Creating an effective outline is a crucial step in writing a research paper for Purdue University. Whether you are writing a short 5-page paper or a lengthy 20-page paper, taking time to outline your paper structure will help ensure logical flow, organization, and completeness. A good outline lays the foundation for a well-written paper by helping you plan both the content and structure of your argument upfront before drafting. This guide will walk through the key elements needed in a Purdue research paper outline and provide an example to demonstrate its structure.
An outline should have three main sections – the introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section builds upon the other, flowing seamlessly from one point to the next. Within each section, provide subheadings to further break down your ideas and sources. Subheadings help organize your thought process and keep your argument on track.
The introduction provides an overview of your topic and thesis. It needs to capture the reader’s attention and set up the key points you will discuss. The introduction consists of two main parts:
Opening Statement: Your opening paragraph should introduce the topic in an engaging manner and provide any necessary context and background information. This sets up what the paper is about.
Thesis Statement: The final sentence of your introduction should state the main argument of your paper, also known as your thesis. This directly answers the research question and guides your entire analysis. It presents your specific stance and what you will prove over the course of the paper. A strong thesis is focused, debatable, and outlines the paper structure.
The body comprises the majority of your paper. It develops your thesis through an analysis of evidence and sources. The body consists of several main sections that prove your thesis. Each section should have 1-3 paragraphs devoted to supporting your thesis by examining key concepts, evidence, or quotes. Provide logical transitions between sections. Use subheadings to introduce each new section. Some common subheadings include:
Background/Historical Context
Previous Scholarship
Analysis of Source 1
Analysis of Source 2
Counterargument
Summary
The conclusion restates the main points of your argument without simply repeating verbatim what you said in the introduction. It summarizes the key evidence presented in your analysis and demonstrates how you have proven your thesis. The conclusion often only needs one paragraph but may have two for more complex papers. Additionally, the conclusion can suggest further avenues of research if needed.
Along with providing an outline of sections and subsections, give a short 1-2 sentence description of what each subsection will cover. This helps ensure you stay focused when writing each part of the paper. It also acts as a guide during the revision process to check if you sufficiently addressed each aspect outlined. Your outline might look something like:
Research Paper Outline
Introduction
Opening statement: Introduce XYZ topic and provide necessary context.
Thesis statement: Present stance on how ABC factors influenced XYZ and impacted 123 outcomes.
Body
I. Historical Context
Provide a brief overview of the historical background related to XYZ.
II. Previous Scholarship
Discuss what scholars have previously argued about the influence of ABC factors on XYZ.
III. Analysis of Source 1
Summarize and analyze the arguments/evidence from Source 1 on how ABC impacted XYZ.
IV. Analysis of Source 2
Summarize and analyze the viewpoints presented in Source 2 regarding ABC and XYZ.
V. Counterargument
Address a key counterargument that ABC did not significantly influence XYZ.
Rebut the counterargument using evidence.
VI. Summary
Concisely summarize the main points presented that confirm ABC influenced XYZ.
Conclusion
Restate thesis and main argument on how ABC factors influenced XYZ.
Suggest areas for further research.
By outlining the structure and content of your paper beforehand, you ensure it remains tightly focused on your thesis. An outline protects against going off on tangents or presenting arguments in a disjointed manner. And by providing descriptors of what content will fill each subheading, you guide your own writing process. While outlines will evolve during the writing and revision stages, beginning with a well-structured outline built upon a clear thesis is key for Purdue research papers. It establishes a strong foundation to craft an organized, analytical paper that effectively argues your viewpoint.