research paper annotated outline assignment

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research paper annotated outline assignment

How to Create an Annotated Outline

Creating an annotated outline is an important step for major writing and research projects. It helps to make your writing complete by showing you how the different parts relate to one another.

Annotations can give extra info, summarize sources, evaluate the accuracy of sources, and provide evidence and examples. It also helps you to ensure that your paper’s structure makes sense. Annotating the outline can make sure all the needed info is there and save time when it comes to writing the final paper.

Like many documents, the annotated outline is a living document. That means you won’t just create it once. Instead, be prepared to revise it and move things around as your research deepens and you gain a better understanding of the topic at hand.

Before You Start: Conduct Preliminary Research

Write the annotated outline only after you have conducted preliminary research. If you begin writing it before you have compiled any research , you will not know enough about your topic or the direction of your paper to properly outline it.

Skipping over this important step can cost you a lot of time when working on your project. You may find once you start researching that the paper you thought you were going to write isn’t feasible. You may discover your assumptions or hypothesis was wrong. It’s even possible you’ll need to reframe your research question.

First: Create a Clear and Concise Thesis Statement

Once you’ve gathered enough research to have a general idea of the direction your project will take, it’s time to create your thesis statement. For your annotated outline to be effective, your thesis statement needs to be clear and concise.

This sentence should clearly state what you will be arguing or demonstrating in the paper. You will type this at the top of your outline. Be aware, as you research and work through your questions, your thesis statement may change a little. That is just fine. Just be sure that as you move forward, you are working with the most recent version of your document.

Second: Begin to Create Your Annotated Outline

Next, you will outline your paper. Instead of simply writing keywords as you would in a standard outline, you will write out a detailed description of the paper’s content. You’ll include what you intend to write or argue in a particular paragraph, list out all major arguments and sub-arguments, and include annotations.

An annotation is a brief comment that gives extra information or background about the point in the outline. This can include summarizing a source, judging the accuracy and reliability of the source, and explaining how the source supports your argument. Annotations can also be used to give extra evidence or examples to back up the point.

Make sure you cite your research next to any arguments or supporting details so it’s easy for you to recall which quotes and data you want to use in a section when you go to write your paper.

Additionally, as you are outlining your paper, it is important to be mindful of the overall structure and flow of the paper and ensure that each section logically follows the previous one. By taking the time to create a detailed outline, you will have a better understanding of the paper’s content, which will help guide your writing process.

It may also be beneficial to outline what will be used as a transition between each section of the paper, helping to make your argument more cohesive and persuasive.

Third: Check Your Annotated Outline for Consistency and Gaps

Once you have a working outline, it’s time to go back and double-check it for consistency and gaps. Make sure your arguments are well-supported. You may find that you need additional resources to bolster a point you want to make – or that you’ve left an entire sub-argument unsupported.

If any holes need to be filled, now is the time to acquire that additional source material – not when you are halfway through writing the paper.

Finally: Continue to Annotate and Update Your Outline

Finally, you’ll treat your outline as a living document. Keep adding annotations and sources as you conduct further research. This helps you see what you still need to research and where you can stop researching. That way, you don’t over-research your paper and you save time.

Published by RondaBowen

Hello there, and welcome to my page! I have been working as a full-time freelance writer and editor since 2008 when I decided that while I rather enjoyed philosophy, the Ph.D. program I was in was not a good fit for my life goals. Since then, I have published many papers and articles, started two blogs, worked as a senior editor for a magazine, served on the board of a start-up non-profit organization, and walked across fire. View all posts by RondaBowen

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Home » Writers-House Blog » Step-By-Step Guide to Writing an Annotated Outline

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing an Annotated Outline

Before you start to write your research assignment, your teacher may ask you to write an annotated outline. This outline will help you organize the main ideas of your paper and make sure that your thesis is supported by the research. If you have an annotated outline, you can also save a lot of time when it comes to writing the paper itself. Check out this guide from Writers House team of experienced writers to create a good annotated outline for your paper.

The Key Elements

1. Start with an introduction. The first section of your outline should be titled “Introduction,” and it must include the following elements:

a hook that grabs attention and opens your paper;
a quick preview of your main points;
a thesis statement.

2. The main body of your paper should have section headings. You may make them more or less specific, the main thing is to make sure that they are directly related to your thesis statement because they must support it.

Your headings should reflect different aspects of the topic. For example, if you’re writing about climate change in California, your headings may focus on the following things: the geological profile of California, its climate systems, recent climate changes, the consequences of climate change for the local economy, and consequences of global warming for wildlife and biology.
Make sure that your outline gets straight to the point. Don’t try to make more sections than you actually need because the outline must be concise. Usually, annotated outlines don’t exceed 2-2.5 pages with double spaces.

3. Write two or more supporting paragraph headings under every section. We recommend that you write at least two paragraph headings in each section.

4. Write topic sentences for all paragraphs. Every paragraph must begin with a topic sentence that explains what this paragraph will be about and reflects the arguments that you make in this paragraph. For example, when writing about the rise in sea level near California, you can start such a paragraph with a topic sentence that looks like this: “The rise in sea level near California is caused by global warming.”

5. Every paragraph must have at least two supporting examples so that your readers can understand why your points are valid. You should also explain how each paragraph connects back to the thesis statement. Support your points with paraphrases and direct quotes from your sources.

Provide data from surveys and opinions from reputable experts. In the outline, briefly explain the connection between the topic sentence and evidence from each paragraph.
Include a closing sentence that will allow you to make a transition from to the next another. This way, your content will logically flow from one section to another.

6. Write a conclusion section. It must rephrase your thesis statement, wrap up the entire paper, summarizing its key points, and express some meaningful ideas that will reinforce the thesis and leave your readers with something to think about.

An Annotated Outline Without Citations

1. Read your research materials and determine the main sections of your paper. Keep in mind the structure of an annotated outline and highlight the main headings of your paper. Your goal is to break down each heading into at least two paragraph headings.

Note any details from your research that can be used as supporting evidence for your paragraphs. We recommend that you do it before writing the annotated outline itself to save time.

2. Develop your thesis statement before putting your research data into the outline. Make sure that your thesis is concise and clear. This statement is the basis for the entire annotated outline so make sure that it summarizes all the main points.

For instance, if you’re writing a paper about the impact of climate change on California, your thesis statement may look like this: “Global warming imposes a significant threat to California’s economy and can be a reason why the local wildlife and biology will face extinction in the next several decades.”
The thesis statement will help you understand what section headings can back up your main claims, suggesting subtopics for your paragraphs.

3. Place your research data and thesis statement into the annotated outline. Once your thesis is ready and you have in place the necessary research data, you can finalize the structure of the outline. Here’s what the structure will look like:

INTRODUCTION

A hook that grabs attention;
A brief summary of the main points;
The thesis statement.

SECTION HEADING

The summary of the paragraph;
A closing sentence.

(Obviously, you can have more section headings with more than two paragraphs)

The rephrased thesis statement;
The summary of the main points;
The closing sentence.

An Annotated Outline with Citations

1. Read your research materials and determine the main sections of your annotated outline. Think about the structure of an annotated outline and highlight the main section headings. Break these section headings into at least two paragraph headings before writing the outline itself because this way, you will save a lot of time.

2. Choose the main references for each section. We recommend that you figure out what your references list will look like in advance. Select primary references that helped you formulate the main ideas of your paper. Highlight a couple of references for each section of the paper.

You may use APA, MLA, or another citation format. Use references as supporting evidence for each section of your outline.
You can include additional information for each reference. Just write short sentences that summarize the main ideas of your references and explain how they relate to your thesis statement.

3. Write the final draft of your thesis statement. Before including details from your research materials, read your thesis statement and make sure that it’s concise and clear. The thesis statement must serve as the basis for your annotated outline. Make sure that it summarizes the main ideas of your paper.

4. Include your references, research data, and the thesis statement in the annotated outline. Once your thesis statement and research notes are ready, you can complete the structure of the outline. It will look the same as described in the previous section of this guide.

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How to Write an Annotated Outline

Last Updated: August 17, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA . Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 154,422 times.

Before you begin writing your research paper, you may be advised by your teacher to create an annotated outline. An annotated outline can help you organize the main points of your paper and ensure your research supports your thesis. Creating an annotated outline can save you valuable time when you sit down to write your paper.

Understanding the Key Elements of an Annotated Outline

An attention grabbing hook to open your paper
A preview of the main points of the paper
Your thesis statement

Step 2 Use section headings for the body of your paper.

For example, you may be writing a research paper about climate change on Mt.Hood in Portland, Oregon. Your thesis may focus on how the climate systems on Mt.Hood have been affected by climate change, specifically global warming and the effects of these changes. You may then create section headings like: The Geological Profile of Mt.Hood, The Climate Systems on Mt.Hood, The Recent Climate Changes on Mt.Hood via Global Warming, The Effect of Climate Change on the Local Economy, and The Effect of Climate Change on the Biology and Wildlife.
Do not go overboard on section headings, as the annotated outline should be concise and to the point. Most annotated outlines are no longer than two to two and a half pages long, with double spaces between each section.

Step 3 Include at least two supporting paragraph headings under each section heading.

For example, under one section heading, The Geological Profile of Mt.Hood, you may include two paragraph headings: The Glaciers of Mt.Hood and The Forests of Mt.Hood.

Step 4 Create a topic sentence for each paragraph.

For example, under one paragraph heading, The Glaciers of Mt.Hood, you may have this paragraph topic sentence: “The disappearing glaciers on Mt.Hood are clear examples of the effect of global warming on Oregon's highest mountain.”

Step 5 Note at least two supporting points in each paragraph.

For example, under the paragraph heading, The Glaciers of Mt.Hood, you may use one supporting example from a recent geological survey of the largest glacier on the mountain, Eliot Glacier, showing how the glacier is receding. You may then also use a recent geological survey of Palmer snowfields, which was downgraded from a glacier to a snowfield due to significant receding of the glacier.
Your content summary can be one to two lines that explain how the supporting evidence connects back to your thesis. For example: “The drastic receding of Palmer Glacier and the continued receding of Eliot Glacier both show how the rises in the Earth's temperature have caused substantial glacial melting and the loss of at least one key glacial body on the mountain.”
You should then include a closing sentence that transitions from one paragraph to the next paragraph. This will help you ensure your paper flows well and moves effectively from paragraph to paragraph and section to section.

A rephrasing of your thesis statement
Concluding details
A final line or clincher which reinforces your thesis

Creating an Annotated Outline without Citations

Step 1 Read over your research and identify the main sections of your paper.

You should also note any research that may be useful as supporting evidence for your paragraph headings. Identifying this before you dive into the annotated outline will save you time, as you will not need to flip through your research as you put the outline together.

For example, your thesis statement for a paper on how the climate systems on Mt.Hood have been affected by climate change, specifically global warming and the effects of these changes may be: “Due to global warming, the local economy and the biology and wildlife of Mt.Hood are under threat and face possible extinction in the next fifty years.”
From this thesis, you may then create section headings that will back up your thesis, or your paper's claim. For example: The Geological Profile of Mt.Hood, The Climate Systems on Mt.Hood, The Recent Climate Changes on Mt.Hood via Global Warming, The Effect of Climate Change on the Local Economy, and The Effect of Climate Change on the Biology and Wildlife.

Step 3 Place your research and your thesis into an annotated outline.

Attention grabber/ “hook”: “Oregon's highest peak, Mt. Hood is known for its pristine snow and icy blue glaciers. But the most well known volcano in the state is at risk of becoming barren and dry in the next fifty years due to global warming.”
Preview of main points: “This paper will look at how global warming is negatively affecting the biology and wildlife on Mt.Hood, as well as the local economy that thrives on ski resorts and winter sports.”
Thesis statement: “Due to global warming, the local economy and the biology and wildlife of Mt.Hood are under threat and face possible extinction in the next fifty years.”
Evidence/supporting point 1: Past receding of Palmer Glacier and downgrade to snow field, relevant quotations from sources.
Evidence/supporting point 2: Current receding of Eliot Glacier, relevant quotations from sources.
Content summary: “The drastic receding of Palmer Glacier and the continued receding of Eliot Glacier both show how the rises in the Earth's temperature have caused substantial glacial melting and the loss of at least one key glacial body on the mountain.”
Closing sentence: “However, the glaciers of Mt.Hood are not the only threatened climate area on the mountain, as the biology and wildlife in the forests of Mt.Hood are also being drastically affected by rising temperatures.”
Evidence/supporting point 1
Evidence/supporting point 2
Content summary
Closing sentence
Rephrasing of thesis statement
Concluding details on topic
Final sentence/clincher

Creating an Annotated Outline with Citations

Step 1 Review your research and identify the main sections of your paper.

You will then need to use MLA style or APA style to create a citation for each reference. You will use these references in your annotated outline as supporting evidence for each section. [8] X Research source
You can also include additional information for each reference. This can be one to two complete sentences that sum up the main ideas in the reference and how they relate to a main idea in your paper.

Step 3 Do a final draft of your thesis statement.

Evidence/supporting point 1: Past receding of Palmer Glacier and downgrade to snow field, relevant quotations from reference.
Reference: Pacific Northwest Regional Assessment Group, 1999, Impacts of Variability and Change: Pacific Northwest , JISAO Climate Impacts Group / NOAA. The PNW Regional Assessment Group looks at the history of Palmer Glacier and how its mass has shrunk over the past twenty years. This reference also explores how global warming contributed to the shrinkage of Palmer Glacier.
Evidence/supporting point 2: Current receding of Eliot Glacier, relevant quotations from reference.
Reference: National Assessment Synthesis Team / US Global Change Research Program, 2000, Climate Change Impacts on the United States: Potential Consequences of Climate Variability and Change , Cambridge University Press. This reference discusses how climate change is affecting the climate of the United States, including the affect on glaciers in the United States.

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6 Outlining and Annotation

Just as there are different types of essays, there are different outline structures appropriate to different fields and different types of essay assignments. You’ll want to consult with your instructor about any specific organizational requirements, but the following will provide you with some basic examples of outline structures for research papers in several different fields. Pre-draft and Post Draft outlines.

Pre-Draft Outlines

Traditional outlining.

In many of your courses, you’ll be asked to write a traditional, thesis-based research essay. In this structure, you provide a thesis, usually at the end of your introduction, body paragraphs that support your thesis with research, and a conclusion to emphasize the key points of your research paper. You’ll likely encounter this type of assignment in classes in the humanities, but you may also be asked to write a traditional research paper in business classes and some introductory courses in the sciences and social sciences.

In the sample on this page, you’ll see a basic structure that can be modified to fit the length of your assignment. It’s important to note, in shorter research essays, each point of your outline might correspond to a single paragraph, but in longer research papers, you might develop each supporting point over several paragraphs.

Traditional Outline

background, context for topic
transition to thesis
thesis statement
Supporting Point 2
Supporting Point 3
Supporting Point 4
review central ideas presented in the body and make connections to the thesis
transition to closing thoughts
closing thoughts

Traditional Outline Example

Outline of student paper showing Roman numeral formatting, followed by A, B, C categorization, for the topic of digital technology

IMRAD Outlining

In many of your courses in the sciences and social sciences, such as sociology, psychology, and biology, you may be required to write a research paper using the IMRAD format. IMRAD stands for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion. In this format, you present your research and discuss your methods for gathering research. Each section of the IMRAD structure can take several paragraphs to develop.

This structure is also sometimes referred to as the APA format, but be sure not to confuse this with the APA format for documentation of your research.

IMRAD Outline

provide research question
explain the significance
review of background or known information on your topic
describe your methods for gathering information
explain your sources of information, both primary and secondary
describe what you found out from your research.
develop each point thoroughly, as this is the main section of your research paper
explain the significance of your findings
describe how they support your thesis
discuss the limitations of your research

NOTE: APA does not recommend or require any particular outline for your papers. If you’ve seen sample papers following APA format, you may have seen the IMRAD format used, but this is not an official APA requirement. Your assignment should always dictate outline structure, not a formatting style.

So you might have an assignment that requires APA format for the documentation but a very different organizational pattern. In fact, you may use the traditional outline for some projects written in APA format.

See It in Practice

In this videocast, you’ll see how our student writer has organized all of her research into a traditional outline.

Writing an Effective Outline

This checklist can help you write an effective outline for your assignment. It will also help you discover where you may need to do additional reading or prewriting.

