Question

Marcus wants to complete his science fair project by the end of this semester. Is this a short-term or long-term goal for Marcus?

Answer 1

Marcus goal  to complete his science fair project by the end of this semester is  a short-term  goal.

The short-term goal is plan and something that is wanted to be done in the near future, where near future can be this week, month or this year. The fact that Marcus wish is to achieve something in the end of this semester, means that it is a goal for the near future, which makes the goal a short-term plan.