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Turabian Style Guide: Sample Papers in Turabian

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Sample Turabian Papers

  • Turabian Style paper (Austin Peay State University) from Austin Peay State University, Academic Support Center
  • "Turabian Tutor" (Tennessee Temple University) Tennessee Temple University, Turabian-style paper
  • Intro to Chicago-Turabian Style (paper) (University of North Alabama) University of North Alabama, turabian-style paper
  • Sample Turabian Bibliography from Carpenter Library, UNF

Turabian formatting in Word

Turabian title page in Word

Simple Formatting Guidelines

  • Paper size - 8.5 inch x 11 inch
  • 1 inch on all four edges of the page
  • Typeface/Font size
  • Easily read; preferably serifed, ex. Times New Roman
  • 12-point is accepted size
  • Spacing/Indentation  
  • Double-space text with exceptions that are single-spaced:
  • Block quotations
  • Table elements, ex. titles and figure captions
  • Appendices' lists
  • Footnotes/endnotes are single-spaced but separated by a space between each item.
  • Items in a bibliography/reference list are single-spaced but each item is separated by a space.
  • Do not number the title page.
  • Start arabic numbers (at 1) on first page of paper that is not considered front matter (front matter = title page).
  • Place page numbers consistently in same location throughout paper: 
  • Options for page numbers include: centered in footer OR right-hand of footer OR centered in header OR right-hand of header
  •    Title Page elements
  • Center all elements
  • Use consistent typeface and font size
  • font size can increase slightly for title elements
  • preferred format is boldface for title
  • Employ Headline Capitalization with All Elements  (first letter of each noun/pronoun is capitalized) ( definition of Headline Style Capitalization)
  • Title is placed approx. 1/3 down the page. A subtitle follow the main title with a colon and starts on a new line.
  • Two-thirds down the page, your name, any title page information provided by your professor, and the date should be included.
  • Body of Paper (Text)
  • Includes 
  • Introduction
  • Quotations, including block quotations, should follow Turabian's standard formatting rules.
  • Text Formatting
  • Be consistent throughout body of paper with typeface, font size, and other formatting elements.
  • Make sure text is aligned left.
  • Do not add color in the text (hyperlinked text will automatically become blue; this is unavoidable).
  • Block quotations should be set apart by blank space above and below and, internally, should be single-spaced. 
  • Back Matter elements
  • Notes (endnotes section) ( http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/DocChicago_Notes_Formatting.html )
  • Bibliography OR References OR Works Cited (your choice as to heading)
  • Center page titles
  • Font size can increase slightly for title elements.
  • Preferred format is  boldface  for  title
  • Leave two blank spaces between heading and first endnote/work referenced.
  • Notes section
  • Use standard paragraph indentations for each endnote.
  • Single-space each endnote and separate each by a blank space.
  • Use standard-size numbers with periods to enumerate your endnote list.
  • Bibliography/References/Works Cited section
  • Use hanging indentations for works referenced (first line is not indented; second and remaining lines are indented standard tab of five spaces)
  • This section is typically arranged alphabetically by author, then alphabetically by title if you list multiple works by one author. 

All information comes from 

Turabian, Kate L.  A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations :  Chicago Style for Students & Researchers . 8th ed. Chicago:    University of Chicago Press, 2013. 

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  • Introduction to Turabian Style | Citations & Formatting

Introduction to Turabian Style | Citations & Formatting

Published on May 28, 2021 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on November 1, 2022.

Turabian is a version of Chicago style that’s specifically designed for students and researchers. If you’ve been told to follow Chicago style when writing your academic research paper , thesis , or dissertation , it’s usually the Turabian guidelines that will be most useful to you.

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Table of contents

What is turabian style, how do citations work in turabian style, notes and bibliography style, author-date style, turabian formatting guidelines.

Kate L. Turabian published the first edition of A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations —often called “Turabian” for short—in 1937. The ninth and latest edition was published in 2018.

Where the Chicago Manual of Style is mainly aimed at publishers, Turabian is specifically aimed at students. Turabian is not a separate style from Chicago, but rather presents Chicago guidelines in a way that prioritizes student needs.

As such, Turabian differs from Chicago only in minor ways—formatting advice tailored to student papers, greater detail regarding specific citation formats —and the Turabian guidelines are the ones you should follow in your papers.

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Chicago and Turabian style both offer a choice between two citation styles: notes and bibliography, and author-date:

  • In notes and bibliography style , citations appear in footnotes or endnotes, with a bibliography or annotated bibliography at the end listing all your sources in full. This style is popular in the humanities.
  • In author-date style , in-text citations appear in parentheses, with a reference list listing all your sources at the end. This style is mainly used in the sciences.

There are two parts to a notes and bibliography citation: a Chicago footnote in the text, and an entry in your bibliography . You add a citation for all sources, whether they are primary or secondary sources , or tertiary sources .

Footnotes and endnotes

Citations in your text appear in footnotes or endnotes; the first citation of each source provides full information, while subsequent citations of the same source are usually shortened to save space.

