A research paper outline is a useful tool to aide in the writing process, both by guiding student writing and helping to ensure that the paper remains coherent and flows sensibly. An outline serves as a planning tool and provides structure for completing the research paper. It can help students focus their research by identifying the information or evidence needed to support the central argument presented in the thesis statement.
So what exactly is a thesis statement? A thesis statement conveys the main argument or central point of a research paper in one to two sentences. It indicates to the reader what the paper intends to demonstrate or prove. A thesis statement will either be stated explicitly at the end of the introduction paragraph or it will be implied throughout the introduction section. It is not a simple statement of facts but rather it states a position and outlines how the argument will be proven and defended through evidence and research. The thesis statement should be narrow enough to be proved adequately within the scope of an academic paper, but not so narrow that little evidence or analysis is required to support it.
When putting together a research paper outline with thesis statement, it is important that the thesis appear anywhere in the introduction of the paper or on the first page of the outline. It should be written as a declarative statement and be specific rather than vague or unclear. It should communicate the topic to be discussed, the stance being taken, and what will be proven over the course of the paper. Some good templates for crafting an effective thesis statement include:
“Despite common perceptions, XX is actually YY due to ZZ reasons.”
“By analyzing AA, BB, and CC aspects of the issue/topic, it can be seen that DD thesis.”
“While some argue EE, a closer examination of FF reveals GG.”
“Contrary to popular beliefs, HH is not II but JJ because of KK, LL, and MM facts/evidence.”
The body of an outline should then be organized into main points, or topic sentences that will support and prove the thesis statement. A research paper outline may be helpful for ensuring each body paragraph has a single idea to discuss and does not stray from the thesis. It can guide students in choosing appropriate sources to cite for their arguments.
In a typical five paragraph paper, there would be three supporting paragraphs, each analyzing the different sources or evidence used to prove the thesis. Common formats will usually have three to five sentences in the introduction and three to five sentences in the conclusion as bookends to the three body paragraphs.
The body paragraphs utilize topic sentences at the start of each paragraph that transitions between ideas and connects back to the thesis statement. These topic sentences preview what evidence will be analyzed from sources to prove the overall argument. For example:
Paragraph 1 Topic Sentence: According to (author’s name), through their analysis of (event/issue), it can be seen that (thesis argument).
Paragraph 2 Topic Sentence: Other scholars such as (author’s name) and (author’s name) also examined (event/issue) and corroborate the thesis through their findings on (specific detail).
Paragraph 3 Topic Sentence: Contrary evidence is presented by (author’s name) who argues that (counterargument); A closer analysis reveals that (refute of counterargument and loop back to reinforce thesis).
Each body paragraph would then analyze the evidence cited in the topic sentence over 3-5 additional sentences before transitioning to the next topic idea in the subsequent paragraph. The conclusion would then summarize the thesis statement and main arguments from the evidence examined, resulting in the proposition being successfully proven or argued.
An effective research paper outline helps to organize and develop ideas for a paper. It ensures each main point connects back to and proves the thesis statement. It provides the structure for taking research and turning it into a cohesive paper with a strong argument. While the outline can and often will change as new research is found or ideas are developed further over writing drafts, creating a detailed outline is an important first step for any successful research paper. It serves as an invaluable guide to the writing and research process for developing a clear, persuasive case to make and proving why it should be believed.