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Guidelines on Composing a Historical Paper, as Suggested by a Historiography Expert

History lecturer outlines key steps in producing a top-tier history essay, beginning with topic selection and concluding with refining your argument.

Composing a History Essay: Insights from a Seasoned History Academic
Composing a History Essay: Insights from a Seasoned History Academic

Guidelines on Composing a Historical Paper, as Suggested by a Historiography Expert

In the world of academic writing, crafting a history essay can be an engaging and rewarding experience. Here's a guide to help you navigate the process, based on key points for a history paper.

Starting Off

Choosing a history paper topic is a crucial first step. You might want to consult your professor for recommendations, delve into sources, or address a pressing question that your paper can address. Remember, the goal is to produce a well-researched and insightful piece.

Creating an Outline

Before you dive into the first draft, it's recommended to create an outline. This will help you consider your argument and perspective on the sources and topic. The outline should guide you through the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.

The Introduction

The introduction of a history essay is vital, as it sets up the scope, central question, approach, and argument of the paper. In a short paper, the introduction might only be a single paragraph, while in a longer paper, it's usually several paragraphs.

The Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of a history essay should incorporate quotes and their analysis. They serve as the evidence supporting your argument. Each body paragraph should have a clear topic sentence that states the main point of the paragraph.

Revising Your Essay

Revising your essay is crucial for making it stronger and more engaging to read. Look for any errors, incomplete sentences, missing footnotes, and ensure all body paragraphs have topic sentences. It's also important to check that your essay flows logically and coherently.

The Final Draft

When drafting, don't stress about finding the perfect words. There will be time for revisions later. Once you've revised your essay, it's time to draft the final version. Your history essay should be drafted similar to a lawyer's case, with the introduction as the opening statement, the body paragraphs as evidence, and the conclusion as the closing statement.

Taking It to the Next Level

To take your history essay to the next level, consider talking to your professor about their priorities, writing a question and answering it, honing your argument, addressing counterarguments, and asking someone to read the essay for feedback.

The First Draft

The first draft of a history essay can be started with either the body paragraphs or the introduction. The key is to start somewhere and build from there.

Understanding the Format

Understanding the format of the history paper is essential. Common types include persuasive essays, research papers, analytical papers, and essays that review secondary sources. Familiarising yourself with these formats can help you structure your essay effectively.

Remember, the key to a successful history essay is in the research, planning, and revision. With these steps in mind, you're well on your way to crafting a compelling and informative piece. Happy writing!

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