Although you are able to earn a degree even if you only maintain a "C" average throughout your education, these are not the papers that you are going to be proud of. Every student wants to say that they have worked hard and been rewarded for their efforts with an "A+". Getting these marks on a regular basis is not as elusive as you may think if you follow the five steps listed below:
1. Topic choice and introduction:
When a student gets the opportunity to choose their own term paper topic, they should always take advantage of this by seeking out a creative topic. Look specifically for one that you already have at least a passing interest in. Being interested in your topic will ensure that you stay stimulated through the entire process. Narrow down the topic you have chose to something that will be easy to confine within the boundaries set by your professor. Clearly and succinctly hook your reader in with your question, some evidence examples you will be presenting in your material, and a brief background of the subject.
2. Complete stellar research:
Avoid limiting yourself with information that you already know. Approach the research process as an adventure that gives you an opening to determine future research needs, the current thinking among those in your field, and the background of the topic. Use both secondary and primary sources during the process, and take notes as you go along. Look through all the sources and references you are able to find. It is much better to have too much information than not enough. Anything extra that you have no use for can easily be cut out. Confirm with your instructor so that you are aware of the style format they are expecting the paper to be in. For example, APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.
3. Work from an outline:
It is essential that you work from an outline you have developed in the beginning. This "road map" will help you to set a framework that you can follow as you go along. This is also where you are able to make sure that nothing you have structured has been forgotten. Remember that an outline is flexible -- you will be able to change it as the writing process progresses. Keep updating your outline as you think of additional key points or information that will need to be included. Leave your title until the end, and make sure that it is interesting but not too wordy.
Each of the paragraphs in the body should be a new way to give support to your argument.
The first sentence of every paragraph should let the reader know exactly what you will be discussing as they continue to read.
To be sure that you have structured your paragraphs correctly, read the beginning sentence of each body section one after the other.
When they are put together they should form an easy-to-understand "mini-essay".
The conclusion is where your reader is left to sum up what has been presented. Use strong language which shows focus, has been culled for unnecessary words, and prompts a response from the audience. Also, consider using the ROCC method to ensure that your conclusion is perfect: