Term Paper
Truong Van Anh
HUFLIT

INTRODUCTION
Credits: 3
Course book: Dorothy E. Zemach, Daniel Broudy and Chris
Valvona (2011). Writing Research papers – From Essay to
Research Paper. Macmillan Education.
Units: 8
Assessment:
Attendance: 10%
Attitude: 10%
Tests: 30%
Writing a term paper : 50%

REFERENCES
1. Blaxter L., Hughes C. & Tight M. (2010). How to Research.
Open University Press, England.
2. Elaine P. Maimon, Janice H. Peritz, Kathleen Blake Yancey.
(2012). A writer's resource : A handbook for writing and
research 4th ed. - Boston. : McGraw-Hill
3. James D. Lester, James D. Lester, Jr. (2015). Writing research
Papers. Global Edition, Austin Peay State University. Pearson.
4. Links:
• https://www.help-on-how-to-write-a-term-paper.com/index.html
• https://www.superiorpapers.com/term_paper_outline.php
• https://www.ucc.vt.edu/studysk/termpapr.html

UNITS
Unit 1: Choosing the topic
Unit 2: Thesis Statement
Unit 3: Research for information
Unit 4: Preparing outline
Unit 5: Writing Introduction
Unit 6: Writing the Body
Unit 7: Writing the Conclusion
Unit 8: References

 
 
 
 
 
 
100%

Writing

Grammar &
Vocabulary

 
20%
 

Writing

Presentation

10%

Writing

Introduction

15%

Writing

Body

30%

Final marks

What is a Term Paper?
By definition, a term paper is a type of research-based writing
assignment that a student has to submit to his or her teacher at the
end of an academic term. Typically, a student tries to discuss
elaborately on a topic that was assigned to him or her. The topic
could be an event description, a case study, a concept, or an
argument. It is mandatory that the paper has to be unique –
plagiarism is not allowed.
There is no fixed length, and often the corresponding teacher has
the authority to impose structure and length for writing. In such a
case, a student must adhere to the teacher's instructions.
The commonly accepted length of such paper is about 2,000 words.
With the single line spacing, single column, 12pt font, and 1inch
margined general term paper format; it should be about 8 pages.

Differences between Term Paper and Research Paper
The first difference between them is the time frame – a term
paper has to be submitted by the end of the semester or a
term while a research paper may need months even years to
complete.
Even the task was given out in a different timeline. Generally,
the teacher asks the students to work on their research
paper at the beginning of the academic semester. A term
paper, on the other hand, is tasked somewhere in the middle
of the semester.

Another major difference between them is the purpose. The
purpose of a research paper is to find a viable solution to a
problem while a term paper is the reflection of knowledge of
student on a particular topic – in common cases, a
description.
Moreover, a research paper has a hypothesis, to begin with,
by the end, it either supports the hypothesis or rejects it
with feasible data. A term paper is much simpler in nature
and tries to support an existing thesis paper in most cases.
That's why a research paper has a significantly longer length.
Despite a research paper being more crucial, it doesn't affect
a student's final grade while a term paper strongly controls

Every term paper, regardless of the subject, has the following sections:
Introduction or purpose of the paper. This opening part suggests acquainting
the reader with the problem and stating the thesis.
Body: It is usually divided into various headings and sub-headings connected
with different aspects of the topic. For example:
Heading 1: History of the Problem. You may include past attempts at
solutions.
Heading 2: Extent of the Problem. Who is affected? What impact has it
had?
Heading 3: Effects of the Problem.
Heading 4: Possible Future Solutions.
Conclusion: Sums up the points made in the term paper and gives a strong
answer to the thesis.

What are the Parts of a Term Paper?
Contents
Title Page
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Literature Review

What to include?
A separate page with paper title, student's name, course title, teacher's
name, and submission date.
Include your inspiration for the subject and other relevant introduction.
A brief overview or summary of the paper.
Mention and briefly discuss previous related research works and studies
that helped you in constructing your approach and methodology.
A detail description explaining your research methods and experimental
Methodology
approaches (if any) step by step
Conclude your findings from your research and show measurable results
Results
(i.e., figures and mathematical analysis)
Future
Recommendations Suggest ideas that one can work on in the future
Reference List
Enlist all your resource materials in a particular order, i.e., alphabetical

Good luck!