The Research Paper Basic Outline

Name______

NOTE: The structure of each research paper will vary based on the individual nature of your question/thesis. This is a general structure. During conferencing you will determine with your teacher the best approach for exploring your research paper question. For instance, you may have more background or more supporting questions, depending on the nature or your research question .

I. Introduction ( Two Pages) A. Background and relevance of your research question B. Thesis paragraph C. Your Plan of Exploration (ways that you will explore the answer to your research paper question) 1. Supporting Question #1 2. Supporting Question #2 3. Supporting Question #3

II. Supporting Question #1 (approximately two pages) A. In this section you will analyze, using MEAL, a supporting question that helps you explore your thesis.

III. Supporting Question #2 (approximately two pages) A. In this section you will analyze, using MEAL, a supporting question that helps you explore your thesis.

IV. Supporting Question #3 (approximately two pages) A. In this section you will analyze, using MEAL, a supporting question that helps you explore your thesis.

V. Conclusion (approximately two pages) In this section, restate your thesis in different words, briefly review your arguments, and provide your opinions and/or conclusions based upon your research. VI. Works Cited (one page, but this does not count as a page of your paper) Consult the green booklet in the library entitled “A Guide for Citing Sources in Research Projects.” This will help you find the proper format for citing your sources. Write your research paper question (this is the title of your research paper):

VII. Introduction A. Background and relevance of issue ( you already wrote your introductory paragraph, but your introduction extends beyond one paragraph. It is important you familiarize your Audience with your topic prior to your analysis.)

B. Thesis statement (Be sure to review your notes on thesis statements)

VIII. Your Plan of Development (the supporting questions that you need to explore when analyzing your research paper question) 1. Question #1 2. Question #2

3. Question #3

IX. Supporting Question #1 A. In this section you will outline the first question you need to ask in order to explore your thesis question

Main Idea

Evidence/Examples (cite author, page number) Analysis of the Example

Link the analysis back to your original thesis

X. Supporting Question #2 B. In this section you will outline the second question you need to ask in order to explore your thesis question

Main Idea

Evidence/Examples (cite author, page number) Analysis of the Example

Link the analysis back to your original thesis

XI. Supporting Question #3 C. In this section you will outline the third question you need to ask in order to explore your thesis question

Main Idea Evidence/Examples (cite author, page number)

Analysis of the Example

Link the analysis back to your original thesis XII. Conclusion Restatement of your thesis in different words

Review your P.O.D. 1.

VII. Bibliography (cite every source you used in your research paper, alphabetically by author’s last name)