A research paper outline is simply a plan for your future research. You will need it to demonstrate your vision and understanding of the topic. In this article, we will aim at explaining how to write a research outline paper like a pro. But before that, let’s define these basics terms.
An outline is a list of things you intend to include in an essay; it helps in the organization of ideas and thoughts that you plan to discuss in your paper.
A research paper is an academic writing where you explain what you have studied after exploring your topic in depth.
What is a Research Paper Outline?
A research paper outline is a plan or framework that helps you organize your ideas and arguments before you start writing your research paper. It is a roadmap that outlines the structure and content of your paper, and it provides a clear and organized guide for the development of your argument.
The outline typically includes a list of topics or sections, as well as the main ideas or arguments that will be covered within each section. It also helps you identify the sources and evidence that you will use to support your arguments. By creating an outline, you can ensure that your paper is well-organized, coherent, and logical, and you can avoid the common mistake of jumping around between topics without a clear sense of direction.
Overall, a research paper outline is an essential tool for any writer who wants to produce a high-quality and effective research paper.
How To Write a Research Paper Outline
Here are 7 steps to help you write a research paper outline that guarantees a good grade:
- Choose a topic: The first step in writing a great research paper outline is to choose a topic that interests you and that is relevant to the requirements of the assignment. Here are great research topics to choose from.
- Conduct research: Once you have a topic, conduct research to gather information and evidence that you will use to support your arguments. Make notes and keep track of your sources.
- Identify the main sections: Based on your research, identify the main sections that you will include in your paper. This will depend on the requirements of the assignment and the nature of your research, but typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
- Develop a thesis statement: Based on your research and analysis, develop a thesis statement that clearly and concisely states the main argument or claim of your paper.
- Create a detailed outline: Once you have identified the main sections and developed a thesis statement, create a detailed outline that includes the main ideas and arguments that you will cover in each section. Use bullet points or numbered lists to organize your ideas.
- Review and revise: Review your outline and revise it as necessary to ensure that it is clear, coherent, and logical. Make sure that each section flows logically from one to the next, and that your arguments are well-supported by evidence.
- Finalize your outline: Once you are satisfied with your outline, finalize it and use it as a roadmap for writing your research paper. Be sure to refer to your outline often as you write, and make adjustments as necessary to ensure that your paper stays focused and on-topic.
Overall, a research paper outline is an important tool for organizing your ideas and arguments, and for ensuring that your paper is well-structured, coherent, and effective.
Different Ways to Format a Research Paper Outline
As mentioned earlier, there are three kinds of research paper outlines. They are different in formatting and writing styles.
However, the most common format is alphanumeric. It uses capitalized letters, Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to organize the flow of ideas. The text is in short notes form.
The Main Parts of a Research Paper Outline
Your outline should include the following pain parts:
- The title
- A thesis statement
- Main arguments
- Supporting points for each argument
- A conclusion.
Does that sound complicated? Read on and have a better understanding. So what if you are writing a research paper template? Well, it should consist of:
-
- An abstract– This is a summary of your essay. It is a short text revealing the necessary information about the research. It should answer the reader’s question about the subject, method, participants, and outcomes in brief sentences. An abstract will determine whether or not the reader will go through the remaining part of your essay, so be very keen.
- Introduction– this is the section that presents the reader with the topic you intend to discuss. It should be captivating enough to attract the reader’s attention. Mention the thesis statement and explain the core terms related to the case study.
- Body– in this section include literature overview, methods of literature, analysis, results, and perspectives.
- Conclusion– never introduce new ideas; in conclusion, give the final thought about everything discussed in the central body part. Remember to mention the thesis statement again without rephrasing it and finally formulate a prospect for future research.
- Bibliography
Language in an Excellent Outline
There is a section you cannot afford to ignore, mainly if you are writing a paper for assessment purposes. Always consider parallelism, coordination, subordination, and division.
- Coordination– be aware of the weight of each idea.
- Parallelism– be consistent with grammatical form; for instance, if your first point is an adjective, the sub-point should also be an adjective.
- Subordination– start with a general statement to specific information as you want your readers to get the main points. Your sub-points should also be precise.
- Division– Break your ideas into sub-points.
APA Research Paper Outline
APA is a writing style guide used in the US academic setting. An outline in this style should appear as stated below.
- Essays should always include a separate cover page
- The cover page should include the title, author’s name, school’s name, and a running head.
- Always include abstract followed by keywords
- Include a list of the cited sources under the title “references.”
- Headers on every page contain number and title except on the cover page.
