THE TERM PAPER
GETTING STARTED
STEP #1
KNOW THE
ASSIGNMENT
-Read the assigned material
-Talk to the instructor
Things you must know:
-Topic
-Format (APA, MLA, CMS, etc.)
-Length
-Timetable (for outlines, drafts, etc.)
-Due date
-Grading criteria
-Acceptable sources
STEP #2
CHOOSE A TOPIC
(if one was not assigned)
Hopefully your topic:
-Applies to the class subject,
-interests you,
-is familiar to you, or
-is one you want to learn about.
Test your topic with preliminary
research.
-Is there adequate information available?
-Are there a number of credible sources
available?
-Is it too complex?
-Is it based on solid research rather than
opinion or whimsy?
STEP #3
WRITE A THESIS
A thesis is the main idea that controls your paper.
It is a clear statement of your position on your
topic.
It is not a statement of fact, a how-to, or a
definition. It is an idea, opinion, or theory that
you will defend and try to convince your reader to
agree with.
If you have trouble forming a clear thesis, try free writing.
Let yourself go. A strong thesis often emerges in the midst
of random paragraphs. Do some preliminary research and
then write down anything and everything that you can think
of on the subject.
Clustering, listing, and brainstorming are other techniques
that may help you to find a thesis.
Example thesis:
“Fly fishing is the most artistic style of sport
fishing.”
NOT:
“Fly fishing is a popular outdoor sport in America.”
(This is only a statement)
“Fly fishermen try to fool a fish into biting a feather
wrapped around a hook.” (This is only a definition)
“To be successful at fly fishing, you must do three
things: find the fish, get the fish to bite your hook,
and land the fish.” (This is a how-to)
STEP #4
DEVELOP AN OUTLINE
An outline is a skeletonized version of your paper
that lists the main topics and supporting points.
It can be written in complete sentences or bullet
statements, depending on your assignment and
style.
Example outline:
I. Artistic limits of other styles of fishing
A. Lure fishing
B. Bait fishing
II. The art of tying flies
A. 500 year tradition of standard flies
B. Creating new and exotic flies
III. The art of fly casting
A. Visual grace of movement
B. Creativity to match conditions
Conclusion: From creating a tiny fly with colorful
feathers and yarn to gracefully casting it onto the
water, fly fishing is unsurpassed as an aesthetic
medium in the fishing world.
STEP #5
GATHER MATERIAL
Find books, articles, and other resources to support
your thesis.
Create the bibliography or works cited.
STEP #6
WRITE AND EDIT
You now have a sound thesis, so you know exactly
what it is that you are writing about.
You have an outline, so you have an organized logic
to develop into topic sentences that control your
paragraphs.
You also have a works cited and corresponding notes
to draw from for support, so the hardest work is
done.
Congratulations! You have a great start on your term
paper.
THE END