Right from the philosophical writings of Aristotle and the daring exploits of Cleopatra to the turbulent revolutions and world-shaking events of the World Wars, history is full of mysteries. Yet, in high school, many thought learning about history was as dull as watching paint dry. Yet here you are because you feel otherwise. History is fascinating; unearthing discoveries is incredible, but writing a history research paper? Not so much.
You are here because you dug up some scandal from ancient history, the endless drama of the 18th and 19th-century kings and queens, or you want to understand how revolutions begin. Whatever the habit hole led you here, one thing is for sure: you want to know how to write a history research paper.In this blog, let's look at how you can write a killer history paper; from outlining to how to write a history research paper, we'll cover everything to help you get started on your fascinating history journey back in time.
Let's comprehensively look at the steps of writing a history research paper:-
The first step in writing a history research paper is choosing a historical event you like. Historical events are immense, dating back from the Dark Ages, and selecting a history research paper topic can get overwhelming. The silver lining is you have a lot of events to choose from. Whenever selecting a history research paper topic, always find an area that interests you. Then, find the period or timeline you want to work on and gradually narrow down broader areas into one research paper topic.
Like a good detective, ask all the essential questions to your research paper topic. Ask the why, who, what, how and where. Taking the previously mentioned example, ask why the social hierarchy happened in the first place. Who was responsible for forming it? How did it affect everyone? By turning your topic into a question, you indirectly create a question paper for the entire research paper. This approach also helps you formulate your thesis and helps drive the purpose of the research paper.
Now that topic selection is out of the way, find out the timeline of your history research paper. History is in all shapes, sizes and times. Finding your research timeline is an excellent start to gathering your sources. Regarding the topic example we used, you can take the timeline of the social hierarchy from the medieval period from the 9th until the 15th century to today's timeline. Or from the 15th century to today. By taking these two timelines, you will eliminate any research gaps. Based on your preferences, you can either broaden or lessen the timeline.
Time to dig up some dirt like a historian exhuming ancient ruins. To begin gathering your sources, first consider the timeline of your study, and then gather information relevant to the topic from credible sources. Now, it's hard to believe we have left behind the days of physically gathering information for our research from libraries and books. Herodotus would be greatly displeased by this.
If time permits, try the traditional method of gathering sources by visiting some museums in London, finding artifacts, newspaper clippings, journals and remains for much more in-depth research. Trust us, you'll feel like Lara Croft is on a hunt.
The final step is creating an outline. Once you have gathered enough sources and information for your research, create a road map or an outline. An outline structures and organizes your paper so there is a smooth flow of your ideas and arguments. Continue reading below to learn more about how to write an outline of a history research paper.
The thesis is the most essential part of your history research paper. The thesis statement has to be the core argument that brings all arguments under it. Returning to our example, social hierarchy is a topic of its own. That cannot be a thesis statement if your topic compares social hierarchy in the Medieval Period and The Parallels in Modern Society. The thesis statement will then be, 'The medieval social hierarchy, such as clergy, nobility, and peasants, was defined as such from birth; modern society reflects a similar pattern.' It should be concise and propel forward the entire research paper.
Staring at a blank document is even more terrifying than writing an entire research paper. Where do you even begin writing a lengthy research paper? Well, let's take a closer look at how you can create a history research paper outline, much like how historians have pierced together timelines in the past:-
To sketch your research paper outline, map out your thesis statement and express your significant arguments. Create a broad outline that specifies the structure: introduction, body and conclusion, all of which will contain your main points and subpoints. Ensure that the outline is not detailed but rather a rough idea to set the direction of the paper.
The first draft is like a rough sketch that isn't about perfection but simply about laying the groundwork. You begin with the outline you drafted to create shapes and forms. Taking the thesis and structure from the outline, start the writing process with all the information you have gathered. If you have research gaps during the writing process, just keep on writing and highlight the gaps to research later. By pushing through the writing process, you will build your natural flow and effectively complete your first draft, then lose time in exhaustive research.
The second draft is the heart of the writing process. Just as the artist refines his portrait by adding colours and more strokes, you have to bring depth to your paper.
Once you have completed the first draft, step away from it for a while, like a day or two. Once you are back, return with a critical lens and critique your paper. As you revisit your first draft, you'll notice it's descriptive, lengthy and filled with filler- that is normal! The first draft is meant to have your raw and initial thoughts.
You must now outline a fresh new paper and ask questions about whether your arguments are concise, whether the evidence is compelling, whether the thesis statement is strong and more questions. At this stage, you will also add quotes, data and other analyses to enhance the paper further.
Since you did most of the heavy lifting during the second draft, the third and final draft will focus on perfecting the paper. This is where you polish your writing and ensure the paper follows the rules of academic writing.
Double-check whether your sources are cited according to the citation styles, your vocabulary is crisp and compelling, your arguments and evidence are accurate and correct, and the formatting and correcting of all grammar, punctuation, and sentences are consistent.
This completes the outline of your history research paper. You are now ready to present a polished and compelling research paper confidently.
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You have so many assignments and research papers to complete you need more time to start your history research paper. At times like these, even Herodotus cannot help you. But you know who can? Quick Assignment Hub! We understand the challenges you face while writing your research paper and provide services every step of the way on how to write a research paper. Writing a history paper alone is challenging, but writing with us is not; here's why:-
Free Topic Selection: You can choose the topic based on your preferences and interests. Whether you need help narrowing down the topic or need help aligning your interests with academic requirements, we will help you.
Good Evidence/ Sources: Many of you have difficulty searching for relevant, credible sources and information. Our experts provide a range of diverse and unique sources for every subject area in history.
Difficulty Writing the Thesis: Since the thesis is the heart of your research paper, crafting one can be challenging. Our experts will formulate a logical, concise, and compelling thesis for you.
Native Writers: Our writers are highly qualified native writers with in-depth knowledge of history. They have a deep understanding of the academic standards and are well-versed in all the nuances of academic writing.
Whatever historical tale inspired you to write a history research paper, we hope this blog was informative enough and guided you through it. By learning these steps, along with the do's and don'ts, we believe you are equipped to write a killer research paper. All the historians would be proud. Revisiting and writing about history seems fun, but a lengthy research paper doesn't sound enjoyable. With assistance from a research writing service like Quick Assignment Hub, your research paper will sound and look like a manuscript written by a historian.
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