How to Outline a Research Paper

In this article, you will learn the step by step process to outlining a research paper. This will make the writing process much easier and faster.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Your thesis (main idea)
• Research materials
• Pen and paper or a computer with word processing

1. DON'T PANIC!
   
   This is not as hard as it sounds or as your crusty old sixth grade teacher tried to make it sound. You're just planning a trip. Drive there, turn here, merge there and go 5 miles. Easy!

2. First, you need to know what you thesis is. You need to REALLY know what your thesis is. For example, I want to write an article on video games. This is HUGE topic. I want to write an article on Guitar Hero. Better, but still huge. How "Guitar Hero as the first very popular music video game." Big but manageable.

3. Next, you need to know how long your article or paper is going to be. Think in terms of 2 segments per page (I'll tell you what a segment is in a minute). Therefore, 5 pages = 10 segments.

4. Now, you're ready to start your actual outline.
   
   So, the first segment can be marked with a "1)" or go old-school and use a Roman Numeral "I." This is where you will restate your thesis for the rest of the world.
   
   For example:
   I. C.D.'s T of E changed church alot.
   
   Next you can add a subsection or two:
   A. Papal dictates re: Darwin
   b. Some churches accept and compromise
   
   *** Note: At this point you will write in your own code. No one needs this but you! ***

5. Each section will have the same basic format:
   
   I. Paragraph or section main point
   A. Important demonstrations of the main point
   1. More precise information
   a. Detailed information and/or references and/or quotes, etc.

6. The basic layout of any paper is something like this:
   
   I. Main thesis stated as fact (with appropriate subsections)
   II. Introduction to method or sources for conclusion (with appropriate subsections)
   III. Detailed persuasive writing regarding main thesis and sub-points (with appropriate subsections)
   IV... There can be as many segments here as you need to get your point across. Just be sure to number them appropriately!
   V. (or whatever) Paraphrase in brief the main points of your argument.
   VI. (or whatever) Restate your original thesis from segment I.

7. That's it!
   
   Okay, so it sounds complicated, but try it with something you know really well. Just to practice. Make an outline for... "Gigli is the best movie ever", or "Guitar Hero is the catalyst for the next step in human evolution."
   
   Just try what you know and pencil it out.
   
   Do a couple and you'll get the hang of it!

Tips & Warnings

• DON'T PANIC!
• Research well and keep good notes.
• Try doing a few outlines with things you don't need to research to get the format down.
• DON'T PANIC!
• Don't write your paper while doing your outline, just notes to yourself in code.
• Understand: An outline is like a map, the paper is the actual trip.
• Oh yeah, DON'T PANIC!