Getting started requires you to do three things. Gain an understanding of the assignment and do some initial fact finding. Select a suitable topic and then collect information about the topic. Spending the time at the beginning will make it easier to plan your term paper.
Planning requires careful thinking. With your essay, you have two basic objectives: establish a thesis or focus for your writing and organize the supporting information. The amount or organization time required depends on the type of writing. Identify the method that best supports your thesis and then organize your details accordingly. For example, a comparison paper will be organized differently then a cause-and-effect paper.
A first draft gives you something to work with that will later, through revising and editing, result in a polished piece of writing. Begin when you have found a central focus or promising starting point. Use an outline as a general guide. Write freely without being too concerned about neatness or correctness. Include as much detail as possible. Complete your first draft in one or two sittings.
Good term papers usually require revising, and in some cases, substantial rework. During this step, make the changes in your first draft until it says exactly what you mean. Assess the overall quality of the ideas, organization and voice in the writing.
Edit and proofread your revised writing so it speaks clearly and accurately. Look for words, phrases and sentences that sound awkward, uninteresting or unclear. Check your paper for spelling, mechanics, usage and grammatical errors.
Submitting a final term paper is the driving force behind writing. It explains why you may have spent so much time planning, drafting and revising your paper. Aim for a sharp, polished look in your assigned writing. The test of a good term paper is that it is clear and easy to follow.