Smarthistory essay style checklist

Contributors should refer to the checklist below when preparing essays for Smarthistory.

• ❒ Essay length: 800-1200 words (this can be modified in some cases)

• ❒ Writing is engaging, conversational, and at times even experiential

• ❒ Starts with a “hook” to draw the learner in and make them want to continue reading

• ❒ Makes the case for why the reader should care about this topic

• ❒ Content is object-based. Biography, historical context, and other information flows from the discussion of the object or monument

• ❒ Time is spent on formal analysis that invites the reader to carefully examine the work of art by making reference to details that we can illustrate

• ❒ Short engaging subheadings (1-5 words) are included that organize the content into easy-to-read sections and to invite the reader to explore further (this is essential for web-based text)

• ❒ Specialized terms (geographic, religious, political, and methodological) are defined in parentheses (we will often turn these into pop-up definitions)

• ❒ Only essential dates are included in the text (we generally do not include birth and death dates or the dates of the reign of a ruler unless it is absolutely necessary)

• ❒ Footnotes are included for direct quotes and for some other circumstances, but are kept to a minimum

• ❒ A succinct but compelling conclusion is included (just a few sentences)

• ❒ A list of additional resources (both online and print) is included below the essay (the first link should be to the institution, or site where the object can be found). A short bibliography can offer direction for further study, but need not be exhaustive. You can find information about citation style on our “contribute an essay” page.