how to write a research paper outline owl purdue

Writing an Outline

An outline is a plan for writing a paper. They are commonly used as a prewriting strategy after a brainstorming process and before writing the first draft. According to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), “Creating and using an outline helps you identify main ideas, define subordinate ideas, focus your writing, avoid tangential excursions, and find omissions” (2020, p. 126). Overall, outlines help writers map the order of ideas and see the links between them in order to ensure all the information is unified on the main idea(s), ordered logically, and developed adequately.

Alphanumeric Outlines

The alphanumeric outline is the most common type of outline. The formatting goes in the following order: – Roman Numerals – Capitalized Letters – Arabic Numerals – Lowercase Letters An example of an alphanumeric outline is below. This and the other sample outlines are for an essay about a future career.

Pursuing a Medical Career

I. Prospective Career in the Field of Medicine     A. Job title     B. Job description         1. Job responsibilities         2. Job requirements             a) Schooling needed             b) Experience of skills needed         3. Projected salary

Topic Outlines

A topic outline uses headings and subheadings for each point, each topic heading and subheading is formed with words and phrases rather than complete sentences.

Choosing a Career

I. Chosen Career     A. Career title     B. Career description         1. Possible job responsibilities         2. Requirements to acquire the career             a) Higher education degree needed             b) Advancement opportunities within the field         3. Starting and future salary

Full Sentence Outlines

A full-sentence outline format is the same as an alphanumeric outline, except that it uses full sentences for each point throughout the outline.

A Career in Medicine

I. There are many prospective careers in the field of medicine.     A. One important medical career is registered nursing.     B. The job description of a registered nurse (RN) varies depending on the facility and doctor the nurse works with. Generally, a nurse focuses on the care of patients.         1. RNs have several job responsibilities.             a) RNs promote good health and prevent illness, administer medications under the supervision of doctors, and keep records of patient symptoms and progress.             b) RNs also education patients and the public about medical conditions, treat and help patients in their rehabilitation, and provide advice and emotional support to patients’ families.         2. Higher education is required to become an RN.             a) To be an RN, one must obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in nursing.             b) A mater’s degree in nursing is also expected at some medical facilities or for some nursing specialties and for advancement.         3. The annual projected salary for a nurse can range from $30,000 to $100,000.

Decimal Outlines

The decimal outline is similar to the alphanumeric outline; however, the decimal outline includes decimal notation that indicates how every level of the outline relates to one other.

• Research careers     1.1. Choose a career     1.2. State chosen career title         1.2.1. Explain career responsibilities         1.2.2. Explain career requirements             1.2.2.1. Provide educational requirements             1.2.2.2. Describe potential advancement opportunities

Strategies for Effective Outlines

Effective outlines are written with attention to word forms and sentence structures. Specifically, the following elements of writing style are important for creating a coherent and clear outline.

Parallelism

Repeating the syntactical structures of subsequent clauses, phrases, or words creates coherence (unity and soundness) in writing and improves readability. We call this kind of intentional repetition “parallelism.” Each of the sample outlines in this resource also illustrates parallelism. Here’s another example:

Parallel I. Choose prospective career. II. Provide career responsibilities. III. Discuss educational requirements.

In the example, each phrase begins with a present tense verb, so each is parallel in structure. If one of the verbs was in another form, or if the point began with a noun instead of a verb, the points would not be parallel making it harder for a reader to see how the ideas link together to form a logical (coherent) organization.

Not Parallel I. Choosing prospective career II. Provide career responsibilities. III. Educational requirements

Coordination

All the information contained in the first heading should have the same importance as the information or subtopic in the second heading and third, etc. Similarly, the subheadings should be equal in importance to one another. In the following example, points I, II, and III are each main points with balanced importance in the paper. The points with lesser importance, the supporting details, are given in the next level of the outline:

I. Research your prospective career. II. Evaluate your prospective career responsibilities.     A. Explain significant responsibilities     B. Note additional responsibilities required.

Subordination The information in the headings should be more general, and the information in the subheadings should be more specific. In the example below, to describe a career would be to provide an overview or general information whereas stating the job title and explaining the job responsibilities would be to provide specific details.

I. Describe your prospective career     A. State your job title.     B. Explain your job responsibilities.

Each heading should be divided into two or more parts. For instance, if there is a I, there should also be a II, and if there is an A, there should also be a B, and if there is a 1, there should also be a 2 and so on.

I. Describe your future career.     A. State the job title.     B. Explain the job responsibilities. II. Evaluate employment forecast for this career.     A. Discuss hiring trends.     B. Provide employment/unemployment statistics.

Selecting an Outline Strategy and Other Outlining Tips

When selecting an outline, it is important to consider your purpose for writing an outline, the audience who will read the outline, and the course and any assignment requirements for your outline.

