How to write Outline of a Paper
The Basic Outline of a Paper
The following outline shows a basic format for most academic papers. No matter what length the paper needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over what typically goes in each section of the paper. Use the back of this handout to outline information for your specific paper.
I. Introduction The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper: Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical context that introduces the paper topic Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject Define of any key terminology need to understand the topic Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject
(argumentative papers only) Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction of the paper Write an antithesis paragraph, presenting the primary opposing views
(argumentative paper only) The introduction must end with a THESIS statement (a 1 to 2 sentences in length): Tell what the overall paper will focus on Briefly outline the main points in the paper
II. Body Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and quotations that support the main points
III. Conclusion Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2 sentences for each point) Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative paper only) End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the
The following outline shows a basic format for most academic papers. No matter what length the paper needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over what typically goes in each section of the paper. Use the back of this handout to outline information for your specific paper.
I. Introduction The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper: Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical context that introduces the paper topic Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject Define of any key terminology need to understand the topic Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject
(argumentative papers only) Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction of the paper Write an antithesis paragraph, presenting the primary opposing views
(argumentative paper only) The introduction must end with a THESIS statement (a 1 to 2 sentences in length): Tell what the overall paper will focus on Briefly outline the main points in the paper
II. Body Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and quotations that support the main points
III. Conclusion Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2 sentences for each point) Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative paper only) End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the