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Term Paper – Master Your Fear of Writing

Just be honest and tell me, how many words? And how much time have you got to do it? If you’re about to embark on writing a term paper, I have excellent news for you – this is a crash course! I’m about to introduce you to the fine art of writing term papers for any topic. We will look at an airtight outline example, some life hacks, and the usual formatting tips. Let’s dive right in!

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What Is a Term Paper? Definition and Guidelines

If you’ve only just started university and have already been slammed by this frightful word, welcome to this new level of study! University is not only about cramming from tons of books: It should also, ideally, foster critical thinking, teach you how to argue your points effectively, and help you develop research skills. And you will need all three of these to write a stellar term paper!

But hang on a sec, what is a term paper? A term paper is a longer type of research-based homework on a particular topic. Term papers range from 15 to 25 pages because any less is considered lazy and any more is too much for any professor to read (trust me, I teach at a university).

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Structuring Your Term Paper Outline (+ Sample Term Paper Outline PDF)

Before you begin writing, it’s advisable to have an idea about where exactly your writing is going. The best way to achieve this is to write an outline, or (as we sleep-deprived academics like to call it) an abstract. An abstract is a short description of your paper/article/project that outlines your main research questions and the theoretical framework you will be working with.

I generally suggest that people start with a very simple pyramid structure when writing an abstract:

Example: Contemporary drama boasts the power to transform the audience through careful selection and crafty delivery of impactful images. By creating faux-reality, drama sometimes appeals to the affective side of the audience in order to provide commentary on a number of social and psychological issues. Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing capitalises on its affect-inducing potential, tackling the issue of suicidal depression.

Example: This paper aims to explore how the play creates a more realistic setting by deviating from the audience’s expectations, thus blurring the line between drama and real life. It may be argued that simulated reality, exemplified through a number of exaggerations, impacts the affective component in the audience’s attitude formation and that its neglect of the cognitive reinforces the transformative power of Every Brilliant Thing .

Example: This paper will then take a final look at how the structure of the play simulates depression in order to sensitise the audience and to which extent it attains its goal of conveying the message of the universality and repercussions of the disease.

Writing an outline is a good way to organise your thoughts, figure out what kind of books you need, and anticipate your results.

In the abovementioned examples, the books you’d need would have to do with theatre, psychological influences, and simulation of reality.

This process applies to any subject. The outline can be more detailed, but it needn’t go over 300 words. A word of advice: if you cannot summarise the key points of your topic in 300 words, you should do some more brainstorming until you reach the specific goal.

Research can be easy!

When you know your basics, you’ll do additional research much faster. With our study sets created by certified teachers, you’ll ace your studies and remember the important stuff. Any research you do after will be easy because you’ve already covered the bases!

Term Paper Format – The Safety Net

Each term paper should follow a relatively familiar structure and way of arguing your points. Let’s start with the basics:

Term Paper Structure Example

To give you a more precise example of a structured term paper, here’s a more detailed structure of the above-described example on theatre:

term paper - studysmarter magazine

Still Unsure about How to Write a Term Paper?

Excellent, I love good questions! The truth is, writing a term paper is a labour of love (it is hard labour, especially if you’re carrying all the books!), so I will give you some tips on how to make it an enjoyable experience.

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Don’t Forget about Term Paper Editing!

And there goes the last-minute churning of text and hitting send before passing out for the next two days. Writing a term paper at university should not be left for the last minute. If you’re a chronic procrastinator, it’s time to learn to organise your time and devote enough of it to your assignments.

When you’re done with writing, you should leave your paper alone for a few days – sleep on it, as they say. You can treat this distance like any good study break – it’ll help you clear your mind, prevent resentment towards the subject, and allow you to see it through new eyes. Before submitting, re-read your text carefully and edit the writing. Weed out spelling and grammatical errors and prune unnecessary examples or repetitive statements. A good way to do this is to change the font or even font size in your writing software – this engages your perception and makes spotting mistakes easier.

