Language Point 2

-For generations of students, writing term papers has been a major source of nerves and frustration, if not the ultimate homework nightmare. (Para. 1)

Meaning: For generations writing term papers has made students continuously worried, annoyed and depressed, if it has not been something most frightening and terrible to them.

if not the ultimate nightmare: if it (that is, writing term papers) has not been the ultimate nightmare.

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