research paper thesis outline

Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 3. Thesis Statement & Outline

1. Getting Started
2. Topic Ideas
3. Thesis Statement & Outline
4. Appropriate Sources
5. Search Techniques
6. Taking Notes & Documenting Sources
7. Evaluating Sources
8. Citations & Plagiarism
9. Writing Your Research Paper

About Thesis Statements

Qualities of a thesis statement.

Thesis statements:

state the subject matter and main ideas of a paper.
appear in the first paragraph and announces what you will discuss in your paper.
define the scope and focus of your essay, and tells your reader what to expect.
are not a simple factual statement. It is an assertion that states your claims and that you can prove with evidence.
should be the product of research and your own critical thinking.
can be very helpful in constructing an outline for your essay; for each point you make, ask yourself whether it is relevant to the thesis.

Steps you can use to create a thesis statement

1. Start out with the main topic and focus of your essay.

youth gangs + prevention and intervention programs

2. Make a claim or argument in one sentence. It can be helpful to start with a question which you then turn into an argument

Can prevention and intervention programs stop youth gang activities? How? ►►► "Prevention and intervention programs can stop youth gang activities by giving teens something else to do."

3. Revise the sentence by using specific terms.

"Early prevention programs in schools are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement by giving teens good activities that offer a path to success."

4. Further revise the sentence to cover the scope of your essay and make a strong statement.

"Among various prevention and intervention efforts that have been made to deal with the rapid growth of youth gangs, early school-based prevention programs are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement, which they do by giving teens meaningful activities that offer pathways to achievement and success."

5. Keep your thesis statement flexible and revise it as needed. In the process of researching and writing, you may find new information or refine your understanding of the topic.

You can view this short video for more tips on how to write a clear thesis statement.

An outline is the skeleton of your essay, in which you list the arguments and subtopics in a logical order. A good outline is an important element in writing a good paper. An outline helps to target your research areas, keep you within the scope without going off-track, and it can also help to keep your argument in good order when writing the essay. Once your outline is in good shape, it is much easier to write your paper; you've already done most of the thinking, so you just need to fill in the outline with a paragraph for each point.

To write an outline: The most common way to write an outline is the list format. List all the major topics and subtopics with the key points that support them. Put similar topics and points together and arrange them in a logical order. Include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.

A list outline should arrange the main points or arguments in a hierarchical structure indicated by Roman numerals for main ideas (I, II, III...), capital letters for subtopics (A, B, C...), Arabic numerals for details (1,2,3...), and lower-case letters for fine details if needed (a,b,c...). This helps keep things organized.

Here is a shortened example of an outline:

Introduction: background and thesis statement

I. First topic

1. Supporting evidence 2. Supporting evidence

II. Second Topic

III. Third Topic

I. Summarize the main points of your paper II. Restate your thesis in different words III. Make a strong final statement

You can see examples of a few different kinds of outlines and get more help at the Purdue OWL .

<< Previous: 2. Topic Ideas
Next: 4. Appropriate Sources >>
Last Updated: Apr 18, 2023 12:12 PM
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Getting started with your research paper outline

Levels of organization for a research paper outline

First level of organization, second level of organization, third level of organization, fourth level of organization, tips for writing a research paper outline, research paper outline template, my research paper outline is complete: what are the next steps, frequently asked questions about a research paper outline, related articles.

The outline is the skeleton of your research paper. Simply start by writing down your thesis and the main ideas you wish to present. This will likely change as your research progresses; therefore, do not worry about being too specific in the early stages of writing your outline.

A research paper outline typically contains between two and four layers of organization. The first two layers are the most generalized. Each layer thereafter will contain the research you complete and presents more and more detailed information.

The levels are typically represented by a combination of Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, uppercase letters, lowercase letters but may include other symbols. Refer to the guidelines provided by your institution, as formatting is not universal and differs between universities, fields, and subjects. If you are writing the outline for yourself, you may choose any combination you prefer.

This is the most generalized level of information. Begin by numbering the introduction, each idea you will present, and the conclusion. The main ideas contain the bulk of your research paper 's information. Depending on your research, it may be chapters of a book for a literature review , a series of dates for a historical research paper, or the methods and results of a scientific paper.

I. Introduction

II. Main idea

III. Main idea

IV. Main idea

V. Conclusion

The second level consists of topics which support the introduction, main ideas, and the conclusion. Each main idea should have at least two supporting topics listed in the outline.

If your main idea does not have enough support, you should consider presenting another main idea in its place. This is where you should stop outlining if this is your first draft. Continue your research before adding to the next levels of organization.

A. Background information
B. Hypothesis or thesis
A. Supporting topic
B. Supporting topic

The third level of organization contains supporting information for the topics previously listed. By now, you should have completed enough research to add support for your ideas.

The Introduction and Main Ideas may contain information you discovered about the author, timeframe, or contents of a book for a literature review; the historical events leading up to the research topic for a historical research paper, or an explanation of the problem a scientific research paper intends to address.

1. Relevant history
2. Relevant history
1. The hypothesis or thesis clearly stated
1. A brief description of supporting information
2. A brief description of supporting information

The fourth level of organization contains the most detailed information such as quotes, references, observations, or specific data needed to support the main idea. It is not typical to have further levels of organization because the information contained here is the most specific.

a) Quotes or references to another piece of literature
b) Quotes or references to another piece of literature

Tip: The key to creating a useful outline is to be consistent in your headings, organization, and levels of specificity.

Be Consistent : ensure every heading has a similar tone. State the topic or write short sentences for each heading but avoid doing both.
Organize Information : Higher levels of organization are more generally stated and each supporting level becomes more specific. The introduction and conclusion will never be lower than the first level of organization.
Build Support : Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics. If your research does not have enough information to support the main idea you are presenting, you should, in general, complete additional research or revise the outline.

By now, you should know the basic requirements to create an outline for your paper. With a content framework in place, you can now start writing your paper . To help you start right away, you can use one of our templates and adjust it to suit your needs.

After completing your outline, you should:

Title your research paper . This is an iterative process and may change when you delve deeper into the topic.
Begin writing your research paper draft . Continue researching to further build your outline and provide more information to support your hypothesis or thesis.
Format your draft appropriately . MLA 8 and APA 7 formats have differences between their bibliography page, in-text citations, line spacing, and title.
Finalize your citations and bibliography . Use a reference manager like Paperpile to organize and cite your research.
Write the abstract, if required . An abstract will briefly state the information contained within the paper, results of the research, and the conclusion.

An outline is used to organize written ideas about a topic into a logical order. Outlines help us organize major topics, subtopics, and supporting details. Researchers benefit greatly from outlines while writing by addressing which topic to cover in what order.

The most basic outline format consists of: an introduction, a minimum of three topic paragraphs, and a conclusion.

You should make an outline before starting to write your research paper. This will help you organize the main ideas and arguments you want to present in your topic.

Consistency: ensure every heading has a similar tone. State the topic or write short sentences for each heading but avoid doing both.
Organization : Higher levels of organization are more generally stated and each supporting level becomes more specific. The introduction and conclusion will never be lower than the first level of organization.
Support : Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics. If your research does not have enough information to support the main idea you are presenting, you should, in general, complete additional research or revise the outline.

While Sandel argues that pursuing perfection through genetic engineering would decrease our sense of humility, he claims that the sense of solidarity we would lose is also important.

This thesis summarizes several points in Sandel’s argument, but it does not make a claim about how we should understand his argument. A reader who read Sandel’s argument would not also need to read an essay based on this descriptive thesis.

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence)

Michael Sandel’s arguments about genetic engineering do not take into consideration all the relevant issues.

