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How to Write a Paper in Chicago Style Format | With Chicago Style Format Sample Paper

How to Write a Paper in Chicago Style Format|With Chicago Style Format Sample Paper

Chicago Style Format Sample Paper
In this article, you will learn how to set up your paper using Chicago Style guidelines. And you’ll understand the essential formatting steps—from setting margins and selecting fonts to incorporating proper citations and references—by examining a sample paper that brings clarity to chicago style paper writing.

Chicago Style Format Sample Paper

Chicago style format example paper provided below serves as an invaluable guide:

Chicago style style paper example PDF

Below is a concise outline you can follow, modeled after a ​chicago style format example paper​:

  1. Title Page​: Include your title and necessary details.
  2. Main Body​:
    • Begin with an introduction outlining your topic.
    • Structure each section with proper margins, headers, and paragraph indentations.
    • Insert sample chicago citation footnotes whenever you reference external sources.
  3. Bibliography or Endnotes​:
    • Compile all your citations as per chicago citation bibliography example guidelines.

This sample essay serves as a blueprint for both chicago style paper examples and ​example of chicago style paper with footnotes​.


What Is Chicago Style Format?

The Chicago style format is widely recognized in academia, especially within the humanities and social sciences. The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) offers two distinct citation systems to accommodate various academic disciplines and preferences:

  • Notes and Bibliography (NB) System​: Often used in literature, history, and the arts, this system utilizes superscript numbers within the text that refer to footnotes or endnotes containing full citation details. A bibliography at the end of the document provides a complete list of sources.

CMOS NB Sample Paper

  • Author-Date System​: Commonly used in the sciences and social sciences, this system incorporates parenthetical in-text citations that include the author's last name and the year of publication, e.g., (Smith 2020). These citations correspond to a comprehensive reference list at the end of the document.​

CMOS Author Date Sample Paper

In this guide, we will focus on the Notes and Bibliography style, detailing everything from chicago style text citation to structured ​chicago manual referencing​. It's essential to consult your instructor or organization's guidelines to determine which citation style is appropriate for your work.


Setting Up Your Document: The Basics of Chicago Writing Style

Document Layout and General Formatting

This is crucial for ensuring your paper adheres to essay format chicago guidelines.

Example Setup:

  • Margins​: Use 1-inch margins on all sides.
  • Spacing: Set your text to double-spacing.
  • Font​: Select Times New Roman, 12 pt as it is the most widely accepted for ​chicago writing style​.
  • chicago header style​: Insert page numbers in the top right corner, following a clean ​chicago header style​. The first page (title page) should not contain a page number.
ElementSpecification
FontTimes New Roman 12pt
Margins1 inch on all sides
ParagraphsAll paragraphs should be indented
SpacingAll text in the body should be double-spaced
HeaderPage number in the upper right (except on the title page)

How to Craft a Chicago Style Formatting Title Page

Paper Heading Chicago Style: Title Page Guidelines

Here is an example of chicago style title page.

chicago style heading example
image source: mcmaster library

In Turabian style, class papers may either have a separate title page or display the title on the first page of the paper, depending on the instructor’s preference or assignment requirements. If a title page is needed, follow these formatting rules:

  • Title and Subtitle: Your Title should be centered about one-third down the page. Use Times New Roman 12-point font. If there is a subtitle, end the main title with a colon and place the subtitle on the next line.
  • Details to Include​: Underneath the title (about 2/3 of the way down the page), list your name, the course title, the instructor’s name, and the date. Each element should appear on a separate line.
  • No Header or Page Numbers​: Do not include any page number or header on the title page.

Writing the Main Body in Chicago Style

Structuring Your Content

chicago referencing in text citation
image source: mcmaster library

When writing your content:

  • Place the heading Contents at the top of the page, bold and centred. Leave two blank lines between the heading and the first item listed.
  • Begin the list with items that follow the Contents page. Single-space individual items listed. A blank line can be added after each item.
  • Use Roman numerals for front matter page numbers, at the top right or bottom centre (as shown).

Main Body Page

chicago main Body Page
image source: NECC library

When writing your paper:

  • Paragraphs​: Begin every paragraph with a half-inch indent.
  • Text Alignment​: Use left-aligned text rather than justified text for a cleaner look.
  • In-Text Citations​: Incorporate chicago referencing in text citation styles by using footnotes or endnotes.

Using Footnotes and Endnotes: How to Cite Footnotes in Chicago Style?

Chicago Style is renowned for its detailed footnotes and endnotes. Here’s how to properly cite your sources:

  • ​**Footnote Example (Chicago Footnote Style)**​:

    1. Mary Shelley, Frankenstein (London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, 1818), 23.
  • Endnotes Chicago Example​:

    At the end of your paper, compile all sources in a separate endnotes section, which serves the same function as a bibliography.

This method ensures clarity and accuracy in your ​chicago style citation examples​.


Building Your Bibliography and Reference List

Chicago Style Bibliography Guidelines

Here is an chicago citation bibliography example:

chicago citation bibliography example
image source: mcmaster library

A well-organized bibliography is essential:

  • Formatting​: List your sources alphabetically by the author’s last name.
  • Entries​: Follow specific guidelines for each type of source (books, articles, websites, etc.).
  • Example of Chicago Footnotes​:
    • Book Example​:

      Shelley, Mary. ​Frankenstein​. London: Lackington, Hughes, Harding, Mavor & Jones, 1818.

    • Journal Article Example​:

      Doe, Emily. “The Renaissance Revisited.” Historical Review 45, no. 2 (2021): 112–125.

For guidance on ​how to cite references chicago style​, refer to detailed sample entries and always check for the latest chicago manual citation guide instructions.


Additional Formatting Tips and Best Practices

Enhancing Your Paper with More Elements

  • Tables and Figures​: Label and number these clearly. If citing a table from a book or adding a PDF, use guidelines such as chicago manual style cite a table from a book or ​adding a pdf as a footnote chicago manual of style​.
  • Quotation and In-Text Citation​: Learn how to quote in text on chicago style by ensuring quotes are precise and citations are clearly indicated.
  • Online Resources​: Use chicago style web citation formats when referencing web sources.

Tools to Make Formatting Easier-Scifocus

Utilize templates available in Microsoft Word or Google Docs that are designed for cms format paper tasks. Additionally, citation tools like Scifocus Citation Generator can simplify in-text citations. Scifocus offers a suite of intelligent citation tools that help you format sources correctly and effortlessly. Whether you're struggling with footnotes, bibliographies, or in-text citations, Scifocus has dedicated tools to handle it all.

Conclusion: Mastering Chicago Style Writing

In summary, by following the guidelines described in this post, you will learn exactly ​how to write a paper in Chicago style format​. From the detailed instructions on chicago style citation format to the practical tips on formatting each section of your paper, this guide ensures your work meets the highest academic standards. Whether you need a chicago style format example paper for your humanities paper or want to explore chicago manual of style formatting for research purposes, the sample essay provided here is your go-to resource.

Enhance your writing efficiency today with Scifocus’s advanced academic writing tools, and join the community of students who trust our platform for flawless chicago style writing and citation management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Is a Chicago Style Format Example Paper?

A Chicago style format example paper is a sample document that illustrates how to structure and format an academic paper according to the guidelines set by the Chicago Manual of Style. This sample often includes a title page, properly formatted main body text, and a full set of citations with detailed footnotes or endnotes. It serves as an ideal guide for students who want to learn how to write a paper in Chicago Style and ensure that their document follows the rigorous standards expected in academic writing.

How Do I Format My Paper in Chicago Style?

To format your ​chicago style paper​, you should begin by setting 1-inch margins on all sides, using Times New Roman 12 pt font, and applying double-spacing throughout the text (except for footnotes and block quotes). Make sure to create a separate title page without a page number, include page numbers in the header (following a ​chicago header style​), and indent the first line of each paragraph. Following these guidelines will help you adhere to the format of a chicago style paper and facilitate clear, academic presentation.

What Is the Difference Between Footnotes and Endnotes in Chicago Style?

In Chicago Style, citations can be presented as either footnotes or ​endnotes​. Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page where the citation is made, while endnotes are compiled at the end of the document. Both serve the purpose of providing example of chicago footnotes and endnotes, ensuring that sources are properly credited. For many students, choosing between them depends on personal preference or specific instructor requirements. When using endnotes, remember that the endnotes chicago example should still adhere to the chicago manual referencing standards.

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