A short guide to writing about history

[i] Writing and history

Stories about the past intended to be true

Writing history as a way of thinking

Basic principles for history essays

Paraphrase and plagiarism

[2] Thinking about history

Historical questions

Historical fallacies

Making inferences

Evaluating materials

[3] Preparing for writing

Focusing on a topic

Making initial inquiries

Identifying key sources

Concluding your research

[4] Notes and drafts

Recording information and ideas

Organizing your essay

Writing and revising drafts

[5] Voice and style

Modes of writing

Simple and direct writing

Word forms and punctuation

The final presentation

Writing for speaking

[6] Documenting sources

Basic principles

Electronic sources

Notes and bibliographies

Appendix A: Sample student research paper

Appendix B: Writing reviews

Appendix C: Short essay assignments.