The research paper is a challenging process, but once an outline is created with the help of which the details can be organized, the task seems much easier to complete. A outline is a kind of road map that acts to organize your thoughts and simplify your argument. This academic structure guide will take you through methods of crafting an authoritative research paper outline step-by-step.

1: Understand Your Assignment

The first step is to get familiar with your assignment. Get to know the requirements, i.e., the length of the paper, the style of formatting it, and the list of specific instructions given to you by the instructor. Being informed about these details will make the writing process rather plain and you will be able to meet the expectations.

2: Choose a Topic

When your assignment has no topic mentioned, pick one of your interest within the confines of your assignment. Carry out preliminary research in order to determine the level of available information. An appropriate topic does not only help you to be motivated but also lets you discuss it with enough resources to make your paper substantial.

3: Conduct Preliminary Research

Read articles, books and reliable internet resources on your topic. This will assist you to understand the situation and know themes. Make observations and write notes about key information, arguments and counterarguments. This initial study provides the basis of a strong outline.

4: Develop a Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the primary point of your research paper. It must be logical, direct and precise. A convincing thesis not only explains what your stand is, but it also gives the key points you are going to address. One has to create a thesis that summaries your research and flow of your argument.

5: Organize Your Main Ideas

With your research and thesis statement in mind, list the key points on which you will argue. These may be essential themes, research findings or indeed counterarguments. Combine similar thoughts and ideas and begin to group them into categories, which will be the main headings of your outline.

6: Create the Outline Structure

A good research paper outline tends to have a hierarchical format. One of the typical formats to keep in mind is the following:

 

Introduction: 

Introduce the subject and give some background information and include your thesis statement.

Body paragraphs:

Every body paragraph must discuss a single idea. Arrange these ideas in such a way that gives support to your argument. Insert subheadings where it would be advisable.

• First main point: Identify the core argument or piece of evidence.
• Second main point: Provide some further supportive information or cases.
• Third main point (if applicable): Speak about the counterarguments and refutations.

Conclusion:

Discuss the wider implications of your research by summarising your findings and restating the thesis.

Every one of the levels in the outline must echo what you have got in the organization of your paper. Main headings should be in Roman numerals, subheadings in capital letters and details in numbers.

7: Review and Revise the Outline

Once you have done with your outline for research writing step back and revisit your outline. It is important that your ideas come out in a logical manner and that there is a structure to help you back your thesis. Find gaps or areas where there can be more evidence to support your argument. Never be afraid to edit your outline so that it is more readable and understandable.

8: Use Your Outline to Write the Paper

When you have your outline in hand, begin to write your research paper. Take your main heads as a beginning of the sections in which you use them. The outline will make you centralised and help you save the risk of going out of topic.

Some Research Writing Tips

After looking at the research paper outline, let’s look at some research writing tips to make your research paper effective:

• Stay Organized: Do not lose your research notes, outline and material. This will spare you time and frustration in the process of writing.
• Cite Sources Early: When looking through sources, mark all of the ones that you use and have a record of them. It will help make your work less cumbersome when you are putting up your bibliography or works cited page later by citing them as you progress.
• Be Consistent with Formatting: Be consistent all across your outline and the paper. It will bring uniformity in your writing that will give it a professional polished aspect.
• Take Breaks: Research writing may be consuming to the mind. Ensure to take frequent breaks in order to fill up the creativity and keep up focus.

Conclusion

With the help of this step-by-step procedure of creating an outline and these suggestions of successful research writing, you will be in good shape to write a well-formed and influential research paper. Keep in mind, the outline is only the first step, just keep your interest in your subject and that will come across in your writing!

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