Additionally, your specific topic and thesis statement, as well as the number of supporting points in your thesis, may also help you determine the best outline strategy.

When including research in an outline, every instance of source information requires an APA in-text citation and a full citation on a references list.

Microsoft® Word has an outlining feature. To access this feature, click on the Home tab and scroll to the Paragraph settings, and click on the appropriate outline format.

• Select Home tab as shown in Figure 1.
• Scroll to paragraph settings as shown in Figure 1 and select an outline option.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline | Example

Published on August 7, 2022 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on August 15, 2023.

A research paper outline is a useful tool to aid in the writing process , providing a structure to follow with all information to be included in the paper clearly organized.

A quality outline can make writing your research paper more efficient by helping to:

• Organize your thoughts
• Understand the flow of information and how ideas are related
• Ensure nothing is forgotten

A research paper outline can also give your teacher an early idea of the final product.

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Table of contents

Research paper outline example, how to write a research paper outline, formatting your research paper outline, language in research paper outlines.

• Definition of measles
• Rise in cases in recent years in places the disease was previously eliminated or had very low rates of infection
• Figures: Number of cases per year on average, number in recent years. Relate to immunization
• Symptoms and timeframes of disease
• Risk of fatality, including statistics
• How measles is spread
• Immunization procedures in different regions
• Different regions, focusing on the arguments from those against immunization
• Immunization figures in affected regions
• High number of cases in non-immunizing regions
• Illnesses that can result from measles virus
• Fatal cases of other illnesses after patient contracted measles
• Summary of arguments of different groups
• Summary of figures and relationship with recent immunization debate
• Which side of the argument appears to be correct?

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Follow these steps to start your research paper outline:

• Decide on the subject of the paper
• Write down all the ideas you want to include or discuss
• Organize related ideas into sub-groups
• Arrange your ideas into a hierarchy: What should the reader learn first? What is most important? Which idea will help end your paper most effectively?
• Create headings and subheadings that are effective
• Format the outline in either alphanumeric, full-sentence or decimal format

There are three different kinds of research paper outline: alphanumeric, full-sentence and decimal outlines. The differences relate to formatting and style of writing.

• Alphanumeric
• Full-sentence

An alphanumeric outline is most commonly used. It uses Roman numerals, capitalized letters, arabic numerals, lowercase letters to organize the flow of information. Text is written with short notes rather than full sentences.

• Sub-point of sub-point 1

Essentially the same as the alphanumeric outline, but with the text written in full sentences rather than short points.

• Additional sub-point to conclude discussion of point of evidence introduced in point A

A decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline, but with a different numbering system: 1, 1.1, 1.2, etc. Text is written as short notes rather than full sentences.

• 1.1.1 Sub-point of first point
• 1.1.2 Sub-point of first point
• 1.2 Second point

To write an effective research paper outline, it is important to pay attention to language. This is especially important if it is one you will show to your teacher or be assessed on.

There are four main considerations: parallelism, coordination, subordination and division.

Parallelism: Be consistent with grammatical form

Parallel structure or parallelism is the repetition of a particular grammatical form within a sentence, or in this case, between points and sub-points. This simply means that if the first point is a verb , the sub-point should also be a verb.

Example of parallelism:

• Include different regions, focusing on the different arguments from those against immunization

Coordination: Be aware of each point’s weight

Your chosen subheadings should hold the same significance as each other, as should all first sub-points, secondary sub-points, and so on.

Example of coordination:

• Include immunization figures in affected regions
• Illnesses that can result from the measles virus

Subordination: Work from general to specific

Subordination refers to the separation of general points from specific. Your main headings should be quite general, and each level of sub-point should become more specific.

Example of subordination:

Division: break information into sub-points.

Your headings should be divided into two or more subsections. There is no limit to how many subsections you can include under each heading, but keep in mind that the information will be structured into a paragraph during the writing stage, so you should not go overboard with the number of sub-points.

Ready to start writing or looking for guidance on a different step in the process? Read our step-by-step guide on how to write a research paper .

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Writing and Research: Creating an Outline

• Getting Started
• Choosing a Topic
• Creating an Outline
• Conducting Research
• Drafting an Essay
• Revising an Essay
• Creating Citations

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How To Create an Outline

How to Write an Outline for an Essay    This article discusses strategies for creating essay outlines and includes an example.

Why and How to Use Outlines   The Purdue OWL offers insights for why an outline can help you with your research.

Create an Outline    This chapter from an open access textbook breaks down the anatomy of an outline and offers tips for creating one.

Outline Examples

Example Outline   Walden University's Writing Center provides a sample outline for a 5-7 page paper.

Sample Outline with Worksheet   This is a sample outline and worksheet from the website of the University of Mary Washington.

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Writing in Literature: General Research Papers

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These sections describe in detail the assignments students may complete when writing about literature. These sections also discuss different approaches (literary theory/criticism) students may use to write about literature. These resources build on the Writing About Literature materials.

