How to Write a Term Paper: Ins and Outs of the Process

Just the mere idea of writing a term paper can scare off the most diligent students. This type of assignment is really very complicated and requires meticulous preparation. However, with a clear plan, it becomes manageable and even enjoyable. 

In this article, you can find an in-depth overview of how to write a term paper, as well as expert advice on how to create a good term paper outline, where to look for citations and references, how to come up with vivid examples, and more.

Purpose & Scope of a Term Paper 

A term paper is a well-researched writing piece that students generally need to deliver at the end of a term. The main idea behind this type of academic work is to demonstrate how well learners manage to comprehend the subject matter covered in a particular course. 

When handling such a task, students are expected to delve into a specific topic in detail, conduct scrutinous research, analyze the data, and present the findings and personal ideas in a standardized term paper format. Professors want their pupils to think critically, work with complicated term paper topics, and later introduce such complex notions in an easy-to-grasp manner. 

No wonder, to meet high academic writing standards, students have to be very hard-working and constantly develop their skills. It doesn’t refer solely to using correct grammar and syntax structures. In fact, this kind of assignment implies working with manifold sources, collecting and sieving information through, and making logical assessments. The most difficult part for many is to convert scholastic ideas into clear and easy-to-comprehend notions. 

If you are preparing to write a term paper and need useful tips, keep reading to find out how to write a term paper effectively.

Make Sure You Understand the Assignment 

Every task you get from your teachers has specific recommendations and requirements to stick to. Therefore, take your time to read them attentively. It is better to do that several times with a break to ensure you don’t miss something important. It is typical of humans to flick through a set of rules, omitting something small but important. Usually, the most important factors are:

• Topic – fixed or flexible
• Minimum and maximum word count
• Must-include structure elements
• Obligatory citations 
• Deadline

When you know what awaits you, it is possible to meet expectations and avoid serious mistakes. Besides, it is recommended to highlight the core words in the list of requirements like “analyze”, “elaborate”, “provide examples”, etc. Thus, you will see what a professor is looking for.

It happens that students aren’t 100% sure about their task, but feel sky to ask professors for clarification. This is a very bad approach to work that may bring regrets in the long run. Any time you are uncertain about something in your research paper, reach out to your mentor. Frankly speaking, such behavior signals that you are genially interested in your term paper and want to complete it successfully.

If you are going to contact a lecturer, write down your questions so as not to forget something, send them via email, or ask verbally during office hours. You may also discuss them with groupmates, as peers often have similar doubts or can provide offbeat ideas and tips.

Come Up with a Catchy Topic 

A topic for your term paper can either make or break your entire efforts. So, it is crucial to choose something that immediately evokes interest while fully reflecting your scope of analysis. However, sometimes, students have to use an approved topic without fluctuations. Fortunately, more and more universities allow for flexibility when it comes to this matter.

If you can choose a topic yourself or slightly adjust the suggested one, you are really lucky. To select something interesting and relevant, remember questions and issues discussed during classes. They can serve as prompts. Besides, take advantage of brainstorming techniques:

• Draw mind maps
• Compile lists
• Resort to free writing 
• Try SCAMPER

Other methods to choose a great topic are to look through current trends in the field of study, consider the latest research endeavors and debates, as well as read term paper examples to get inspired. 

Once you have potential options, you need to narrow them down to a specific research question. By adhering to a broad topic, you may get easily confused during the writing process. It is better to end up with a focused query. Thus, your research will be easier and you’ll be able to maintain coherence between different sections. To do so, you should:

• Determine key aspects > break down an all-encompassing topic into smaller pieces
• Gauge the scope > ensure there is sufficient data to work with
• Formulate a research question > single out the question you will answer in your term paper

Our essay writing help service has created a table for you to discern what we mean

Devote Time to Profound Research 

Gathering information is an indispensable part of the writing process if you aspire to create a good term paper. However, today there are so many different sources with data, that it is tough to locate reliable ones, especially if you aren’t a seasoned writer. For a smooth start, we highly recommend considering the following materials:

• Academic journals. Usually, such records contain original and reviewed articles on multiple term paper topics. You can begin with your university’s library database to find the particular date faster. Besides, consider subject-specific publications. They are usually available online.
• Books. When you know your topic, it is a great idea to read books related to it. One of the free sources available to anybody is libraries. However, they may lack groundbreaking texts. So, if you can afford it, head to local bookstores and purchase the latest book editions.
• Websites monitored by experts. The Internet has become the go-to resort for information for many learners. It offers details on virtually any subject but its credibility leaves much to be desired. So, our sincere advice is to opt for sites that have extensions live .edu or .gov.After gathering suitable sources, assess their reliability and relevance:
  1. Check out the author’s qualifications and expertise in your academic area.
  2. Pay attention to the publication date. Steer clear of outdated ideas.
  3. Consider the publisher’s reputation. Be extra mindful about self-publishing non-approved sources.
  4. Read the information several times to ensure it is unbiased. Prioritize publications with a proper balance between the author’s thoughts and evidence-based facts.

  Ensure each and every source makes a good contribution to the subject in focus.

Develop a Strong Thesis Statement

In simple words, a thesis statement is a brief summary of your research paper. It is the central argument you’ll dwell upon in your paper, supporting and developing it in different paragraphs. You need to include a thesis statement at the end of an introduction. This way, you will hit two targets with one shot – present the thesis to readers and raise interest in them. 

