Writing a Chicago style paper can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to this citation style. However, with the right guidelines and a bit of practice, you can master the art of writing a Chicago style paper. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to write a Chicago style paper, including the basics of Chicago style formatting, citation, and referencing.
Introduction to Chicago Style
Chicago style, also known as Turabian style, is a citation style that is commonly used in the humanities, social sciences, and history. It was developed by the University of Chicago Press and is widely used in academic and professional settings. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) is the official guide to Chicago style, and it provides detailed guidelines on formatting, citation, and referencing.
Chicago Style Formatting
When it comes to formatting a Chicago style paper, there are several things to keep in mind. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Font and Size: Use a standard font such as Times New Roman or Arial, and set the font size to 12 points.
- Margins: Set the margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
- Line Spacing: Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, and references.
- Indentation: Use a half-inch indentation for the first line of each paragraph.
Chicago Style Citation
Citation is an essential part of any academic paper, and Chicago style is no exception. There are two types of citations in Chicago style: author-date and notes-bibliography. The author-date system is used in the physical sciences, while the notes-bibliography system is used in the humanities and social sciences.
In the author-date system, citations are placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence, and include the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number(s) if applicable. For example: (Smith 2020, 23)
In the notes-bibliography system, citations are placed in footnotes or endnotes, and include a superscript number that corresponds to a bibliography entry. For example:
This is an example of a footnote citation.1
Footnote 1: John Smith, The History of Chicago (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020), 23.
Chicago Style Referencing
Referencing is an essential part of any academic paper, and Chicago style has specific guidelines for referencing different types of sources. Here are some examples of how to reference common sources in Chicago style:
| Source Type | Reference Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author’s Last Name, First Name. Book Title. City: Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Journal Article | Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Article Title.” Journal Title Volume, no. Issue (Year of Publication): Page Numbers. |
| Newspaper Article | Author’s Last Name, First Name. “Article Title.” Newspaper Title, Date of Publication, Page Numbers. |
Chicago Style Title Page
The title page is an essential part of any academic paper, and Chicago style has specific guidelines for formatting the title page. Here are some key guidelines to follow:
- Title: Center the title on the page, about one-third of the way down from the top.
- Author’s Name: Center the author’s name below the title, about one-third of the way down from the top.
- Institutional Affiliation: Center the institutional affiliation below the author’s name, about one-third of the way down from the top.
- Date: Center the date below the institutional affiliation, about one-third of the way down from the top.
Conclusion
In conclusion, writing a Chicago style paper requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the Chicago Manual of Style guidelines. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted, cited, and referenced. Remember to pay attention to punctuation, formatting, and referencing, and don’t hesitate to consult the Chicago Manual of Style if you have any questions or doubts.
What is the difference between the author-date and notes-bibliography systems in Chicago style?
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The author-date system is used in the physical sciences, while the notes-bibliography system is used in the humanities and social sciences. The author-date system uses parentheses to cite sources, while the notes-bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes.
How do I format a title page in Chicago style?
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To format a title page in Chicago style, center the title on the page, about one-third of the way down from the top. Then, center the author’s name, institutional affiliation, and date below the title, each on a separate line.
What is the purpose of the Chicago Manual of Style?
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The Chicago Manual of Style is a comprehensive guide to writing, editing, and publishing in the Chicago style. It provides detailed guidelines on formatting, citation, and referencing, and is widely used in academic and professional settings.
