research paper

Research Paper Outline

I. Introduction:

Your introduction provides context to your readers to prepare them for your paper's argument or purpose.  An introduction should begin with discussion of your specific topic (not a broad background overview) and provide just enough context to prepare your readers for your thesis or purpose statement.

A. Research Question: State the research question

B. Thesis Statement: A thesis or purpose statement should come at the end of your introduction and state clearly and concisely what the purpose or central argument of your paper is. The introduction prepares your reader for this statement, and the rest of the paper follows in support of it

II. Background:

After the initial introduction, background on your topic often follows. This paragraph or section might include a literature review surveying the current state of knowledge on your topic or simply a historical overview of relevant information. The purpose of this section is to justify your own project or paper by pointing out a gap in the current research which your work will address.

III. Major Point 1:  Major points are the building blocks of your paper. Major points build on each other, moving the paper forward and toward its conclusion. Each major point should be a clear claim that relates to the central argument of your paper.

A. Minor Point 1: Minor points are subtopics within your major points. Minor points develop the nuances of your major points but may not be significant enough to warrant extended attention on their own.

1. Evidence: What will be used to support or illustrate the point/claim

B. Minor Point 2:

2. Evidence

IV. Major Point 2:

A. Minor Point 1:

1. Evidence

B. Minor Point 2:

2. Evidence

V. Major Point 3:

A. Minor Point 1:

1. Evidence

B. Minor Point 2:

2. Evidence

VI. Major Point 4:

A. Minor Point 1:

1. Evidence

B. Minor Point 2:

2. Evidence

VII. Conclusion: Your conclusion both restates your paper's major claim and ties that claim into a larger discussion. Rather than simply reiterating each major and minor point, quickly revisit your thesis statement and focus on ending the paper by tying your thesis into current research in your field, next steps for other researchers, your broader studies, or other future implications.