VSU-OGS Style Manual For Graduate Manuscripts PDF

Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts| 1
Published by the
VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Office of the Graduate School
Visca, Baybay City, Leyte
6521-A Philippines
© 2020
All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may be produced, quoted or used as reference
provided that VSU, as publisher, shall be duly recognized or attributed, and shall be furnished a copy
of the used or cited text from this publication.
Editor: Dr. Anabella B. Tulin

Text Update : Wenifreda T. Oclinaria
Layout and Cover Design: Rhea Jenny A. Ogalesco
Office of the Graduate School

STYLE MANUAL FOR GRADUATE MANUSCRIPTS
Approved BOR Resolution No. 8, s. 2019
2 | Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts
Foreword
This VSU Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts is intended to

provide graduate faculty and graduate students with a helpful reference
and guide on how to write a thesis or dissertation manuscript and an
article for publication in a refereed journal. It includes an overview,
standard procedure in the approval of the manuscript, writing the
manuscript and citing references in the text.
It also presents a wide range of style regulations, from specifying
text to the presentation of tables and figures, from specifying margins to
the exact spacing of section headings, from rules on page numbers to
prescribing the set of pages/sections that must be included in every
dissertation/thesis. All regulations specified in this manual must be
satisfied in order for a dissertation or thesis to be approved by the
Graduate School. It has also an active link for samples where graduate
students can access and easily follow in writing their manuscript.
We hope that this manual will be of great help to all our graduate
students especially in processing their thesis or dissertation manuscripts.
ANABELLA B. TULIN, Ph.D.

Dean, Graduate Schoolkoklk
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. OVERVIEW 1
1. Purpose 1
2. Structure of the Manual 1
3. Coverage of the Manual 2
4. Graduate School Receiving/Reviewing Personnel 2
II. STANDARD PROCEDURE IN THE APPROVAL OF

THE MANUSCRIPT 3
1. Copy of the Manual 3
2. Review of the Manuscript 3
3. Cover, Binding, Number of Copies Required and
Submission of Bound and e-copy of the Manuscript 3
4. Submission of an e-copy 5
III. WRITING THE MANUSCRIPT 6

1. The Manuscript 6
1.1 General Framework of the Manuscript 6
1.2 Thesis or Dissertation Outline 6
1.3 Thesis or Dissertation Manuscript 7
2. General Format and Style Guidelines 8

2.1. Paper 8
2.2. Font Type and Point Size 8
2.3. Spacing 8
2.4. Margins 8
2.5. Indention 8
2.6.Pagination 8
2.6.1. Preliminary Pages 8
2.6.2. Content Pages 9
3. Text Format 9
3.1. Preliminary Pages 9
3.1.1. Title Page 9
3.1.2. Approval Sheet 9
3.1.3. Biographical Sketch 10
3.1.4. Acknowledgement 10
3.1.5. Table of Contents 10
4.1.6. Lists of Tables, Figures, Boxes
and Appendices 10
3.1.7. Abstract 11
3.2. Chapter and Main Headings 11

3.3. Subheadings 11
3.4. Illustrative Materials (drawings, Charts, Figures,
Tables, Diagrams, Plates, and Photographs) 12
3.5. Formula, Equations and Expressions 14
3.6. Scientific Names 14
3.7. Number, Symbols and/or Abbreviations 15
3.8. Quotations 15
3.9. Footnotes and Endnotes 16
3.10. Literature Cited 16
3.11. Appendices 16
4. Manuscript Style 17
IV. CITING REFERENCES IN TEXT AND LITERATURE

CITED 18
1. Citing Reference in Text 18

1.1. Direct Quotations 18
1.2. Two Authors 19
1.3. Three or More Authors 19
1.4. Organization as Author 19
1.5. Two or More Works in the Same Parentheses 19
1.6. Authors with the Same Last Name 19
1.7. Two or More Works by the Same Author in the

Same Year 20
1.8. Personal Communication 20
1.9. Indirect Sources 20
1.10.Unknown Author and Unknown Date 20
2. Literature Cited 21
2.1. Paper in Journals 21
2.2. Books and Monographs 21
2.3. Paper within a Book 21
2.4. Paper in Conference Proceedings 21
2.5. Thesis/Dissertation 22
2.6. Internet Source 22
2.7. No Authors, No Date 22
2.8. Personal Communication 23
V. FORMAT FOR PUBLISHABLE ARTICLE 24

LIST OF APPENDICES
Page
Appendix A Sample Title Page 26
Appendix B. Sample Thesis Approval Sheet 27
Appendix C. Sample Dissertation Approval Sheet 28
Appendix D. Sample Table of Contents 29
Appendix E. Sample List of Tables/Figures/Appendices 30
Appendix F. Sample Chapter Number and Main Heading 32
Format
Appendix G. Sample Subheadings Format 33
Appendix H. Sample Table Format 34
Appendix I. Sample Figure Format 35
Appendix J. Sample Journal Format 36

