Sunday, June 7, 2009

MLA Format Citation

What every scholar should know is that it is often very difficult to start and complete an academic paper without relying on some form of help from other researchers or writers. It will be excellent if you come up with an entire ingenious work. But if this cannot be done, you may have to borrow ideas from other writers and you will have to acknowledge this in your term paper.

There are so many feature of the MLA citation style. If you have to make allusions to the works of another writer, the name of that writer should be placed in brackets. The name of the author will have to be referred to using his or her last name. Any quoted material which goes beyond four lines will have to be indented five spaces into the page. In such a case, there will be no need for a quotation mark. This is because the indented material has already been set apart from the rest of the text. There are so many other features such as making reference to the names of works of more than one author. More information of this can only be gotten by getting a copy of the MLA citation handbook. This should serve as a writer's bible.

You should also know that it is not the duty of your instructor to furnish you with information relating to every aspect relating to the MLA style. It is your duty to look for these materials and keep them for constant reference. Keep in mind that there is no end to research. You may not need them today. But the need for them will come up some day. It is for this reason that you should make every attempt to get a personal copy of this handbook. Remember that there may be limited copies in the library.

MLA format citation should not be considered as adhering to simple instructions from your teacher. The main aim of you citing is to let the readers know that whatever is contained in your term paper is from credible sources. Those who have written these materials have taken time and effort to carry out the research and writing. You are obliged to acknowledge them for this. Secondly, not every material will be possible to be included in the term paper. Some of what you make mention of will have to be left to be read from their original sources. Your term paper may be boring and very voluminous if every borrowed material were to be included in it. This will mean that you have an obligation to lead the reader to where the information can be found. An inquisitive reader should find it very easy to look for what he or she is in search of.

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Thursday, June 4, 2009

How to Write the Perfect Term Paper

The most common writing requirement in upper-division courses is the term paper. The importance of the term paper tends to be neglected. Why is a term paper so important? The main reason is that it will make up a big part of your final grade. You might be deceived as to its importance because most teachers will not give much class discussion time to these papers. When your instructor does not give you detailed instructions for writing your term paper, it is up to you to become informed on your own.

The first step to writing the perfect term paper is analyzing the materials you already have. This means that you need to take a good look at all of the information you have on your subject, including your text-book materials, lecture notes, and course hand-outs . Your instructor will usually point out exactly what is expected of you. Students tend to neglect this and, as a consequence, their end product does not fulfill the task assigned. It is very important to discuss anything that you do not understand with your teacher as soon as possible. Sometimes students do not do this because they are afraid of appearing stupid in the eyes of the instructor or their fellow students. This is a huge mistake! Not only will a good teacher answer all of your questions but will also notice that you are genuinely interested in writing a quality term paper.

After you have analyzed your materials, you must decide on a thesis. Most often, a thesis is a question that you seek to answer in your paper, but this is not a hard rule. If your teacher does not tell you that your thesis must be a question, you may feel free to experiment. Why not make it interesting for yourself? Try searching for a topic that interests you - this will not only make your term paper easier to write, it will also make it more fun to write. Make sure your subject and thesis fulfill the necessary requirements and then analyze how long your paper will turn out. A term paper usually has page limits. With this in mind, be careful not to choose a subject that is likely to turn out too long or too short. For instance, you can not write a 10 page term paper about the evolution of music from Classical to Modern - the subject is much too broad to cover in such a short space. If you are in this position, you need to narrow your topic. Also, make sure that your chosen topic will have enough bibliography available and be sure that you understand your subject completely before starting your paper.

The next step that you need to complete is research. In most cases there is a specific bibliography assigned for your paper, but often it is a general list of suggested reading, rather
than a precise list of references. In this case you, the student, fist need to compile a list of appropriate sources. Many students fail with the actual writing because of improper researching during this phase. In some cases, this is because they attempted to conduct their research solely on the Internet at the expense of using the library. While it is true that the World Wide Web is a trove of information on most subjects, when writing a term paper, you also need to look for research materials in the library. You will surely find someone to point you in the right direction and aid you during your research in the library. Gather anything you might want to use from
magazine articles to books written by specialists on your chosen subject. While reading and gathering your materials, be sure that you take notes. Including quotations is necessary,
but be careful to not put too many in one term paper. Many students tend to include long quotes in order to finish more quickly and fill up the space. In fact, this is not at all productive and does not look good to your instructor. You should include only quotes that are necessary and relevant to your subject and, in your final paper, include only the necessary parts of the quote, the parts that are useful and directly link to your topic.

