From the contest rule book (page 19): All categories, except historical paper, must include a process paper with the entry. It must describe in 500 or fewer words how you conducted your research and created your entry. The process paper must include four sections that explain: How did you choose your topic and how does it relate to the annual theme? How did you conduct your research? How did you create your project? What is your historical argument? In what ways is your topic significant in history? Tip: Consider separating your process paper into five paragraphs. Each paragraph should focus on one of the five sections required of the process paper that is outlined in the contest rule book. Process Paper Tips - Handout Process Paper example Click Here See other process paper examples on the NHD website! Questions to Ask Yourself When Writing Your Process Paper How Did You Choose Your Topic and How Does it Relate to the Annual Theme? Articulate to the judges how your historical topic peaked your interest and why your project topic meant more to you than any other topic choice. Did you chose your topic based on the time period? A yearning to learn more about a subject touched upon in class? A life-long fascination with the topic? One of the most critical parts of your NHD project is expressing why it is the best example of the annual theme. Use your process paper to tell the judges in a concise, impactful way. How Did You Conduct Your Research? Don’t be afraid to show-off the most impressive aspects of your research process from interviews with prominent historians, exchanges with historical figures, and findings in archives. How Did You Create Your Project? Why is the category you chose the best means of displaying your research? what mediums did you use to create it? And In your project what are you arguing for? What Is Your Historical Argument? Think about the historical topic that you chose and what your arguments are for it. You can use your thesis as a reference. In What Ways is Your Topic Significant in History? Think about your topic's long lasting impact in history and the opportunities that were created as a result of the historical event.
