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How to Write and Format a Chicago Style Paper [With Examples]
- 3-minute read
- 18th August 2023
Are you working on a Chicago style project but struggling with the question, “just what is it?!”
Fear not, this post will walk you through Chicago style basics.
What Is Chicago Style?
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) is a comprehensive style guide primarily used by professional writers, publishers, and researchers. It covers various forms of writing, including books, journals, magazines, and other publications. It’s often the go-to style for publishers and editors. CMoS is also known for its emphasis on scholarly writing and is suitable for a wide range of disciplines, including history, literature, the arts, and social sciences.
However, there’s an important distinction between Chicago style and Turabian style , which is essentially a simplified version of CMoS used in scholarly writing. Turabian omits some of the complexities and focuses on the needs of academic writers, especially those in the humanities and social sciences.
With either style, it’s essential to consult the relevant edition of the style guide specified by your institution or publication: either The Chicago Manual of Style or A Manual for Writers by Kate L. Turabian (currently in its ninth edition).
How Are Chicago Style Citations Formatted?
CMoS emphasizes two primary documentation systems : the notes and bibliography system (often used in the humanities) and the author–date system (preferred in the sciences and social sciences). When formatting a CMoS/Turabian paper, you’ll need to adhere to the guidelines associated with your chosen documentation system.
Notes and Bibliography System:
● In this system, you’ll use footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text.
● A corresponding bibliography is included at the end of the paper, listing all sources in alphabetical order.
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● Citations typically include author names, titles, publication details, and page numbers.
Author–Date System:
● In the author–date system, you’ll incorporate in-text citations within parentheses.
● A reference list is included at the end of the document, providing full details for each cited source.
● Citations include author’s last names, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable).
What Does Turabian Style Formatting Look Like?
A well-structured Turabian Style paper should adhere to the following formatting guidelines :
- Title page : Include the title of your paper, your name, the course name/number, instructor’s name, and the date on a separate page, starting a third of the page down. Alternatively, write the title on the first page.
- Margins : Apply one-inch margins on all sides.
- Indentation and spacing : Indent paragraphs and double-space the main text.
- Font : Use a legible 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman).
- Page numbers : Number all pages consecutively in the top right corner, starting with the first page. Alternatively, page numbers may be placed at the bottom center of the page.
- Headings and subheadings : Use headline-style capitalization for headings and subheadings, with different levels distinguished.
- Footnotes or in-text citations: Implement your chosen citation system consistently throughout the paper.
- Bibliography or reference list : Include a comprehensive list of all sources used, following Chicago style citation guidelines for your chosen system.
How Should I Choose Which Chicago Style Documentation to Use?
It’s crucial to find out which specific CMoS system is preferred by your institution, publisher, or field of study. Always consult your assignment guidelines or style manual to determine whether you should use the notes and bibliography system or the author–date system. This choice will significantly impact how you format your citations and references.
Remember that mastering CMoS takes practice. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting polished, professionally formatted papers that meet the expectations of your academic or professional audience.
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Chicago Style Guide - 17th Edition
- Chicago Style
- Title Page and Pagination
- Quotations and Signal Phrases
- Bibliography
- Chicago's Citation Parts
- Articles - Online
- Articles - Print
- Blogs and Social Media
- Government Publications
- Elders & Knowledge Keepers
- Other Sources
- Secondary Sources
- Generative AI Tools (e.g., ChatGPT, DALL·E 2)
- Author/Date (Scientific) System
- Need More Help?
Useful Links
- Chicago Manual of Style Online - Quick Guide
- Douglas College Library - Chicago Style Guide (PDF)
- Purdue OWL - Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.)
- SFU Library - Chicago/Turabian (17th ed.) Citation Guide
Avoid Plagiarism
- Camosun Academic Integrity Guide
- Camosun Plagiarism Guide
- Douglas College Learning Centre - Paraphrasing Without Plagiarizing
- Purdue OWL - Avoiding Plagiarism
- SFU Library - Plagiarism Tutorial
Chicago Style Sample Research Paper
Formatting and Sample Paper
The formatting guidelines listed on this page, provide general best practices for formatting your work using the Chicago style. Detailed information about formatting your title page , using quotes and signal phrases , and creating a bibliography , can be found by navigating to various sub-pages of this "Formatting Your Paper" page.
Learning how to correctly format your research paper into Chicago style can seem overwhelming, especially if the style is new to you. One of the best ways to help visualize what your paper needs to look like is by checking out an example of a paper that has already been formatted correctly.
View this sample Chicago style research paper ( notes and bibliography/humanities system ) from Purdue OWL for examples on how to format:
- A title page
- Headers and page numbers
- A bibliography
For a sample paper in the Chicago author/date style , visit the "Author/Date (Scientific) System" page in this guide.
Paragraphs and Spacing
The first line of all new paragraphs should begin with an indent . You can use either the tab key or your word processor's indentation tool to make your indentations–just be sure to be consistent and use the same process throughout your paper.
Your paper should be double spaced throughout its main body , with the following exceptions:
- Block quotations , table titles , and figure captions should be single-spaced .
- An extra line of space should be inserted both before and after a block quotation.
Entries in the bibliography and footnotes/ endnotes are single spaced within entries , but double-spaced between entries (unless your instructor prefers double-spacing throughout).
Footnotes and Endnotes
- Notes can be either footnotes (placed at the foot (bottom) of the same page as the referenced text) or endnotes (listed on a separate sheet at the end of the essay, before the bibliography).
