Introduction & Thesis:
• For a 10-page paper, your introduction should not exceed one paragraph.
• The purpose of your introduction is to (1) state the problem and (2) provide your thesis. It should be brief and to the point.
Body of the Paper:
• Divide your paper into manageable, relatively self-contained subsections. Each subsection will be roughly 3 pages long.
• Figure out the main points you want to make any each subsection. Each point will be developed by one or more paragraphs.
• Each paragraph should develop one idea. That idea should be introduced in the first sentence. A transition to the next idea (and next paragraph) should be expressed in the last sentence.
• To develop each idea, provide evidence in the form of factual detail, concrete examples, and argumentation.
• Explain the meaning of each fact, example, and argument. Show how they connect to the main idea of the paragraph. Use “connective tissue” throughout your paper to leave no doubt as to why you have included any fact, example, or argument.
• Each sentence should be connected to, and logically flow from, the preceding sentence. The logical connection throughout the paper should always be obvious.
• All your evidence should be linked to a paper trail with footnote references (see Essay Mechanics below).
Conclusion
• Restate your thesis with different terms. Explain why you believe you have proved it.
• Perhaps save an especially provocative insight or quotation from your research to make your point.
• Explain why what you have found out is important. Connect it to bigger issues. Place it in a broader context.
ESSAY MECHANICS & TECHNICAL DETAILS
The research paper must be typed (double-spaced). Add page numbers. Check grammar and spelling, both electronically and line by line.
Keep direct quotations brief and pithy. Identify the source (e.g. “As Trotskii wrote, . . .”)
Use past tense except to report action in a novel, assertions by living scholars, things that are still true, etc.
All assertions require supporting evidence and argumentation.
Ideas, words, or important facts taken from your sources must be footnoted with page number references.
Use footnotes (not endnotes or in-text citations), according to Turabian.
Place footnotes at the end of a sentence, never in the middle.
Give a full citation for a first mention of a work; then a brief citation (last name, a few title words, and page number/s).
Provide a bibliography at the end of your paper, including all the works cited (see Turabian).
Turn on spell-check and grammar-check; pay attention to the suggestions.

PAPER RUBRIC
Total Points: 50
Introduction (4 points)
• Set up the problem which the paper addresses. (2 points)
• State clearly what you will argue (not describe). (2 points)
Body of Paper (29 points)
• Each paragraph should be a mini-essay with: (a) a topic sentence that supports the thesis, (b) supporting information, and (c) a summary/concluding sentence which transitions to the next paragraph. (20 points)
• Primary and secondary sources should be appropriately integrated into each paragraph and buttress its topical development. (9 points)
Conclusion (4 points)
• Restate the problem and explain how you proved your thesis. (2 points)
• Relate your argument to a larger point in history or to an important issue today. (3 points)
Mechanics (13 points)
• Proper grammar and punctuation. (6 points)
• Correct footnote citations and bibliography. (7 points)