[This is the 3rd installment of a series. Click here to view Part I and Part II]

In Part II of this series, I discussed the thesis statement as the core of a term paper. This is the central thought upon which you anchor everything else. Now that you know how to form a thesis statement, you can proceed to fleshing out your paper’s skeleton.

The introduction is, of course, the first part of your paper. Please do not make the mistake of writing the words “introduction” as a sub-header. Even though Chapter I really is the introduction, there’s no need to take note of this as it’s a given. For example, don’t do this:

I. Introduction

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II. Conceptual Framework

Just skip the “I. Introduction” part. It’s unnecessary, and most professors will take it as the sign of a term paper rookie.

So now, then, how exactly does one write the introduction?

For a simple term paper, you can choose not to flesh out all areas of the introduction fully (based on my suggested outline in Part I). This depends entirely on the demands of your professor. Here are a few tips for writing a simple term paper’s introduction:

1. Begin with something interesting. Even term papers have to be a bit spicy; don’t just start droning as it could send your professor to sleep right off the bat. Use an anecdote, interesting quote or shocking statistics. It should be a jolt that’ll make reading your paper a lot more interesting and enticing.

2. Identify the thesis statement. I usually use boldface or underline this, because it’s the single most important statement in the entire paper. It also makes it easier for your professor to understand what exactly your paper is about.

3. If necessary, discuss your objectives. What does your paper intend to achieve?

4. Identify your study’s limitations. Often, an area of study covers a lot of issues. A term paper can’t possibly discuss every angle, so note it here.

5. Discuss your methodology. It sounds fancy, but “methodology” really just requires you to explain how you intend to complete your research work. If it consists mostly of library reading, then say so. Don’t forget to differentiate between “direct” and “indirect” sources. “Direct” sources refer to first-hand information (e.g. interviews,surveys), while “indirect” refers to second-hand data from books, journals, etc. This is only for social sciences, though, as the hard sciences have specific methods and processes to use.

6. Definition of Terms. Discuss the key terms in your study. These are the ones that will actually affect your study. Check out your title and thesis statement to identify these key terms.

Next article, I’ll discuss how to differentiate between “Objectives” and “Significance of the Study”.

XOXO,