How to write a research paper outline
Outlines allow you to organize your material in a hierarchical or logical format. Research paper outlines, regardless of length or complexity, assist you in managing your thoughts. Investing effort in developing this skill will pay off in the long run, both in school and in some professions.
A good outline can help you write your research paper way faster by simulatenously allowing you to:
- Organize your ideas
- Grasp the flow of information and the relationships between concepts
- Ensure that nothing is overlooked
Research paper outline example
Title: Microsoft’s Communication Strategy
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Thesis Statement:
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I. Introduction
Consider ways to pique the reader’s interest in the first paragraph. How can you present all of the essential details while still making the paper sound interesting?
Microsoft’s current communication strategy
Declare the paragraph’s topic, whether it’s a tale, an examination, a scenario, a circumstance, or other materialThesis statement
Microsoft has succeeded in establishing an efficient communication strategy that has increased the company’s impact around the globe. The company’s communication strategy has been critical in helping it to expand its horizons and enhance efficiency through internal communication. (Make sure to include your thesis statement in the introduction and make sure to include it in your outline.)-
II. Background
- Microsoft’s communication strategy as it has evolved through time.
- Communication strategy’s goals and objectives.
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III. The communication strategy’s advantages
Use particular titles that highlight the paragraph’s subject in addition to essential titles like “Introduction” and “Conclusion.
- The results of a well-planned and executed communication strategy. Intensive research to better grasp the global market and using innovation to improve.
- Focusing on customer happiness and improving integration has a significant impact.
In comparison to its competitors, Microsoft has been able to communicate more efficiently. (Dividing your data into sub-points depending on the hierarchy is a good idea. Sub-points at each level should become more specific.)
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IV. The communication strategy’s flaws
- The techniques of communication are not cost-effective. The money used in the study for building the communication plan has room for improvement.
- External communication is improved by institutionalizing stakeholder participation in firm decision-making.
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V. Examination of the communication strategy
- Over the previous two decades, the strategy’s efficacy has increased.
- Improvements in external communication with shareholders and internal communication through encouraging management to communicate with lower-level staff are both possible.
- The importance of the company’s communication strategy in establishing trust, goodwill, and establishing a brand image.
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VI. Conclusion
Give a summary of your points, a decisive solution to the question, or a conclusion to the subject.
- An overview of how the communication strategy has progressed as a result of effective innovation and creativity.
- Recommendations on how to improve the situation.
Types of a research paper outline
Alphanumeric, full-sentence, and decimal are the three types of research paper outlines. The variations are in the formatting and writing style.
Alphanumeric outline
- The most frequent format is an alphanumeric outline.
- It employs Roman numbers, uppercase letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase characters to manage the flow of information (capitalization, US-UK English, headings, etc.).
- Short notes are used instead of entire topic sentences in the text.
I. BODY PARAGRAPH 1
A. First point
1. Sub-point
a. Sub-point of sub-point 1
Full-sentence outline
A full-sentence outline is essentially the same as the alphanumeric outline, but instead of short points, the text is typed in whole phrases.
I. First body paragraph of a research paper
A. First point of evidence to support the main argument
1. Sub-point discussing evidence outlined in point A
1.1. Additional sub-point to conclude the discussion of point of evidence introduced in point A
Decimal outline
The format of a decimal outline is identical to that of an alphanumeric outline, but the numbering scheme is different: 1, 1.1, 1.2, and so on. Instead of whole sentences, the text is provided as small notes.
See the following example of decimal outline:
1. Body paragraph one
1.1 First point
1.1.1 Sub-point of the first point
1.1.2 Sub-point of the first point
1.2 Second point
Levels of a research paper outline
An outline for a research paper usually has two to four layers of arrangement.
- The most generic layers are the first two.
- Following that, each layer will contain the study you’ve done so far and will offer more and more extensive information.
- The levels are usually denoted by a mixture of Roman numerals, Arabic numerals, uppercase letters, and lowercase letters, although other symbols may be used.
- Because formatting is not standard and varies between universities, fields, and subjects, consult the rules supplied by your school.
First level of organization
This is the most general level of your outline.
- Start by numbering the introduction, each paragraph of your body, and the conclusion.
- The bulk of your research paper’s content is included in the primary themes.
I. Introduction
II. Main idea
III. Main idea
IV. Main idea
V. Conclusion
Second level of organization
The following are the key criteria for writing in Chicago style:
- At least two supporting themes should be provided in the outline for each key concept.
- If your key concept lacks sufficient backing, consider replacing it with another key concept.
- If this is your first draft, you should end outlining here. Before moving on to the next level of organization, do more study.
Following is an example of a second level organization:
I. Introduction
A. Background information
B. Hypothesis or thesis
II. Main idea
A. Supporting topic
B. Supporting topic
Third level of organization
Supporting information for the previously stated subjects will be found at the third level of organization. By this point, you should have done enough research to back up your claims.
- For a literature research paper, for example, the Introduction and Main Ideas might include information on the author, period, or contents of a book
- For a historical research paper, they might include historical events leading up to the study subject
- For a scientific research paper, they might include a description of the problem the paper wants to answer
I. Introduction
A. General information
1. Historical context
2. Historical context
B. Hypothesis or thesis
1. A well-expressed theory or thesis
Fourth level of organization
The most precise elements, such as quotes, references, observations, or precise facts, need to support the primary argument.
Reminder
Because the information included here is the most particular, it is unusual to have more tiers of organization.II. Main idea
A. Supporting topic
1. Short explanation of the supporting evidence
a) Quotes or references to other works of literature
b) Quotes or references to other works of literature
2. Short explanation of the supporting evidence
B. Supporting topic
1. Short explanation of the supporting evidence
2. Short explanation of the supporting evidence
Tips on writing a research paper outline
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Maintain a consistent tone in all of your headings.
For each header, state the topic or write a few phrases. Avoid doing both.
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Organize information.
The higher the level of organization, the broader it is presented, and the more particular each supporting level gets. The introduction and conclusion will never be organized below the first level.
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Build support.
There should be two or more supporting subjects for each main idea. Suppose your study lacks sufficient evidence to support the major point you’re expressing. In that case, you should conduct extra research or revise your plan.
What should I do if my research paper outline is complete?
- Start composing the first draft of your research paper. Continue your study to add to your outline and give more evidence to back up your premise or thesis statement.
- After you’ve finished your draft, format it properly. The bibliography page, in-text citations, line spacing, and titles differ between MLA and APA edition styles.
- Put together your final paper. Remember that APA requires a title page and abstract. An abstract will summarize the content of the paper, as well as the study findings and conclusions.
- To avoid plagiarism, keep track of your sources.
- Your research paper should have a title. This is an iterative process that may vary as you learn more about the subject.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for reading. If you need further information, feel free to have a look at our essay samples or contact us at live chat.
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