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For many researchers, it can be challenging to understand how to write papers in the Chicago style. The Chicago Manual serves as a fundamental guide for formatting headings and subheads in academic writing. The Chicago Manual of Style is a comprehensive style guide for published works, contrasting with Turabian’s manual, which is specifically tailored for students. Fortunately, a student-oriented solution is called the Turabian style within the Chicago format. It aims to streamline the process and is specifically tailored for theses, research papers, and dissertations. Find the guidelines for crafting a Turabian-style title page, including how to format the paper's title, and an example of how to format this page appropriately. Creating a Turabian title page requires attention to detail, and if you’re unsure about the formatting, you might consider the option to pay for essay writing to ensure your title page meets all the necessary guidelines.
Essential Formatting Guidelines for Turabian Title Pages
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Font and Margins | While the font style and size are briefly mentioned, it is recommended to use Times New Roman, 12pt font for consistency with academic writing standards. The margins should be set to 1-inch all around (top, bottom, left, and right) to ensure proper formatting and readability across different document formats. These specifications help maintain a clean and professional look for your title page. |
| Spacing Details | The entire content of the title page should be double-spaced, including the title, subtitle, and additional information like your name and course details. This ensures a uniform and readable layout. Be sure that the same double-spacing applies to all sections of the title page, including any instructor-specific requirements or additional details you may need to add. |
| Subtitle Length | If the title or subtitle is too long to fit on one line, you can break it into multiple lines. In this case, make sure to use consistent spacing and font size for both the title and subtitle. The subtitle should remain directly under the title and follow the same formatting guidelines, such as bold font and headline capitalization. If needed, you can reduce the font size slightly for very long titles while maintaining readability. |
General requirements for the Turabian format
The title page is the initial page in your document, preceding the table of contents and such elements as acknowledgments and abstract. It’s not obligatory; you can center your title in the upper part of the first page.
However, if you include a Turabian cover page, there are some guidelines to follow:
- The title and subtitle should be placed 1/3 down the cover page.
- Additional information, like the author’s name, the date, and course information, should be placed 2/3 of the way down the page.
- The title page content should be double-spaced and center-aligned. Ensure all text on the title page is in the same font as the main text for consistency.
- The title page doesn’t have a page number. Still, it’s counted in the total page count. So, the next page should be labeled as page 2 in your document.
The title placement and Turabian format title page
The paper's title, placed approximately one-third down the page (exact precision is not crucial), should be in bold font. Optionally, you may use a larger font size for this element. Adopt the practice of headline capitalization as in MLA titles formatting, which involves capitalizing all significant words:
✅ Good: Revolutionary Brushstrokes
❌ Bad*:* Revolutionary brushstrokes
If a subtitle is present, it follows the main title with a colon and appears on the next line. The subtitle must also be in bold font and adhere to headline capitalization, using a font size similar to the main title. Each new piece of information or paragraph should begin on a new line for clarity.
If you have other questions about creating a Turabian style title page or want to know how to cite an interview in Chicago, contact our specialists for assistance and clarification.
Instructor-Specific Requirements for Turabian Title Pages
While the Turabian style provides a standardized format for creating title pages, individual instructors or institutions may have specific requirements that go beyond the general guidelines. It’s important to check with your instructor or university’s style manual to ensure you meet all expectations for your research paper, thesis, or dissertation.
For instance, some instructors may require you to include additional details, such as your department name, thesis advisor’s name, or institutional affiliation. These details are often placed either at the top or bottom of the title page, depending on the professor's preference. While the standard Turabian style places the author’s name two-thirds down the page, you may be asked to modify this placement to accommodate additional information.
In some cases, universities may have specific rules about how to format elements like the submission date or course code. For example, you might be required to include the semester and year (e.g., Fall 2023) instead of just a numeric date. Additionally, some institutions prefer to have the title of the course written out in full, rather than using abbreviations, or may require you to include the word count of your paper on the title page. If this is the case, the word count should typically be placed at the bottom of the title page, beneath the additional information section (such as your name, course details, and date). It should be center-aligned and follow the same font size and style as the rest of the title page (Times New Roman, 12pt, not bold or italicized). The word count should reflect the body of the paper, excluding footnotes, bibliography, and appendices unless otherwise specified by your instructor. Always review your course syllabus or consult with your instructor to avoid any formatting errors.
The additional information format
Around two-thirds down the page, include any additional details your instructor or faculty asks for. This information should match the main text in font size and style—typically Times New Roman, 12pt—and should not be bold or italicized, unlike the title and subtitle. These details could include your name, student number, course name and number, or your instructor’s name. Ensure that the additional information is double-spaced and center-aligned, like the rest of the title page. Each new piece of information should begin on a new line for clarity. Here is an example of how to format the additional information on a Chicago/Turabian title page:
Joe Williams
Student number: 224459702
French Art
Course number: 51296
June 1, 2023
Conclusion: Mastering Turabian Title Page Formatting
In summary, creating a well-formatted Turabian-style title page requires attention to several key elements such as font, margins, spacing, and title placement. Using a standard font like Times New Roman in 12pt size and maintaining 1-inch margins ensures your title page meets professional academic standards. Double-spacing all content, including additional information like your name and course details, guarantees a clean and consistent look.
Whether dealing with long subtitles or specific instructor requirements, following these guidelines will help you present your work in a polished and organized manner. By carefully adhering to the Turabian format, you not only enhance the presentation of your paper but also demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence. When in doubt, always consult your instructor or university’s style guide to ensure you meet any specific formatting needs.
