The outline of a research paper begins with the title of the research paper. The title lets the reader know what the research paper is all about.
In the outline, the title is followed by the introduction. The introduction lays out the major claims that the research paper makes. It includes a thesis statement which expresses the main argument in one sentence. The introductory part of the research paper outline may also give the reader the direction that the arguments will take. The body contains the arguments that are contained in the research paper. The outline of the research paper has a conclusion at the end which summarizes the key ideas and restates the thesis statement. The research paper outline acts as a sketch that maps out the direction of the research paper.
The research paper outline is “a tool that organizes your material. It shapes information into a pattern you can follow as you write your research paper. It is a road map that guides you to your goal.”Since it helps organize both the writer’s thoughts and material for a truly great research paper, the research paper outline is an essential component of research paper writing.
In general, the research paper outline will consist of an introductory part which gives a background of the problem that the research paper aims to tackle. It should interest the reader sufficiently to make him want to read the research paper. This part of the outline also contains a thesis statement, a one –sentence expression of the writer’s main contention.
The second component of the research paper outline consists of the body. In this section of the outline, the arguments in support of the thesis statement are enumerated, with supporting evidence which may consist of authoritative quotations, experimental results, facts, and figures. In this portion of the research paper outline, counterarguments are also anticipated and defused.
The conclusion is the other section of the research paper outline. In this section, the main arguments presented by the research paper are summarized. Conclusions are drawn which should invariably support the thesis statement. Most research papers will follow this outline.
An outline of the research paper is itself written after the research topic has been identified and material collected, analyzed and organized. In addition to showing you how prepare an effective outline for your research paper, our writing service will also guide you through preparing the various sections of the research paper outline to ensure that your paper meets with more success.
Effective outlines for a research paper usually closely adhere to four principles: parallelism, coordination, subordination, and division.
Outlines for a research paper must follow a parallel structure. This implies that there must be uniformity in the structuring of the headings and sub headings. Thus, when the first heading begins with a verb, all other subsequent headings must begin with verbs. Outlines for a research paper must also have coordination. This means that all information under first level headings should have the same importance, with any information falling under subheadings within these headings having lesser importance.
In addition, outlines for a research paper should have subordination, where information under the headings is general and becomes more specific as one moves from the general heading to subheadings within .
Finally, outlines for a research paper must follow the principle of division. Each heading used within the body of the research paper must generally consist of two or more parts. Outlines for a research paper serve a lot of functions. They facilitate the organization of ideas, order the research material in a logical manner, help bring out the relationships between ideas, and to “define boundaries and groups”.
Having an effective outline would therefore greatly aid both the process of writing the research paper as well as the quality of the paper. Our writing service provides samples of outlines for research papers to help students come up with effective outlines that generally conform to the four principles, and therefore prepare effective research papers. By registering with us, you will be able to access thousands of these outlines, as well as receive a series of free tips on how to become more adept at creating effective outlines for a research paper.
