ENG Mod 4 AS 2 DB

Outline for Research Paper

I. Introduction A. Get Reader’s Attention (Hook) B. Set the Context – Why is this topic important? c. Thesis Statement – What is your argument + preview 3 main general points you will make to prove it

II. Background A. Brief history of the issue B. Impact of the issue C. Relevance to current time

III. Body Paragraph (1st general idea from thesis)

A. Main Idea – Topic sentence

B. Evidence / Example from your sources – Quotation or paraphrase (Cite)

C. Analysis – Go into more depth to connect the evidence to the idea. Plan for several sentences. This is where you really explain and support your ideas.

D. Link – connect the idea in this paragraph to the next one (transition)

IV. Body Paragraph (2nd general idea from thesis)

A. Main Idea

B. Evidence

C. Analysis

D. Link/Transition

V. Body Paragraph (3rd general idea from thesis)

A. Main Idea

B. Evidence

C. Analysis

D. Link/Transition

Continue this paragraph pattern for any additional body paragraphs

*A main idea can have more than one paragraph as long as you have fresh evidence to discuss.

VI. Acknowledge the Counterargument - this part can go in any logical place in your essay where it best supports the flow of your argument A. What does the opposing side think or say? B. Refute / Discuss why your argument is better C. Evidence and Analysis for support

VII. Conclusion

A. Restate your thesis in a fresh way (don’t copy thesis word-for-word)

B. Statement that ties your entire essay together

C. Answer the question – “So what?” – Why does this matter? What should the reader be inspired to do with this information?