How To Write A Research Paper

How to Write an A+ Term Paper in Five Easy Steps

By Mary Moss

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 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!

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