The research paper outline is an important part of writing a research paper since it helps organize the information gathered through research into a meaningful and coherent whole. Like every other research paper, the college research paper outline will generally consist of three major parts in addition to an abstract: the introduction, the main body, and a conclusion.
The introduction is the first section of the college paper research outline. In this part of the outline, the reader is introduced to the problem that the college research paper aims to tackle. In addition, a thesis statement, which expresses the major contestable claim which the college research paper will seek to address, is made.
The body of the college paper research outline presents the main points that prove the accuracy of the claims made by the thesis statement. These points should be supported by facts, authoritative quotations from experts on the subject, or experimental data.
In addition to advancing the main points that support the thesis statement, in the body section of the college paper research outline counterarguments are anticipated and overcome, leading to the next section of the research paper outline - the conclusion. The conclusion is generally the last section of the college research paper outline. The conclusion will basically summarize the main argument in the body in a “thoughtful, clear and engaging” way. It will reaffirm the major claim made in the thesis statement and strongly appeal for action towards a certain goal.
