The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used format for research papers, particularly in the humanities. Crafting an outline for an MLA research paper is essential for organizing your ideas, structuring your arguments, and ensuring your paper flows logically. Here is a general outline that you can adapt to your specific research paper needs:
I. Introduction
- Hook: A compelling statement, question, or fact that grabs the reader’s attention.
- Background Information: Provide context for your research, including a brief overview of the topic and its significance.
- Thesis Statement: A clear, concise statement that presents your main argument or claim. It should be focused, arguable, and relevant to the topic.
II. Body Paragraph 1: [Topic Sentence - Argument 1]
- Topic Sentence: Clearly states the main point of the paragraph, which supports the thesis.
- Evidence: Presents research or data that supports your topic sentence. This could be a quote, a statistic, or another form of evidence.
- Analysis: Explains and interprets the evidence, showing how it supports your argument.
- Linking Sentence: Connects the current paragraph to the next, ensuring a smooth flow of ideas.
III. Body Paragraph 2: [Topic Sentence - Argument 2]
- Topic Sentence: Presents another main point that supports the thesis.
- Evidence: New evidence that backs up the topic sentence.
- Analysis: Interpretation of the evidence, tying it back to your argument.
- Linking Sentence: Bridges to the next paragraph.
IV. Body Paragraph 3: [Topic Sentence - Argument 3]
- Topic Sentence: A third main point supporting the thesis.
- Evidence: Additional evidence.
- Analysis: Explanation of the evidence and its relevance.
- Linking Sentence: Leads into the next section or concludes the body paragraphs.
V. Counterargument and Refutation
- Acknowledgment of Counterargument: Recognizes an opposing viewpoint.
- Refutation: Presents evidence and reasoning to counter the opposing view, strengthening your argument.
VI. Conclusion
- Restate Thesis: A rephrased version of your thesis statement, reminding the reader of your main argument.
- Summary of Main Points: Briefly reviews the key points made in the paper.
- Final Thought: Concludes with a thought-provoking statement, call to action, or insight that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
VII. Works Cited Page
- List of Sources: A comprehensive list of all the sources cited in the paper, formatted according to MLA guidelines. This includes books, articles, websites, and any other materials used in the research.
VIII. Appendices (Optional)
- Supporting Materials: Include any additional materials that are relevant but not essential to the understanding of the paper, such as raw data, extra figures, or lengthy quotations.
Important MLA Guidelines to Keep in Mind:
- Double-spacing: The entire paper, including the Works Cited page, should be double-spaced.
- Font and Size: Use a legible font, typically 12-point Times New Roman.
- Margins: One-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, right).
- Header: Include your last name and page number in the upper right corner of each page, except the first page.
- In-text Citations: Use parenthetical citations to acknowledge sources within the text, following MLA guidelines for different types of sources.
- Headings and Subheadings: While MLA does not strictly require headings, using them can improve clarity. If used, they should be formatted consistently.
This outline provides a basic structure that you can tailor to fit your research paper’s needs. Remember, the key to a successful MLA research paper is thorough research, clear and concise writing, and adherence to MLA formatting guidelines.
