How to Write a 20-Page Term Paper

Writing essays are a common practice in college. Professors encourage students to research topics and turn in well-thought-out papers. Knowing how to write a 20-page term paper will help your writing process go smoothly. Research papers are not only used in college but in business as well. As you study a topic, you form your own thoughts about it based on the facts you've read. Be accurate and consistent with the information you provide in your research paper, so that the reader comprehends your point of view.

Pick the topic you want to write about. Whether your professor gives you a topic or you have full reign to choose a topic, topic selection is the first step in the writing process. Some professors give students a general direction to go. Run your topic selection past your instructor to insure you are on the right track. Topics involve asking a question you plan to answer for your audience.

Research your topic idea. Successful 20-page research papers involve in-depth research. Your paper will include references from all the information you've compiled and used through the research process. Look for facts, opinions, research studies and history that deals with your topic. Utilize the Internet, libraries, academic periodicals, government records and newspapers to get pertinent information.

Write your thesis statement. A thesis statement is the answer to your topic question. Your thesis statement could change as you gather more information; however, coming up with one early keeps you moving in the right direction.

Gather all your researched information and begin writing. Everything you've compiled thus far on your topics needs to go into your paper in a clear, accurate and consistent way. As an example, use one page for your abstract (a brief explanation of what you are writing about). Use one page each for the introduction and thesis statement. Two pages can be about the history of your topic. Write two more pages about the relevance of why this topic is important. Ten pages will include your research findings to back up your claim. One page will be about the oppositions point of view. Two pages will conclude your 20-page research paper.