Writing a research paper can feel like a daunting task because there are so many steps to the process. Where do you even start? One of the most important first steps that will help shape your entire paper is to create an outline. An outline serves as a guide for what information needs to be included and where it should be placed within your paper. While outlines can be formatted in many different ways, here are the common sections that should be included in a basic research paper outline:
Introduction
The introduction is the first section of your paper and should contain your thesis statement. The introduction should be around 3-5 sentences long and introduce the topic of your paper, provide background information if needed, and state your argument or thesis in a clear, concise manner.
Thesis statement:
It is essential that your introduction has a thesis statement. The thesis statement is one to two sentences that explain the main argument or point you want to make in your paper. The thesis should be clear and specific. All the information in your paper should support this central thesis.
Background Information:
Provide any background information needed to understand the topic. Explain key terms, give historical context, or summarize important related research. This information leads into and supports your thesis statement. Keep it brief.
Body Paragraphs
The body of the paper is where you will develop your argument and present evidence to support your thesis. Each body paragraph should cover a new subtopic or piece of evidence.
Main topic sentence:
The first sentence of each body paragraph should clearly introduce what the paragraph is about. Make sure it relates directly back to your thesis statement.
Supporting evidence and explanation:
Each following sentence should present a new piece of evidence – whether it’s a quote, statistic, example, story, etc. – that supports the main topic sentence. Accompany each piece of evidence with an explanation of how it supports your thesis.
Analysis and discussion:
Analyze and discuss the evidence. Explain how it backs up your central argument and point of view. Consider different perspectives and address any counterarguments.
Conclusion
The conclusion is just as important as the introduction. In 1-3 paragraphs:
Restate the thesis:
Restate your central thesis using different wording to reinforce your main argument.
Summarize main points:
Provide a brief summary of the 3 main topics or pieces of evidence presented in your body paragraphs. Remind the reader of your overall argument.
Final statement:
Close with a final, impactful statement that leaves the reader with a strong final impression of your point of view on the topic. You may also suggest implications or applications of your research.
References
Finally, you will need a references page to cite all the sources you referred to in your paper.Format it according to the APA, MLA or Chicago style guide required for your paper. List all sources alphabetically by author’s last name. Make sure citations in the text match the reference list.
That covers the basic outline structure for a typical research paper. Your professor may have slightly different guidelines for the sections or suggest including an abstract. The most important things are introducing your thesis, developing main topics with evidence in body paragraphs, and tying it all together with a strong conclusion. An outline keeps you organized as you write and helps ensure your paper flows logically from section to section to fully develop your central argument. Starting with a detailed outline is a useful first step that will save you time and strengthen your final paper. It helps guide what information needs further research and where your key points should go. Having a fleshed-out outline will ease the writing process dramatically.
Now that we’ve covered the basic outline structure and what should go in each section, let’s look at some tips for filling out your outline:
Start by brainstorming potentially relevant topics, quotes, statistics or examples to support your thesis before creating the outline. Jot these down to include later.
Research your topic thoroughly until you understand the various perspectives and have more evidence than you need. Too little research leads to weak arguments.
Leave space under each outline point to fill in the details as you do further research. This gives flexibility.
Consider alternate or opposing arguments to address as well. Outline counterarguments and your response.
Determine the best way to order your main points in a logical flow that builds your case incrementally.
Keep note of all source information as you gather evidence. Include citations in your outline.
Outlines can be handwritten, but consider typing yours. It’s neater and easier to modify as needed.
Leave yourself time to refine the outline. It may take iterations to structure your argument effectively.
Have others review your outline to get helpful feedback before you start writing.
Fill in the outline with well-developed paragraphs as you write your draft.
Continue refining as needed even after starting the paper. The outline guides revisions.
The beauty of creating a detailed outline is that it serves as a roadmap for composing your entire research paper. It shows where each piece fits in the larger argument and ensures everything flows together cohesively. A strong outline establishes the foundation for clearly presenting an evidence-based perspective to the reader. So take the time to craft a thorough, well-organized research paper outline. It allows your writing process to progress smoothly and results in a polished final product.
While paper outlines can take many forms depending on personal styles and assignment guidelines, following the key components outlined here ensures all the critical elements are addressed. Proper outlining at the beginning stages provides a framework to develop a persuasive, well-supported research thesis. The time put into outlining pays off in better quality writing and higher achievement of research goals. So before diving into writing your paper, pause to thoughtfully construct its outline first. This essential preliminary step is worth the effort and significantly strengthens the final research paper.
Andrew Stroud