Writing a Term Paper

1. CHOOSE THE TOPIC
   1. Pick a topic that interests both you and your readers.
      1. Avoid topics that are too obscure, technical, recent or general.
      2. Pick a topic that will add to your own knowledge.
   2. Narrow the topic to a manageable size (Not "Drugs" but "How can we win the drug war?")
2. DECIDE ON THE PURPOSE OF YOUR PAPER
   1. The purpose is the central theme or intent of your research. B. Try to persuade the reader instead of merely reciting facts. Arguments are more interesting to read than statistics.
3. DO THE RESEARCH. TAKE ACCURATE NOTES AND CITE SOURCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF DOCUMENTATION
   1. Use a variety of sources to find information. Books, magazines, newspapers, and pamphlets are available for your use in the library.
   2. Be meticulous about your note cards. You may decide to use quotes from them, so be sure to include author, title, and page numbers on your cards.
   3. Write down complete information on each source you will use in your Bibliography.
4. PREPARE A WORKING OUTLINE
5. WRITE A ROUGH DRAFT BASED ON YOUR THESIS (PURPOSE), OUTLINE AND NOTES
   1. Introduction should be brief and to the point.
      1. Capture the reader's interest.
      2. Present ideas.
      3. State your thesis.
   2. Main body of the paper should accomplish your stated purpose.
      1. Develop ideas.
      2. Use evidence and/or quotes to support your arguments.
   3. Conclusion should reaffirm your thesis.
      1. Summarize the main points.
      2. Draw logical conclusions.
6. PREPARE THE FINAL PAPER
   1. Proofread carefully for correct spelling, punctuation and grammar.
   2. Check organization and smoothness of style.

HELPFUL HINTS

• A term paper is usually eight to 10 typewritten pages long.
• Do not exceed the maximum length by more than a few hundred words. All pages should be numbered except the title page.
• Use double spacing.
• Margins should be one inch wide all around – top, bottom, and both sides.
• For correct bibliographical citations, see the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition (LB 2369 .G53 2009) or A Writer’s Reference, 7th edition (PE 1408 .H2778 2011).

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