How to Write a Chicago Style Paper

Chicago style, formally known as The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), is a widely respected and comprehensive style guide, particularly prevalent in the humanities, history, and arts. Unlike APA or MLA, Chicago offers two distinct citation systems: Notes-Bibliography (NB) and Author-Date (AD). Understanding which system to use and how to apply its rules is crucial for academic success. This guide will walk you through the general formatting requirements and then delve into the specifics of both citation systems, providing practical examples to help you craft a perfectly formatted Chicago style paper.

Choosing Your System: Notes-Bibliography vs. Author-Date

Before you begin writing, confirm which Chicago system your instructor or publisher requires. The choice between NB and AD largely depends on your academic discipline.

Notes-Bibliography (NB) System

The NB system is favored in the humanities, including literature, history, and the arts. It uses numbered footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text and a comprehensive bibliography at the end of the paper. This system allows for more extensive discussion of sources within the notes, which can be particularly useful in fields where detailed textual analysis or historical context is paramount.

Author-Date (AD) System

The AD system is more common in the social sciences, similar to APA style. It employs parenthetical in-text citations, which typically include the author's last name and the publication year, followed by a detailed reference list at the end of the paper. This system is streamlined for quick identification of sources and often preferred in disciplines focused on empirical data and concise referencing.

Always check your assignment prompt or consult with your instructor if you're unsure which system to use. Consistency is paramount, so stick to one system throughout your paper.

General Formatting Guidelines

Regardless of whether you use the NB or AD system, several general formatting rules apply to all Chicago style papers.

Page Layout and Text

• Margins: Set all margins (top, bottom, left, and right) to 1 inch.
• Font: Use a readable font, typically Times New Roman or Courier, at 12-point size.
• Line Spacing: Double-space the main body of your text. Exceptions include block quotes, footnotes/endnotes, bibliography/reference list entries (single-spaced with a double space between entries), table titles, and figure captions.
• Page Numbers: Place page numbers in the top right corner of the header, starting from the first page of the main text. The title page is typically not numbered, or numbered with a lowercase Roman numeral (i) if an abstract or table of contents precedes the main text.

Title Page

A Chicago style paper typically includes a separate title page, though some instructors may prefer a title on the first page of text. If using a separate title page:

• Title: Center the full title of your paper about one-third of the way down the page. If your title includes a subtitle, separate it with a colon. Use headline-style capitalization (capitalize the first and last words, and all major words).
• Author Information: Several lines below the title, center your name, followed by your course name and number, and the submission date, each on a separate line.
• No Page Number: The title page itself does not usually include a page number.

Example Title Page Layout:

Your Paper's Very Interesting and Informative Title: A Subtitle If You Have One

Your Name Course Name and Number Date of Submission

Headings

Chicago style offers flexibility with headings, allowing writers to choose a system that best fits their paper's complexity. The most common approach involves using up to three levels of headings, distinguished by capitalization, bolding, and placement.

Level 1 Heading

Centered, Bold, Headline-style Capitalization

Level 2 Heading

Centered, Regular Type, Headline-style Capitalization

Level 3 Heading

Flush Left, Bold, Headline-style Capitalization

For longer, more complex papers, you might use additional heading levels. Always maintain consistency throughout your document.

Block Quotations

When quoting five or more lines of prose, or two or more lines of poetry, use a block quotation.

• Formatting: Indent the entire block quote 0.5 inches from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks.
• Spacing: Double-space block quotes, although single-spacing is sometimes acceptable (check your specific guidelines).
• Citation: The citation (footnote/endnote number or parenthetical citation) comes after the final punctuation of the block quote.

Example Block Quote:

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin describes Lincoln's temperament:

> Lincoln’s ambition was a “pure” ambition, rooted in a desire to achieve great things for his country. It was an ambition tempered by an extraordinary empathy and a profound understanding of human nature, allowing him to navigate the treacherous political waters of the Civil War era with a unique blend of conviction and compromise. (Goodwin 2005, 178)

The Notes-Bibliography (NB) System

The NB system relies on footnotes or endnotes for in-text citations and a comprehensive bibliography.

Footnotes and Endnotes

• Placement: Insert a superscript Arabic numeral (e.g., ¹) in the text immediately after the quoted or paraphrased material, or at the end of the sentence containing the reference.
• Notes: The corresponding numbered note appears either at the bottom of the page (footnote) or in a separate section titled "Notes" at the end of the paper (endnote). Each note provides the full publication details the first time a source is cited, and a shortened form for subsequent citations.