Do I have a controlling idea that guides the development of the entire piece of writing?
Do I have three or more main points that I want to make in this piece of writing? Does each main point connect to my controlling idea?
Is my outline in the best order—chronological order, spatial order, or order of importance—for me to present my main points? Will this order help me get my main point across?
Do I have supporting details that will help me inform, explain, or prove my main points?
Do I need to add more support? If so, where?
Do I need to make any adjustments to my working thesis statement before I consider it the final version?

Key Takeaways

Writers must put their ideas in order so the assignment makes sense. The most common orders are chronological order, spatial order, and order of importance.
After gathering and evaluating the information you found for your essay, the next step is to write a working, or preliminary, thesis statement.
The working thesis statement expresses the main idea that you want to develop in the entire piece of writing. It can be modified as you continue the writing process.
Effective writers prepare a formal outline to organize their main ideas and supporting details in the order they will be presented.
A topic outline uses words and phrases to express ideas.
A sentence outline uses complete sentences to express ideas.
The writer’s thesis statement begins the outline and the outline ends with suggestions for the concluding paragraph.

Outline Time?

When it is time for you to write your outline, if you are unsure about the structural requirements for your assignment, be sure to ask your professor.

In your outline, you should aim for a level of detail at least similar to what you see in the models, though more detail may be necessary, depending upon the length of your paper. A clear outline gives you a good plan for your paper and will help you determine whether you have a strong research focus before you begin drafting the paper.

It’s always a good idea to get feedback on your outline before heading into the drafting and integrating stage of your writing process. Share either a formal or informal

Post Draft Outline

A big huzzah–the rough drafts are done, which is a major hurdle. I know there’s still a lot to do, but I think the hardest part’s out of the way.

Now, it’s time to turn away from the raw content creation of writing a draft and towards the fine-tuning, that transforms into polishing and shaping an effective essay.

Like a pre-draft outline, a post-draft outline is a useful tool for assessing the organization of your paper. After you’re done with a rough draft, creating a post-draft outline can help you see how your paper flows from beginning to end.

Annotations

Annotating a text means that you actively engage with it by taking notes as you read, usually by marking the text in some way (underlining, highlighting, using symbols such as asterisks) as well as by writing down brief summaries, thoughts, or questions in the margins of the page. If you are working with a textbook and prefer not to write in it, annotations can be made on sticky notes or on a separate sheet of paper. Regardless of what method you choose, annotating not only directs your focus, but it also helps you retain that information. Furthermore, annotating helps you to recall where important points are in the text if you must return to it for a writing assignment or class discussion.

Annotations should not consist of JUST symbols, highlighting, or underlining. Successful and thorough annotations should combine those visual elements with notes in the margin and written summaries; otherwise, you may not remember why you highlighted that word or sentence in the first place.

How to Annotate:

Underline, highlight, or mark sections of the text that seem important, interesting, or confusing.
Be selective about which sections to mark; if you end up highlighting most of a page or even most of a paragraph, nothing will stand out, and you will have defeated the purpose of annotating.
Use symbols to represent your thoughts.
Asterisks or stars might go next to an important sentence or idea.
Question marks might indicate a point or section that you find confusing or questionable in some way.
Exclamation marks might go next to a point that you find surprising.
Abbreviations can represent your thoughts in the same way symbols can
For example, you may write “Def.” or “Bkgnd” in the margins to label a section that provides definition or background info for an idea or concept.
Think of typical terms that you would use to summarize or describe sections or ideas in a text, and come up with abbreviations that make sense to you.
Write down questions that you have as you read.
Identify transitional phrases or words that connect ideas or sections of the text.
Mark words that are unfamiliar to you or keep a running list of those words in your notebook.
Mark key terms or main ideas in topic sentences.
Identify key concepts pertaining to the course discipline (i.e.–look for literary devices, such as irony, climax, or metaphor, when reading a short story in an English class).
Identify the thesis statement in the text (if it is explicitly stated).

Example of how to annotate a Journal Article:

Links to sample annotated texts – Journal article (https://tinyurl.com/ybfz7uke) · Book chapter excerpt (https://tinyurl.com/yd7pj379)

Basics of Annotating a Text

For three different but equally helpful videos on how to read actively and annotate a text, click on one of the links below:

“ How to Annotate ” (https://youtu.be/muZcJXlfCWs, transcript here )

“ 5 Active Reading Strategies ” (https://youtu.be/JL0pqJeE4_w, transcript here )

“ 10 Active Reading Strategies ” (https://youtu.be/5j8H3F8EMNI, transcript here )

ATTRIBUTIONS

Content Adapted from Excelsior Online Writing Lab (OWL). (2020). Excelsior College. Retrieved from https://owl.excelsior.edu/ licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 International License .
Content Adapted from Composition II. Authored by : Alexis McMillan-Clifton. Provided by : Tacoma Community College. Located at : http://www.tacomacc.edu . L icensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-4.0 International License .
Reverse Outline is an unedited video from The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 License . The video can be found on their page https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/reverse-outline/
Content included from Let’s Get Writing ; Chapter 1 – Critical Reading by Elizabeth Browning is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License

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How To Write An Annotated Outline? Step-By-Step Guide For Students

Sourav Mahahjan

Creating an annotated outline before preparing a research paper is very helpful for the students. Many professors ask the students to prepare before starting a research study. An annotated outline enables the researcher to organise and collect all the necessary information. It assists the researcher in making sure that the research is aligned with the paper's thesis. An annotated outline saves valuable time in writing your research study.

Major critical elements of an annotated outline:

Introduction: The annotated outline should always start with an introduction section, which introduces the title of the research study. Also, the introduction should include a hook statement, which can help attract the attention of the readers of the research paper. The introduction section of the annotated outline should also provide a preview of the main points discussed in the research study. The thesis statement for the research study is also included in the introduction section of the annotated outline.
Section heading should be provided in the main body of the paper . The section heading made by the researcher can depend on the requirements of the research paper. However, these sections must be related to the thesis statement, as it is vital to support the thesis statement of the research study. The heading used in the research should help the different aspects of the research study. For instance, in a search study made on the impacts of climate change in California, the section heading should carry information such as geographical details of California, the effect of climate change on the local economy of California, and the impact of global warming on increasing climate change in California. It is also essential to ensure that the annotated outline carries only relevant information and should not include vague statements regarding the research study. Moreover, it is also necessary to avoid many headings as the annotated outline is very precise and generally consists of 2-3 pages.
Provide 2-3 supporting paragraphs under each section: Providing two distinct headings for each part is essential when writing an annotated outline.
Topic sentences in each paragraph: Starting every section with the topic sentence is essential. The topic sentence is vital as it helps provide information regarding the section and the arguments made by the researcher. For instance, when writing a research study on climate change in California, an area giving information regarding increasing sea level should look like this: "The increasing sea level in California is caused by increasing global warming in the world."
Providing supportive examples: It is impoartnt to provide two supporting examples for each paragraph in the annotated outline. This helps make the information provided in each section authentic in nature. Moreover, it is also important to link each section with the thesis statement of the research study. Pieces of evidence in the section can be provided through surveys and reports. It is also essential to give a closing argument in each section as it helps in blinking the following passage in the annotated outline. This will help create a logical flow between the information provided in the paper.
Providing a conclusion: It is crucial to give a conclusion in the annotated outline. The conclusion section generally includes the thesis statement in a rephrased manner. The decision should summarise all the essential points in the paper, which can support the thesis statement and make the readers think about the research study.

Structure of an annotated outline without the use of citation

It is essential to raise the materials provided for the research study and carefully identify its central section. Take the annotated outline's reference to highlight the paper's most relevant heading. It is important to divide each header into two distinct paragraphs.
Preparing the thesis in the annotated outline of the research paper is recommended. The thesis statement should be clear and to the point. The thesis statement should include all the essential topics in the annotated outline.
The thesis statement should provide information regarding the different sections' heading, which can be used to prove the claims made by the author and helps in creating subheading for the paragraphs.
Mention the research thesis and data in the annotated outline of the research study. Completing the annotated system helps the researcher provide the required information after deciding on the structure of the design.

Types of annotated outline:-

Structure of an annotated online with the use of citation

Introduction: It consists of a hook statement, a summary of the main points and the thesis statement.
Section heading: It will consist of two paragraphs of evidence, a summary and a conclusion of the paragraph.
Conclusion: it consists of a rephrased statement, summary and closing sentence of the annotated outline.