English instructors often assign papers with few restrictions on subject matter. While this can be quite liberating, it can also be disconcerting. If you can write about virtually anything, which piece of anything should you choose? Many students find themselves paralyzed when faced with this kind of openness, but there are strategies for dealing with it.

Choose Something You Like

Literature is an art form, and as such it is meant to move, inspire or even outrage its readers. If you have a lot of options, choose something that appeals to you, even if you cannot justify your choice.

Example: Suppose you are taking a class on Jane Austen. Even though you’ve only seen the movie, deciding now to write on Sense and Sensibility will make you more interested when you get to the novel in class.

Make Your Choice Early

Even during the first week in the semester, try to make some preliminary decisions on the subjects of your major assignments, and then read those works first. You will be better prepared when the semester heats up later on, and if you really cannot stand your choice, you have time to make another.

Example: As you walk home from the bookstore with a stack of literature, make some preliminary choices on what might be interesting based solely on some preliminary reading you do that evening. Set aside the one you like best and start reading it that evening.

Turning Interest into Interesting

Saying that you like a work is not the same as writing a paper about it, but it can be a good place to start. Analyze your attraction for the piece and try to jot down answers to basic questions like these:

• What do I like about this piece?
• Why do these things appeal to me?
• What makes them different enough from the surrounding material that they stand out in my mind?
• Where does that difference come from?
• How is it achieved?

You may also use some of the invention strategies outlined above.

Reading the Readers

Literary criticism can seem daunting to a first time reader. Sometimes when you find yourself confused by a work, a basic analysis by a noted scholar can clear things up immensely. Your instructor is your best source for recommended reading, but you can also find sources on your own. Anything calling itself an “Introduction” or “Overview” of an author or work is probably a good bet. Remember to take notes.

Example: After reading some of Dante’s Divine Comedy , you find yourself intrigued but confused by the astronomical references in the poem. An essay on Dante’s astronomy may not only clear up your confusion, but suggest some possible paper topics, as well.

Straight to the Top

Talking to your teacher about choosing your topic can be helpful, but only if you handle it correctly. Instructors are wary of giving their students specific instructions; choosing a topic is part of the learning process. However, his or her familiarity with the literature can point you in new directions. Instead of looking for specific answers, go looking for advice.

Example: You go to your instructor’s office hours with a list of about five ideas for a paper you’ve been thinking about. Instead of asking “Which one should I write?” say, “These things have been of particular interest to me during our class time. Where can I find more information about them?”

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

• Making an Outline
• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Independent and Dependent Variables
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• Reading Research Effectively
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
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• Academic Writing Style
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• Research Process Video Series
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• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
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• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tiertiary Sources
• Scholarly vs. Popular Publications
• Qualitative Methods
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• Common Grammar Mistakes
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An outline is a formal system used to develop a framework for thinking about what should be the organization and eventual contents of your paper. An outline helps you predict the overall structure and flow of a paper.

Why and How to Create a Useful Outline. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Importance of...

Writing papers in college requires you to come up with sophisticated, complex, and sometimes very creative ways of structuring your ideas . Taking the time to draft an outline can help you determine if your ideas connect to each other, what order of ideas works best, where gaps in your thinking may exist, or whether you have sufficient evidence to support each of your points. It is also an effective way to think about the time you will need to complete each part of your paper before you begin writing.

A good outline is important because :

• You will be much less likely to get writer's block . An outline will show where you're going and how to get there. Use the outline to set goals for completing each section of your paper.
• It will help you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process and help ensure proper coherence [flow of ideas] in your final paper. However, the outline should be viewed as a guide, not a straitjacket. As you review the literature or gather data, the organization of your paper may change; adjust your outline accordingly.
• A clear, detailed outline ensures that you always have something to help re-calibrate your writing should you feel yourself drifting into subject areas unrelated to the research problem. Use your outline to set boundaries around what you will investigate.
• The outline can be key to staying motivated . You can put together an outline when you're excited about the project and everything is clicking; making an outline is never as overwhelming as sitting down and beginning to write a twenty page paper without any sense of where it is going.
• An outline helps you organize multiple ideas about a topic . Most research problems can be analyzed from a variety of perspectives; an outline can help you sort out which modes of analysis are most appropriate to ensure the most robust findings are discovered.
• An outline not only helps you organize your thoughts, but it can also serve as a schedule for when certain aspects of your writing should be accomplished . Review the assignment and highlight the due dates of specific tasks and integrate these into your outline. If your professor has not created specific deadlines, create your own deadlines by thinking about your own writing style and the need to manage your time around other course assignments.

How to Structure and Organize Your Paper. Odegaard Writing & Research Center. University of Washington; Why and How to Create a Useful Outline. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Lietzau, Kathleen. Creating Outlines. Writing Center, University of Richmond.