A thesis statement should be precise, thought-provoking, and even arguable to some extent. If you don’t seek term paper writing help, but handle the task on your own, these recommendations will come in handy:

• Keep to the point. Don’t ramble on vague or broad statements. Focus on a specific aspect of your topic.
• Clarify your viewpoint. Include a clear and understandable argument in a thesis. Make sure it is disputable.
• Mention your key points concisely. Bring up the core points that bear out your thesis statement.  

Have a look at the table below to see the difference between a good and bad thesis. 

Work on the Outline 

A term paper outline is like a roadmap for your research, analysis, and actually, every idea you’ll present in the text. By developing a logical and coherent outline, you will be able to arrange your thoughts in a structured manner. Therefore, it will be easier for readers to grasp your arguments and supporting evidence. The general mission of an outline is to break down your large writing piece into smaller related parts. By sticking to the term paper outline described below, it will be easier for you to cover the chosen topic.

1. The introduction should contain a hook sentence that spikes interest in readers. Besides, there should be succinct background information, revealing the topic. Another important element of an introduction is a thesis statement.
2. Body paragraphs make up the biggest part of a term paper. The number of such sections depends on the number of topic sentences (arguments) you are going to elaborate on. Generally, professional writers recommend including 3 main points. This is sufficient to present the data, without tiring the audience. When building your body paragraphs, start term paper writing helpwith a topic sentence > evidence > analysis > transition to the next part.
3. Conclusion serves to repeat the discussed information in a shorter form. Usually, the conclusion and introduction paragraphs are similar in size. In the conclusion, you need to rephrase the thesis statement, list and summarize the key points, and call to action if applicable. 

If you want to understand this structure better, check out term paper examples on our website.  There you can also find many other handy tips, e.g., how to write a research proposal or how long an essay should be. 

Write the First Draft

Now that you are aware of a proper paper outline, it’s high time to get down to writing. We know that this assignment can seem nerve-wracking, but it is actually a rewarding experience. Just don’t stress about doing everything perfectly. Forget about possible mistakes and irregularities. At this stage, you need to concentrate on content instead. 

Stick to the chosen structure. Write an introduction. Pay special attention to the thesis statement. Next, proceed with the body paragraphs, including arguments and evidence that support your thesis. Focus on the conclusion, summing up the key points. 

Remember that foolproof evidence is an indispensable part of any term paper structure. However, there are no stringent requirements for how it should be manifested. For instance, you can be in the form of citations, statistics, diagrams, etc. Just make sure your content is plagiarism-free yet authoritative.

Revise & Edit Your Term Paper

There is hardly a writer capable of creating a perfect term paper on the first try, let alone students just mastering the craft. So, it is paramount to spend time revising your material and making needed corrections. The process may be time-consuming but it is totally worth your effort. Use simple tips along the way:

• Read your research paper aloud to detect any awkward or unclear ideas.
• Check whether all sections have smooth transitions and flow naturally.
• Review your thesis and arguments. They must be well-grounded and clearly articulated.
• Refine tone and style for consistency across the overall paper outline. 
• Get rid of repetitive information and redundant sentences.

Proofreading is the final stage of the editing routine. It encompasses such steps as:

1. Grammar and syntax scanning – look for any errors in the terms paper and correct them.
2. Spelling fixing – do that manually or use purpose-built automatic tools.
3. Punctuation overview to ensure effortless readability.
4. Formatting (more on this in the next section).

Maintain a Standardized Term Paper Format

There may be fluctuations between educational establishments, but the common term paper format is as follows:

• Title/cover page (title, author’s name, institution, course, professor’s name, submission date)
• Table of contents (sections, subsections, and their numbers for quick navigation)
• Abstract (100-250 words)
• Introduction
• Literature review 
• Methodology
• Body
• Conclusion 
• References/ Bibliography
• Appendices (additional charts, questions, etc.)

Once again, this format is widely acceptable, but you need to discuss it separately with your teacher.

An important aspect to keep in mind is the citation style. Make use of the table below for reference.

Scrutinize Your Research Paper and Correct if Necessary

You probably feel exhilarated when your research paper is ready for submission but don’t hurry to hand it in. It is paramount to check it for alignment with all assignment requirements. 

1. Start with the format, assessing the citation style, font, sizes, margins, and spacing.
2. Determine whether your paper has the required number of words and page length.
3. Verify there is an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. 
4. Check whether you have properly listed all the sources.
5. Double-check the submission guide, covering the accepted file format, platform, and other details.

Devote time to reading the paper from the very beginning to the end. This approach also works with any other type of assignment be it a term paper proposal, essay, and anything in between. 

• Are your ideas fully understandable? 
• Have you corrected all the mistakes?
• Is everything OK with the outline?
• Have you vividly described all the steps of analysis?
• Does your evidence sound reliable?

Sometimes, it is difficult to notice any weak points simply because it is your work. To be 100% sure your paper is informative, interesting, and error-free, you can ask a friend or a relative to read it. A third party will look at your text with fresh ideas and evaluate it objectively. 

We hope this in-depth guide prepared by our term paper writing service will help you write a term paper you’ll be proud of. If you still need expert assistance with editing, formatting, proofreading, or even writing from scratch, don’t hesitate to leave us a message.