- Other than placement in your document, footnotes and endnotes are structured in exactly the same way .
- Notes are numbered consecutively throughout the paper. Most word processing programs (such as MS Word) handle footnotes automatically.
- Follow your instructors’ directions when deciding whether to use footnotes or endnotes.
To insert a footnote in a Microsoft Word document:
- Place the cursor after the text you want to cite.
- Click on the " References " tab.
- In the " Footnotes " section , click on the " In sert Footnote " button.
- A superscript number 1 will appear after the text you want to cite.
- A superscript number 1 will also appear at the bottom of page.
- At the bottom of the page next to the superscript number, enter the citation information for your resource (see the citation examples in this guide for how to create footnotes).
- Repeat these steps to insert and consecutively number your footnotes.
Some instructors may ask you to use endnotes, instead of footnotes. For information on inserting endnotes, see the Microsoft Office Tutorial .
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- Next: Title Page and Pagination >>
- Last Updated: Jun 11, 2024 10:55 AM
- URL: https://camosun.libguides.com/Chicago-17thEd
Go to Index
Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide
Chicago-style source citations come in two varieties: (1) notes and bibliography and (2) author-date. If you already know which system to use, follow one of the links above to see sample citations for a variety of common sources. If you are unsure about which system to use, read on.
Notes and Bibliography or Author-Date?
The notes and bibliography system is preferred by many working in the humanities—including literature, history, and the arts. In this system, sources are cited in numbered footnotes or endnotes. Each note corresponds to a raised (superscript) number in the text. Sources are also usually listed in a separate bibliography. The notes and bibliography system can accommodate a wide variety of sources, including unusual ones that don’t fit neatly into the author-date system.
The author-date system is more common in the sciences and social sciences. In this system, sources are briefly cited in the text, usually in parentheses, by author’s last name and year of publication. Each in-text citation matches up with an entry in a reference list, where full bibliographic information is provided.
Aside from the use of numbered notes versus parenthetical references in the text, the two systems share a similar style. Follow the links at the top of this page to see examples of some of the more common source types cited in both systems.
Most authors choose the system used by others in their field or required by their publisher. Students who are unsure of which system to use will find more information here .
For a more comprehensive look at Chicago’s two systems of source citation and many more examples, see chapters 14 and 15 of The Chicago Manual of Style.
Chicago Research Paper Formatting
Chicago manual of style (cmos - 17th edition).
- Finding Sources for Your Paper
- Additional Resources
- Sample Papers
You are going to love this! Save this template somewhere safe or e-mail it to yourself. Then resave it immediately with the name of your new document. This will keep your template safe and ready to reuse again for future assignments.
The templates provided will be sufficient for most student Chicago Style papers. For more information on formatting, please check out The Chicago Manual of Style Online Resources for Students page at https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/help-tools/Resources-for-Students.html .
- Purdue Owl Author Date Sample Paper Sample paper is downloadable.
- Purdue Owl Notes Bibliography Sample Paper Sample paper is downloadable.
- Turabian: Student Paper-Writing Tip Sheets Official Chicago style, in easy-to-use, printable PDF paper-writing tip sheets for students, teachers, and librarians. Guidelines are per Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (9th ed.) and are fully compatible with The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.).
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- Last Updated: Apr 17, 2024 11:25 AM
- URL: https://libguides.polk.edu/chicago
Polk State College is committed to equal access/equal opportunity in its programs, activities, and employment. For additional information, visit polk.edu/compliance .
Chicago style guide: Chicago style page formatting
- Chicago style page formatting
- Sample pages
- Artificial Intelligence
- Image/chart
- Indirect source
- Legal/Government
- Letter/memo
- Reference source
- Social Media (Microblogs)
- Speech/lecture
- Research center
- Library home page
How to format a Chicago-style paper
Your teachers expect to receive papers that are properly formatted and laid out. Use the following guidelines when setting up your paper. It is easiest if you use the correct settings from the beginning; otherwise you will have to go back and reformat your paper.
Overall page layout
- One inch margins on sides, top and bottom.
- Use Times or Times New Roman 12 pt font.
- Double-space the text of the paper.
- Use left-justified text, which will have a ragged right edge. Do not use fully (newspaper-style) justified text.
- Use a 1/2" indent for paragraph beginnings, block quotes and hanging (bibliography) indents.
- Number the pages in the top right corner of the paper, beginning with the first page of text. It's a good idea to include your last name as well, in case pages become separated. Number straight through from the first text page to the final bibliography page but do not count any pages after the end of the text as part of your page count. (A five-page paper may also have a cover page, two pages of notes and one page of bibliography which is nine pieces of paper.)
- Ask your teacher if it is ok to print two-sided.
- Center the title of your paper in the middle of the page, halfway down.
- Center your name directly under the title.
- Your teacher's name, course title and block, and date should be written in three lines and centered at the bottom of the page.
- Use Times or Times New Roman 12 pt font for the title page. Do not try to make your cover page decorative by using bold , underline , or creative fonts.
- Do not put a page number on the cover page, and do not count it as part of the total page count.
Assemble your paper in the following order
- Cover/title page
- Body of the paper
- Appendix (if needed)
Bibliography
Names and numbers
- Use full names of people and agencies/legislation the first time you use them. For agencies, include the acronym in parentheses after the full name when first used, e.g. Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA).
- After the first time you can refer to people by their last name or agencies/bills by their acronyms for the rest of the paper.
- Write out numbers lower than 100. (“All nine members of the Supreme Court...”)
