Its concise yet comprehensive coverage of every step of the research and writing process--with detailed advice on documenting sources and avoiding plagiarism -- have made A Pocket Guide to Writing in History a best-seller over four editions. For the fifth edition, Mary Lynn Rampolla -- who is active in the fields of both history and composition -- provides more practical help with basic skills and new coverage of more sophisticated critical-thinking skills such as analyzing an assignment, reading critically, and constructing a strong argument. Organizational changes over several chapters make it even easier for students at all levels to find the information they need to succeed in their course, saving instructors valuable class time.

1. Introduction: Why Study History?

Historical questions
How this manual can help you

2. Working with Sources

Identifying historical sources
Evaluating sources

3. Reading and Writing in History: Some Typical Assignments

Reading critically in history
Writing about reading
Taking history exams

4. Following Conventions of Writing in History

Analyzing an assignment
Thinking like an historian
Moving from topic to thesis
Constructing an argument
Organizing your paper
Revising your paper
Considering word choice and grammar

5. Writing a Research Paper

Formulating a research question
Developing a research plan
Conducting research
Taking effective research notes
Making an outline
Revising and editing your paper

6. Plagiarism: What It Is and How to Avoid It

What is plagiarism?
Avoiding plagiarism
Plagiari
sm and the Internet

7. Quoting and Documenting Sources

Using quotations
Documenting sources
Using quotations and documenting sources: An example
Documentation models
Sample pages from a student research paper