Writing a term paper

The page was written by Jennifer Mitchell of the SUNY Potsdam Writing Center. It was designed for students taking the online Chem321 course, but it contains useful advice for all.

Your Term Paper

We call it a “term paper” for two reasons: first, it is submitted near the end of the term, or semester. Second, we expect you to work on it throughout the term and thereby to learn more and, ultimately, to produce a better paper. A “term paper” is also a “research paper,” in which you gather the words of experts in order to present a well-informed discussion of a question about a topic.

Why is this an important form of learning?

Your teacher wants to see that you learn a lot about your research question and that you can understand what you learn well enough to communicate that information clearly to a general reader. You should also show your understanding of relevant course material. Just as important, the information you present must be high quality, from reliable sources.

See http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Rhetoric_and_Composition/Researching.

So you’ll learn a lot about your topic; you’ll learn how to research using reliable sources; and you’ll learn something about composing a long essay which presents information on a complex issue.

What’s easy about writing a term paper?

• Choose a topic of interest and gather information from informed voices.
• You have lots of time to research and to write it.
• Help is available in both researching and writing.
• Your teacher has shown you how to structure your paper: see assignment, paragraph two.

And what’s hardest?

• This project is not a “one-shot deal,” but an everyday project for the term.
• You will have to rewrite in order to make good choices.
• You will have to revise your thesis and introduction as you go.
• You will have to organize many, many kinds of information into one clear discussion.
• You will have to understand the information well enough to communicate it.
• Remember the “newcomer’s” view and revise to be absolutely clear for a reader who has not shared your research process. Think of your college teacher reader as a stand-in for general readers.

What will my final product look like?

Provide an introduction that conveys the importance of your topic. Your intro should provide an accurate preview of what your paper will say – so revise as needed! Use subheadings to set off your sections and to guide your reader. Give credit for ALL words, ideas, and information taken from your sources. Also provide a complete bibliography at the end of your paper.

How should I get started?

Gather your sources and keep track of important information you gain from each source. Write informally in a notebook and have conversations with others to help you process what you are learning. Be clear about why this issue matters! Follow your teacher’s instructions closely (see assignment).

How can the College Writing Center help?

We can provide individual feedback in person or through Blackboard. We can help you at any stage of your writing process. Please email us or call during our open hours to discuss our services further: see www.potsdam.edu/cwc. Also see our Mini-Lessons, which give you some great tips and links to helpful websites.

See also

• College writing mini-lessons