Term papers can be assigned in any area of study, which means the list of topics can be extremely far-reaching. It's important for students to fully understand the assignment before beginning to write a term paper. Most instructors will issue printed guidelines for term papers, and students must read this material and ask questions if they don't completely understand the task. Once the basics have been stated and understood, the student can move on to choosing a good topic for a term paper.
It's very important for students to carefully consider their choices before selecting a topic for a term paper. No matter the area of study -- art, history, education, philosophy, etc. -- the process of choosing the topic is the same. Consider questions like these: What do I already know that can help me in writing a term paper? What additional information is available that will help me complete this assignment? It may be wise to ask the instructor about topics chosen by former students, and then expand on some of those topics.
Don't select a topic for your term paper that is too general. For example, if the general focus of the term paper is the death penalty, narrow that focus into a more specific area. In this case, a term paper could be written about different methods of execution, why some states have the death penalty and some do not, what constitutes "cruel and unusual punishment," the appeals process for inmates who have been sentenced to death, etc.
Once the specific focus of the topic has been decided, the true work begins. Research is important in producing a successful term paper, and there is no substitute for hard work in this area. Online libraries and encyclopedias can be helpful, depending on the subject area, and traditional libraries can also aid in the collecting of information. Do not copy material, however, but use what you learn to write your own term paper.