Research paper outline

A research paper outline lists the introduction (context, research question, thesis), a background or literature review, two to four main sections that each develop one sub-argument with cited sources, a section on counterarguments or limitations, the conclusion, and the reference list.

Copy the template Generate one for my topic

Best for: Papers of about 2,000 words or more that draw on several sources.

I. Introduction

Context: why the topic matters
Research question
Thesis or main argument
Roadmap of the sections

II. Background / literature review

What key sources already say
Where they agree and disagree
The gap your paper addresses

III. Main section 1

Sub-claim
Evidence from sources (cited)
Your analysis

IV. Main section 2

Sub-claim
Evidence (cited)
Analysis

V. Main section 3 (optional)

Sub-claim
Evidence (cited)
Analysis

VI. Counterarguments / limitations

Strongest opposing finding or limitation
Your response

VII. Conclusion

Answer the research question
Implications
Questions for further research

VIII. References / Works Cited

Every cited source in APA, MLA, Chicago or Harvard format

Worked example

Topic: Do four-day school weeks affect student achievement?
Thesis: Evidence from US districts suggests four-day weeks slightly lower achievement on average, with effects depending on how the extra day is used.

Literature review

[Peer-reviewed studies of four-day-week districts]
Gap: few studies of how the fifth day is used.

Main section 1

Achievement results, by grade level, from the sources you found.

Limitations

Districts that switch differ from those that do not (selection bias).

Square brackets mark where your own research goes. Never fill them with made-up sources.

Tips that change the grade

Outline from your sources: Group your notes by sub-claim first; each group becomes a main section. Gaps show where to research next.
Use the format your style guide expects: APA papers often use headings (Introduction, Method, Results, Discussion) for empirical work; MLA papers in the humanities use argument-led sections.
Keep a running reference list: Save each source to your bibliography as you outline so the references section is done when the draft is.

Other outline templates

5-Paragraph Essay Outline Persuasive Essay Outline Narrative Essay Outline Expository Essay Outline Compare and Contrast Essay Outline Argumentative Essay Outline All essay outline templates

Questions students ask

What are the main parts of a research paper?

Introduction, literature review or background, body sections (or Method and Results for empirical papers), discussion or counterarguments, conclusion and references.

Is a research paper outline in APA format different?

APA 7 does not prescribe an outline format. Use the alphanumeric (I, A, 1) or decimal (1, 1.1) system and APA-style section headings if your instructor wants them.

How detailed should my outline be?

Detailed enough that each main point has at least one named source attached. Full-sentence outlines help for long papers.