Research Paper

A paper is a written format for presenting your historical argument, research, and interpretation of your topic's  significance in history.

• Your paper must be your original creation.

• Your paper must represent your historical research and analysis.

•  Your paper must be grammatically correct.

• Your paper must conform to all general and category rules.

LENGTH REQUIREMENTS

Papers must contain between 1,500 and 2,500 words.

Each word or number in the text of the paper counts as one word

 The following words DO count:
› Text that you write, including captions, and words in footnotes/endnotes/internal documentation other than
the citation
› Quotes from any sources, whether primary or secondary

Words in these components DO NOT count toward the limit:

› Title page
› Process paper
› Annotated bibliography
› Footnote/endnote/internal documentation citations
› Primary source materials in appendices

 If relevant images, maps, graphs, or primary source materials are included, they must be placed in
appendices, referenced in the text of the paper, and cited in the annotated bibliography. However, use of
appendices must be very limited.

CITATIONS

• Citations are used to credit the sources of speci$c ideas as well as direct quotations. See nhd.org/annotated-bibliography.

• You must use footnotes, endnotes, or internal documentation for your citations.

• Refer to Rule 20   for citation styles.

PREPARATION REQUIREMENTS

• Your paper must be printed on plain, white 8.5 x 11-inch paper, double-sided, in 12-point font, with 1-inch
  margins on all sides. 

•  Pages must be numbered consecutively and double-spaced.

• Your title page, process paper, paper, and annotated bibliography must be combined in this order and stapled in the upper left corner or secured with a clip. Do not enclose the paper in a report cover, folder, three-ring binder, etc.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Papers and required written materials must be submitted before the contest.

Refer to your Contest Coordinator for submission instructions, including deadlines and number of copies
required.