I. OVERVIEW
A manuscript is treated as epitome of every graduate student’s
journey in his/her graduate study. Thus, it is expected to be a well-
thought, comprehensive and mature piece of original research.
Likewise, the presentation of that research must be equally precise and
complete to meet Graduate School standards. The format and style
guidelines reflected in this Manual are strictly observed by the
Graduate School. Manuscripts which do not follow these guidelines
will not be accepted. Therefore, it is important that graduate students
read and understand the guidelines presented in this Manual before the
preparation of their thesis and dissertation.
1. Purpose: The purpose of the VSU Style Manual for Graduate

Manuscripts is to establish a uniform and standard format and style
of graduate manuscript by providing graduate students and faculty
with guidelines in writing thesis or dissertation. The purpose of the
guidelines presented in thisManual is to ensure that every
thesis/dissertation which will carry the name of Visayas State
University (VSU) meets the academic standards of the graduate
program sought. It shall also conform to the standards of
presentation in terms of all pertinent physical properties, format
and style, as well as paper and print quality. These standards must
be applied consistently to all thesis/dissertation conducted in all
graduate program of VSU.
2. Structure of the Manual: This Manual shall set out rules and
guidelines to be followed by graduate students in preparing their
thesis/ dissertation manuscripts. The Dean of the Graduate School
is responsible for actions carried out by this Manual and may

delegate this responsibility to the graduate students Graduate
Advisory Committee. She/he may also delegate a specific staff of
the Graduate School who shall take the overall responsibility to
ensure that graduate student manuscripts conform to the guidelines
specified in the Manual
3. Coverage of the Manual: The Manual shall cover graduate

students thesis and dissertation manuscript preparation for
information and guidance directed to graduate students and faculty,
particularly the Graduate Advisory Committee.
4. Graduate School Receiving/Reviewing Personnel (GSRP):

There shall be a GSRP at the Office of the Graduate School
designated by the Dean. He/She shall receive all graduate students
thesis or dissertation outline and manuscripts for recording and
review to ensure that they conform to the standard format and style
guidelines set in the Manual prior to approval by the Dean of the
Graduate School.
II. STANDARD PROCEDURE IN THE APPROVAL OF THE

MANUSCRIPT
1. Copy of Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts.

Graduating student with thesis or dissertation can avail of an
e copy of the Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts by
sending a request to the Office of the Graduate School by e-
mail gs@vsu.edu.ph. Graduate faculty members shall be
provided with a hard copy of the Manual. Graduate Students
may also request a hard copy from the Office of the Graduate
School.
2. Review of the Manuscript. Review of the manuscript by the

GSRP shall be made upon submission of its printed copy
with signed approval sheet by his/her GAC and the
Department Head, and a Certification from an English critic,
if any. The printed copy of the manuscript shall be stamped,
received by the GSRP indicating the date and time of the
receipt. This is to ensure that manuscripts of graduating
students were submitted on or before the set deadline
schedule.
3. Cover, Binding, Number of Copies required and

Submission of bound and e-copy of the Manuscript
3.1. Cover of the Manuscript. The official color of the

cover of the graduate thesis or dissertation manuscript
is green. The specification of the cover shall be
followed by the official binder of the university.
3.2. Number of Copies Required. Once the manuscript is

approved by the Dean of the Graduate School, he/she
will be required to produce six (6) copies of the
manuscript for thesis, and seven (7) copies for
dissertation. These copies will be distributed as follows:
GAC Members 3 or 4 copies
VSU Main Library 1 copy
Graduate School 1 copy
Student 1 copy
These copies shall be submitted by the students to
the VSU Library for binding. He/She shall present to
the Office of the Graduate School a certification from
the VSU Library that the approved copies have been
received at their office for binding for clearance
purposes.
3.3. Binding. The Official binders of VSU students’ thesis

or dissertation manuscript are the VSU Printing Press
and the Library. These binderies are expected to follow
the guidelines. Should the student opt to reproduce
more than 6 or 7 copies of his/her manuscript, he/she
can have additional copies bound outside VSU.
However, since the VSU seal is copyrighted, only the
VSU Printing Press and VSU Library are allowed to
use it.
It is also the VSU Library who is responsible for
the distribution of the bound copies to the concerned
individuals/offices.
3.4. Submission of an e-copy. An e-copy of the

manuscript shall also be required for graduate student.
This will include at least one publishable/published
article for the Masters students and at least two for the
doctoral students as an attachment to the manuscript.
3.4.1. Published article. This refers to article

extracted from the manuscript which was
already published in a refereed journal.
3.4.2. Publishable article. This refers to the article

extracted from the manuscript following the
format of Science and Humanities Journal
which is the peer-reviewed journal of the VSU
Graduate School.
III. WRITING THE MANUSCRIPT
1. The Manuscript
1.1. General Framework of the Manuscript: There is no limitation

on the number of pages in the thesis or dissertation manuscript.
The text or the main body of a manuscript is divided into multiple
chapters to help the reader in understanding the subject matter.
Although the detailed organization of the text varies among
academic disciplines, the format of the text must be consistent
throughout.
Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks are crucial parts in
most social science research manuscript. These sections may be
incorporated under the Review of Literature chapter.
Masters students are required to attach in their thesis at least
one publishable/published article. On the other hand, doctoral
students are required to attach at least two.
1.1.1. Thesis or Dissertation Outline Format
In formatting the outline for thesis or dissertation, there is no

need to include the preliminary pages since it is only an outline.
This will only include the following sections:
For Social Sciences:
TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
CHAPTER III. METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER V. LITERATURE CITED
APPENDICES
For Biophysical Sciences:

TITLE PAGE
CHAPTER III. MATERIALS AND METHODS
CHAPTER IV. LITERATURE CITED
APPENDICES
Important Note: ISO compliant Approval Sheet Form for Graduate
Thesis/Special Problem/Dissertation (FM OGS-23) is provided.
Student may ask a soft copy from OGS or download it from the GS
webpage at https://www.vsu.edu.ph/gs.
1.1.2. Thesis or Dissertation Manuscript Format

For Social Sciences:
PRELIMINARY PAGES
CHAPTER III. METHODOLOGY
CHAPTER IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER VI. LITERATURE CITED
APPENDICES
For Biophysical Sciences:

PRELIMINARY PAGES
CHAPTER III. MATERIALS AND METHODS
CHAPTER IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
CHAPTER V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
CHAPTER VI. LITERATURE CITED
APPENDICES
2. General Format and Style Guidelines
2.1. Paper. All copies of the manuscript must be in good quality

white bond paper, 75g, measuring 210 x 297 mm (A4) to insure
durability, permanency, and opacity.
2.2. Font Type and Point Size. The font type is Times New Roman;
point size is 12.
2.3. Spacing. The general text of the manuscript must use double
spacing; although tables, long quotations, footnotes, endnotes,
bibliographies, and captions may be single-spaced.
2.4. Margins. The margin shall be 1.5-inch top and left, 1-inch right
and bottom
2.5. Indention. Each paragraph indention shall use the “Tab” key,
instead of the spacebar for 5 spaces to ensure consistency of
indentions throughout the manuscript.
2.6. Pagination
2.6.1. Preliminary pages. The preliminary pages of the

manuscript are paginated in the following order: Title
page, Approval Sheet, Biographical Sketch,
Acknowledgment, Table of Contents, List of Tables, List
of Figures, List of Boxes (if applicable), List of
Appendices, and the Abstract.
Pagination of the preliminary pages shall be in the
lower case of the Roman numeral and placed at the
bottom center. The Title page shall bear no number but is
considered as i.
2.6.2. Content Pages. Page numbers shall be at the upper right

hand corner of each page. At the beginning of each
chapter, however, page number shall be hidden.
3. Text Format
3.1. Preliminary Pages
3.1.1. Title Page. The title page shall bear the following
inscriptions: full title of thesis or dissertation, name of the
candidate, description of submission, name of the degree
and major, and month and year of completion (see
Appendix A. Sample Title Page).
3.1.2. Approval Sheet. The Approval sheet serves as a legal

document that the manuscript is approved. It shall bear
the signature and date of signing of the author’s GAC,
Head of the Department and the Dean of the Graduate
School in the bound thesis (see Appendix B. Sample
Thesis Approval Sheet) or dissertation (see Appendix C.
Sample Dissertation Approval Sheet).
3.1.3. Biographical Sketch. A third person word shall be used

in the author’s Biographical sketch and throughout the
main text of the manuscript. This is to maintain an
impersonal style of writing of graduate manuscripts. The
use of first and second person words such as I, We and
others shall not be used as these will make the manuscript
informal and literary which are not acceptable for a

formal and scholarly graduate manuscripts.
3.1.4. Acknowledgment. The acknowledgment section

recognizes the people, institutions and groups who have
contributed to completion of the work. This section shall
not include photographs, illustrations and other
unnecessary elements. Name and signature of the author
is also not necessary.
3.1.5. Table of Contents. The Table of Contents shall bear all

the section and subsections contained in the manuscript.
Entries within the major sections shall be single-spaced
and there shall be space between major sections (see
Appendix D. Sample Table of Contents).
3.1.6. Lists of Tables, Figures, Boxes and Appendices. The

Lists sections shall be composed of three columns. The
first column is the table, figure, box or appendix number,
the second is the title and the third is the page number
where the table, figure, box or appendix appears.
Manuscripts in social sciences sometimes require the use
of boxes to emphasize important findings (see Appendix
E. Sample List of Tables/Figures/Appendices).
3.1.7. Abstract. The Abstract gives a bird’s eye view of the

rationale, methods and findings of the study. Abstracts are
limited to 250 words only and shall include list keywords
maximum to 6 words.
3.2. Chapter and Main headings

Each chapter number (Roman numeral) shall be set in bold,
capitalized and centered. The main heading of the chapter shall be 2
single spaces below the chapter number, also set in bold, capitalized
and centered (see Appendix F. Sample Chapter Number and Main
Heading Format).
3.3. Subheadings
Subheading 1 shall be written three single spaces after from
the main heading. Set it in bold lower case letters. Do not indent,
underline and italicize it and do not put a colon after it. Italicize only
if subheading is a scientific name. Start the text after the subheading.
Indent the text five spaces (use TAB key) and flush the text to the left
margin.
Subheading 2 shall be placed three spaces after the preceding
paragraph. It shall be indent five spaces (use TAB key) from the left
margin and set in bold.
Subheading 3 shall be also be placed three spaces after the
preceding paragraph, indented, set in bold, underlined and a period is
put at the end. Start the text right after the period and in the same line
as the subheading. Flush the text to the left margin.
On each subheading, only the first letter of the beginning word
and that of proper nouns are capitalized. It shall also be brief,
descriptive of the material and consistent throughout the paper (see
Appendix G. Sample Subheadings Format).
3.4. Illustrative Materials (Drawings, Charts, Figures, Tables,