An Annotated outline with citation

It is advisable to read the material regarding the research paper and determine the main heading in the annotated outline. Decide the structure of the outline and highlight the most relevant heading for the outline. Furthermore, it is essential to break these headings into two distinct paragraphs for each heading in the main body of the annotated outline for a research study.
Select the primary reference for each section in the main body of the annotated outline. It is essential to choose the main references for different sources from where primary information for the paragraph has been collected. Alos, provide additional references for different sections of the annotated outline. The use of references is considered vital as it helps improve the authenticity of the claims made by the researcher.
Different referencing styles, such as the MLA or APA citation style, can be used depending on the requirement of the research study.
The researcher can also provide additional information regarding the different references used in the research study.
Prepare a final thesis statement draft, as it serves as the base for completing the annotated outline. The thesis statement should summarise all the critical points of the research study.
Include the thesis statement, references and research data in the annotated outline. After completing the thesis statement, the structure of the annotated outline can be completed.

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Student Paper Template
Grammar Guidelines
Punctuation Guidelines
Writing Guidelines
Creating a Title
Outlining and Annotating
Using Generative AI (Chat GPT and others)
Introduction, Thesis, and Conclusion
Strategies for Citations
Determining the Resource This link opens in a new window
Citation Examples
Paragraph Development
Paraphrasing
Inclusive Language
International Center for Academic Integrity
How to Synthesize and Analyze
Synthesis and Analysis Practice
Synthesis and Analysis Group Sessions
Decoding the Assignment Prompt
Annotated Bibliography
Comparative Analysis
Conducting an Interview
Infographics
Office Memo
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Poster Presentations
PowerPoint Presentation
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Research Writing: The 5 Step Approach
Step 1: Seek Out Evidence
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Outlining and Annotating Resources

Writing an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a summary and evaluation of a resource. Writing an annotated bibliography will help you gain an in-depth understanding of your topics and is useful for organizing and cataloging resources for use when developing an argument. An annotated bibliography begins with an APA formatted reference followed by one or two paragraphs of text that summarizes the study, evaluates the reliability of the information, and evaluates how the information relates to previous and future research.

This table provides a high-level outline of the structure of a research article and how each section relates to important information for developing an annotated bibliography.

Annotated Bibliography Sample Outline

Author, S. A. (date of publication). Title of the article. Title of Periodical, vol. (issue), page-page. https://doi.org/XXXXXX

Write one or two paragraphs that focus on the study and its findings.

Two or more sentences that outline the thesis, hypothesis, and population of the study.
Two or more sentences that discuss the methodology.
Two or more sentences that discuss the study findings.
One or more sentences evaluating the study and its relationship to other studies.

Outlining (Scholarly Writing) - Group Session

Outlining (Scholarly Writing) Icon Hand drawing a mind map

Tuesday 4:00 p.m.

Outlining is a way of organizing ideas and is a helpful strategy for academic success. There are multiple ways to outline and doing so before and after composing a paper can help with the paper's arrangement and help ensure alignment with assignment prompts. This group session will include general organization techniques, creating an outline from an assignment prompt, creating an outline from a thesis, outlining for larger projects, and reverse outlining.

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APA Research Paper Outline: Examples and Template

Table of contents

1 Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?
2.1 Purpose of research paper outline
2.2 APA outline example
3.1 APA paper outline example
3.2 Introduction:
3.4 Conclusion:
4 The Basic APA Outline Format
5 APA Style Outline Template Breakdown
6.1 APA Research Paper Outline Example
6.2 APA Paper Outline Format Example
7.1 First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis
7.2 Main Body
7.3 Conclusion
7.4 Decimal APA outline format example
7.5 Decimal APA outline format layout
8.1 A definite goal
8.2 Division
8.3 Parallelism
8.4 Coordination
8.5 Subordination
8.6 Avoid Redundancy
8.7 Wrap it up in a good way
8.8 Conclusion

Formatting your paper in APA can be daunting if this is your first time. The American Psychological Association (APA) offers a guide or rules to follow when conducting projects in the social sciences or writing papers. The standard APA fromat a research paper outline includes a proper layout from the title page to the final reference pages. There are formatting samples to create outlines before writing a paper. Amongst other strategies, creating an outline is the easiest way to APA format outline template.

Why Is Research Paper Format Necessary?

Consistency in the sequence, structure, and format when writing a research paper encourages readers to concentrate on the substance of a paper rather than how it is presented. The requirements for paper format apply to student assignments and papers submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed publication. APA paper outline template style may be used to create a website, conference poster, or PowerPoint presentation . If you plan to use the style for other types of work like a website, conference poster, or even PowerPoint presentation, you must format your work accordingly to adjust to requirements. For example, you may need different line spacing and font sizes. Follow the formatting rules provided by your institution or publication to ensure its formatting standards are followed as closely as possible. However, to logically structure your document, you need a research paper outline in APA format. You may ask: why is it necessary to create an outline for an APA research paper?

Concept & Purposes of Research Paper Outline

A path, direction, or action plan! Writing short essays without a layout may seem easy, but not for 10,000 or more words. Yet, confusing a table of contents with an outline is a major issue. The table of contents is an orderly list of all the chapters’ front matter, primary, and back matter. It includes sections and, often, figures in your work, labeled by page number. On the other hand, a research APA-style paper outline is a proper structure to follow.

Purpose of research paper outline

An outline is a formalized essay in which you give your own argument to support your point of view. And when you write your apa outline template, you expand on what you already know about the topic. Academic writing papers examine an area of expertise to get the latest and most accurate information to work on that topic. It serves various purposes, including:

APA paper outline discusses the study’s core concepts.
The research paper outlines to define the link between your ideas and the thesis.
It provides you with manageable portions that you can handle.
The research paper’s APA outline enables the detection of structural faults or gaps.
As shown in the example, it must clearly comprehend the subject at hand.

APA outline example

This research paper outline example will guide you in formatting the layout for a clear direction to work on. It eliminates the inconsistency along with lacking proper substance in the paper.

Understanding the APA Outline Format

It would not be wrong to say there is no standard outline format. The official publishing handbook does not give precise guidelines for preparing an outline. But, it requires certain basic guidelines to follow regarding typeface, font size, structure, margins, etc.

APA paper outline example

Moreover, the final shape of your work relies on your instructor’s specifications and your particular preferences for APA citation format. Though, it would be better to follow some standards for formatting your outline, for instance:

Times New Roman is a widely accessible standard typeface for an APA essay format in 12-point font. However, serif and sans serif fonts like Arial and Georgia are acceptable in font size 11pt.

The text of your paper format should be double-spaced.

The primary headlines use Roman and Arabic numerals to write an outline.

Headings & Subheadings

While writing an APA essay, there are particular standards for utilizing headings in your outline: I – Main headings are numbered by Roman numerals like I, II, III, IV A – Subheadings are numbered with Capital letters (A, B, C, D) 1 – The APA outline uses Arabic numerals (1-9 type numbers) within those subheadings. a – Below Arabic number subheadings, lower-case letters are used (a, b, a). [1] – Headings below those subheadings use Arabic numbers enclosed in parenthesis.

APA format offers a standard layout for each paper, such as

1-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right.
The page number on the upper right corner.

The structure of writing an outline consists of three major sections:

Introduction

Introduction:

This section highlights crucial background information.

Explain the primary points that support your ideas.

Conclusion:

Summarize your key arguments.
Explain how these concepts support your ultimate stance, as shown in APA outline example below.

An outline in APA has three common formats that vary in the numeric sequence of all. To make it easier for you, we have compiled all three templates. You can format your document using these examples for added coherence and structure.

The Basic APA Outline Format

APA Style Outline Template Breakdown

Numbering the APA style format follows five levels of headings that use different alphabets and numbers. For instance, I – Headings use Roman numerals like I, II, and III. A – CAPITAL ALPHABETS”, such as A, B, C, etc. 1 – Headings and subheadings use Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3). a – If there are further headings (the fourth level), use lower-case alphabets. [1] – Headings below that (the fifth level) use Arabic numerals enclosed in parentheses, such as [1], [2], [3].

Full Sentence Outline Format

As the name specifies, the full-sentence style outline format requires every line to be a proper sentence. Full-sentence APA style outline is best recommended for essays and speeches. It gives your writing process an idea or a logical path to follow.

