How To Write A Term Paper In 6 Steps

As you see, the term paper is like a typical research paper, so its structure falls into three basic parts – Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Each of them includes some essential elements. Let’s look into them in more detail.

1. Step 1: Do research on the topic

   Researching is your ultimate recipe for success. It is an axiom that you cannot produce a brilliant paper without research on it. Many students suffer from writing paper procrastination or feel anxious because they do not have an idea of how to start their assignments. It seems overwhelming and unmanageable. But take a deep breath and just start from research. As soon as you know what to write about, it is easier to master the task. 
   
   While writing a term paper, it is essential to delve into the topic by observing relevant materials from authoritative sources such as professional journals, books, scientific studies, research articles, etc. You can find them in the university library, online libraries, on the websites of research institutions, Google Scholar, etc. The sooner you start researching your topic, the smoother workflow you can expect.

2. Step 2: Start with the outline

   
   Term paper outline is the groundwork of your assignment. In fact, you never know when the outline will occur to you. But it is nearly senseless to write a paper without a draft. The previous step is meant to help you understand what you should write and how it should look like. So, it is a great practice to write an outline while doing research on a topic. However, even if your muse does not want to come when you need it most, you can check some term paper outline templates such as this one. 
   
   Anyway, the easiest way to produce a good outline is brainstorming. Do not focus on writing the right outline from the first try. After finishing your research, pay attention to the structure recommended by your instructor and note down all insights and ideas that occur to you. When the topical flight is over, just select those that suit you the most.
   

3. Step 3: Write the eye-catching introduction

   The first writing step is actually the hardest. To overcome this barrier, do not try to make your introduction perfect. Of course, it should be eye-catching and informative, so there is no need to underestimate its importance. But in fact, the introduction (like any other part of your assignment) can be redesigned and rethought. Many students prefer to put it off till the body is finished. However, reflecting on the key pillars of your term paper introduction will not hurt. It will give you a reference point, so when your assignment is completed you will just need to refine it.
   
   In the introduction, you should present the fundamentals of your paper or those aspects your reader needs to know before looking into the body. The best technique for writing a term paper introduction is HIT. It refers to the following:
   
   Hook: start with a quote or question to catch (hook) your reader’s attention;
   Introduction into the topic: present the core aspects, be concise;
   Thesis statement: introduce the main idea of your paper in one sentence.

4. Step 4: Keep the structure clear

   The body of your term paper should be well-structured to correspond to the objectives and the subject of your research. It usually includes the literature review, methodology, and explanation of the results. Each next part should support the previous one, i.e. the text should be consistent. 
   
   Paragraph after paragraph, you need to elaborate on your theme by discussing the previous studies, covering the way you have investigated the topic and collected the data. Note that the results chapter should sum up the key findings and contain their interpretations. Anyway, every term paper is individual, so do not hesitate to ask for advice.
   

5. Step 5: Finish with the powerful conclusion

   In the concluding part, you need to provide the summary of your results rather than their interpretation and suggest recommendations for future investigations. The term paper conclusion should not give additional interpretations or new information. Do not take this part as the blind side of your assignment. So, try to keep it clear and finish with strength. 
   
   The best way of doing this is the ROCC method: 
   
   Restate the thesis statement of your term paper;
   “One important detail” should be included in the last paragraph;
   Conclude – sum up the key findings;
   Clincher – give a reader some insights to reflect on.

6. Step 6: Revise the paper

   The worst mistake you can make while writing a term paper is giving up on editing and proofreading. There are several levels of proofreading. Thus, you need to check spelling, grammar, punctuation, stylistic, and logical mistakes. It can be difficult to identify all of them at once. So, get ready to look through your assignment several times. 
   
   Plus, an unbiased view can help you to refine your term paper. Do not hesitate to ask a friend or peer for assistance. The other alternative is editing and proofreading services. And you can also use this cheat sheet for more effective revision: