Ten Commandments of Good Historical Writing by Theron F. Schlabach My apologies to the original Author
Have a thesis and subtopics I. Thou shalt begin with an outline that builds the entire paper around central ideas. Have a thesis and subtopics Categorize information Ask interpretive questions Facts always support the main idea
II. Thou shalt avoid self-conscious discussion. Avoid use of first person. I will demonstrate Now let us turn to Now we see I think that
III. Thou may covet other writers' ideas but thou shalt not steal them. Document EVERY quotation, paraphrase, or crucial idea that you borrow from a source. Document all facts that are not common textbook knowledge Never make one footnote cover material in more than one paragraph. When in doubt, FOOTNOTE!
IV. Thou shalt strive for clarity above cuteness. Write lean and logical ideas "He used Marx's ideas." Not: "He participated in the utilization of the ideas of Marx.”
V. Remember thy paragraph and develop a main idea. Paragraphs develop ideas One recognizable main topic More than 3 sentences 1/2 to 3/4 page
VI. Thou shalt write as if thy reader is intelligent—but uninformed. Establish time, place, and context Explain obscure historical people/events First reference give the complete name. Thereafter, refer to last name or acronym Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), then CIA
VII. Thou shalt use quotations sparingly and judiciously. Quotation is a literary device-not a way to transfer information from your sources to your reader. Avoid quoting whole sentences. Your language will flow better. Someone else’s idea + your words = FOOTNOTE
VIII. Thou shalt not relegate essential information to thy footnotes. Please do not put extra information in footnotes.
IX. Thou shalt write consistently in past tense. Washington crossed the Delaware. Not: Washington crosses the Delaware.
X. Thou shalt not use passive voice. Passive voice destroys clarity Make it clear who does what "Lincoln gave the order.“ Not: "The order was given.” or "The order was given by Lincoln.”