Abstract: A terminal sliding mode controller of a class of second-order chaotic systems is studied on the basis of drive-response synchronization. The finite time synchronization of chaotic systems is realized by designing a continuous terminal sliding mode controller with an improved sliding surface introduced to get rid of the singularity phenomenon resulting from improper choice of parameter. Simulation results showed that the modified terminal sliding controller will not only reduce the chattering effectively but also improve the track ability and steady accuracy of the system, thus enabling the finite-time synchronization of chaotic systems to come true.