Diagrams, Plates, and Photographs)
Illustrations which include drawings, charts, figures, tables,

diagrams, plates, and photographs may be inserted wherever the
author feel appropriate, but as a general rule, should appear as near as
possible to the part of the text which refers to them.
Illustrations of one-half page or less in length may appear on
the same page with the text, separated from the text above and below
by three spaces.
Illustrations that are too large to be placed sideways between
the left-and right-hand margins should be rotated counterclockwise 90
degrees so that the top of the illustration runs parallel to the left-hand
margin of the page. In such a case, the whole page must be reserved
only for that illustration. The caption or legend for such an illustration
must also be rotated. When illustrations are presented in this manner,
the usual margin requirements remain in effect, and page numbers
should appear in their normal place.
In cases where illustrations exceed in size longer than one
page, all subsequent pages of the illustration must include at least the
illustration number and the notation that is continued, e.g., “Table 1
continued”.
Table
In formatting the table, one shall write the table title in lower
case letters(except the first letter of the title), and single spaced. Do
not put a period at the end. If the table title consists of more than two
lines, the first letter of the next lines shall be aligned with the 1st letter
of the table heading.
Start the one space down from table heading. As much as
possible, tables should not contain inner gridlines unless there are
several columns and rows with multiple-digit numeric entries that
seem to mix up if not delineated by lines. Tables should preferably
contain only the top and bottom lines and another inner line below the
column headings. Use single thicker top and bottom lines and thinner
inner line(s).
Column headings are in caps (except unit of measurements),
not bold, not italicized (italicized text only if it is a scientific name).
Entries inside the table are single-spaced, uniform aligned decimal
spaces, centered if numerical or same-length text entries, left-justified
if different-length text entries. Footnotes are left-justified using 10 pts.
Times New Roman (see Appendix H. Sample Table Format).
Figure
Likewise in formatting the figure, one shall write the figure

numbers and titles in Times New Roman, 12 pts, not bold, no period
at the end. It should be placed at the bottom of the figure, left-justified
if long, centered if short. If the title consists of more than one line, the
next line shall be aligned with the first letter of the title.
Spell out the word Figure in the figure title and in the text,
except when inside a parenthesis where it shall be abbreviated as Fig.,
i.e. (Fig. 24).
Put a single space from the figure to the figure title. Text and
numbers within the figure shall follow Times New Roman, 12 pts. or
smaller (seeAppendix I. Sample Figure Format).
3.5. Formula, Equations and Expressions

Mathematical and chemical formula, equations and
expressions must be prepared by using an appropriate equation editor.
If a reference is made to them, they must carry a numerical
identification. Each equation must be numbered in parentheses and
this must be given next to the right margin. Reduce mathematical
expressions to a single line when possible.
3.6. Scientific Names

Scientific names must be spelled out when first mentioned.
Italicize both the genus and species names. Write the author’s name
after the species name, if there’s any. Do not italicize it and exclude the
date of publication in the title. It can be mentioned in the text.
For example: Guilandina moringa Linn.
If there is no species name indicated, write sp. (if only one

species) or spp. (if more than one species) after the genus. Do not
italicize sp. or spp. since these are not latin words.
On succeeding mentions, the scientific names must be written
using the following standard format with only the first letter of the
genus followed by the species name. There is no need to mention the
author.
For example: G. moringa

3.7. Number, Symbols and/or Abbreviations
Number
At the beginning of sentences, numbers are written in words.
In the running text, numbers less than 10 are written in words.
Symbols
When using symbols such as 0, $, cm, %and other unit of
measurements, it shall be written right after or before the figure (e.g.
210C, $50, Php50.00, 4cm, 30%).
Abbreviations
Abbreviations of the (least significant differences), SD
(standard deviation) and metric system of weights and measures do
not need a period. Periods shall not also be in abbreviations of
research terms such as LSD ANOVA (analysis of variance).
3.8. Quotations
Short, direct prose quotations of three lines or less should be
incorporated into the text, enclosed in double quotation marks. Prose
quotations which exceed three lines should be set off from the text in
single spacing and indented in its entirety at least four spaces from the
left margin, with no quotation marks at the beginning or end.
Quotations of poetry that are two lines or longer should normally be
set off from the text, line for line as in the original and centered
between the text margins without quotation marks. Quotations of
poetry may be 1.15 or single–spaced, following the original.
3.9. Footnotes and Endnotes

Notes may be in the form of footnotes, placed at the bottom of
each page, or endnotes, placed at the end of each chapter or at the end
of the thesis before the bibliography.
The most common mode of presentation for both footnotes
and endnotes is to single-space within, and double-space between,
each listing. If placed at the bottom of each page, footnotes must be
separated from the text by a complete horizontal line one space above
the first line of the footnote. Arabic, numerals, asterisks or small
letters should be used for footnotes and endnotes. In either case, the
label used may appear either above the line or in parentheses even
with the line.
3.10. Literature Cited