Footnotes and endnotes
Caution: If you are writing your paper in Google Docs, you MUST use footnotes. Google Docs does not have a way to make Endnotes, and if you use the Endnote Generator add-on it will make a mess of your paper!
- Footnotes go at the bottom of the page where the reference occurs; endnotes go on a separate page after the body of the paper. Both use the same formatting guidelines.
- Within the essay text: put the note number at the end of the sentence where the reference occurs, even if the cited material is mentioned at the beginning of the sentence.
- The note number goes after all other punctuation.
- Be sure to use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) nor Roman (i, ii, iii).
- Put the word Notes (not Endnotes) at the top of the page with your endnotes. Use Times/Times New Roman 10 pt font.
- Single space each entry; double space between entries.
- Indent the first line of each note.
- Never reuse a number - use a new number for each reference, even if you have used that reference previously.
- Be sure to look at shortened form examples for sources you refer to more than once.
- To cite multiple sources in a single note, separate the two citations with a semicolon. Never use two note numbers at the end of a sentence.
- Your bibliography should go on a separate page, with the word Bibliography centered at the top of the page in Times/Times New Roman 12 pt font. Do not use bold or large size font for the heading.
- Be sure to use proper formatting - note and bibliography styles are different.
- Use a "hanging indent" - the first line of the citation begins at the margin, subsequent lines are indented.
- If your source has no author, alphabetize by title within the authors - don't make a separate list.
- Don't separate primary and secondary sources unless your teacher requests it.
Watch out for these common errors:
- Note format uses first name last name, bibliography uses last name, first name.
- In your notes, do not reuse numbers! Each citation gets a new number.
- Pay attention to indents. Notes use a first line indent, a bibliography uses a hanging indent.
- A bibliography goes in alphabetical order by author (or title if there is no author). Notes are numbered and are listed in the order the sources are used.
- Don't put Works Cited at the top of your bibliography - that is MLA style.
General citation components
Overall, all citations should include information that will allow the reader to identify and locate a source. this generally includes the following: author, title, and publication information (publisher, date, url, etc.) you should be looking for and providing all the above information that is available to you to allow your reader to track your sources. use the tabs above to see specific source citation formats and examples. , citing your sources.
The library subscribes to NoodleTools, a citation management tool. You can get to it in one of two ways:
1. Go to your Menlo gmail and click on the 9-box "waffle" menu. Scroll down to NoodleTools.
2. Go to the NoodleTools home page and log in with Google using your Menlo Gmail username and password.
Can't decide whether your source needs a citation? Click here to hear Dr. Hanson explain when citations are needed. Click here to view a flowsheet that will guide your choices.
Google Docs formatting tips
Formatting page breaks and page numbers in Google Docs
Inserting Chicago style footnotes in Google Docs
Citation checklist
Do you want to be sure you've formatted your research paper correctly? Click the link below to download a Chicago style citation and formatting checklist.
- Citation formatting checklist
- Middle school citation checklist
- Next: Sample pages >>
- Last Updated: May 8, 2024 12:51 PM
- URL: https://library.menloschool.org/chicago
Chicago Citation Guide (17th Edition): Sample Paper, Bibliography, & Annotated Bibliography
- What Kind of Source Is This?
- Advertisements
- Books, eBooks & Pamphlets
- Book Reviews
- Class Handouts, Presentations, and Readings
- Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
- Government Documents
- Images, Artwork, and Maps
- Interviews and Emails (Personal Communications)
- Journal Articles
- Magazine Articles
- Newspaper Articles
- Primary Sources
- Religious Texts
- Social Media
- Videos & DVDs
- Works Quoted in Another Source
- No Author, No Date etc.
- Sample Paper, Bibliography, & Annotated Bibliography
- Powerpoint Presentations
On this Page
General paper formatting guidelines, quick rules for a chicago bibliography.
What is an Annotated Bibliography?
Writing an Evaluative Annotation
Tips on Writing & Formatting an Annotated Bibliography
Sample Paper with Bibliography
- Chicago Sample Paper
This sample paper can be used as a template to set up your assignment. It includes a title page, main body paragraph with footnotes, and a bibliography.
Sample Paper with Appendix
- Chicago Sample Paper Template - with Appendix
If you are adding an appendix to your paper there are a few rules to follow that comply with Chicago guidelines:
- The Appendix appears before the Bibliography
- If you have more than one appendix you would name the first appendix Appendix A, the second Appendix B, etc.
- The appendices should appear in the order that the information is mentioned in your essay
- Each appendix begins on a new page
Sample Annotated Bibliography
This sample annotated bibliography shows you the structure you should use to write a Chicago style annotated bibliography and gives examples of evaluative and summary annotations.
It can be used as a template to set up your assignment.
- End-of-Paper Checklist
Finished your assignment? Use this checklist to be sure you haven't missed any information needed for Chicago style.
Useful Links for Annotated Bibliographies
Overview of purpose and form of annotated bibliographies from the Purdue OWL.
Includes a sample annotation from a Chicago Manual of Style annotated bibliography. From the Purdue OWL.
An example of an MLA annotated bibliography. From the Purdue OWL.
Assemble your paper in the following order:
- Body of paper
- Appendix (if needed)
- Bibliography
Use Times New Roman, Size 12 (unless otherwise instructed).
Margins and Indents
Your margins should be 1 inch on all sides.
Indent new paragraphs by one-half inch.
Double-space the main text of your paper.
Single-space the footnotes and bibliography, but add a blank line between entries.
