1.) Thesis
At this point, your thesis should be specific in explaining the central argument or claim of your paper (answers the “why” question)
Your thesis should be evident in every paragraph; meaning every paragraph you write should serve a purpose in further developing your thesis (ask yourself every time you write a paragraph – “how does this support my thesis?”)
2.) Summary vs. Analysis
Summary = who, what, where, when
Analysis = why
Avoid summary!!!! Your paper should focus on critical analysis! Do not write four pages of summary and one page of analysis.
3.) Avoid Generalizations
Every sentence of your paper should serve a purpose in furthering your thesis. General statements meant to take up space have no purpose in this assignment.
Focus on detailed evidence that supports your thesis (especially primary sources).
Platitudes and moralistic statements have no place in this paper.
4.) Citations
Each paragraph (except the intro and conclusion) should have a minimum of 3-4 citations
Citations should not all be from one source but rather you should incorporate at least 2-3 sources per paragraph (including one primary source)
Footnotes should be size 10 font and single-spaced
Include the full bibliographic entry the first time you cite a source; every subsequent citation of that source should use the abbreviated version
5.) Direct Quotes
No more than TWO direct quotes for the entire paper
Quotes must be from a primary source and may not exceed more than two typed lines
Do not “drop” quotes – properly introduce quotes. Also, you must provide analysis as to why you included this quote and how it relates to your thesis.
6.) Paragraphs
Paragraphs should be well developed and organized.
Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence and end with a transition sentence. These sentences should be written in your own words and they must be bolded in each paragraph!!
Paragraphs should not exceed more than one typed page.
7.) Historical Context
Keep in mind the historical context of your subject matter. Avoid passing judgment on the actions of historical figures by comparing them to contemporary values or morality.
You are providing analysis, not judgment – keep a neutral tone.
8.) Language
This paper should be written in standard, formal English (no contractions). There should be no casual or conversational tone – do not write the way you would speak!!
Avoid using the thesaurus to make your paper sound “smarter.” There are no bonus points for using “fancy” words that are often being used out of context.
Please do not quote the dictionary anywhere in your paper!!!
Avoid wordy sentences – write in clear, straightforward sentences.
Avoid the passive voice, write in the active voice.
9.) Person
DO NOT use the 1st or 2nd person (I, me, we, you, your, etc.)!!!
The whole paper should be written in the 3rd person.
10.) Tense
The paper should be written in the past tense (no future or present tense).
Thesis statement: The 1919 World Series was not a deliberate act of betrayal by the Black Sox players, but rather a desperate act of economic self-preservation driven by exploitative ownership practices and systemic inequalities within Major League Baseball.