Structure and Writing Style

I.   General Approaches

There are two general approaches you can take when writing an outline for your paper:

The topic outline consists of short phrases. This approach is useful when you are dealing with a number of different issues that could be arranged in a variety of different ways in your paper. Due to short phrases having more content than using simple sentences, they create better content from which to build your paper.

The sentence outline is done in full sentences. This approach is useful when your paper focuses on complex issues in detail. The sentence outline is also useful because sentences themselves have many of the details in them needed to build a paper and it allows you to include those details in the sentences instead of having to create an outline of short phrases that goes on page after page.

II.   Steps to Making the Outline

A strong outline details each topic and subtopic in your paper, organizing these points so that they build your argument toward an evidence-based conclusion. Writing an outline will also help you focus on the task at hand and avoid unnecessary tangents, logical fallacies, and underdeveloped paragraphs.

• Identify the research problem . The research problem is the focal point from which the rest of the outline flows. Try to sum up the point of your paper in one sentence or phrase. It also can be key to deciding what the title of your paper should be.
• Identify the main categories . What main points will you analyze? The introduction describes all of your main points; the rest of  your paper can be spent developing those points.
• Create the first category . What is the first point you want to cover? If the paper centers around a complicated term, a definition can be a good place to start. For a paper that concerns the application and testing of a particular theory, giving the general background on the theory can be a good place to begin.
• Create subcategories . After you have followed these steps, create points under it that provide support for the main point. The number of categories that you use depends on the amount of information that you are trying to cover. There is no right or wrong number to use.

Once you have developed the basic outline of the paper, organize the contents to match the standard format of a research paper as described in this guide.

III.   Things to Consider When Writing an Outline

• There is no rule dictating which approach is best . Choose either a topic outline or a sentence outline based on which one you believe will work best for you. However, once you begin developing an outline, it's helpful to stick to only one approach.
• Both topic and sentence outlines use Roman and Arabic numerals along with capital and small letters of the alphabet arranged in a consistent and rigid sequence. A rigid format should be used especially if you are required to hand in your outline.
• Although the format of an outline is rigid, it shouldn't make you inflexible about how to write your paper. Often when you start investigating a research problem [i.e., reviewing the research literature], especially if you are unfamiliar with the topic, you should anticipate the likelihood your analysis could go in different directions. If your paper changes focus, or you need to add new sections, then feel free to reorganize the outline.
• If appropriate, organize the main points of your outline in chronological order . In papers where you need to trace the history or chronology of events or issues, it is important to arrange your outline in the same manner, knowing that it's easier to re-arrange things now than when you've almost finished your paper.
• For a standard research paper of 15-20 pages, your outline should be no more than few pages in length . It may be helpful as you are developing your outline to also write down a tentative list of references.

Muirhead, Brent. “Using Outlines to Improve Online Student Writing Skills.” Journal on School Educational Technology 1, (2005): 17-23; Four Main Components for Effective Outlines. The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; How to Make an Outline. Psychology Writing Center. University of Washington; Kartawijaya, Sukarta. “Improving Students’ Writing Skill in Writing Paragraph through an Outline Technique.” Curricula: Journal of Teaching and Learning 3 (2018); Organization: Informal Outlines. The Reading/Writing Center. Hunter College; Organization: Standard Outline Form. The Reading/Writing Center. Hunter College; Outlining. Department of English Writing Guide. George Mason University; Plotnic, Jerry. Organizing an Essay. University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reverse Outline. The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Reverse Outlines: A Writer's Technique for Examining Organization. The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Using Outlines. Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization. Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Writing Tip

A Disorganized Outline Means a Disorganized Paper!

If, in writing your paper, it begins to diverge from your outline, this is very likely a sign that you've lost your focus. How do you know whether to change the paper to fit the outline, or, that you need to reconsider the outline so that it fits the paper? A good way to check your progress is to use what you have written to recreate the outline. This is an effective strategy for assessing the organization of your paper. If the resulting outline says what you want it to say and it is in an order that is easy to follow, then the organization of your paper has been successful. If you discover that it's difficult to create an outline from what you have written, then you likely need to revise your paper.

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Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quotiong from Purdue OWL

Citation styles - english predominately uses mla, annotated bibliography, common writing assignments from purdue writing lab, how to use refworks, unt writing lab, student publishing opportunities, office of disabilities access, what is thorough research, literature review and synthesizing sources.

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How to Write a Research Question

How to write an outline.

• Outlining Outlining is a tool we use in the writing process to help organize our ideas, visualize our paper’s potential structure, and to further flesh out and develop points. It allows the writer to understand how he or she will connect information to support the thesis statement and the claims of the paper. An outline provides the writer with a space to consider ideas easily without needing to write complete paragraphs or sentences.

