2 answers
Lynne
Student
Redmond, Washington
2
Questions
Updated
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How do I break down a term paper?
Why is writing a term paper so difficult, and how do I break it down to its simplest form so I do not get overwhelmed? I use APA7 format, and I struggle with it so much. Finding headings and how to word things to sound interesting, yet technical, is trying.
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2 answers
Joseph Aseo
Writer
3
Answers
Fremont, California
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Think of a term paper as answering a question, which is your thesis or purpose statement.
1. Your thesis is your main answer to the question.
2. The statements that follow give details that support your thesis.
3. The conclusion wraps up your essay by summarizing the thesis and supporting points.
1. Your thesis is your main answer to the question.
2. The statements that follow give details that support your thesis.
3. The conclusion wraps up your essay by summarizing the thesis and supporting points.
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
136
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Lynne,
Writing papers, especially longer ones, can be difficult and daunting. My go to process in college was the following:
1. Start with doing research to the question you're trying to address. If you need sources, gather those first and take notes on which quotes or general information you'd like to refer back to for your paper. Link everything so you can quickly go back to those sources. Not only does this help you keep your thoughts in order so you're not scrambling to find supporting evidence later but I find it also helps me guide the narrative of the argument I'm making.
2. Create a somewhat detailed outline of your paper! The more time you put into preparing to write, the less time you have to spend writing. I normally start by defining the main point of each paragraph and listing the talking points and details (including the research listed in point 1) that I want to incorporate into each specific paragraph. If you're like me and store a dizzying amount of information in your head, writing it down really helps clear up some of that space for writing.
3. Break it into smaller task. Writing a whole term paper in one go probably won't work so try chunking it up into smaller daily tasks to accomplish. For example, lets say you have 10 pages to write. Try writing one page a day leading up to deadline so you're not forced to sit there and write it at once. The outline will be really helpful in reminding you where you left off and what you still need to cover.
4. Don't forget to edit. I normally give myself a few hours between writing the last page/paragraph and reading it. Why? It allows me to see the paper with fresh eyes and catch more mistakes. When you're been engrossed in something for a long time, such a writing something for hours, it can be hard to make out the details so this has helped me a lot!
Writing papers, especially longer ones, can be difficult and daunting. My go to process in college was the following:
1. Start with doing research to the question you're trying to address. If you need sources, gather those first and take notes on which quotes or general information you'd like to refer back to for your paper. Link everything so you can quickly go back to those sources. Not only does this help you keep your thoughts in order so you're not scrambling to find supporting evidence later but I find it also helps me guide the narrative of the argument I'm making.
2. Create a somewhat detailed outline of your paper! The more time you put into preparing to write, the less time you have to spend writing. I normally start by defining the main point of each paragraph and listing the talking points and details (including the research listed in point 1) that I want to incorporate into each specific paragraph. If you're like me and store a dizzying amount of information in your head, writing it down really helps clear up some of that space for writing.
3. Break it into smaller task. Writing a whole term paper in one go probably won't work so try chunking it up into smaller daily tasks to accomplish. For example, lets say you have 10 pages to write. Try writing one page a day leading up to deadline so you're not forced to sit there and write it at once. The outline will be really helpful in reminding you where you left off and what you still need to cover.
4. Don't forget to edit. I normally give myself a few hours between writing the last page/paragraph and reading it. Why? It allows me to see the paper with fresh eyes and catch more mistakes. When you're been engrossed in something for a long time, such a writing something for hours, it can be hard to make out the details so this has helped me a lot!