APA Research Paper Outline Example

If you are looking for how to write a research paper outline APA in Full Sentence Format, here is an example:

Full Sentence APA format heading utilizes Roman numerals I, II, and III. Every heading must be a full sentence. Here is an APA style paper outline template for the full-sentence format that will clear all your confusion on how to write an outline in full-sentence format.

APA Paper Outline Format Example

I. Introduction

III. Conclusion

Decimal Outline Format

The decimal outline format for APA research papers differs from other formats. The decimal APA style is simple and uses paragraphs for structure. It contains three main paragraphs, introduction, main body, and conclusion.

First Paragraph: Hook and Thesis

The first paragraph is a sentence or two that introduces the central concept of your article.
Introduce your topic or subject of study where your research is applicable as a context for further research.
Explain why the mentioned issue is essential or relevant to the audience.
A thesis statement is a claim that you make throughout your whole essay.
The topic phrase is the first point in any writing to support a thesis statement.
Give an explanation or provide evidence to support your point.
Provide verifiable facts, figures, and/or citations from credible sources in your writing. It helps in the substantiating assertion.
Include as many supporting statements and related evidence in your decimal outline.

Finally, when you write an outline, provide a concluding remark to support your claims.

Decimal APA outline format example

1.0 The main heading 1.1 Subheading under the main heading 1.2 Second digit is represented by subheadings under the main headings 1.2.1 Further division adds another digit in decimal format 1.2.2 You can number them as per the number of paragraphs or points, or lines An easy way to write in decimal APA outline format is to remember the structure, i.e.; 1.1.1 = Heading.Paragraph.Sentence/point under paragraph.”

Decimal APA outline format layout

1.0 Main heading 1.1 First paragraph for first heading. 1.2 Second paragraph for first heading. 1.2.1 First point or sentence for the second paragraph. 2.0 Second heading 2.1 Second heading, first paragraph. 2.2 Second heading, second paragraph. 2.2.1 Second, heading, second paragraph, first sentence, or point. 3.0 Decimal working 3.1 You must remember that each digit represents a segment. 3.2 It is easier to remember the placement of numbers. 3.2.1 First digit represents the heading 3.2.2 Second digit represents the paragraph under the main heading <3.2.3 The third digit represents any point or sentence under the paragraph.

Tips for Writing an Outline: Organize Your Ideas

You may feel it is easier to write without outlines, but once you start writing, organizing your ideas or thoughts becomes hard. Even if you have some fantastic ideas, producing an engaging story is practically hard. If you are not first creating an outline or conceptual guides while writing a research paper, you may lose track. A well-written outline is essential in completing your paper and maintaining quality. Establishing your point in paper writing is easy if you create an outline first. You can find an APA research paper outline template that best suits your requirement. Moreover, these tips can help you polish your writing. These tips and sample papers can help you write outstanding outlines without making any hassle.

A definite goal

For better expression, make a list of primary objectives on a title page in a single phrase or less. Your goal should be specific and measurable. If it is too broad or imprecise, you will not achieve anything. If you are working on a large paper format that covers a variety of themes or topics, you may have a more general purpose in mind. But, if you plan to write an essay, the aim should be as specific and clear as possible to be effective.

Breaking things up rather than allowing them to become verbose is known as the division rule. Make sure that each subsection in the document corresponds to its parent heading. If it doesn’t compare to the section, removing it or moving it to another location is better.

Parallelism

It is mainly related to the consistency and structure of the document. It keeps your paper’s layout tidy and also ensures relevancy. For instance, if you begin one heading with a verb, make sure all other headings and subheadings also start with a verb.

Coordination

Having headings aligned is critical to creating a well-organized outline. This rule also applies to subheadings, which is a good thing. If one title is less important than another, consider changing your layout by incorporating it into a subsection instead.

Subordination

Subordination deals with maintaining a connection between your paper’s headings and subheadings. It helps in the proper sequencing of headings and subheadings. Headings should be broad at the outset. At the same time, the subheadings become more particular as they go further into the document.

Avoid Redundancy

While writing a paper outline, look through it many times and cross out any items that aren’t necessary or have no significance. While outlining, make sure to be specific and concise. It will prevent you from adding information that does not supporting your final essay. Remove all the extra information and points while c that weighs you down while you write.

Wrap it up in a good way

Creating an outline does not only help in writing a coherent term paper, but it also helps in ending with precise understanding. Be considerate of your audience’s time and effort when you write an outline in APA, and ensure it serves its purpose. If you still have any doubts about formatting your paper outline, you can use this APA-style research paper outline template to write your document. We have provided Outline Format Example for every style.

People find it hard to write an outline in APA, but if you are aware of the requirements and structure, it’s no breeze. Sometimes, your instructor may alter your paper format by introducing or removing existing sections. As a result, if you come across any templates for an outline in APA, pay close attention to them. If you are looking for a quick answer to how to outline an APA paper, here’s a standard logical sequence of typical parts to include when writing an outline in APA:

Thesis statement
Techniques employed
Body of paper
Conclusions section
List of references

A well-written outline is an excellent tool for presenting an outstanding paper. Including the key components while writing an outline for a research paper is necessary.

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Home » Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Research Paper Outline – Types, Example, Template

Table of Contents

By creating a well-structured research paper outline, writers can easily organize their thoughts and ideas and ensure that their final paper is clear, concise, and effective. In this article, we will explore the essential components of a research paper outline and provide some tips and tricks for creating a successful one.

Research Paper Outline

Research paper outline is a plan or a structural framework that organizes the main ideas , arguments, and supporting evidence in a logical sequence. It serves as a blueprint or a roadmap for the writer to follow while drafting the actual research paper .

Typically, an outline consists of the following elements:

Introduction : This section presents the topic, research question , and thesis statement of the paper. It also provides a brief overview of the literature review and the methodology used.
Literature Review: This section provides a comprehensive review of the relevant literature, theories, and concepts related to the research topic. It analyzes the existing research and identifies the research gaps and research questions.
Methodology: This section explains the research design, data collection methods, data analysis, and ethical considerations of the study.
Results: This section presents the findings of the study, using tables, graphs, and statistics to illustrate the data.
Discussion : This section interprets the results of the study, and discusses their implications, significance, and limitations. It also suggests future research directions.
Conclusion : This section summarizes the main findings of the study and restates the thesis statement.
References: This section lists all the sources cited in the paper using the appropriate citation style.

Research Paper Outline Types

There are several types of outlines that can be used for research papers, including:

Alphanumeric Outline

This is a traditional outline format that uses Roman numerals, capital letters, Arabic numerals, and lowercase letters to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is commonly used for longer, more complex research papers.

I. Introduction

A. Background information
B. Thesis statement
1 1. Supporting detail
1 2. Supporting detail 2
2 1. Supporting detail

III. Conclusion

A. Restate thesis
B. Summarize main points

Decimal Outline

This outline format uses numbers to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is similar to the alphanumeric outline, but it uses only numbers and decimals to indicate the hierarchy of the ideas.

1.1 Background information
1.2 Thesis statement
1 2.1.1 Supporting detail
1 2.1.2 Supporting detail
2 2.2.1 Supporting detail
1 2.2.2 Supporting detail
3.1 Restate thesis
3.2 Summarize main points

Full Sentence Outline

This type of outline uses complete sentences to describe the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is useful for those who prefer to see the entire paper outlined in complete sentences.

Provide background information on the topic
State the thesis statement
Explain main idea 1 and provide supporting details
Discuss main idea 2 and provide supporting details
Restate the thesis statement
Summarize the main points of the paper

Topic Outline

This type of outline uses short phrases or words to describe the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is useful for those who prefer to see a more concise overview of the paper.

Background information
Thesis statement
Supporting detail 1
Supporting detail 2
Restate thesis
Summarize main points

Reverse Outline

This is an outline that is created after the paper has been written. It involves going back through the paper and summarizing each paragraph or section in one sentence. This can be useful for identifying gaps in the paper or areas that need further development.

Introduction : Provides background information and states the thesis statement.
Paragraph 1: Discusses main idea 1 and provides supporting details.
Paragraph 2: Discusses main idea 2 and provides supporting details.
Paragraph 3: Addresses potential counterarguments.
Conclusion : Restates thesis and summarizes main points.

Mind Map Outline

This type of outline involves creating a visual representation of the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It can be useful for those who prefer a more creative and visual approach to outlining.