After gathering your notes, you need to outline your term paper. Once again, analysis is very important. Look at the research materials that you found and the notes that you took.
Create the main outline of your term paper by analyzing what you want to discuss and keeping on your subject. Follow the outline you have created and start writing the draft version of
your term paper. Unless your instructor has told you otherwise, you should use the simple essay format of:

1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion

Use the Introduction to outline what you are going to say, the Body to say it, and the Conclusion
to summarize your paper's points and the answer to your thesis question. After the first draft is finished, you need to polish it before it is a final paper. Proofreading is a must and should be done
aloud so that you can also hear the sense of your composition. This makes it easier for you to change what does not sound good. Analyze the grammar and spelling so that any mistakes
are avoided or corrected. Look at the quotes you have included and check to see if they are used properly or not. The actual polishing should be done at least two days after the first draft was finished. This will help you stay objective about it. If you know that you are biased, give your term paper to someone else to read and be sure to ask for comments and criticisms. Following these simple steps will help you to create the perfect term paper, but it is up to you to follow
through. Take your assignment seriously and do not treat it lightly. If you are mature and diligent, your term paper is bound to be perfect.

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Monday, June 1, 2009

Term Paper With An Introduction

There is no way in which a term paper or even any other type of serious academic work can be done without providing an introduction of what is intended in the paper. This can normally be an introductory part of the whole term paper or it may consist of the entire term paper. While the entire term paper will relate on the introduction, the body and the conclusion, this paper under discussion will only talk of the introduction.

A lot of academic term papers will call for an introduction. What you ought to know is that a paper with a very good introduction will be taken as one of the best terms papers in that curriculum. Whether you are writing an essay or a term paper, you should become conscious of the fact that most teachers and even readers will generally look at the introduction to determine the type of material that is found in the body of your paper. Therefore, your introduction should be clear and precise. It should be written in an unambiguous language.

The introduction has a dual purpose. The first aim of every introduction will be to herald to the readers that something serious which has to be dealt with properly in the body of the term paper. Secondly, the introduction will serve as an attention grabber to the readers. This is what will hold their attention and urge them to wanting to read from page to page. Through the introduction your readers should be eager to know what is to come in the body of your term paper.

When writing the introduction of your term paper, your first consideration should be based on your readers. You should of course know that the first reader is the writer. Therefore, as you write any part of the introduction, you should take out yourself as the writer and read over what you have written. You should be detached and objective in your own writing. If you think you are not, you should get someone else to do the appraisal for you. In your introduction, you should always think of what the readers know about what you intend to write about. What is it that they should be told; how should you make this known to them; is there a probability that they will be aggressive towards your manner of approach; will this introduction be able to hook their attention right to the end of the whole paper?

Term paper with an introduction should be specifically revised for object and purpose. Dwelling only on the introduction is not an easy task. Along the lines, you may sway from the introductory materials and bring in what ought to be found only in the body or in the conclusion. Your main concern should be to make certain that your materials are only introductory and that your readers have been adequately considered.

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Sunday, May 31, 2009

MCSE Term Papers

Many courses require the candidates to submit detailed term papers relating to the subject at the end of each semester. These are aimed at in-depth research into the subject area.

But term papers are not always an important part in MCSE certification and training. Course work and exam prescribed for MCSE do not often require term papers that discuss in detail, particular subjects that are related to computer system and windows platforms.

Term papers are not mentioned as a stringent requirement for certification in Microsoft home page for the MCSE. The mandatory fulfillments for getting certified include work experience in a networking environment and the passing of seven exams that include operating systems, design and electives. All the same, boot camps and MCSE classes some times encourage and make it necessary for candidates to submit term papers on MCSE, with the aim of providing in-depth knowledge on the subject.



Courses for MCSE, in detail, cover all aspects of networking, design, messaging and security of systems using a windows platform. The operating system papers are Installing, Configuring and Administering Windows 2000 and XP professional, the networking papers include Installing, Configuring and Administering Windows 2000 Server, Implementing Windows Network Infrastructure, and Implementing and Administering Windows 2000 Directory Services Infrastructure. Other courses that are required for MCSE include designing Directory Services, Security for Windows 2000 network, Network Infrastructure, Web Solutions, Active Directory and Infrastructure and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Network.

Candidates in a bid to improve their knowledge levels and to come up with new ideas on implementation and design, though not compulsory, sometimes submit term papers. Intensive training in boot camps generally dos not require term paper, weekly classes and other training sessions sometimes do. Elective subjects for each candidate also sometimes are benefited by term papers submitted before each level of examination.

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Thursday, May 28, 2009

Writing a Term Paper Outline

Starting and completing an academic paper is not easy without making use of an outline. The essence of writing with an outline is to enable you work on time. Remember that you may be too busy with other activities such that you are caught up by the deadline. In another case, you may find that you have swayed from the original course of your paper. The outline is what will make it easy to work within the framework that you have set.

Ahead of writing the outline of your term paper, you should begin by assessing how this is going to be useful to you and your readers. Will it be of any help in starting and completing the term paper? Will it be of any help to future researchers and writers? Can the outline be relied upon in its entirety? Writing the outline of any term paper should be seen as writing an instructional paper. This is because this is what will be used to guide you along the research and writing process. Keep in mind that other students may find it interesting to take a look at your paper. For this reason, your write-up should be composed in a clear and precise language. You should endeavor to spell out everything in clear and unambiguous language.

