A document or paper written by hand, especially before printing or publication, is called a what?

Introduction / Context:
In literature, publishing, and history, the term for a document written by hand is very important. Before the invention of the printing press and modern printers, books and important documents were copied by hand. Even today, authors often refer to their draft works as manuscripts before they are edited and printed. This question asks learners to select the correct word for a paper or document written by hand, especially before publication.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The description in the question is "a document or paper written by hand, especially before printing or publication".
- Options include thesis, handicraft, manuscript, handiwork, and blueprint.
- We assume standard dictionary meanings and common usage in academic and historical contexts.

Concept / Approach:
The word "manuscript" comes from Latin roots meaning "written by hand". Historically, it referred to any handwritten document, especially books and religious texts. In modern times, authors and researchers still use the term for drafts of books or articles even when typed on computers. A "thesis" is a long essay or dissertation, not necessarily handwritten. "Handicraft" and "handiwork" refer to handmade objects, usually like embroidery or furniture, not written documents. A "blueprint" is a reproduction of a technical drawing. The approach is to match the description of handwritten or pre publication written work with the term "manuscript".

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on key phrases like "written by hand" and "before printing or publication". Step 2: Examine option C, "Manuscript". This word is widely used for handwritten documents and early versions of books and papers. Step 3: Option A, "Thesis", refers to an extended piece of writing, often submitted for a degree. It can be typed and is not defined by being handwritten. Step 4: Option B, "Handicraft", concerns handmade goods such as textiles or decorative objects, not written pages. Step 5: Option D, "Handiwork", is similar to handicraft, emphasising work done by hand but usually referring to physical objects, not documents. Step 6: Option E, "Blueprint", is a reproduction of technical drawings or plans, commonly used in engineering and architecture. Step 7: Therefore, the correct term for a paper written by hand before printing is "Manuscript".

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, recall the way writers speak about their work: "I have submitted my manuscript to the publisher" or "The ancient manuscript was found in a monastery". In both cases, the word refers to the original written version of a text. History and literature texts refer to "medieval manuscripts" and "illuminated manuscripts" when talking about handwritten books. None of the other options are used in this way. This confirms that "manuscript" is the correct answer to the question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Thesis: This is a formal piece of writing that can be in any format and is defined by its purpose rather than the way it is produced.
Handicraft: Refers to craft items such as embroidery or pottery, not written works.
Handiwork: Similar to handicraft, often referring to physical work or products of skill, not to writing.
Blueprint: A reproduction of technical plans, created by special printing processes, not handwriting.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse "manuscript" with "thesis" because both involve substantial writing. However, the defining feature in this question is that the document is written by hand and often predates printing. Another mistake is to focus on the word "hand" in "handicraft" or "handiwork" and assume they refer to handwritten documents. Remember that in publishing and literary contexts, "manuscript" is the standard term for original or handwritten texts.

Final Answer:
A document or paper written by hand, especially before printing or publication, is called a manuscript.