Research Paper Outline

Spring, 2015 Ms. Dinsmore Research Paper Outline

For this assignment, I want you to concentrate on outlining the body paragraphs of your paper, i.e., the main points you plan to make and the evidence you will use to support your thesis.

Your final paper will include a full paragraph introduction (ending with your thesis statement) and a full paragraph conclusion (restating your thesis and providing final remarks and insights on your topic). On this Outline, your Introduction only needs to include your thesis statement, and only the placement of your Conclusion needs to be included. (See template below)

You must include the following:

1) Working title of your paper – This may change by the time you complete your paper.

2) Working Thesis Statement – if your proposed thesis needed to be revised, the thesis with your outline should reflect an improved thesis. Remember, though, that you may need to revise the thesis statement several times during the course of writing the paper.

3) A Minimum of 3 major points you plan to make in your research paper. Each of these major points should support/relate back to the thesis statement.

A) Topic sentence for each of your major points

B) At least two details, pieces of information, examples, or evidence from your notes for each of your major points. Be sure to include the sources from which the support is taken, including page numbers of quotes, paraphrases, etc. (in parentheses). I have left space for counterarguments and rebuttals; you may or may not have these depending on your topic.

C) Concluding sentence and lead-in for the next paragraph – one for each paragraph. These sentences should remind you that you should consistently be communicating to your readers why you’re telling them what you’re telling them.

Other Requirements:

 Your outline MUST be typed, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, with appropriate MLA formatted headings and page numbers

 You must include a properly formatted Works Cited page listing the sources referenced in the body paragraphs of your Outline.

This template attached is for a research paper with three main points. This template may be adjusted to fit your needs; if you need to add extra details, just add them. Research Paper Outline – Refer to Assignment for Due Date (75) points

Proposed Title of your research paper: ______

I. Introduction

Thesis statement:

II. Topic sentence for main point #1

A. Support #1 for main point #1

1. Explanation and connection

3. Counterargument?

4. Rebuttal?

B. Support #2 for main point #1

3. Counterargument?

4. Rebuttal?

C. Concluding sentence and transition: [Explain how the examples for main point #1

support the thesis]:

III. Topic sentence for main point #2

3. Counterargument?

4. Rebuttal?

B. Support #2 for main point #2 1. Explanation and connection

3. Counterargument?

4. Rebuttal?

support the thesis]

IV. Topic sentence for main point #3

3. Counterargument?

4. Rebuttal?

B. Support #2 for main point #3

3. Counterargument?

4. Rebuttal?

support the thesis]:

V. Conclusion

*This outline template was adapted from: http://teacherweb.com/FL/VeniceHighSchool/MargaretParrett/photo1.stm