Discussion Groups / ESL Teaching / November 2007

Hello,

I'm writing an APA format research paper on the topic of gun control.
This is one of the first such papers I have written (this is my first
semester in college).  The instructor's instructions were rather vague
and he just stated he wanted the paper in APA format.  I am including
several different subtopics in the paper, each with several paragraphs
in it.  What is the proper format to differentiate one subtopic from
another?  Do I include a heading at the beginning of each new
subtopic?

Here is basically how my paper outline looks:

Main Topic:  Gun control in the U.S.
Subtopic1: Evolution of Modern-Day Gun Control
Subtopic2: Flawed Studies on Gun Control Effectiveness
Subtopic3: Failures of the Assault Weapons Ban
Subtopic4: Benefits of Concealed Carry
Subtopic5: Cato Institute Study

Each of these subtopics will have several paragraphs.  It isn't
practical to include everything on one subtopic under a single
paragraph.  I tend to think it would be difficult to follow if I just
had all the paragraphs together like an essay.  Anyone familiar with
APA format who could help?

Thanks.