MLA Format Outline Sample for a Research Paper
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is commonly used for citing sources and writing papers, especially in the liberal arts and humanities fields. When preparing a formal research paper in MLA style, developing an outline can help organize thoughts and ideas. Here are some MLA format outline samples to assist in creating outlines for research papers:
I. Introduction
A. Thesis statement: This thesis states the main argument or key points that will be addressed in the paper. It’s usually one sentence that presents the topic and states the purpose concisely.
B. Background information: Provides 2-3 sentences of background that introduce the topic and lead into the thesis statement. Can include a brief historical or social context for the topic.
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Topic sentence: States the main idea or point to be discussed in the paragraph.
B. Evidence and analysis: Includes 2-3 pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, quotes, etc.) along with analysis and explanation about how these pieces of evidence support the topic sentence.
C. Concluding sentence: Leads into the next paragraph while also relating back to the thesis statement.
III. Body Paragraph 2
A. Topic sentence
B. Evidence and analysis
C. Concluding sentence
IV. Body Paragraph 3 (Optional, if needed)
A. Topic sentence
B. Evidence and analysis
C. Concluding sentence
V. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis
B. Briefly summarize main points from each body paragraph
C. Concluding statement: Comments on implications or need for further research, reflects on the importance of topic, or ties it back to the introduction in an original way.
This sample MLA format outline includes the standard sections and components expected in a typical college research paper. The body paragraphs each have a clear topic sentence, evidenced analysis, and concluding sentence that ties back to the thesis.
Some key elements to include in an MLA outline include:
Section headings centered and in title case (all major words capitalized).
Indentation used for subheadings under each main section for clarity and organization. Consistent formatting creates structure.
Main points and topics listed numerically or alphabetically depending on preference. Numerical is used here for step-by-step flow.
Sections I-V represent the standard introduction, three body paragraphs, and conclusion structure. More or fewer body paragraphs can be used based on length and scope of the paper.
Paragraph components (topic sentence, evidenced analysis, concluding sentence) listed in sentence fragments with letters for clarity and easy following. Sentences will be expanded upon in full draft.
No need for in-text citations in the outline itself since it is just an organizational planning tool. Sources should be recorded separately to insert in final draft.
Reasonable length and depth for each component – enough information to convey the main ideas and flow but without exhaustive details. Purpose is to map out overall structure.
Thesis statement at beginning clearly presents the key argument or main points to be addressed in the paper.
Having a solid MLA format outline in place before starting the first draft of a research paper can help ensure it stays focused and flows smoothly. The outline serves as a strategy and guide for compiling ideas, sources, and structure. With practice, students can learn to effectively outline papers following MLA or any other style.