How to Write an Appendix – Complete Guide

An appendix is a section of a paper that carries information about a topic that does not fit in the main paper. The section has all the information that is considered non-essential, yet it plays a major role in the entire writing process. It keeps readers in line with the discussion even after it is over. The appendix is considered to be an effective way to avoid distraction among readers. 

Therefore, when you decide to write an appendix, do not take things lightly. You need to learn and follow all the correct steps to justify this section. In this blog, you will learn about the correct methods to write an appendix properly. The next few sections will take you through the different aspects of appendix writing, starting with the definition of the term.

What is an Appendix?

An appendix is the section that you include at the end of your paper. The term has been defined differently in different places. Some consider this to be an explanation of the information you have shared in the main paper, while a few others consider it to be an extension of what you have discussed so far. 

To clear the air, here’s what you need to include in an appendix. This section carries all the information that was not necessary in the main paper. It is a type of extension of whatever you have discussed in the main paragraphs of the paper. While the data in an appendix is not considered to be necessary, this section is crucial for any paper. 

An appendix keeps the readers on track and gives them room for more thoughts on the topic. So, you need to follow the right format and style and use the correct headings to define each section of the appendix. 

Before you start getting stressed, go through a few examples, along with the ways the appendix is used in different papers. 

The confusion is about the things that will be appropriate in the appendix. Since this is not a work of fiction, you need to use data from verified sources, such as research papers, books, journals, and essays. To put it simply, appendices must carry information that is relevant to the topic yet not so important to be discussed in the main paper. 

Here’s a look at how this section looks in different academic papers: 

• What is the Appendix in the Paper?

Appendices in a research paper hold a lot of significance. As research papers share detailed analysis and information on a particular topic, it is impossible to share everything you want to talk about. Further, there will be a few things that the readers might want to know beyond the things written in the academic paper. If you are a student who is struggling to give meaning to your appendix, here’s what it looks like:

• What is the Appendix in the Book?

Have you ever checked the back of the book before buying it? The thing you see at the back of the book is an appendix. The appendix of a book contains additional information related to the main topic. You will find names of other books written on the same subject. While you won’t find an appendix in all books, some of them carry it. 

• What is the Appendix in the Essay?

An appendix in an essay plays the same role as in other academic papers. It carries additional information that is considered extra. In simple words, the appendix serves as a way to add supplementary information to the essay. Here’s a snippet of what an appendix in essay looks like: 

That can help you understand the importance and the ways to present an appendix in different papers. The following section will help you understand the importance of appendices and their significance. 

Appendices Example

Check This Appendices Example

What Are Appendices Used for?

An appendix is where you share data that seemed unnecessary to be discussed in the main topic. You must be wondering, then what is the purpose of the appendix in any paper? Well, the section covers a few information that are detailed or lengthy, yet can give more room for discussion on the topic. 

The following few points will clear the air and help you understand why you must learn how to write an appendix: 

• Supplementary Information

The appendix is the section that carries the extra information that could help readers understand the topic better. However, adding that in the main paragraphs would have stretched the papers too much. To ensure the paper is crisp and concise, include the additional information in the appendix. 

• Clarity and Focus

It is crucial to keep the main paper crisp. You cannot go on including points that are not relevant to the main question. So, to make sure you have an edge over others and that your paper is perfectly crafted, include an appendix. It will help you share the extra information without cluttering the main text. 

• Reference Material

The additional information shared in an appendix serves as a reference to all that you have discussed in the main paper. It helps readers relate to the entire context of the paper and research more on the topic. An appendix gives readers an opportunity to know more and helps you make your paper more relevant. 

• Organization

Organizing data seems easy when you include an appendix at the end of the paper. You can arrange all your points logically, keeping the main paper perfect. Also, you will be able to share the extra information you feel is important to make your paper better. 

That would help you understand how an appendix is important in every paper. The next section will take you through the ways to structure an appendix and justify the section in the paper. 

How to Structure an Appendix?

The fact that the appendix has information that is considered non-essential does not imply that it does not follow any format. You have to arrange the points properly and follow a specific appendix format to justify the section. 

If you are yet to attempt such sections, here’s how you can structure your appendix: 

• A Clear Title

You need to differentiate an appendix from the main paper. Readers must understand from where the appendix starts. To create that difference, create a title for your appendix. It will help readers relate to the appendix and understand the information you wanted to share through it.

• A List of Contents

The appendix carries a lot of information. You cannot start sharing the details without creating a roadmap. It is one of the major reasons creating a list of contents is essential. Here’s what you can include in the table of contents: 

• Data tables for study results
• Images of the experimental setup
• Survey questions and responses
• Sample interview transcripts

Every element of the appendix must have data that justifies each of them. You cannot go on writing things without supporting evidence or data. Further, you need to follow the correct format for writing each section of the appendix. 

