The Historical Paper

1
The Historical Paper

• Please note that the Historical Paper category is
  only open to individuals, not groups.

2
Creating the Historical Paper

• The Historical Paper should begin with an
  introduction stating the thesis of the work.
• Following the introduction should be the main
  section (several pages) where research supporting
  the thesis is explained. Remember that your paper
  is making a historical argument it is not simply
  a report on a topic.
• The paper should end with a conclusion that
  connects with the thesis and body (but doesnt
  merely re-state the introduction).

3
Historical Paper Requirements

• Minimum/Maximum length 1,500--2,500 words. (This
  is roughly 7-10 pages)
• Title Page with only the following information
• Title
• Name
• Historical Paper
• Junior Division
• Annotated bibliography attached to the end of
  paper

4
Historical Paper Requirements

• Footnotes or Endnotes are required.
• Use footnotes/endnotes for quotes AND for
  paraphrased ideas from a secondary source.
• Click here for footnote examples
  www.nhd.org/Paper
• These notes are explanations provided by
  writers stating that ideas or quotations
  presented in the paper are not their own.
  ---www.nhd.org
• Citing your research within your paper adds depth
  to the evidence you provide.

5
Historical Paper Guidelines

• Word limit 1500-2500 applies to ALL words within
  your paper except the following
• 1. Footnotes/Endnotes
• 2. Captions
• 3. Annotated bibliography
• 4. Appendix material
• Creative Writing (fictional diaries, poems, etc)
  are permitted, but must conform to all
  guidelines, including the following one
• Your paper must make a historical argument.
  Please read the Writing Essays section of NHD
• www.nhd.org/WritingEssays

6
Historical Paper Guidelines

• Citations within your paper are required
  (footnotes, endnotes, parenthetical citations).
  Please use the same form throughout your paper.
• Supplemental materials are allowed in your
  appendix (a section stapled to the end of your
  essay). Materials could include maps, graphs,
  charts, short primary sources. The appendix
  should enrich your paper and should be very
  limited. This section is NOT necessary.

7
Historical Paper Guidelines

• Typed on 8.5x11 paper (standard)
• Standard font (Times New Roman or Arial are good
  choices)
• Double-spaced
• Pages must be numbered
• 10-12 point font and 1-inch margins (careful
  some computers have 1.25 as the default margin)
• 4 copies of the packet must be submitted

8
Historical Paper Guidelines

• The title page should have NO illustrations and
  should be done in the same font as the essay.
• Illustrations may be inserted in the paper (using
  the text wrap option) and captions must
  accompany them.
• Please have your paper read by adults who can
  provide you with feedback!