Research Paper > Developing an Outline
Developing an Outline
Organizing an effective research paper is similar to constructing a new building. It requires a detailed plan, a blueprint to develop a thesis statement. An outline serves as a blueprint for a research paper and helps guide the research process.
Sample Outline 1
I. Introduction: Hollywood has a long history of producing adventure films.
Avatar has some obvious merits, but there are also some significant flaws.
II. Body paragraph 1: Cinematography in Avatar (merits)
A. Feelings of flight
B. Skillful blend of animation with live action
III. Body paragraph 2: Special effects in Avatar (merits)
A. Amazing landscapes
B. Spectacular explosions
IV. Body paragraph 3: Faults in Avatar (flaws)
A. Predicable plot
B. Atrocious acting
V. Conclusion (a paragraph that restates the thesis and sums up the argument)
Notes
Avatar has some obvious merits, but there are also some significant flaws.
II. Body paragraph 1: Cinematography in Avatar (merits)
A. Feelings of flight
B. Skillful blend of animation with live action
III. Body paragraph 2: Special effects in Avatar (merits)
A. Amazing landscapes
B. Spectacular explosions
IV. Body paragraph 3: Faults in Avatar (flaws)
A. Predicable plot
B. Atrocious acting
V. Conclusion (a paragraph that restates the thesis and sums up the argument)
Notes
- The introduction includes the thesis statement.
- The body paragraphs support the thesis statement with specific examples and details.
- Following the points outlined above, this outline could function as a guide for a five- or eight-paragraph research paper (including introduction and conclusion).
Sample Outline 2
The following outline could function as a guide to body (support) paragraphs for a long research paper about the economic impact of professional sports on Florida’s economy.
I. Introduction (including a thesis statement)
Florida has long been dependent upon tourism to boost the state’s economy, but few people realize the enormous economic
impact of visiting sports fans. Florida’s economy is fueled by a wide assortment of professional sporting events that contribute
more than $30 billion annually to the state’s economy.
II. Professional baseball spring training
A. The Mets
B. The Yankees
III. Professional football
A. The Miami Dolphins
B. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
C. The Jacksonville Jaguars
IV. Motorsports
A. Daytona
i. Nascar racing
ii. Motorcycle racing
iii. Sports-car racing
B. Sebring
V. Professional golf
A. The Honda Classic
B. LPGA Tour Championship
VI. Pari-mutuels
A. Jai Alai
B. Horse racing
C. Dog racing
VII. Conclusion
This paragraph sums up the research, usually referring back to the thesis statement using different words.
I. Introduction (including a thesis statement)
Florida has long been dependent upon tourism to boost the state’s economy, but few people realize the enormous economic
impact of visiting sports fans. Florida’s economy is fueled by a wide assortment of professional sporting events that contribute
more than $30 billion annually to the state’s economy.
II. Professional baseball spring training
A. The Mets
B. The Yankees
III. Professional football
A. The Miami Dolphins
B. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
C. The Jacksonville Jaguars
IV. Motorsports
A. Daytona
i. Nascar racing
ii. Motorcycle racing
iii. Sports-car racing
B. Sebring
V. Professional golf
A. The Honda Classic
B. LPGA Tour Championship
VI. Pari-mutuels
A. Jai Alai
B. Horse racing
C. Dog racing
VII. Conclusion
This paragraph sums up the research, usually referring back to the thesis statement using different words.