new Budget notes 
TERM
PAPER TIPS
Many of you have already provided term paper proposals or have seen me after class or
in my office. I have rejected no proposal, but usually have made suggestions along these
lines:
- slight variations in theme, usually to redefine the scope of the paper
- how best to implement: focus carefully on a case study
Here are some important considerations which you should keep in mind:
- I asked you to do a policy brief, a short report: 8 pages double
spaced, the equivalent of 4 pages single spaced
- Your policy brief gets right to the point and should depart from a breezy or
personalized style of a composition essay. Your policy report should be crisp, factually
based, and tightly structured
- The report normally reads as if it were by a professional staff analyst
providing a background report, often with recommendations to the elected
official, say a United States Senator sitting on the appropriate Senate Committee for your
topic
How your grade is determined...
and what you should do...
to improve your grade
Keep in mind how your report will be graded, as I indicated in the memo which I
provided. I will expand below, spelling out some implications:
- Depth: Your report digs beneath the surface (say the level of a page 17
newspaper article on the subject) probing beyond the obvious and indicating a
serious intellectual grasp of the topic. You know this material!
- Content: Your research has not only been substantial, but is woven into
the fabric of your report. You are careful not to make assertions not supported
by your facts but your research has supported your conclusions. You use this
material!
- Style: Effective writing style begins with correct usage of
vocabulary and grammar, but goes beyond the basics to include
- Paragraphs which do not merge a series of loosely connected sentences, but
convey a single assertion
- Sentences which balance complexity with clarity
- Careful choice of precise words, giving you complete control over meaning
- Integration: An overall coherence in the development of your report:
- An introduction which clearly indicates to the reader the intent and scope of
the report. Regard the first paragraph as the mission statement of the. Do not
extend your introduction unduly, but rely on a clear and careful introductory paragraph.
Frankly, a flat or rambling first paragraph more often than not tips me off that the paper
will not hold together well.
- A conclusion which logically flows from the main argument of
the paper. The ending is not simply tagged on as mere opinion but has been carefully drawn
from the logic and evidence of the report.
- The main argument, which has been indicated by the case developed in
the report. Go back and read the theme sentences of each paragraph to determine if they
connect and, taken together, support the conclusion. Indeed, ask yourself if your argument
has connected the introduction to the conclusion.
- Use headings and subheadings to highlight to the reader what is going
on within each block of the report. In this assignment, there might be perhaps 3 or 4
major headings. These devices help orient the reader --- and keep the writer focused on
the job at hand.
Keep these criteria in mind. I do when I grade your work! Frequently, I wonder
whether a particular student ever considers these criteria, which I specify well in
advance. Please do so: it works for you and for me.
Revise Frequently
Research indicates that the real value of word-processing comes from frequent
revision, not simply the ease of producing the term paper. Too often, students submit
work which plainly indicates that they have not proofread the paper before handing it to
me. This is simply lazy and sloppy. Don't do it! Revise!
Better still, have a friend read it for you. Swap papers. Find out if others can find
glaring problems and make helpful suggestions. This "peer review" can go a long
way toward a higher quality report. Do it!
Keep it simple and straightforward
Clarity and simplicity carries elegance to this task. An elaborate, complicated paper
is not asked of you.
Good luck. Watch for more tips as I get the time to get more material onto the
World Wide Web. I really do enjoy reading good stuff and feel dejected when I get sloppy
reports from students.
Also, do not forget to look at the term paper proposal tips page.
Public Policy Cycle chapter review notes now available:
Return to my GeoCities home page and to my Ramapo College site's home page.
©Wayne Hayes, Ph.D.:ProfWork®
for Public Policy, Fall, 1998
whayes@orion.ramapo.edu
November 30, 1998 07:50:42 AM
