How to write a research paper outline: A step-by-step guide.

Writing a research paper is a key part of degree-level academia. It consists of thousands of words and contains a lot of evidence, explanations and theories. So, having a well-structured research paper outline can ensure that when you come to your write-up, your thoughts are organised.

This handy guide will take you through how to make an outline for a research paper and provide you with some useful tools to assist you in the process.

What is a research paper outline?

A research paper is an academic document in which a writer argues a particular point– backed by evidence, research and analysis. Depending on the setting, publisher or purpose of the work, the research can be very detailed – up to 10,000 or so words for dissertation-level papers - so it’s a good idea to have a clear paper outline before you start.

A typical research paper outline is broken into section or paragraphs, listing the topics you expect to include and any related sources or data to back up your argument. It’s a great way to get a birds-eye view of the task at hand and can also inform your research proposal. Depending on the complexity of the project, you can go as deep as you need.

How to write a research paper outline in 5 steps.

Below we take you through the steps to writing your research paper outline:

1. Decide on your thesis statement.

Your thesis statement is the key topic and argument that your research paper is about. For some assignments, you’ll be given a thesis already by a lecturer or supervisor. Other times, you’ll need to come up with your own – looking back at your academic interests, notes and research.

2. Collect all your sources and information.

You should ensure you have enough sources and data to back up all your points. In your research outline, you can list any experts, sources and evidence you would like to use in order, so it follows a coherent narrative.

3. List the important topics and points.

This is an opportunity for you to list all the points and topics you’d like to feature in your research paper. Simply write everything down you want to discuss. They don’t have to be in any particular order (you’ll arrange them into a more cohesive structure in the next step).

4. Choose your paper outline structure.

There are a few different types of paper outlines you can choose from. How you decide on your structure depends on how you like to work. Do you prefer brief notes, visuals, or full sentences?

Below are some structures you can choose from.

4.1. Alphanumeric.

You can think of the style a bit like a Russian doll of information and supporting information. This is a good way to keep breaking down and expanding on each point.

With this style:

• You’ll list the main section as Roman numerals on the left margin (I. II. III. IV. V. etc.)
• Then, then add the key points with letters placed in an indent. (A. B. C. etc).
• Next, supporting details are then featured as numbers (1. 2. 3. Etc).
• Below that, you can add sub points, sources or other information.

Here’s an example. We used the life of Queen Victoria – but if you want to try it with a different subject, go ahead. As you’ll see, it’s a great way to organise your thoughts.

A. Early Life and Accession

1. Birth and Family Background
   a. Daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn
   b. Became heir presumptive at age 11
2. Accession to the Throne
   a. Became Queen at age 18
   b. Challenges of a young female monarch

B. Reign and Reforms

1. Political Landscape
   a. The Reform Acts and expanding suffrage
   b. Maintaining stability amidst political change
2. Social and Economic Changes
   a. Industrial Revolution's impact on Britain
   b. Social reforms and legislation
3. Imperial Expansion
   a. Growth of the British Empire
   b. Key acquisitions and territories

4.2. Decimal.

The decimal format is similar to alphanumeric but uses numbers and decimals instead of letters. Here’s an example using the same Queen Victoria outline as above.

1. Queen Victoria

1.1 Early Life and Accession

1.1.1 Birth and Family Background a. Daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn b. Became heir presumptive at age 11
1.1.2 Accession to the Throne a. Became Queen at age 18 b. Challenges of a young female monarch

1.2 Reign and Reforms

1.2.1 Political Landscape
a. The Reform Acts and expanding suffrage
b. Maintaining stability amidst political change

1.2.2 Social and Economic Changes
a. Industrial Revolution's impact on Britain
b. Social reforms and legislation

4.3. Full-sentence.

This type of structure is the same as alphanumeric outline, except the text should be written in full sentences and not points. It’s great for those who prefer a bit more detail.

Here’s an example with our old friend Queen Victoria.

