How To Write An Academic Term Paper
Term papers are essay written by college students on a given topic, usually a research topic, which is the focus of the class for that semester. A term paper normally describes a major research study, usually written by students within an academic discipline, representing a major part of a final grade. Merriam Webster says it’s a “term, a short essay, or a note written at the last moment in response to a term paper.” The word ‘term’ comes from the word ‘term paper’. In the USA, the term ‘term’ is used to describe any of these four topics, but it’s not limited to them.
Essay papers are usually written around a central argument or thesis. For example, you might write an essay paper concerning why Canada has a stronger economy over the USA. In this case your argument could be that Canada has a higher per capita GDP and has a smaller dollar value compared to the USA.
Writing term papers can often be daunting, especially when there’s so much information to take in. To avoid any unnecessary pitfalls, make sure you start with a properly formed and outlined outline. A properly formatted outline will allow you to organize your thoughts and main ideas into easily identifiable sections, making it easier to rework the essay later on. Your outline will also serve as a reference document for later on, when you need to refer back to specific information. Here are some tips to ensure that your outline works best for you:
Include a reference list. Your reference list will allow you to easily find data and other examples needed for your argument. In Canada, the CROSST study guide is a good source for developing a reference list for term papers, as well as a host of other university studies, essays and dissertations.
Choose a topic that you are knowledgeable about and has sufficient background interest for you to develop your argument. It is an important step that should be taken before even starting to write a term paper. If you have not written a paper in the past few years or if you haven’t read many academic books recently, then it is preferable that you choose a general paper topic, or one on a specific topic that you have research-backed ideas for. This way your term paper will prove easier to read and more concise.
Pick a topic based on what you already know. To test yourself on this tip, try to choose a topic from your own life or experiences. By doing so, you can gauge if you have the best command of the topic. It is best to choose something with which you are familiar, as otherwise, you run the risk of having to waste time translating your information into a different form. If you are writing term papers, then make sure it is about something relevant to you. Otherwise, it might turn out to be an assignment more than anything else.
You should now create a general outline of the paper. Write down its purpose, its title and topic. Next, make a comprehensive list of all the topics you will cover in each chapter and the chapter’s main thesis statement. After that, it is time to begin the research and writing. In general terms, term papers are written around a central theme or topic, which is supported by substantial evidence or research statements. A thorough literature review is important when writing term papers, as it will show the accuracy of your research.
You should now edit, proofread, and polish your written research paper until it meets the required standards for acceptance. Writing term papers often takes a great deal of time and effort, so as a student, it is crucial that you do not neglect even the tiniest details. In a large part, this is all done by checking and revising your outline, as a rough draft is not exactly an accurate portrayal of what your research paper will be about. It would not do your term paper any good at all.