A note is signaled by a superscript number appearing at the end of the clause or sentence the citation relates to. Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page, while endnotes appear at the end of the paper. Use one or the other, not a mix of footnotes and endnotes.

Each culture “erects its own musical signposts, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic devices to represent emotion.” 1

(New York: Vintage, 1992), 518.

Bibliography

The bibliography lists full information on all the sources cited in your text. It appears at the end of your text. Bibliography entries are alphabetized by authors’ last names, so names are inverted in the bibliography with a comma separating them (e.g. “Smith, John”).

Each source is listed on a new line, with a hanging indent applied when an entry for a single source extends onto additional lines. An example of a properly formatted Turabian bibliography is shown below.

Turabian style bibliography

In the tabs below, you can explore examples of various common source types cited in Turabian notes and bibliography style. It’s always important to make sure you use credible sources .

Notes and bibliography citation examples

  • Book chapter
  • Journal article
Author last name, First name. . Place of publication: Publisher, Year.

Swafford, Jan. . New York: Vintage, 1992.

Author first name Last name, : Subtitle (Place of publication: Publisher, Year), Page number(s).

1. Jan Swafford, (New York: Vintage, 1992), 518.

Author last name, , Page number(s).

2. Swafford, , 345.

Author last name, First name. “Chapter Title.” In : Subtitle, edited by Editor first name Last name, Page range. Place of publication: Publisher, Year.

Grundy, Isobel. “Jane Austen and Literary Traditions.” In , 2nd ed., edited by Edward Copeland and Juliet McMaster, 192–214. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011.

Author first name Last name, “Chapter Title,” in : Subtitle, ed. Editor first name Last name (Place of publication: Publisher, Year), Page number(s).

1. Isobel Grundy, “Jane Austen and Literary Traditions,” in , 2nd ed., edited by Edward Copeland and Juliet McMaster (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2011), 195.

Author last name, “Shortened Chapter Title,” Page number(s).

2. Grundy, “Austen and Literary Traditions,” 211.

Author last name, First name. “Article Title.” Volume, no. Issue (Month or Season Year): Page range. DOI or URL.

Effland, Ann. “Small Farms/Family Farms: Tracing a History of Definitions and Meanings.” 95, no. 2 (Spring 2021): 313–330. https://doi.org/10.3098/ah.2021.095.2.313.

Author first name Last name, “Article Title,” Volume, no. Issue (Month or Season Year): Page number(s). DOI or URL.

1. Ann Effland, “Small Farms/Family Farms: Tracing a History of Definitions and Meanings,” 95, no. 2 (Spring 2021): 315. https://doi.org/10.3098/ah.2021.095.2.313.

Author last name, “Shortened Title,” Page number(s).

2. Effland, “Small Farms/Family Farms,” 325.

Author last name, First name. “Page Title.” Website Name. Month Day, Year. URL.

Bhandari, Pritha. “How to Write a Lab Report.” Scribbr. May 20, 2021. https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/lab-report/.

Author first name Last name, “Page Title,” Website Name, Month Day, Year, URL.

1. Pritha Bhandari, “How to Write a Lab Report,” Scribbr, May 20, 2021, https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/lab-report/.

Author last name, “Shortened Page Title.”

2. Bhandari, “Lab Report.”

Author-date style consists of short parenthetical in-text citations that correspond to entries in your reference list .

In-text citations

Author-date in-text citations consist of the author’s last name, the year of publication, and a page number (or other locator) if relevant. They appear at the end of the relevant clause or sentence, before any closing punctuation .

Each culture “erects its own musical signposts, melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic devices to represent emotion” (Swafford 1992, 518).

Reference list

The reference list provides full information on all the sources cited. It is presented in a similar format to the bibliography, except that the year comes immediately after the author’s name, to allow for easy cross-referencing with the in-text citations.

Turabian Reference list

Explore the tabs below to see examples of author-date citations for various common source types.

Author-date citation examples

Turabian author-date format Author last name, First name. Year. : Subtitle. Place of publication: Publisher.
Swafford, Jan. 1992. . New York: Vintage.
(Swafford 1992, 518)
Turabian author-date format Author last name, First name. Year. “Chapter Title.” In : Subtitle, edited by Editor first name last name, Page range. Place of publication: Publisher.
Grundy, Isobel. 2011. “Jane Austen and Literary Traditions.” In The Cambridge Companion to Jane Austen, 2nd ed., edited by Edward Copeland and Juliet McMaster, 192–214. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
(Grundy 2011, 195)
Turabian author-date format Author last name, First name. Year. “Article Title.” Volume, no. Issue (Month or Season): Page range. DOI or URL.
Effland, Ann. 2021. “Small Farms/Family Farms: Tracing a History of Definitions and Meanings.” 95, no. 2 (Spring): 313–330. https://doi.org/10.3098/ah.2021.095.2.313.
(Effland 2021, 315)
Turabian author-date format Author last name, First name. Year. “Page Title.” Website Name. Month Day, Year. URL.
Bhandari, Pritha. 2021. “How to Write a Lab Report.” Scribbr. May 20, 2021. https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/lab-report/.
(Bhandari 2021)

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Unlike the Chicago Manual itself, Turabian presents guidelines for formatting an academic paper, thesis, or dissertation. The following general format guidelines should be followed unless your university provides different ones:

  • Use a standard font like 12 pt. Times New Roman.
  • Double-space the text.
  • Use 1 inch margins or larger.
  • Indent new paragraphs by ½ inch.
  • Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center.

