RESEARCH ESSAY: OUTLINE FORM

Outlines help you to…

organize information into a format that can be easily expanded into a rough draft.

Use the following outline form to help organize your research findings. Each line tells you
exactly what to write. Highlight the text and replace it with your own text to easily create your
own outline. Remember to save as you work!

 Everyone needs to complete the Introduction, Conclusion, and Body Parts A-D.
 The outline must include a minimum of one research quotation. Remember to cite all
sources within the outline form.
 RESEARCH ESSAY: OUTLINE FORM

I. Introduction
A. Attention Getter

B. Background Information

C. Thesis Statement

II. Body
A. Transition + Topic Sentence

B. Supporting Point #1
1. Specific Detail + Citation

a) Quote + Citation (optional)

2. Specific Detail + Citation

a) Quote + Citation (optional)

C. Transitional sentence from point #1 into point #2

D. Supporting Point #2
1. Specific Detail + Citation

a) Quote + Citation (optional)

2. Specific Detail + Citation

a) Quote + Citation (optional)

E. Transitional sentence from point #2 into point #3

F. Supporting Point #3
1. Specific Detail + Citation

a) Quote + Citation (optional)

2. Specific Detail + Citation

a) Quote + Citation (optional)

G. Summative Sentence (draw paragraph together)

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III. Conclusion
A. Transition + Restatement of Thesis

B. Brief Summary of Paper Topics

C. So what? Add a new idea that gives a larger purpose to reading

your paper.

D. End on Reflective/Interesting Note