Writing for history involves using sources, carefully citing what the sources are saying, and writing a clear and organized paper. This first article in a series on how to write a history paper explores finding and evaluating sources in history. By learning as much as possible about the assignment, finding sources, evaluating them, and taking source notes one creates a solid foundation for writing a paper.

Find Out About the Assignment

Make certain you know what the assignment is before you actually begin looking for sources. Knowing what the professor is looking for will save time and your grade. Here are some examples to ask yourself before beginning to think about writing a history paper.

1. What is the topic of the paper?

2. How long is the paper?

3. What citation method does the professor prefer?

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