A term paper utilizes original research to form the author’s analysis and interpretation. It can be a little overwhelming for students to get such an assignment for the first time! That is why I created a step-by-step guide to writing a term paper that walks you through the process and tells you how to write a quality term paper without making mistakes.
Content List
1#) Understand the purpose of the term paper
A successful term paper evaluation means completing the specific tasks assigned to you. This entails a correct and complete understanding of the topic, which you can achieve by following these steps:
- Read the topic carefully, looking for confusing things that you need to clarify with your instructor.
- Determine the term paper objectives, deadline, text length specifications, formatting, and defense method.
- Make a bulleted list of key points, then go back and cross out the finished elements as you write.
2#) Select a term paper topic
There are many ways to choose a topic for your term paper, whether you prefer old-fashioned brainstorming by writing notes, or discussing with another student or teacher to find out which topic is easier. You can try to find it for free on the Internet, but if these topics include plagiarism, the teacher will not like it.
If you have a main subject area, narrow it down to a topic that:
- Is interesting to you.
- Is original.
- Meets your instructor’s criteria.
Remember, the idea must be specific and original. A paper that matches the chronology of World War II will not be specific or original enough. However, a paper on the experiences of Danish citizens living near the German border during World War II is specific and also quite original. If you have chosen the topic, but don’t know how to write a term paper on it, you should get help from acclaimed services like WriteMyEssayOnline, which reputability can be checked in a truthful writemyessayonline review. This way will help you deal with your writing.
3#) Conduct preliminary research
Pay attention to any material that seems relevant to the topic, and try to find an issue that you can focus your work on. Use several types of sources, including magazines, books, and trusted websites, to make sure you don’t miss any important information. You will be able to test the ideas you have and also find contradicting sources to avoid confirmation bias.
- Is there something that people seem to be overlooking in the sources you research?
- Are there any ardent controversies surrounding the issue?
- Do you have a unique perspective on your topic?
- Have there been any recent developments based on existing research?
At this point, it may be helpful for you to formulate some research questions. To write research questions, try to complete the following sentence: “I want to know how/what/why …”
In addition, this step will help you find any flaws that exist in your argument. If you find one, at this stage, you can adjust your argument or topic. At this point, most students are not doing much research, so the professors immediately lower their grades.
4#) Develop a thesis statement
A thesis statement presents the central argument – it establishes the meaning of the term paper. If you started with a research question, your thesis statement should answer it. It should also show what evidence and arguments you will use to support this answer.
The thesis statement should be short, contentious, and consistent. This means that it should summarize your argument in a sentence or two, make a claim that requires additional evidence or analysis, and make a coherent statement regarding each part of the paper.
You will likely revise and refine your thesis statement as you do more research, but it can serve as a guide for the entire writing process. Each paragraph should aim to support and develop this central claim.
5#) Create a term paper outline
A term paper and its work plan serve as an effective guide to use during the writing process. Basically, this is a list of key topics, arguments, and evidence you will include, broken down into sections with headings so that the paper has a plan before you start writing.
A term paper outline can help make the writing process much more efficient, so it’s worth investing time in creating it.
6#) Paragraph structure
Paragraphs are the main building blocks of a term paper. Each paragraph should focus on one claim or idea that helps establish a general argument or purpose for the term paper.
7#) Write the first draft of your term paper
Your first draft is not the only one, as you will polish it later. The main goals at this stage are:
- Turning your ideas into real arguments.
- Adding details to these arguments.
- Getting an idea of what the final paper will look like.
8#) The revision process of the term paper
The purpose of the revision and proofreading process is to ensure that you have completed all the necessary tasks and that the paper is written as clearly as possible. What you should do:
- Confirm that your term paper is performing all the tasks specified by your instructor.
- Check each paragraph and the introduction and thesis statement.
- Correct all mistakes.
Now you know how to write a term paper properly. While writing, follow this guide in order to create a great term paper. Good luck!