Start numbering your pages on the second page of your paper (don't include the title page).
Put your page numbers in the header of the first page of text (skip the title page), beginning with page number 1. Continue numbering your pages to the end of the bibliography.
Place the footnote number at the end of the sentence in which you have quoted or paraphrased information from another source. The footnote number should be in superscript, and be placed after any punctuation.
Put your footnotes in the footer section of the page.
Your research paper ends with a list of all the sources cited in the text of the paper. This is called a bibliography.
See an example in the "Sample Paper with Bibliography" box on this page.
Here are nine quick rules for this list:
- Start a new page for your bibliography (e.g. If your paper is 4 pages long, start your bibliography on page 5).
- Centre the title, Bibliography, at the top of the page and do not bold or underline it. Look for the alignment option in Word.
- Leave two blank lines between the title and the first entry on your list.
- Single-space the list, but leave one blank line between entries.
- Start the first line of each citation at the left margin; each subsequent line should be indented (also known as a "hanging indent").
- Put your list in alphabetical order. Alphabetize the list by the first word in the citation. In most cases, the first word will be the author’s last name. Where the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first word in the title, ignoring the words a, an, the.
- For each author, give the last name followed by a comma and the first name followed by a period.
- Italicize the titles of full works , such as: books, videos (films and television shows), artwork, images, maps, journals, newspapers, magazines.
- Do not italicize titles of parts of works , such as: articles from newspapers, magazines, or journals / essays, poems, short stories or chapter titles from a book / chapters or sections of an Internet document. Instead, use quotation marks.
What Is An Annotated Bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list of citations for various books, articles, and other sources on a topic. The annotated bibliography looks like a Works Cited page but includes an annotation after each source cited. An annotation is a short summary and/or critical evaluation of a source. Annotated bibliographies can be part of a larger research project, or can be a stand-alone report in itself.
Types of Annotations
A summary annotation describes the source by answering the following questions: who wrote the document, what the document discusses, when and where was the document written, why was the document produced, and how was it provided to the public. The focus is on description.
An evaluative annotation includes a summary as listed above but also critically assesses the work for accuracy, relevance, and quality. Evaluative annotations can help you learn about your topic, develop a thesis statement, decide if a specific source will be useful for your assignment, and determine if there is enough valid information available to complete your project. The focus is on description and evaluation.
- Cite the source using Chicago style.
- Describe the main ideas, arguments, themes, theses, or methodology, and identify the intended audience.
- Explain the author’s expertise, point of view, and any bias he/she may have.
- Compare to other sources on the same topic that you have also cited to show similarities and differences.
- Explain why each source is useful for your research topic and how it relates to your topic.
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each source.
- Identify the observations or conclusions of the author.
Remember: Annotations are original descriptions that you create after reading the document. When researching, you may find journal articles that provide a short summary at the beginning of the text. This article abstract is similar to a summary annotation. You may consult the abstract when creating your evaluative annotation, but never simply copy it as that would be considered plagiarism.
Tips on Writing & Formatting an Annotated Bibliography
- Each annotation should be one paragraph, between three to six sentences long (about 150- 200 words).
- Start with the same format as a regular Bibliography list.
- All lines should be double-spaced. Do not add an extra line between the citations.
- If your list of citations is especially long, you can organize it by topic.
- Try to be objective, and give explanations if you state any opinions.
- Use the third person (e.g., he, she, the author) instead of the first person (e.g., I, my, me)
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- Last Updated: Apr 15, 2024 11:30 AM
- URL: https://columbiacollege-ca.libguides.com/chicago
Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts
CMOS NB Sample Paper
Welcome to the Purdue OWL
This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.
Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.
This resource contains the Notes and Bibliography (NB) sample paper for the Chicago Manual of Style 17 th edition. To download the sample paper, click this link .
How to Format Your Research Paper
- APA 7 Paper Format
- MLA Paper Format
Writing Your Paper: Chicago
Chicago style papers.
- Hanging Indents
- Ask a Librarian
Chicago Style Resources
- How Do I Format My Class Paper in Chicago Style? If your instructor has specific requirements for the format of your research paper, check with them before preparing your final draft. The most common formatting is presented here.
Things to know before you begin:
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font Size: 12 point
- Margins: 1 inch
- Paragraphs: All paragraphs should be indented.
- Spacing: All of the text in the body of your paper should be double-spaced.
Typical Chicago style papers have three sections:
- Bibliography
See the tabs below for a breakdown of how each portion should be formatted.
- Sample Papers
Below you will find an example of an accurately formatted CMOS paper.
- Sample Paper Chicago Style - PDF Click here to see a sample of an accurately formatted CMOS paper.
- Sample Paper Chicago Style - Word Click here to see a sample of an accurately formatted CMOS paper.
- Your title should be centered and place a third of the way down the page. Use Times New Roman 12-point font.
- Capitalize all the words in your title. If there is a subtitle, place it on the second line.
- Place your course name first, then your name, then the due date of the paper. This should be double-spaced and placed in the bottom third of your paper.
- Start the body of your paper on the first line of a new page.
- Insert the page number in the top right corner of the page using the header function.
- CMS uses footnotes. Place the footnote after any punctuation. Each number must have an entry at the bottom of the page.
- Center the word "Bibliography" on the first line of a new page.
- Your citations should be alphabetical.
- Each entry is single-spaced with one blank line separating entries.
- Be sure to use a hanging indent for any citations that require more than one line.
Need help formatting your Chicago/Turabian style citations using the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style ? Click the image or link below to go to the citation guide.