APA Research Paper Outline Template
Here is a general outline for an APA-style research paper:
I. Title Page
- Title of the paper
- Author’s name
- Institutional affiliation
- Running head
- Page number
II. Abstract
- Brief summary of the paper (150-250 words)
- Keywords
III. Introduction
- Background information and context of the topic
- Research question and hypothesis (if applicable)
- Significance and importance of the study
- Overview of the structure of the paper
IV. Literature Review
- Discussion of previous research and studies related to the topic
- Analysis and synthesis of existing literature
- Identification of gaps or inconsistencies in the literature
- Integration of literature with the current study
V. Methodology
- Description of the research design and approach
- Sampling technique and sample size
- Data collection methods and instruments
- Data analysis methods
VI. Results
- Presentation of findings in a clear and organized manner
- Use of tables, figures, and graphs to support the presentation of results
VII. Discussion
- Interpretation of the results in relation to the research question and hypothesis
- Explanation of the significance of the findings
- Comparison of the results with previous research
- Limitations of the study and future research directions
VIII. Conclusion
- Summary of the main findings and their implications
- Restatement of the research question and hypothesis
- Implications for future research and practice
IX. References
- List of all sources cited in the paper
- Alphabetical order by author’s last name
- Follows APA citation style guidelines
X. Appendices (if applicable)
- Additional materials that support the research paper (e.g. survey questions, interview transcripts, etc.)
Note: This is a general outline, and the actual structure of a research paper may vary depending on the specific requirements of the assignment and the nature of the research project.
MLA Research Paper Outline
In this style guideline, an outline should appear as stated.
- The first page should include the student’s name, professor’s name, class, and date.
- The header should contain page numbers at the upper right corner.
- All titles and emphasis are in italics
- Include a complete list with endnotes and place it before cited works.
- Mark All subheadings with Arabic numbers.
MLA Research Paper Outline Template
Here is a general outline for an MLA-style research paper:
I. Title Page
- Title of the paper
- Author’s name
- Institutional affiliation
- Course information
- Date
II. Introduction
- Background information and context of the topic
- Research question and thesis statement
- Significance and importance of the study
- Overview of the structure of the paper
III. Body
- Literature Review: Discussion of previous research and studies related to the topic, analysis and synthesis of existing literature, identification of gaps or inconsistencies in the literature, integration of literature with the current study.
- Methodology: Description of the research design and approach, sampling technique and sample size, data collection methods and instruments, data analysis methods.
- Results: Presentation of findings in a clear and organized manner, use of tables, figures, and graphs to support the presentation of results.
- Discussion: Interpretation of the results in relation to the research question and thesis statement, explanation of the significance of the findings, comparison of the results with previous research, limitations of the study and future research directions.
IV. Conclusion
- Summary of the main findings and their implications
- Restatement of the research question and thesis statement
- Implications for future research and practice
V. Works Cited
- List of all sources cited in the paper
- Alphabetical order by author’s last name
- Follows MLA citation style guidelines
Research paper outline example
Here is an example outline for a research paper on measles and the vaccination debate:
I. Introduction
- Background information on measles and the vaccination debate
- Research question and thesis statement
II. Measles: A Brief Overview
- Definition and description of measles
- Transmission, symptoms, and complications of measles
- Prevalence and incidence of measles globally and in the United States
III. The Vaccination Debate
- Overview of the controversy surrounding vaccinations
- Arguments for and against vaccinations
- Historical context of the vaccination debate
IV. The Impact of Vaccines on Measles
- Historical overview of measles vaccination
- Discussion of the effectiveness of measles vaccines
- Analysis of the impact of vaccines on the incidence and prevalence of measles
V. Factors Affecting Vaccine Uptake
- Discussion of factors that influence vaccination rates
- Analysis of vaccine hesitancy and its causes
- Discussion of the impact of misinformation and social media on vaccine uptake
VI. Ethical Considerations of Vaccination
- Overview of ethical issues related to vaccination
- Discussion of individual autonomy and the common good
- Analysis of the ethical implications of vaccine mandates and exemptions
VII. Conclusion
- Summary of the main findings and their implications
- Discussion of future research directions
- Policy recommendations for addressing the vaccination debate and increasing vaccine uptake
VIII. References
- List of sources cited in the paper, in the required citation style
Final Remarks
Drafting a good research paper outline plays a significant role in producing a well-structured academic paper. It helps catch any errors, helping you write what you intend without confusing the reader. An overview will help you maintain balance, remain focused, have a great flow, and ensure completeness.
Need help with a research paper outline? Ask your questions and get answers (free and paid) at Tutlance study marketplace.
Have you learned how to write a research paper outline? I believe, yes. It is time to take your pen and paper and practice what you learned. Remember, practice makes perfect.