Many professors decide to use midterm papers as a way to assess your understanding of the subjects covered in class. Any student who understands the significance of midterm papers often feels pressure related to an assignment of this nature, and for good reason. They can have a big effect on your grade while demonstrating what you have learned so far.
How to Structure a Common Midterm Paper?
Some students think that writing a midterm paper is a real headache. Actually, most professors assign it just to see what their students have learned during the first half of the course. To demonstrate it, you need to correctly structure your midterm paper. Usually, professors outline their main requirements. Follow them, and you will be able to get a high score for your assignment. A good midterm paper usually consists of:
- Introduction. All term papers need a good introduction. Otherwise, the impression will be spoiled immediately. Start with some interesting hooks. A midterm paper should also contain the formulation of a research question. Add the reasons you would give for formulating these questions.
- Body of the paper. The body of the paper is where students present the most important information. It should be divided into several sections. The information here confirms the statement in the introductory section. That's why it's better to add a few examples here. Then your professor will understand how they relate back to the topic sentence and the claim itself. In this section, it is also important to show correct and logical argumentation within the field of research. Use a comparison of different theories, critical reflection of secondary literature, and presentation of different approaches.
- The conclusion should not take up more than 10% of your paper. It can be one paragraph in length, and it should restate the thesis statement. This section should also contain some kind of suggested actions: a call to action, a final question, or some final words of wisdom. A short and precise summary of your findings is the most important thing that should be in this paragraph.
- Documentation and formatting. The use of footnotes and references in the bibliography should be consistent. This will be determined by your college professor.
Word Limit
The paper must meet at least 3,000 words. The word count doesn’t include the title page, abstract, or references page. There is no word maximum.
Academic Language
The tone used in academic writing is usually formal. This means that you should avoid colloquial speech while writing a midterm paper. If this is difficult for you, try reading books or articles, and see how they use the language.
For example, ‘international business heavyweights’ is too informal. Better wording would be ‘leading international businesses’ or ‘international business leaders’.
General Recommendations
There are a few more tips for writing a high-quality midterm paper:
- Gather everything you’ll need. Refer to a sufficient number of up-to-date sources. You can only arrive at a well-founded midterm paper if you have consulted a sufficient number of them. Regardless of the paper topic, have all the information on hand. Then it will be easier for you to focus and generate ideas for your work. Once you sit down to write, you don’t want to get up again and lose your focus or spend too much time searching for something.
- Write the appropriate thesis statement. If you realize that you have little argumentation for a thesis, do not think about it. Choose the option for which you have different sources. Otherwise, searching for information can take a lot of time, and you will break the deadline.
- If you refer to the works of others in your text, you should use what is known as a parenthetical citation (and not footnotes). Place all the relevant source information in parentheses after a quote or a paraphrase. Use the footnotes only for the information which would be included in your paper, but will disrupt the coherence of your argument.
- Search for a sample on the Internet. They are usually placed on academic homepages, university websites or writing sites. A good example helps to understand how to write such an academic paper. Other students will often know exactly how frustrated you are feeling and may well be very happy to offer their experiences and give you examples of their past work.
What Are Midterm Papers Services?
While searching for a paper format on the Internet, students also come across the writing services. Indeed, such an option exists. When there is not enough time, they turn to professional writers for help. For example, it is convenient when you have a full-time job or need to look after relatives. You can use any approach — write it yourself or ask for help. If you choose the first option, use the tips from this article, and you will be able to create a worthy paper.