Research Paper

Genre and the Research Paper by Purdue OWL

• Revising Why Revise? To make the draft more accessible to the reader. To sharpen and clarify the focus and argument. To improve and further develop ideas

Synthesizing Sources

• Synthesizing Sources from Purdue OWL When you look for areas where your sources agree or disagree and try to draw broader conclusions about your topic based on what your sources say, you are engaging in synthesis. Writing a research paper usually requires synthesizing the available sources in order to provide new insight or a different perspective into your particular topic (as opposed to simply restating what each individual source says about your research topic).

Close Reading and Critical Reading

• CRITICAL READING: WHAT IS CRITICAL READING, AND WHY DO I NEED TO DO IT? Critical reading means that a reader applies certain processes, models, questions, and theories that result in enhanced clarity and comprehension.
• Critical Reading You'll find many ways to read and understand a text, but keeping a journal as you read is one of the best ways of exploring a piece of writing. By integrating reading and writing, you can interact with the work more fully.
• Close Reading a Text and Avoiding Pitfalls Close reading a text. This covers prewriting, close reading, thesis development, drafting, and common pitfalls to avoid.
• Close Reading From Harvard College Writing Center
• Poetry: Close Reading By learning how to close read a poem you can significantly increase both your understanding and enjoyment of the poem. You may also increase your ability to write convincingly about the poem.
• Reading a Play These sections also discuss different approaches (literary theory/criticism) students may use to write about literature. These resources build on the Writing About Literature materials.
• Audience Analysis Overview In order to compose persuasive, user-centered communication, you should gather as much information as possible about the people reading your document. Your audience may consist of people who may have differing needs and expectations.

Developing a Thesis from a Story or Novel

Developing a Thesis from a Story or Novel

Understanding Rhetoric

• Understanding Rhetoric Understanding and being able to analyze rhetorical situations can help contribute to strong, audience-focused, and organized writing. The PowerPoint presentation in the Media box above is suitable for any classroom and any writing task. The resource below explains in more detail how to analyze rhetorical situations.

Rhetorical Analysis

• Organizing Your Analysis General tips for plotting out the overall form of your essay.
• Types of Outlines and Samples Types of Outlines from Purdue OWL
• Rhetorical Situations Understanding and being able to analyze rhetorical situations can help contribute to strong, audience-focused, and organized writing.
• Elements of Analysis How to write a rhetorical analysis essay of primarily visual texts with a focus on demonstrating the author’s understanding of the rhetorical situation and design principles.
• Analysis Analysis is a type of primary research that involves finding and interpreting patterns in data, classifying those patterns, and generalizing the results. It is useful when looking at actions, events, or occurrences in different texts, media, or publications.

Writing a Literature Review

• Writing a Literature Review A literature review is a document or section of a document that collects key sources on a topic and discusses those sources in conversation with each other (also called synthesis). The lit review is an important genre in many disciplines, not just literature (i.e., the study of works of literature such as novels and plays). When we say “literature review” or refer to “the literature,” we are talking about the research (scholarship) in a given field. You will often see the terms “the research,” “the scholarship,” and “the literature” used mostly interchangeably.

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• Sample Essay for Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting from Purdue OWL This handout compares and contrasts the three terms, gives some pointers, and includes a short excerpt that you can use to practice these skills.
• MLA Guide from Purdue OWL These OWL resources will help you learn how to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation and format style. This section contains resources on in-text citation and the Works Cited page, as well as MLA sample papers, slide presentations, and the MLA classroom poster.
• MLA Sample Paper Sample Paper
• APA Style Guide from Purdue OWL APA (American Psychological Association) style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed., 2nd printing).
• APA Sample Paper Sample Paper
• Chicago Manual of Style from Purdue OWL This section contains information on The Chicago Manual of Style method of document formatting and citation. These resources follow the seventeenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style, which was issued in 2017.
• Chicago Manual of Style, Author Date Sample Paper Author Date Sample Paper more...
• Chicago Manual of Style, Notes and Bibliography (NB) Sample Paper Notes and Bibliography (NB) Sample Paper

Annotated Bibliographies from Purdue OWL

A   bibliography   is a list of sources (books, journals, Web sites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a topic.   An   annotation   is a summary and/or evaluation. Therefore, an   annotated bibliography   includes a summary and/or evaluation of each of the sources.

