Research essays

Creating an outline will help you

• strengthen your thesis statement
• discover and develop the main points that support your thesis
• determine the evidence that you need to support your thesis
• begin to analyze the evidence you have chosen
• define the importance of your research essay in the broader context of your topic and subject area 
• confidently begin to write the first draft of your essay with a defined structure already in place

What form could your outline take?

• a linear list on a piece of paper
• a diagram (or map) with the thesis as the centre hub and the supporting points radiating out from the centre
• notes arranged on a bulletin board or wall

What does your outline need to include?

• Introductory paragraph with thesis statement
• Body paragraphs with supporting evidence and analysis
• Concluding paragraph where you sum up what you have said and why it is important in the broader context of the topic and subject area

What else might you consider when constructing your outline?

• Think about counter arguments (perspectives in opposition to the one that you are taking) and refutations (arguments against those perspectives).

For more information see Four Main Components for Developing Outlines. (Online Writing Lab at Purdue University)