Writing Standards

The academic disciplines require differing formatting standards for writing. However, a common criteria is the requirement for writers to identify the sources of the information they present to support their arguments. English uses MLA, Science uses APA, and History uses Chicago (Turabian). It is important that students be able to format their papers in whichever format is required for the course they are taking. This page is intended to provide students with resources towards that goal.

Grading Rubrics

Unit Essay Rubric This the rubric used for grading essays in World History.

Essay Structure

5 Paragraph Essay structure Template

Jane Schaffer 5 Paragraph Essay Formula

Style Guides

Chicago Manual of Style Online This is the official website for Chicago style. 

Owl Purdue Writing Guide

Official Chicago Style Templates 17th Edition

Style Tip Sheets This link contains detailed pdf examples for each section of your paper. 

• Title Page
• 1st Page
• Footnotes
• Bibliography

Mr. Brennan's Google Docs Style Templates

(caution: consult your teacher before use in other classes)

Chicago Style Google Docs Essay Template Use this for unit essays. 

Chicago Style Google Docs Research Paper Template Use this for research papers.

Chapter Outline Template Use this for chapter notes.

Department Standards

Social Science Writing Expectations

Formatting Tools

Citation Machine 

Easybib

Thesis statement generator

Grammar Rules

Grammarly Handbook

Capitalization Rules

Research Tools

Sonoma County Library (Library Card Required)