The references shall be single spaced within each author entry,
double spaced between entries. The next lines after the author should
be indented five spaces but not justified. These should be also listed
alphabetically. For both bio-physical and social sciences manuscripts,
write the references following the format of the Annals of Tropical
Research.
3.11. Appendices
Appendices may be used to present additional materials but
keep the main text free of such details. For example, an appendix may
contain test forms, detailed apparatus description, extensive tables of
raw data, computer programs, etc.
 If the information to be appended requires more than one
appendix, each should be given a letter (Appendix A, Appendix
B, etc.). The heading APPENDIX A should appear centered

between the text margins, 3.5 cm from the top of the page, the
title goes two spaces below, centered, and in all capital letters.
The text begins there spaces below. The font and point size
should be the same as those used for chapter titles.
 Spacing need not be the same for each of the appendices.
Documents and case studies may be single-spaced, whereas
spacing for the explanations of methods and procedures may be
similar to that of the text.
 Each appendix with its title must be listed separately in the table
of contents as a subdivision under the heading APPENDICES.
 All appendices must have a page numbers written in the same
font and point size used for pagination throughout the manuscript.
 If an appendix contains photocopied material, the photocopies
should be of letter quality.
4. Manuscript Style
A thesis or dissertation is a formal research presentation. Hence, it
should be written in a formal style appropriate to the discipline (e.g.
passive voice, impersonal style). Adopt the past tense throughout
(“Results of the experiment demonstrated…”) and avoid slang and
colloquialisms. Do not use contractions (e.g., couldn’t, shouldn’t,
wasn’t, etc.) but write each word separately (e.g., could not, should not,
was not, etc.). Avoid using the first person singular “I”, in order to
sustain objectivity throughout the thesis/dissertation. Technical terms
should be used where appropriate, but avoid using words and phrases
that are difficult to understand when simpler vocabulary will do just as
well.
IV. CITING REFERENCES IN TEXT AND LITERATURE CITED
1. Citing References in Text

In academic writing, referring to works by other authors is a part of
academic integrity. Referencing is a matter of honesty and crediting
others for their previous ideas and work; but it is also a matter of
credibility of your work, in other words, an evidence of the fact that
you are aware of what was done on the topic you have been dealing
with in your thesis or dissertation.
Using ideas and research findings of others, and yet claiming that
they are your own is plagiarism, which is not only immoral but also a
crime.
Therefore, a great care must be given to using a proper style in
writing your manuscript so that your original work and work of others
are clearly distinguishable without ambiguity, and that all ideas and
work of others used in your study are meticulously referenced.
1.1 Direct Quotations. Direct quotes should be avoided as much as

possible. However, if a direct quotation is inevitable, include the
author, year of publication, and the page number for the reference
(preceded by "p."). Introduce the quotation with a signal phrase
that includes the author's last name followed by the date of
publication in parentheses Examples are:
According to Jones (1998), "Students often had difficulty
using APA style, especially when it was their first time" (p. 199)
She stated, "Students often had difficulty using the APA style"
(Jones 1998, p.199), but she did not offer an explanation as to why.
1.2. Two Authors. Name both authors in the signal phrase or in the
parentheses each time you cite the work. Use the word "and"
between the authors' names within the text and use the ampersand
(&) in the parentheses. Example:
According to Gener and Petty (1994) supports...OR (Gener &
Petty 1994),
1.3. Three or More Authors. Use the first author's name followed by
“etal.” in the signal phrase or in parentheses. Example:
Harris et al (2001) argued...OR (Harris et al 2001)
1.4. Organization as Author. Mention the organization in the signal

phrase or in the parenthetical citation the first time you cite the
source. Example:
According to the American Psychological Association(2000),
If the organization has a well-known abbreviation, include the
abbreviation in brackets the first time the source is cited and then
use only the abbreviation in later citations.
Example:
First citation: (Department of Agriculture [DA] 2000)
Next citations: (DA2000)
1.5. Two or More Works in the Same Parentheses. Order them the
same way they appear in the Literature Cited, separated by a semi-
colon.
(Berndt 2002; Harlow 1983)
1.6. Authors with the Same Last Name. Use the first initials with the
last names.
(E. Johnson 2001; L. Johnson 1998)
1.7. Two or More Works by the Same Author in the Same Year.
Use lower-case letters (a, b, c) with the year to order the entries in
the reference list. Use the lower-case letters with the year in the in-
text citation.
Research by Berndt (1981a) illustrated that...
1.8. Personal Communication. For interviews, letters, e-mails, and

other person-to-person communication, cite the communicator’s
name, the fact that it was personal communication, and the date of
the communication. Do not include personal communication in the
reference list.
(E. Robbins, personal communication, January 4, 2001)ORA.
P. Smith also claimed that many of her students had difficulties
with APA style (personal communication, November 3, 2002).
1.9. Indirect Sources. As much as possible, exert effort to use the

original source as doing so weakens your work. Use only
secondary sources when the original work is not available. In this
case, name the original source in your signal phrase. List the
secondary source in your reference list and include the secondary
source in the parentheses.
Johnson argued that... (as cited in Smith 2003).
1.10. Unknown Author and Unknown Date. If no author or date is
given, use the title in your signal phrase or the first word or two
of the title in the parentheses and use the abbreviation "n.d." (for
"no date").
Another study of students and research decisions discovered

that students succeeded with tutoring ("Tutoring and APA" n.d.).
2. Literature Cited
The following literature citations are based on the format of the
citations in the Annals of Tropical Research Journal.
2.1 Paper in Journals

