A "term paper" is a written academic assignment typically required at the end of a term or semester. It involves extensive research, analysis, and critical thinking on a specific topic or subject matter. The purpose of a term paper is to demonstrate a student's understanding of the material covered during the term and their ability to articulate their thoughts and arguments in a well-structured and coherent manner. It often requires the use of scholarly sources, proper citations, and adherence to a specific formatting style.