How to Write an Outline for a Research Paper │Step by Step Guide
How to Write an Outline for a Research Paper
Can you imagine preparing your favorite dish for the first time without step-by-step instructions? It is very easy to become disoriented! A writer, like a lost wanderer who can’t find his way out of the woods, needs to know how to write an outline for a research paper. It will keep you from experiencing writer’s block. In this article, we’ll look at what an outline looks like, what its principle and goals are, and look at some examples.
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What is an outline and why does it matter?
An outline for a research paper is a strategy developed by the author to prevent becoming stopped in the middle of the process. It’s referred to as an action plan. This section shows the study’s main ideas. Once a writer has completed the list of research paper themes to investigate, he or she must devote some time to developing the outline.
What is the distinction between learning how to write a research paper outline and creating a table of contents?
An overview, on the other hand, is not as thorough, and there is no need to place page numbers next to each section. An overview enables the study to be combined and reviewed. A writer will not repeat their words; instead, he will follow a logical flow with the assistance of an outline. The prompt for the assignment may or may not direct you to create an outline. A research paper outline, on the other hand, is used by default if a project is longer than 1000 words. A 5-paragraph essay, for example, necessitates an outline. Without a plan, it will be impossible to write a 10,000-word coursework or dissertation. The structure of an outline is determined by the sort of academic assignment and its format.
Outline for an MLA Research Paper
MLA is the easiest and most frequently met research paper format, so we should start explaining how to write an outline for a research paper on this example. The Modern Language Association proposed this guide a long time ago. It is used to cite works by the students and professionals from the following fields:
- Comparative literary analysis
- Cultural studies
- History & Anthropology
- English Composition
- Literature
- Foreign language & literature
- Literary criticism
Use MLA outline when working on the papers from these fields. Start with the primary headings (“Intro” and “Method”) using the upper-case Roman numerals. If the paper is long, with many different subsections, the student should use letters and numbers for the various levels of subheadings.
In a draft, arrange the things in the proper order. Do not go into details until starting the final version of the research paper outline. This part defines how the writer will come up with other integral parts (example: Literature Review).
Use a handful of college instructors’ suggestions.
Depending on the tool used to create documents, a writer may ensure that the various levels of the outline (II, B, 3, c, j) match to the headings in Microsoft Word, as most academics only accept DOC & DOCS format.
MLA’s writing manual has been updated! Before creating an outline for a research paper, check the most recent version of the handbook to determine if there have been any modifications to this research paper style
Understanding the APA Research Paper Outline
When writing a research paper, the most commonly utilized format is APA, which is more sophisticated than MLA. It was founded by the American Psychological Association. APA essay format is used by students and professionals in the following fields:
Psychology
The social sciences
Humanities
Nursing and healthcare
Education
Other areas’ representatives use the APA paper format from time to time as well. We’ve created a nice infographic with an APA outline example based on the manual’s 7th edition.
A Comprehensive Outline
There are various key parts in your research report that you should consider:
Title Page/Cover Page
It is the first part in which the key details are introduced. The ideal title is 60 characters long. Overall, pay attention to the following facts on the title page:
Your whole name
Name of the professor
Peers who participated in the investigation (if any)
Date of submission
Abstract
A summary is an essential component of every research report. It’s referred to as an abstract in college. The length of such a document should not be more than 250-300 words (1/3 of an A4 page), and a student should contain the fundamental results, their importance, and a brief conclusion.
Introduction
Experts advise conducting in-depth study on the backdrop of the inquiry. Try to explain why the selected topic requires analysis and discussion. Mention the intended outcomes of the working process, as well as a hypothesis that should be enclosed in the introduction (it would be the thesis). Also, don’t forget to mention your thesis statement or study subject.
Methodology
Describe the instruments, equipment, and strategies utilized to conduct a research. This section should allow you to step-by-step reproduce the inquiry. The section’s objective is to enable other scientists who are interested in the same study subject to continue the examination.
Discussion of the Findings (R&D)
Most master paper writers blend findings and discussion into a single large part. They are interconnected. Begin by discussing the study’s findings. Continue assessing the significance of the results for society and offer a brief synthesis of the key components: numbers and statistical examinations. Place numbers next to any visual components for comprehension (graphs, photos, etc.) to offer specifics in the last part — Appendix.
Conclusion
It is required to mention the following in the Conclusion section:
A overview of the findings
thesis statement revised
The worth of a research article
Methods for putting the results into action
Some projections
References
Create a complete list of references based on the paper style you’ve chosen. Each time you reference something, make a note of the source’s information on a separate piece of paper. It will hasten the procedure in the end.
Important Reminders
An outline functions similarly to an action plan in that it leads you through the writing process.
If your task is more than 1000 words, you must provide an outline.
The outline is divided into three sections: the Introduction, the Body, and the Conclusion.
The format of the outline is determined by the sort of academic assignment (MLA, APA).
Before creating a research paper outline, read the most recent edition of the handbook for the structure of the research paper.