First Note Example (Book):

1. Michael Pollan, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals (New York: Penguin Press, 2006), 99–101.

Subsequent Note Example (Book):

1. Pollan, Omnivore's Dilemma, 15.

First Note Example (Journal Article):

1. Sarah E. Igo, "The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America," The American Historical Review 118, no. 5 (December 2013): 1481.

Subsequent Note Example (Journal Article):

1. Igo, "Known Citizen," 1485.

First Note Example (Website):

1. "About Us," The Art Institute of Chicago, accessed February 15, 2023, https://www.artic.edu/about.

Subsequent Note Example (Website):

1. The Art Institute of Chicago, "About Us."

Bibliography

The bibliography is an alphabetized list of all sources cited in your paper, appearing on a separate page at the end of your document.

• Title: Center the word "Bibliography" at the top of the page.
• Order: List entries alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Indentation: Use a hanging indent for each entry (the first line is flush left, subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches).
• Details: Provide full publication details for each source.

Bibliography Entry Examples:

Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. New York: Penguin Press, 2006.

Igo, Sarah E. "The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America." The American Historical Review 118, no. 5 (December 2013): 1470–88.

The Art Institute of Chicago. "About Us." Accessed February 15, 2023. https://www.artic.edu/about.

The Author-Date (AD) System

The AD system uses concise parenthetical citations within the text, paired with a detailed "References" list.

In-Text Citations

• Format: Typically includes the author's last name, the year of publication, and often a page number or range, all enclosed in parentheses.
• Placement: Place the citation immediately after the quoted or paraphrased material, usually before the final punctuation.

In-Text Citation Examples:

(Pollan 2006, 99–101)

(Igo 2013, 1481)

(The Art Institute of Chicago 2023)

If the author's name is mentioned in the text, you only need to include the year and page number in parentheses:

According to Pollan (2006, 99–101), industrial farming has significant environmental impacts.

For sources with no author, use a shortened title and year:

( Omnivore's Dilemma 2006, 99–101)

Reference List

The reference list provides full publication details for every source cited in your paper. It appears on a separate page at the end of your document.

• Title: Center the word "References" at the top of the page.
• Order: List entries alphabetically by the author's last name.
• Indentation: Use a hanging indent for each entry.
• Details: Provide full publication details, similar to a bibliography but with minor formatting differences (e.g., parentheses around the year).

Reference List Entry Examples:

Pollan, Michael. 2006. The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. New York: Penguin Press.

Igo, Sarah E. 2013. "The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America." The American Historical Review 118, no. 5 (December): 1470–88.

The Art Institute of Chicago. 2023. "About Us." Accessed February 15. https://www.artic.edu/about.

Key Differences and Common Pitfalls

Understanding the nuances between NB and AD is critical. NB offers more flexibility for descriptive notes, while AD provides a more streamlined, academic feel for quick source identification.

Common Chicago style errors include:

• Inconsistent System Use: Mixing footnotes with parenthetical citations.
• Incorrect Capitalization: Especially in titles within notes or bibliography/reference entries.
• Missing or Incorrect Punctuation: Commas, periods, and colons are vital for clarity.
• Formatting Errors: Incorrect margins, spacing, or hanging indents.
• Incomplete Source Information: Always provide all necessary details (author, title, publisher, date, page numbers, URL if applicable).
• Overlooking Specific Guidelines: Some instructors have unique requirements that override standard Chicago rules. Always prioritize your assignment brief.

Mastering Chicago style demonstrates attention to detail and academic rigor. While the rules can seem intricate, careful adherence ensures your paper is professional and credible. When you need to ensure your writing adheres perfectly to these complex guidelines, or if you're looking to refine your academic work, EssayMatrix offers expert writing and editing services to help you achieve impeccable results.

Conclusion

Writing a Chicago style paper requires careful attention to detail, from general formatting to the specific rules of the Notes-Bibliography or Author-Date citation systems. By understanding the core principles—consistent formatting, accurate source citation, and clear organization—you can produce well-structured and properly referenced academic work. Always double-check your assignment guidelines and consult The Chicago Manual of Style directly for any specific ambiguities. With practice, these guidelines will become second nature, allowing you to focus on the content and quality of your research.