Components of an Outline for a Research Paper I. Introduction
A. Rationale or purpose.
1. Give a brief account of the purpose and significance of the topic.
2. Explain the importance of the issue.
B. Thesis Statement (see below:‘Composing a Thesis Statement')
Explain what you are trying to accomplish or state the purpose of the paper. Avoid obviously stating that ‘the objective (or purpose) of this paper is to …'. Transition the goal or objective into a thesis statement that transitions into the main body of the paper.
II. Body
A. Provide information on the topic.
1. Provide background information on the subject so that the reader gains an understanding of what you are talking about.
2. Describe all viewpoints of the issue.
3. Provide focused support for your argument, if applicable.
B. Describe methods and results of studies and/or reference pertinent information when appropriate.
III. Summary and Conclusion
A. Summarize major points of the paper.
B. Draw conclusions based on previously stated facts or arguments.
1. State the bottom line or take home message that you want the audience to learn.
2. Be concise. Do not simply reiterate what was stated in the previous paragraphs. Expand on the foundation that you have built in the previous paragraphs then drive the major point home. Do not introduce new information on the subject in the conclusion.
Composing a Thesis Statement Thesis: an idea or theory that tries to explain why something happens.[1]
What does a thesis statement do?
- A thesis statement provides DIRECTION to a paper.
- It explains to the audience your purpose for writing a paper.
- It takes a stand on the topic you are writing about.
Questions to ask yourself when forming a thesis statement:
- What is my main point that I am trying to prove?
- What is my purpose?
- Who is my audience?[2]
A thesis statement takes a stand on the topic you are writing about. For instance, if a history assignment asked you to write an essay that reflected your feelings about slavery in the United States , the thesis is where you would let your audience know where you stand and why.
A thesis statement maybe some thing you are clear about before you begin writing your essay or it may be one of the last things to confront when writing your essay. Sometimes a writer needs to write his or her way to an understanding of their stance on an issue. This is particularly true with research assignments where the research you do informs the opinions you have on a particular subject. Once your essay is complete, your thesis (which is most commonly found in the first or second paragraph) can be altered and simplified to fit what has been written.[3]
"A thesis statement tells in a few words what your argument is, not what your argument is about".[4]
Still having trouble?
-Your topic may be too broad. Try to narrow your scope down to one subject. This will also help with the organization of the paper.[5]
[1] "Thesis," Def. 1498, Longman Dictionary, 3rd ed., 1995.
[2] Joseph Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 5th ed., (New York: Modern Language Association, 1999) 35.
[3] Lisa Ede, Work In Progress, 4th ed., (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1998) 277-279.
[4] Floyd C. Watkins and William B. Dillingham, Practical English Handbook (Boston: Houghton Mufflin, 1992) 230.
[5] James W. Kirkland, Collett B. Dilworth Jr., and Patrick Bizzaro, Writing and Revising: A Modern College Workbook, (Lexington: D.C. Heath and Company, 1985) 51.
[Go to Guidelines for the Structure of a Research Paper]