• Page Numbers

As discussed earlier, an appendix is completely separate from the main body of the paper. Therefore, when you write this section, make sure to number the pages differently from that of the main paper. For example, if you have numbered the main paper pages as 1, 2, and so on, the appendix should be numbered using alphabet. You have to create a difference clearly for readers to understand how it is different from the main body. 

• Relevant Information

If you look at any appendix paper example, you will see how each of them is crafted from scratch using appropriate data. Don’t mistake an appendix to be an additional section where you can write anything. This section is an important one, and you have to support every point with relevant data. The readers must be able to relate to what you are trying to convey and find the appendix important.

• Proper Formatting

You need to define every heading and section in your appendix. The readers must be able to understand every paragraph of the section and be in line with every point you want to discuss in the appendix. Therefore, before you start working on your appendix, go through a few examples to understand the format. Also, take a look at the guidelines shared by your university before penning down your thoughts in the appendix. 

• Clear Labeling

Do not mistake to consider an appendix to be a simple extension of what you have discussed in your paper. The section carries a lot of information that is crucial to the topic you have discussed so far. Therefore, when you write an appendix, make sure to use clear labels to help readers understand every data you share. 

• Concise Explanation

You need not be creative while writing an appendix. This section demands a crisp and concise explanation. So, when you structure an appendix, make sure to keep it to the point and share explanations that are necessary.

That will help you structure your appendix and share a perfect paper. In the following section, you will get to learn how to write an appendix in different styles. 

How Do You Write an Appendix in Different Styles?

Like your academic papers, appendices are written following different styles. You have to check the guidelines and follow the style that is specified by your university. 

Here are the ways to write an appendix following two different styles: 

• Appendix APA Format

APA is a widely used formatting style, and most colleges ask students to create an APA appendix at the end of the paper. If you are not sure about the APA format, follow these guidelines to craft a perfect one: 

• You must begin this section with the heading ‘Appendix’ 
• Include the same on top of the Appendix title
• Create a section for abstracts
• Every section of the appendix must follow the order of information same as the main paper
• Make sure to add the appendix after the reference list
• Appendices must have their pages, irrespective of the size of the section
• Make sure to include page numbers in each appendix
• Include footnotes

You must follow the rules related to the APA Appendix writing along with the guidelines mentioned above to nail an appendix in APA style. Ask your professor or an expert and learn how to work on an appendix and create a perfect one following the APA style. Also, you can check an APA appendix example to understand how to approach the section and work on it accordingly. 

• Appendix MLA Format

The guidelines and format for creating an appendix in MLA format are almost similar to APA. However, if you are asked to follow the MLA format, you must know that in the case of the MLA format, the appendix comes before the reference list. Take a look at the guidelines for crafting an appendix in MLA format:

• Include appendices before the references list
• In case of multiple appendices, use ABC titling to keep things clear
• The same order that is followed in the stated information in the paper is followed here
• Use page numbers for every appendix
• Every appendix must have its page, irrespective of the size of the paper

Go through the instructions before working on an appendix. Understand the format you are asked to use and work on the sections accordingly. 

References for Appendix Writing

You have to use references to prove the authenticity of the information you have included in every appendix. However, you need not include a separate reference list for an appendix. Instead, you can include the references in the main text itself. Use labels to help readers understand the statements you are acknowledging. 

Also, make sure you specify the book, journal, or website you have used to write the appendix. You must understand how readers need proof of every data you share. Therefore, when you write an appendix, make sure to include in-text citations along with labels to justify the section. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Appendix Writing

Where does the appendix appear in a paper?

The appendix is the section where you include extra information that you were not able to fit into the main discussion. Therefore, this section appears at the end of the paper. Do not make the mistake of putting this section as soon as you finish writing on the paper. An appendix appears after the reference list and any tables or figures you have added to the paper. Look for samples to understand how to go about it before you write a paper. 

When do you need to write an appendix?

When you are asked to write a paper, you have to look for relevant information on the topic. During the process, you might come across information that is related yet not essential for the topic. Appendices shed light on the non-essential information giving readers a chance to know more about a topic without getting diverted from the topic. So, if you have a few extra information that can be considered non-essential, write an appendix to include those data. 

What to include in an appendix?

Appendices are created mainly to highlight information that is too lengthy or detailed. Since the purpose of writing an appendix is to share additional information, you need to specify every detail of the data you are sharing. Here’s what you can include in an appendix: 

• Supporting evidence
• Correspondence
• Interview transcripts
• Field notes
• Tables, figures, and other graphics
• List of abbreviations
• Glossary

Ask an expert or your professor to understand what needs to be added and work on your paper accordingly. 

What is the difference between a reference and an appendix?

References are the ones that are used to acknowledge the sources you have used in your paper. An appendix is the section where you include the information that cannot be used in the main sections of the paper. Simply put, references are acknowledgments, while appendices are additional information. You have to understand how things work and use each element properly in your paper.