Supporting detail 1: Lack of funding for public schools.
Supporting detail 2: Decrease in government support for education.
Supporting detail 1: Increase in income inequality.
Supporting detail 2: Decrease in social mobility.

Research Paper Outline Example

Research Paper Outline Example on Cyber Security:

A. Overview of Cybersecurity

B. Importance of Cybersecurity
C. Purpose of the paper

II. Cyber Threats

A. Definition of Cyber Threats

B. Types of Cyber Threats
C. Examples of Cyber Threats

III. Cybersecurity Measures

A. Prevention measures

Anti-virus software
Encryption B. Detection measures
Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
Security Operations Center (SOC) C. Response measures
Incident Response Plan
Business Continuity Plan
Disaster Recovery Plan

IV. Cybersecurity in the Business World

A. Overview of Cybersecurity in the Business World

B. Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

C. Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Business

V. Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

A. Overview of Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

C. Best Practices for Cybersecurity in Government Organizations

VI. Cybersecurity Ethics

A. Definition of Cybersecurity Ethics

B. Importance of Cybersecurity Ethics

C. Examples of Cybersecurity Ethics

VII. Future of Cybersecurity

A. Overview of the Future of Cybersecurity

B. Emerging Cybersecurity Threats

C. Advancements in Cybersecurity Technology

VIII. Conclusion

A. Summary of the paper

B. Recommendations for Cybersecurity

C. Conclusion.

IX. References

A. List of sources cited in the paper

B. Bibliography of additional resources

Introduction

Cybersecurity refers to the protection of computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from unauthorized access, theft, damage, or any other form of cyber attack. B. Importance of Cybersecurity The increasing reliance on technology and the growing number of cyber threats make cybersecurity an essential aspect of modern society. Cybersecurity breaches can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. C. Purpose of the paper This paper aims to provide an overview of cybersecurity, cyber threats, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity in the business and government sectors, cybersecurity ethics, and the future of cybersecurity.

A cyber threat is any malicious act or event that attempts to compromise or disrupt computer systems, networks, or sensitive data. B. Types of Cyber Threats Common types of cyber threats include malware, phishing, social engineering, ransomware, DDoS attacks, and advanced persistent threats (APTs). C. Examples of Cyber Threats Recent cyber threats include the SolarWinds supply chain attack, the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack, and the Microsoft Exchange Server hack.

Prevention measures aim to minimize the risk of cyber attacks by implementing security controls, such as firewalls, anti-virus software, and encryption.

Firewalls Firewalls act as a barrier between a computer network and the internet, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic to prevent unauthorized access.
Anti-virus software Anti-virus software detects, prevents, and removes malware from computer systems.
Encryption Encryption involves the use of mathematical algorithms to transform sensitive data into a code that can only be accessed by authorized individuals. B. Detection measures Detection measures aim to identify and respond to cyber attacks as quickly as possible, such as intrusion detection systems (IDS), security information and event management (SIEM), and security operations centers (SOCs).
Intrusion Detection System (IDS) IDS monitors network traffic for signs of unauthorized access, such as unusual patterns or anomalies.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) SIEM combines security information management and security event management to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of security alerts.
Security Operations Center (SOC) SOC is a dedicated team responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats. C. Response measures Response measures aim to mitigate the impact of a cyber attack and restore normal operations, such as incident response plans (IRPs), business continuity plans (BCPs), and disaster recovery plans (DRPs).
Incident Response Plan IRPs outline the procedures and protocols to follow in the event of a cyber attack, including communication protocols, roles and responsibilities, and recovery processes.
Business Continuity Plan BCPs ensure that critical business functions can continue in the event of a cyber attack or other disruption.
Disaster Recovery Plan DRPs outline the procedures to recover from a catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster or cyber attack.

Cybersecurity is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries, as they handle sensitive data, financial transactions, and intellectual property that are attractive targets for cyber criminals.

Risk assessment is a critical step in developing a cybersecurity strategy, which involves identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and consequences to determine the level of risk and prioritize security measures.

Best practices for cybersecurity in business include implementing strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, regularly updating software and hardware, training employees on cybersecurity awareness, and regularly backing up data.

Government organizations face unique cybersecurity challenges, as they handle sensitive information related to national security, defense, and critical infrastructure.

Risk assessment in government organizations involves identifying and assessing potential threats and vulnerabilities, conducting regular audits, and complying with relevant regulations and standards.

Best practices for cybersecurity in government organizations include implementing secure communication protocols, regularly updating and patching software, and conducting regular cybersecurity training and awareness programs for employees.

Cybersecurity ethics refers to the ethical considerations involved in cybersecurity, such as privacy, data protection, and the responsible use of technology.

Cybersecurity ethics are crucial for maintaining trust in technology, protecting privacy and data, and promoting responsible behavior in the digital world.

Examples of cybersecurity ethics include protecting the privacy of user data, ensuring data accuracy and integrity, and implementing fair and unbiased algorithms.

The future of cybersecurity will involve a shift towards more advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and quantum computing.

Emerging cybersecurity threats include AI-powered cyber attacks, the use of deepfakes and synthetic media, and the potential for quantum computing to break current encryption methods.

Advancements in cybersecurity technology include the development of AI and machine learning-based security tools, the use of blockchain for secure data storage and sharing, and the development of post-quantum encryption methods.

This paper has provided an overview of cybersecurity, cyber threats, cybersecurity measures, cybersecurity in the business and government sectors, cybersecurity ethics, and the future of cybersecurity.

To enhance cybersecurity, organizations should prioritize risk assessment and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes prevention, detection, and response measures. Additionally, organizations should prioritize cybersecurity ethics to promote responsible behavior in the digital world.

C. Conclusion

Cybersecurity is an essential aspect of modern society, and organizations must prioritize cybersecurity to protect sensitive data and maintain trust in technology.

for further reading

X. Appendices

A. Glossary of key terms

B. Cybersecurity checklist for organizations

C. Sample cybersecurity policy for businesses

D. Sample cybersecurity incident response plan

E. Cybersecurity training and awareness resources

Note : The content and organization of the paper may vary depending on the specific requirements of the assignment or target audience. This outline serves as a general guide for writing a research paper on cybersecurity. Do not use this in your assingmets.

Research Paper Outline Template

Background information and context of the research topic
Research problem and questions
Purpose and objectives of the research
Scope and limitations

II. Literature Review

Overview of existing research on the topic
Key concepts and theories related to the research problem
Identification of gaps in the literature
Summary of relevant studies and their findings

III. Methodology

Research design and approach
Data collection methods and procedures
Data analysis techniques
Validity and reliability considerations
Ethical considerations

IV. Results

Presentation of research findings
Analysis and interpretation of data
Explanation of significant results
Discussion of unexpected results

V. Discussion

Comparison of research findings with existing literature
Implications of results for theory and practice
Limitations and future directions for research
Conclusion and recommendations

VI. Conclusion

Summary of research problem, purpose, and objectives
Discussion of significant findings
Contribution to the field of study
Implications for practice
Suggestions for future research

VII. References

List of sources cited in the research paper using appropriate citation style.

Note : This is just an template, and depending on the requirements of your assignment or the specific research topic, you may need to modify or adjust the sections or headings accordingly.

Research Paper Outline Writing Guide

Here’s a guide to help you create an effective research paper outline:

Choose a topic : Select a topic that is interesting, relevant, and meaningful to you.
Conduct research: Gather information on the topic from a variety of sources, such as books, articles, journals, and websites.
Organize your ideas: Organize your ideas and information into logical groups and subgroups. This will help you to create a clear and concise outline.
Create an outline: Begin your outline with an introduction that includes your thesis statement. Then, organize your ideas into main points and subpoints. Each main point should be supported by evidence and examples.
Introduction: The introduction of your research paper should include the thesis statement, background information, and the purpose of the research paper.
Body : The body of your research paper should include the main points and subpoints. Each point should be supported by evidence and examples.
Conclusion : The conclusion of your research paper should summarize the main points and restate the thesis statement.
Reference List: Include a reference list at the end of your research paper. Make sure to properly cite all sources used in the paper.
Proofreading : Proofread your research paper to ensure that it is free of errors and grammatical mistakes.
Finalizing : Finalize your research paper by reviewing the outline and making any necessary changes.

When to Write Research Paper Outline

It’s a good idea to write a research paper outline before you begin drafting your paper. The outline will help you organize your thoughts and ideas, and it can serve as a roadmap for your writing process.

