90 likes | 220 Views
How to properly write in a history class. By: Lindsay Holden World History 9. The Basics. Always write in past tense unless told otherwise Do not write the first thing that comes to your mind
E N D
How to properly write in a history class By: Lindsay Holden World History 9
The Basics • Always write in past tense unless told otherwise • Do not write the first thing that comes to your mind • Be 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.
Structure • Indent all new paragraphs • Double space everything unless told otherwise • Dates should be written as “19th Century” or “1950s” – numerically • Dates should be written 21 March 1918. • Months and days must be written out • Time of day should be written out – “eight o’clock in the morning” • Numbers up to ten should be written out • After ten, must use numeric designation • Title page – all information centered • Name • Class/Period • Teacher • Title of Paper
Style • Formal grammar applies • Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation will be assessed • One idea per paragraph • Transition 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 time • Word choice – be selective – avoid repeating the same words over and over
Style • Using the slang aint, and any other slang- DON’T!!!! • 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 felt
Most A+ papers include… • A focus on one major idea • Several main points explaining the one major idea • Enough specifics to support each main point • A clear train of thought. It will be obvious to me if you were not thinking clearly when writing a paper • A short conclusion summarizing the main points and major idea
Other Information • Each paper you write in this history class will vary in length. You will always be informed how many paragraphs I expect with each paper. • 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. • It is my goal to make each of you better historical writers by the time you leave my class. This is a skill you will carry with you throughout high school, college, career, etc. • 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.
My most important advice to you is PROOF READ EVERYTHING!!
Some Internet Help For You • http://writing2.richmond.edu/training/project/history/fpbody.html • http://hkuhist2.hku.hk/history/firstyear/SEMINAR5.HTM • http://www.bu.edu/history/writing_guide.html#writinghistory