The Chicago format is quite popular across the academic environment. As a student, you must learn a few specifics to write a research paper in Chicago format. They rely on the title page, abstract size, etc.
Let’s break down the rules of the Chicago format to guide your success among your peers!
Understanding the basics of Chicago style
Unlike the other styles (MLA, APA, etc.), Chicago style papers have specific requirements for formatting and citing sources in specific fields.
You need to choose the Chicago style for writing papers when using abundant footnotes or endnotes. This style is useful for college writers who cite multiple sources in the same line or sentence.
Choosing the appropriate Chicago Manual of Style edition
Chicago style paper template comes in two formats:
- The Notes and Bibliography style is preferred by associates in humanitarian subjects, including history, literature, and the arts.
- The Author-Date style (the “Reference List” style) is recommended for the physical, natural, and social sciences.
Based on the Chicago Manual of Style, or CMOS, Chicago style is the preferred format for citing sources related to history and historical topics. It is known for its comprehensive system of footnotes and endnotes.
General formatting rules
Chicago research paper format, also known as the Chicago Manual of Style (CMS), is a widely used citation and formatting style in academic writing.
Here are the basics of Chicago style:
- Citations: Chicago style uses two citation systems: the author-date system and the notes and bibliography system. The author-date system uses in-text citations with parentheses, including the author’s last name, publication year, and page number.
- Formatting: Use a standard font (e.g., Times New Roman, 12 pt) and double-spacing throughout the paper. Include one-inch margins on all sides. Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- Quotations: For shorter quotes, enclose the text within double quotation marks within the main text. For longer quotes (block quotes), indent the entire quote as a separate paragraph and do not use quotation marks. In either case, provide the necessary citation information within or after the quote.
- Page Numbers: Number all pages of your paper, including the title page, but exclude the page number on the title page itself. Place the page number on the top right corner of each page.
For more information and specified instructions, refer to the Chicago Manual of style guidelines (CMOS).
Formatting the title page and page layout
Although CMOS doesn’t specify a required font or font size, it does advise adopting a readable and straightforward font, such as Times New Roman 12 point. Use page margins that are at least 1 inch wide on all sides.
To write a paper in Chicago style, you need to start with an appropriate title. Here’s the list of key requirements:
- The title and subtitle appear ⅓ of the way down the page.
- Other information (e.g., your name, the date, class information) appears ⅔ down the page.
- All text is center-aligned and double-spaced.
- No page number is included on the title page.
Each new paragraph should begin with a 12-inch indent, and the main content should be double-spaced. Text in Chicago style should be left-aligned rather than “justified,” which causes the right margin to appear uneven.
Structuring the main body of the research paper
Structuring the main body of a Chicago style research paper involves organizing your content into logical sections and effectively presenting your arguments, analysis, and evidence. Here’s a guide on how to structure the main body of a research paper in Chicago style:
- Introduction: Begin with an introductory paragraph that provides background information on your research topic and its significance. Clearly state your research question or thesis statement to guide the reader.
- Literature Review: In this section of a Chicago style research paper, review relevant literature and sources related to your research topic. Summarize and critically analyze the existing knowledge, identifying gaps or controversies in the field.
- Methodology: Describe your research methods and techniques to gather data or conduct your study. Explain the rationale behind your chosen methods and discuss any limitations or ethical considerations.
Remember to cite your sources accurately using the Chicago style paper template throughout the main body of your research paper. Use either footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations, and provide a corresponding bibliography at the end of your paper listing all the sources you cited.
Writing and formatting headings and subheadings
In Chicago style, formatting headings and subheadings is important for organizing and structuring your research paper. The following guidelines outline how to format headings and subheadings in Chicago style research paper example:
- Main headings are used to divide major sections of your paper.
- They should be centered and in headline-style capitalization.
- Start each main heading on a new line, and consider using a larger font size or bold formatting to distinguish them from the rest of the text.
Example:
MAIN HEADING
- Writers use subheadings in Chicago style to divide sections within the main headings further.
- They provide additional structure and hierarchy to your paper.
- Subheadings should be left-aligned and in sentence-style capitalization, where only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized.
Example:
Subheading
Including tables, figures, and appendices
To write a Chicago style paper, you may use tables, figures, and appendices to provide additional information. Here’s a brief overview of how to include tables, figures, and appendices in Chicago style:
Tables
Tables present organized data in a structured format. When including a table, assign a number (e.g., Table 1, Table 2) and provide a concise and descriptive title. Place the table as close as possible to its first mention in the text.
Example:
Table 1: Summary of Data
Figures
Figures refer to visual representations such as graphs, charts, diagrams, or images. Assign a number (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2) and provide a descriptive caption that explains the content of the figure. Place the figure as close as possible to its first mention in the text.
Example:
Figure 1: Pie Chart of Survey Responses
Appendices
According to CMOS, the appendices in Chicago style contain supplementary information that is not essential to the main body of your research paper but provides additional details or supporting material.
Each appendix should have a clear title (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B) that reflects its content.
Example:
Appendix A: Survey Questions
It’s important to consult the official CMOS or a reliable style guide for comprehensive instructions and specific formatting requirements for tables, figures, and appendices.
Formatting in-text citations and bibliography
Formatting in-text citations and the bibliography in Chicago style writing format is crucial for acknowledging and documenting the sources you have used in your research paper. Here’s a brief overview of how to format in-text citations and the bibliography in Chicago style:
In-Text Citations
Author-Date System: In the author-date system, in-text citations include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number (if applicable), enclosed in parentheses and placed within the text.
Example:
(Smith 2019, 45)
Notes and Bibliography System: In the notes and bibliography system, in-text citations are indicated using superscript numbers corresponding to footnotes or endnotes. The first citation should include the full reference.
Example:
According to Smith, the data supports this claim.^1
Bibliography
The bibliography is a separate page(s) that lists all the sources you have cited or consulted in your paper. The entries are arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name or the title (if no author is provided).
- The bibliographic entry for a book typically includes the author’s name, the book’s title (in italics or underlined), the place of publication, the publisher, and the year of publication.
- The bibliographic entry for a journal article generally includes the author’s name, the title of the article (in quotation marks), the title of the journal (in italics or underlined), volume number, issue number (if applicable), publication year, and page range.
- The bibliographic entry for a website usually includes the author’s name (if available), the title of the web page or article (in quotation marks), the title of the website (in italics or underlined), the date of publication or update (if available), URL, and access date.
It’s essential to consult the official CMOS or a reliable style guide for comprehensive instructions and specific variations that may apply to your particular discipline or publication.