Here are a few situations when you might want to consider writing an outline:

When you’re starting a new research project: If you’re beginning a new research project, an outline can help you get organized from the very beginning. You can use your outline to brainstorm ideas, map out your research goals, and identify potential sources of information.
When you’re struggling to organize your thoughts: If you find yourself struggling to organize your thoughts or make sense of your research, an outline can be a helpful tool. It can help you see the big picture of your project and break it down into manageable parts.
When you’re working with a tight deadline : If you have a deadline for your research paper, an outline can help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all the necessary points. By mapping out your paper in advance, you can work more efficiently and avoid getting stuck or overwhelmed.

Purpose of Research Paper Outline

The purpose of a research paper outline is to provide a structured and organized plan for the writer to follow while conducting research and writing the paper. An outline is essentially a roadmap that guides the writer through the entire research process, from the initial research and analysis of the topic to the final writing and editing of the paper.

A well-constructed outline can help the writer to:

Organize their thoughts and ideas on the topic, and ensure that all relevant information is included.
Identify any gaps in their research or argument, and address them before starting to write the paper.
Ensure that the paper follows a logical and coherent structure, with clear transitions between different sections.
Save time and effort by providing a clear plan for the writer to follow, rather than starting from scratch and having to revise the paper multiple times.

Advantages of Research Paper Outline

Some of the key advantages of a research paper outline include:

Helps to organize thoughts and ideas : An outline helps to organize all the different ideas and information that you want to include in your paper. By creating an outline, you can ensure that all the points you want to make are covered and in a logical order.
Saves time and effort : An outline saves time and effort because it helps you to focus on the key points of your paper. It also helps you to identify any gaps or areas where more research may be needed.
Makes the writing process easier : With an outline, you have a clear roadmap of what you want to write, and this makes the writing process much easier. You can simply follow your outline and fill in the details as you go.
Improves the quality of your paper : By having a clear outline, you can ensure that all the important points are covered and in a logical order. This makes your paper more coherent and easier to read, which ultimately improves its overall quality.
Facilitates collaboration: If you are working on a research paper with others, an outline can help to facilitate collaboration. By sharing your outline, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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How to Write a Research Paper: Annotated Bibliography

Anatomy of a Research Paper
Developing a Research Focus
Background Research Tips
Searching Tips
Scholarly Journals vs. Popular Journals
Thesis Statement
Annotated Bibliography
Citing Sources
Evaluating Sources
Literature Review
Academic Integrity
Scholarship as Conversation
Understanding Fake News
Data, Information, Knowledge

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

UMary Writing Center

Check out the resources available from the Writing Center .

Write an Annotated Bibliography

What is an annotated bibliography?

It is a list of citations for various books, articles, and other sources on a topic.

An annotation is a short summary and/or critical evaluation of a source.

Annotated bibliographies answer the question: "What would be the most relevant, most useful, or most up-to-date sources for this topic?"

Annotated bibliographies can be part of a larger research project, or can be a stand-alone report in itself.

Annotation versus abstracts

An abstract is a paragraph at the beginning of the paper that discusses the main point of the original work. They typically do not include evaluation comments.

Annotations can either be descriptive or evaluative. The annotated bibliography looks like a works cited page but includes an annotation after each source cited.

Types of Annotations:

Descriptive Annotations: Focuses on description. Describes the source by answering the following questions.

Who wrote the document?

What does the document discuss?

When and where was the document written?

Why was the document produced?

How was it provided to the public?

Evaluative Annotations: Focuses on description and evaluation. Includes a summary and critically assess the work for accuracy, relevance, and quality.

Evaluative annotations help you learn about your topic, develop a thesis statement, decide if a specific source will be useful for your assignment, and determine if there is enough valid information available to complete your project.

What does the annotation include?

Depending on your assignment and style guide, annotations may include some or all of the following information.

Should be no more than 150 words or 4 to 6 sentences long.
What is the main focus or purpose of the work?
Who is the intended audience?
How useful or relevant was the article to your topic?
Was there any unique features that useful to you?
What is the background and credibility of the author?
What are any conclusions or observations that your reached about the article?

Which citation style to use?

There are many styles manuals with specific instructions on how to format your annotated bibliography. This largely depends on what your instructor prefers or your subject discipline. Check out our citation guides for more information.

Additional Information

Why doesn't APA have an official APA-approved format for annotated bibliographies?

Always consult your instructor about the format of an annotated bibliography for your class assignments. These guides provide you with examples of various styles for annotated bibliographies and they may not be in the format required by your instructor.

Citation Examples and Annotations

Book Citation with Descriptive Annotation

Liroff, R. A., & G. G. Davis. (1981). Protecting open space: Land use control in the Adirondack Park. Cambridge, MA: Ballinger.

This book describes the implementation of regional planning and land use regulation in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York. The authors provide program evaluations of the Adirondack Park Agencys regulatory and local planning assistance programs.

Journal Article Citation with Evaluative Annotation

Gottlieb, P. D. (1995). The “golden egg” as a natural resource: Toward a normative theory of growth management. Society and Natural Resources, 8, (5): 49-56.

This article explains the dilemma faced by North American suburbs, which demand both preservation of local amenities (to protect quality of life) and physical development (to expand the tax base). Growth management has been proposed as a policy solution to this dilemma. An analogy is made between this approach and resource economics. The author concludes that the growth management debate raises legitimate issues of sustainability and efficiency.

Examples were taken from http://lib.calpoly.edu/support/how-to/write-an-annotated-bibliography/#samples

Book Citation

Lee, Seok-hoon, Yong-pil Kim, Nigel Hemmington, and Deok-kyun Yun. “Competitive Service Quality Improvement (CSQI): A Case Study in the Fast-Food Industry.” Food Service Technology 4 (2004): 75-84.

In this highly technical paper, three industrial engineering professors in Korea and one services management professor in the UK discuss the mathematical limitations of the popular SERVQUAL scales. Significantly, they also aim to measure service quality in the fast-food industry, a neglected area of study. Unfortunately, the paper’s sophisticated analytical methods make it inaccessible to all but the most expert of researchers.

Battle, Ken. “Child Poverty: The Evolution and Impact of Child Benefits.” A Question of Commitment: Children's Rights in Canada . Ed. Katherine Covell and R.Brian Howe. Waterloo, ON: Wilfrid Laurier University Press. 2007. 21-44.

Ken Battle draws on a close study of government documents, as well as his own research as an extensively-published policy analyst, to explain Canadian child benefit programs. He outlines some fundamental assumptions supporting the belief that all society members should contribute to the upbringing of children. His comparison of child poverty rates in a number of countries is a useful wake-up to anyone assuming Canadian society is doing a good job of protecting children. Battle pays particular attention to the National Child Benefit (NCB), arguing that it did not deserve to be criticized by politicians and journalists. He outlines the NCB’s development, costs, and benefits, and laments that the Conservative government scaled it back in favour of the inferior Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB). However, he relies too heavily on his own work; he is the sole or primary author of almost half the sources in his bibliography. He could make this work stronger by drawing from others' perspectives and analyses. However, Battle does offer a valuable source for this essay, because the chapter provides a concise overview of government-funded assistance currently available to parents. This offers context for analyzing the scope and financial reality of child poverty in Canada.

Journal Article Example

Kerr, Don and Roderic Beaujot. “Child Poverty and Family Structure in Canada, 1981-1997.” Journal of Comparative Family Studies 34.3 (2003): 321-335.

Sociology professors Kerr and Beaujot analyze the demographics of impoverished families. Drawing on data from Canada’s annual Survey of Consumer Finances, the authors consider whether each family had one or two parents, the age of single parents, and the number of children in each household. They analyze child poverty rates in light of both these demographic factors and larger economic issues. Kerr and Beaujot use this data to argue that.

Examples were taken from http://libguides.enc.edu/writing_basics/ annotatedbib/mla

Check out these resources for more information about Annotated Bibliographies.

Purdue Owl- Annotated Bibliographies
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill- Annotated Bibliographies
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Last Updated: Apr 4, 2024 5:51 PM
URL: https://libguide.umary.edu/researchpaper

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Criminal Justice Research and Writing – CJUS 230

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 02/01/2024

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Course Description

This course is an introductory course to research in the social sciences, both in traditional and online venues. It covers plagiarism, APA formatting, case briefing, academic writing, formal reporting, and memoranda. A major research paper is required.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog .

