INSTRUCTIONS
The outline frames and organizes your thinking to prepare for your final written paper. It is not a manuscript; it is not a draft of your paper. It provides clear, concise ideas and a visual framework for your thoughts. This includes your introduction, conclusion, 3+ main points, support for the main points, transitions, internal citations, and source list.
You may have more numbers/letters than the ones listed, but you may not have less. If you have a 1, you must have a 2 and an A must have a B. You may add another level to any main point (see main point 1 for an example; adjust as appropriate).
Outlines do not have to be in complete sentences or not complete thoughts. However, the statements on this outline require additional verbiage to be a comprehensive paper. Keep in mind, that the more developed your outline is, the more likely you are to receive constructive feedback. Remember, if you are vague, I cannot provide you with much feedback for your paper.
Begin this process by developing your thesis statement and the main points that will support that statement. Then, support those points and develop your introduction and conclusion. Don’t forget to add in transitions, these are often overlooked by students and their exclusion leads to choppy writing. At the end of your outline, there is an additional source list. Here you may revise/submit new sources after receiving feedback. I also ask that you provide your parenthetical citations, just as you will when referring to your sources in the text of your paper.
You may delete out the above text and fill in the outline below. This is a rough template, you may move aspects of this outline to fit your needs. Be sure to consult the paper description, rubric, and checklist when organizing your thoughts.
TEMPLATE
Name:
Title:
Introduction
I. Introduction of scientific subject:
II. Relationship of scientific subject to your life:
III. Thesis or goal of paper:
Transition into body
Body
I. (Main point 1/study 1):
a. Introduction of scientific study
b. Observations that led to the study
c. Conclusions of study
d. Relationship to your thesis/goal
Transition into main point 2
II. (Main point 2/study 2):
a. Introduction of scientific study
b. Observations that led to the study
c. Conclusions of study
d. Relationship to your thesis/goal
Transition into main point 3
III. (Main point 3/study 3):
a. Introduction of scientific study
b. Observations that led to the study
c. Conclusions of study
d. Relationship to your thesis/goal
Transition into main point 4
IV. (Main point 4/study 4):
a. Introduction of scientific study
b. Observations that led to the study
c. Conclusions of study
d. Relationship to your thesis/goal
Transition into main point 5
V. (Main point 5/study 5):
a. Introduction of scientific study
b. Observations that led to the study
c. Conclusions of study
d. Relationship to your thesis/goal
Transition into conclusion
Conclusion
I. Sum up the research findings of your various studies
II. What new questions arise?
III. Summarize how these studies relate to your life/topic
IV. Close the paper
References (type or copy and paste your revised sources as per an APA-style reference page)
Parenthetical citations (convert the same references into parenthetical style citations)
College2019
DSL301_paperoutlinetemplate_research.docx
0