- Chicago Style Citations
Need help learning what hanging indents are and how to create them using Google Docs or Microsoft Word?
- Hanging Indents This page gives a brief description of what they are, where to find information on when and how to properly use them, and also video tutorials on how to create them.
Need help learning what footnotes are and how to create them using Google Docs or Microsoft Word?
- Footnotes This page gives a brief description of what they are, where to find information on when and how to properly use them, and also video tutorials on how to create them.
- << Previous: MLA Paper Format
- Next: Footnotes >>
- Last Updated: Jul 19, 2024 3:41 PM
- URL: https://necc.mass.libguides.com/formatting
To cite this LibGuide use the following templates:
APA : Northern Essex Community College Library. (Date updated). Title of page . Title of LibGuide. URL
MLA : Northern Essex Community College Library. "Title of Page." Title of LibGuide, Date updated, URL.
Chicago style sample papers
Published March 8, 2021. Updated August 15, 2021.
In general, the following formatting guidelines apply for all Chicago/Turabian-style papers (based on Kate L. Turabian’s A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, which adapts The Chicago Manual of Style ’s guidelines for articles and papers):
- Paper size: The paper should be written on a standard 8.5” x 11” page.
- Margins : The margins should be set to at least 1” and no more than 1.5” on all sides for all pages including the title page.
- Font: The paper should be written in a readable font that is accessible to all readers, such as 12-point Times New Roman, Calibri, or Courier, or 11-point Arial. Use one font consistently throughout the entire text. The font size should be no smaller than 10-point.
- Line spacing: The title page, body, and headings should be double-spaced. Block quotations (with a blank line before and after the block), bibliographies, reference lists, endnotes, and footnotes should be single-spaced (with a blank line between notes and reference list entries).
- First page: Papers should either begin with a title page or include a title on the first page of text.
- Indentation : The first line of each new paragraph of the main text should be indented 0.5” from the left.
- Quotations: Quotations of five or more lines should be indented as a block. Block quotations should be indented 0.5” from the left margin and do not use beginning or ending quotation marks.
- Page numbers: Every page except the title page should include a page number in an Arabic numeral. If there is no title page, the paper’s first page of body text should begin with an Arabic numeral “1.” If there is a title page, the paper’s first page of main text should begin with an Arabic numeral “2.” Place the page number either at the bottom center in the footer or the top right in the header. (Though theses or dissertations once called for page numbers to be placed in the footer for front matter, main text, and back matter, and for page numbers to be placed in the header for all other text, most schools now require consistent page number placement throughout a paper.)
For help writing your essay, research paper , or other project, check out these writing tips .
Paper order
In general, your paper should be put together in this order:
- Table of Contents (optional)
- List of Tables and Figures (optional)
- Introduction (optional)
- Body (with footnotes or in-text citations)
- Conclusion (optional)
- Appendixes (optional)
- Endnotes (optional)
- Bibliography or Reference List
Formatting for the title page
- From the top of the page, find a line about 1/3 of the way down the page and set the title (and subtitle) of the paper in bold.
- Capitalize each significant word using headline-style capitalization.
- Use the same font as the main text.
- When using subtitles, end the main title with a colon and start the subtitle on the following line.
- Double-space all text on the title page.
For student papers ONLY:
- Include course information several lines after the title and subtitle.
- course name and number
- due date of the assignment
For more information, visit this page on Chicago title pages.
Formatting for the abstract
Chicago rarely requires abstracts, which generally appear in scientific papers and journals.
For more information, visit this page on Chicago abstracts .
Formatting for the body of the paper
- When a title page is not required, write the title at the top of your first page of main text.
- Begin every new paragraph in the body of the paper on its own line with a 0.5” indentation; do this by pressing the Tab key once.
- Double-space the main text (except when using block quotations).
- Use only one space after a period, not two spaces.
- Start page numbering with the first page of body text, not the title page, and use Arabic numerals (1, 2, etc.). When there is a title page, start the first page of body text with page “2.” When there is no separate title page, start the first page of body text with page “1.”
Notes-Bibliography vs. Author-Date format
To cite references in the body of the paper, Chicago style follows either the author-date format (preferred for science and social science) or the notes-bibliography format (preferred for humanities) . Choose one format and use it consistently throughout the paper.
Author-Date
When using the author-date format, use in-text citations. To create an in-text citation, place the author’s last name and the publication year of the cited work in parentheses at the end of the quote or paraphrase. Do not separate the author’s last name and the publication year with a comma.
(Sato 2020)
If you quote a specific part of a text, you’ll also provide a specific page number or another location identifier in the in-text citation.
(Sato 2020, 203)
For author-date citations, include a reference list at the end of the paper with full source information.
For more author-date information, visit these pages on Chicago style in-text citations and Chicago style reference lists.
When using the notes-bibliography format, add a note (endnote or footnote) after each quotation, paraphrase, or summary. To create a note, insert a superscript number after any punctuation marks except the dash. Use the same number in the endnote or footnote providing full source information. The first note provides all source information while any subsequent notes may use a shortened citation with the author’s name, a shortened form of the title (if more than four words), and the page number(s).
For notes-bibliography citations, include a bibliography at the end of the paper with full source information.
For more information, visit these pages on Chicago style footnotes and Chicago style bibliographies .
Bibliography or reference list formatting
Both Chicago formats include a full list of sources at the end of a paper. Author-date format requires a reference list while notes-bibliography encourages (but does not require) a bibliography.