Common Writing Assignments

• RefWorks - Bibliographic Manager How to create your Refworks account. 1. Enter the access code 1890-1506, go to the UNT Refworks login page at refworks.proquest.com/signup/university-of-north-texas (this link is also included in the Databases tab and in the Most Requested section on library.unt.edu) 2. Enter the UNT access code and submit. 3. Next complete the registration, and then you can start using your new account. 4. You can now login with your username and password through https://refworks.proquest.com/ wherever you have an Internet connection. 5. Visit our RefWorks Guide to learn how to make your research more efficient. Video tutorials: https://guides.library.unt.edu/rwnew/videos
• UNT Writing Lab At the UNT Writing Lab, we offer free writing tutoring to all currently enrolled UNT students in all disciplines and at all stages of their academic careers--from English composition students to graduate students writing theses and dissertations. We do more than merely proofread; we teach you strategies and techniques to improve your writing for the long term. We accept both appointments and walk-ins at our Sage Hall, Room 152 location. However, to ensure time with a tutor, we recommend setting an appointment.
• Student Publishing Opportunities If you are interested in publishing your article take a look at these possibilities.

Plagiarism occurs when you use other people’s writing or ideas without giving credit to the creator. Any sequence of more than three words is plagiarism

  We always give credit to other people’s creative and intellectual property. We respect the rights and property of others.

Some students make errors in citing because they do not give themselves enough time to cite their material while they write. Learning how to Quote, Summarize, and Paraphrase with In-text citation is critical and learning to include in-text citations while writing your paper will avoid possible citation errors. Please use the link above and practice citing material.

Once I contacted the author of an online resource and asked if I could use some of her information in a guide I was working on. She gave me permission and I cited the author in my guide.

Types of Plagiarism:

• Direct or Clone – taking someone else’s work directly. This plagiarism carries the most severe penalty because it demonstrates dishonesty and involves intent.
• Self Plagiarism – reusing work from a previous courses without permission from your professor.
• Mosaic, patch writing, or find and replace plagiarism. If you quote a source, or keep the basic format from the source and use synonyms to change a few words, without properly citing the information, then you are committing plagiarism.
• Accidental – this can occur if the student does not use their own critical analysis found from synthesizing the information learned, and instead uses the critical argument of another author.

Video:  Student Success Series, A Student’s Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism and Understanding Citations

Avoid Plagiarism by citing your material correctly

If you are not sure if you need to cite your material, it is always better to cite and not have a problem with plagiarism.

Student Academic Integrity

UNT promotes the integrity of learning processed and embraces the core values of trust and honesty.  Academic integrity is based on educational principles and procedures that protect the rights of all participants in the educational process and validate the legitimacy of degrees awarded by the university.  In the investigation and resolution of allegations of student academic dishonesty, the university’s actions are intended to be corrective, educationally sound, fundamentally fair, and based on reliable evidence. 

Writing Center. (2018, January). Six Common Types of Plagiarism. Ashford University. https://writingcenter.ashford.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Six%20Common%20Types%20of%20Plagiarism_0.pdf

Free Plagiarism Checker. (2021). Scan My Essay. Viper. https://www.scanmyessay.com/plagiarism/types-of-plagiarism.php

CopyLeaks. (2019, October 21). 4 Types of Olagiarism and How to Avoid Them. Copyleaks Technologies LTD. https://copyleaks.com/blog/types-of-plagiarism/

• Interpreting and CART Accommodations he Office of Disability Access works to provide reasonable access and an inclusive environment to UNT students who identify as d/Deaf, Deaf-Blind, or Hard-of-Hearing. Reasonable accommodations include, but are not limited to the following: American Sign Language Interpreters CART Services Closed Captioning for information presented in an audio or video format Advanced copies of PowerPoints or Handouts Reserved seat in the front of the class Assistive listening devices

"Thorough research" 

• Reviewing all sources and finding relevant information for your paper..
• Use correct sources (popular or scholarly) based on your assignment requirements. Use recommended databases from your school which guarantees the quality of the material found. If you use Google, Google Scholar, Yahoo or another search engine you have to evaluate the source which takes a considerable amount of time. 
• Using more than one sources gives a broader perspective on a subject. All journals write to a specific audience and the more articles or items you reference the greater your understanding of the current discussions surrounding your topic.

Evidence Explained. (2014, July 29). QuickTips. https://www.evidenceexplained.com/quicktips/

• Writing a Literature Review In a review of the literature, the writer provides an overview of the most important research and scholarship on a specific topic, problem, or question. (In this context, "literature" refers to the important scholarly sources on a topic including the current scholarly conversation.
• Synthesizing Sources Synthesizing Sources from Purdue OWL When you look for areas where your sources agree or disagree and try to draw broader conclusions about your topic based on what your sources say, you are engaging in synthesis. Writing a research paper usually requires synthesizing the available sources in order to provide new insight or a different perspective into your particular topic (as opposed to simply restating what each individual source says about your research topic).
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“A literature review is a document or section of a document that collects key sources on a topic and discusses those sources in conversation with each other (also called synthesis).” -- Purdue OWL

Literature Review Assignment Details

Your group will write the literature review together. 

• Include 4-5 professional sources (journal article, professional association article, specification details, etc.).
• IEEE citation format.
• A cover page with title, every team member listed. 
• Title and page number on each page, upper right hand corner.
• A References page.
• Assignment is due January 27, 11:59 PM.

