Research Paper Thesis, Outline and Bibliography Assignment - Constitutional Law CP
Follow these steps to create an outline for your research paper. Be sure to allow enough time for
this task - you need to do some challenging thinking as you develop the best way to put together
your ideas and your evidence.
1. Answer the Question - The Thesis
Remember that your thesis is the analytical argument that serves as a "topic sentence" for the
entire paper. You are presenting an argument not just a description.
2. Rough Draft Outlining: Pulling Things Apart/Putting Things Together
A. Reread your research notes and arrange facts and arguments by topics.
B. Arrange the groups in a logical sequence.
1. What Constitutional rights are at issue? Why did Framers think they were
significant rights?
2. What has the Supreme Court already said about the issue. Summarize relevant
precedents.
3. What position should the Court take on the issue? Why and how do
reasonable people disagree, and why is your position the correct one?
Slippery slopes? Chilling effects?
C. This is a rough draft of your outline. Don't be afraid to experiment with new
arrangements and combinations of notes.
3. Formal Outline
- Write a title which intrigues the reader and evokes your thesis.
- Write your introduction in paragraph form. Remember that your introduction
should intrigue the reader, present your thesis and summarize your argument
- Underline your thesis.
- Designate major sections of your paper (topics covered in multiple paragraphs) with
Roman numerals. USE SECTION HEADINGS!
- Designate paragraphs with capital letters.
- Write a full topic sentence for each paragraph next to the appropriate capital letter.
Each topic sentence must support the analysis and interpretation of your thesis.
You're using paragraphs to make an argument.
- Indent clearly (5 spaces) and write the actual information you will use in each paragraph
in outline form (numbered list) below the topic sentence
- Cite each fact, quotation or idea that you will need to cite
- Attach a revised bibliography in MLA format.
- Identify areas where you intend to do more research with NMH (stands for
Need More Here). Be as specific as you can about how you will
find the information that you need (eg. will look news articles about the Santa Fe v Doe
hearing)
Outline Checklist
Do you have a clear thesis? Is it underlined?
Did you write your introduction as a full paragraph?
USE SECTION HEADINGS
Is every topic sentence directly related to the thesis?
Are the topics in logical order? Will good transitions be easy to make?
Does your outline contain the actual information you will use?
Did you cite appropriate facts, quotations and ideas?
Did you identify where you need to find more facts/arguments/evidence [NMH]
Did you attach a revised BIBLIOGRAPHY?
Example formal outline excerpt:
III. Religion
A. Elvis' stage presence was profoundly shaped by his experience with pentacostal religion.
1. family church - Tupelo Baptist (Smith 36)
2. gospel service + singing, testifying, shaking - very emotional
3. Elvis' dance moves "right out of holy roller tradition" - Bob Smith (38)
B. Elvis drew on traditional gospel music and themes in his own music
1. backup singers from gospel choir (Acton 7)
2. asked producer to add "old time feel" to recording ("Elvis Rules")
3. Sam Phillips feared second record "too gospel" for urban audience (Smith 40)