A research (or term) paper is an extensive research which is a culmination of a significant study or a body or work a student necessarily faces in his/her academic career. Usually carried out at post-secondary level, this kind of writing requires a more abstract, critical, and thoughtful level of inquiry than one can be used to. By writing a research/term paper you actually show your mastery over the subject, your ability to incorporate theory into practice, to analyze, compare, think critically and go beyond the obvious.