I. Queen Victoria's life and reign were pivotal moments in British history.

A. Victoria's early life and unexpected ascension to the throne shaped her rule.

1. Victoria was born into a royal family, but her path to the throne was not straightforward.
   a. She was the daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, and her birth was a significant event for the British monarchy.
   b. At the age of eleven, she unexpectedly became heir presumptive, a position that thrust her into the public eye and prepared her for future responsibilities.
2. Victoria's coronation marked the beginning of a long and impactful reign.
   a. She ascended to the throne at the young age of eighteen, facing the challenges and expectations of ruling a vast and complex empire.
   b. The challenges of being a young female monarch in a male-dominated world were significant, yet she navigated them with remarkable skill and determination.

B. Victoria's reign witnessed significant political, social, and economic transformations.

1. The political landscape of Britain underwent considerable change during Victoria's reign.
   a. The Reform Acts of the 19th century gradually expanded suffrage, altering the balance of power and increasing democratic participation.
   b. Victoria skilfully maintained political stability during a period of significant social and economic upheaval, demonstrating her political acumen and adaptability.
2. Social and economic changes profoundly impacted British society during her reign.
   a. The Industrial Revolution transformed Britain, leading to rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and significant social and economic disparities.
   b. Victoria's reign saw the implementation of various social reforms and legislation aimed at addressing some of the negative consequences of industrialization and improving the lives of the working class.

5. Pull together the framework.

Once you’ve followed all of the steps above, you can pull all of it together to make your paper outline. Remember that your paper outline isn’t set in stone and changes can be made as you progress.

Research paper outline example.

Here we’re going to provide a research paper outline example to help you get started. You can use this example as a guide to help you write yours.

Title: The great scone debate: Does jam go first or second?

I. Introduction
A. What is a scone?
B. Where do they originate from?
C. How popular are scones in the UK?

II. An introduction to Cornwall’s scones
A. How long have the Cornish eaten scones?
1. Cream teas: does jam or cream go first in Cornwall?

III. An introduction to Devon’s scones
A. How long have Devonians eaten scones?
1. Which goes first in Devon?

IV. How does the rest of the country eat scones
A. Breakdown of scones across counties/regions

VI. Conclusion
A. Is there a clear answer on which goes first, jam or cream?

How can Adobe Express help you write your research paper outline?

Adobe has a wealth of tools and features available at your fingertips. These tools can help massively with your research paper outline.

1. Explore our library of research report templates.

Adobe Express has a range of report templates that can help you put pen on paper. Browse the full range of templates and get started crafting your report.

2. Block out your structure with research posters.

For a more creative way to structure your research you can use posters to display key information. Design your own poster with our range of templates.

3. Submit a research proposal.

Create a research proposal you’d be proud to submit. With our templates, you can create a striking research proposal that really captures the imagination.

4. Use a project timeline to stay on-track.

Ensure you never miss a deadline and keep on track with your research by creating a timeline. With Adobe Express, you can keep track of your projects with ease.

5. Design your research paper cover.

Once you’ve finished your research paper, give it a stunning cover that displays the title and author clearly. You can use Adobe Express’ tools to give your research the cover it deserves.

Harness AI power to create a research paper template.

Discover how Adobe Express’ AI template generator can help you create the perfect template for your research paper outline. Customise your template however you choose. Add eye-catching images and icons, adjust fonts and create a template tailored to your research.

Whether your deadline is looming, or you’re simply looking for some inspiration on how to build out your research, using Adobe Express’ AI template generator will help you get started on you research project.

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

How long should a research paper outline be?

Your research paper outline should be around one to three pages long, depending on the length of your proposal and the depth of your outline.

What’s the difference between a research paper and a research outline?

A research paper is the full research report. Whereas a research outline is the plan for everything you want to include and research for the final piece. The paper outline is just brief notes on what the final research will entail.

How many sections should my research paper outline have?

There’s no rule on how many sections your paper outline should have. However, it should follow introduction, body, and conclusion. You can add as much as you feel necessary.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 5 GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.