Editing is also the time to consider how your arguments are holding together and whether you need to add or replace some text and/or rearrange your points. It’s an extremely important part of the writing process, but you shouldn’t overdo it either. Perfectionism can get you into the editing spiral that usually leads to messing up parts that were initially good. A few re-reads are fine, but anything more and you might as well start to rewrite the whole thing.

The last question to consider is whether you are happy with your result. Remember, this is a term paper and you’re still learning, so nobody expects it to be perfect, but you should be satisfied with what you’ve accomplished.

The Key Takeaways of Writing a Term Paper

Writing a term paper is a longer commitment than a simple essay. To ensure your success, start well ahead of time or you might find yourself rushed and stressed .

Source: Danica Stojanovic, ‘Theatrical (Hyper)Reality: The Effects of Breaking Formal Boundaries in Every Brilliant Thing ’, Over The Horizon, London, 2020, pp. 81‑100.

def of term paper

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What is a term paper?

How do you write a term paper, how do you write a term paper outline, how long should a term paper be, how do you prepare a term paper, how do you write a conclusion for a term paper, how do you write a term paper introduction.

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How to Write a Term Paper

def of term paper

Term papers, usually referred to as research or academic papers, are a type of assignment that causes many students struggles. Writing an A+ term paper takes much more than a couple of hours spent on research and several lines on a paper. Usually, there are occasions when you're not exactly sure where to begin. Therefore, we included the most crucial elements and standards for term papers, and their writing process in a broader context, to help you avoid feeling helpless and underprepared.

Before we dive deep into the term paper format, let's first define what it is and look into the objectives of writing term papers with our research paper service.

What Is a Term Paper

A term paper is a research paper required at the end of a school semester. It tracks and evaluates students' knowledge about the course. Usually, a scientific report or a discussion of an assigned topic, a term paper, requires a lot of research and technical writing expertise. Therefore, this academic writing assignment must be well-written, analytical, organized, and well-researched, reflecting your knowledge of a certain course.

Watch our video guide to get more information about this type of research paper, then get back to reading. Our next step in writing a term paper is choosing a topic.

Term Paper Topics

Instructors usually provide topics related to your course. However, sometimes you are free to choose your own topic. Try surfing the web, reading articles, news, magazines, and blogs to get ideas for your term paper. Make sure that the chosen topic will fulfill the objectives of your course and will interest you. If a certain topic interests you, researching and writing about it will be easier and more fun.

The following should be considered when choosing a topic:

Additional Tips:

term paper topic

Eliminate overused topics

Avoid being swayed by concepts that are very trendy and overused. Mainstream subjects do not pique the interest of readers or teachers. Even if it was not your intention, you can find yourself creating identical material if you chose this topic.

Select a Doable Topic

Select a subject that you can convincingly discuss in the allotted time. Sometimes our passion leads us to choose a term paper topic that is challenging to handle with the resources at hand. To make it manageable, you need to scale down a topic that is both intriguing and motivating to you.

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How to Start a Term Paper

Before starting, make sure to follow the instructions that were given to you. Clarifications should be made with your instructor before doing any research or writing work. Don't wait until the last minute before you start writing a research paper. If you want quality work and a high grade, plan and make time every day for writing your assignment. Allot time for proofreading your work before handing it to your professor.

A good way to start is by creating a compelling and creative title. Your title page is the first impression of your work, so make sure that it will capture your reader's attention.

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Term Paper Outline

The outline should be produced before and while researching and writing a term paper because it will serve as the basis around which you will build your work. There are a lot of templates to choose from, but most of the time your instructor will require you to follow a certain essay format. The main parts should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

def of term paper

The structure should be organized and well-researched. Technical writing skills should be crucial in organizing your ideas. The following is a general term paper format or layout that you should follow in presenting your argument or topic:

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How to Write a Term Paper Proposal

Before researching and writing, you should know what a term paper proposal is. Basically, you should be able to defend your topic to your instructor through this proposal. This proposal must be handed in and approved before writing the actual term paper.

Include recent studies or research on your topic. Don't forget to insert proper referencing. State the relevance of your topic to your course effectively by submitting a short article with a clear explanation. Provide your objectives and organize the flow of your ideas.

