1. Mapping out your paper before writing it
CREATING AN OUTLINE
Mapping out your paper before writing it

2. The outline: What is it and how does it look?
An outline is a general plan of the material that is to be presented. The outline shows the order of the various topics, the relative importance of each, and the relationship between the various parts.
What order is used in an outline?
There are many ways to arrange the different parts of a subject. Sometimes, a chronological arrangement works well. At other times, a spatial arrangement is best suited to the material. The most common order in outlines is to go from the general to the specific. This means you begin with a general idea and then support it with specific examples.
How should my outline begin?
All outlines should begin with a thesis sentence. This thesis sentence presents the central idea of the paper. It must always be a complete, grammatical sentence, specific and brief, which also expresses the point of view you are taking towards the subject. It should also be worded in the affirmative.

3. What kinds of outlines are there?
The two main types of outlines are the topic outline and the sentence outline. In the topic outline, the headings are given in single words or brief phrases. In the sentence outline, all the headings are expressed in complete sentences. For your research paper, you will be making a topic outline.
What is the format of the outline?
The format for your research paper outline will look like this:
A title which shows your topic and position
Your thesis statement
Several Roman numerals to show the main sections of your paper.
Capital letters under each Roman numeral to show subtopics.
Regular numbers (1, 2, etc.) to show further division, if necessary.
A summary sentence

4. Creating an Effective Outline for Your Research Paper
There are four main components in making an effective outline:
1. Each heading and subheading should be written in a parallel manner. In other words, they should be worded in a similar way.
I. Buying a horse
A. Age of horse
B. Size of horse
II. Caring for a horse
A. Types of food
B. Types of shelter
III. Training a horse
A. Finding a trainer
B. Doing a workout
IV. Riding a horse
A. Mounting
B. Walking
C. Galloping

5. 2. The outline should have coordination
2. The outline should have coordination. That is, the information in all headings should have the same level of importance to your paper.
I. Visit and evaluate college campuses
II. Visit and evaluate college websites
A. Note important statistics
B. Look for interesting classes

6. I. Influential people in life
3. The outline should have subordination. That is, the information in the headings should be more general, while the information in the subheadings should be more specific.
I. Influential people in life
A. Parents
B. Teachers
C. Friends

7. A. List relevant coursework
4. The outline must have division. That is, each heading should be divided into two or more parts. This makes sense because when you put a subheading under a heading you are saying that the subheading is a part of the heading; therefore, there must be at least one more part.
I. Compile resume
A. List relevant coursework
B. List work experience
C. List volunteer experience

8. Here is a sample topic outline for a research paper
Single-sex Classes Show Positive Results
Thesis: Research shows that single-sex classes are better for
girls, and therefore should be encouraged.
I. Background
A. Segregated education
B. Coeducation
C. Title IX
II. Gender Bias
A. Attention
1. Opportunity
2. Discipline

9. III. Academic advantages
B. Favoritism
1. Encouragement
2. Expectation
III. Academic advantages
A. Grade improvement
1. Materials
2. Methods
B. Techniques
1. Math
2. Science
IV. Personal advantages
A. Distraction
B. Comfort
1. Environment
2. Students

10. C. Development
1. Self-confidence
2. Role models
Conclusion: Because of the tremendous advantages for young
women, same-sex classes should be incorporated into
more American schools.
With a little work and organization, you too can create a good topic outline for your research paper!