This is an arguable claim because it would be possible to argue against it by saying that Michael Sandel’s arguments do take all of the relevant issues into consideration. But the claim is too broad. Because the thesis does not specify which “issues” it is focused on—or why it matters if they are considered—readers won’t know what the rest of the essay will argue, and the writer won’t know what to focus on. If there is a particular issue that Sandel does not address, then a more specific version of the thesis would include that issue—hand an explanation of why it is important.

Arguable thesis with analytical claim

While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake” (54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well” (51) is less convincing.

This is an arguable analytical claim. To argue for this claim, the essay writer will need to show how evidence from the article itself points to this interpretation. It’s also a reasonable scope for a thesis because it can be supported with evidence available in the text and is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Arguable thesis with normative claim

Given Sandel’s argument against genetic enhancement, we should not allow parents to decide on using Human Growth Hormone for their children.

This thesis tells us what we should do about a particular issue discussed in Sandel’s article, but it does not tell us how we should understand Sandel’s argument.

Questions to ask about your thesis

Is the thesis truly arguable? Does it speak to a genuine dilemma in the source, or would most readers automatically agree with it?
Is the thesis too obvious? Again, would most or all readers agree with it without needing to see your argument?
Is the thesis complex enough to require a whole essay's worth of argument?
Is the thesis supportable with evidence from the text rather than with generalizations or outside research?
Would anyone want to read a paper in which this thesis was developed? That is, can you explain what this paper is adding to our understanding of a problem, question, or topic?
picture_as_pdf Thesis

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Home » Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Table of Contents

By creating a well-structured research paper outline, writers can easily organize their thoughts and ideas and ensure that their final paper is clear, concise, and effective. In this article, we will explore the essential components of a research paper outline and provide some tips and tricks for creating a successful one.

Research Paper Outline

Research paper outline is a plan or a structural framework that organizes the main ideas , arguments, and supporting evidence in a logical sequence. It serves as a blueprint or a roadmap for the writer to follow while drafting the actual research paper .

Typically, an outline consists of the following elements:

Introduction : This section presents the topic, research question , and thesis statement of the paper. It also provides a brief overview of the literature review and the methodology used.
Literature Review: This section provides a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, theories, and concepts related to the research topic. It analyzes the existing research and identifies the research gaps and research questions.
Methodology: This section explains the research design, data collection methods, data analysis, and ethical considerations of the study.
Results: This section presents the findings of the study, using tables, graphs, and statistics to illustrate the data.
Discussion : This section interprets the results of the study, and discusses their implications, significance, and limitations. It also suggests future research directions.
Conclusion : This section summarizes the main findings of the study and restates the thesis statement.
References: This section lists all the sources cited in the paper using the appropriate citation style.

Research Paper Outline Types

There are several types of outlines that can be used for research papers, including:

Alphanumeric Outline

This is a traditional outline format that uses Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is commonly used for longer, more complex research papers.

I. Introduction

A. Background information
B. Thesis statement
1 1. Supporting detail
1 2. Supporting detail 2
2 1. Supporting detail

III. Conclusion

A. Restate thesis
B. Summarize main points

Decimal Outline

This outline format uses numbers to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is similar to the alphanumeric outline, but it uses only numbers and decimals to indicate the hierarchy of the ideas.

1.1 Background information
1.2 Thesis statement
1 2.1.1 Supporting detail
1 2.1.2 Supporting detail
2 2.2.1 Supporting detail
1 2.2.2 Supporting detail
3.1 Restate thesis
3.2 Summarize main points

Full Sentence Outline

This type of outline uses complete sentences to describe the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is useful for those who prefer to see the entire paper outlined in complete sentences.

Provide background information on the topic
State the thesis statement
Explain main idea 1 and provide supporting details
Discuss main idea 2 and provide supporting details
Restate the thesis statement
Summarize the main points of the paper

Topic Outline

This type of outline uses short phrases or words to describe the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is useful for those who prefer to see a more concise overview of the paper.

Background information
Thesis statement
Supporting detail 1
Supporting detail 2
Restate thesis
Summarize main points

Reverse Outline

This is an outline that is created after the paper has been written. It involves going back through the paper and summarizing each paragraph or section in one sentence. This can be useful for identifying gaps in the paper or areas that need further development.

Introduction : Provides background information and states the thesis statement.
Paragraph 1: Discusses main idea 1 and provides supporting details.
Paragraph 2: Discusses main idea 2 and provides supporting details.
Paragraph 3: Addresses potential counterarguments.
Conclusion : Restates thesis and summarizes main points.

Mind Map Outline

This type of outline involves creating a visual representation of the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It can be useful for those who prefer a more creative and visual approach to outlining.

Supporting detail 1: Lack of funding for public schools.
Supporting detail 2: Decrease in government support for education.
Supporting detail 1: Increase in income inequality.
Supporting detail 2: Decrease in social mobility.

Research Paper Outline Example

Research Paper Outline Example on Cyber Security:

A. Overview of Cybersecurity

B. Importance of Cybersecurity
C. Purpose of the paper

II. Cyber Threats

A. Definition of Cyber Threats

B. Types of Cyber Threats
C. Examples of Cyber Threats

III. Cybersecurity Measures

A. Prevention measures

Anti-virus software
Encryption B. Detection measures
Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Security Operations Center (SOC) C. Response measures
Incident Response Plan
Business Continuity Plan
Disaster Recovery Plan

IV. Cybersecurity in the Business World

A. Overview of Cybersecurity in the Business World

B. Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

C. Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Business

V. Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

A. Overview of Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

C. Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

VI. Cybersecurity Ethics

A. Definition of Cybersecurity Ethics

B. Importance of Cybersecurity Ethics

C. Examples of Cybersecurity Ethics

VII. Future of Cybersecurity

A. Overview of the Future of Cybersecurity

B. Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

C. Advancements in Cybersecurity Technology

VIII. Conclusion

A. Summary of the paper

B. Recommendations for Cybersecurity

C. Conclusion.

IX. References

A. List of sources cited in the paper

B. Bibliography of additional resources

Introduction

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or any other form of cyber attack. B. Importance of Cybersecurity The increasing reliance on technology and the growing number of cyber threats make cybersecurity an essential aspect of modern society. Cybersecurity breaches can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. C. Purpose of the paper This paper aims to provide an overview of cybersecurity, cyber threats, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity in the business and government sectors, cybersecurity ethics, and the future of cybersecurity.

A cyber threat is any malicious act or event that attempts to compromise or disrupt computer systems, networks, or sensitive data. B. Types of Cyber Threats Common types of cyber threats include malware, phishing, social engineering, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). C. Examples of Cyber Threats Recent cyber threats include the SolarWinds supply chain attack, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, and the Microsoft Exchange Server hack.

Prevention measures aim to minimize the risk of cyber attacks by implementing security controls, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption.

Firewalls Firewalls act as a barrier between a computer network and the internet, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access.
Anti-virus software Anti-virus software detects, prevents, and removes malware from computer systems.
Encryption Encryption involves the use of mathematical algorithms to transform sensitive data into a code that can only be accessed by authorized individuals. B. Detection measures Detection measures aim to identify and respond to cyber attacks as quickly as possible, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM), and security operations centers (SOCs).
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) IDS monitors network traffic for signs of unauthorized access, such as unusual patterns or anomalies.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) SIEM combines security information management and security event management to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of security alerts.
Security Operations Center (SOC) SOC is a dedicated team responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats. C. Response measures Response measures aim to mitigate the impact of a cyber attack and restore normal operations, such as incident response plans (IRPs), business continuity plans (BCPs), and disaster recovery plans (DRPs).
Incident Response Plan IRPs outline the procedures and protocols to follow in the event of a cyber attack, including communication protocols, roles and responsibilities, and recovery processes.
Business Continuity Plan BCPs ensure that critical business functions can continue in the event of a cyber attack or other disruption.
Disaster Recovery Plan DRPs outline the procedures to recover from a catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster or cyber attack.

