Organizing and Outlining Your Research Paper

First, let’s go over some of the requirements of a typical research paper in an AP English course:

It should be 6-8 pages (Works Cited page included).
It should be typed in MLA format (double space, 12” Times New Roman Font, 1 inch margins).
It should be an argument.
It should utilize at least five sources. Four of these must be Tier 1 or 2.

Once you have selected your topic, conducted research and collected, read, and annotated sources, it is time to start outlining your paper.

Toulmin vs. Rogerian Method

Remember the Argument in Reading module? If you recall, there are two distinct types of argument.

The Toulmin Method:

Claim: the statement the speaker wishes the audience to believe
Grounds: the basis for the claim, also known as support
Warrant: the inferred reasoning that connects the grounds to the claim
Backing: the support for the warrant
Qualifier: the degree of certainty with which the speaker makes the claim
Rebuttal: exceptions that might be made against the claim

The Rogerian Method:

Introduction: lays out the problem or issue being discussed
Establishing Opposition: acknowledges the opposition to your claim and demonstrates an understanding of the opposing viewpoint
Establishing Your View: explains your perspective or viewpoint while providing support and evidence
Offering Compromise: provides a solution in which both you and the opponent(s) will benefit
Creating Common Ground: stating and explaining the parts of the issue with which you and your opponent(s) agree

Each of these methods includes important parts of an argument – from claims and evidence, to counterclaims and rebuttals. There are numerous ways you can organize your own research essay, but whichever way you choose, be sure to establish claims, support them with evidence, address your opposition, and clearly state your thesis.

Sections of the Research Paper

Introduction: this is the section of your essay where you will establish the context of your question. What are the current debates and perspectives involved in your topic? Who is involved? Why is your question important? Usually, this section of your paper ends with the statement of your research question followed by your thesis statement.

Supporting Body Paragraphs: your essay will have numerous body paragraphs – from 2 to 4. These body paragraphs establish your view. Remember, each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence, followed by a claim that you then will defend with source evidence and commentary. Each paragraph should be well-developed with 5-8 sentences.

Counterclaim Paragraph: you should include ONE well-developed counterclaim paragraph in which you establish a perspective from an opposing viewpoint. You should clearly state the reasoning behind their opposition to your thesis. Remember that you should demonstrate an understanding of their perspective and then offer a rebuttal that shows why it is flawed.

Conclusion: this is the ending paragraph of your essay in which you summarize the key claims you made in your argument and reassert your thesis statement (don't just repeat it word for word). You could include a call to action, re-assert the importance of your issue or include another way to keep your readers thinking about your topic. The conclusion should bring closure to the essay and contain between 4-6 sentences.

Generating an Outline

View the video below on crafting an effective outline:

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