7 Fundamental Rules for Creating a Great Essay in the Chicago Style

Writing a great essay can be a challenge in and of itself. To add to this, however, there are instructors who will request that you also format it in a certain style. While this may seem overwhelming, never fear. The styling formats aren’t as bad as they seem once you work with them. The Chicago Style is no different and shouldn’t hinder your ability to turn in great work.

What is the Chicago Style of Writing?

The first step to using this formatting style is to understand what it is. It’s a style guideline filled with a series of rules to help structure work in a certain way. It has been used by writers since it was first published in 1906 and there have been many updated versions created since then. Pay close attention to this resource for further information.

The 7 Fundamentals

Here are the 7 fundamentals you need to keep in mind when you are using the Chicago Style for your formatting guide:

1. The Title Page: Your title should be placed in the center of the page, about a third of the way down. There is no need to specially highlight your title in any way.
2. Reference Other Works: While writing your piece, you may find the need to reference your sources directly within the content. Should this be necessary, you need to make sure that you readers know the work that you are referencing and that you did not plagiarize it as your own. To do this, place the title of the work referenced in quotation marks or italics.
3. Put in Page Numbers: Within the Chicago Style, it is necessary to place page numbers as a heading on all pages with the exception of the title page. They must be placed in the upper right hand corner along with your last name for quick and easy reference.
4. Line up Your Margins: This is actually a very simple step. There is no need to do this manually as Microsoft Word is able to place the specified margins for you. With the Chicago Style, the margins are 1 inch all the way around.
5. Use Proper Spacing: Be sure to double-space the entire document in keeping with the Chicago Style rules.
6. Indent All Paragraphs: In accordance with the Chicago Style, you need to indent the first line of each paragraph by half an inch. This can easily be done by using the Tab key on your computer keyboard.
7. Include footnotes and a bibliography: When using sources throughout your work, you need to cite them. By using footnotes where called for and a bibliography, you can assure your readers that you are both well-informed on your topic and that you did not claim any work as your own.

Once you have finished your essay and have gone back and formatted it according the Chicago Style, you’ll be done with your task. Your paper will be well-written, you’ll get the grade that you want, and you’ll be able to tackle further essays in this style without further issues.