Cybersecurity is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries, as they handle sensitive data, financial transactions, and intellectual property that are attractive targets for cyber criminals.

Risk assessment is a critical step in developing a cybersecurity strategy, which involves identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences to determine the level of risk and prioritize security measures.

Best practices for cybersecurity in business include implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, regularly updating software and hardware, training employees on cybersecurity awareness, and regularly backing up data.

Government organizations face unique cybersecurity challenges, as they handle sensitive information related to national security, defense, and critical infrastructure.

Risk assessment in government organizations involves identifying and assessing potential threats and vulnerabilities, conducting regular audits, and complying with relevant regulations and standards.

Best practices for cybersecurity in government organizations include implementing secure communication protocols, regularly updating and patching software, and conducting regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs for employees.

Cybersecurity ethics refers to the ethical considerations involved in cybersecurity, such as privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of technology.

Cybersecurity ethics are crucial for maintaining trust in technology, protecting privacy and data, and promoting responsible behavior in the digital world.

Examples of cybersecurity ethics include protecting the privacy of user data, ensuring data accuracy and integrity, and implementing fair and unbiased algorithms.

The future of cybersecurity will involve a shift towards more advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing.

Emerging cybersecurity threats include AI-powered cyber attacks, the use of deepfakes and synthetic media, and the potential for quantum computing to break current encryption methods.

Advancements in cybersecurity technology include the development of AI and machine learning-based security tools, the use of blockchain for secure data storage and sharing, and the development of post-quantum encryption methods.

This paper has provided an overview of cybersecurity, cyber threats, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity in the business and government sectors, cybersecurity ethics, and the future of cybersecurity.

To enhance cybersecurity, organizations should prioritize risk assessment and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes prevention, detection, and response measures. Additionally, organizations should prioritize cybersecurity ethics to promote responsible behavior in the digital world.

C. Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of modern society, and organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in technology.

for further reading

X. Appendices

A. Glossary of key terms

B. Cybersecurity checklist for organizations

C. Sample cybersecurity policy for businesses

D. Sample cybersecurity incident response plan

E. Cybersecurity training and awareness resources

Note : The content and organization of the paper may vary depending on the specific requirements of the assignment or target audience. This outline serves as a general guide for writing a research paper on cybersecurity. Do not use this in your assingmets.

Research Paper Outline Template

Background information and context of the research topic
Research problem and questions
Purpose and objectives of the research
Scope and limitations

II. Literature Review

Overview of existing research on the topic
Key concepts and theories related to the research problem
Identification of gaps in the literature
Summary of relevant studies and their findings

III. Methodology

Research design and approach
Data collection methods and procedures
Data analysis techniques
Validity and reliability considerations
Ethical considerations

IV. Results

Presentation of research findings
Analysis and interpretation of data
Explanation of significant results
Discussion of unexpected results

V. Discussion

Comparison of research findings with existing literature
Implications of results for theory and practice
Limitations and future directions for research
Conclusion and recommendations

VI. Conclusion

Summary of research problem, purpose, and objectives
Discussion of significant findings
Contribution to the field of study
Implications for practice
Suggestions for future research

VII. References

List of sources cited in the research paper using appropriate citation style.

Note : This is just an template, and depending on the requirements of your assignment or the specific research topic, you may need to modify or adjust the sections or headings accordingly.

Research Paper Outline Writing Guide

Here’s a guide to help you create an effective research paper outline:

Choose a topic : Select a topic that is interesting, relevant, and meaningful to you.
Conduct research: Gather information on the topic from a variety of sources, such as books, articles, journals, and websites.
Organize your ideas: Organize your ideas and information into logical groups and subgroups. This will help you to create a clear and concise outline.
Create an outline: Begin your outline with an introduction that includes your thesis statement. Then, organize your ideas into main points and subpoints. Each main point should be supported by evidence and examples.
Introduction: The introduction of your research paper should include the thesis statement, background information, and the purpose of the research paper.
Body : The body of your research paper should include the main points and subpoints. Each point should be supported by evidence and examples.
Conclusion : The conclusion of your research paper should summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement.
Reference List: Include a reference list at the end of your research paper. Make sure to properly cite all sources used in the paper.
Proofreading : Proofread your research paper to ensure that it is free of errors and grammatical mistakes.
Finalizing : Finalize your research paper by reviewing the outline and making any necessary changes.

When to Write Research Paper Outline

It’s a good idea to write a research paper outline before you begin drafting your paper. The outline will help you organize your thoughts and ideas, and it can serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

Here are a few situations when you might want to consider writing an outline:

When you’re starting a new research project: If you’re beginning a new research project, an outline can help you get organized from the very beginning. You can use your outline to brainstorm ideas, map out your research goals, and identify potential sources of information.
When you’re struggling to organize your thoughts: If you find yourself struggling to organize your thoughts or make sense of your research, an outline can be a helpful tool. It can help you see the big picture of your project and break it down into manageable parts.
When you’re working with a tight deadline : If you have a deadline for your research paper, an outline can help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary points. By mapping out your paper in advance, you can work more efficiently and avoid getting stuck or overwhelmed.

Purpose of Research Paper Outline

The purpose of a research paper outline is to provide a structured and organized plan for the writer to follow while conducting research and writing the paper. An outline is essentially a roadmap that guides the writer through the entire research process, from the initial research and analysis of the topic to the final writing and editing of the paper.

A well-constructed outline can help the writer to:

Organize their thoughts and ideas on the topic, and ensure that all relevant information is included.
Identify any gaps in their research or argument, and address them before starting to write the paper.
Ensure that the paper follows a logical and coherent structure, with clear transitions between different sections.
Save time and effort by providing a clear plan for the writer to follow, rather than starting from scratch and having to revise the paper multiple times.

Advantages of Research Paper Outline

Some of the key advantages of a research paper outline include:

Helps to organize thoughts and ideas : An outline helps to organize all the different ideas and information that you want to include in your paper. By creating an outline, you can ensure that all the points you want to make are covered and in a logical order.
Saves time and effort : An outline saves time and effort because it helps you to focus on the key points of your paper. It also helps you to identify any gaps or areas where more research may be needed.
Makes the writing process easier : With an outline, you have a clear roadmap of what you want to write, and this makes the writing process much easier. You can simply follow your outline and fill in the details as you go.
Improves the quality of your paper : By having a clear outline, you can ensure that all the important points are covered and in a logical order. This makes your paper more coherent and easier to read, which ultimately improves its overall quality.
Facilitates collaboration: If you are working on a research paper with others, an outline can help to facilitate collaboration. By sharing your outline, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

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Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Writing Tips

How to Write a Research Paper Outline

4-minute read

25th August 2023

Embarking on the journey of writing a research paper can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, you can navigate this process with clarity and confidence with a well-crafted research paper outline. An outline serves as a roadmap that guides you through each phase of research, organization, and writing.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to craft a stellar outline that will lay the foundation for an exceptional research paper. Let’s dive in!

The Importance of a Research Paper Outline

Before delving into the process of creating an outline, let’s first discuss a few reasons why it’s a crucial element of your research paper process:

● Organization : An outline helps you organize your thoughts, ideas, and research findings coherently and logically, preventing your paper from becoming disjointed.

● Focus and Direction : It provides a clear path for your research and writing, helping you stay on track and ensuring that you cover all essential aspects of your topic.

● Efficiency : By planning and structuring your paper in advance, you save time during the actual writing process.

Steps to Create a Research Paper Outline

1. identifying the core components of your outline.

Your research paper outline consists of several key components, each serving a specific purpose. Depending on your research topic and your intended audience, your research paper may have additional sections, such as a literature review or methods section, so make sure you’re clear on what the expectations are for your project. Still, your outline should almost certainly contain the following elements:

A. Introduction

● Provide a hook. Begin with a compelling opening that grabs your reader’s attention.

● Include appropriate background information. Provide context about your topic, highlighting its relevance and significance , along with your research objectives .

● State your thesis statement . Clearly state the main argument or purpose of your paper.

B. Main Body

● Organize your major points and arguments. Itemize the primary ideas or arguments you intend to present. Each major point should have its own section.

● Supporting evidence : Beneath each major point, list the supporting evidence, data, or examples that back your arguments.

● Subpoints : If necessary, break down each major point into smaller subpoints to ensure a well-structured and detailed discussion.

C. Counterarguments and Rebuttals (if applicable)

● Consider the counterarguments . Address opposing viewpoints to showcase a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

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● Include the counter rebuttals . Refute counterarguments with strong evidence and reasoning, reinforcing your stance.

D. Conclusion

● Restate your thesis. Summarize your thesis statement, reminding readers of your main argument.

● Summarize your main points . Briefly recap the major points discussed in the body of your paper.

● Provide a meaningful concluding thought. Leave readers with a thought-provoking insight, call to action, or open-ended question.

● Remember your acknowledgements . Finally, add any acknowledgements that should be recognized.

2. Structuring Your Outline

Create a hierarchical structure by arranging your main points, subpoints, and supporting evidence in a logical order. This provides a visual representation of your paper’s flow and allows you to see how ideas connect and progress.

3. Be Concise and Clear

Your outline is a concise roadmap, so use brief phrases or sentences to capture the essence of each section. Avoid wordiness and complex language.

4. Flexibility in Your Approach

Remember, your outline is a flexible tool. As you delve deeper into your research and writing, you might discover the need to rearrange or expand certain sections. Allow your outline to evolve naturally.

5. Seek Feedback

Share your outline with peers, instructors, or your advisor to gain valuable feedback. Their insights can help you refine your outline and ensure that you’re on the right track. They can also let you know if you’ve left out anything of significance.

A well-structured research paper outline is your compass in the vast sea of information and ideas. It keeps you focused, organized, and empowered throughout the research and writing process and can help deter you from making common mistakes .

Following these steps will equip you to create a successful outline: identify your main concepts; structure your outline; check for clarity and concision; allow for flexibility; and seek feedback.

Finally, if you’re interested in having your research paper proofread , please consider our research paper editing services . You can even try a sample of our services for free . Happy outlining and researching!

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How To Write A Research Paper

Research Paper Thesis

How To Write a Thesis For a Research Paper Step by Step

12 min read

Published on: Mar 6, 2024

Last updated on: Mar 5, 2024

how to write a thesis for a research paper

What is a Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a concise sentence that presents the main point or argument of a research paper or an essay.

According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Writing Center , a thesis statement is defined as, "a concise, declarative statement that encapsulates the central argument or main point of an academic paper or essay. It serves as a guidepost for the reader, outlining the focus and direction of the piece"

In a standard academic essay writing or research paper , the thesis statement is typically placed at the end of the introduction. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, providing a concise summary of the main point or argument that the paper will explore.

The structure of an introduction often follows a general pattern:

Hook/Attention Grabber
Background Information/Context
Thesis Statement

There is no strict rule regarding the length of a thesis statement, as it can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the scope of the paper. However, as a general guideline, a thesis statement is typically one or two sentences long.

Qualities of a Good Thesis Statement

A strong thesis statement possesses several key qualities that contribute to its effectiveness:

Clarity and Precision : Clearly conveys the main idea without unnecessary complexity, avoiding vague language.
Debatable and Focused : Presents a claim open to interpretation, requiring support and evidence, and maintains a narrow focus.
Assertive and Defensible: Takes a clear position, avoiding indecisiveness, and is defensible through logical reasoning and evidence.
Relevance to the Topic : Directly relates to the subject matter, avoiding irrelevant or off-topic statements.
Scope Limitation : Defines the paper's scope, avoiding broad, sweeping statements to maintain focus.
Analytical and Thought-Provoking : Goes beyond stating facts, presenting an argument that requires analysis and thought, encouraging consideration of multiple perspectives.
Coherent and Well-Structured : Well-crafted with a logical structure, serving as a roadmap to guide the reader through the main points of the research paper.

How To Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Steps

Writing a thesis statement involves several key steps to ensure that it is clear, concise, and effectively conveys the main idea of your essay or research paper. Here's a guide with steps and examples:

Step 1. Understand the Assignment

Before diving into writing a thesis statement, thoroughly understand the assignment's requirements, including the topic, length, and specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the prompt.

Step 2. Narrow Down Your Topic

Choose a specific aspect or angle within your broader topic that you can effectively address in your paper. This helps in focusing your research and drafting a more precise thesis.

Example : If your original topic is "Global warming," narrow it down to "The impact of deforestation on global warming."

Step 3. Conduct Research

Gather relevant information and evidence from reputable sources to support your thesis. A well-researched thesis is more likely to be compelling and convincing.

Example : Find studies, scientific articles, or statistics that demonstrate the connection between deforestation and increased carbon emissions.

Step 4. Identify Your Position or Claim

Determine your stance on the narrowed topic. What is the main argument or point you want to make?

Example : Decide that your position is that "Deforestation contributes significantly to the acceleration of global warming."

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Step 5. Craft a Concise Thesis Statement

Summarize your main argument in a clear, specific, and concise sentence. This will be the central point around which your entire paper revolves.

Example : "The rampant deforestation observed globally is a primary driver of increased carbon emissions, leading to a substantial acceleration of global warming."

Step 6. Make It Arguable

Ensure that your thesis statement is debatable. Avoid stating facts that everyone would agree with; instead, present a claim that invites discussion.

Example : "While some argue that deforestation has minimal impact on global warming, the overwhelming evidence supports the assertion that it plays a significant role."

Step 7. Consider Counterarguments

Anticipate potential counterarguments and address them within your thesis. This shows that you've considered different perspectives and strengthens your overall position.

Example : "While some contend that other factors contribute to global warming, the undeniable link between deforestation and increased carbon emissions cannot be ignored."

Step 8. Ensure Clarity and Specificity

Avoid vague language and make sure your thesis clearly communicates the main point of your paper. Provide enough detail to guide your reader.

Example : "Deforestation's impact on global warming is a complex issue that demands immediate attention."

Step 9. Review and Revise

Critically evaluate your thesis for clarity, relevance, and strength. Revise as needed to ensure it encapsulates your main argument effectively.

The final Thesis Statement may look like this:

Types of Thesis Statements

Thesis statements serve as the core of a research paper, providing the main argument or purpose of the work. Here are a few types of thesis statements with examples:

Argumentative Thesis Statement

Argumentative thesis statements assert a specific stance on an issue and provide reasons or evidence to support that viewpoint. They aim to persuade the reader of a particular perspective.

Here is a thesis statement example for argumentative essay :

Analytical Thesis Statement

Analytical thesis statements break down a topic into its constituent parts, examining it critically to understand its components or significance. They don't argue a point but rather analyze and interpret.

Expository Thesis Statement

Expository thesis statements present factual information or explain a topic without expressing opinions or arguments. They aim to inform and elucidate.

Comparative Thesis Statement

Comparative thesis statements highlight similarities and differences between two or more subjects, offering an evaluation or analysis of their relationship.

Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Cause and effect thesis statements outline the relationship between events or phenomena, indicating how one factor influences another and the resulting consequences.