Here are formatting guidelines that apply to both lists:
- Begin the bibliography (Notes-Bib) or reference list (Author-Date) on a new page immediately following the last page of main text.
- Center the word “Bibliography” or “References” on the first line of the page. Add two blank lines after the title.
- Single-space each entry and add a blank line between entries.
- Begin each reference entry with a hanging indentation so that the first line of the reference touches the left margin while all subsequent lines have a 0.5” indent.
- Order reference list entries alphabetically by the author’s last name, followed by the first name(s) (last name, first name).
Apart from the guidelines above, there are some differences between creating a Chicago bibliography and reference list. For more information, visit these pages on styling a Chicago bibliography and Chicago reference list.
Notes-Bib example paper
Download the example paper here .
Author-Date example paper
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Chicago/Turabian Citation
- Citing a Book
Basic Chapter Citation
Example chapter of a book, example chapter of an ebook, example foreword/preface of a book.
- Citing an Article
- Citing a Webpage
- Additional Resources
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Footnote/Endnote
Author First M. Last Name, "Chapter or Essay Title," in Book Title , ed. First M. Last Name (Place of Publication: Publisher, date), page cited.
Short version: Author Last Name, "Chapter or Essay Title (shortened if necessary)," page cited.
Bibliography
Author Last Name, First M. "Chapter or Essay Title." In Book Title , edited by First M. Last Name, page range. Place of Publication: Publisher, date.
Eric Charry, "Music and Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa," in The History of Islam in Africa , eds. Nehwmia Levtzion and Randall L. Pouwels (Athens, OH: Ohio University Press, 2000), 550.
Short version: Charry, "Music and Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa," 550.
Charry, Eric. "Music and Islam in Sub-Saharan Africa." In The History of Islam in Africa , edited by Nehwmia Levtzion and Randall L. Pouwels, 545-573. Athens, OH: Ohio University Press, 2000.
Alan Liu, "Where is Cultural Criticism in the Digital Humanities?," in Debates in the Digital Humanities , ed. Matthew K. Gold (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2013), accessed January 23, 2014, http://dhdebates.gc.cuny.edu/debates/text/20.
Short version: Liu, "Where is Cultural Criticism."
Liu, Alan. "Where is Cultural Criticism in the Digital Humanities?." In Debates in the Digital Humanities , edited by Matthew K. Gold. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2013. A ccessed January 23, 2014. http://dhdebates.gc.cuny.edu/debates/text/20.
Strobe Talbott, foreword to Beyond Tianamen: The Politics of U.S.-China Relations 1989-2000 , by Robert L. Suettinger (Washington, D. C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2003), x.
Short version: Talbott, foreword, x.
Talbott, Strobe. Foreword to Beyond Tianamen: The Politics of U.S.-China Relations 1989-2000 , by Robert L. Suettinger, ix-x. Washington, D. C.: Brookings Institute Press, 2003.
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- Last Updated: Sep 30, 2022 12:44 PM
- URL: https://libguides.heidelberg.edu/chicago
CMOS Shop Talk
From the chicago manual of style, chicago-style epigraphs and sources ( cmos 1.37).
[Editor’s note: This post refers and links to the 17th edition of CMOS.]
Section 1.37 in the Spotlight
An epigraph is a short quotation at the beginning of a book or chapter or article that sets the tone for what’s to come. It’s often from a famous source, but it doesn’t have to be.
The source of an epigraph is usually given on a line following the quotation, sometimes preceded by a dash. Only the author’s name and, usually, the title of the work need appear; it is not customary to give a full citation (but see 14.52 ).
Epigraphs are treated like block quotations in that quotation marks are not used around epigraphs. Also like block quotations, epigraphs are often set in a smaller typeface and indented from the right or left, and sometimes italicized.
Oh, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive! —Sir Walter Scott
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
For more on epigraphs and sources, see CMOS 17, section 1.37 . See also 13.36 .
Photo: The half title of volume 1 of Charles-Louis de Secondat, Baron de La Brède et de Montesquieu, De l’Esprit des loix (Geneva: Barrillot & Fils, 1748), detail. The epigraph, “. . . prolem sine matre creatam” ( “. . . a child brought forth without a mother”) is from Ovid’s Metamorphoses 2.553. Courtesy Wikimedia Commons .
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- Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography | Format & Examples
Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography | Format & Examples
Published on September 23, 2019 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on April 9, 2024.
A Chicago style bibliography lists the sources cited in your text. Each bibliography entry begins with the author’s name and the title of the source, followed by relevant publication details. The bibliography is alphabetized by authors’ last names.
A bibliography is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for all but very short papers. It gives your reader an overview of all your sources in one place. Check with your instructor if you’re not sure whether you need a bibliography.
Always make sure to pay attention to punctuation (e.g., commas , quotation marks , parentheses ) in your citations.
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Table of contents
Chicago style bibliography examples, formatting the bibliography page, author names in the bibliography, bibliography vs reference list, frequently asked questions about the chicago bibliography.
Bibliography entries vary in format depending on the type of source . Templates and examples for the most common source types are shown below.
- Book chapter
- Journal article
Template | Author Last Name, First Name. . Edition. Place of publication: Publisher, Year. DOI/URL. |
Example | Williams, John. . London: Vintage, 2003. |
- The edition is always abbreviated (e.g. 2nd ed. or rev. ed.).
- Only include the URL for books you consulted online.
