worked? What didn’t?
• What do you hate about group projects? How might you mitigate these issues?
• What opportunities do group projects offer that working independently doesn’t? What are you excited for?
• What requests do you have for your Peer Workshop group members?

In addition to thinking through the culture you want to create for your workshop group, you should also consider the kind of feedback you want to exchange, practically speaking. In order to arrive at a shared definition for “good feedback,” I often ask my students to complete the following sentence as many times as possible with their groupmates: “Good feedback is…”

The list could go on forever, but here a few that I emphasize:

Once you’ve discussed the parameters for the learning community you’re building, you can begin workshopping your drafts, asking, “What does the author do well and what could they do better?” Personally, I prefer a workshop that’s conversational, allowing the author and the audience to discuss the work both generally and specifically; however, your group should use whatever format will be most valuable for you. Before starting your workshop, try to get everyone on the same page logistically by using the flowchart on the following two pages.

Global Revision Activity for a Narrative Essay

This assignment challenges you to try new approaches to a draft you’ve already written. Although you will be “rewriting” in this exercise, you are not abandoning your earlier draft: this exercise is generative, meaning it is designed to help you produce new details, ideas, or surprising bits of language that you might integrate into your project.

First, choose a part of your draft that (a) you really like but think could be better, or (b) just isn’t working for you. This excerpt should be no fewer than 100 words and can include your entire essay, if you want.

Then, complete your choice of one prompt from the list below: apply the instruction to the excerpt to create new content. Read over your original once, but do not refer back to it after you start writing. Your goal here is to deviate from the first version, not reproduce it. The idea here is to produce something new about your topic through constraint; you are reimagining your excerpt on a global scale.

After completing one prompt, go back to the original and try at least one more, or apply a different prompt to your new work.

• Change genres: For example, if your excerpt is written in typical essay form, try writing it as poetry, or dialogue from a play/movie, or a radio advertisement.
• Zoom in: Focus on one image, color, idea, or word from your excerpt and zoom way in. Meditate on this one thing with as much detail as possible.
• Zoom out: Step back from the excerpt and contextualize it with background information, concurrent events, information about relationship or feelings.
• Change point-of-view: Try a new vantage point for your story by changing pronouns and perspective. For instance, if your excerpt is in first-person (I/me), switch to second- (you) or third-person (he/she/they).
• Change setting: Resituate your excerpt in a different place, or time.
• Change your audience: Rewrite the excerpt anticipating the expectations of a different reader than you first intended. For example, if the original excerpt is in the same speaking voice you would use with your friends, write as if your strictest teacher or the president or your grandmother is reading it. If you’ve written in an “academic” voice, try writing for your closest friend—use slang, swear words, casual language, whatever.
• Add another voice: Instead of just the speaker of the essay narrating, add a listener. This listener can agree, disagree, question, heckle, sympathize, apologize, or respond in any other way you can imagine. (See “the nay-sayer’s voice” in Chapter Nine.)
• Change timeline (narrative sequence): Instead of moving chronologically forward, rearrange the events to bounce around.
• Change tense: Narrate from a different vantage point by changing the grammar. For example, instead of writing in past tense, write in present or future tense.
• Change tone: Reimagine your writing in a different emotional register. For instance, if your writing is predominantly nostalgic, try a bitter tone. If you seem regretful, try to write as if you were proud.

Reverse Outlining

Have you ever written an outline before writing a draft? It can be a useful pre-writing strategy, but it doesn’t work for all writers. If you’re like me, you prefer to brain-dump a bunch of ideas on the paper, then come back to organize and refocus during the revision process. One strategy that can help you here is reverse outlining.

Divide a blank piece of paper into three columns, as demonstrated below. Number each paragraph of your draft, and write an equal numbered list down the left column of your blank piece of paper. Write “Idea” at the top of the middle column and “Purpose” at the top of the right column.

Now, wade back through your essay, identifying what each paragraph is saying and what each paragraph is doing. Choose a few key words or phrases for each column to record on your sheet of paper.

Try to use consistent language throughout the reverse outline so you can see where your paragraphs are saying or doing similar things.

A paragraph might have too many different ideas or too many different functions for you to concisely identify. This could be a sign that you need to divide that paragraph up.