The image below shows an example of a page formatted according to Turabian guidelines.

Turabian formatting guidelines

You can also download one of our template documents for Turabian style. Just select the citation style you need to follow; the appropriate formatting is already set up in the document.

Author-date Notes and bibliography

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Turabian Style (9th Ed.)

Turabian Style is a notation style (footnotes) most commonly used by writers in humanities (literature, history and the arts). The 9th edition of Turabian outlined in this guide is based on 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style and is adopted for student research papers. This format is primarily used by the History Department at UW-Whitewater and the one highlighted in this guide. Check with your professor about which version of Turabian to use for your paper.

  • Another format of Turabian is the author-date system used in social sciences. 

Turabian Format Template Document

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sample research paper in turabian format

Many thanks to PSCC Libraries'  excellent APA guide  for sharing much of the content and organization. 

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sample research paper in turabian format

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Turabian Writing Guide: Formatting

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Writing Center Help

The Liberty University Writing Center is available to provide writing coaching to students. Residential students should contact the  On-Campus Writing Center  for assistance. Online students should contact the  Online Writing Center  for assistance.

Sample Papers

The Writing Center has a sample paper available here and has also made templates available depending on the length of the paper:

  • Turabian Template for papers with no headings . These are typically undergraduate papers with less than ten pages in the body.
  • Turabian Template for papers requiring headings . These are typically graduate or doctoral papers with more than ten pages in the body. See page 9 of the Sample Paper for specific instructions for setting the paper's headings.

General Formatting

  • The paper should use Times New Roman, 12 point font. Footnotes use Times New Roman, 10 point font
  • 1" margins all around
  • For bound theses or dissertations (rare), include a 1.5" left margin

Spacing and Indentation

  • The body of the paper should be double-spaced.
  • Quotes should be blocked if the citations are five or more lines.
  • Footnotes should be single-spaced, but add a blank line between individual footnotes.

Footnotes and Bibliography

  • Indent Footnotes on the first line
  • In Word, use “Insert Footnote” under the “References” ribbon (not “Insert Citation”). This will insert a superscripted number in the body text and the footnote below. The Turabian manual shows footnote numbers that are not superscripted and are followed by a period, but Liberty University programs require superscripted numbers with no periods, which is the Word default.
  • To renumber footnotes, add section breaks between chapters.
  • Use hanging indents for bibliography citations.
  • The bibliography is single-spaced, with a blank line between entries.

Page Numbers

  • In general, page numbers in Turabian Style should begin after the title page and any front matter; they should continue through the rest of the paper.  To format your page numbering properly, you would need to add section breaks after the front matter.  You can find a guide to adding page numbers to your paper in Word  here .

The paper’s body, bibliography, and appendices display Arabic numerals (i.e., 1, 2, 3) placed flush-right in the header, beginning with page 1 on the first page of the body of the paper. 

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Chicago/Turabian Format Style Guide: Format

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General Formatting Notes

When writing a paper, it is important to follow any rules or guidelines set by your professor.  Make sure to check your assignment for specific instructions regarding format.  Different fields have different standards, and it will be important for you to know the standard for your future field.

The following formatting guides are the most widely accepted for the format and submission of theses and dissertations, but there may be differences from the requirements of your UVF department.  Always check with your professor if you have questions regarding format for your paper, especially if your assignment is a thesis or dissertation.

Most papers have three divisions: front matter, the text of the paper itself, and the back matter.  For a regular class paper, the front matter is usually just a title page and the back matter is the bibliography or reference list.  Theses and disserations will have more subsections depending on the paper.

Nearly all papers are published on 8 1/2 by 11 inch paper, regardless of physical or electronic submission.  Leave a margin of at least 1 inch on all four sides of your page.  For a thesis or dissertation meant to be bound, leave a slightly bigger margin on the left side of the page, usually 1 1/2 inches.

Be sure that all materials found in the footnotes and endnotes falls within the margins.

Choose a single, readable, and widely available font such as Times New Roman or Arial.  Avoid ornamental fonts as they can distract your readers or make your work appear less serious.  In general, use the equivalent of at least 10-point Arial or 12-point Times New Roman for the body of texts.  

Check your professor's guidelines for font and size for footnotes and endnotes.

