Educ 102: Teaching Profession Professional Education

Guide on How to Write a Term Paper

Introducing a Complete Guide: How to Write a Term Paper
Writing a term paper may be a hard task. We don’t want to sugarcoat it. Creating term
papers and other academic papers can be frustrating. There is a learning curve and you may
not be pleased with your first paper.
In the article below you will find recommendations and detailed tips on how to write a term
paper. In addition, you will find out what term paper format looks like, and an excerpt of a
written term paper sample.

What Is a Term Paper?

A term paper is an academic paper that can take the form of a report or research paper.
Typically it is assigned at school, college, and university at the end of the term. The term
paper has a great value in the final score for the subject.
Every course typically has various requirements for writing a term paper. In the following
guide we offer a standard approach and elements to writing a term paper.

Typical Term Paper Format

Before we get too deep into how to start a term paper and how to find the best topic for it,
here is the typical format of term paper.
Structure matters. All well-written academic papers have a clear structure, as it helps the
reader easily absorb information from the text. Also, a good structure will help you not to
get lost in the variety of information and write a concise paper. Let’s look at the format
below.
Title page. This page usually contains the title, name of the student, course and code,
instructor’s name, and the date.
Abstract (optional). The abstract is a short summary of the main ideas, theoretical
approaches, and findings you are going to highlight in the paper.
Table of contents. This section is needed for easy navigation between the paper sections.
Generally includes headings of every section and page numbers.
Introduction. This is the opening paragraph that tells the reader basic information about
the paper.
Main sections. This part of the paper may consist of several sections, as the topics of term
papers are diverse. The parts should follow each other in a logical framework.
Conclusion. The conclusion is the last part that ties the paper up in a logical ending. Here
the author needs to restate the main findings and indicate the importance of these findings
to the current circumstance.
References. All sources that were used and cited in the paper should be listed in the
reference list in alphabetical order.

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Appendix (optional). The purpose of the appendix is to provide information that would be

distracting in the body of the paper. Typically authors place in the appendix large tables,
questionnaires, images, and other documentation and materials.
Also, you can add a list of figures, tables, or abbreviations if needed. Some term papers have
a lot of information that can’t be placed in the text, so it can be attached after the references.
This example hits all the right paragraphs to create a well-structured term paper. Once
you’ve got the basics down, it’s up to you to determine the best way to write the term paper.

Before Writing a Term Paper

If you want to make something great, you need to prepare greatly. As the term paper is
usually a longer paper than essays, you will need to make a more detailed plan before
writing it.
Carefully read the assignment. To realize what the instructor wants to see from a term
paper, just read the instructions attentively.

 Highlight the keywords. You should have already faced such assignments that begin with:
analyze, comment, compare, describe, discuss, etc.
 Rewrite the requirements. It may happen that you will skip an important point when briefly
skimming over the instructions. Rewrite the assignment directions in your own words and try
to keep the same meaning. You can also print the requirements and place them before your
eyes.
 Point out questions that should be addressed in the paper. On the basis of your assignment
you can make a list of questions that should be addressed in the paper.

Conduct research. The research should be aimed at finding a distinct amount of information

for the chosen topic. During this stage you need to use these skills: active reading, effective
note-taking, and critical thinking.

 Find out and analyze the existing information related to the topic. While reading, always
keep in mind the sole question. Consider the author’s main point and how he or she
supports that point. Decide what sources you can use as a basis for your paper.
 Make notes as you read and mark the most significant information and quotes that you can
use in your paper. Don’t forget to mention where you have found the information.
 Use mind-mapping, charts, diagrams, and clustering to get more ideas about the topic and
gather the main points in one place.

Make an outline. On the basis of the obtained information, you can create a plan. As you
can see in our “Term Paper Format” section, you can give titles to each section of your future
paper. Also, we recommend you to add topic sentences to each section – this will ease the
writing process.
Create a calendar. Divide the paper writing process into several steps and list them in your
calendar. Term papers take more than one night to write, so make sure that you have

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planned enough time for it. You can make a hard copy of the timetable or save it on your
computer.