Template | Author Last Name, First Name. “Chapter Title.” In , edited by Editor First Name Last Name, page range. Place of publication: Publisher, Year. DOI/URL. |
Example | Stewart, Bob. “Wag of the Tail: Reflecting on Pet Ownership.” In , edited by John Jaimeson, 220-90. Toronto: Petlove Press, 2007. |
- Use this format to cite a chapter in a multi-authored book. If all the chapters in a book were written by the same person, reference the whole book.
- Begin the citation with the author of the chapter. The editor who compiled the book is listed later.
Template | Author Last Name, First Name. “Article Title.” Volume, no. Issue (Month Year): Page range. DOI/URL. |
Example | Andreff, Wladimir, and Paul D. Staudohar. “The Evolving European Model of Professional Sports Finance.” 1, no. 3 (August 2000): 257–276. https://doi.org/10.1177/152700250000100304. |
- The page range identifies the location of the article within the journal issue.
- For articles accessed online, include a DOI (digital object identifier) where available, and a URL if not.
Template | Author Last Name, First Name. “Page Title.” Website Name. Month Day, Year. URL. |
Example | Scribbr. “Chicago Style Citation.” Accessed June 16, 2020. https://www.scribbr.com/category/chicago-style/. |
- If the author is unknown, list the organization or website name as author, and don’t repeat it later in the citation.
- If no publication date is listed, include an access date instead.
- The website name is not italicized, unless it is an online version of a newspaper or magazine .
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The bibliography appears at the end of your text. The heading Bibliography is bolded and centred at the top of the page.
Unlike the rest of a Chicago format paper, the bibliography is not double-spaced. However, add a single line space between entries.
If a bibliography entry extends onto more than one line, subsequent lines should be indented ( hanging indent ), as seen in the example below. This helps the reader to see at a glance where each new entry begins.
There are further guidelines for formatting a Chicago style annotated bibliography , in which you write a paragraph of summary and source evaluation under each source.
Author names in the bibliography are inverted: The last name comes first, then the first name(s). Sources are alphabetized by author last name.
If a source has no named author, alphabetize by the first word of the title or organization name that starts the entry. Ignore articles (“the,” “a,” and “an”) for the purposes of alphabetization.
Sources with multiple authors
For sources with more than one author, only the first author’s name is inverted; subsequent names are written in the normal order.
For texts with up to 10 authors, all the authors’ names should be listed in the order they appear in the source, separated by commas .
If there are more than 10 authors, list the first seven, followed by “ et al. ”
Multiple sources by the same author
If you include multiple works from the same author, only include the author name in the first entry. In subsequent entries, replace the name with three em dashes , followed by the rest of the citation formatted as normal. List the entries in alphabetical order by title.
A reference list is mandatory in Chicago author-date style , where you cite sources in parentheses in the text. The only differences between a Chicago bibliography and a reference list are the heading and the placement of the date.
The reference list is headed “References.” In reference list entries, the publication date is placed immediately after the author’s name. This allows the reader to easily find a reference on the basis of the corresponding in-text citation.
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In a Chicago style footnote , list up to three authors. If there are more than three, name only the first author, followed by “ et al. “
In the bibliography , list up to 10 authors. If there are more than 10, list the first seven followed by “et al.”
Full note | Short note | Bibliography | |
---|---|---|---|
2 authors | Anna Burns and Robert Smith | Burns and Smith | Burns, Anna, and Robert Smith. |
3 authors | Anna Burns, Robert Smith, and Judith Green | Burns, Smith, and Green | Burns, Anna, Robert Smith, and Judith Green. |
4+ authors | Anna Burns et al. | Burns et al. | Burns, Anna, Robert Smith, Judith Green, and Maggie White. |
The same rules apply in Chicago author-date style .
To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .
In a Chicago footnote citation , when the author of a source is unknown (as is often the case with websites ), start the citation with the title in a full note. In short notes and bibliography entries, list the organization that published it as the author.
Type | Example |
---|---|
Full note | 1. “An Introduction to Research Methods,” Scribbr, accessed June 11, 2020, https://www.scribbr.com/category/methodology/. |
Short note | 2. Scribbr, “Research Methods.” |
Bibliography | Scribbr. “An Introduction to Research Methods.” Accessed June 11, 2020. https://www.scribbr.com/category/methodology/. |
In Chicago author-date style , treat the organization as author in your in-text citations and reference list.
When an online source does not list a publication date, replace it with an access date in your Chicago footnotes and your bibliography :
If you are using author-date in-text citations , or if the source was not accessed online, replace the date with “n.d.”
- A reference list is used with Chicago author-date citations .
- A bibliography is used with Chicago footnote citations .
Both present the exact same information; the only difference is the placement of the year in source citations:
- In a reference list entry, the publication year appears directly after the author’s name.
- In a bibliography entry, the year appears near the end of the entry (the exact placement depends on the source type).
There are also other types of bibliography that work as stand-alone texts, such as a Chicago annotated bibliography .
In Chicago author-date style , your text must include a reference list . It appears at the end of your paper and gives full details of every source you cited.
In notes and bibliography style, you use Chicago style footnotes to cite sources; a bibliography is optional but recommended. If you don’t include one, be sure to use a full note for the first citation of each source.
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Caulfield, J. (2024, April 09). Creating a Chicago Style Bibliography | Format & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/chicago-style/bibliography/
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General formatting. Chicago doesn't require a specific font or font size, but recommends using something simple and readable (e.g., 12 pt. Times New Roman). Use margins of at least 1 inch on all sides of the page. The main text should be double-spaced, and each new paragraph should begin with a ½ inch indent.
