Model “Bare-Bones” Outline Template for Research Paper
Name: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________
Topic: ______________________________________________________________
I.
Introduction Paragraph
a. Thesis:
b. Main supporting details/arguments: (list them here – there may be several)
II.
Body Paragraphs
a. Body One
i.
Topic (First supporting detail/argument):
ii.
Support (idea that develops the first supporting argument):
iii.
Evidence from research (Either quoted or paraphrased):
i. Be sure to cite your source(s)
iv.
Explanation/analysis of research:
v.
Evidence from research (Either quoted or paraphrased):
i. Be sure to cite your source(s)
vi.
Explanation/analysis of research:
vii.
Conclusion/Transition:
b. Body Two, Three, Four, etc.
i.
Follow same format shown above.
i. In this type of paper, it is common to have several body paragraphs.
III.
Conclusion Paragraph
a. Restate the thesis in a new interesting way
b. Briefly reiterate each main point/argument in a new way that ties them to the thesis
c. Explanation of the significance of thesis and ideas to society, America or a more global
perspective (It is difficult to “prescribe” a formula for a good conclusion, as they ought to
vary with your essay’s purpose).
1) It is very important that you have collected substantial research before you write your
outline.
2) Develop a thesis (main argument) that you will be able to support with research throughout
your paper.
3) As you are developing your outline, if you do not have enough information to support your
argument(s), find more research to support.
THIS ASSIGNMENT IS DUE ON NOVEMBER 2, 2012.
Outlines must be typed in the format shown above.
One (1) point will be deducted each school day it is turned in late.
Model “Bare-Bones” Outline Template for Research Paper
From a Bare-Bones Outline to a First Draft:
Additional Notes on the Differences between an Outline and a First Draft
o On INTRODUCTIONS:
o You must have a thesis in your first draft
o You must also work to make your introduction smooth and interesting in your
first draft
o On TRANSITIONS:
o Even though transitions are not required on this outline, they are absolutely
required on your first draft.
o Transitions are like the phrases and sentences that connect ideas to each other.
Think of transitions as the “ligaments” that hold the “bones” and “muscles” of
your ideas together.
o A transition should explain the relationship between ideas.
o To write an effective transition, try to answer this question: “How is the first idea
(in a paragraph, or in an essay) related to the second idea?”
o You must provide transitions in two places:
 Between ideas within paragraphs, and
 Between body paragraphs (usually, transitions are easiest to write at the
start of body paragraphs)
o On QUOTES FOR SUPPORT:
o You may NEVER add a quote to your essay without explaining its relevance or
importance to the development of your thesis and supporting ideas . This means
you can NEVER end a paragraph with a quote.
o You must ALWAYS follow the three-step process for introducing quotes:
1. Introduce the quote
2. Drop in the quote
3. Explain/analyze the quote
And one last, great piece of advice: READ OUT LOUD TO PROOFREAD!