Spacing and Indentation

Double space all text in papers, except for the following, which should be single spaced:

  • block quotations
  • table titles and figure captions
  • lists in appendixes

The following should be single spaced internally, but a blank line should be between items:

  • certain elements in the front matter (table of contents, lists of figures, tables, or abbreviations)
  • footnotes and endnotes
  • bibliographies and reference lists

Put only one space, not two, following sentences. Use tabs or indents for paragraph indentation and to adjust other content requiring consistent alignment.  Block quotations have their own guidelines for indentation, depending on whether they are prose or poetry.

If your only front matter is a title page, do not number that page.

Number the pages in the body of the paper and the back matter with arabic numerals, starting on the first page of text (page 2 if you count the title page.

If you are writing a thesis or dissertation, number front matter separately from the rest of the text.

Front matter includes the title page and various other elements.  Number these pages consecutively with lower case roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.) Ask your professor about specific guidelines for numbering front matter.

Back matter is numbered consecutively using arabic numerals.

Page numbers are found in four possible locations

centered in the footer

flush right in the footer

centered in the header

flush right in the header

Remain consistent in the placement of your page numbers

Front Matter

The front matter of a thesis or dissertation may have some or all of the following elements:

  • Submission page - This is usually the first page of the document.  If it is in this position, it does not get a page number and is not counted in the pagination of the front matter.  The submission page states that the paper has been submitted in partial fulfillment of a Master's or PhD degree, and includes space for the signatures of the examining committee. Consult your professor for the wording and format of this page.
  • Title page - Class papers should begin with a title page (but your professor may want this on the first page of the text).  Place the title of the paper a third of the way down the page, centered.  If the title has a subtitle, put the main title on a single line, followed by a colon, and begin the subtitle on a new line with an intervening line space.  Several lines below that, place your name, any information requested by your professor (course title, department), and the date.
  • Copyright page - In a thesis or dissertation, insert a copyright page after the title page.  Count this as page ii, but do not put that number on the page.  Include the copyright notice near the top of this page, usually flush left, in this form:

Copyright © 20XX by Your Name

All rights reserved

You do not need to apply for formal copyright.

  • Abstract - The abstract summarizes the contents of the thesis or dissertation.  Count the first page of the abstract as page iii, and number all pages. Your department may have specific guidelines regarding the abstract for your paper.  
  • Dedication - Your department may allow for a dedication.  Number the dedication page with a roman numeral.  Place the dedication a third of the way down the page, centered, in regular type.  Simply say "To xx" with no terminal punctuation.
  • Epigraph - This can be used in place of a dedication if allowed by your department.  Number the page with a roman numeral.  Place it a third of the way down the page, centered or as a block quotation.  Do not enclose it in quotation marks, and give the source its own line, set flush right, preceded by a dash
  • Table of Contents - All papers divided into chapters require a table of contents.  Number this page with roman numerals.  Leave two blank lines between the title and the first item listed. Single space items listed, but leave a blank space between items.  Leave two blank spaces between lists of front matter, the body of the work, and the back matter.  The table of contents does not list pages that precedes it (Title page, etc.). Give page numbers only for the first page of the section.
  • List of Figures, Tables, or Illustrations - You may choose to list all figures in your paper.  This list should use roman numerals to list the pages for these items.  The names of these items should match what they are titled in your paper.
  • Preface - You may include a preface to explain the motivations of your study, its background, the scope of the research, or the purpose of the paper.  
  • Acknowledgements - Here you can thank mentors and colleagues or name the institutions and individuals that supported your research or provided assistance.  You should also acknowledge the owners of copyrighted materials who have given you permission to reproduce their work.  
  • List of Abbreviations - If there are an unusual number of abbreviations in your thesis or dissertation, you may choose to list them in the front matter.  Examples would be abbreviations for sources cited frequently or organizations that are not widely known.  Items should be arranged alphabetically by the abbreviation, not the spelled out term.
  • Glossary - If your thesis or dissertation includes many words from other language or technical terms and phrases that may be unfamiliar to your reader, include a glossary.  Some departments may want this in the back matter, so check with your professor.
  • Editorial or Research Method - Include this if your thesis or dissertation requires extensive preliminary discussion of your editorial method (such as choices between variant texts) or an explanation of research method.

The text of the paper is everything between the front matter and the back matter.  It begins with an introduction and ends with your conclusion.  In a thesis or dissertation, the text is usually separated into chapters and sometimes into parts, sections, and subsections.  Since most of the text consists of paragraphs laying out your findings, there are few format requirements.

Begin arabic numbering with the first page of the text (normally page 1 or 2).