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If your professor didn’t provide a proposal template or sample, you can follow this format:

There are many examples of term paper proposals available online, including formats and templates. You can follow these formats, but make sure that you maintain your proposal’s organization and do not forget to highlight your main points and objectives. Take a look compare and contrast essay example .

Term Paper Format

For the format, first consider the length and the citation style you will use. When you have researched a certain topic, you are required to use a specific citation style. If you neglect to reference properly, you might be accused of plagiarism. Also, a term paper is an academic writing assignment, therefore APA or MLA citation styles are commonly used.

Term Paper Example

Click on the button to open our term paper example.

The timeline of events from 1776 to 1861, that, in the end, prompted the American Civil War, describes and relates to a number of subjects modern historians acknowledge as the origins and causes of the Civil War. In fact, pre-Civil War events had both long-term and short-term influences on the War—such as the election of Abraham Lincoln as the American president in 1860 that led to the Fall of Fort Sumter in April of the same year. In that period, contentions that surrounded states’ rights progressively exploded in Congress—since they were the initial events that formed after independence. Congress focused on resolving significant issues that affected the states, which led to further issues. In that order, the US’s history from 1776 to 1861 provides a rich history, as politicians brought forth dissimilarities, dissections, and tensions between the Southern US & the people of slave states, and the Northern states that were loyal to the Union. The events that unfolded from the period of 1776 to 1861 involved a series of issues because they promoted the great sectional crisis that led to political divisions and the build-up to the Civil War that made the North and the South seem like distinctive and timeless regions that predated the crisis itself.

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Origin of term paper

Words nearby term paper, words related to term paper, how to use term paper in a sentence.

He turned that down — “I immediately thought back to college and writing term paper s at the very last minute,” Redick recalled — but when Wojnarowski asked him to try a podcast, he gave it a go.

But on Thursday Boxer triggered a Golden State political earthquake, announcing that she would not seek a fifth term in 2016.

Term limits could be a prescription to speed change along.

Back when Sam went upstate, job searches required nothing more than a typewriter, some paper, and the classifieds.

Wrapees was the term marines used for the Japanese because they had wrapping round their legs.

This was later repurposed in Europe as an explanation for racial superiority, and the term “Aryan” came to define a white race.

Even as they gazed they saw its roof caught up, and whirled off as if it had been a scroll of paper.

So he bore down on the solemn declaration that she stood face to face with a prison term for perjury.

A small book, bound in full purple calf, lay half hidden in a nest of fine tissue paper on the dressing-table.

Bits of paper blew aimlessly about, wafted by a little, feverish breeze, which rose in spasms and died away.

All changes are to be Rang either by walking them (as the term is) or else Whole-pulls, or Half-pulls.

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Term Paper Definition

Other word forms of term paper, term paper sentence examples.

With so many college classes requiring Internet research and term paper writing, many new college students find it helpful to have a personal computer while away at school.

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One of the most controversial types of freelance academic writing jobs is writing for a term paper mill.

How can you tell if a company is a term paper mill?

If the company doesn't ask about your specific academic qualifications and has a website that talks about busy students needing to take shortcuts in their work, that's a good indication the business is a term paper mill.

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Essentials of How to Write a Term Paper

Writing a term paper worthy of a high grade requires much more than a few research hours and some words on a paper. Time, planning, above-average writing skill, these are just a few of the things needed to create a noteworthy paper. If you are unfamiliar with the difference between a great term paper and one that is just ‘okay’, consider Googling the search phrase “example of a term paper for college” and reviewing the search results to gain a better insight into what professors are looking for in final submissions.

Simple Steps of How to Write a Term Paper

There will come a time in your studies when you will be asked to write a term paper. Keep in mind that you could be asked about custom term paper writing in just about any course, and that these types of academic papers are not solely reserved for English or literature studies.

Before we delve further into how to start a term paper, let’s first explore the basic processes involved in writing a term paper.

The Term Paper Process

Read also: A safe way to order term paper from trusted service.