The purpose of this course is to assist the student in becoming a competent writer and researcher.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations , the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (2)

The student will take part in two Discussions in this course. Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student must create a thread of 300–500 words in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. In addition to the thread, the student must post a 150–300-word reply to 2 other classmates’ threads. In both the thread and replies, the student must support his/her assertions with at least 1 reference from the Learn materials and 1 biblical citation. Responses must also support the major points with examples and thoughtful analysis, and include at least 1 reference from the Learn materials and 1 biblical citation for each response. All citations must use current APA formatting.

Research Paper Assignments (3)

Throughout the course, the student will complete a Research Paper. This major project is broken into the following three assignments:

Research Paper: Thesis Assignment
Research Paper: Annotated Outline Assignment
Research Paper: Final Assignment

Investigation Project Assignments (2)

The student will complete an Investigation Project of a hypothetical case. Two assignments will be completed for the Investigation Project:

Investigation Project: Suspect and Property Sheet Assignment
Investigation Project: Incident Report and Narrative Assignment

Case Brief Assignment

The student will complete a 1–2-page Case Brief based on the assigned judicial opinion provided in the course. The Case Brief must include the following sections: Caption, Facts, Procedural History, Issue, Rule of Law, Holding, and Rationale.

Quiz: Video Response

The student will complete the Quiz: Video Response.

The student may take the Quiz: Video Response twice; the highest score will count toward his/her overall grade.

Quizzes (3)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned. The quizzes will be open-book/open-notes.

The student will complete the following three quizzes:

Quiz: APA References
Quiz: Paper Elements and Writing Style
Quiz: Mechanics of Style

The student may take each quiz an unlimited number of times; the highest score will count toward his/her overall grade.

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COMMENTS

How to Create an Annotated Outline
August 27, 2013 RondaBowen. Creating an annotated outline is an important step for major writing and research projects. It helps to make your writing complete by showing you how the different parts relate to one another. Annotations can give extra info, summarize sources, evaluate the accuracy of sources, and provide evidence and examples.
Annotated Outline Assignment
Chapter 9 Defendants Victims and Witnesses. 14th Amendment Assignment. Bohm and Haley ch 3-4 notes and quiz. Bohm and haly ch 14 review. annotated outline research paper: annotated outline assignment nyla roberts school of government, liberty university cjus230: criminal justice research and.
Step-By-Step Guide to Writing an Annotated Outline
Before you start to write your research assignment, your teacher may ask you to write an annotated outline. This outline will help you organize the main ideas of your paper and make sure that your thesis is supported by the research. If you have an annotated outline, you can also save a lot of time when it comes to writing the paper itself.
3 Ways to Write an Annotated Outline
1. Begin with Introduction section. Your annotated outline should begin with an Introduction section, titled Introduction. Underneath the section heading, you should include one point each for: [1] An attention grabbing hook to open your paper. A preview of the main points of the paper. Your thesis statement.
Sample Annotated Student Paper
Research Guides; APA 7th Edition Style Guide; Sample Annotated Student Paper; Search this Guide Search. APA 7th Edition Style Guide. ... Sample Annotated Paper - APA Style 7th Edition. Annotated Student Sample Paper. Annotated Professional Sample Paper. Sample Student Paper (no annotations)
PDF Outlining
Outline formats and requirements can vary widely based upon the type of research paper being written, the discipline or field of study, and the formatting and style guidelines for your particular ...
How to Create a Structured Research Paper Outline
A decimal outline is similar in format to the alphanumeric outline, but with a different numbering system: 1, 1.1, 1.2, etc. Text is written as short notes rather than full sentences. Example: 1 Body paragraph one. 1.1 First point. 1.1.1 Sub-point of first point. 1.1.2 Sub-point of first point.
Outlining and Annotation
6 Outlining and Annotation Outlining. A strong outline is like a road map for your research paper. Outlining can help you maintain a clear focus in your research essay because an outline helps you see your whole paper in a condensed form, which can help you create a good plan for how you'll organize your research and develop your ideas.
PDF The Writing Process: Sample Annotated Outline
The Writing Process: Sample Annotated Outline IV. Summary and Conclusions A. Summary of the research: what works and where B. Directions for future programs and research References List all references according to APA style that correspond with the citations you will include in your outline (from the sources you've found and explored thus far).
How To Write An Annotated Outline? Step-By-Step Guide For Students
Decide the structure of the outline and highlight the most relevant heading for the outline. Furthermore, it is essential to break these headings into two distinct paragraphs for each heading in the main body of the annotated outline for a research study. Select the primary reference for each section in the main body of the annotated outline.
PDF Organizing a Paper
Organizing a paper brings together the parts of the assignment drafted during the research and writing process: the thesis statement, outline, annotated bibliography of sources, abstract (if
Outlining and Annotating
Outlining (Scholarly Writing) - Group Session. Tuesday 4:00 p.m. Outlining is a way of organizing ideas and is a helpful strategy for academic success. There are multiple ways to outline and doing so before and after composing a paper can help with the paper's arrangement and help ensure alignment with assignment prompts.
APA Research Paper Outline [Examples + Template]
If you are looking for how to write a research paper outline APA in Full Sentence Format, here is an example: A. For subheadings, you use capital alphabets A, B, C. B. Subheadings must complement, lead, or link to the paper's main idea. 1. Arabic numerals are used for headings under subheadings like 1, 2, and 3. 2.
CJUS 230 Annotated Outline Final
Rachael Frazier. CJUS 230-D. July 17, 2023. Research Paper: Annotated Outline. Racial profiling by law enforcement, the practice of using race as a factor of choice in police stops, searches, and arrests, has long been an emotive topic that significantly impacts minority populations.
Research Paper Outline
This outline format uses numbers to organize the main ideas and supporting details of a research paper. It is similar to the alphanumeric outline, but it uses only numbers and decimals to indicate the hierarchy of the ideas. Example: 1.0 Introduction. 1.1 Background information.
How to Write a Research Paper: Annotated Bibliography
Annotated bibliographies can be part of a larger research project, or can be a stand-alone report in itself. Annotation versus abstracts. An abstract is a paragraph at the beginning of the paper that discusses the main point of the original work. They typically do not include evaluation comments. Annotations can either be descriptive or evaluative.
What Is an Annotated Bibliography?
Published on March 9, 2021 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on August 23, 2022. An annotated bibliography is a list of source references that includes a short descriptive text (an annotation) for each source. It may be assigned as part of the research process for a paper, or as an individual assignment to gather and read relevant sources on a topic.
Annotated Outline Assignment
Research Paper: Annotated Outline Assignment Capital Punishment I. Introduction Thesis Statement . Capital punishment violates human rights, it may be applied unfairly, and it reinforces violence in society; therefore, it should not be considered by governments as a viable solution for combating crime.
Research Paper Annotated Outline Assignment.docx
RESEARCH PAPER: ANNOTATED OUTLINE ASSIGNMENT 5 America's exceptionally disproportionate incarceration record, compared to other leading democracies. The source helps further provide a foundational basis upon which to better understand the ongoing deepening debate around American exceptionalism in addressing crime and punishment. For example, the authors focus on how the historical political ...
Criminal Justice Research and Writing
Research Paper: Annotated Outline Assignment Research Paper: Final Assignment Investigation Project Assignments (2) The student will complete an Investigation Project of a hypothetical case. Two ...
CJUS 230
Final Paper Outline - Presley. Assignments None. 2. Case Brief - CRJ 230. Assignments 100% (5) 14. ... Annotated Outline Assignment; Case Brief - CJUS Writing; Police Report Interviews ... Thesis Research - For this assignment, we had to pick a topic that is serious in the criminal. 5 pages 2022/2023 None.
Research Paper Annotated Outline Assignment Instructions 2 .docx
The Research Paper: Annotated Outline Assignment must include a reference page with 5 academic resources published within the last 5 years and composed using current APA formatting. The Research Paper: Annotated Outline Assignment must be written in outline format.
RESEARCH PAPER: ANNOTATED OUTLINE ASSIGNMENT
The annotated outline is a tool used by criminal justice professionals to provide an outline of a research paper while incorporating annotations of the research used to support the thesis. INSTRUCTIONS After selecting a criminal justice topic for the Research Paper: Final Assignment and submitting your Research Paper: Thesis Assignment on the ...