A research paper outline is a general plan of how information will be presented in your paper. For some papers, all you need is to jot down the main points so that you do not forget any important element as you write. However, for many other papers, you will find it useful to create an outline to help organize your ideas into a rational paper.  There are different kinds of outlines namely:

•    Scratch outline
•    Topic outline
•    Sentence outline


Scratch outline as the name suggests is a string of notes single words or phrases written down with the purpose of refreshing the memory during the writing process.

Topic outline is the most commonly used kind of outline. It consists of words or phrases that are numerically arranged to show order as well as relative importance of the information.


Example of a topic outline:


Title: Career as a Police Officer
I.    Financial aspect
      A.    Disadvantages
             1.    Low pay
             2.    No opportunity to make extra income
      B.    Advantages
             1.    Job Security
                    a.    Permanent employment
                    b.    Attractive retirement benefits
             2.    Potential for success in business or politics after retirement

II.    Social aspect
       A.    Disadvantages
              1.    Limited social interactions
              2.    Unpredictable transfers difficult for family
              3.    Discipline often wearisome
       B.    Advantages
              1.    Can be very fulfilling if one is fitted for the job
              2.    Opportunity to travel and see different places
              3.    Annual paid leave

Sentence Outline: In this kind of outline, each heading is a complete sentence.


Example


Title: Career as a Police Officer

I.    Financial considerations are a big factor when choosing a career
      A.    There are several disadvantages to a career in the police department
              1.    The pay is low compared to other civilian jobs
              2.    There is no opportunity to make extra income
      B.    There are however some appealing advantages
              1.    Job security is at its peak
                     a.    This is permanent employment
                     b.    The likelihood of being fired are minimal
                     c.    The retirement benefits are attractive
                     d.    Promotions are slow but steady
              2.    There is a high potential for success in business or politics after retirement

II.    The social aspect should also be put into considerations
        A.    The most apparent disadvantages include:
                1.     social interactions are usually more restricted
                2.    Unpredictable transfers are generally difficult for family
                3.    The strict discipline is often wearisome
        B.    The advantages however outweigh the disadvantages
                1.    This career can be very fulfilling if one is fitted for the job
                2.    There numerous opportunities to travel and see different places
                3.    An annual paid leave is very appealing


Outline Form


Numbering lettering, indention, punctuation and other aspects of formal outlines adhere to specific conventions. The numbering and Indention should be consistent throughout. Below is a typical form of sentence and topic outline

Main statement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I.    …………………………………………………………… (Use roman numerals for key headings)
      A.    …………………………………………………….. (A capital letter for 1st subhead)
             1.    ………………………………………………. (Use Arabic numeral for 2nd subhead)
             2.    ……………………………………………….
                    a.    ……………………………………….. (Use small letters for the 3rd subhead)  
                    b.    ………………………………………..
                           1)    …………………………………. (Use Arabic numeral with parenthesis for 4th subhead)
     B.    ……………………………………………………..
II.    ……………………………………………………………


Do not endeavor to complicate your outline. Two levels of subheads are usually sufficient for short papers while there’s hardly any need to go beyond the third subhead for longer papers.

Now, if you are agonizing with the thought of having to formulate your research paper outline, then we can take the burden off your shoulders. We are a custom essay writing service that specializes in writing custom essays, research papers, term papers, book reports etc. When you give us the responsibility of writing your paper for you, an outline comes as a free service as is all supplementary pages including the title page, the bibliography, the appendices etc.

Our services will empower you to take control of your grades and time.

Its 100% TRUE and EASY, NO HYPE, NO MONKEY BUSINESS.

Read some real comments from a recent customer: