Research Paper Outline Format

For your research paper outline due Monday in class, you may follow the following format or something similar.

I. Introduction
A. Hook (think of something that's going to grab your reader's attention)
B. Background/Definition (tell us what we need to know to understand your claim)
C. Thesis (WHAT-your argument/claim, HOW-how are you going to support it, WHY-the overall importance of your claim)

II. Supporting Point #1 (you might want to consider writing a full topic sentence)
A. Reason/evidence (summary, paraphrase, direct quote--you don't have to write out the whole sentence, but you want to be as specific as possible as to what you're including and where it's from--i.e. direct quote from...about...)
B. Repeat A
C. Repeat A (as many times as necessary)
D. Transition to next supporting point

III. Supporting Point #2 (repeat for as many times as necessary)
A. Repeat above

IV. Opposing Views (if you have them)
A. What are the opposing views
B. Your rebuttal

V. Solution
A. Example (include how you plan to organize/structure your solution)
B. Models (make sure to include references to any proven models from other organizations that you are basing your solution off of)

VI. Conclusion
A. So what? (explore the WHY in your thesis)
B. Leave with a final concluding thought