Pardales JR, Konko Y & Yamauchi A. 1992. Epidermal cell
elongation in the growth zone of sorghum seminal roots
exposed to high root zone temperature. Plant
Science 81:143-146
Tulin EE and Ecleo ZT. 2007. Cytokine-mimetic properties of

some Philippine food and medicinal plants. J Medicinal
Food10(2):290-299
2.2. Books and Monographs

Marschner H. 1995. Mineral nutrition of higher plants (2nd edn).
Academic Press, London
Smith P. 2012. Cut to the the chase: Online video editing and the
Wadsworth constant (3rd edn). E & K Publishing,
Washington, DC
2.3. Paper within a Book

Goltiano HY. 2007. The face of subsistence farming in the
Philippines: Donio. In Conklin AR Jr and Stilwell
TC World Food: Production and Use (pp2-16). John
Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Jahn R and Asio VB. 1998. Soils in the tropical forests of Leyte,
Philippines:Weathering, characteristics, classification and
site qualities. In Schulte A and Ruhiyat D (eds) Soils of
Tropical Forest Ecosystems (pp26-29). Springer-Verlag,
Berlin
2.4. Paper in Conference Proceedings

Pasa AE, Harrison S & Cedamon E. 2013. Payment for
environmental services: global experience and relevance
for Philippine watersheds. In Harrison S, Bosch A &
Herbohn J (eds) Improving the outcomes of watershed

rehabilitation in the Philippines: Proceedings from the
Planning Workshop for the ACIAR Watershed
Rehabilitation Project (ASEM/2010/050), Sabin Resort
Hotel, Ormoc City, Leyte, the Philippines, 18-19 July
2012. University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2.5. Thesis/Dissertation
Bacusmo JL. 1986. Stability studies in sweetpotato (PhD
dissertation). North Carolina State University, Raleigh,
USA
Belonias BS. 1996. Developmental physiology of the pod seed of

bush bean grown in open and partially shaded conditions
(MS thesis). Visayas State University, Leyte. Philippines
2.6. Internet Source. This does not include the retrieval date unless the
source is likely to change often (for example, a Wiki).
Viuda-Martos M, Lopez-Marcos MC, Fernandez-Lopez J, Sendra

E, Sayas-Barbera, Lopez-Vargas JH & Perez-Alvarez JA.
2010. The role of fiber in cardio vascular diseases: A
review. Comp Rev Scie Food Safety. Accessed 9 March
2017 from http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/
j.15414337.2009.00101.x/full
2.7 No Author, No Date. As much as possible, if there is no author or

date, use the title of the report/article instead of just citing the URL
of the site. If there still no title, use the name of the website then
use the abbreviation “n.d.”.
Corn production program. n.d. Department of Agriculture Regional

Field Office VI.Accessed 5 July 2017 fromhttp://rfu6.da.
gov.ph/index.php /programs/corn-program.
2.9. Personal Communication. No personal communication is

included in your reference list; instead, parenthetically cite the
communicators’ name, the fact that it was personal communication
and the date of the communication in your main text only.
V. FORMAT FOR PUBLISHABLE ARTICLE

The format and style for the publishable article to be
submitted shall follow the guidelines stipulated in the Science and
Humanities Journal, a peer-reviewed journal of the VSU Graduate
School (Appendix J). They are as follows:
1. Manuscripts must be typed in Arial (11 points), double-spaced on good

quality A4-size bond paper with top and left margins set at 3.8 cm (1.5
in) by 2.5 cm (1 in)bottom and right margins.
2. Two hard copies and a USB containing the file of the manuscript in
Microsoft Word, must be submitted. The Latter could be returned if
requested.
3. Must be written in English, the articles should be organized following
this outline: Title, Name of Authors, Abstract, Introduction, Materials
and Methods or Methodology, Results and Discussion, Conclusion (and
Recommendations, if any), Acknowledgment (if any), and References.
4. Tables must be kept to a minimum and the layout should be as simple
as possible. These should be on separate sheets and placed after
Literature Cited. The number of column should be kept low enough and
long vertical rules should be avoided for each table to fit upright on a
single space.
5. Journal size is set at 5.5 in x 8.5 in. Scanned pictures or those generated
by digital cameras may be accepted but original photographs are
preferable.
6. Articles should not be more than 7,500 words, including title, tables,
figures and references. Use the metric system for measurements.
7. Manuscripts may be submitted as e-mail attachments to
shjournal@vsu.edu.ph.
APPENDICES
Disclaimer:The following appendices are samples from various thesis

and dissertation, thus, there is no connection between the
contents of each appendix. These samples are only
intended to present the format and apply the appropriate
style of the Graduate Manuscripts.
Appendix A. Sample Title Page
VIRULENCE OF Fusariumoxysporumf.sp. cubense(E.F. SMITH)