Research Paper Thesis Template

A useful guideline for creating a thesis statement is to follow a three-part structure that includes the topic, the main point or claim, and the supporting reasons or evidence. This formula can be expressed as:

Topic + Claim + Reasons/Evidence

Here's a breakdown of each component:

Follow the steps above and use this research paper thesis statement template to develop a useful thesis.

Thesis For a Research Paper Examples

Here are a few thesis statement examples for research papers:

Research Paper Thesis Examples

Thesis For a Research Paper Middle School

College thesis statement examples, thesis for a research report, thesis statement for a research paper in apa format.

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Thesis For a History Research Paper

Thesis statements for personal essays, examples of weak and strong thesis statements.

Here's a table with examples of weak and strong thesis statements across three different subjects:

Tips for Writing Strong Thesis Statements

Here are some tips for developing strong thesis statements:

Challenge conventional wisdom or commonly held beliefs in your thesis.
Use powerful and vivid words to evoke emotions or curiosity in your thesis.
Introduce a fresh perspective or angle that hasn't been widely discussed.
Offer a glimpse into potential solutions or broader implications of your thesis.
Pose a thought-provoking question or a startling fact to engage the reader.
Highlight the contemporary relevance or timeliness of your thesis statement.
Appeal to the reader's emotions or personal experiences to make a connection.
Emphasize the importance of exploring contradictions or complexities in your topic.
Encourage the reader to contemplate the deeper implications of your thesis.
Highlight how your thesis reflects personal growth or a change in perspective over time.

Thesis Statement Assessment Checklist

So, you may be wondering, how do I know if my thesis is strong? Use the checklist below to assess the strength of your thesis statement:

Summit it Up!

Crafting a strong thesis for a research paper involves precision, specificity, and a clear position. Remember to regularly revisit and refine your thesis as you progress through the writing process.

If you find yourself struggling to formulate the perfect thesis statement, worry not! The professionals at CollegeEssay.org are here to provide expert assistance.

Our professional writing service can guide you through the process, ensuring a compelling and impactful thesis statement.

Get custom research paper today and elevate the quality of your academic work.

Commonly Asked Questions

How does a research hypothesis differ from a thesis statement.

A research hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about the outcome of a research study. On the other hand, a thesis statement is a broader statement summarizing the main argument of a paper.

Can a thesis statement change during the research process?

Yes, as you conduct research and refine your understanding of the topic, it's common for your thesis statement to evolve or be adjusted.

How does the thesis statement relate to the research methodology?

The thesis statement may hint at the research approach but focuses more on the main argument. The methodology is detailed separately in the research paper to explain how the study was conducted.

How do I choose the right tone for my thesis statement?

Tailor the tone to match the nature of your research. It can be analytical, argumentative, or explanatory, depending on the purpose and style of your paper.

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How to Write a Research Paper Outline with Examples

You sometimes have to submit an essay outline or a research proposal checklist for a research project before you do most of the actual research to show that you have understood the assignment, defined a good research question or hypothesis, and contemplated the structure of your research paper. You can find various templates and examples for such outlines, which usually begin with “put your thesis statement/research question at the top” and then ask you to decide whether to add your supporting ideas/points in “alphanumeric,” “decimal,” or “full-sentence” style.

That is certainly one useful (if not overly formalized) way of using outlining to prepare to draft an academic text. But here we want to talk about how to make an outline after you have done a research project or thesis work and are not quite sure how to put everything together into a written thesis to hand in or a research paper manuscript to submit to a journal.

What is a research paper outline?

Creating a research project outline entails more than just listing bullet points (although you can use bullet points and lists in your outline). It includes how to organize everything you have done and thought about and want to say about your work into a clear structure you can use as the basis for your research paper.

There are two different methods of creating an outline: let’s call these “abstract style” and “paper style.” These names reflect how briefly you summarize your work at this initial point, or show how extensive and complicated the methods and designs you used and the data you collected are. The type of outline you use also depends on how clear the story you want to tell is and how much organizing and structuring of information you still need to do before you can draft your actual paper.

research paper outline, scaffolding image

Additional Tips for Outlining a Research Paper in English

Abstract-style research paper outline format.

A research paper outline in abstract style consists, like the abstract of a research paper , of short answers to the essential questions that anyone trying to understand your work would ask.

Why did you decide to do what you did?
What exactly did you do?
How did you do it?
What did you find?
What does it mean?
What should you/we/someone else do now?

These questions form the structure of not only a typical research paper abstract but also a typical article manuscript. They will eventually be omitted and replaced by the usual headers, such as Introduction/Background, Aim, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, etc. Answering these key questions for yourself first (with keywords or short sentences) and then sticking to the same structure and information when drafting your article will ensure that your story is consistent and that there are no logical gaps or contradictions between the different sections of a research paper .

If you draft this abstract outline carefully, you can use it as the basis for every other part of your paper. You reduce it even more, down to the absolute essential elements, to create your manuscript title ; you choose your keywords on the basis of the summary presented here; and you expand it into the introduction , methods , results , and discussion sections of your paper without contradicting yourself or losing the logical thread.

Research Paper Outline Example (Abstract style)

Let’s say you did a research project on the effect of university online classes on attendance rates and create a simple outline example using these six questions:

1. Why did you decide to do what you did?

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many university courses around the world have been moved online, at least temporarily. Since students have been saving time on commuting, I wondered if attendance rates have increased overall.

2. What exactly did you do?

I compared attendance scores for courses that were taught both before (offline) and during (online) the COVID-19 pandemic at my university.

3. How did you do it?

I selected five popular subjects (business, law, medicine, psychology, art & design) and one general course per subject; then I contacted the professors in charge and asked them to provide me with anonymized attendance scores.

4. What did you find?

Attendance did not significantly change for medicine and law, but slightly dropped for the other three subjects. I found no difference between male and female students.

5. What does it mean?

Even though students saved time on traveling between their homes and the campus during the COVID-19 pandemic, they did not attend classes more consistently; in some subjects, they missed more classes than before.

6. What should you/we/someone else do now?

Since I do not have any other information about the students, I can only speculate on potential explanations. Next, I will put together a questionnaire to assess how students have been coping with online classes and how the experiences from this time can benefit university teaching and learning in general.

Note that you could have made the same outline using just keywords instead of full sentences. You could also have added more methodological details or the results of your statistical analysis. However, when you can break everything down to the absolute essentials like this, you will have a good foundation upon which to develop a full paper.

However, maybe your study just seems too complicated. So you look at these questions and then at your notes and data and have no idea how to come up with such simple answers. Or maybe things went in a completely different direction since you started writing your paper, so now you are no longer sure what the main point of your experiments was and what the main conclusion should be. If that is how you feel right now, then outlining your paper in “paper style” might be the right method for you.

Paper-Style Research Paper Outline Format

The purpose of a paper-style outline is the same as that of an abstract-style outline: You want to organize your initial thoughts and plans, the methods and tools you used, all the experiments you conducted, the data you collected and analyzed, as well as your results, into a clear structure so that you can identify the main storyline for your paper and the main conclusions that you want the reader to take from it.

First, take as much space as you need and simply jot down everything in your study you planned to do, everything you did, and everything you thought about based on your notes, lab book, and earlier literature you read or used. Such an outline can contain all your initial ideas, the timeline of all your pilots and all your experiments, the reasons why you changed direction or designed new experiments halfway through your study, all the analyses you ever did, all the feedback and criticism you already got from supervisors and seniors or during conference presentations, and all the ideas you have for future work. If this is your thesis or your first publication, then your first outline might look quite messy – and that is exactly why you need to structure your paper before trying to write everything up.

So you have finally remembered all you have done in your study and have written everything down. The next step is to realize that you cannot throw all of this at the reader and expect them to put it together. You will have to create a story that is clear and consistent, contains all the essential information (and leaves out any that is not), and leads the reader the same way the abstract outline does, from why over what and how to what you found and what it all means .