While The Chicago Manual of Style does not include a prescribed system for formatting headings and subheads, it makes several recommendations. Maintain consistency and parallel structure in headings and subheads. Use headline-style for purposes of capitalization. Subheadings should begin on a new line.
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) covers a variety of topics from manuscript preparation and publication to grammar, usage, and documentation, and as such, it has been lovingly dubbed the "editor's bible.". The material on this page focuses primarily on one of the two CMOS documentation styles: the Notes-Bibliography System (NB), which is ...
Homepage to The Chicago Manual of Style Online. University of Chicago Find it. Write it. Cite it. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound ...
Title page: Include the title of your paper, your name, the course name/number, instructor's name, and the date on a separate page, starting a third of the page down. Alternatively, write the title on the first page. Margins: Apply one-inch margins on all sides. Indentation and spacing: Indent paragraphs and double-space the main text.
The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) contains guidelines for two styles of citation: notes and bibliography and author-date.. Notes and bibliography is the most common type of Chicago style citation, and the main focus of this article. It is widely used in the humanities. Citations are placed in footnotes or endnotes, with a Chicago style bibliography listing your sources in full at the end.
Option 1: Author-date in-text citations. Author-date style places citations directly in the text in parentheses. In-text citations include the author's last name, the year of publication, and if applicable, a page number or page range: This style of Chicago in-text citation looks the same for every type of source.
Find it. Write it. Cite it. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. ¶ Over 1.5 million copies sold!
Formatting and Sample Paper. The formatting guidelines listed on this page, provide general best practices for formatting your work using the Chicago style. Detailed information about formatting your title page, using quotes and signal phrases, and creating a bibliography, can be found by navigating to various sub-pages of this "Formatting Your Paper" page.
Find it. Write it. Cite it. The Chicago Manual of Style Online is the venerable, time-tested guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format. ¶ It is the indispensable reference for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers, informing the editorial canon with sound, definitive advice. ¶ Over 1.5 million copies sold!
The Chicago Manual of Style is primarily intended for authors of book-length works and for those publishing academic journal articles. When it comes to student essays, The Chicago Manual of Style uses the Turabian method for formatting.Kate Turabian was an educator at the University of Chicago who contributed to The Chicago Manual of Style.Her book, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers ...
For more information on formatting, please check out The Chicago Manual of Style Online Resources for Students page at https: ... Official Chicago style, in easy-to-use, printable PDF paper-writing tip sheets for students, teachers, and librarians. Guidelines are per Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and ...
Both use the same formatting guidelines. Within the essay text: put the note number at the end of the sentence where the reference occurs, even if the cited material is mentioned at the beginning of the sentence. ... Click the link below to download a Chicago style citation and formatting checklist. Citation formatting checklist Middle school ...
Cite the source using Chicago style. Describe the main ideas, arguments, themes, theses, or methodology, and identify the intended audience. Explain the author's expertise, point of view, and any bias he/she may have. Compare to other sources on the same topic that you have also cited to show similarities and differences.
CMOS NB Sample Paper. This resource contains the Notes and Bibliography (NB) sample paper for the Chicago Manual of Style 17 th edition. To download the sample paper, click this link.
Chicago Style Options. Chicago Manual of Style offers the option to use footnotes, endnotes or parenthetical in-text citations featuring an author / date format. Footnotes or endnotes allow for citation information to be easily accessible at the bottom of each page (footnotes) or at the end of the paper (endnotes).
This Purdue OWL citation guide will help you in citing your sources in the Chicago Manual of Style commonly used to cite sources within the area of history. You can find written and video instructions with examples on how to format your citations. ... Need help formatting your Chicago/Turabian style citations using the 17th edition of the ...
In general, the following formatting guidelines apply for all Chicago/Turabian-style papers (based on Kate L. Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, which adapts The Chicago Manual of Style 's guidelines for articles and papers): Paper size: The paper should be written on a standard 8.5" x 11" page.
Author First M. Last Name, "Chapter or Essay Title," in Book Title, ed. First M. Last Name (Place of Publication: Publisher, date), page cited. Short version: Author Last Name, "Chapter or Essay Title (shortened if necessary)," page cited. Bibliography. Author Last Name, First M. "Chapter or Essay Title." In Book Title, edited by First M. Last ...
An epigraph is a short quotation at the beginning of a book or chapter or article that sets the tone for what's to come. It's often from a famous source, but it doesn't have to be. The source of an epigraph is usually given on a line following the quotation, sometimes preceded by a dash. Only the author's name and, usually, the title of ...
For Chicago style papers, formatting rules are fairly standard. Chicago style papers are double-spaced, with a one inch margin on all sides. The standard font for a Chicago style paper is size 12 pt. and either Times New Roman or Arial. Like APA, Chicago Style includes a cover page with the following information: a title in the center of the ...
A Chicago style bibliography lists the sources cited in your text. Each bibliography entry begins with the author's name and the title of the source, followed by relevant publication details. The bibliography is alphabetized by authors' last names. A bibliography is not mandatory, but is strongly recommended for all but very short papers.
Coaches Roundtable: The Dynamic Kickoff. Visit the 2024 Rulebook to see the full rule change. NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations, Troy Vincent Sr. hosted a roundtable discussion with Special Teams Coordinators and architects of the new Dynamic Kickoff rule, Darren Rizzi (New Orleans Saints), John Fassel (Dallas Cowboys), and Richard Hightower (Chicago Bears) to talk about the ...