Here’s a student’s model reverse outline: 1

But wait—there’s more!

Once you have identified the idea(s) and purpose(s) of each paragraph, you can start revising according to your observations. From the completed reverse outline, create a new outline with a different sequence, organization, focus, or balance. You can reorganize by

• combining or dividing paragraphs,
• re-arranging ideas, and
• adding or subtracting content.

Reverse outlining can also be helpful in identifying gaps and redundancies: now that you have a new outline, do any of your ideas seem too brief? Do you need more evidence for a certain argument? Do you see ideas repeated more than necessary?

After completing the reverse outline above, the student proposed this new organization: 2

You might note that this strategy can also be applied on the sentence and section level. Additionally, if you are a kinesthetic or visual learner, you might cut your paper into smaller pieces that you can physically manipulate.

Be sure to read aloud after reverse outlining to look for abrupt transitions.

You can see a simplified version of this technique demonstrated in this video .

Local Revision Activity: Cutting Fluff

When it’s late at night, the deadline is approaching, and we’ve simply run out of things to say… we turn to fluff. Fluff refers to language which doesn’t do work for you—language that simply takes up space or sits flat on the page, rather than working economically and impactfully. Whether or not you’ve used it deliberately, all authors have been guilty of fluffy writing at one time or another.

Example of fluff on social media [“Presidents don’t have to be smart” from funnyjunk.com] .

Fluff happens for a lot of reasons.

• Of course, reaching a word- or page-count is the most common motivation.
• Introductions and conclusions are often fluffy because the author can’t find a way into or out of the subject, or because the author doesn’t know what their exact subject will be.
• Sometimes, the presence of fluff is an indication that the author doesn’t know enough about the subject or that their scope is too broad.
• Other times, fluffy language is deployed in an effort to sound “smarter” or “fancier” or “more academic”—which is an understandable pitfall for developing writers.

These circumstances, plus others, encourage us to use language that’s not as effective, authentic, or economical. Fluff happens in a lot of ways; here are a few I’ve noticed:

Of course, there’s a very fine line between detail and fluff. Avoiding fluff doesn’t mean always using the fewest words possible. Instead, you should occasionally ask yourself in the revision process, How is this part contributing to the whole? Is this somehow building toward a bigger purpose? If the answer is no, then you need to revise.

The goal should not necessarily be “Don’t write fluff,” but rather “Learn to get rid of fluff in revision.” In light of our focus on process, you are allowed to write fluff in the drafting period, so long as you learn to “prune” during revisions. (I use the word “prune” as an analogy for caring for a plant: just as you must cut the dead leaves off for the plant’s health and growth, you will need to cut fluff so your writing can thrive.)

Here are a few strategies:

• Read out loud,
• Ask yourself what a sentence is doing, rhetorically,
• Combine like sentences, phrases, or ideas,
• Use signposts, like topic-transition sentences (for yourself during revision and for your reader in the final draft), and
• Be specific—stay cognizant of your scope (globally) and the detail of your writing (locally).

To practice revising for fluff, workshop the following excerpt by yourself or with a partner. Your goal is not to cut back to the smallest number of words, but rather to prune out what you consider to be fluff and leave what you consider to be detail. You should be able to explain the choices you make.

There was a time long before today when an event occurred involving a young woman who was known to the world as Goldilocks. On the particular day at hand, Goldilocks made a spontaneous decision to wander through the forest, the trees growing up high above her flowing blonde pigtails. Some time after she commenced her voyage, but not after too long, she saw sitting on the horizon a small residency. Goldilocks rapped her knuckles on the door, but alas, no one answered the door. Therefore, Goldilocks decided that it would be a good idea to enter the unattended house, so she entered it. Atop the average-sized table in the kitchen of the house, there were three bowls of porridge, which is similar to oatmeal. Porridge is a very common dish in Europe; in fact, the Queen of England is well-known for enjoying at least one daily bowl of porridge per day. Goldilocks, not unlike the Queen of England, enjoys eating porridge for its nutritional value. On this day, she was feeling quite hungry and wanted to eat. She decided that she should taste one of the three bowls of porridge, from which steam was rising indicating its temperature. But, because she apparently couldn’t tell, she imbibed a spoonful of the porridge and vocalized the fact that the porridge was of too high a temperature for her to masticate and consume: “This porridge is too hot!