All of your resources will be synthesized into one literature review. Follow the suggested steps for writing your literature review.

• Review the article themes.
• Notice the relationships between the themes and the different articles.
• Write down the overarching story between the articles.
• Introduction (what are you doing and why -- what problem are you going to solve?)
• Body (how will you do it -- what technology, materials etc. -- this is where patents, standards, articles will all inform those decisions)
• Conclusion (reiterate what, why, how)
• When writing your review, remember to use quotes sparingly and always cite where you got your information. Review signal phrases as a way to always give credit to authors.
• Learn the basics of a literature review from Purdue Owl's Writing a Literature Review
• Want to learn about the different types of literature reviews, check out Review: Outline, Strategies, and Examples ; by Study Corgi

To read example literature reviews:

1. Purdue Owl gives this example using APA.

2. And here is a paper within research gate that has a literature review section in IEEE (you just need to see the lit review as an example).

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Writing a Research Paper

Creating an outline.

• About This Guide
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• Choosing a Topic
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Example of an Outline

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The creation of an outline is an invaluable tool in the process of writing a research paper. It will give structure to the fledgling paper and allow you to better imagine what you will need to write. Breaking the paper down into small sections also makes the process of writing far less overwhelming.

After choosing an appropriate topic and writing a thesis statement, you will need to brainstorm to get ideas on how to best support your thesis. The length of your paper will determine the level of detail you should pursue in your supporting content. When you have honed the results of your brainstorming down to a suitable number of subtopics, you can arrange them in the order you feel would be most effective in arguing your thesis statement.

1. Introduction

      A. Introductory Statement

      B. Thesis Statement

      A. First Subtopic

        a. supporting evidence

      B. Second Subtopic

      C. Third Subtopic

3.  Conclusion

      A Restatement of Thesis

      B. Compelling Conclusion

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: Making an Outline

• Purpose of Guide
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Independent and Dependent Variables
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• The Research Problem/Question
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• The C.A.R.S. Model
• Background Information
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• Evaluating Sources
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• Qualitative Methods
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• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Writing Concisely
• Avoiding Plagiarism [linked guide]
• Annotated Bibliography
• Grading Someone Else's Paper

An outline is a formal system used to develop a framework for thinking about what should be the organization and eventual contents of your paper. An outline helps you predict the overall structure and flow of a paper.

Why and How to Create a Useful Outline . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University.

Importance of...

Writing papers in college requires you to come up with sophisticated, complex, and sometimes very creative ways of structuring your ideas . Taking the time to draft an outline can help you determine if your ideas connect to each other, what order of ideas works best, where gaps in your thinking may exist, or whether you have sufficient evidence to support each of your points. It is also an effective way to think about the time you will need to complete each part of your paper before you begin writing.

A good outline is important because :

• You will be much less likely to get writer's block . An outline will show where you're going and how to get there. Use the outline to set goals for completing each section of your paper.
• It will help you stay organized and focused throughout the writing process and help ensure proper coherence [flow of ideas] in your final paper. However, the outline should be viewed as a guide, not a straitjacket. As you review the literature or gather data, the organization of your paper may change; adjust your outline accordingly.
• A clear, detailed outline ensures that you always have something to help re-calibrate your writing should you feel yourself drifting into subject areas unrelated to the research problem. Use your outline to set boundaries around what you will investigate.
• The outline can be key to staying motivated . You can put together an outline when you're excited about the project and everything is clicking; making an outline is never as overwhelming as sitting down and beginning to write a twenty page paper without any sense of where it is going.
• An outline helps you organize multiple ideas about a topic . Most research problems can be analyzed from a variety of perspectives; an outline can help you sort out which modes of analysis are most appropriate to ensure the most robust findings are discovered.
• An outline not only helps you organize your thoughts, but it can also serve as a schedule for when certain aspects of your writing should be accomplished . Review the assignment and highlight the due dates of specific tasks and integrate these into your outline. If your professor has not created specific deadlines, create your own deadlines by thinking about your own writing style and the need to manage your time around other course assignments.

How to Structure and Organize Your Paper . Odegaard Writing & Research Center. University of Washington; Why and How to Create a Useful Outline . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; Lietzau, Kathleen. Creating Outlines . Writing Center, University of Richmond.

Structure and Writing Style

I.   General Approaches

There are two general approaches you can take when writing an outline for your paper:

The topic outline consists of short phrases. This approach is useful when you are dealing with a number of different issues that could be arranged in a variety of different ways in your paper. Due to short phrases having more content than using simple sentences, they create better content from which to build your paper.

The sentence outline is done in full sentences. This approach is useful when your paper focuses on complex issues in detail. The sentence outline is also useful because sentences themselves have many of the details in them needed to build a paper and it allows you to include those details in the sentences instead of having to create an outline of short phrases that goes on page after page.