What should the outline of your term paper look like? The outline of your term paper should be a detail analysis of the whole paper. In reality, it should be a mirror of the whole of your paper. The outline should be written in such a manner that if read as a term paper on its own, will make some sense. Remember that the outline is just a summary of all the points that will be contained in your term paper. You just need to develop what is in the outline to give an entire term paper. However, the outline may not contain all what must be found in the term paper. This is because the research and writing process is an activity in which ideas may only come up as you write. As you write, you think of new things and as you think of new ideas, you find that some of the ideas you have may not be relevant to your paper. It therefore becomes easy through the outline to either include or exclude any material from your term paper.

Writing a term paper outline should be seen as one of those academic aspects in which revision and editing should be a must. Remember that your paper may be a guide to other students. Although this paper is just a rough work, the readers should be able to look at the outline and tell of what is found in the final term paper. Revise for structure. This means that although the outline is some sort of a rough work, all what is written in it must appear in some logical and chronological manner.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Sociology Term Paper

When asked to compose a term paper on this subject, you should know that you will be involved in a type of research and writing which will go beyond the normal class paper to an instructional paper. Keep in mind that you will be uncovering something particular about nature and your readers will want to have some learning through your research and writing.

Begin this term paper with a good topic. Every topic for a sociology term paper should be a good topic provided that it identifies some form of wrong behavior and propose ways in which this behavior can be curbed. This will mean that your topic should be composed in a manner in which the readers will recognize that you are talking about causes and effects and that you will seek to propose solutions. There are so many areas in which your sociology paper can be written on. You should take a look at previous terms papers and make sure that your topic is not a repetition of what has already been written. This is especially if you aim to publish your paper in any of the journals in social sciences.

It is good to start writing with an abstract. Your abstract should not b very long; it should tell the readers all that has to be known about the social behavior in question. In most term papers, your abstract will not go beyond one or two pages. This will require you to be very selective in what you write. Look at where so many words will be replaced by a single or very few words. But make sure that all the keywords and their related phrases in your topic have been highlighted in the abstract.

If you have to prove to your readers that there is something wrong which needs correction, your tone of language has to be very sober. Do not be assertive in the manner in which you write. Remember that you must bring in evidence to support your claims and make them convincing to your readers. These and more should be ethically, emotionally and logically appealing to the readers. Avoid any form of biased language. In most cases, any form of verifications you employ should consist of facts, figures and expert opinions. Remember that you will also have to do some field research. It will be imperative to meet those personally affected by the problem and get firsthand information from them.

Sociology term papers should be summarized with proposals. You should be able to recommend solutions that others will willingly want to follow. This equally means you must suggest only what you think can be feasibly implemented. Remember that social behavior is difficult to change instantly. Therefore, you should know that whatever you suggest will take some considerable time for it to be effective.

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Tuesday, May 26, 2009

How To Write A Proper Term Paper

There is some confusion between a term paper and a research paper. While the titles are often interchanged, there is a difference. A research paper is always an academic research study and may take several years to complete if it is being written as part of the requirements of a degree.

The term paper is limited to the length of time a school term or semester takes and is used to determine the final grade of a particular class. Th term paper, while quite often of an academic research form, does not have to be so scholarly. A term paper may serve to prove a matter of opinion or an attempt at proving an hypothesis.



The requirements for writing a term paper are very similar to those of a research paper. One difference is that the topic of a term paper is often assigned to the student or they are given only a limited number of choices for their subject. Term paper writing is not as extensive as research papers. With less time for completion, the term paper will generally be a shorter work. However, your term paper still requires the same attention to detail and maintaining of source material and referencing techniques as the more scholarly research paper.

Begin your term paper writing with study. Once you have your topic it is recommended you first find out about the basic principles underlying your subject. This will help give you a general idea of what your topic is about and can provide ideas for how to direct your own term paper. Remember to keep notes and reference lists. A general encyclopedia is good for your initial research. From there you will be able to focus on writings from people mentioned and access the bibliography section to find more source materials you can utilize.

Internet resources are also handy for finding out about your topic. Do not stop at just one, however, as there is probably more misinformation online than not. Compare several sources to determine which seem most genuine.

Once you have begun the process of physically writing your term paper, start with a general outline detailing what information you are presenting and figure out the order in which you present each new section of information. Stick to proper grammar and writing patterns. Avoid colloquialisms except in necessary instances where they may apply. Prevent yourself from emotional diatribes. Your term paper should explain the topic, not try to argue it.

Check with the person who assigned you the term paper for the proper format. There are a number of styles and it is essential you are footnoting, indenting and spacing the way your grader wants it done. While the inexperienced may wonder why this is so important, it is a double test of your ability to not only find the needed material and present it in a comprehensible form, you must show that you can follow detailed instructions as well.

Once you have done your first draft, set it aside for a few days or a week and then come back to begin the proofreading stage. As well as searching for grammar errors and misspellings, you should review the words you use and delete superfluous, unnecessary words. Review adjectives and keep them to a minimum. Avoid first person narrative in your term paper.

As a final check, be sure to go over all your footnotes and references to make sure they are properly accredited and included in the correct form. It is a myth that no one will check. Being found out to have plagiarized or made up your references will end up disqualifying your entire work.


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