Course Number: ESC 1021
Course Title: Planetary Astronomy
Top 10 Steps for Writing a Term Paper
By following the steps listed below, you will save a good deal of time
and avoid a great deal of frustration:
Step 1:
SELECT A SUBJECT
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Find a subject area you would really like to know more about. If you genuinely
like the subject of your research paper the project becomes a challenge
instead of an ordeal.
Step 2: NARROW THE SUBJECT TO A MANAGEABLE SIZE
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Remember, you are writing a research paper, not a book.
Step 3: STATE THE OBJECTIVE
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What are you trying to say to the reader? What point are you attempting
to make?
Step 4: GIVE YOUR PAPER A WORKING TITLE
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A working title helps you keep to the point of your research. You can assign
a final title to your paper after completion.
Step 5: PREPARE A PRELIMINARY BIBLIOGRAPHY
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A bibliography is, simply, a list of sources used in preparation of your
paper. Use a separate note card for full information on each book, periodical,
etc. used. Write down the "call number" of each book used in case you need
to refer to it again.
Step 6: PREPARE A WORKING OUTLINE
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Try to break your paper down into major areas using a simple outline format.
Use your outline as an attack plan for investigating materials.
Step 7: TAKE NOTES
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Use note cards (5"x7" is a good size) to record important ideas and quotations
you find in your research.
Step 8: OUTLINE THE PAPER
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This second outline should be more complete and closer to the format of
your finished paper than the "working outline" described in Step 6.
Step 9: WRITE THE ROUGH DRAFT
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A. Write the introduction:
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Present the idea to be expressed in a manner which captures the reader's
interest.
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State the thesis. The term "thesis" refers to the point you wish
to make, or the argument you intend to present or defend.
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B. Write the body:
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Develop your main ideas.
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Support your ideas with details, examples.
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C. Write the conclusion:
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Summarize the main ideas.
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Restate your thesis.
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D. Revise the first draft:
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Check content and organization.
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Remember notes!
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Check transitions from one line of thought to the next. Try to make the
paper "flow."
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Double check spelling and punctuation.
Step 10: PREPARE THE FINAL DRAFT
- Final paper is to be in Modern Language
Association (MLA) format.
- If you are unfamiliar with MLA format,
click here.
- Use this template to format your paper
More help is available!
Dowling
College Writing Center (Academic Support Services)
MLA format: Purdue
University's On-line Writing Lab (OWL)
Written presentations: Capital
Community College's Guide to Grammar and Writing
Oral Presentations: Rice
University's On-line Writing Lab (OWL)
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