  • Introduction - The introduction previews the contents of the paper and is distinct enough to be separate from the rest of the paper.  If the substance of the introductory material is not distinct from the following chapters, incorporate it into the first chapter.
  • Parts - If you divide your text into two or more parts containing at least two chapters each, begin each part with a part-title page.  Be sure to use consistent formatting for every part of your paper.  If one part has something, include that in every part.
  • Chapters - Each chapter should begin on a new page.  Label this page with "Chapter" followed by the chapter number at the top of the page.  Include the name of the chapter two lines down, following a blank line.  Leave two lines blank before the text following the title.  
  • Sections and Subsections - Long chapters in a thesis or dissertation may be divided into smaller subsections.  You may signal a change between sections informally by centering three asterisks (* * *) on their own line.  For more formal sections, you may give each section its own title (subheading).  You may have multiple levels of subheadings, designated as first-level, second-level, and so on.  Be consistent with the style of subheading you are using.
  • Notes or Parenthetical Citation - See the section on citation for instructions on footnotes, endnotes, and other citations.
  • Conclusion - The conclusion should sum up your findings or argument.  You may want to make your conclusion the final chapter of your paper.

Back Matter

The back matter may consist of all, some, or none of the following elements.

  • Illustrations - You may choose to have all of your tables, figures, and illustrations at the end of the paper, instead of incorporating them into the text.  Label the first page of the section "Illustrations."
  • Appendixes - This section will include essential supporting material that cannot easily be worked into the text of your paper.  This may include tables or figures that are marginally relevant to your topic or too large to include in the text; schedules and forms used in collecting materials; copies of documents not easily available to the reader; and case studies too long to be included in the text.  Different types of materials should be separated into different appendixes, each with a number or letter and a descriptive title.
  • Glossary - If you needed to include a glossary, and did not put it in the front matter, include it here.
  • Endnotes - If you are using notes-style citations, you may include notes in the back matter.  If you are using author-date citations, you will not have endnotes.
  • Bibliography or Reference List - If you are using notes-style citations, you will include a bibliography.  If you are using author-date style, you will include a reference list.  See the citation sections for guidelines.  Indent the second and following lines of a citation with a hanging indent.  Arrange references alphabetically by author.

Depending on the complexity of your paper, there will be many elements which should each have a title.

Use the same font, type size, and formatting style (bold, italic, etc.) for the titles of like elements.  Generally, titles should appear in bold.

On the title page, center each element and use headline-style capitalization for all, including the title of your paper.  

Titles for front and back matter are generally centered, as are chapter number designations and chapter titles.  

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Turabian 9th edition Style Guide

  • Formatting Your Paper
  • Notes-Bibliography style citations
  • Author-Date citations

sample research paper in turabian format

Turabian 9th edition

Disclaimer :  This guide is designed to provide a brief overview of Turabian 9th edition and does not replace the style handbook.  Please refer to the style handbook for more details on citing sources.   You can also contact Savannah Patterson ([email protected]) or make a research coach appointment.  

The Turabian citation style is a shortened form of Chicago citation style.  Developed by the secretary of the graduate school's dissertation department at the University of Chicago, Kate Turabian, this citation style is used in social sciences, humanities, natural and physical sciences and depending on the class/professor.  

There are two different styles of Turabian that students can follow given their professors' requests (1) notes- bibliography (or notes style) and (2) author-date style. Both styles require in-text citations and formal references in a bibliography or reference, but each style differs regarding the in-text citation.  The notes style require footnotes (indicated by a superscript number after a reference) that are at the bottom of the page or at the end of the text.  The author-date citation style uses parenthetical citations to cite the references in the text.  Make sure to consult your professor if you are not sure which style to use.  

This guide provides brief examples and descriptions of how to cite works in a paper for footnotes, author-date citations, and the bibliography.  Additional information regarding inclusive language is included in the 9th edition handbook which can be found in the library.  

Click the tabs to see examples and descriptions of citations for various types of resources. 

Information on this guide was found from a combination of sources: 

Purdue Online Writing Lab. "General Format."                                                                                         https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/chicago_manual_17th_edition/cmos_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html   Accessed   12/6/2021. 

Turabian, Kate. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations; Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. Edited by   Wayne C. Booth, 

    Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. Fitzgerald. 9th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018. 

Turabian: A Manual for Writers: Chicago Style for Students and Researchers. "Turabian Citation Quick Page." Accessed December 6,             

     2021.  https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/turabian/citation-guide.html    

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Turabian Format and Citation Guide

  • Bob Cardens
  • March 1, 2024
  • How to Guides

Welcome to the Turabian Format and Citation Guide! If you’re a student or researcher navigating the world of academic writing , citing , and referencing , this guide is here to make your life easier. Whether you’re new to Turabian style or just need a refresher, we’ve got you covered.

Turabian offers two main documentation systems: the notes and bibliography style, and the author-date style . The notes and bibliography style is commonly used in the humanities, while the author-date style is more prevalent in the physical, natural, and social sciences. No matter your field of study, Turabian has the guidelines you need.

Based on Kate L. Turabian’s Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, this guide is your go-to resource for formatting your papers, citing sources accurately, and creating comprehensive bibliographies.

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What You'll Learn

General Principles of Turabian Formatting

Turabian formatting is governed by a set of general principles that ensure consistency and uniformity in academic papers. These guidelines cover various aspects of document layout, such as margins , fonts , spacing , and capitalization rules. Adhering to these principles is crucial for presenting academic work professionally and effectively.

