Sample Term Paper

A sample term paper is a complete or partial project that is intended to be used as a model.  Sample term papers are often distributed by professors so that their students are aware of the exact type of document the professor wants to receive.  Sample term papers may also be distributed by writing centers, educational resource organizations, and even professional writing services.

Some professors do not make a distinction between a report and a report.  Some professors do.  Term papers and research papers share many common features: they are both long texts, they both focus on a specific topic that is related to the course for which they are assigned, and they both are assigned to reveal the student's knowledge and expertise in a particular area of study.  However, some professors make a distinction because they intend for a report to not only focus on the particular subject topic, but also to include and synthesize knowledge that has been learned in the term of the course in such a way that the research topic is fully grounded in the context of the course.  Therefore, students looking for sample texts from sources other than their professors should be careful to ensure that they are using sample term papers rather than sample research papers.

The best sample term paper a student can use is one distributed by the professor for whom the student's paper will be written.  The professor likely chose the example report because he or she found it to be the best embodiment of what he or she wishes to find in a student text.  If such a sample is available, learners should carefully study this sample in order to determine how the report fulfills the requirements of the assignment.  To this end, the student should look for several important report characteristics.  For instance, the student should examine the structure of the report to determine how the sample is organized.  Does it follow a standard linear progression, or does it toggle back and forth between ideas?  The student should also look for the writing style.  Does the style conform to standard academic prose, or does it take a more casual, personal tone?  Another important element to examine in the sample is the citation style.  Does the report use foot notes or parenthetical notes?  Is it in MLA, APA, Chicago, or another style?  Where does the thesis appear in the report?  Does the thesis suggest that the article is going to be an argumentative or informative text?  

Paying attention to these elements of a sample term paper will help the student decide how to write his or her own document.  Of course, the student should not use the sample as a template, but merely as a guide.  If the student has questions about the composition of his or her own document, he or she should consult the professor.

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