This does not mean you should suppress results that did not come out as intended or try to make your study look smoother. But the reader does not really need to know all the details about why you changed your research question after your initial literature search or some failed pilots. Instead of writing down the simple questions we used for the abstract outline, to organize your still messy notes, write down the main sections of the manuscript you are trying to put together. Additionally, include what kinds of information needs to go where in your paper’s structure.

1. Introduction Section:

What field is your research part of?

What other papers did you read before deciding on your topic?

Who is your target audience and how much information do your readers need to understand where you are coming from?

Can you summarize what you did in two sentences?

Did you have a clear hypothesis? If not, what were the potential outcomes of your work?

2. Methods Section:

List all the methods, questionnaires, and tests you used.

Are your methods all standard in the field or do you need to explain them?

List everything chronologically or according to topics, whatever makes more sense. Read more about writing the Methods section if you need help with this important decision.

3. Results Section:

Use the same timeline or topics you introduced in the method section.

Make sure you answer all the questions you raised in the introduction.

Use tables, graphs, and other visualizations to guide the reader.

Don’t present results of tests/analyses that you did not mention in the methods.

4. Discussion/Conclusion Section:

Summarize quickly what you did and found but don’t repeat your results.

Explain whether your findings were to be expected, are new and surprising, are in line with the existing literature, or are contradicting some earlier work.

Do you think your findings can be generalized? Can they be useful for people in certain professions or other fields?

Does your study have limitations? What would you do differently next time?

What future research do you think should be done based on your findings?

5. Conclusion Statement/Paragraph:

This is your take-home message for the reader. Make sure that your conclusion is directly related to your initial research question.

Now you can simply reorganize your notes (if you use computer software) or fill in the different sections and cross out information on your original list. When you have used all your jotted notes, go through your new outline and check what is still missing. Now check once more that your conclusion is related to your initial research question. If that is the case, you are good to go. You can now either break your outline down further and shorten it into an abstract, or you can expand the different outline sections into a full article.

If you are a non-native speaker of English, then you might take notes in your mother language or maybe in different languages, read literature in your mother language, and generally not think in English while doing your research. If your goal is to write your thesis or paper in English, however, then our advice is to only use your mother language when listing keywords at the very beginning of the outlining process (if at all). As soon as you write down full sentences that you want to go into your paper eventually, you can save yourself a lot of work, avoid mistakes later in the process, and train your brain (which will help you immensely the next time you write an academic text), if you stick to English.

Another thing to keep in mind is that starting to write in full sentences too early in the process means that you might need to omit some passages (maybe even entire paragraphs) when you later decide to change the structure or storyline of your paper. Depending on how much you enjoy (or hate) writing in English and how much effort it costs you, having to throw away a perfectly fine paragraph that you invested a lot of time in can be incredibly frustrating. Our advice is therefore to not spend too much time on writing and to not get too attached to exact wording before you have a solid outline that you then only need to fill in and expand into a full paper.

Once you have finished drafting your paper, consider using professional proofreading and English editing service to revise your paper and prepare it for submission to journals. Wordvice offers a paper editing service , manuscript editing service , dissertation editing service , and thesis editing service to polish and edit your research work and correct any errors in style or formatting.

And while you draft your article, make use of Wordvice AI, a free AI essay editor that identifies and fixes errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar in any academic document.

Research Paper Outline Strategies for Effective Academic Writing

Mark Bradford

A vital companion to the research paper, an outline is a comprehensive document that enumerates the topics to be incorporated in a paper, arranged in the intended sequence, and often sectioned into paragraphs. Beyond just listing topics, a standard paper outline encompasses additional details such as subtopics and credible sources, facilitating organizational clarity for the writer. In some cases, it may even include individual sentence topics and initial ideas for phrasing.

Curious about how to write a research paper outline? This guide provides a systematic breakdown, detailing what elements to include and offering a step-by-step approach to creating one yourself, complete with illustrative paper outline examples. To strengthen your subject knowledge, we recommend checking out our research paper writing service after reading this article.

What Is a Research Paper Outline?

A research paper outline serves as a foundational roadmap for the comprehensive structure of an academic document. It acts as a guide, systematically organizing the main topics, subtopics, and supporting details in the intended order of presentation. Typically, this organizational tool plays a crucial role in ensuring a logical flow and coherence throughout the paper.

The conventional research paper outline comprises essential components such as an introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Each section is further broken down into subsections, offering a clear hierarchy of information. This detailed layout not only aids the writer in maintaining a well-organized and coherent narrative but also assists readers in following the logical progression of the research.

Moreover, an outline often includes evidential sources, supporting data, and initial ideas for phrasing, providing a comprehensive overview of the paper's content. This preparatory document proves valuable in streamlining the writing process, allowing researchers to focus on developing each section with clarity and depth, ultimately contributing to the overall quality of the paper.

Research Paper Outline Formats

Organizing your research paper outline involves selecting from three distinct formats: alphanumeric, full-sentence, and decimal outlines. These variations primarily pertain to the formatting and writing style employed.

Alphanumeric Outline

The alphanumeric outline is the most commonly used format. It utilizes Roman numerals, capitalized letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to structure the information flow. Instead of complete sentences, the text is composed of concise notes. Here's an example:

I. BODY PARAGRAPH 1

A. First point

1. Sub-point

a. Sub-point of sub-point

Full-Sentence Outline

Full-sentence research paper outlines follow the same organizational structure as alphanumeric outlines. Main topics are designated with Roman numerals, subtopics with capital letters, subtopic points with Arabic numerals, and details for each point with lowercase letters. The distinctive feature is the use of complete sentences rather than brief notes, offering specificity and facilitating collaboration, albeit requiring a longer writing time. An illustration:

I. First body paragraph of the research paper

A. First point of evidence to support the main argument

1. Sub-point discussing evidence outlined in point A

a. Additional sub-point to conclude the discussion of evidence introduced in point

Decimal Outline

Decimal research paper outlines abandon the alphanumeric system and adopt a numerical hierarchy with increasing decimal points. Main topics are whole numbers (1 or 1.0), subtopics have one decimal point (1.1), points under a subtopic include two decimal points (1.1.1), and further details involve three decimal points (1.1.1.1). Each subsequent number (1.1.1, 1.1.2, etc.) indicates the progression in the outline. This format is meticulous but can become intricate, making it suitable for writers who prioritize technical precision or handle extensive outlines with numerous topics and subtopics. An example:

1. Body paragraph one

1.1 First point

1.1.1 Sub-point of the first point

1.1.2 Sub-point of the first point

1.2 Second point

How to Structure Your Research Paper Outlines?

Structuring your outline of a research paper is crucial for clarity and coherence in presenting your ideas. Employing principles such as parallelism, coordination, and division enhances the organization and readability of your outline. By incorporating these principles, you not only create a visually appealing structure but also enhance the overall cohesiveness and accessibility of your written work. If this is too difficult at the moment, opt for research papers where our professional writers will successfully implement all these structural patterns.

Parallelism

Parallelism, characterized by consistent grammatical structures, ensures a balanced and rhythmic flow in your outline. By using similar language patterns for related ideas, you create a sense of harmony, making it easier for readers to follow your thought process. In the context of a research paper outline, parallelism might involve maintaining the same verb tense, sentence structure, or phrasing across comparable sections.

I. Introduction

A. Presenting the thesis statement

B. To summarize the main points

B. Summarizing the main points

Coordination

Coordination, emphasizing equality among ideas, enhances the overall coherence of your outline. When concepts share the same hierarchical level, they suggest comparable significance in the overall structure. In a paper outline, coordination might involve placing equally essential components – such as research methods or key findings – at the same level, ensuring each aspect receives due attention.

