I thanked my lucky stars for the English
instructor I had my freshman year of college every time I had to
write a term paper! My instructor taught us how to plan and write
a term paper using a formula that he guaranteed would yield an 'A'
grade every time (at least for him). My children both did receive
great grades using this formula for writing their own term papers
as well. Of course grammar and punctuation are important to ensure
the highest grade possible. If your paper is based on a novel, it
helps to have actually read the book, too!
It's important to plan out your term
paper before you ever begin writing. This article will guide you
step-by-step through the process that has served my kids
and me very well each time a term paper had to be written.
- Choose your topic/thesis statement
of your term paper. Obviously before you begin to write the term
paper you need to decide what the topic will be! The statement
of the topic is the first sentence of the paper and the most important.
Everything else hinges on this statement, so think about it carefully,
and choose wisely as you prepare to write your term paper.
- Decide on the supporting statements
of your term paper. Supporting statements in the term paper are
the information you'll use to back up or prove your topic/thesis
statement. Typically, there should be at least supporting statements
in your term paper. The topic statement and three supporting statements
make up the first paragraph of the term paper.
- Write a paragraph for the first
supporting statement of your term paper. Now that you have your
first paragraph completed, begin working on the body of the term
paper. The second paragraph of your term paper will begin with
the first supporting statement in your first paragraph. This supporting
statement needs to be proven or demonstrated throughout your term
paper. As with your topic statement, at least three sentences
should be included in this first supporting paragraph of the term
paper. The last sentence should be a transitional statement, leading
into your next paragraph. This could even be a rewording of the
next statement.
- Write a paragraph for the second
and third supporting statement of your term paper. Repeat the
process for the succeeding paragraphs of your term paper.
- Write the concluding paragraph
of your term paper. The final paragraph of your term paper will
be the conclusion. The first sentence of the concluding paragraph
may be a restatement of the topic statement. The next three sentences
will relate to the supporting statements used earlier in the term
paper. The final sentence will tie up any loose ends, offer another
point of view, or simply state that you've proven your supporting
statement.
Sample of Introductory paragraph
of a term paper:
[Term paper topic statement]Virginia is an ideal state to live in
for those who enjoy any type of outdoor activity, year round. [Term
paper supporting statement 1] During the summer, Virginia's many
beaches and rivers offer opportunities for swimming, boating and
fishing. [Term paper supporting statement 2] The mountains in western
Virginia have adequate snowfall each year to support a robust skiing
season. [Term paper supporting statement 3] Virginia's vast array
of Civil War battlefields and historic homes and buildings make
for a perfect spring or fall outing that the entire family can enjoy
together.
Using the formula outlined in this article may not win you an
'A' on your own term paper, but it will certainly make the process
of writing the term paper less painful!- Mary Moss
Here is a link to a software package that
creates essays for you. I haven't tried it, but it does have
a money-back guarantee. Do consider writing one for yourself, though;
It's more satisfying.