a medium, typically nonfiction, by which an author can achieve a variety of purposes. Popularized by Michel de Montaigne as a method of discovery of knowledge: in the original French, “essay” is a verb that means “to try; to test; to explore; to attempt to understand.”

uneconomical writing: filler language or unnecessarily wordy phrasing. Although fluff occurs in a variety of ways, it can be generally defined as words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs that do not work hard to help you achieve your rhetorical purpose.

literally, a repetition within a process. Analysis is iterative because it requires repeated critical encounters with a text.

a network of learners and teachers, each equipped and empowered to provide support through horizontal power relations. Values diversity insofar as it encourages growth and perspective, but also inclusivity. Also, a community that learns by adapting to its unique needs and advantages.

the iterative process of changing a piece of writing. Literally, re-vision: seeing your writing with “fresh eyes” in order to improve it. Includes changes on Global, Local, and Proofreading levels. Changes might include:

rewriting (trying again, perhaps from a different angle or with a different focus)

adding (new information, new ideas, new evidence)

subtracting (unrelated ideas, redundant information, fluff)

rearranging (finding more effective vectors or sequences of organization)

switching out (changing words or phrases, substituting different evidence)

mechanical clean-up (standardizing punctuation, grammar, or formatting)

EmpoWORD: A Student-Centered Anthology and Handbook for College Writers Copyright © 2018 by Shane Abrams is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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A.7: Definition Essay

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Defining Good Students Means More than Just Grades

Many people define good students as those who receive the best grades. While it is true that good students often earn high grades, grades are just one aspect of how we define a good student. In fact, even poor students can earn high grades sometimes, so grades are not the best indicator of a student’s quality. Rather, a good student pursues scholarship, actively participates in class, and maintains a positive, professional relationship with instructors and peers.

Good students have a passion for learning that drives them to fully understand class material rather than just worry about what grades they receive in the course. Good students are actively engaged in scholarship, which means they enjoy reading and learning about their subject matter not just because readings and assignments are required. Of course, good students will complete their homework and all assignments, and they may even continue to perform research and learn more on the subject after the course ends. In some cases, good students will pursue a subject that interests them but might not be one of their strongest academic areas, so they will not earn the highest grades. Pushing oneself to learn and try new things can be difficult, but good students will challenge themselves rather than remain at their educational comfort level for the sake of a high grade. The pursuit of scholarship and education rather than concern over grades is the hallmark of a good student.

Class participation and behaviour are another aspect of the definition of a good student. Simply attending class is not enough; good students arrive punctually because they understand that tardiness disrupts the class and disrespects the professors. They might occasionally arrive a few minutes early to ask the professor questions about class materials or mentally prepare for the day’s work. Good students consistently pay attention during class discussions and take notes in lectures rather than engage in off task behaviours, such as checking their cell phones or daydreaming. Excellent class participation requires a balance between speaking and listening, so good students will share their views when appropriate but also respect their classmates’ views when they differ from their own. It is easy to mistake quantity of class discussion comments with quality, but good students know the difference and do not try to dominate the conversation. Sometimes class participation is counted toward a student’s grade, but even without such clear rewards, good students understand how to perform and excel among their peers in the classroom.

Finally, good students maintain a positive and professional relationship with their professors. They respect their instructor’s authority in the classroom as well as the instructor’s privacy outside of the classroom. Prying into a professor’s personal life is inappropriate, but attending office hours to discuss course material is an appropriate, effective way for students to demonstrate their dedication and interest in learning. Good students go to their professor’s office during posted office hours or make an appointment if necessary. While instructors can be very busy, they are usually happy to offer guidance to students during office hours; after all, availability outside the classroom is a part of their job. Attending office hours can also help good students become memorable and stand out from the rest, particularly in lectures with hundreds enrolled. Maintaining positive, professional relationships with professors is especially important for those students who hope to attend graduate school and will need letters of recommendation in the future.

Although good grades often accompany good students, grades are not the only way to indicate what it means to be a good student. The definition of a good student means demonstrating such traits as engaging with course material, participating in class, and creating a professional relationship with professors. While every professor will have different criteria for earning an A in their course, most would agree on these characteristics for defining good students.