Understanding What is a Term Paper

According to Wikipedia, a term paper definition is ‘ any type of research-intensive paper authored by students over the course of an academic term. This paper typically accounts for a large part of their final course grade.”  Simply put, a term paper is a major writing assignment, in an academic setting, that is used to showcase a student’s understanding of course material or a specific topic.

Read also: Ask expert writers to “ do my term paper for me”.

What is Standard Term Paper Format

The way you format your term paper will depend largely on the course being studied. For example, the way one formats a term paper in an economics course will differ from the way one would format a term paper in social studies or legal course.

For example purposes, here is an overview of how someone studying sciences at a university level might choose to format their term paper

Create a page, separate from the rest of the paper, which includes the title of the paper, your name, the course name, the name of the instructor and the date.

Acknowledgement

1.A Topic: State your topic or describe your subject

1.B Rationale: Explain why you chose to research this topic

1.C Additional Information: Add any other relevant introductory information

Table of Contents

Purpose or Statement (AKA Abstract)

Present the questions that your paper will answer, and a brief overview of the paper itself.

Literature Review

Explain your research methodologies and any procedures that were used for implementing them. Offer as much detail as reasonable, while staying within the required word limits.

Make your conclusions or closing statements. Determine whether or not your hypothesis was true or false.

Recommendations

Offer your views and suggestions for future research on the chosen topic.

Reference list

List all of your sources used in research and in the text. Remember to list in alphabetical order, and following the required citation format.

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How to Make a Term Paper Outline

The outline of a term paper is used as a roadmap to guide the direction of the writing process as a whole. This is where you will organize all of the points that you wish to bring up in your paper. Outlines are typically done for the benefit of the writer, to help them stay on track. That being said, there may be times when a professor asks you to submit your outline prior to starting your term paper, and it is wise to start it not with a term paper introduction, but with an outline.

Keeping the above paper example in mind, most term papers will follow the same basic outline.

Read also: How to write a research report ?

Look Through Helpful Term Paper Examples

As mentioned previously, one of the best ways to learn how to write a term paper worthy of a passing grade comes from researching and reviewing previously written term papers that received high marks. Several colleges and universities make submissions from their top students available online. Here are a few examples:

Term Paper Topics You Might Use

In many cases, the topic you are required to write about will be chosen by the professor. However, there will be times when you are asked to choose your own research topic. The most important thing to remember is to keep it relevant to your course study, wherever possible, pick a topic that interests you – or something that you genuinely want to know more about – this will increase the chances that you will remain engaged and eager to write a solid paper with lots of substance. If you have any concerns about term paper, you can always order a sample of your paper:

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COMMENTS

  1. Term paper Definition & Meaning

    The meaning of TERM PAPER is a major written assignment in a school or college course representative of a student's achievement during a term.

  2. Term paper

    A term paper is a research paper written by students over an academic term, accounting for a large part of a grade. Merriam-Webster defines it as "a major

  3. Term paper definition and meaning

    A term paper is an important essay or report which a student writes on a subject that he or she has studied during a term at a school, college, or university.

  4. Term Paper: Definition, Outline and Examples

    But hang on a sec, what is a term paper? A term paper is a longer type of research-based homework on a particular topic. Term papers range from 15 to 25 pages

  5. Term Paper: Full Guide with Structure, Outline & Examples

    A term paper is a research paper required at the end of a school semester. It tracks and evaluates students' knowledge about the course. Usually

  6. TERM PAPER

    The so-called paper classes didn't require students to go to class; rather, students were required to submit only one term paper to receive a

  7. Term paper Definition & Meaning

    Term paper definition, a long essay, report, or the like, written by a student as an assignment over the course of a term or semester. See more.

  8. Term Paper Definition & Meaning

    Term Paper definition: A lengthy piece of written work required of a student on a topic drawn from the subject matter of a course of study.

  9. Term paper

    term paper. n. A lengthy piece of written work required of a student on a topic drawn from the subject matter of a course of study.

  10. Essentials of How to Write a Term Paper

    According to Wikipedia, a term paper definition is 'any type of research-intensive paper authored by students over the course of an academic term. This paper