MLA Research Paper Outline
I. Introduction
A. Background Information
– Current state of knowledge or understanding of topic
B. Thesis Statement
– Make a debatable argument about what you will analyze and prove in the paper
II. Body Paragraph 1: Discuss the first point that supports your thesis
A. Topic sentence stating the main point
– The first point that proves your thesis
B. Evidence to support the topic sentence
– Several pieces of credible evidence that prove the topic sentence
C. Analysis of the evidence
– Discuss and analyze how the evidence proves the topic sentence
D. Concluding sentence
– Connect back to the topic sentence and transition to the next paragraph
III. Body Paragraph 2: Discuss the second point that supports your thesis
A. Topic sentence stating the main point
– The second point that proves your thesis
B. Evidence to support the topic sentence
– Several pieces of credible evidence that prove the topic sentence
C. Analysis of the evidence
– Discuss and analyze how the evidence proves the topic sentence
D. Concluding sentence
– Connect back to the topic sentence and transition to the next paragraph
IV. Body Paragraph 3: Discuss the third point that supports your thesis
A. Topic sentence stating the main point
– The third point that proves your thesis
B. Evidence to support the topic sentence
– Several pieces of credible evidence that prove the topic sentence
C. Analysis of the evidence
– Discuss and analyze how the evidence proves the topic sentence
D. Concluding sentence
– Connect back to the topic sentence and transition to the next paragraph
V. Counterargument and Refutation Paragraph
A. Present the strongest counterargument to your thesis
B. Evidence to support the counterargument
C. Refute the counterargument using your own evidence and analysis
D. Concluding sentence transitions to the conclusion paragraph
VI. Conclusion
A. Restate your thesis statement
B. Summarize the three main points of your argument
C. Connect back to the importance and implications of your thesis
D. Concluding statement
VII. Works Cited
Correctly cited sources used in the body of the paper
This outline provides a basic structure for a typical college-level MLA research paper. The introduction paragraph establishes the topic and states the thesis argument. Three body paragraphs each present a separate point that proves the thesis with evidence and analysis. A counterargument and refutation paragraph addresses alternative positions. The conclusion restates and summarizes the key aspects of the argument. And finally, a works cited provides publication details for all sources referenced.
Let us examine each section of the outline in more depth:
I. Introduction
The introduction is one of the most crucial elements of the outline, as it establishes the context and significance of the topic as well as clearly stating the thesis argument. The background information should provide a literature review of current knowledge and understanding of the topic. It can identify a gap in existing literature that the paper aims to address. The thesis statement should present a clear, focused, and debatable claim about the argument that will be analyzed and proven in the paper. Establishing a strong thesis up front is essential to guiding the structure and content of the rest of the outline.
II. Body Paragraph 1
This first body paragraph is devoted to presenting and analyzing one of the key points that directly supports and proves the thesis argument. The topic sentence clearly states the main point or sub-argument. Multiple credible pieces of evidence are then cited from scholarly sources to back up the topic sentence. Analysis is provided to explain how the evidence factually proves the point and relates to the thesis. A concluding sentence connects back to the main topic of the paragraph before transitioning to the next section.
III. Body Paragraph 2
Just as with the first body paragraph, paragraph two focuses on one of the thesis-proving sub-arguments through a topic sentence, supporting evidence, analysis, and conclusion. This second body paragraph strengthens the overall argument presented in the thesis by adding another analytical layer.
IV. Body Paragraph 3
The third body paragraph repeats the same structural elements as paragraphs one and two to fullyround out and develop the three main analytical points proving the thesis. Three distinct paragraphs allow ample space to thoroughly discuss each separate argumentative component and strengthen the logic of the overall paper with multiple, in-depth perspectives.
V. Counterargument and Refutation
Anticipating alternative positions is crucial in persuasive academic writing. This paragraph presents the most compelling counterargument to the thesis statement, supported by evidence. The analysis then logically disputes and refutes this counterargument using the paper’s own research findings in order to uphold the integrity of the original thesis. Properly addressing dissenting views bolsters the credibility of the writer’s stance.
VI. Conclusion
The conclusion effectively wraps up the main analytical points without introducing any new information. It restates the importance of the thesis, summarizes the three body paragraphs, and closes with remarks tying back to the larger implications or significance of the paper’s overall argument. Tying a nice analytical bow on the discussion leaves readers with a coherent takeaway.
VII. Works Cited
A properly formatted works cited page using MLA style publishing details each source cited in the paper’s text. This allows readers to easily locate the references and demonstrates the writer performed thorough research from authoritative sources. Including this section is integral for receiving full citation credit.
Andrew Stroud