How to properly write in a history class

By: Lindsay HoldenWorld History 9How to properly write in a history classThe BasicsAlways write in past tense unless told otherwiseDo not write the first thing that comes to your mindBe specific!!!! Always pretend as if you were writing to someone who had no clue on the topic. Do not ever assume that you are not going include something in your essay because I should know what you are talking about.Refer to historical facts that support the points that you are making. Your essay should have a central theme. Do not dance around the topic.StructureIndent all new paragraphsDouble space everything unless told otherwiseDates should be written as 19th Century or 1950s numericallyDates should be written 21 March 1918.Months and days must be written outTime of day should be written out eight oclock in the morningNumbers up to ten should be written outAfter ten, must use numeric designationHistorical eras should be capitalized (the Age of Enlightenment)

StyleFormal grammar appliesSpelling, Capitalization, Punctuation will be assessedOne idea per paragraphTransition from one paragraph to the next. Finish your idea and then move to the next paragraph. Do not leave me wanting more information. Your paper should flow from one idea to the next.Use first and last names when introducing character for the first timeWord choice be selective avoid repeating the same words over and over

StyleUsing the slang aint, and any other slang- DONT!!!!Avoid using I, you, we, or us. Keep yourself out of the paper. Avoid using parentheses, brackets, colons, semicolons, exclamation points (!)Never ask a question when writing. I am the only one asking the question. It is your job to answer the question.Avoid using the words things, to give and feltDo not be dramatic throughout your paper. Do not use contractions Avoid storytellingMost A+ papers includeA focus on one major ideaSeveral main points explaining the one major ideaEnough specifics to support each main pointA clear train of thought. It will be obvious to me if you were not thinking clearly when writing a paperA short conclusion summarizing the main points and major ideaOther InformationUnless you are specifically told, do not ask how long a paper needs to be. Yes, I read each paper that is turned in to me. You took the effort to write it, so I will read it in detail.The more historical references you have the better. How you write a paper in history might be different from your other subjects. You will be required to write in many different styles in school.Do not write as you would talk. Choose your words carefully.

My most important advice to you is PROOF READ EVERYTHING!! Some Internet Help For Youhttp://writing2.richmond.edu/training/project/history/fpbody.htmlhttp://hkuhist2.hku.hk/history/firstyear/SEMINAR5.HTMhttp://www.bu.edu/history/writing_guide.html#writinghistoryShort Quiz1. During the middle ages, I believe that life was tough.2. During the middle ages, life was tough for most.3. Life is tough for those who lived during the middle ages time period._____________________________________________________________1. Adolf Hitler felt that he was superior to the Jewish population.2. Was Adolf Hitler tough on the Jewish people? Yes we believe he was.3. Adolf Hitler was the leader of the National Socialist German Workers Party._____________________________________________________________1. The (Catholic) Church was an important part of most peoples lives in the 1400s.2. The Catholic Church was a symbol of power and supreme authority.3. Catholics is an important part of the Renaissance time period. _____________________________________________________________1. King Louis XVI was bad.2. King Louis XVI produced many things in his life that were of bad character.3. King Louis XVI had many terrible character traits that marked his career as a French king.