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Term Paper – Format, Examples and Writing Guide

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Definition:

Term paper is a type of academic writing assignment that is typically assigned to students at the end of a semester or term. It is usually a research-based paper that is meant to demonstrate the student’s understanding of a particular topic, as well as their ability to analyze and synthesize information from various sources.

Term papers are usually longer than other types of academic writing assignments and can range anywhere from 5 to 20 pages or more, depending on the level of study and the specific requirements of the assignment. They often require extensive research and the use of a variety of sources, including books, articles, and other academic publications.

Term Paper Format

The format of a term paper may vary depending on the specific requirements of your professor or institution. However, a typical term paper usually consists of the following sections:

• Title page: This should include the title of your paper, your name, the course name and number, your instructor’s name, and the date.
• Abstract : This is a brief summary of your paper, usually no more than 250 words. It should provide an overview of your topic, the research question or hypothesis, your methodology, and your main findings or conclusions.
• Introduction : This section should introduce your topic and provide background information on the subject. You should also state your research question or hypothesis and explain the importance of your research.
• Literature review : This section should review the existing literature on your topic. You should summarize the key findings and arguments made by other scholars and identify any gaps in the literature that your research aims to address.
• Methodology: This section should describe the methods you used to collect and analyze your data. You should explain your research design, sampling strategy, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
• Results : This section should present your findings. You can use tables, graphs, and charts to illustrate your data.
• Discussion : This section should interpret your findings and explain what they mean in relation to your research question or hypothesis. You should also discuss any limitations of your study and suggest areas for future research.
• Conclusion : This section should summarize your main findings and conclusions. You should also restate the importance of your research and its implications for the field.
• References : This section should list all the sources you cited in your paper using a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
• Appendices : This section should include any additional materials that are relevant to your study but not essential to your main argument (e.g., survey questions, interview transcripts).

Structure of Term Paper

Here’s an example structure for a term paper:

I. Introduction

A. Background information on the topic

B. Thesis statement

II. Literature Review

A. Overview of current literature on the topic

B. Discussion of key themes and findings from literature

C. Identification of gaps in current literature

III. Methodology

A. Description of research design

B. Discussion of data collection methods

C. Explanation of data analysis techniques

IV. Results

A. Presentation of findings

B. Analysis and interpretation of results

C. Comparison of results with previous studies

V. Discussion

A. Summary of key findings

B. Explanation of how results address the research questions

C. Implications of results for the field

VI. Conclusion

A. Recap of key points

B. Significance of findings

C. Future directions for research

VII. References

A. List of sources cited in the paper

How to Write Term Paper

Here are some steps to help you write a term paper:

• Choose a topic: Choose a topic that interests you and is relevant to your course. If your professor has assigned a topic, make sure you understand it and clarify any doubts before you start.
• Research : Conduct research on your topic by gathering information from various sources such as books, academic journals, and online resources. Take notes and organize your information systematically.
• Create an outline : Create an outline of your term paper by arranging your ideas and information in a logical sequence. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
• Write a thesis statement: Write a clear and concise thesis statement that states the main idea of your paper. Your thesis statement should be included in your introduction.
• Write the introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention, provide background information on your topic, and introduce your thesis statement.
• Write the body : The body of your paper should provide supporting evidence for your thesis statement. Use your research to provide details and examples to support your argument. Make sure to organize your ideas logically and use transition words to connect paragraphs.
• Write the conclusion : The conclusion should summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion.
• Edit and proofread: Edit and proofread your term paper carefully to ensure that it is free of errors and flows smoothly. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Format and cite your sources: Follow the formatting guidelines provided by your professor and cite your sources properly using the appropriate citation style.
• Submit your paper : Submit your paper on time and according to the instructions provided by your professor.

Term Paper Example

Here’s an example of a term paper:

Title : The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Cybersecurity

As the world becomes more digitally interconnected, cybersecurity threats are increasing in frequency and sophistication. Traditional security measures are no longer enough to protect against these threats. This paper explores the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cybersecurity, including how AI can be used to detect and respond to threats in real-time, the challenges of implementing AI in cybersecurity, and the potential ethical implications of AI-powered security systems. The paper concludes with recommendations for organizations looking to integrate AI into their cybersecurity strategies.

Introduction :

The increasing number of cybersecurity threats in recent years has led to a growing interest in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve cybersecurity. AI has the ability to analyze vast amounts of data and identify patterns and anomalies that may indicate a security breach. Additionally, AI can automate responses to threats, allowing for faster and more effective mitigation of security incidents. However, there are also challenges associated with implementing AI in cybersecurity, such as the need for large amounts of high-quality data, the potential for AI systems to make mistakes, and the ethical considerations surrounding the use of AI in security.

Literature Review:

This section of the paper reviews existing research on the use of AI in cybersecurity. It begins by discussing the types of AI techniques used in cybersecurity, including machine learning, natural language processing, and neural networks. The literature review then explores the advantages of using AI in cybersecurity, such as its ability to detect previously unknown threats and its potential to reduce the workload of security analysts. However, the review also highlights some of the challenges associated with implementing AI in cybersecurity, such as the need for high-quality training data and the potential for AI systems to be fooled by sophisticated attacks.

Methodology :

To better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with using AI in cybersecurity, this paper conducted a survey of cybersecurity professionals working in a variety of industries. The survey included questions about the types of AI techniques used in their organizations, the challenges they faced when implementing AI in cybersecurity, and their perceptions of the ethical implications of using AI in security.

The results of the survey showed that while many organizations are interested in using AI in cybersecurity, they face several challenges when implementing these systems. These challenges include the need for high-quality training data, the potential for AI systems to be fooled by sophisticated attacks, and the difficulty of integrating AI with existing security systems. Additionally, many respondents expressed concerns about the ethical implications of using AI in security, such as the potential for AI to be biased or to make decisions that are harmful to individuals or society as a whole.

Discussion :

Based on the results of the survey and the existing literature, this paper discusses the potential benefits and risks of using AI in cybersecurity. It also provides recommendations for organizations looking to integrate AI into their security strategies, such as the need to prioritize data quality and to ensure that AI systems are transparent and accountable.

Conclusion :

While there are challenges associated with implementing AI in cybersecurity, the potential benefits of using these systems are significant. AI can help organizations detect and respond to threats more quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of security breaches. However, it is important for organizations to be aware of the potential ethical implications of using AI in security and to take steps to ensure that these systems are transparent and accountable.

References:

• Alkhaldi, S., Al-Daraiseh, A., & Lutfiyya, H. (2019). A Survey on Artificial Intelligence Techniques in Cyber Security. Journal of Information Security, 10(03), 191-207.
• Gartner. (2019). Gartner Top 10 Strategic Technology Trends for 2020. Retrieved from https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2020/
• Kshetri, N. (2018). Blockchain’s roles in meeting key supply chain management objectives. International Journal of Information Management, 39, 80-89.
• Lipton, Z. C. (2018). The mythos of model interpretability. arXiv preprint arXiv:1606.03490.
• Schneier, B. (2019). Click Here to Kill Everybody: Security and Survival in a Hyper-Connected World. WW Norton & Company.
• Wahab, M. A., Rahman, M. S., & Islam, M. R. (2020). A Survey on AI Techniques in Cybersecurity. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 11(2), 22-27.

When to Write Term Paper

A term paper is usually a lengthy research paper that is assigned to students at the end of a term or semester. There are several situations when writing a term paper may be required, including:

• As a course requirement: In most cases, a term paper is required as part of the coursework for a particular course. It may be assigned by the instructor as a way of assessing the student’s understanding of the course material.
• To explore a specific topic : A term paper can be an excellent opportunity for students to explore a specific topic of interest in-depth. It allows them to conduct extensive research on the topic and develop their understanding of it.
• To develop critical thinking skills : Writing a term paper requires students to engage in critical thinking and analysis. It helps them to develop their ability to evaluate and interpret information, as well as to present their ideas in a clear and coherent manner.
• To prepare for future academic or professional pursuits: Writing a term paper can be an excellent way for students to prepare for future academic or professional pursuits. It can help them to develop the research and writing skills necessary for success in higher education or in a professional career.

Purpose of Term Paper

The main purposes of a term paper are:

• Demonstrate mastery of a subject: A term paper provides an opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. It requires students to research and analyze the topic, and then present their findings in a clear and organized manner.
• Develop critical thinking skills: Writing a term paper requires students to think critically about their subject matter, analyzing various sources and viewpoints, and evaluating evidence to support their arguments.
• Improve writing skills : Writing a term paper helps students improve their writing skills, including organization, clarity, and coherence. It also requires them to follow specific formatting and citation guidelines, which can be valuable skills for future academic and professional endeavors.
• Contribute to academic discourse : A well-written term paper can contribute to academic discourse by presenting new insights, ideas, and arguments that add to the existing body of knowledge on a particular topic.
• Prepare for future research : Writing a term paper can help prepare students for future research, by teaching them how to conduct a literature review, evaluate sources, and formulate research questions and hypotheses. It can also help them develop research skills that they can apply in future academic or professional endeavors.

Advantages of Term Paper

There are several advantages of writing a term paper, including:

• In-depth exploration: Writing a term paper allows you to delve deeper into a specific topic, allowing you to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.
• Improved writing skills: Writing a term paper involves extensive research, critical thinking, and the organization of ideas into a cohesive written document. As a result, writing a term paper can improve your writing skills significantly.
• Demonstration of knowledge: A well-written term paper demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, which can be beneficial for academic or professional purposes.
• Development of research skills : Writing a term paper requires conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and synthesizing information from various sources. This process can help you develop essential research skills that can be applied in many other areas.
• Enhancement of critical thinking : Writing a term paper encourages you to think critically, evaluate information, and develop well-supported arguments. These skills can be useful in many areas of life, including personal and professional decision-making.
• Preparation for further academic work : Writing a term paper is excellent preparation for more extensive academic projects, such as a thesis or dissertation.

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How to Write a Seminar Paper

Last Updated: October 17, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 634,528 times.

A seminar paper is a work of original research that presents a specific thesis and is presented to a group of interested peers, usually in an academic setting. For example, it might serve as your cumulative assignment in a university course. Although seminar papers have specific purposes and guidelines in some places, such as law school, the general process and format is the same. The steps below will guide you through the research and writing process of how to write a seminar paper and provide tips for developing a well-received paper.

Getting Started

• an argument that makes an original contribution to the existing scholarship on your subject
• extensive research that supports your argument
• extensive footnotes or endnotes (depending on the documentation style you are using)

• Make sure that you understand how to cite your sources for the paper and how to use the documentation style your professor prefers, such as APA , MLA , or Chicago Style .
• Don’t feel bad if you have questions. It is better to ask and make sure that you understand than to do the assignment wrong and get a bad grade.

• Since it's best to break down a seminar paper into individual steps, creating a schedule is a good idea. You can adjust your schedule as needed.
• Do not attempt to research and write a seminar in just a few days. This type of paper requires extensive research, so you will need to plan ahead. Get started as early as possible. [3] X Research source

• Listing List all of the ideas that you have for your essay (good or bad) and then look over the list you have made and group similar ideas together. Expand those lists by adding more ideas or by using another prewriting activity. [5] X Research source
• Freewriting Write nonstop for about 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind and don’t edit yourself. When you are done, review what you have written and highlight or underline the most useful information. Repeat the freewriting exercise using the passages you underlined as a starting point. You can repeat this exercise multiple times to continue to refine and develop your ideas. [6] X Research source
• Clustering Write a brief explanation (phrase or short sentence) of the subject of your seminar paper on the center of a piece of paper and circle it. Then draw three or more lines extending from the circle. Write a corresponding idea at the end of each of these lines. Continue developing your cluster until you have explored as many connections as you can. [7] X Research source
• Questioning On a piece of paper, write out “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” Space the questions about two or three lines apart on the paper so that you can write your answers on these lines. Respond to each question in as much detail as you can. [8] X Research source

• For example, if you wanted to know more about the uses of religious relics in medieval England, you might start with something like “How were relics used in medieval England?” The information that you gather on this subject might lead you to develop a thesis about the role or importance of relics in medieval England.
• Keep your research question simple and focused. Use your research question to narrow your research. Once you start to gather information, it's okay to revise or tweak your research question to match the information you find. Similarly, you can always narrow your question a bit if you are turning up too much information.

Conducting Research

• Use your library’s databases, such as EBSCO or JSTOR, rather than a general internet search. University libraries subscribe to many databases. These databases provide you with free access to articles and other resources that you cannot usually gain access to by using a search engine. If you don't have access to these databases, you can try Google Scholar.

• Publication's credentials Consider the type of source, such as a peer-reviewed journal or book. Look for sources that are academically based and accepted by the research community. Additionally, your sources should be unbiased.
• Author's credentials Choose sources that include an author’s name and that provide credentials for that author. The credentials should indicate something about why this person is qualified to speak as an authority on the subject. For example, an article about a medical condition will be more trustworthy if the author is a medical doctor. If you find a source where no author is listed or the author does not have any credentials, then this source may not be trustworthy. [12] X Research source
• Citations Think about whether or not this author has adequately researched the topic. Check the author’s bibliography or works cited page. If the author has provided few or no sources, then this source may not be trustworthy. [13] X Research source
• Bias Think about whether or not this author has presented an objective, well-reasoned account of the topic. How often does the tone indicate a strong preference for one side of the argument? How often does the argument dismiss or disregard the opposition’s concerns or valid arguments? If these are regular occurrences in the source, then it may not be a good choice. [14] X Research source
• Publication date Think about whether or not this source presents the most up to date information on the subject. Noting the publication date is especially important for scientific subjects, since new technologies and techniques have made some earlier findings irrelevant. [15] X Research source
• Information provided in the source If you are still questioning the trustworthiness of this source, cross check some of the information provided against a trustworthy source. If the information that this author presents contradicts one of your trustworthy sources, then it might not be a good source to use in your paper.

• Give yourself plenty of time to read your sources and work to understand what they are saying. Ask your professor for clarification if something is unclear to you.
• Consider if it's easier for you to read and annotate your sources digitally or if you'd prefer to print them out and annotate by hand.

• Be careful to properly cite your sources when taking notes. Even accidental plagiarism may result in a failing grade on a paper.

Drafting Your Paper

• Make sure that your thesis presents an original point of view. Since seminar papers are advanced writing projects, be certain that your thesis presents a perspective that is advanced and original. [18] X Research source
• For example, if you conducted your research on the uses of relics in medieval England, your thesis might be, “Medieval English religious relics were often used in ways that are more pagan than Christian.”

• Organize your outline by essay part and then break those parts into subsections. For example, part 1 might be your introduction, which could then be broken into three sub-parts: a)opening sentence, b)context/background information c)thesis statement.

• For example, in a paper about medieval relics, you might open with a surprising example of how relics were used or a vivid description of an unusual relic.
• Keep in mind that your introduction should identify the main idea of your seminar paper and act as a preview to the rest of your paper.

• For example, in a paper about relics in medieval England, you might want to offer your readers examples of the types of relics and how they were used. What purpose did they serve? Where were they kept? Who was allowed to have relics? Why did people value relics?
• Keep in mind that your background information should be used to help your readers understand your point of view.

• Remember to use topic sentences to structure your paragraphs. Provide a claim at the beginning of each paragraph. Then, support your claim with at least one example from one of your sources. Remember to discuss each piece of evidence in detail so that your readers will understand the point that you are trying to make.

• For example, in a paper on medieval relics, you might include a heading titled “Uses of Relics” and subheadings titled “Religious Uses”, “Domestic Uses”, “Medical Uses”, etc.

• Synthesize what you have discussed . Put everything together for your readers and explain what other lessons might be gained from your argument. How might this discussion change the way others view your subject?
• Explain why your topic matters . Help your readers to see why this topic deserve their attention. How does this topic affect your readers? What are the broader implications of this topic? Why does your topic matter?
• Return to your opening discussion. If you offered an anecdote or a quote early in your paper, it might be helpful to revisit that opening discussion and explore how the information you have gathered implicates that discussion.

• Ask your professor what documentation style he or she prefers that you use if you are not sure.
• Visit your school’s writing center for additional help with your works cited page and in-text citations.

Revising Your Paper

• What is your main point? How might you clarify your main point?
• Who is your audience? Have you considered their needs and expectations?
• What is your purpose? Have you accomplished your purpose with this paper?
• How effective is your evidence? How might your strengthen your evidence?
• Does every part of your paper relate back to your thesis? How might you improve these connections?
• Is anything confusing about your language or organization? How might your clarify your language or organization?
• Have you made any errors with grammar, punctuation, or spelling? How can you correct these errors?
• What might someone who disagrees with you say about your paper? How can you address these opposing arguments in your paper? [26] X Research source

Features of Seminar Papers and Sample Thesis Statements

Community Q&A

• Keep in mind that seminar papers differ by discipline. Although most seminar papers share certain features, your discipline may have some requirements or features that are unique. For example, a seminar paper written for a Chemistry course may require you to include original data from your experiments, whereas a seminar paper for an English course may require you to include a literature review. Check with your student handbook or check with your advisor to find out about special features for seminar papers in your program. Make sure that you ask your professor about his/her expectations before you get started as well. [27] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• When coming up with a specific thesis, begin by arguing something broad and then gradually grow more specific in the points you want to argue. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 11
• Choose a topic that interests you, rather than something that seems like it will interest others. It is much easier and more enjoyable to write about something you care about. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 1

• Do not be afraid to admit any shortcomings or difficulties with your argument. Your thesis will be made stronger if you openly identify unresolved or problematic areas rather than glossing over them. Thanks Helpful 13 Not Helpful 6
• Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. If you plagiarize your paper you may fail the assignment and even the course altogether. Make sure that you fully understand what is and is not considered plagiarism before you write your paper. Ask your teacher if you have any concerns or questions about your school’s plagiarism policy. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2

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• ↑ https://umweltoekonomie.uni-hohenheim.de/fileadmin/einrichtungen/umweltoekonomie/1-Studium_Lehre/Materialien_und_Informationen/Guidelines_Seminar_Paper_NEW_14.10.15.pdf
• ↑ https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-ask-professor-feedback/
• ↑ http://www.law.georgetown.edu/library/research/guides/seminar_papers.cfm
• ↑ https://www.stcloudstate.edu/writeplace/_files/documents/writing%20process/choosing-and-narrowing-an-essay-topic.pdf
• ↑ http://writing.ku.edu/prewriting-strategies
• ↑ http://www.kuwi.europa-uni.de/en/lehrstuhl/vs/politik3/Hinweise_Seminararbeiten/haenglish.html
• ↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq/reliable
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/673/1/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
• ↑ https://www.irsc.edu/students/academicsupportcenter/researchpaper/researchpaper.aspx?id=4294967433
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/engagement/2/2/58/
• ↑ http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/beginning-academic-essay
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/02/
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/05/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReverseOutlines.html

About This Article

To write a seminar paper, start by writing a clear and specific thesis that expresses your original point of view. Then, work on your introduction, which should give your readers relevant context about your topic and present your argument in a logical way. As you write, break up the body of your paper with headings and sub-headings that categorize each section of your paper. This will help readers follow your argument. Conclude your paper by synthesizing your argument and explaining why this topic matters. Be sure to cite all the sources you used in a bibliography. For advice on getting started on your seminar paper, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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A resource for interdisciplinary writers, photo ©2009 david frazier, the seminar paper.

A seminar paper is often the key assignment of a single course, designed to demonstrate your sustained, focused analysis of a concept, issue, or problem. Typically a paper of 15-20 pages, the seminar paper is a demanding piece of writing, both in terms of the amount of research required and the relatively short time in which you have to complete the assignment. But do not fear-with good planning and preparation, your seminar paper can be a rich, exciting project from which you can learn a lot about a topic and become a better writer (remember, practice makes perfect, or at least improves).

features of a seminar paper

Seminar papers can vary widely in topic and objective, depending on the subject matter and goals of the class and the requirements of the professor. Therefore, it is vitally important that you understand the assignment as you work on your paper.

There are four basic components that you should include in any seminar paper:

• Title Page - this page contains the title of your paper, followed by your name, the course designator and number, and the date you are turning in the assignment. For an example of a title page, see the Tips on Formatting page.
• Abstract - the abstract should be on a separate page from the rest of the paper and immediately follow the title page. It consists of a brief paragraph or two highlighting the major points of your argument. For a sample of an abstract, click here (insert link to a sample, either below or on separate page).
• Content - this is your paper, complete with introduction, development of the argument (body), and conclusion.
• Works Cited Page - This page includes bibliographic data of all of the sources you cited within the paper.

Questions to Consider When Writing a Seminar Paper

Your paper is likely to be evaluated according to these same questions, so it will do you a world of good to ask them of yourself as you draft your paper.

* Is your thesis (your stance on the issues or proposed solution to a problem) clearly evident ? * How well have you used evidence to develop your thesis and to support your own point of view? * How well do you demonstrate valid logic and sound reasoning in the course of making your argument? * How thoroughly have you researched this topic? Did you consult a broad range of sources , or are the sources too concentrated in one type or category of evidence (or a single disciplinary approach)? Are your sources current? Are they representative of the field(s) of research on this topic? * How flexible have you been in approaching the topic, rather than letting your preconceptions influence your analysis of issues and their implications? * How fair and accurate have you been in presenting complicating viewpoints, and in citing evidence that helps reconcile the opposition ? * How well have you conceptualized your audience in composing this argument, and what adaptations to your technique and style have you made in order to connect with that audience?

Examples of Seminar Paper Topics (Coming Soon)

Sample seminar paper (coming soon), next: conference presentations.

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Seminar Paper: Step-by-Step Guide to Succeed

By: Angelina Grin

Studying at college, you have to deal with various types of academic writing. Some tasks can be pretty typical, e.g., an argumentative essay or a case study. But what should you do if your professor assigns you a seminar paper?

What Is A Seminar And Seminar Paper?

1. read your instructions, introduction , main section, 3. format the seminar paper, lack of time, lack of knowledge, lack of support.

It may take you a lot of time to define what the seminar paper is, how it should look, and what you can do to get the best grade. That's why we want to help you along this way. So, let's start with the basics.

There may be various definitions of the seminar depending on the context. But in general, it is an academic event that an educational institution hosts with the main purpose of discussing a certain subject. It can be a form of group classes, a conference, or a separate meeting.

When your professor asks you to write a seminar paper, one should provide you with detailed instructions to understand what he or she expects of you. In most cases, it goes about the research paper that interprets specific concepts and conveys the seminar's most essential ideas. It would help if you made it readable, informative, and helpful to the event's audience. It also has to be unique, without any sign of plagiarism.

These are basic writing requirements, but they don't make things easier when it is your first time dealing with this type of term paper. So, if you find yourself sitting with a blank sheet of paper without any idea in your head, read on to find more good tips. 

4 Steps to Write a Good Seminar Paper 

We want you to know: it is almost impossible to write an A-level seminar paper from the first try. You need to work on your research and writing skills, understand your target audience, and formulate your thoughts with appropriate words. 

Until you're an experienced author, you can follow our plan that consists of simple baby steps. Building up your knowledge and skills, you'll experiment with them, add something yours, and create incredible unique content. 

You may prepare an amazing template, but it means nothing if it doesn't meet your professor's expectations. At the first stage, you need to define:

• What is your topic?
• Who are your readers?
• How many pages should your paper contain?
• What are structure preferences?
• What type of formatting should be used?

It is also necessary to pay attention to the deadline. It would help if you planned your writing activities with having this date in mind. However, don't let yourself procrastinate just because you have enough time. The earlier you start, the better your result will be. 

If you still don't understand some writing requirements or have any questions, you may contact your professor. It is perfect if there is a writing center at your college — its counselors will provide you with helpful information.

2. Structure The Document

All scholarly papers should have a clear structure. Write down a list of your headings and subheadings, sections, and subsections. Please make sure they're logical and consistent.

Speaking generally, any writing has its introduction, main paragraphs, and conclusion. Your task, for now, is to concretize them and to make your seminar paper look well. 

It is the place where you need to present your research topic and motivate it: why is it relevant? What are the main points of the paper, and why do they interest you? 

The introductory section is usually short and doesn't contain any arguments. Your task is to set the starting point and to get your readers prepared. 

Finish this paragraph with a research question you're going to investigate. Try to formulate it intriguingly so that your audience is hooked with a desire to find out the answer. 

It would be a good idea to divide the body of your paper into two parts:

• Theoretical;

The first one should contain the background information and your presentation of the theoretical foundations. You also have to research the available literature on this topic and provide a brief and original analysis. Try to find really good sources published in the relevant field that explain concepts to be discussed from different points of view. The literature review should summarize existing research, and your task is to show that these articles lack some information. That's where you need to ask your question and explore the topic to find answers and fill gaps.

Now, when your readers have enough information and can decide on their point of view, you can devote the rest of the paper to the practical part. In the next subsections, write your analysis, discussion, and evaluation of one or several research objects.

Wrapping things up, summarize your ideas, and provide your assessment along with the evaluation of the seminar's topic. 

It would be good to provide some further aspects and outlook to get your readers inspired and motivate them to new research. 

Now, when you have your paper finished, it is time to ensure it meets academic standards.

The specific formatting style depends on your major and educational institution. For example, if you're studying at law school and work with legal writing, you'll most likely deal with Chicago or Turabian format. Scholarly writing for law students differs from academic writing for art students, business ones, or computer science ones. 

You need the latest version of the student handbook to make sure you put all margins, fonts, headlines, and paragraphs according to the requirements. Law review articles (and other specialized papers) should be standardized to be published. So, if you approach this stage with all responsibility, it will give you an edge and replenish your portfolio with a great piece.

It is also necessary to provide all references. It would help if you gave credit each time when you cite someone. If you miss some quotations, your content can be considered plagiarism, so pay attention to such issues. 

4. Proofread the Document

Even the best writers shouldn't avoid the revising step since it is essential to make your content flawless.

We recommend you take a short pause between the moment you write the last word and the moment you get back to the text for proofreading. It will recharge your brain so that it is refreshed and works better.

Get rid of all typos, errors, useless sentences, unproven claims. You may rewrite some paragraphs to make them better, but don't deviate from the initial plan. Now, when your research paper is ready, you can submit it and expect a great result. 

When Should You Ask For Professional Writing Help?

It is normal if you don't feel like a successful seminar paper writer. Different people have different talents. Besides, you may have other priorities right now, and this fact shouldn't ruin your grades.

You can hire a professional tutor or a seasoned author who will help you make the research paper better, polish your skills, and impress your professor.

There are several common reasons why students ask for assistance with their academic writing.

As you might understand from our article, seminar preparation takes you a lot of time. Each stage requires close concentration and full focus. If you have a deadline in a couple of days, you have to sacrifice sleep, other assignments, and personal life. And it won't guarantee you a decent grade since you're nervous and passive.

Yes, practice makes better, but each student needs one's own pace. Some of your peers may succeed with research assignments effortlessly, and what should you do if your paper is not that good? When you hire a professional author, you get a guarantee of incredible writing. Use this template as a tutorial to follow with your next assignment.

Seminars have always been pretty exhausting and demanding events. When you need to present your term paper, you have to work by leaps and bounds to impress your audience.

We know how it feels, and that's why we support all students with the same issues. Send us your writing requirement, and we'll do our best to help you with your task. Knowing that the result is guaranteed, you can lighten up a bit and feel more confident about your seminar.

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The Seminar Paper and Academic Writing

The Seminar Paper

A good seminar paper fulfills two important functions. First, it reflects the author’s development in the course for which it was written. It demonstrates the author’s intellectual progress and meets, as closely as possible, the professor’s expectations for a term paper. Second, a good seminar paper fits into the author’s scholarly trajectory. However relevant to the individual’s specialization, it should generate ideas, skills, research, and questions that contribute to his or her overall scholarly project. Though these functions point, as it were, in opposite directions, they arise from the necessary assumption that seminars constitute the foundation for all future academic work. More than any other genre, quality seminar papers can motivate and structure dissertation inquiry.

A Rhetorical Situation

We can’t avoid the rhetorical nature of seminar papers. Like most academic activity that counts for something, these essays come with certain expectations, many of which the professor, the primary audience, determines. Thus the basic characteristic of a seminar paper is that there are no consistent characteristics but only a set of variables contingent upon each professor’s understanding and agenda. Though we might bemoan having to adapt our (obviously brilliant) ideas to the demands of a particular reader or readers, it’s worth remembering that academic life consists wholly of just that kind of adaptation.

It may seem silly to specify the expectations of a given professor, but doing so provides a structure within which an essay’s ideas can develop. Common conceptions of seminar papers include those thought of as

- a nascent version of a future publication, complete with thorough knowledge of secondary criticism, footnotes, and bibliography;

- a highly informed and detailed exploration of a single primary text; a glorified close reading;

- an application of the skills and knowledge the seminar is intended to transmit, referring to the texts, theories, or approaches covered during the semester;

- a very specific type of paper with a pre-defined structure or purpose (e.g., an application of a particular theory to a particular text);

- an opportunity to pursue individual inquiries, however unrelated to the course’s topic.

Each of these various conceptions entails necessary practical steps. If a professor expects mastery of a body of secondary criticism, for example, then it’s wise to survey that criticism and keep notes, perhaps even formalized annotations, on the materials you read. That way, when you sit down to write the essay, you have already established a critical context in which to begin your own inquiry.

The funny thing about seminar papers is that although it’s easy to distinguish the different sorts and to approximate which sort a professor has in mind, a truly excellent seminar paper could fit into every sort. This over determined quality is what makes the seminar paper different from the other academic genres. The best seminar papers, in other words, manage to do whatever their reader expects them to do, regardless of who that reader is or what s/he expects the paper to do.

For the Future

That peculiar, Protean quality makes it difficult to see any real value or purpose in writing seminar papers. A paper that does everything, it seems, does nothing. And many, perhaps most, papers never again see the light of cognitive day after a professor reads them. They quickly enter the realm of vague, barely retrievable reference, so that years later you’ll find yourself saying to students, “I think I wrote a paper on Moby Dick once.”

You can avoid this miserable middle age only by striving to make use of seminar papers, or rather, to let them do more than simply earn a grade. They must somehow contribute to your intellectual development and future work, but that contribution needn’t be anything specific. Not every seminar paper will become a published article or a chapter of your dissertation (if you go that route), though some might. You could use a paper to

- complete research, either primary or secondary, that you will use later. You might, for example, write a paper on modern British poets in order to familiarize yourself with the library’s resources.

- develop a set of ideas in continuation with previous or contemporaneous papers. You might write an essay on Stoicism one semester and Neostoicism the next.

- experiment with or develop new methodologies. Perhaps you only tried Marxism as a joke in college and want to see how it really works.

- get a good idea of the scholarly conversation around certain texts.

- read, think about, and write about texts you would not have otherwise attended to. Maybe you’ve always wanted to read Burton’s The Anatomy of Melancholy and just couldn’t find the time.

- develop an idea for a conference paper. This is an especially useful purpose if you’re confident in an idea but not confident enough to submit it for publication.

- think toward your master's thesis or dissertation.

- start a relationship with a professor. Visiting office hours wouldn’t hurt either.

- write a draft of your MA Thesis, an especially advisable purpose if you don’t feel confident about writing the entire Thesis in a single semester.

Whatever you do in a seminar paper, it’s important to do something with it, to make it do something for you.

Practical Advice

Below is a series of practical tips for writing excellent seminar papers, even in difficult semesters.

Start early: If you start your essay the week before it’s due, it will fulfill neither of its main functions. Though you may be an excellent writer of last-minute papers, you won’t be able to craft your inquiry to satisfy the professor’s requirements fully and completely, nor will the essay aid your overall progress. It will simply take up space on your hard drive. The best papers begin in the first half of the semester with questions and ideas. In-depth primary and broad secondary reading progress together in the two months before the deadline, and outlining and drafting takes place over the last month of classes. Occasionally, professors will ask for paper presentations in the weeks before the deadline, still another reason to begin early.

Set time goals: Accordingly, give yourself artificial deadlines. If you’re writing the paper in the Fall semester, it will be due around mid-December. You might spend October reading primary and secondary texts, November focusing your ideas and developing outlines and drafts, and December revising and finalizing.

Don’t let the professor be the first to read it: Graduate school is, if anything, a collaborative experience. Make a point to discuss paper ideas with your fellow seminarians. Trade drafts and outlines as you work on them, soliciting feedback from your peers before you seek it from the professor. It makes little sense for the professor, the person who will grade it, to be the first to see a paper.

Have ONE idea with purpose: Many of us mistakenly try to take up too large a topic for a single 20-30 page essay. Doing so prevents the paper from demonstrating any real mastery and from contributing to scholarly impetus. Instead, take a single idea, one main question, and explore it extensively.

Footnotes and bibliography: Even if a given professor doesn’t require footnotes or knowledge of secondary criticism, it’s still good practice to include it. Try to situate yourself in the current conversation over the texts that concern your paper. That way, when you do try to turn the essay into an article or chapter, that essential component will already be built in.

Be honest: All but the least rational professors understand the pressure each semester presents, and they recognize that you are teaching and writing two other papers at the same time as you’re writing one for their course. It’s safe to be honest about the limits of your time. If, for example, you recognize while writing that you need to cover a certain text but don’t have time to do it well, include a footnote to explain the situation, stressing what the section would do if you had time to do it. Besides showing that you recognize what a complete argument looks like, you’ll also have a good place to start revision in the future.

Reflect the learning of the course: Even if your essay diverges widely from the course’s topic, it should somehow gesture in that direction, perhaps in footnotes.

Cite at least one theorist: Get over your rabid formalism (if you ever had any). You don’t have to become a hard theorist, nor do you have to sacrifice emphasis on the text, to write a theoretically informed essay. Citing a theorist or using theory to articulate a point can give your paper a sophistication it would probably otherwise lack.

Academic Writing

“A word may be a fine-sounding word, of an unusual length, and very imposing from its learning and novelty, and yet in the connection in which it is introduced may be quite pointless and irrelevant. It is not pomp or pretension, but the adaptation of the expression to the idea, that clinches a writer's meaning.” William Hazlitt, “On Familiar Style”

We almost always focus our writerly efforts on argument and method—and quite rightly, because content makes up the soul of academic life. But we often emphasize argument at the expense of clear, strong prose, mimetic as it can be, active and exact, self-conscious and purposeful. Poststructuralism correctly taught us not to rely on the relationship between words and things, yet that relationship is still the only means for signification (or significance). Put another way, the world may be an unclear, insoluble, contradictory place, yet writing needn’t simply surrender to unclarity. Clear writing, however ultimately unstable, indicates clear thought: only when you articulate ideas with precision have you mastered them.

Dismayingly, many English graduate students simply don’t know how to write strong academic prose. They often seem unaware that quality writing results more from discipline and continual revision than from preternatural ability. Far too many first drafts, far too little revision. Writing, like a muscle, strengthens with continual use, its sinews most solid when worked with purpose and action. You owe your ideas the service of your best writing, and those who will judge your work—professors, fellowship and award committees, journals, university presses, tenure review boards—will perceive your ideas through the medium of your style. To be sure, the ideas cannot exist but within the medium.

Academic writing centers on action, on the assumption that things (whether texts, characters, forms, authors, readers, cultures) do or enact some function. Richard Lanham, author of Revising Prose (see below), encourages writers to ask “Who’s kicking who?” to specify what action the elements of a given sentence perform. This action provides the backbone, the foundation, of a sentence or piece of prose. For example, we might reword the static sentence, “The seven books of the Harry Potter series have intriguing effects on readers emotionally” to specify the action taking place and, as a consequence, the subject and objective complement: “The Harry Potter books intrigue the reader’s emotions” or “The Harry Potter books affect readers emotionally.” What seemed like one idea in the original sentence we reveal to contain two distinct ideas, and the author can choose which action s/he was trying to convey. In this way and much more generally, academic writing revolves around verbs, and thus the choice of verb, the action around which the sentence (and the argument) builds, becomes the most important a writer makes. You should, as Hamlet rightly says, “ suit the action to the word, the

word to the action .”

Other stylistic habits—the good to be practiced, the bad to be shunned—appear below, adapted from a list titled “Suggestions for the Writing of Acceptable Essays,” given to this handbook’s authors by Professor John Rumrich:

- Eliminate weak and extraneous words, such as very , quite , rather , total(ly) , somewhat , and the like.

- Never use the passive voice if you can avoid it.

- Avoid vague and wordy approaches to sentences, such as,

o There are…

o Another example of…is when…

o It is important to note that…

- Do not dangle modifiers; do not write such sentences as this one: “After presenting a scene of darkness, the boat sits quietly on the Thames.”

- Do not stack up great bunches of prepositional phrases; avoid such sentences as this one: An explanation of the status of mankind with respect to the overall plan is followed by a consideration of the passions.

- Do not use for , as , or since when you mean because .

- Do not use the pronouns this , these , that , those , which , or it unless they have clear and unmistakable antecedents.

- However should not come at the first of a sentence; place it deeper in the sentence: e.g., The irony in The Rape of the Lock , however, grows more complex than one might expect.

- Semi-colons should be used in sentences composed of two independent clauses that are not connected by and , or , for , nor , yet , but .

- Typed dashes are made of two hyphens and no spaces: Shelley—or rather the speaker—begins the stanza with an imperative.

- Avoid vague and static sentences built around the verb to be . Instead of “Hamlet is representative of a new kind of character,” write “Hamlet represents a new kind of character.”

Below is a helpful excerpt from Gerald Graff’s “Scholars and Sound Bites: The Myth of Academic Difficulty.” PMLA 115: 5 (October 2000), 1050-1.

Do's and Don'ts for academic writers

1. Be dialogical. Begin your text by directly identifying the prior conversation or debate that you are entering. What you are saying probably won't make sense unless readers know the conversation in which you say it.

2. Make a claim, the sooner the better, and flag it for the reader by a phrase like “My claim here is that [. . .].” You don't have to use such a phrase, but if you can't do so you're in trouble.

3. Remind readers of your claim periodically, especially the more you complicate it. If you're writing about a disputed topic (and if you aren't, why write?), you'll also have to stop and tell readers what you are not saying, what you don't want to be taken as saying. Some of them will take you as saying that anyway, but you don't have to make it easy for them.

4. Summarize the objections that you anticipate can be made (or that have been made) against your claim. Remember that objectors, even when mean and nasty, are your friends--they help you clarify your claim, and they indicate why it is of interest to others besides yourself. If the objectors weren't out there, you wouldn't need to say what you are saying.

5. Say explicitly—or at least imply—why your ideas are important, what difference it makes to the world if you are right or wrong, and so forth. Imagine a reader over your shoulder who asks, “So what?” Or, “Who cares about any of this?” Again, you don't have to write in such questions, but if you were to write them in and couldn't answer them, you're in trouble.

6. (This one is already implicit in several of the above points.) Generate a metatext that stands apart from your main text and puts it in perspective. Any essay really consists of two texts, one in which you make your argument and a second in which you tell readers how (and how not) to read it. This second text is usually signaled by reflexive phrases like “I do not mean to suggest that [. . .],” “Here you will probably object that [. . .],” “To put the point another way [...],” “But why am I so emphatic on this point?,” and “What I've been trying to say here, then, is [. . .].” When writing is unclear or lame (as beginning student writing often is), the reason usually has less to do with jargon or verbal obscurity than with the absence of such metacommentary, which may be needed to explain why it was necessary to write the essay.

7. Remember that readers can process only one claim at a time, so there's no use trying to squeeze in secondary and tertiary claims that are better left for another book, essay, or paragraph or at least for another part of your book or essay, where they can be clearly marked off from your main claim. If you're an academic, you are probably so eager to prove that you've left no thought unconsidered that you find it hard to resist the temptation to say everything at once, and consequently you say nothing that is understood while producing horribly overloaded paragraphs and sentences like this sentence, monster-sized discursive footnotes, and readers who fling your text aside and turn on the TV.

8. Be bilingual. It is not necessary to avoid academese—you sometimes need the stuff. But whenever you have to say something in academese, try to say it in the vernacular as well. You'll be surprised to find that when you restate an academic point in your nonacademic voice, the point is enriched (or else you see how vacuous it is), and you're led to new perceptions.

9. Don't kid yourself. If you could not explain it to your parents or your most mediocre student, the chances are you don't understand it yourself.

None of what I have said in this essay should be mistaken for the claim that all academic scholarship can or should be addressed to a nonacademic audience. The ability to do advanced research and the ability to explain that research to nonprofessional audiences do not always appear in the same person. To adapt a concept from the philosopher Hilary Putnam, there is a linguistic division of labor in which the work of research and that of popularization are divided among different people, as Friedrich Engels was rewrite man for Karl Marx. Yet even Marx's most difficult and uncompromising texts have their Engels moments—Engels could not have summarized Marx's doctrine if they did not. In short, it is time to rethink the view that the university is not in the “gist business.”

Many other books and aids have proven useful in improving academic style. Below are just a few:

Griffith, Kelley. Writing Essays about Literature: A Guide and Style Sheet . Boston: Thomson, 2006. Griffith’s study provides a nice introduction to writing on literary texts, though the guide speaks primarily to undergraduates.

Lanham, Richard. Revising Prose . New York: Longman, 2000. Lanham’s book is a classic guide for making prose dynamic and clear. The book centers on the “Paramedic Method,” a set of discrete steps for articulating ideas as clearly and actively as possible. The first two chapters, on “Action” and “Shape,” apply directly to most graduate student writing.

Williams, Joseph M. Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace . New York: Longman, 2003. This guide offers a counterpoint of praxis to Lanham’s gnosis .

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Research Strategies for Seminar Papers

• Introduction
• STEP 1: Select a Topic
• STEP 2: Preemption Check
• STEP 3: Background Research
• STEP 4: Focused Research
• Additional Resources for Scholarly Writing

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Research is a Fundamental Component of the Seminar Paper

Per the Georgetown Law Student Handbook: "The upperclass legal writing requirement builds upon the first year Legal Practice course by developing students ability to independently engage in a sustained, in-depth research  [emphasis added] and writing project for a legal audience. Working on the paper challenges students to hone their research skills, engage in complex legal analysis, develop and test a thesis or argument, gain mastery over a specific topic, and enhance the clarity and precision of their writing all components of the art of legal writing that are valued in practice regardless of the particular field that the student might pursue."

The seminar paper will require you to find a large amount of information and use many unfamiliar resources. You will also conduct an original analysis using the information you've found and cite everything you've used with extensive footnotes.

Tips For Making your Research Effective and Efficient

STAY FOCUSED ON THE TASK. Efficiency is a crucial aspect of successful research for a seminar paper. As you research, it is easy to become distracted by off-topic or tangential materials. To maintain efficiency and stay on task, note potentially useful materials in your research log and, when available, download the PDF.

PLAN AHEAD. A seminar paper requires comprehensive, time-consuming research and cannot be completed in a couple of days or over a weekend. Additional research is often needed after discovering weaknesses while outlining and drafting the paper. Effective researchers budget sufficient time to ensure access to materials using  interlibrary loan  or  consortium loan  since receiving physical items through these services can take a few days, a week, or more. 

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR RESEARCH.  Active organization of research materials and tracking research tasks creates an efficient research process. This can be achieved through multiple technques:

• Use a research log.  Effective research logs must contain the following information to be helpful: a brief description of the material, a complete citation or a stable URL, and a brief note on its usefulness. Creating a log using Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers has the added benefits of using ctrl+F/cmd+F to quickly find items in the log by keyword and sorting options. 
• Use the internal tools of the databases.  Identify the tools within databases that assist with saving your research and use them. Look for folders, copy text with citation, and links. These tools are often at the top of the page in a website, or along the right or left side of the page. 
• Save or capture the citation information for everything you use.  Since your paper requires  complete and comprehensive citations , you must keep a record of everything you read. A research log is an easy and efficient method of tracking all materials you've read or consulted. An effective research log must include sufficient citation information to help you find an item again: the authors' name, title, publisher, published date, volume number, page numbers, and, when applicable, database information or a stable URL.

We're Here to Help!

The Law Library reference librarians aim to ensure your research is efficient, effective, and complete.

We offer a  one-on-one research consultation service  during which we review the resources for your specific topic and/or information need. These consultations are by appointment only and require some lead time for the librarian to prepare for your topic.

The Reference Desk is a great place to start for quick questions or questions about library services and resources! Please see our  Reference Desk hours  to determine when a reference librarian is on duty. You can also reach us by  chat  or  email .

Additional Resource

Requirements and Criteria - Seminar Papers 

Your professor will give you details on the requirements for your paper. The general requirements for the upperclass Legal Writing Requirement are published in the Student Handbook of Academic Policies by the Registrar's Office.

Publishing Your Seminar Paper

You may want to consider submitting your seminar paper for publication. See the Law Library's guide on  publishing articles in law reviews and journals  for information on the process and resources. 

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Supreme Court Seminar (Dawson)

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Helpful Books from the Law Library

Getting ready to write, help crafting your seminar paper, using working papers to select a topic, using legal news and blogs to select a topic, avoiding plagiarism.

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Students submit help requests here .

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The following treatises are just a few of the many available treatises that can assist with drafting a seminar paper or understanding the scholarly legal writing process.

• Understand your objective.   Know what type of paper you want to write and how it falls in line with the goals of the class.
• Make sure you are interested in your topic.   You will be spending a lot of time with your seminar paper topic, so having a genuine interest in it can make the process more satisfying and less frustrating.
• Plan ahead.   Thorough scholarly research cannot be done in one day or even a weekend.  One resource that may assist you with developing a writing timeline is an  Assignment Calculator .
• Keep track of your research.   Know what resources you have looked in, what search terms you have used, and when you used these resources.  This will make completing and updating your research easier.  Tools like  Zotero  can help you with this.
• Writing a Student Article This law review article provides fantastic insights into the ins and outs of writing a law school seminar paper.
• Georgetown Law Writing Center - Guides and Handouts A collection of Guides and Handout about Scholarly and Legal Writing covering various topics. Selected guides are linked below.
• Georgetown Law Writing Center- Checklist for Scholarly Writing
• Georgetown Law Writing Center - Checklist for the Writing Process
• Georgetown Law Writing Center- Creating a Good Scholarly Paper
• Georgetown Law Writing Center- Strategies for Outlining Your Scholarly Paper

Looking at working papers from other scholars can assist you by allowing you to see what types of topics are being actively discussed in legal academia.  Two resources for reviewing working papers are detailed below

• Bepress Legal Repository The bepress Legal Repository offers working papers and pre-prints from scholars and professionals at top law schools around the world.
• Social Science Research Network (SSRN) The Social Science Research Network is devoted to the rapid worldwide dissemination of social science research and is composed of a number of specialized research networks in each of the social sciences.

Various legal news resources and blogs (or blawgs) can assist with selecting a seminar paper topic.  The resources below are just of few of the many resources available on the Internet and through subscription services authors can use to locate current events and novel legal issues.

• SupremeCourt.gov
• SCOTUS Blog
• ABA Blawg Directory
• Seton Hall Circuit Review  (Law Review) available via  HeinOnline
• NCCU Library Plagiarism Tutorial   NCCU's main library put together a step-by-step guide to avoid I plagiarism. It is not a law school specific guide; however, it offers a great breakdown of what plagiarism is and how to avoid it.
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Avoiding Plagiarism   This guide provided by Cornell offers an overview of what constitutes plagiarism, safe practices and exercises.
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Seminar Paper Research

• Choosing a Topic
• Finding Legal Articles
• Finding Non-Legal Articles
• Finding Books
• Finding Statutes
• Legislative History & Bill Tracking
• Administrative Law
• Evaluating Sources
• Bluebook Citation
• Citation Management Services
• Law Student Guide to Identifying & Preventing Plagiarism
• Accessing Databases & E-Resources
• Law Library Useful Links
• Get Help & About the Author

General Tips

Most articles written by students take the form of either a comment or a note but there are other forms of writing such as narratives and storytelling that may be applicable to your situation. You will want to consult with your journal editors or professor about what is required from you. When choosing a topic, keep the following things in mind:

(1) choose something you find interesting since you will be spending a large amount of time living with this topic;

(2) think carefully about the scope of the topic – avoid overly broad or general topics as well as topics that are too narrow; and

(3) write about something new or look at an issue in a new light.

Ask Your Professor!

If you are writing a paper for a seminar class, your professor may have a list of topics that you can use or give you some ideas.

General Guides to Choosing a Topic

In addition to the Volokh and Falk books that were listed under Writing an Article - General Tips , the following are guides on finding a topic:

• Note Topic Selection on the LexisNexis Services
• Westlaw, Guide to Legal Research for Law Review

Browse CILP, SSRN, or BePress

By looking at what others are currently writing about, you can often find ideas about what you want to write about.

Blogs & Web Resources

• Howard J. Bashman, How Appealing

Newsletters

Bloomberg law reports.

Bloomberg Law publishes over 40 current report services that track news, topics and trends. Beyond the circuit splits found in the United States Law Week, Bloomberg Law Reports are an excellent resource for potential topics. You can even subscribe to email alerts or an RSS feed.

Mealey’s Newsletters (through Lexis)

Mealey's reports include case summaries, commentaries, and breaking news across different practice areas.

Law360 covers 45 practice areas and provides news on litigation, legislation and regulation, corporate deals, major personnel moves, and legal industry news and trends.

Lexis Emerging Issues

Emerging Issues Analysis articles provides guidance written by attorneys practicing in the field. The commentaries examine a wide range of recent cases, regulations, trends, and developments. They also cover national, state and international issues and provide expert insight in important areas and legal developments.

Westlaw Newsletters

• Westlaw Legal Newspapers & Newsletters

CCH Topical Newsletters

CCH is a subsidiary of Wolters Kluwer publishing company and it is well known for business, labor and employment, tax, and health resources. Find and click on your topical area of interest. Then look at the news options for your topic.

Table of Contents

Review the Table of Contents, comments, and/or notes in a textbook or treatise to generate topic ideas.

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• Last Updated: Aug 15, 2024 3:48 PM
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