Research Paper Thesis Statement and Outline

This week you will continue working on your research paper by writing a thesis statement and an outline for your paper (previous paper in file 1).  In a single Microsoft Word document, include your one-sentence thesis statement and an outline of at least 500 words.

Thesis Statement:

A thesis statement is a one-sentence declarative statement of your paper’s argument. It is placed as the very last sentence in the introductory paragraph of the paper. Your thesis statement should do more than just introduce the topic of your paper, it should give the argument that your paper will “prove.”

See examples of strong thesis statements here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/545/01/

Utilize a Thesis Statement Generator here:
http://www.tommarch.com/electraguide/thesis.php

Outline:

When structuring your research paper, remember that your first paragraph should introduce your topic and include your thesis statement. The body of your paper will be made up of paragraphs that are organized by topic that give evidence and support to your argument (thesis). At the end of the paper, you will close with a concluding paragraph that sums up your main points and demonstrates to the reader that the thesis has been proven.

One of the best ways to ensure a well-organized paper is to begin by making an outline. Outlines help to give organization and direction to a paper. There are many sample outlines available online to view as examples. Try doing a web search for “sample research paper outline” or see this source:

Creating an Outline:
http://www.austincc.edu/tmthomas/sample%20outline%201.htm

Utilize outline format for the outline, as seen in the above example, and be sure to include the specific research you have collected. Remember that the purpose of the outline is to demonstrate how you intend to organize your paper and “prove” your thesis.

Steps to Success

1. Complete all of the textbook and lecture readings for Week 4.
2. Review the feedback you received from your instructor on your research paper proposal in Week 2.
3. Review the grading rubric for the final research paper that you will submit in Week 6, found here. Although the draft you submit this week will not be assessed on this criteria, your paper should still be structured with it in mind.
4. Include your thesis statement and your outline of 500+ words in a single Microsoft Word document.
5. Submit your assignment as an attachment in Microsoft Word format in the W4 Assignment 2 Dropbox.