The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a great resource for students and researchers to find helpful examples of various elements of academic writing, including research paper outlines. An outline serves as a plan for the overall structure of a paper as well as a guide to ensure the paper stays logically coherent throughout. Outlining can help writers organize their arguments and ideas clearly before drafting the full paper.
The Purdue OWL provides general guidelines for creating outlines as well as specific sample outlines using both MLA and APA formatting styles. These examples can be adapted and modified for individual research papers on different topics.
When creating an outline, thePurdue OWL recommends including the following main components:
Introduction:
The introduction should include a hook to interest the reader, background information on the topic, a clear thesis statement, and a brief overview of the topics that will be discussed.
Body Paragraph 1:
The first body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that supports the thesis statement. Include at least three main points with detail and explanation to support each point. Try to discuss the strongest argument first.
Body Paragraph 2:
Follow the same structure as paragraph 1 by starting with a topic sentence that clearly links back to the thesis statement and main argument. Include three points with details and explanations to develop the second most important argument.
Body Paragraph 3:
Repeat the structure and include three points to discuss the final body paragraph’s argument in support of the thesis statement.
Conclusion:
The conclusion should start by restating the thesis statement to conclude the paper. Briefly summarize the three main points or arguments that were discussed in the body without introducing any new information. Finish by emphasizing why this topic is important or leaves space for future work.
Works Cited Page:
Provide a complete list of all sources cited within the paper using either MLA or APA style guidelines.
The formal sample outlines on the Purdue OWL typically follow this structure and format. The specifics vary based on available information and length restrictions. Let’s examine some examples in more depth:
Sample Outline for a Literature Review in MLA Style:
I. Introduction
A. Background on topic: historical analysis of immigration challenges
B. Thesis: The social, economic, and political factors that contributed to increased immigration restrictions in the 1920s help explain ongoing issues in modern immigration policy debates.
C. Topics: social/cultural tensions, economic threats and protectionism, national security concerns
II. Social and Cultural Tensions
A. Post-WWI fears of foreign “radical” ideologies
B. Xenophobia stemming from increased diversity and nativism
C. Labor union pressures against foreign competition
III. Economic Threats and Protectionism
A. Rising unemployment and economic anxieties in early 1920s
B. Concerns over job competition as immigrants filled lower-wage positions
C. Trade union demands to restrict new immigrant laborers
IV. National Security Concerns
A. Red Scare fears about connections to Bolshevism or communism
B. Fears radical immigrants could not assimilate or pose terrorist threats
C. Push for centralized control over immigrant screening process
V. Conclusion
A. Restate thesis and summarize major arguments
B. Note ongoing relevance of 1920s issues to modern policy debates
C. Suggest areas for further historical or policy research
VI. Works Cited
This sample clearly presents the main topic and arguments to be made through an informative introduction. It then logically organizes relevant evidence and analysis into three body paragraphs that each focus on a different factor of immigration policy debates at that time. The conclusion adequately wraps up discussion of social, economic, and security topics while connecting this history to the present.
Sample Outline for an Argumentative Research Paper in APA Style:
I. Introduction
A. Background on problem of grade inflation in higher education
B. Thesis: Strict grade caps and distribution requirements should be adopted by American colleges and universities to address the growing problem of grade inflation and help restore meaning and value to academic achievement.
II. Body Paragraph 1: Grade inflation undermines academic standards
A. Evidence grade averages have risen steadily over decades with little change to student performance
B. Faculty face pressure to award inflated grades to attract/retain students
C. Current grading practices diminish importance of work ethic and learning
III. Body Paragraph 2: grade inflation hurts students
A. Inflated grades give students false sense of abilities/skills
B. Students with inflated grades unprepared for work/grad programs where standards didn’t inflate
C. Grade inflation devalues degrees from institutions over time
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Grade caps, distributions are needed solution
A. Studies show caps, scales successful in curbing inflation abroad
B. Specific caps/scales should be set by academic departments
C. Scales ensure grades reflect full spectrum of performance
V. Conclusion
A. Restate negative impacts of grade inflation if left unchecked
B. Strict caps/distributions needed to restore integrity of academics
C. Future research directions regarding implementation
VI. References
This outline effectively builds the argument for adopting grade controls position-by-position with credible sources. It follows APA style conventions and each paragraph presents strong evidence to logically develop the overarching thesis. The conclusion adequately summarizes conclusions and recommends a policy solution supported by research.
These examples demonstrate how Purdue OWL research paper outlines can provide a clear framework and structure to lay the groundwork for developing fully researched academic papers following MLA or APA guidelines. Students and researchers can use these types of sample outlines as templates to create their own outlines for developing thoughtful, well-organized arguments on various topics. By starting with an effective outline, writers have a roadmap to build their case and present logically coherent arguments supported by credible academic evidence. The Purdue OWL continues to be an invaluable resource in demonstrating proper methods and formats for crafting compelling research papers across different disciplines and institutions of higher learning.
Andrew Stroud