I. Key Findings

A. Statistical analysis

i. Graphs and charts

B. Interview results

i. Significant quotes

i. Quotations from participants

Division, focused on breaking down main ideas into subcategories, promotes a more detailed and organized framework. Clear and distinct divisions help in categorizing information effectively, making it easier for readers to grasp the nuanced aspects of your subject matter exploration. In the research outline, division could involve categorizing different methodologies or sources under broader sections, ensuring a comprehensive coverage of the topic.

I. Literature Review

A. Previous studies

i. Methodologies

B. Recent research

i. Surveys and questionnaires

ii. Case studies

i. Scholarly articles

ii. Conference proceedings

Research Paper Outline Example

There are several approaches to creating research paper outlines, with the following one being the most efficient for those students who deal with this type of document for the first time.

How to Do an Outline for a Research Paper?

Brainstorm your thesis and collect sources.

Initiate your paper by selecting a compelling thesis and gathering primary and secondary sources to support it. While some assignments provide a predetermined thesis, independent research often demands the development of your own. Once your thesis is established, gather relevant sources and data early on, revealing new facets of your topic and dispelling potential misinterpretations. Remember, your research paper outline is just one step in the overall writing process, so you should adopt a can-do attitude if you want to do a really good job.

Write Down Topics, Subtopics, and Key Points

Review your research findings and systematically note each topic, subtopic, and supporting point. Keep related information grouped together, ensuring that everything discussed aligns with your thesis. If specific passages or quotes from your sources stand out, consider incorporating them; though not obligatory, they can save time during your initial draft.

Select an Outline That Fits Your Goal the Most

Tailor your outline to match your topic, assignment length, and complexity. Simple scholarly documents benefit from straightforward outlines, while intricate subjects with extensive research may require more detailed structures. Consider whether you're collaborating with a team or working independently, and factor in the work's length and the number of topics. While the decimal format is ideal for organizing longer papers, sticking to alphanumeric is perfectly acceptable if it suits your comfort level.

Think Through the Structure and Sequence

Ponder the logical sequence in which to present your topics before drafting. Consider the structure that effectively communicates to readers unfamiliar with the subject matter. Some topics may require a specific order for clarity, and contextual information might precede new findings. In most cases, a chronological sequence proves to be the most logical structure.

Construct the Framework for Your Outline

Rather than attempting to complete your outline for a research paper in one go, start by establishing the framework. Arrange the main topics in order, initially excluding subtopics and supporting points. This initial framework provides a clear view of your research paper's backbone, allowing for adjustments to the order or adding new topics as needed.

Add More Detailed Information

Once content with the framework, incorporate more details into your research paper outline. Many outlines benefit from paragraph structures, including topic sentences, development/support sentences, and conclusions for each section. While including some notes on sentence structure is useful, avoid becoming overly detailed to maintain the outline's purpose.

Revise to Have a Better Structure

Before commencing your first draft, carefully review your completed outline for potential enhancements. Ensure that all topics are presented in the most reader-friendly order, and revisit your notes to guarantee nothing essential has been overlooked. Once satisfied with the outline, you're ready to embark on the process of writing your research paper. If you want to learn more, consult another of our blog posts, and your overall awareness regarding this topic will be complete.

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Research Paper Outline Generator

🤖 research outline generator 101.

📝 Template & Format
🤩 Outline Tips

🔗 References

Outlining an academic assignment serves several purposes:

It lets students establish connections between the thesis and their ideas.
A template also allows them to structure papers and identify gaps in their knowledge.
An outline makes their writing more substantial and lets them know if they understand the topic well enough.

Our outline generator for research papers speeds up this process in several ways:

📝 Outline Generator for Research Paper: Template and Format

Our tool can help you cope with the first step in any academic work, whether it's a high school or college tasks. But what should you do next? This part of the article details the components of the research paper format. It will give you a better understanding of how your work should look.

Popular Academic Formats

The format of your research paper largely depends on the style your school uses. Three main styles are widely used in the academic setting: APA, Chicago, and MLA. Each has its features we’ll discuss briefly.

Good Example of a Template

In this section, we have detailed all the components of a comprehensive research paper. Knowing these elements will make it easy for you to structure your work.

🤩 Best Outline Tips: Research Papers & Academic Essays

We want to wrap things up by offering helpful tips for an effective outline. It doesn’t matter if you’re writing an academic essay, a research work, or a personal statement. These pieces of advice can be helpful in all types of assignments.

Plan and brainstorm . Make a list of ideas that can become good topics for your essay. By the way, having study buddies is also a fantastic idea! Try to brainstorm topics with fellow students. This way, you can better plan and find impactful research subjects.
Organize your ideas . Next, organize the ideas into separate categories. Discard bad ones and incorporate good ones in your writing. Narrow them down until you choose the main one to write a good thesis statement.
Use bullet points . Utilize a list format to keep your outline organized. Use headings to easily navigate the template and structure the paper logically.
Use online tools . If you need help, turn to online platforms for assistance. For example, our research paper outline generator can make this process faster.
Write in your mother tongue . If you struggle writing in English , make notes in your native language. It’s also better to research this topic in your mother tongue. You can translate your findings later.
Remove redundant points . Revise all the paragraphs of your finished essay template. Make sure that all the sections match the purpose of your paper and reveal the main idea. If you find too many inappropriate points, try rephrasing them to fit the topic.

We hope that our outline generator for research papers helped in your work. If you have any questions left, check out the FAQ section below. Besides we also recommend you take a look at our research guide .

❓ Research Outline Generator – FAQ

Updated: Dec 14th, 2023

Writing a Research Paper. – Arrendale Library, Piedmont University
How to Write an APA Research Paper – Hamilton College
How To Write a Research Paper Outline (With Examples and Tips) – Indeed
Chicago Style Guide – Menlo School
MLA General Format – The On-Campus Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University
Formatting an Academic Paper – Augsburg University
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There is no single organizational pattern that works well for all writing across all disciplines; rather, organization depends on what you’re writing, who you’re writing it for, and where your writing will be read. In order to communicate your ideas, you’ll need to use a logical and consistent organizational structure in all of your writing. We can think about organization at the global level (your entire paper or project) as well as at the local level (a chapter, section, or paragraph). At all times, the goal of revising for organization and structure is to consciously design your writing projects to make them easy for readers to understand. A good goal is to make your writing accessible and comprehensible to someone who just reads sections of your writing rather than the entire piece. This handout provides strategies for revising your writing to help meet this goal.

Outlining & Reverse Outlining

One of the most effective ways to get your ideas organized is to write an outline. While a traditional outline with Roman numerals or capital and lowercase letters can be an effective tool, outlines do not always need to be this formal. When you outline, you can use any style that works for you, from one-word ideas to shorter phrases or sentences. You might also consider the medium you outline in—using notecards or a digital medium can allow you to easily revise and rearrange your ideas.

A traditional outline comes as the pre-writing or drafting stage of the writing process. As you make your outline, think about all of the concepts, topics, and ideas you will need to include in order to accomplish your goal for the piece of writing. Write down each of these, and then consider what information readers will need to know in order for each point to make sense. Try to arrange your ideas in a way that logically progresses, building from one key idea or point to the next.

Questions for Writing Outlines

Reverse outlining comes at the drafting or revision stage of the writing process. After you have a complete draft of your project (or a section of your project), work alone or with a partner to read your project with the goal of understanding the main points you have made and the relationship of these points to one another.

Questions for Writing Reverse Outlines

Signposting.

