MLA Outline Example Research Paper
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the major writing styles used in academic and research papers. When creating an MLA outline, you’ll organize your paper using a standard template. This outline includes sections for your introduction, body, and conclusion. It also includes a Works Cited page template at the end. Let’s look at an MLA outline example to see what this layout entails.
Introduction
The introductory paragraph of your outline is where you’ll write your thesis statement and provide background context on your topic. It’s important that this section grabs the reader’s attention right away.
Opening hook or fact to capture interest
Background context on your research topic in 2-3 sentences
Thesis statement: Clearly state the focus and key arguments of your paper in 1 sentence
Body Paragraph 1
The body paragraphs will contain your key supporting points for your thesis. Each new point starts on a new line with a top level number. The first body paragraph of an MLA outline looks like this:
I. Main supporting point/topic sentence #1
Copy
a. Introductory explanation or fact to support point
b. Additional explanation or fact to further support point
c. Conclusion about how this point ties back to thesis
Body Paragraph 2
Continue listing your main points for each new body paragraph, indenting subpoints underneath with letters:
II. Main supporting point/topic sentence #2
Copy
a. Introductory explanation or fact to support point
b. Additional explanation or fact to further support point
c. Conclusion about how this point ties back to thesis
Body Paragraph 3
III. Main supporting point/topic sentence #3
Copy
a. Introductory explanation or fact to support point
b. Additional explanation or fact to further support point
c. Conclusion about how this point ties back to thesis
Conclusion
The conclusion wraps up the key discussion points and their significance. It does not simply summarize what was covered but discusses the implications.
Reinforce thesis statement
Summarize 3 main points from body paragraphs
Conclude by discussing importance or implications of your research
Works Cited
The Works Cited page lists all sources cited within the text of your paper. Use a hanging indent and continue numbering sequentially. Here is a sample Works Cited template:
pgsql
Copy
1. Author Last Name, First Name. “Article/Book Title.” Journal Title, Publisher, Publication Date. URL/DOI.
2. Author Last Name, First Name. Book Title. Publisher, Publication Date.
3. Last Name, First Name. “Article/Chapter Title.” Book Title, edited by Editor First Name Last Name, Publisher, Publication Date, page range.
MLA outlines are a helpful organizational tool that you can use to plan and structure a research paper from start to finish. By following this general outline format, you’ll be sure to include all necessary sections and address your thesis comprehensively with supporting details in your body paragraphs. You can modify or expand on the subpoint discussions as needed based on your specific topic. Just be sure to maintain a clear structure, citation format, and use consistent indentation to convey your ideas in an logical flow. Proper outlining is a key step in the writing process and can help ensure your MLA research paper meets formatting guidelines.
Research Paper Outline Example
Let’s look at another MLA outline example for a specific research topic:
Title: The Effects of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
I. Introduction
Background context: Rise of social media usage among teens in recent decade
Thesis: This paper will examine recent research on how extensive social media use can negatively impact teen mental health and wellbeing in three key areas: sleep, self-esteem, and cyberbullying.
II. Impact on Sleep
Copy
a. Studies have found links between social media use before bed and poor sleep quality
b. Teens report FOMO (fear of missing out) keeps them on sites late into night
c. Lack of sleep can exacerbate stress and depression among adolescents
III. Effects on Self-Esteem
Copy
a. Constant social comparisons on platforms increase feelings of inadequacy
b. Curating idealized image leads some teens to experience body image issues
c. Research indicates these factors may contribute to rise in teen mental illness
IV. Prevalence of Cyberbullying
a. Anonymous format of some sites enables bullying behavior for some users
b. Victims of cyberbullying are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem issues
c. Suicide risk increases for teens experiencing both cyberbullying and depression
V. Conclusion
Copy
– Social media is ingrained in teen lives but unchecked use enables negative impacts
– Parents and schools must provide education and guidelines for healthy digital habits
– More research is still needed but actions can be taken now to support teen wellbeing
Works Cited
This MLA outline example shows how a research paper on the effects of social media on teen mental health could be structured. The header includes the title and introduction with thesis. Each supporting point receives its own Roman numeral section in the body. Subpoints provide details and tie back to the overall argument. A conclusion then restates the thesis and suggests implications. Following an MLA outline structure helps maintain focus on the research topic and central claims.
Key Elements of a Strong MLA Outline
Now that we’ve reviewed two MLA outline examples in detail, here are some key elements to focus on when crafting your own:
Catchy Title: Create a title that clearly identifies the topic and piques interest.
Compelling Introduction: Hook the reader with context/facts and include a strong thesis statement.
Logical Organization: Categorize body paragraphs by main research points related to thesis.
Coherent Flow: Use transition words to smoothly introduce and connect each new section.
Textual Support: Cite sources for claims using in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Clear Structure: Maintain consistent indentation and parallel structure for readability.
In-Depth Discussion: Elaborate on each point with multiple examples and analysis.
Meaningful Conclusion: Leave reader with significance of research and areas for further study.
Mastering the MLA outline process takes practice but it is an essential step. By following a modified version of these outline templates, you can design an effective framework for your own high-quality research papers. Just be sure to refine your ideas as needed during the writing and editing stages. With focus and structure, outlining sets you up for success in completing research projects on time and according to MLA format guidelines.
Andrew Stroud