Basics of a Term Paper

Compiled by: Md. Nurullah Patwary

Assistant Professsor in Englsih
3.4.2020

[Reference: Superior papers.com. Accessed 3rd April 2020.

Link: https://www.superiorpapers.com/term_paper_outline.php

A. What is a Term Paper?

A term paper is a type of research-based writing assignment that a student has to
submit to his or her teacher at the end of an academic term. Typically, a student
tries to discuss elaborately on a topic assigned to him or her. The topic could be an
event description, a case study, a concept, or an argument. It is mandatory that the
paper has to be unique – plagiarism is not allowed.
An average term paper is about several pages in length. There is no fixed length,
and often the corresponding teacher has the authority to impose structure and
length for writing.
However, the commonly accepted length of such paper is about 5,000 words. With
the single line spacing, single column, 12pt font, and 1inch margined general term
paper format; it should be about 15 pages.

B. Differences between Term Paper and Research Paper

Students often confused between these two different types of papers.
The first difference between them is the time frame – a term paper has to be
submitted by the end of the semester or a term while a research paper may need
months even years to complete.
Even the task was given out in a different timeline. Generally, the teacher asks the
students to work on their research paper at the beginning of the academic semester.
A term paper, on the other hand, is tasked somewhere in the middle of the
semester.
Another major difference between them is the purpose. The purpose of a research
paper is to find a viable solution to a problem while a term paper is the reflection
of knowledge of student on a particular topic – in common cases, a description.
Moreover, a research paper is a sort of investigative work that has a hypothesis, to
begin with, and by the end, it either supports the hypothesis or rejects it with
feasible data. A term paper is much simpler in nature and tries to support an
existing thesis paper in most cases. That’s why a research paper has a significantly
longer length.

C. The Basics of Term Paper Format: What are the Parts of a Term Paper?
A term paper has a fixed format, but it differs from course to course. For example,
a Computer Science course will have a different format of writing when compared
to an Architecture course. You must ask your teacher about how to outline a paper
– he or she can guide you the best.
Just check out the most common format that could help you outlining a term paper.

Content What to include?

A separate page with paper title, student’s name, course

Title Page
title, teacher’s name, and submission date.

Include your inspiration for the subject and other relevant

Acknowledgment
introduction.

Abstract A brief overview or summary of the paper.

Mention and briefly discuss previous related research

Literature Review works and studies that helped you in constructing your
approach and methodology.

A detail description explaining your research methods and

Methodology
experimental approaches (if any) step by step

Conclude your findings from your research and show

Results
measurable results (i.e., figures and mathematical analysis)
Future
Suggest ideas that one can work on in the future
Recommendations

Enlist all your resource materials in a particular order, i.e.,

Reference List
alphabetical

D. 7 Golden Points to Write a Term Paper?

There are a few simple ideas you can follow in crafting up a brilliant piece of
writing. Here are some effective ideas for you.
1. Be prepared for LONG research hours
Research is a must for writing a term paper. Some students make a mistake by
starting to write right away. This is a rookie mistake. Although it seems that there
is no progress as not a single word is being written, research would make your
writing phase much faster and fluent. Moreover, you could come up with a better
approach and idea if you thoroughly research topic first. Think of it as the
investment for writing the paper.
2. Create an outline first
Creating an outline prior to writing gives you a sense of control. You can how
much time it would take to complete the whole piece and which part would take
more time. At the same time, you would render a smoother reading experience, and
everything would be in some kind of chronological order.
3. Come up with a compelling introduction
"Dawn shows the day!" If you have an impelling introduction, the reader will get
more interested in reading through and eventually favor you and your grades. If
you lose the grip in the introduction, no matter how good your content is, your
reader will give it average feedback.

4. Avoid fluff words

Fluff words are attention killers. Especially, when you are writing formal academic
writing, the reader would seek constructive information all along the writing. You
don't need to unnecessarily blabber about anything as long as you are talking about
something relevant.
5. Conclude with the ROCC method
The conclusion is just as much important as the introduction. A great way of
writing an impactful conclusion is following the ROCC method. ROCC stands for
Restating your standpoint, having One vital and strong gist, Concluding tone, and
leaving a Clincher for a reader to think about.
6. Select a citation style
Proper formatting or following a citation style is a must while writing a research
paper or a term paper. Following the MLA or the APA format is a wise decision.
However, make sure you are sticking to either MLA or APA, a mix between these
two looks really shabby.
7. Make sure to proofread
Finally, you must proofread, edit and revise your writing to make it error free and
structured.