How to Pick Sources for a Term Paper

Every builder knows that the foundation is the core part of the building. Without a strong
foundation, the building may quickly fall to ruin. The same refers to academic writing.
Without reliable sources and information, you will construct a poor paper.
On the internet and at the library you may find tons of information related to your topic.
How can you pick a reliable source? Imagine that you are Sherlock Holmes and you need to
find the truth hidden in the text. You don’t need superpowers to learn how to do it.
Use your critical thinking skills while looking through each source. Let’s see what you need to
pay attention to:

 Design and layout. Check whether the source looks professional.

 Date. Define whether the information is relevant.
 Author. It should be easy to find the author of the source. Think on what you know about
the authors and their credentials.
 Objectivity. It should be clearly seen that the source was created for an educational or
professional purpose. If you notice that the source tries to sell something, skip it.
 Writing style. If you have noticed grammar mistakes or typos, there is a high probability
that the source is unreliable.
 Amount and quality of information. Look how much information is presented in the
source and whether it contains graphic information, numbers, a reference list, etc. Broken
links and the absence of external links may indicate a poor source.
 Suitability for your topic. Think about whether the source meets the limitations of your
topic.
 Reputation. Check whether the source is non-biased. Use a fact-checking website that uses
only authoritative sources.

Tip: Reading general texts from the journals and articles can help you clarify your thoughts
at the beginning of your research and deciding what point you can consider on your paper.

 Acceptable sources:  Unacceptable sources:

Science and educational sources that are based Wikipedia
on scientific articles and publications (.edu) YouTube
Government statistical data, official research Personal blogs
results, etc. (.gov) Fox News (and other news
Open educational resources (.org) sources)
Scientific books, journals, textbooks, conference Most of the websites with
recordings, etc. a “.com” domain

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Tip: Most search engines use the data from your web browser to sort information according
to your preferences. It is also known as a “filter bubble.” Delete your browser history and
cookies, and tune into the incognito mode to get another list of search results.
When you obtain a certain amount of information, you can create an extended outline. What
does it mean? Take your old outline and add any new points that you have found in the
sources. Think in what section you can incorporate new facts, examples, quotes, or expert
opinions.

Term Paper: Writing the First Draft

There are many approaches to writing a term paper. The key to success is simple: be
prepared before you start. Have a clear purpose, a thesis statement, enough background
information, and a clear plan.
1. Write the abstract.
This first section should focus on what your research is about. But the best decision will be
writing it after all subsequent sections. Mention major findings in your research so even a
person unfamiliar with the topic can read and understand it. Keep it simple and informative.
A good abstract should consist of the following sections:

 Intro. State the issue you are addressing in your paper. Explain why the chosen topic is
important. What practical, scientific, or theoretic purpose does your research have?
 Body. Highlight the major points of the research and what investigating strategy you have
chosen. Describe the nature of the results.
 Conclusion. Explain how the results can be implicated.

To write an abstract, you need to reread your paper and underline the key statements
related to research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. Copy these sentences and
you will receive the first draft of the abstract.
Tip: The abstract should be limited to 120-250 words (depending on assignment
instructions).
What is the difference between the introduction and abstract? An abstract presents the
essence of the paper: it lists the main points of the paper, including results and conclusions.
The introduction provides background information on the topic, gives the proposition (or
thesis statement), and outlines key issues that will be discussed in the paper.
2. Write the introduction.
Strong introductions can make it harder to put the paper down. Think about how you can
“sell” your paper to the reader. What is the main point of your term paper?

 Grab attention. A good introduction starts with an interesting fact, surprising statement,
contradiction, or a statement that points out the importance of the topic.

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 Provide an overview. The introduction should provide a brief description of the issue and
state the goal of the paper. Also, it is important to mention how this specific topic meets a
broader context.
 Write the thesis statement. Tell the reader what you are arguing or what question you are
addressing in your paper. Don’t announce your intentions.

The introduction should contain only general information about the paper. Its aim is to give
an overview of the term paper. Examples, quotations, and excess details are not accepted.
Tip: Don’t be boring or too general. Immediately dive into the essence of the topic and draw
the reader’s attention deeper into the paper.
3. Write the body sections: generating ideas and text.
Once you have received certain research results and notes, take a look at what you’ve found.
Record the outcomes of your research and cut unnecessary materials.
One of the best ways to start writing body sections is drafting topic sentences referring to
the outline. Write complete sentences on its basis and add supporting details.
The number of paragraphs will depend on the topic and assignment instructions. Frequently,
a term paper body section consists of a literature review and the research itself.
Tip: Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence. It should be a very clear
introduction of the paragraph’s main idea.
How can you write a literary review? Present the analysis of the literature you have found
on the topic. You need to present what materials you have found and how you have
connected this information to the context of your research. Summarize the arguments and
theories of various authors you agree with. Also, you need to highlight what points were
absent or not considered in the author’s research.
Here are general recommendations while writing the body sections:

 The text should be well-structured and divided into sections or subsections. Each chapter
should have a title and refer to one particular idea or main point.
 Develop arguments gradually. All your ideas should move from the general to specific.
 A good academic text needs evidence. All quotations, ideas, and data should be referenced
according to the required formatting style.
 Prioritize the following points depending on your assignment instructions and objectives:
analysis of primary and secondary sources, current issues and state of research, and personal
point of view.
 Avoid simple summaries of existing information. Incorporate citations to prove your own
point of view on the topic.
 Don’t rely on the sources only. It is your paper and it should contain your original idea about
the topic. Keep the balance between the source material and your own ideas.
 Avoid writing lengthy body paragraphs. If you want to put a great amount of information
into the paragraph, it would be better to divide it into subsections.

4. Write the conclusion.

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When you finish writing the main part of the term paper, it’s time to summarize what
information you have received and discuss the further implication of your research. Consider
the following points in your conclusion:

 Refresh the points that you have already highlighted in the body paragraph and restate the
thesis statement.

Note: Don’t present any new information in this paragraph.

 Describe the final results of your research.

 Explain the implication for future studies.

How can I evaluate my research results?

What meaning does my research have?
Does my topic intersect other topics or areas?

 Write the concluding sentence.

For example: “Forgiveness therapy is a new approach in psychology and has much need for
testing, but it is an important practice in the treatment of many psychological disorders.”

Revising and Polishing the First Draft

If you have succeeded in writing your first draft and have some time left, it’s time to
proofread your text. Don’t neglect the possibility of reading the term paper once more.
Many professors perceive misspellings, as well as punctuation and grammar errors as a
personal insult. These mistakes may draw more attention than your original ideas and
significant results. So, how can you make your text look better?
First, you need to read your first draft and think about how you can make your paper cleaner
or more convincing. Look at the ideas that don’t fit the context and remove or modify them.
Then, look at what points need more detailed support. And finally, add transitional phrases
or words to connect ideas.
Second, when the content is logical and well-structured, it’s time to check for errors. Correct
all grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.
Last, check whether your paper has the right format and layout. Make sure that pages are
numbered correctly. Images, tables, diagrams, and other visual materials also should be
numbered and titled appropriately.

Mistakes to Avoid
 Using unreliable sources. This means that all sources you have based your work on should be
professional. Use newsprint, magazines, statistical data, and publications.

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 Plagiarism. Whenever you are reusing someone’s ideas or incorporating expressions from
other sources as your own thoughts, this is considered plagiarism. Pay attention to correct
citation style and document outside sources.
 Not supporting your statements. Always back up your point of view with references or your
own findings.
 Using nested sentences, repetitions, and passive voice. The text should be objective, clear,
and correct.
 Choosing a topic too broad. As a result, it will be hard to meet the word limit and highlight
the topic in the right way. Also, you will face the problem of having excessive amounts of
information on the topic. A good term paper requires a narrow topic.
 Failing to proofread the paper. Even editing the text once may not be enough. Don’t rely on
the computer’s spell check. Ask a friend or someone else to read your paper.

How to Find Excellent Term Paper Topics

Paper instructions that you receive from a teacher typically provide a list of topics to choose
from. Luckily, sometimes students are given the freedom of choice.
First, you can start with a fairly broad idea of the area you want to research, such as “body
image.” As you can see, the topic is too general and if you start googling about this topic
over the internet you will get a great amount of information. You can narrow it down
considering other areas:

 Advertising  in terms of illustrations, advertising trends

 Policy  in terms of government regulation
 Health  in terms of impact on health, eating habits
 Social issues  in terms of cultural values, shopping behavior
 Children  in terms of eating habits, mental disorders, behavior
 
Narrowing down the topic will make your research more manageable. You can add more
limitations to your research:

 Consider historic trends or analyze the current state of

 Time
affairs
 Discipline  Conducting research within a particular discipline
 Country  Choose a particular country, a region, or make it worldwide
 Gender  Consider all genders, or only males or females
 Choose particular age groups (e.g. toddlers, children,
 Age
adolescents, adults) or in general
 Type of  Only recent journal publications or overview of all existing
material relevant sources
Sometimes it’s difficult to pick a topic on your own, as there are so many interesting topics
to write about! We are happy to propose you a list of interesting term paper topics that you
can reuse for your own paper.

