The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a great resource for students and educators to learn various styles of writing and documentation. For MLA style papers, the OWL provides a basic outline format to help students develop their research paper structure. While this serves as a starting point, students should modify and customize their outline according to the specific requirements of their paper assignment and research.
MLA style outlines typically include five levels of headings:
I. Introduction
This introductory section should include a clear thesis statement or claim about the topic being researched. The thesis should be placed towards the end of the introductory paragraph. The introduction should also provide necessary background information to give context and define key terms or concepts for readers.
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Topic sentence introducing first main point or piece of evidence to support the thesis
Explanation and analysis of the evidence
Possible quotes, examples, or facts to back up the point
Explanation of how this evidence supports the thesis
B. Transition sentence linking the first point to the second
C. Topic sentence introducing second main point or piece of evidence
Explanation and analysis of the second piece of evidence
Quotes, examples, or facts used
How the second point supports the thesis
III. Body Paragraph 2
(Repeats structure outlined in body paragraph 1 with new evidence and points)
IV. Body Paragraph 3
(Repeats structure outlined in body paragraph 1 with new evidence and points if needed. Research papers may have more or fewer body paragraphs depending on the length requirements and amount of information found during the research process.)
V. Conclusion
The conclusion should not introduce any new information but rather synthesize the key points and evidence provided in the body paragraphs to demonstrate clear support for the thesis statement. Effectively restate the main argument and leave the reader with a sense that the topic has been fully explored.
While many instructors require a specific number of sources, the Purdue OWL outline does not include a separate section listing or describing the sources because MLA format places bibliographic citations optionally within the body of the paper. To help keep track of research, an additional section may be useful to record citations, important quotes, or brief summaries of sources relevant to each point that will be used.
Additionally, further subheadings within the body paragraphs can help organize complex points or compare and contrast multiple related ideas:
II. Body Paragraph 1
A. Topic sentence
Subpoint 1
a. Detail or evidence supporting subpoint 1
Subpoint 2
a. Detail supporting subpoint 2
B. Transition
C. Topic sentence
Subpoint 1
a. Detail supporting subpoint 1
Subpoint 2
a. Detail supporting subpoint 2
Beyond the basic outline structure, students can elaborate their outline with various annotations such as comments, questions, or notations about how different sections connect. More specific information like anticipated quote citations, statistics, or multimedia components belonging in certain areas can be mapped out.
It is also helpful to insert tentative language about points that still need development or require deeper research. Outlines serve as living documents that allow fluid movement between researching, synthesizing information, and structuring the paper before final drafting. Checking research, modifying claims based on evidence found, changing emphasis and focus are common revisions made via the outline.
Creating a detailed outline is an essential part of the writing process for any research paper. It helps organize ideas, structure an argument in a clear, logical flow, and ensure all parts of the paper effectively support the thesis. Referring back to an outline throughout writing and revising helps maintain consistency. Knowing the purpose of each section and how they fit together cohesively results in a well-written paper meeting assignment expectations.
While this basic outline structure works for many MLA research papers, instructors may also provide a customized outline template to match their specific guidelines. The key aspects of any MLA research paper outline are that it logically progresses the argument, clearly connects relevant evidence to claims being made, and demonstrates thorough understanding of the research topic at hand. With practice utilizing outlines effectively, students can gain stronger research, writing and analytical skills for future academic work.