Contest Rules for Papers

A paper is the traditional form of presenting historical research. Various types of creative writing (for example, fictional diaries, poems, etc.) are permitted, but must conform to all general and category rules. Your paper should be grammatically correct and well written.

Rules for ALL (except Rule 13) apply to Papers

Rule 1: Length Requirements

The text of historical papers must be no less than 1,500 and no more than 2,500 words in length. Each word or number in the text of the paper counts as one word.

The paper category 2,500 word limit does not apply to: notes, annotated bibliography, illustration captions, and supplemental/appendix material. Appendix material must be directly referred to in the text of the paper. Extensive supplemental materials are inappropriate. Use of appendices should be very limited and may include photographs, maps, charts, graphs, but we strongly suggest no other supplemental materials.

Rule 2: Citations

Citations - footnotes, endnotes or internal documentation - are required. Citations are used to credit the sources of specific ideas as well as direct quotations. Refer to Rules for All , Rule 16 for citation styles. Please note that an extensively annotated foornote should not be used to get around the word limit.

Rule 3: Preparation Requirements

Papers must be typed, computer printed, or legibly handwritten in ink on plain, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper with 1-inch margins on all sides. Pages must be numbered consecutively and double-spaced with writing on one side and with no more than 12 characters per inch or no less than 10-point type. Papers must be stapled in the top left corner and should not be enclosed in any cover or binder. The title page should have no illustrations.

Rule 4: Number of Copies

Four copies of the paper must be submitted with the appropriate entry form by the deadline established for the contest. Winning papers are sometimes published by contest officials; you must be prepared to give permission for such publication. Be sure to keep a copy of your paper for yourself and bring it with you to the contest.

Tips From Your State Office

"Writing history" is a different type of process than other types of writing you may have experienced in school. In addition to the main components of your paper - thesis, evidence/argument, and conclusion - structure your paper so that you: (1) Tell them what you're going to tell them; (2) Tell them; then, (3) Tell them what you told them.

Within the first paragraph (or two, at the most), make your thesis statement clear along with the significance of your topic. Be sure to clarify what you mean by "revolution, reaction, and reform." Your reader needs to know what definitions you're using so he/she can follow your argument.
When you're "telling them what you're going to tell them," don't hesitate to set out a road map. Use statements like: "In this paper, I will argue that . . . " OR "This paper will demonstrate that . . . " You may use paragraph headings throughout the paper that guide the reader through these various points.

You may also use pictures or tables within the paper, but only if they clarify a point you need to make and add significantly to your argument.

Judges will be looking for a "balanced" argument. Be sure to acknowledge controversial or different points of view.

For More Assistance: See Guidelines for Writing Papers in History and Guidelines for Referencing on the CU-Boulder, Dept. of History website.

Historical Paper Checklist

1,500-2,500 words, excluding notes, annotated bibliography, and title page
Title page with only the required information
Annotated bibliography, separated into primary and secondary sources
Paper addresses the theme
Citations
4 copies (plus one for you)
Organization shows clear focus and progression
Entry card, papers, and fee mailed by deadline
Be prepared to answer judges' questions at the contest (remember that formal narratives are not appropriate responses to questions)

This information is provided by CHD and the Student Contest Guide from NHD.