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Economics

 Analyze the influence of the shadow economy on the productivity of a country (your choice)
from a macroeconomic perspective.
 What is the meaning of inflation/deflation/hyperinflation? Explain the causes and
consequences. Support your claims with evidence.
 Define the meaning of middle class. What is the economic meaning of the middle class?

Legal Issues

 Discuss the approaches to providing censorship in social media and over the internet.
 Compare government regulation for physical desecration of national symbols in various
countries.
 Discuss the meaning of mental disorder defense. What are the peculiarities?

Bioethics

 Is it the right idea to hide the truth from a dying patient in palliative care?
 Find out the reasons, consequences, and legal regulations of organ donation.
 Is it ethically right to test new drugs on dying patients?

Education

 Should parents determine what the school should learn?

 Should the discipline in the school be more strict?
 Discuss streamlining in the context of the educational system of a particular country.

Term Paper Sample

In the text below you can see a portion of a term paper written by our author. It should help
you understand the theoretical approaches that we have written above. Also check the
comments below.
Title: The Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle Through Social Media
Abstract
This paper discusses the growing popularity of healthy lifestyles in social media. It looks into
the methods of health promotion through evolving technologies. The research was built on
questionnaires and existing information on the issue. The paper presents a plan for actions
aimed to keep the topics about health popular over social media. (…)
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Overview of Social Media
3. Plan of Action
4. Conclusion
5. References

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Introduction
Social networks are some of the most popular websites over the internet. Social media use
has been increasing in health promotion because it removes geographic and physical
barriers. However, social media still has the potential to increase the influence of healthy
lifestyles. (…)
Overview of Social Media
According to articles published in NBC Statistics, the most popular social media sites
estimate more than a billion visits every day. The statistics show that more than 77 percent
of people in the US have a social media profile. The majority of Americans use Facebook and
Youtube on a daily basis.(…)
One of the researches has measured the change in knowledge, attitudes, behavior, eating
habits, weight, energy and fat intake, self-efficacy, and sharing in social media (Hoshi, 2017).
The amount of information, even in small doses, has an influence on promotion of healthy
habits.
Welch et al. (2016) studied the effectiveness of health promotion campaigns in social media
as Facebook, Twitter, and video sharing like YouTube. The research has shown the increased
effectiveness of social media interventions in improving healthy habits among youth and
older adults. (…)
Plan of Action
Social media campaigns should relate to the specific topic and plan ahead. To construct an
effective campaign, we should collect the relevant information, pictures, videos, and texts.
Facebook activities. This social media platform has a wide list of events that can be used for
promotion.

 Wellness events
 Health volunteers
 Sharing healthy recipes
 Tips for improving health habits
 Healthy competitions and challenges (…)

Conclusion
A healthy lifestyle is one of the main things that every person should apply in everyday life.
To help the person make the right choice, government and organizations should spread the
information about tools and advice to promote a healthy lifestyle. (…)
References
Hoshi, T. (2017). SES, Dietary and Lifestyle Habits, Three Health-Related Dimensions, and
Healthy Survival Days. International Perspectives on Aging the Structure of Healthy Life
Determinants, 121-141.

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Smith, A., & Anderson, M. (2018, September 19). Social Media Use 2018: Demographics and
Statistics. Pew Research Center. Retrieved from
http://www.pewinternet.org/2018/03/01/social-media-use-in-2018/
Welch, V., Petkovic, J., Pardo, J. P., Rader, T., & Tugwell, P. (2016). Interactive social media
interventions to promote health equity: An overview of reviews. Health Promotion and
Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada: Research, Policy and Practice, 36(4), 63–75.
We know how writing a term paper can be a struggle. A lack of time, missed deadlines, a
sudden flu, tons of homework, and other troubles may spoil even the most accurate writing
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Reference Link: https://essayshark.com/blog/a-quick-start-guide-on-how-to-write-a-term-paper/

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