II.   Steps to Making the Outline

A strong outline details each topic and subtopic in your paper, organizing these points so that they build your argument toward an evidence-based conclusion. Writing an outline will also help you focus on the task at hand and avoid unnecessary tangents, logical fallacies, and underdeveloped paragraphs.

• Identify the research problem . The research problem is the focal point from which the rest of the outline flows. Try to sum up the point of your paper in one sentence or phrase. It also can be key to deciding what the title of your paper should be.
• Identify the main categories . What main points will you analyze? The introduction describes all of your main points; the rest of  your paper can be spent developing those points.
• Create the first category . What is the first point you want to cover? If the paper centers around a complicated term, a definition can be a good place to start. For a paper that concerns the application and testing of a particular theory, giving the general background on the theory can be a good place to begin.
• Create subcategories . After you have followed these steps, create points under it that provide support for the main point. The number of categories that you use depends on the amount of information that you are trying to cover. There is no right or wrong number to use.

Once you have developed the basic outline of the paper, organize the contents to match the standard format of a research paper as described in this guide.

III.   Things to Consider When Writing an Outline

• There is no rule dictating which approach is best . Choose either a topic outline or a sentence outline based on which one you believe will work best for you. However, once you begin developing an outline, it's helpful to stick to only one approach.
• Both topic and sentence outlines use Roman and Arabic numerals along with capital and small letters of the alphabet arranged in a consistent and rigid sequence. A rigid format should be used especially if you are required to hand in your outline.
• Although the format of an outline is rigid, it shouldn't make you inflexible about how to write your paper. Often when you start investigating a research problem [i.e., reviewing the research literature], especially if you are unfamiliar with the topic, you should anticipate the likelihood your analysis could go in different directions. If your paper changes focus, or you need to add new sections, then feel free to reorganize the outline.
• If appropriate, organize the main points of your outline in chronological order . In papers where you need to trace the history or chronology of events or issues, it is important to arrange your outline in the same manner, knowing that it's easier to re-arrange things now than when you've almost finished your paper.
• For a standard research paper of 15-20 pages, your outline should be no more than few pages in length . It may be helpful as you are developing your outline to also write down a tentative list of references.

Four Main Components for Effective Outlines . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University; How to Make an Outline . Psychology Writing Center. University of Washington; Organization: Informal Outlines . The Reading/Writing Center. Hunter College; Organization: Standard Outline Form . The Reading/Writing Center. Hunter College; Outlining . Department of English Writing Guide. George Mason University; Plotnic, Jerry. Organizing an Essay . University College Writing Centre. University of Toronto; Reverse Outline . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Reverse Outlines: A Writer's Technique for Examining Organization . The Writer’s Handbook. Writing Center. University of Wisconsin, Madison; Using Outlines . Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Writing: Considering Structure and Organization . Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College.

Writing Tip

A Disorganized Outline Means a Disorganized Paper!

If, in writing your paper, it begins to diverge from your outline, this is very likely a sign that you've lost your focus. How do you know whether to change the paper to fit the outline, or, that you need to reconsider the outline so that it fits the paper? A good way to check your progress is to use what you have written to recreate the outline. This is an effective strategy for assessing the organization of your paper. If the resulting outline says what you want it to say and it is in an order that is easy to follow, then the organization of your paper has been successful. If you discover that it's difficult to create an outline from what you have written, then you likely need to revise your paper.

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FAQ: How do I write an outline?

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Last Updated: Apr 01, 2024 Views: 4

What is an outline.

An outline is a brainstorming method that you can use to organize your writing. It helps you group your paper's main ideas with their supporting points, and put them all in a logical order. Many students find that creating an outline before they write their paper helps keep them on track and makes the writing process a little easier. 

How do I Format an Outline?

Neither APA nor MLA have specific formats for outlines, so please check with your instructor for a preferred format if you are doing an outline for an assignment. There are a few different common kinds of outlines, but a common one is an alphanumeric outline using Roman numerals and letters - see below for an example!

Example Outline - Alphanumeric

Thesis: (Thesis Statement)

• Detail about that idea
• Detail about that second idea

More Information

• Writing Process This link opens in a new window - includes outline and prewriting information (SNHU Academic Support)
• Tips for Organizing Your Essay (Harvard University) This link opens in a new window
• Four Main Components for Effective Outlines (Purdue OWL) This link opens in a new window

Further Help

Campus students.

To access academic support, visit your Brightspace course and select “Tutoring and Mentoring” from the Academic Support pulldown menu.

Online Students

To access help with citation and more, visit Academic Support via modules in Brightspace:

• The Complete Guide to Using Academic Support via Brightspace This link opens in a new window
• Accessing Writing STEM Help This link opens in a new window

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