Signposting is the practice of using language specifically designed to help orient readers of your text. Signposting includes the use of transitional words and phrasing, and they may be explicit or more subtle. For example, an explicit signpost might say:

A more subtle signpost might look like this:

The style of signpost you use will depend on the genre of your paper, the discipline in which you are writing, and your or your readers’ personal preferences. Regardless of the style of signpost you select, it’s important to include signposts regularly. They occur most frequently at the beginnings and endings of sections of your paper. It is often helpful to include signposts at mid-points in your project in order to remind readers of where you are in your argument.

Questions for Revision

Works consulted.

Clark, I. (2006). Writing the successful thesis and dissertation: Entering the conversation . Prentice Hall Press.

Davis, M., Davis, K. J., & Dunagan, M. (2012). Scientific papers and presentations . Academic press.

IMAGES

How to Write a Research Paper Outline With Examples?
15+ Thesis Outline Templates
15+ Thesis Outline Templates
18 Thesis Outline Templates and Examples (Word
15+ Thesis Outline Templates
7 Best Research Paper Outline Examples (Guide + Tips)

VIDEO

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COMMENTS

Dissertation & Thesis Outline
Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on November 21, 2023. A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process.It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to ...
3. Thesis Statement & Outline
An outline is the skeleton of your essay, in which you list the arguments and subtopics in a logical order. A good outline is an important element in writing a good paper. An outline helps to target your research areas, keep you within the scope without going off-track, and it can also help to keep your argument in good order when writing the ...
Thesis Outline
Thesis Outline. Thesis outline is a document that outlines the structure and content of a thesis, which is a long-form academic paper that presents an original argument or research on a particular topic. The outline serves as a roadmap for the thesis, providing an overview of the major sections, sub-sections, and the general flow of the argument.
How to write a research paper outline
The outline is the skeleton of your research paper. Simply start by writing down your thesis and the main ideas you wish to present. This will likely change as your research progresses; therefore, do not worry about being too specific in the early stages of writing your outline. Organize your papers in one place. Try Paperpile.
Thesis
Your thesis is the central claim in your essay—your main insight or idea about your source or topic.Your thesis should appear early in an academic essay, followed by a logically constructed argument that supports this central claim. A strong thesis is arguable, which means a thoughtful reader could disagree with it and therefore needs your careful analysis of the evidence to understand how ...
Research Paper Outline
This type of outline involves creating a visual representation of the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It can be useful for those who prefer a more creative and visual approach to outlining. Example: Introduction: Provides background information and states the thesis statement. Body :
How to Write a Research Paper Outline
Summarize your thesis statement, reminding readers of your main argument. Summarize your main points. Briefly recap the major points discussed in the body of your paper. Provide a meaningful concluding thought. Leave readers with a thought-provoking insight, call to action, or open-ended question. Remember your acknowledgements.
How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Research Paper in 2024: Steps and
Having a specific research question in mind can help researchers formulate a strong, sound thesis statement to address this question. 2. Construct a statement that directly addresses the research question. Once the research question has been identified, preliminary research on the topic can begin.
How To Write a Thesis For a Research Paper Step by Step
Here's a guide with steps and examples: Step 1. Understand the Assignment. Before diving into writing a thesis statement, thoroughly understand the assignment's requirements, including the topic, length, and specific guidelines provided by your instructor or the prompt. Step 2.
Research Paper Outline: Templates & Examples
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when writing a research paper outline: 1. Pick a topic of your interest. Make sure the scope of the topic is not too broad or too narrow. 2. Formulate a thesis statement. 3. Gather all relevant ideas that give support to your thesis statement. 4.
What Is a Thesis?
A thesis is a type of research paper based on your original research. It is usually submitted as the final step of a master's program or a capstone to a bachelor's degree. Writing a thesis can be a daunting experience. Other than a dissertation, it is one of the longest pieces of writing students typically complete.
How to Write a Research Paper Outline with Examples
3. Results Section: Use the same timeline or topics you introduced in the method section. Make sure you answer all the questions you raised in the introduction. Use tables, graphs, and other visualizations to guide the reader. Don't present results of tests/analyses that you did not mention in the methods. 4.
PDF Outlining
Developing an outline for your paper helps organize your research notes and source quotes and guides the writing of your draft to support your thesis. The outline serves as the
18 Thesis Outline Templates and Examples (Word
A thesis outline is a list of critical points of your essay. It is made to make sure that the plans for your thesis are gathered together so that the entire variables necessary to your study scope are considered correctly. In addition, a thesis outline is an excellent way of creating a perfect research paper because it enables you to organize ...
PDF Formatting a Research Paper
Do not use a period after your title or after any heading in the paper (e.g., Works Cited). Begin your text on a new, double-spaced line after the title, indenting the first line of the paragraph half an inch from the left margin. Fig. 1. The top of the first page of a research paper.
How To Write a Research Paper Outline (With Examples and Tips)
Write down all the ideas you want to include or discuss. 3. Gather information. Gather notes, resources and references that you will need to support your content. Also, complete any necessary research or investigations. Each main idea should have two or more supporting topics.
Research Paper Outline Format, Structure, Tips, & Example
A research paper outline serves as a foundational roadmap for the comprehensive structure of an academic document. It acts as a guide, systematically organizing the main topics, subtopics, and supporting details in the intended order of presentation. Typically, this organizational tool plays a crucial role in ensuring a logical flow and ...
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction
Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
Free Research Paper Outline Generator
Our outline generator for research papers speeds up this process in several ways: ⭐ High-quality. The tool is smart enough to create an outline on any topic effortlessly. It provides blueprints you can turn into examples of high-quality academic writing. 🎯 Motivating.
Organization and Structure
When you outline, you can use any style that works for you, from one-word ideas to shorter phrases or sentences. You might also consider the medium you outline in—using notecards or a digital medium can allow you to easily revise and rearrange your ideas. A traditional outline comes as the pre-writing or drafting stage of the writing process.

Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 3. Thesis Statement & Outline

About Thesis Statements

Steps you can use to create a thesis statement

Getting started with your research paper outline

Levels of organization for a research paper outline

Broad thesis (arguable, but difficult to support with evidence)

Arguable thesis with analytical claim

Arguable thesis with normative claim

Questions to ask about your thesis

Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Research Paper Outline

Research Paper Outline Types

Alphanumeric Outline

Decimal Outline

Full Sentence Outline

Topic Outline

Reverse Outline

Mind Map Outline

Research Paper Outline Example

Research Paper Outline Template

Research Paper Outline Writing Guide

When to Write Research Paper Outline

Purpose of Research Paper Outline

Advantages of Research Paper Outline

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

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How to Write a Research Paper Outline

The Importance of a Research Paper Outline

Steps to Create a Research Paper Outline

A. Introduction

B. Main Body

C. Counterarguments and Rebuttals (if applicable)

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D. Conclusion

2. Structuring Your Outline

3. Be Concise and Clear

4. Flexibility in Your Approach

5. Seek Feedback

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How To Write a Thesis For a Research Paper Step by Step

What is a Thesis Statement?

Qualities of a Good Thesis Statement

How To Write a Thesis Statement in 5 Steps

Step 1. Understand the Assignment

Step 2. Narrow Down Your Topic

Step 3. Conduct Research

Step 4. Identify Your Position or Claim

Step 5. Craft a Concise Thesis Statement

Step 6. Make It Arguable

Step 7. Consider Counterarguments

Step 8. Ensure Clarity and Specificity

Step 9. Review and Revise

Types of Thesis Statements

Argumentative Thesis Statement

Analytical Thesis Statement

Expository Thesis Statement

Comparative Thesis Statement

Cause and Effect Thesis Statement

Research Paper Thesis Template

Thesis For a Research Paper Examples

Thesis For a Research Paper Middle School

Thesis For a History Research Paper

Tips for Writing Strong Thesis Statements

Thesis Statement Assessment Checklist

Commonly Asked Questions