Creating Your Research Paper

Outline - format

1. Introduction
   1. Introduce your topic. It's a good idea to use a hook, like a fun fact or interesting quote, to catch the reader's attention. 
   2. Provide the reader with background on the topic and transition to your thesis statement
   3. Present your thesis statement to wrap up the introduction
2. Body of the paper
   1. First point that supports your thesis
      1. Explain how the point supports the thesis
         1. Give example, source or quote
         2. Give additional supporting details
   2. Second point that supports your thesis
      1. Explain how the point supports the thesis
         1. Give example, source or quote that supports the point
         2. Give additional supporting details
   3. Third point that supports your thesis
      1. Explain how the point supports the thesis
         1. Give example, source or quote that supports the point
         2. Give additional supporting detail
   4. Add fourth, fifth or sixth points if needed
3. Conclusion
   1. Review the main ideas you presented in body (Points 2-3-4)
   2. Connect main ideas to thesis. Don't restate thesis verbatim
   3. Closing thoughts. Remind reader why this is important.