04Apr

Academic Paper Outline : Academic Research Paper Outline


Outline for Academic Research Paper

An academic paper is a structured form of academic writing that aims at presenting new information or using already existing knowledge to prove a point. Academic papers enable students to communicate by coming up with new ideas. The main purpose of an academic paper is to persuade by bringing up a reasoned discussion.

There are several types of academic papers. They include:

  • Expository academic paper. This is a type of academic paper used to create a spotlight on matters using grounded information and facts.
  • Descriptive academic paper. In this paper, the writer chooses a specific thing, experience, emotion or idea and describes it.
  • Narrative academic paper. This type requires the writer to create a compelling story about anything imaginable.
  • Argumentative academic paper. The writer is required to present an argument through reasoning and use of evidence.

Outline for Academic Research Paper

The following is an outline for an academic paper:

1. Introduction

You need to write an introduction to briefly introduce your topic and explain how it will be answered. The first sentence of your introduction should grab the attention of the reader in order to give them the motivation to read on.

Your introduction should:

  • Set out the context of your argument.
  • Explain how you will organize your paper.
  • Introduce the theoretical perspectives that you will use.
  • Set out your thesis statement.
  • Introduce the context of your academic paper.

2. Body

An academic paper should have a body consisting of several paragraphs. Your body paragraphs are the source of information for your readers. These paragraphs should:

  • Contain developing sentences that extend the topic sentence.
  • Provide a concluding sentence.
  • Give evidence and examples which support or relate to your topic sentence.
  • Present a topic sentence supporting your thesis statement.

When writing the body, ensure that you follow the following requirements:

  • Evidence. Prove your arguments by providing facts, statistics and references.
  • Accuracy. Be cautious with information and avoid contradicting yourself. Include the relevant arguments presented in your thesis statement.
  • Consistency. Ensure that your paragraphs are consistent and follow a similar structure.
  • Word choice.  Your vocabulary should accurately represent your information.

3. Conclusion

You should finish off your academic paper by writing a strong finishing, reminding your readers what they have read in the rest of your paper. In order for your conclusion to be effective, it should:

  • Restate your thesis statement.
  • Provide suggestions on areas for further research and investigation.
  • Summarize the arguments and evidence that you have provided to support your thesis.

4. References

Provide a list of sources that you have borrowed ideas from to support your topic sentences.