WRITING A TERM PAPER

Notes by Keith Montgomery, Department of Geography-Geology.

STARTING OFF CORRECTLY .... SOME POINTS WORTH CONSIDERING

A term paper (or research paper) in the social sciences or sciences is simply a synthesis of ideas on a particular subject. These ideas are obtained from an intelligent reading of several sources on the subject. At the early undergraduate level these ideas are generally those of others (the authors of the sources you will cite in the paper), rather than your own. The synthesis and expression is your original work. Citing sources and putting the ideas in your own words will avoid any possible difficulties with plagiarism. Also, frankly, unless you are told otherwise, assume that the prof is not interested in your original ideas on the subject: Generally, s/he wants to know what you have learned about it from experts. This can then be a foundation for further, original thinking later in your university career.

Bear in mind that there is more to be gained from writing a paper than simply learning more about a subject which you find interesting: The research and writing processes required to complete the work involve a number of skills which themselves constitute a valuable element of a college education. Therefore completing a paper as part of the requirements of a course should be welcomed as an opportunity to develop these skills, rather than a task to be feared. Make this part of your mind-set as you start the project.

Furthermore, remember that this is a term paper. Therefore, approach it as a semester-long project and not as a two-day assignment! So, review the steps set out below then work back from the due date and set yourself a schedule for their completion. For example, allow 2-3 weeks for the writing; 4 weeks for the research; 2 weeks for surveying the general subject that interests you and narrowing the topic; etc. A term paper is an important assignment, but don't let it become an urgent one. Make this part of your strategy for working. (See Time management for further ideas on scheduling and the use of a semester planner).

Allowing yourself sufficient time to complete the paper will enable you to do your best work on the paper. It will also enable you to avoid a basic (freshman) scheduling error, namely, having to do one project to the exclusion of all other work. Think about it -- it's nearly the end of the semester and the paper is due in week's time and you have yet to start on it -- but you have other assignments due, classes to attend, readings to keep up with, math problems to complete, and finals are looming ... and your employer is asking for more work to handle the Xmas orders! Handling this pressure is possible, if you have adopted the correct strategy right from the outset. If you have not done so, then likely your performance across the board will suffer. Plan ahead and beat the end of semester crush. And of course, getting down to work early almost certainly assures you of easy access to the best library resources on the subject -- be selfish about this -- let others pick over the crumbs in the first week of December!

STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION

It's no use thinking, "I have a term paper to write." The task must be broken down into a number of sequential steps, each of which contributes to the final objective of having a completed term paper. Breaking the job down into a number of steps helps in scheduling and also helps us psychologically by promoting a feeling of progress. Be sure to give yourself credit along the way as you complete each step.

Another site with good advice on researching is THIS ONE.

1. Find a subject or topic for the paper (one week)

One technique (there are others) is first to think of a broad category of knowledge that interests you among all the course material. Then progressively narrow down the topic (narrowing is vital to keep the paper under control and "do-able"). If you need any help with this use your lecture notes or survey the general text for the course. Here is an example:

World population growth
>> controlling growth
>> control policies in China

In doing this brainstorming we have likely found a structure for the entire paper, assuming you think it best to discuss China's policies in a broader context.

Other examples:

Economic development                                                       Population growth
           >> general theories                                                             >> food supply , hunger
                >> societal/cultural factors                                                  >> role of population growth
                     >> Latin American case                                                   >> other factors

2. Find and assess sources of information (two weeks)

Sources of original ideas and material can be located in a number of ways:

texts and their bibliographies
keyword searches in data bases and catalogs (books and periodicals) -- but be selective
almanacs, yearbooks and encyclopaedias
the Internet

At this point you might want to decide if there is enough material on your chosen subject -- if not, go back and modify your choice. If you are new to school then be sure to sign up for a library tour as soon as possible. Get used to using our library and Inter-library loan services because I will tell you now that the local public library doesn't have the level of material you need (with the possible exception of scholarly periodicals such as Science, Nature, Environment ....).

Generally, make sure the research material you settle upon is:

up-to-date (say, less than 15 years old -- but this depends greatly on the subject)
accurate, scholarly and at the appropriate level (i.e. not popular, consumer magazines)
"primary" or "secondary" material (i.e. original articles and books; not texts, encyclopaedias or "world books")

In regards to the last point, remember this is to be your own synthesis of the original material, not merely a relating of an encyclopaedia's synthesis! (i.e. someone else's hard work at synthesis).

Further advice on evaluating how appropriate are your materials can be found HERE.

Be sure you keep an accurate list of your materials -- one you can use in typing the references section of the paper (e.g. for a text, note the author(s), date of publication, title, place of publication). Also record the call number and location if you cannot take it with you. If you use the Internet then use an advanced browser (4.0) and learn how to "bookmark" URLs and to enter notes into the "bookmark properties".

3. Read and make notes (four weeks)

As you begin to read use the survey techniques outlined elsewhere.

Before you start to read convince yourself that you only want to do this once, if at all possible. Therefore, you will keep accurate and legible notes! Do not fall into the photocopying trap -- read the stuff then move on to the next source.

Use one side of 3x5 cards to take notes because you can shuffle them around later into order of writing. Hence, cards will contain notes on a topic or sub-topic, not everything in one source. However, do record the source using "author, date page." Be sure to record pages so that you can go back quickly and re-check facts if need be.

Keep note of what is fact versus opinion.

Keep a separate file of your own reactions and ideas.

4. Construct a detailed outline and write the paper (two or three weeks)

Arrange your cards into the topic order you came up with when you first chose the topic. Does it still make sense? Are any modifications necessary? Be sure to think this over carefully because, after all, you know more a good deal more than you did when you first embarked upon the research.

In creating this order out of a number of diverse sources you are beginning the process of creating an original synthesis.

The best approach to writing is to be direct about it. Don't try to "gussy" up thin material with scholarly sounding phrases and other waffle. Tell the reader what you are going to say; say it; and get out after a brief summary or conclusion! In other words: introduce the subject; develop it; and conclude. If that's not enough, then figure out fast what still needs to be done by way of research.

In writing, don't be journalistic, chatty or informal in other ways . Avoid personal pronouns. Use formal, impersonal, scholarly prose.

Read it out loud (literally). You will quickly recognize parts that don't make sense or in which the structure and style can be improved. If it doesn't make sense then change it -- don't think the prof is going to make sense of it for you!

Be sure to give credit to your sources (include citations and a reference list).

Use your own words: Do not use direct quotes unless the exact words are themselves evidence of some sort.

Use headings and one level of sub-heading (the latter only if absolutely necessary).

Leave the paper alone for a day or two after each of the first and second drafts, then come back and read it critically. Generally, think only of shortening and simplifying phrases and sections. Produce a third and then a final draft. However, be sure to avoid being too much of a perfectionist -- at some point call it "done" and hand it in (there is such as thing as "diminishing returns" and you have other assignments to do).

Check proper form and spelling (remember, spell checks do not check for sense, so proof-reading is still required).

Give it a title that is correct and informative (no exclamations, questions or sub-titles).

Hand it in on time or earlier if possible.

Get on with the next item on your agenda!

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