Description

The Basic Outline of a Paper

The following outline shows a basic format for most academic papers. No matter what length the paper

needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over

what typically goes in each section of the paper. Use the back of this handout to outline information for

your specific paper.

I. Introduction

The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper:

 Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical

context that introduces the paper topic

 Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject

 Define of any key terminology need to understand the topic

 Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject

(argumentative papers only)

 Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction

of the paper

 Write an antithesis paragraph, presenting the primary opposing views

(argumentative paper only)

The introduction must end with a THESIS statement (a 1 to 2 sentences in length):

 Tell what the overall paper will focus on

 Briefly outline the main points in the paper

II. Body

 Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis

 Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points

 If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments

 If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and

quotations that support the main points

III. Conclusion

 Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words

 Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2

sentences for each point)

 Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative paper

only)

 End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the

whole point of the paper together (may refer back to the attention grabber)

Additional Tips

 Decide on the thesis and main points first

 You do not need to start writing your paper with the introduction

 Try writing the thesis and body first; then go back and figure out how to best introduce the body

and conclude the paper

 Use transitions between main points and between examples within the main points

 Always keep your thesis in the forefront of your mind while writing; everything in your paper

must point back to the thesis

 Use the back of this handout to make an outline of your paper