Outlining a research paper may seem like a waste of time. However, the advantages of using a framework will not be felt if you have never tried it. By using the framework, research and final papers can be compiled more efficiently. So it's a good idea to learn how to outline a research paper. Here are some things to consider when framing a research paper.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Skeletal Types and Structure
Step 1. Select the frame type:
topic or sentence. If the topic, chapter and sub-chapter titles are written in the form of words or short phrases. If the sentences, chapter titles and sub-chapters are written in complete sentences.
- Topic-type frameworks are commonly used for research that addresses many issues that can be structured in a variety of ways.
- Sentence-type frameworks are commonly used for research that focuses on complex issues.
- Some teachers forbid combining the two types of frameworks. However, there are many teachers who allow chapter titles to be written in short phrases and subsection titles in complete sentences.
Step 2. The outline of a research paper is often made with an alphanumeric structure
Alphanumeric structures use letters and numbers to mark and rank the parts of the outline.
The first level is marked with roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, and so on), the second level is marked with capital letters (A, B, C, D, and so on), the third level is marked with numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, and so on), and the fourth level is indicated by lowercase letters (a, b, c, d, and so on)
Step 3. Pay attention to the use of capital letters
In the sentence type framework, chapter and sub-chapter titles are almost always written according to the rules for using capital letters in sentences. However, these rules do not apply to the topic type framework.
- There is an idea that the first-level title is written in all caps and the later-level titles are written according to the standard rules for using capital letters in sentences.
- Another idea suggests that the first letter of each word, instead of all letters, should be capitalized in first-level headings and that subsequent levels should be capitalized according to the standard rules for capitalization in sentences.
Step 4. Pay attention to the length of the frame
The length of the outline should not be more than one-quarter or one-fifth the approximate length of the research paper.
- For a 4-5 page paper, the outline is usually only 1 page.
- For a 15-20 page paper, the outline usually does not exceed 4 pages.
Part 2 of 4: Skeleton Levels
Step 1. Get to know the single-level framework
The single-level outline consists of chapters only (no sub-chapters).
- Chapter titles are marked with Roman numerals.
- Single-level outlines are usually not used for research papers because they are not specific or detailed. However, start by creating a one-level outline as it provides an overview of the paper and can be expanded as more information becomes available.
Step 2. Develop into a two-level framework
To create a research paper, a two-tier framework is more often used. This framework only consists of 2 levels, namely the first level (chapters) and the second level (subchapters).
- In other words, only 2 alphanumeric structures are used, namely roman numerals (first level) and capital letters (second level).
- Each sub-chapter (second level) in each chapter (first level) discusses the main arguments that support the main idea of the chapter.
Step 3. Develop into a three-level outline
The three-level framework is more complicated. However, if crafted correctly, this template can help you better structure your research paper.
- In the three-level framework, the alphanumeric structure used is Roman numerals (first level), capital letters (second level), and numbers (third level).
- At the third level, discuss the topic of the paragraph at the second or first level.
Step 4. Use a four-tier outline if necessary
For research papers, the four-tier framework is the most complex. In this framework, the alphanumeric structure used is roman numerals (first level), uppercase letters (second level), numbers (third level), and lowercase letters (fourth level).
At the fourth level, discuss the quote, idea, or supporting statement for each paragraph at the third level
Part 3 of 4: Components of an Effective Framework
Step 1. Apply the parallelism method
Each chapter title and sub-chapter at each level should have the same structure.
- The parallelism in question is the use of the “topic” versus “sentence” outline format described in the “Types and Structures of Outlines” section.
- In addition, parallelism also concerns word classes and tenses. If one title begins with a verb, the other must also begin with a verb. In addition, the verb used must also be in the same tense (usually the present).
Step 2. Organize the information
The information in the first chapter should be as important as the information in the next chapter. This provision also applies to sub-chapters.
- The chapter should state the main idea.
- The sub-chapter should explain the ideas mentioned in the chapter.
Step 3. Sort the information
Arrange for information in chapters to be general and information in subchapters to be more specific.
For example, if you are writing about a memorable childhood experience, “Memorable Childhood Experiences” could be the chapter title, while the sub-section headings could be “A vacation when you were 8 years old”, “Favorite birthday party”, and “Picnic with family”
Step 4. Share the information
Each chapter should be divided into two or more parts. In other words, in an effective framework, each chapter consists of at least 2 subchapters.
There is no maximum limit on the number of sub-chapters in one chapter. However, if there's too much of it, the outline may appear cluttered or messy
Part 4 of 4: Creating the Outline
Step 1. Know the main problem to be discussed
To write a research paper framework, the main problem to be researched must be known. This step assists in the preparation of the overall outline as well as the paper.
- By knowing the main problem to be discussed, a thesis statement can be made. A thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the overall purpose or argument of a research paper.
- In the framework of a research paper, the thesis statement is usually written at the top or in the first chapter/"Introduction".
- Knowing the main issue also helps you determine an appropriate paper title.
Step 2. Determine the main ideas to be discussed in the paper
All the main ideas are listed in the introduction and also in part or all of the chapter titles (first level) as the body of the paper.
The main idea is the detail that supports or becomes the subject of the paper. The main idea should be very general
Step 3. Determine the order of the information
With the main topic in mind, determine the order in which the information is best presented. Information is usually organized from general to specific although it can also be ordered chronologically or spatially.
- Chronological order can only be used on topics that have a chronological history. For example, if you are researching the history of modern medicine, using chronological order makes the outline and paper more logical.
- If the research topic is not related to history, use a spatial structure. For example, if researching the effects of TV and video games on the brains of teenagers, a chronological history of the study is not necessary. Instead, explain the various theories that exist on the topic or organize the information using another spatial structure.
Step 4. Determine the chapter title
The first and last chapters are usually “Introduction” and “Conclusion”. The remaining chapters list the main ideas of the paper.
However, some teachers prohibit the use of the terms "Introduction" and "Conclusion". If so, you can skip both sections, but write the thesis statement separately, at the top of the outline
Step 5. Know what to include in the “Introduction” section
The “Introduction” must at least include a thesis. In addition to the thesis, main ideas and hooks can also be included in the “Introduction”.
These elements are usually listed as subchapters, not chapters; the chapter in this section is “Introduction”
Step 6. Know what the paper contains
Phrases or sentences that touch on the main topic of the research paper should be included in each chapter in the body of the paper.
- Include all the important ideas in this section of the outline, as in the paper itself.
- Adjust the chapters in this section with the main ideas listed in the “Introduction” subsection.
- Include only the main idea and supporting details for that idea (a two-level outline, as described in the section “Outline Levels”). Information about a particular paragraph (three-level outline) and supporting details within that paragraph (four-level outline) may also be included.
Step 7. Create a “Conclusion” chapter
This chapter does not contain much information although it should be broken down into at least two subchapters.
- Rewrite the thesis in a different sentence.
- If there are additional conclusions obtained from the research, write them in this chapter. Remember, the information in the “Conclusion” chapter cannot be “new”; should have been discussed elsewhere in the paper.
- If your research results in a “call to action (a response or action that readers should take in response to this research)”, include that in this chapter as well. This element is usually the end of the outline.
Tips
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Understanding the benefits of using a template can motivate you to perfect your outline.
- A good outline helps you know what to write next in your paper thereby minimizing writer's block.
- Outlines help maintain coherence of ideas so that they can be presented in a logical order.
- Use an outline to check if your discussion strays from the main topic.
- Outlines increase the motivation to write a term paper because you know how much more to do to finish the paper.
- Outlines help you organize your ideas on a topic and understand how they relate to one another.