When formatting your Turabian paper, ensure that all margins are set to one inch on all sides. This uniform margin size provides a visually balanced appearance and allows for ease of reading and comprehension.

The choice of font in Turabian formatting is highly important. It is recommended to use Times New Roman font with a 12-point size throughout the entire document. This traditional font style and size enhances readability and gives your paper a polished, professional look.

Turabian formatting requires double- spacing for the entire paper except for specific elements where single- spacing is used. These elements include block quotes, footnotes, bibliography entries, reference lists, table titles, and figure captions. Single-spacing these sections helps in clearly distinguishing and organizing information.

4. Indentation

To create a clear visual separation between paragraphs, Turabian recommends indenting the first line of each paragraph by ½ inch. This indentation aids in improving readability and maintaining a consistent structure throughout your document.

5. Headings and Capitalization

Headings in Turabian formatting follow specific capitalization rules. Major headings are usually centered and capitalized, while subheadings are left-aligned and either capitalized or presented in sentence case. Additionally, the titles of works such as books, articles, and research papers should be either capitalized or italicized, depending on their length and importance within the document.

6. Pagination, Title Pages, and Active Voice

Turabian provides further guidelines for pagination, title pages, and the use of active voice in academic writing. Pagination ensures that each page is numbered consecutively, starting from the title page. Title pages include essential information such as the title of the paper, the author’s name, the course name, and the date. Finally, Turabian encourages writers to use the active voice to enhance clarity and engagement in their writing.

By following these general principles of Turabian formatting, you can ensure that your academic paper is properly structured, visually appealing, and adheres to the standard guidelines of the Turabian style.

Turabian Works Cited List

In the Turabian Format and Citation Guide, creating a Works Cited list or bibliography is an essential component of academic writing. The guide offers comprehensive instructions for the two main citation styles : notes and bibliography, and author-date. In the notes and bibliography style, sources are cited in footnotes or endnotes, with corresponding entries in the bibliography. On the other hand, the author-date style involves brief citations within the text, with a comprehensive list of references at the end of the paper.

Let’s take a closer look at each style.

Notes and Bibliography Style

The notes and bibliography style in Turabian is commonly used in the humanities. It requires the use of footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text. Each citation is assigned a corresponding number, which is placed in superscript after the relevant information or statement. At the bottom of the page (footnotes) or at the end of the paper (endnotes), a complete citation is provided for each source. The bibliography, which appears at the end of the paper, contains the full bibliographic details of all the sources cited throughout the text.

Author-Date Style

The author-date style, on the other hand, is more prevalent in the physical, natural, and social sciences. In this style, brief citations are included within the text, indicating the author’s last name and the year of publication. These citations are enclosed in parentheses and typically appear after the relevant information or statement. At the end of the paper, a comprehensive list of references is provided, which includes all the sources cited in the text. The references are organized in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.

Both the notes and bibliography style and the author-date style offer specific guidelines for citing different types of sources, such as books, articles, websites, dissertations/theses, lectures, and government documents. The Turabian Format and Citation Guide provides detailed examples and instructions for each type of source, ensuring accurate and consistent citation practices.

Here is an example of a Works Cited list in the notes and bibliography style:

BookArticleWebsite
García Márquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. HarperCollins, 1970.Smith, John. “The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity.” Environmental Studies Journal, vol. 25, no. 2, 2019, pp. 45-67.www.example.com

Creating a Works Cited list or bibliography using the Turabian Format and Citation Guide ensures that proper credit is given to the original sources and that academic integrity is maintained. It is crucial to consult the guide and follow the specific citation style required by your academic institution or publisher to ensure accuracy and consistency in your citations.

Turabian In-Text Citations

In the field of academic writing , it is essential to provide proper citations to acknowledge the sources of information used. Turabian’s author-date style offers a concise and efficient approach to in-text citations , also known as parenthetical citations .

In the author-date style of Turabian citation , in-text citations serve to indicate the source of the information within the text itself. These citations typically consist of the author’s last name and the year of publication, enclosed in parentheses and placed at the appropriate location within the text.

“In-text citations are an integral part of the author-date system, facilitating the reader’s access to the full bibliographic details in the reference list” (Turabian, 2018).

The primary purpose of in-text citations is to provide enough information for readers to locate the complete bibliographic details in the reference list or bibliography. By including the author’s last name and the publication year, readers can easily identify the source and locate it in the reference list.

While in-text citations offer brief information, Turabian recommends using footnotes or endnotes for additional explanatory or bibliographic information when necessary.

Example of Turabian In-Text Citation

To illustrate the use of Turabian’s author-date style in-text citations:

In his study on the effects of climate change, Smith (2019) argues that “rising temperatures have significant implications for coastal communities” (p. 45).

In this example, the author’s last name (Smith) and the publication year (2019) are enclosed in parentheses and placed within the text. This allows the reader to quickly identify the source and consult the full bibliographic details in the reference list.