SNYDER & HANSEN ISOLATES
8 single
Title should be formatted spaces
in an inverted pyramid
format
JUAN PONSO DELA CRUZ
6 single
spaces
A THESIS MANUSCRIPT
SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL
VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, VISCA, BAYBAY CITY, LEYTE
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF
13 single
spaces
MASTER OF SCIENCE
(Plant Pathology)
8 single
spaces
JUNE 2018 Will depend on the

date of submission
Appendix B. Sample Thesis Approval Sheet
APPROVAL SHEET
2 single
spaces
The thesis entitled, VIRULENCE OF Fusariumoxysporumf. sp.
cubense SNYDER & HANSEN ISOLATES, prepared and submitted by
JUAN T. DELA CRUZ, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of MASTER OF SCIENCE (Plant Pathology) is hereby accepted.
NAME OF THE PROFESSOR Signatories

Adviser and Chairperson are single-
Graduate Advisory Committee spaced
______________________
Date Signed
NAME OF THE PROFESSOR NAME OF THE PROFESSOR

Member, GAC Member, GAC
______________________ ______________________
Date Signed Date Signed
NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT HEAD

Head, Name of Major Department
______________________
Date Signed
Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF SCIENCE (Plant Pathology)
ANABELLA B. TULIN
Dean, Graduate School
________________
Date Signed
Appendix C. Sample Dissertation Approval Sheet
APPROVAL SHEET 2 single

2 single
spaces
spaces
The dissertation entitled, VIRULENCE OF Fusariumoxy sporumf.
sp. cubense SNYDER & HANSEN ISOLATES, prepared and submitted by
JUAN T. DELA CRUZ, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree
of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Plant Pathology) is hereby accepted.

Adviser and Chairperson Member, GAC
Graduate Advisory Committee
______________________ _________________________

Member, GAC Member, GAC
______________________ ______________________
NAME OF THE DEPARTMENT HEAD

Head, Name of Major Department
______________________
Date Signed
Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (Plant Pathology)
ANABELLA B. TULIN
Dean, Graduate School
_____________________
Date Signed
Appendix D. Sample Table of Contents
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
TITLE PAGE i
APPROVAL SHEET ii
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH iii
ACKNOWLEDGMENT iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS v
LIST OF TABLES vii
LIST OF FIGURES viii
LIST OF APPENDICES ix
ABSTRACT x
CHAPTER
I. INTRODUCTION 1
Nature and Importance of the Study 1
Objectives of the Study 2
II. REVIEW OF LITERATURE 3

Topic 1 3
Topic 2 4
Topic 3 5
Theoretical Framework (for Social Science only) 6
Conceptual Framework (for Social Science only) 7
III. METHODOLOGY(for Social Science)or 8

MATERIALS AND METHODS (for Bio-physical
Science ) 8
Locale of the Study 8
Research Design 9
Sampling Procedure 10
Data Collection 11
Data Analysis
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 12

Topic 1 12
Topic 2 18
Topic 3 28
V. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS 32
Summary 32
Conclusions/Implications 34
Recommendations 35
LITERATURE CITED 36
APPENDICES 40
Appendix E. Sample List of Tables/Figures/Appendices
LIST OF TABLES/FIGURES/APPENDICES
Table/Figure/Appendix Title Page
1 Morphological characteristics of the soil profiles of

Grassland site and one-year old A. mangium and
P.indicus reforested sites 12
2 Particle size distribution in the soil profiles of

P. indicus reforested sites The page number 14
should be in the same
line with the last line
3 Chemical characteristics of the soil profiles of
of the title of each
table, figure or
P. indicus reforested sites appendix
15
4 Carbon and nitrogen stocks (Mg ha-1) in litter and

root biomass of the Grassland site and one-year old
A. mangium and P. indicus reforested sites 17
5 Changes (%) in the carbon and nitrogen stocks in

litter and root biomass one year after establishment
ofA. mangium and P. indicusin a degraded grassland 18
6 Carbon and nitrogen concentrations and stocks in

soils of Grassland site and one-year old A. mangium
andP. indicus reforested sites 20
7 Changes (%) in the carbon and nitrogen concentrations

and stocks in soils one year after the establishment of
A. mangium and P. indicusin a degraded grassland 23
Appendix F. Sample Chapter Number and Main Heading Format
CHAPTER I
2 single
spaces
INTRODUCTION
3 single
spaces
Nature and Importance of the Study
Forest plays an important role in the well-being of the communities
living in close proximity as it provides them their basic needs such as
lumber, fuelwood, food, and medicine. Forest likewise provides
ecosystems goods and services such as the regulation of hydrology and
climate, prevention of soil erosion, nutrient cycling, and maintenance of
wildlife habitat (Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
[SCBD] 2001). However, forest cover continues to decline at an alarming
rate with most of it occurring in the tropics (Hansen et al 2013). In
response, government programs were established to rehabilitate and
restore degraded forest lands along with the management and
conservation of natural forest resources (Chechina & Hamann 2015).
...
Appendix G. Sample Subheadings Format
CHAPTER III
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Soil Morpho-physical Characteristics Subheading 1

