Writing academic papers requires not only strong arguments but also proper formatting and referencing. If you’re wondering how to write a paper using Harvard style, this guide will help you understand the essential structure and rules, so you can craft a well-formatted, professional paper that meets university standards.
Executive Summary: What Is It and Why It Matters
For longer papers, especially those over five pages, an executive summary is essential. This concise section highlights the main points covered in your paper. It answers why the topic is important, what key results you found, and how these results might be applied or improved.
Typically, the executive summary is about 100–150 words but can vary depending on your instructor’s guidelines. When learning how to write a paper using Harvard style, remember: avoid repeating details already in the main text and keep the summary clear and simple to enhance readability.
Table of Contents: Organizing Your Paper
A well-structured paper includes a clear Table of Contents, which guides readers through the sections. A typical Harvard style paper contains:
- Introduction
- Background
- Formatting and Referencing Rules
- Conclusion
- Reference List
Introduction: The First Step in Writing Your Paper
When mastering how to write a paper using Harvard style, it’s important to note that headers are generally used only for papers longer than five pages unless specified otherwise.
Your introduction should end with a strong thesis statement or a research question and take about 10% of your paper’s total word count. Also, remember the title page, headers, reference list, and appendices do not count toward your word count.
Background: Understanding Harvard Referencing
Unlike some citation styles, Harvard does not have a single official manual. Instead, it generally refers to citing sources by author surname and publication year (Pears & Graham, 2016). Page numbers are only needed for direct quotes.
When writing, avoid ending a paragraph with only a citation. Each paragraph should finish with a transition sentencethat smoothly connects to the next idea.
Formatting and Referencing Rules in Harvard Style
There are various versions of Harvard style used worldwide. This guide reflects the most common rules, but always check your institution’s specific requirements.
Key points to remember when learning how to write a paper using Harvard style:
- Reference list entries should be in alphabetical order by the first author’s surname.
- Use a blank line after each reference for clarity.
- Left indentation is not mandatory.
If your client or university provides a specific Harvard style guide, always prioritize that.
Conclusion: Wrapping Up Your Paper Effectively
The conclusion should not start on a new page. It restates your thesis or research question, summarizes your key findings, and does not include any new information, unless asked for predictions or your personal view.
Like the introduction, the conclusion typically takes up around 10% of your total word count.
For a comprehensive overview and official guidelines on Harvard referencing, visit the Purdue OWL Harvard Referencing Guide.
Reference List Example
Author, A. and Author, B.C., 2016. Title of the book. Palgrave Macmillan.
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If you want to learn more about formatting styles, check out our detailed guide on how to write a paper using Chicago style for another popular citation method.
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