Turabian Formatting for Different Sources

The Turabian Format and Citation Guide provides specific guidelines for citing various types of sources. Whether you’re citing books, articles, websites, dissertations/theses, or even lectures and government documents, Turabian offers comprehensive instructions to ensure accurate and consistent citations.

Books citation: When citing a book, the Turabian guide outlines the formatting of the author’s name, title, publication information, and page numbers to provide a complete and correct citation.

Articles citation: For articles from print journals or electronic journals, Turabian provides examples that demonstrate the proper way to cite these sources in academic writing.

Website citation: Citing information from websites can be tricky, but Turabian offers guidance on how to format website citations properly, ensuring that all necessary information is included.

Dissertations/theses citation: Properly acknowledging dissertations or theses is important, and Turabian provides examples of how to format citations for these types of academic works.

Turabian citation examples: To make the citation process easier, the Turabian Format and Citation Guide offers several examples for different types of sources. These examples serve as templates that you can follow when citing your own sources.

By following the guidelines provided by the Turabian Format and Citation Guide, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Properly citing your sources not only acknowledges the intellectual property of others but also enhances the credibility of your own work.

Turabian Format for Tables and Figures

Turabian provides guidelines for incorporating tables and figures into academic papers. These visual aids play a crucial role in presenting data and enhancing the overall understanding of the research. Properly formatting tables and figures is essential for maintaining consistency and readability in scholarly work.

Tables in Turabian papers should be numbered consecutively and have clear, concise captions that describe the content. They should be placed as close as possible to where they are first mentioned in the text to facilitate easy reference. Tables should be designed to present data in a structured and organized manner, ensuring that readers can interpret the information accurately.

When creating tables, consider the Turabian guidelines for table formatting, such as:

  • Using a grid-like structure with visible cell borders to separate rows and columns
  • Adding bold column headers to make the table easier to navigate
  • Providing appropriate labels or units of measurement for each data category

Table 1 below presents an example of a well-formatted table:

CityPopulationGDP (in billions)
New York8,398,7481,682
Los Angeles3,990,4561,000
Chicago2,705,994734

Table 1: Population and GDP of Major US Cities

In addition to tables, Turabian allows the use of figures such as graphs, charts, or images to visually represent data or provide additional context. Figures should also be numbered consecutively and include informative captions. Like tables, figures should be placed close to their first mention in the text.

When incorporating figures into your paper, consider the following guidelines:

  • Ensure that figures are of high quality and clearly convey the intended information
  • Label each component of the figure with appropriate descriptors
  • Provide any necessary explanations or interpretations in the figure caption or in the main text, if needed

To illustrate the use of figures, Figure 1 below presents a line graph:

Tables and figures play a vital role in presenting research findings in a visual and organized manner. When using visual aids , it is important to adhere to the Turabian guidelines to maintain consistency and enhance the overall readability of academic papers.

The Turabian Format and Citation Guide is an indispensable tool for students and researchers in various academic disciplines. This comprehensive guide provides clear and detailed instructions for effectively formatting academic papers, accurately citing sources, and creating well-structured bibliographies. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Turabian guide, writers can ensure that their work is properly formatted and that they acknowledge the original sources they have consulted.

Mastering the Turabian style is crucial for maintaining the quality and credibility of academic writing. Accurate citation and referencing not only demonstrate the writer’s attention to detail but also serve as a testament to their commitment to intellectual integrity. With the Turabian citation guide , writers can avoid plagiarism and uphold the standards of academic honesty.

Moreover, the Turabian Format and Citation Guide offers valuable insights into the art of academic writing. It provides guidance on organizing ideas, constructing arguments, and presenting research effectively. By following the principles outlined in the guide, writers can develop their critical thinking and communication skills, ultimately enhancing their overall research capabilities.

In summary, the Turabian Format and Citation Guide is an indispensable resource for anyone engaged in academic writing. By utilizing this guide, writers can navigate the complexities of citation and formatting, ensuring their work is both professional and credible. Embracing the principles of the Turabian style not only enhances the quality of academic writing but also fosters a culture of intellectual honesty and rigor.

Related Articles

Introduction to Turabian Style | Citations & Formatting

What is the Turabian Format and Citation Guide?

The Turabian Format and Citation Guide is a comprehensive resource that provides guidance on academic writing, citing, and referencing in the Turabian style. It offers instructions for formatting academic papers, citing sources accurately, and creating bibliographies.

What are the general principles of Turabian formatting?

Turabian formatting follows certain general principles, including guidelines for  margins ,  fonts , spacing, and headings. It recommends using one-inch margins on all sides, Times New Roman font with a 12-point size, and indenting paragraphs by ½ inch. The entire paper should be double-spaced, except for specific elements like block quotes and footnotes.

How do I create a Works Cited list in Turabian?

In Turabian, the Works Cited list is also known as the bibliography. The guide provides instructions for creating a comprehensive list of references, including books, articles, websites, dissertations/theses, lectures, and government documents. The Works Cited list should be formatted according to Turabian guidelines.

