Research Paper Outline
Title of your research paper: ________________________________________
Thesis statement: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
I. Main point #1: __________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
A. Subtopic from main point #1_____________________________________
1. Detail or example from your note cards (with source)
___________________________________________________________
2. Detail or example from your note card (with source)
___________________________________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note card (with source) – if needed
_________________________________________________________
B. Subtopic from main point #1_____________________________________
1. Detail or example from your note cards (with source)
___________________________________________________________
2. Detail or example from your note card (with source)
___________________________________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note card (with source) – if needed
_________________________________________________________
Concluding sentence and tie-in about how the details or examples for main point
#1 support the thesis:
________________________________________________________________
II. Main Point #2: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
A. Subtopic from main point #2_____________________________________
1. Detail or example from your note cards (with source)
___________________________________________________________
2. Detail or example from your note card (with source)
___________________________________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note card (with source) – if needed
_________________________________________________________
B. Subtopic from main point #2_____________________________________
1. Detail or example from your note cards (with source)
___________________________________________________________
2. Detail or example from your note card (with source)
___________________________________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note card (with source) – if needed
_________________________________________________________
Concluding sentence and tie-in about how the details or examples for main point
#2 support the thesis:
________________________________________________________________
III. Main Point #3: ________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
A. Subtopic from main point #3: ____________________________________
1. Detail or example from your note cards (with source)
___________________________________________________________
2. Detail or example from your note card (with source)
___________________________________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note card (with source) – if needed
_________________________________________________________
B. Subtopic from main point #3_____________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note cards (with source)
___________________________________________________________
4. Detail or example from your note card (with source)
___________________________________________________________
3. Detail or example from your note card (with source) – if needed
_________________________________________________________
Concluding sentence and tie-in about how the details or examples for main point
#3 support the thesis:
________________________________________________________________
Continue this pattern for every main point that will be covered in your
paper. Write complete sentences for each main point.
Correct Format for Outline
I.
A.
1.
a.
(1)
(a)
Reminders:
I. Your introduction should contain the following information.
A. Hook or motivator that directly relates to your topic (general quote or
interesting fact).
B. Blueprint – the main points that you will be addressing in this paper.
C. Thesis – The most important sentence in your paper. It should clearly
state your opinion and not be a statement of fact.
II. The body of your paper includes the main points.
A. Tie arguments/information back to thesis
B. Why is the information you just shared important to your thesis?
C. How does the information support your thesis?
D. Include counter-argument / refute effectively
III. The conclusion of your paper should leave the reader knowing and
understanding how you arrived at your thesis.
A. Review Main Points
1. Do not bring new information into your conclusion
B. Reword Thesis
C. Closing Statement