The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the major formatting styles used in academic writing, especially in the humanities. When writing a research paper in MLA format, it is important to follow specific guidelines for structuring the outline and paper using MLA style. This includes things like developing a strong thesis statement, creating an outline, properly citing sources using MLA bibliography formatting, and more.
An MLA format research paper outline template acts as a guide in formally structuring the content to be included in a research paper written in MLA style. Most academic institutions require students to organize research papers and cite sources according to MLA guidelines. Therefore, developing a carefully structured MLA format outline is crucial to effectively guiding the writing and research process while also adhering to required formatting standards.
Research Paper Outline MLA Format Template Structure
A properly formatted MLA style research paper outline template typically has four main sections:
I. Introduction:
The introduction section typically includes a hook statement to grab the reader’s attention followed by a clear and concise thesis statement that previews the key points to be explored in the paper. The thesis statement should be placed at the end of the introductory paragraph.
II. Body:
The body sections of the outline are where detailed main points and supporting evidence are fleshed out. Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement in some way followed by several pieces of supporting evidence/research that directly tie into and help substantiate the main point.
When structuring body paragraphs, ensure each main research point is logically organized and addresses the thesis in a clear, coherent manner. Specific references to scholarly sources should be properly incorporated and cited using in-text citations containing the author’s last name and page number.
III. Counterargument:
An optional counterargument paragraph should address an opposing viewpoint to the thesis in a thoughtful, constructive manner using logical reasoning and potentially additional evidence. This helps provide balance to the overall research by showing consideration of alternative perspectives.
IV. Conclusion:
The conclusion should succinctly restate the thesis statement and main points made throughout the paper without merely rehashing details. Consider wrapping up by connecting back to the introductory hook statement and leaving the reader with a strong overall impression of the key arguments.
Research Paper Outline MLA Format Template Example
Here is an annotated example of a research paper outline template in MLA format:
Research Paper Title: How streaming services have changed the entertainment industry and consumer behavior
I. Introduction:
Hook statement: The entertainment industry has undergone extensive changes in the digital age due to new technologies such as streaming services.
Thesis statement: This paper will examine how streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Spotify have disrupted and transformed the entertainment industry by revolutionizing how consumers access content.
II. Body Paragraph 1:
Topic sentence: The widespread adoption of streaming services has significantly reduced physical media sales and changed consumer habits.
Evidence: Cite statistic that DVD/Blu-ray sales dropped 40% between 2008-2018 (Smith, 2020, p. 12).
Evidence: Reference survey that found 63% of respondents now stream movies/shows weekly instead of renting/buying discs (Johnson, 2018, para. 5).
III. Body Paragraph 2:
Topic sentence: Streaming providers have become powerful gatekeepers and producers of original content.
Evidence: Discuss Netflix’s rapid expansion into original films and series programming (Lee, 2019, para. 3).
Evidence: Mention Hulu and Amazon also invest heavily in exclusive original content (Williams, 2017, p. 30).
IV. Body Paragraph 3:
Topic sentence: The dominance of streaming platforms has decentralized the entertainment industry and gives users more choice and control than traditional models.
Evidence: Note how streaming disrupted traditional television and film distribution models (Thomas, 2015, p. 45).
Evidence: Cite an interview that found over 60% of consumers prefer streaming services over cable for the flexibility and content access (Jones, 2020).
V. Counterargument Paragraph:
Topic sentence: Streaming ubiquity has also led to issues of platform dependency and centralization of power for a few giant companies.
Evidence: Mention concerns about intellectual property control being consolidated under platforms like Netflix (Miller, 2018, para. 6).
Rebuttal: Respond that while this risk remains, so far streaming choice and accessibility outweigh these centralization trade-offs for consumers.
VI. Conclusion:
Restate thesis in different words: Streaming services have revolutionized how people access and consume entertainment through the transition away from physical media to on-demand digital platforms.
Return to hook: Just as the introduction alluded to, the entertainment industry’s transformation has been immense due to streaming technology’s widespread influence.
Final statement: Overall, this research has shown how streaming services have disrupted and reshaped the traditional entertainment models for both businesses and users.
Andrew Stroud