How do in-text citations work in Turabian?

Turabian uses in-text citations to indicate the source of information. In the author-date style, these citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication, enclosed in parentheses and placed within the text. Turabian also recommends the use of footnotes or endnotes for additional explanatory or bibliographic information.

How do I cite different types of sources in Turabian?

The Turabian Format and Citation Guide provides specific guidelines for citing different types of sources. It offers examples for formatting citations for books, articles, websites, dissertations/theses, lectures, and government documents. These examples help ensure accurate and consistent citation practices.

How should I format tables and figures in Turabian?

Turabian provides specific guidelines for incorporating tables and figures into academic papers. These  visual aids  should be numbered consecutively and include clear captions. They should be placed as close as possible to where they are first mentioned in the text. Turabian also provides instructions for referencing tables and figures within the text and in the Works Cited list or bibliography.

Why is the Turabian Format and Citation Guide important?

The Turabian Format and Citation Guide is important because it provides clear and detailed instructions for formatting academic papers, citing sources accurately, and creating bibliographies. By following the guidelines in the guide, writers can ensure that their work is properly formatted and that they give credit to the original sources they have consulted.

Source Links

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  • https://www.liberty.edu/casas/academic-success-center/writing-style-guides/turabian-guide/

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CITATION QUICK GUIDE

Source citations in the Turabian manual come in two varieties: (1) notes and bibliography (or simply notes) and (2) author-date. These two systems are also sometimes referred to as Chicago-style citations, because they are the same as the ones presented in The Chicago Manual of Style .

If you already know which system to use, follow one of the links above to see sample citations for a variety of common sources. Otherwise, read on.

Notes and Bibliography or Author-Date?

The  notes and bibliography style is popular in the humanities—including literature, history, and the arts. In this system, sources are cited in numbered footnotes or endnotes. Each note corresponds to a raised (superscript) number in the text. Sources are also usually listed in a separate bibliography. This system is very flexible and can easily accommodate a wide variety of sources.

The  author-date style is more common in the physical, natural, and social sciences. In this system, sources are briefly cited in the text, usually in parentheses, by author’s last name and year of publication. Each citation in the text matches up with an entry in a reference list, where full bibliographic information is provided.

Aside from the way they cite sources in the text, the two styles are very similar. To compare them, follow the links at the top of this page, where you’ll find examples of the more common source types cited in each style.

If you’re not sure which style you should use, ask your instructor. You will also find more information here .

For a more detailed description of the styles and many more examples, see chapters 16 and 17 of the 9th edition of the Turabian manual for notes style and chapters 18 and 19 for author-date style.

Turabian Citation Style Guide 9th Edition: A. Basic Journal Article

  • General Guidelines
  • A. One Author
  • B. Two or Three Authors
  • C. More than Three Authors
  • D. Chapter in an Edited Book with Multiple Authors
  • E. Volume with a Specific Title in a Multi-Volume Work
  • F. Organization Author
  • G. No Author
  • I. Reference Book
  • J. Edition other than the First
  • A. Basic Journal Article
  • B. Journal Article from Online Periodical
  • C. Journal Article from Article Database
  • D. Magazine Article
  • E. Magazine Article from Online Magazine
  • F. Newspaper Article
  • G. Newspaper Article from an Online Newspaper
  • A. Basic Web Page
  • B. Web Page No Author
  • C. Blog Entries and Comments
  • A. Motion Picture
  • B. Television and Radio Programs
  • A. Image from Electronic Source
  • B. Published Photograph
  • A. Interviews & Personal Communications
  • B. Lectures
  • C. Pamphlets, Brochures, & Reports
  • D. Scriptural References
  • E. Secondary Sources
  • F. Government Publications

About Citing Articles

For each type of source in this guide, the general form and specific examples will be provided for both the Notes-Bibliography and the Author-Date style options of Turabian.

This information and several of the examples were drawn from A manual for writers of research papers, theses, and dissertations (9th edition). Numbers in parentheses refer to specific pages in the manual.

For further information, please ask your instructor or refer to the Turabian manual.

DOIs (pp. 141; 148; 220)

A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string that is used to identify a certain source (typically journal articles).

Example: doi:10.1080/14622200410001676305

If a DOI is listed on an electronic source it is included in the reference.  When there is a choice between using a DOI or a URL, it is recommended that a DOI be used because they are more stable than most URLs. 

Append the DOI to http://dx.doi.org/ in your citation. In addition, be sure to include that date you accessed the online source according to which style you are using: Bibliography style or Reference List style (p. 141).

For more information on DOIs and how they pertain to journal articles, check out pages 141, 148, and 220 of the Turabian Manual (9th ed.) .

Basic Journal Article

sample research paper in turabian format

      Bibliographic Entry: ​

sample research paper in turabian format

       (Bogren 2011, 156)

sample research paper in turabian format

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  • Sample Paper Sample of a Turabian-style paper provided by the Academic Support Center at MSUB.
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