A term paper, also known as a school term, is an academic paper that is completed at the end of a semester or school year. It frequently, but not always, entails research. A term paper is designed to demonstrate how much a student has learned over the course of a school year, and it usually focuses on one specific subject that was covered during the year.
A research paper is another name for this type of paper. Depending on the subject matter and the grade level of the student who is completing the paper, it is usually at least a few pages long. Term papers must usually be typed and are frequently double-spaced. However, each teacher may have different requirements for the term paper. When writing a paper, a teacher may require students to follow a specific style guide, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) or the American Psychological Association (APA) style guide.
In order to write a term paper, a student must usually present an argument in the form of a thesis statement. The thesis can then be supported by research. However, a term paper does not always have to argue a point; some papers are purely informative, and may focus on a significant historical event or a prominent figure in science, politics, or the arts, for example. Subjects for term papers are sometimes assigned by teachers, and other times they are left to the student’s discretion, within certain parameters.
A term paper may be a type of personal reflection completed by the student in some cases. This is especially prevalent in elementary school. For example, a student might be asked to write a paper about what he or she learned in their favorite subject or class of the year. Students can reflect on the school year and review their subjects while also improving their writing skills.
A term paper must always be written by the student and must be his or her own work. Unfortunately, many students plagiarize term papers by copying information from the Internet or even buying an entire paper online. If the student is caught, he or she will usually receive no credit for the paper and may be subjected to further punishment. Plagiarism is a serious offense in college, and students who are caught plagiarizing may be dismissed from the class. Using term papers that can be purchased or downloaded for free online, or handing in anything that isn’t one’s own work, is never a good idea.