Writing
How to outline a research paper.
By the EssayMate team · Updated November 4, 2026
A research paper outline is the plan of your paper: its sections, the point each one makes, and the evidence that supports it. A good outline is most of the thinking done before you write a word, and it makes the draft faster and more focused.
This guide covers the two common shapes of research papers, a template for each, and a worked example you can adapt.
Two shapes of research paper
| Argumentative (library) research paper | Empirical paper (IMRaD) | |
|---|---|---|
| Common in | Humanities, social sciences, most coursework | Sciences, psychology, nursing, social science studies |
| Built on | Published sources | Your own data or experiment |
| Sections | Introduction, body sections by argument, conclusion | Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion |
How to write the outline
- Write the research question and a working thesis (or hypothesis); see how to write an essay for what makes a thesis arguable.
- List the main points that answer the question; each becomes a section.
- Put them in order so each section builds on the one before.
- Add evidence under each point: the sources, data or examples you'll use, with page numbers. In an empirical paper, the introduction also needs a short literature review.
- Write each point as a full sentence (a sentence outline): it makes gaps in the logic obvious.
- Check the outline against the assignment: length, required sections, number of sources.
Research paper outline template
I. Introduction
A. Hook and context
B. Background the reader needs
C. Research question and thesis
II. Section 1: first main point
A. Claim
B. Evidence (sources)
C. Analysis: what the evidence shows
III. Section 2: second main point
A. Claim · B. Evidence · C. Analysis
IV. Section 3: counterevidence or limitations
A. The strongest opposing evidence · B. Your response
V. Conclusion
A. Answer to the research question · B. Implications · C. Further research
VI. References
I. Introduction: the problem · what is known (brief literature review) · the gap · research question or hypothesis.
II. Methods: participants or materials · design and procedure · measures · analysis.
III. Results: findings in the order of the questions, with tables and figures, without interpretation.
IV. Discussion: what the results mean · comparison with earlier studies · limitations · implications.
V. Conclusion (if required) · References · Appendices.
Worked example
I. Introduction
Thesis: Restricting phones during lessons improves learning, especially for low-achieving students, and its costs can be managed.
II. Phone use reduces learning in class
Experiments show students recall less when they use phones during lectures (Kuznekoff & Titsworth, 2013).
Multitasking also harms nearby students (Sana et al., 2013).
III. School-wide restrictions improve results
Test scores rose after English schools banned phones, most for low-achieving students (Beland & Murphy, 2016).
IV. Objections
Phones can support learning and safety; supervised devices and collection at the door keep those benefits.
V. Conclusion
The evidence favours restrictions; longer-term studies on understanding, not just recall, are needed.
From outline to draft
- Draft the body sections first; write the introduction last, when you know what the paper argues.
- Turn each outline point into a topic sentence, and each piece of evidence into sentences that cite it.
- Add transitions that explain how each section follows from the last.
- Keep the outline open while drafting and update it if the argument changes.
Example papers
Sample papers written with EssayMate, to read for structure and citations, not to copy.
Frequently asked questions
What format should a research paper outline use?
Usually alphanumeric: Roman numerals for sections (I, II), capital letters for points (A, B), numbers for evidence (1, 2). Some instructors ask for a decimal outline (1, 1.1, 1.1.1). APA papers don't require a set outline format unless the assignment does.
Should an outline use full sentences?
A sentence outline is more useful for research papers, because it shows the actual claims. A topic outline (short phrases) is fine for planning short essays.
How long is a research paper outline?
One to two pages for most undergraduate papers; enough to show every section, its main point and its key evidence.
Do I include the references in the outline?
Yes, name the sources under the points they support, and list them at the end if your instructor wants a full outline.
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