Writing papers for schoolwork can be challenging and time-consuming. In this article, you'll learn the format for writing a successful term paper and tips on what every teacher is looking for. Deadline is coming soon--let's get started!
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Part 1 of 3: Compiling the Paper
Step 1. Check the assignment sheet and instructions
The paper you make must meet the requirements given by the teacher. So, make sure the topic you plan is suitable for the task. After that, make sure you write the right paper with the right research material. Do not let you work hard to make a paper that turns out to be wrong.
If you're given a hint, you'll know exactly what it takes to get good grades. Think of it as a paper checklist
Step 2. Do your research and analysis
Begin the process by researching the topic you have chosen. Take notes as you find points of interest and explore what interests you.
- The research you find will be used as the source of the paper, so make sure it is valid and can be shown to the teacher.
- Use the internet, books, and various academic databases to find solid primary and secondary sources.
- If you pick a topic that isn't quite as big as you thought it would be, there's still time. Choose another topic that is likely to be easy enough for you to write about.
Step 3. Find a thesis idea
This paper is entirely about you. As you do your research, what questions do you come up with? What patterns are you aware of? What are your own reactions and observations? Dive deep within yourself to find the thesis--the thread that holds all the pieces together..
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A good thesis will briefly express the main idea of the paper in a sentence or two. A good thesis should also:
- Touch all the points in the paper
- Explain the significance of the argument
- Logically correct
- Appears at the end of the opening paragraph.
- Here's an example: "In this story, the pardoner demonstrates his hypocrisy by admitting that he followed his greed, committed the same sin for which he was condemned, and tried to sell his forgiveness after the story."
Step 4. Do additional research to support your claim
In most of the cases, a single study will not be enough to write a good paper. You will have to do specific research to find sources that support the claims you want to make. Move from general research on the topic to specific research to find information that supports your idea.
- Choose the source that best supports your idea.
- Check that your source is trusted by making sure it's unbiased, finding out the author's credentials, and verifying that the publisher is trustworthy.
- Books, academic journals, and online databases are some great resources.
Step 5. Outline
Outlines organize your thoughts and outline your bullet points. Don't worry about citing examples now, just plan how you want the paper to flow. This will save you a lot of time in the long run.
- Write down what points come from where. Finding information a second time can be like finding a needle in a haystack.
- Organize your outline to include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Get the reader's attention and state your thesis in the opening section, support your thoughts on the body section, and wrap things up at the end.
Part 2 of 3: Writing Your Paper
Step 1. Develop your opening section
Think of the paper as a sandwich--the opening is the first slice of bread. In the first paragraph, the reader's attention should be drawn and your thesis formed.
- Introduce the topic you will cover. Start with a relevant quote, an interesting question, or by mentioning an opposing argument.
- Make sure your thesis statement is clearly stated and ushered in the paper. Readers should have a pretty good idea by the end of the first paragraph about what they are going to read next.
Step 2. Compose the body of the paper
This is the "meat" part of the sandwich: the part where the real argument and flavor of your paper lies. This should be three paragraphs long, all addressing different but related points.
- Make sure each point is logically correct and adds support to your thesis. The topic sentence (usually the first sentence, but not always) should clearly state what the point is. Be sure to attack him from all sides--in the following sentences, have you provided clear evidence from a number of points of view? Support your statement with multiple sources.
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Use the same format for each paragraph. This main section should focus on each point separately, giving you time to argue in favor of it. How does it relate to your thesis? Did you miss something?
- Three standard paragraphs for a traditional 5 paragraph paper. If your paper is longer, support your points as needed.
- If not all of your points are strong, put your weakest points in the middle.
Step 3. End with a strong conclusion
This is the "bottom bun," the last paragraph in the paper. All you have to do in this paragraph is bring the paper to a close, restate what you said in the opening sentence, and leave the reader feeling satisfied.
End with a memorable thought, quote, or call to action. Or, if your paper is appropriate, allude to the consequences of the thesis if it is not discussed. What should readers think or want to do when they finish reading your paper?
Part 3 of 3: Following the General Rules
Step 1. Know what teachers are looking for
The teacher may have said it in class on 5 different occasions, but if something is still unclear, ask.
- Does the teacher want the paper to be in MLA or APA format?
- Are teachers very strict about using a third-person point of view?
- What are the teacher's requirements regarding page numbers and boundaries?
- How many resources did the teacher ask for? Are there any sources that are not worth using?
Step 2. Check for grammar and content errors
You have been with this paper for so long that it may be difficult to see it in all its glory. Take a break, come back, and read it twice.
It's a good idea to have someone check it for you. Your writing may be clear to you but may be difficult for others to understand. What's more, ask them to check punctuation and grammar too--you've probably read it so many times that you've stopped paying attention
Step 3. Use transitions
An easy way to make your paper flow is to include transitions even within bullet points. Show logical relationships between your ideas.
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Transitions make it clear that one paragraph flows into another. What's more, the topic sentence should move to the proof smoothly.
There are dozens of transitions to choose from, but this is a short list: initially, for comparison, equal to, paired with, in addition, in context, with the same idea, etc
Step 4. Write in the current third person
Although once in a while a certain teacher will tell you it's okay not to do this, most papers should be written in third person at this point. This means, never use the word "I."
- Use the current form no matter which time period you're referring to. The paper presents current relevant points. Rather than, "Ralph and Piggy used to fight for order and democracy," it should be, "Ralph and Piggy fight for order and democracy."
- If you feel you can add emphasis to an argument by using an "I" statement, ask the teacher if it's okay to do that. Most likely.
Step 5. Do not summarize or plagiarize
The first will result in failure, and the second will also result in failure. Whatever you do, avoid both.
- The summary paper is not your own work. Teachers are looking for something that comes from you--an idea that other readers won't find. Therefore, you cannot (within reasonable limits) go wrong. Stand up for your opinion and use it to create your own unique thesis.
- If you plagiarize, the teacher will know. Everyone writes differently and your paper will be interrupted by a change in style. If you're thinking of plagiarizing entirely, know that all teachers have access to sources that identify this as well as being able to recognize that it's not your style of writing.
Tips
- Turn your paper into a useful paper. Let the reader know what you are discussing and why you are making that argument. Write as explicit and clear as possible.
- Keep papers interesting! Papers written by interested authors will keep readers interested as well. Your interest will show through your words.
Warning
- If there's a chance the teacher won't accept your topic, change the topic or ask questions first before you waste days writing and preparing.
- Talk to the teacher if you have questions or concerns about your topic. If you don't fully understand the topic, the paper can be very difficult to write.
