by Lora Stevens

Created on: November 06, 2009

College term papers are a source of extended learning for a student to learn more of the subject which they are studying. This takes time spend in class lectures as well as reading provided material and includes research by the student on an individual basis. A term paper is also intended to provide useful information which others can use as a source of knowledge on the subject. While many sources are available, proper precaution should be taken in order to get correct information to include in the paper.

The internet is a great tool and asset to students writing college term papers. One of the most widely used sites for information, Wikipedia, is not a legitimate source for writing a term paper. Although Wikipedia may have a great source of facts on nearly any subject, the facts are not always complete or accurate. Wikipedia is compiled by various sources without verification of the credibility or complete accuracy of the information supplied to the website.

Although it should not be used as a direct source, Wikipedia does not need to be discounted as a research tool. This is a great tool to use as a way to brainstorm and find a large amount of information in one place. The site can also be used as a link to other websites that may be able to be used as a legitimate source for the paper. This is also a great way to find subjects that may be related to the topic that may not have been considered previously in preparing the assignment. The research of these related subjects should also include proper verification of the legitimacy of the source.

Wikipedia may be a great tool to use for quick research or trivial information, however, for a college term paper it is not the best source to use to complete the assignment. Most college libraries offer an incredible system of tools to quickly find accurate and legitimate sources for a college term paper. Many colleges also offer online libraries and databases for easier access to the tools needed for research and completion of the required assignments.

College papers are not always meant to be easy. Effort and time spent in researching legitimate sources to learn of a specific subject will allow for a better learning experience and a deeper knowledge of the subject. This process should also lead to a legitimate and properly executed college term paper.

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