Style & Grammar
History, like other disciplines, embraces its own conventions for academic writing.
​
While each of your professors have their own preferences, scroll below for some guidelines on traditional things to do, and avoid, in college-level writing in History.
keep an objective tone
Making an argument in an almost neutral, professional tone, and approach, is a good strategy to take when writing academic History papers.
(fill in)
Academic history - usually - does not sound like spoken English. It should have a more formal tone, and avoid the casual phrase of conversational Engish.
tell me more
Unless your professor asks you to take a personal tone, staying away from "I, We, Us, Me" helps cultivate an academic tone.
tell me more
tone
avoid
personal pronouns
avoid clichéd phrases
avoid conversational language
word choice
avoid repetition
Repeating words or sentence structures can make your writing seem un-edited, or simply repetitious to read. As you edit, notice the places where you repeat yourself. Vary your word use and sent. structure.
Using synonyms is critical to vary your word choice. However, using synonyms that don't parallel the original word are an easy way to catch your grader's attention. Vet your synonym choices.
use language from question
Using language from the question to make your argument, mark transitions in the paper, and in how you explain the relevance of evidence, you help your grader see your response to the given question.
Once you've come up with a strong thesis, you want to find other ways to say the same argument.Using similar language in your topic sentences, explanations of evidence, and transitions. Continuity is good.
vet your synomyms
use varied forms of your thesis LANGUAGE
audience
Knowing your audience is critical to any written artifact. In college-level writing for History especially, you want to understand the expectations of your Professors and Teaching Assistants.
Don't move too quickly from point to point, or write as if your reader knows exactly what you're arguing. Remember that you are being graded on clarity and strength of argument. If grandma can't follow your argument, it needs to be clearer and more deliberate.
Every paper and assignment sheet is different. Knowing exactly what your professor wants is critical.
Generally, however, clarity and organization over the novelty and panache is a good place to start.
The best way to know your audience, is to read the rules they presented you about how to address them, and what to explain. The rubric provided by your professor is your friend.
consider your audience
cover your tracks: write for grandma
know what your grader wants
live and breathe your rubric
passive voice
(Fill in)
Historians sometimes avoid passive voice because it tends to obscure identifying who is speaking or acting.
​
(fill in)