Soils morphology starts with an in situ examination of the soil profile.
Field descriptions are organized by subdividing a vertical exposure of the soil
(soil profile) into reasonably distinct layers or horizons that differ appreciably
from the horizons immediately ….
Soil Horizonation Subheading 2

Soil horizon is a layer that is roughly parallel to the ground surface and
which is distinguished from the layers above or below it on the basis of physical,
chemical or biological difference. (Buol et al 2011). …
Subheading 3
Ah Horizon. Originates from organic matter enrichment either by soil
organisms such as in coastal soils or the root growth such as the Chernozemic
Ah associated with interior grasslands .Ah is enriched with organic matter…

Appendix H. Sample Table Format
Table 1. Soil physico-chemical characteristics of bulk surface soils (0-20cm) in

different land uses in Mt. Pangasugan
pH OM Available P
Land Use
(H2O) (KCl) (%) (mg kg -1)
Treeplantation 4.94cde 3.85 4.62b 06.01
Grassland 4.89de 4.04 5.02b 12.29
Forest 5.27bcde 4.00 4.73b 06.63
Coffee 5.29bcde 4.23 7.08a 23.88
Mahogany 5.54abc 4.66 5.64ab 09.84
Pasture 4.69e 4.42 4.62b 06.84
Coconut 5.68ab 3.80 5.54ab 110.730
Abaca 6.14a 4.49 4.68b 73.63
Second growth forest 5.36bcd 3.64 6.43ab 09.38
Columns having the same letter(s) are not significantly different from each other at 5% level of
significance.
Appendix I. Sample Figure Format
Figure 1.Theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991)

Appendix J. Sample Journal Format
Title of the paper
Author A1 and Author B2

1
Institutional address of Author A; 2Institutional address of Author B
Abstract
– 250 to 300 words only, Justified –
Keywords: maximum of six words only
Introduction
All text justified.
Materials and Methods/Methodology
Results and Discussion
Conclusion (and Recommendations, if any)
Acknowledgment (if any)
References

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Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts| 1

VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Editor: Dr. Anabella B. Tulin

Office of the Graduate School

This VSU Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts is intended to

ANABELLA B. TULIN, Ph.D.

II. STANDARD PROCEDURE IN THE APPROVAL OF

III. WRITING THE MANUSCRIPT 6

2. General Format and Style Guidelines 8

3.2. Chapter and Main Headings 11

IV. CITING REFERENCES IN TEXT AND LITERATURE

1. Citing Reference in Text 18

1.7. Two or More Works by the Same Author in the

V. FORMAT FOR PUBLISHABLE ARTICLE 24

Appendix A Sample Title Page 26

Appendix B. Sample Thesis Approval Sheet 27

Appendix C. Sample Dissertation Approval Sheet 28

Appendix D. Sample Table of Contents 29

Appendix E. Sample List of Tables/Figures/Appendices 30

Appendix F. Sample Chapter Number and Main Heading 32

Appendix G. Sample Subheadings Format 33

Appendix H. Sample Table Format 34

Appendix I. Sample Figure Format 35

Appendix J. Sample Journal Format 36

1. Purpose: The purpose of the VSU Style Manual for Graduate

is responsible for actions carried out by this Manual and may

3. Coverage of the Manual: The Manual shall cover graduate

4. Graduate School Receiving/Reviewing Personnel (GSRP):

II. STANDARD PROCEDURE IN THE APPROVAL OF THE

1. Copy of Style Manual for Graduate Manuscripts.

2. Review of the Manuscript. Review of the manuscript by the

3. Cover, Binding, Number of Copies required and

3.1. Cover of the Manuscript. The official color of the

3.2. Number of Copies Required. Once the manuscript is

3.3. Binding. The Official binders of VSU students’ thesis

3.4. Submission of an e-copy. An e-copy of the

3.4.1. Published article. This refers to article

3.4.2. Publishable article. This refers to the article

III. WRITING THE MANUSCRIPT

1.1. General Framework of the Manuscript: There is no limitation

1.1.1. Thesis or Dissertation Outline Format

In formatting the outline for thesis or dissertation, there is no

For Biophysical Sciences:

1.1.2. Thesis or Dissertation Manuscript Format

For Biophysical Sciences:

2. General Format and Style Guidelines

2.1. Paper. All copies of the manuscript must be in good quality

2.6.1. Preliminary pages. The preliminary pages of the

2.6.2. Content Pages. Page numbers shall be at the upper right

3.1. Preliminary Pages

3.1.2. Approval Sheet. The Approval sheet serves as a legal

3.1.3. Biographical Sketch. A third person word shall be used

informal and literary which are not acceptable for a

3.1.4. Acknowledgment. The acknowledgment section

3.1.5. Table of Contents. The Table of Contents shall bear all

3.1.6. Lists of Tables, Figures, Boxes and Appendices. The

3.1.7. Abstract. The Abstract gives a bird’s eye view of the

3.2. Chapter and Main headings

3.4. Illustrative Materials (Drawings, Charts, Figures, Tables,

Illustrations which include drawings, charts, figures, tables,

Likewise in formatting the figure, one shall write the figure

3.5. Formula, Equations and Expressions

3.6. Scientific Names