Research paper outline template

Quick answer

A research paper outline puts your thesis first, then lists each main point, its supporting evidence and your analysis, plus a counterargument and a conclusion, using I, A, 1, a numbering. Use full sentences for a sentence outline or short phrases for a topic outline.

Download Word

Your instructor asks for full sentences, or you want the most detail.

Download WordCopy to Google Docs

Free. No sign-up. Updated October 2026.

Want to write from your outline? Write it in Writing Studio, with your headings and word counts in view. Sign up

Template preview

Research Paper Outline
Working title: [Title of your paper]
Research question: [The question your paper answers]
Thesis statement: [One sentence stating your position or main finding]
Working source list: [Add each source in your citation style as you use it.]
 
I.Introduction
A.Hook: [A fact, question or short example that draws the reader in.]
B.Background: [The context your reader needs to follow your argument.]
C.Thesis: [Your thesis statement, in one sentence.]
II.[Main point 1, written as a full sentence that supports your thesis.]
A.[Supporting point, as a full sentence.]
1.Evidence: [What the source shows. Author, year, page.]
2.Analysis: [Why this evidence supports your point.]
B.[Supporting point, as a full sentence.]
1.Evidence: [What the source shows. Author, year, page.]
2.Analysis: [Why this evidence supports your point.]
III.[Main point 2, as a full sentence.]
A.[Supporting point, as a full sentence.]
1.Evidence: [What the source shows. Author, year, page.]
2.Analysis: [Why this evidence supports your point.]
B.[Supporting point, as a full sentence.]
IV.[Main point 3, as a full sentence.]
A.[Supporting point, as a full sentence.]
B.[Supporting point, as a full sentence.]
V.Counterargument or Limitations
A.Opposing view: [The strongest argument against your thesis, stated fairly.]
B.Response: [Why your thesis still holds.]
VI.Conclusion
A.Restate the thesis: [Your thesis in new words.]
B.Summarize the main points: [One line for each main point.]
C.Close with the implication: [So what? What should the reader take from this?]
1

Before you submit

Starting from a blank document? Set it up yourself

In Microsoft Word

  1. Open a new document. Type your thesis at the top.
  2. Go to Home, Multilevel List, and choose the I., A., 1., a. style.
  3. Type each main point, press Enter, then Tab to move down a level (Shift+Tab to go back up).
  4. Add evidence and analysis under each supporting point.

In Google Docs

  1. Open a new document. Type your thesis at the top.
  2. Go to Format, Bullets and numbering, Numbered list, and pick the style with Roman numerals and letters (if it is not listed, use List options).
  3. Type each main point, press Enter, then Tab to move down a level (Shift+Tab to go back up).
  4. Add evidence and analysis under each supporting point.

Filled-in example

Sample content for illustration. Do not cite.
Filled-in example

a full sentence outline for a short research paper, with evidence and analysis under each point. Sample content only.

Download the example
Research Paper Outline: Example
Working title: Does Remote Work Raise Productivity for Knowledge Workers?
Research question: Under what conditions does remote work change the productivity of knowledge workers?
Thesis statement: Remote work can raise productivity for knowledge workers when teams keep clear communication routines.
 
I.Introduction
A.Hook: The sharp rise in remote work after 2020 turned a private experiment into a public question.
B.Background: Define knowledge work and the ways researchers measure productivity.
C.Thesis: Remote work can raise productivity for knowledge workers when teams keep clear communication routines.
II.Individual output often improves when interruptions fall.
A.Workers report fewer interruptions at home than in an open office.
1.Evidence: Studies of focused work time at home versus the office.
2.Analysis: Longer blocks of focus help most on solo tasks such as writing and analysis.
B.Saved commuting time is partly reinvested in work.
1.Evidence: Survey data on hours worked and commuting time.
2.Analysis: Some of the productivity gain comes from time, not only from focus.
III.Collaboration is harder without deliberate structure.
A.Information moves more slowly across teams that are not in the same place.
1.Evidence: Research on communication patterns in distributed teams.
2.Analysis: Without routines, questions wait longer for answers.
B.Written updates and set meeting times close most of the gap.
IV.Results depend on the type of work and the worker.
A.Routine tasks and creative tasks respond differently.
B.New hires may need more in-person support than experienced staff.
V.Counterargument or Limitations
A.Opposing view: Some studies find lower productivity and weaker mentoring for newer staff.
B.Response: These results support a managed approach, not a return to the office for everyone.
VI.Conclusion
A.Restate the thesis: Remote work helps when it is designed, not left to chance.
B.Summarize the main points: Focus gains, collaboration costs, and differences by task and worker.
C.Close with the implication: Organizations should set communication routines before deciding where people work.
Note: in a real outline, replace each description of evidence with a specific source (author, year, page).
1

How to use this template

  1. Download the Word file or choose Copy to Google Docs to get your own editable copy.

  2. Write your thesis first. If you cannot state it in one sentence, spend time on that before the rest of the outline.

  3. Write each main point (II, III, IV) as a full sentence that supports the thesis. These become your topic sentences or section headings.

  4. Under each main point, add the evidence you plan to use and one line on what it shows. Note the source so you can cite it later.

  5. Add or remove main points to fit your word count. A 1,500 word paper often has three; a 5,000 word paper may have five to seven.

  6. Check the order. Each point should lead to the next, and each should connect back to the thesis.

  7. Turn the outline into a draft, one roman numeral at a time.

Rules at a glance

Element

Guidance

Numbering order

I., A., 1., a., then (1), (a) if needed

Parallel structure

Items at the same level use the same grammatical form

Division rule

Never a lone A without a B, or a lone 1 without a 2

Topic outline

Words and short phrases

Sentence outline

Complete sentences at every level. Often required for graded outlines

Capitalization

Capitalize the first word of every item

Formatting

Single spaced unless your instructor says otherwise. Use your assignment’s citation style for any sources listed

Common mistakes

  • Starting the outline before the thesis is clear. The thesis decides what stays in.

  • Writing topics instead of claims. “Remote work” is a topic. “Remote work lowers interruptions” is a claim you can support.

  • A single sub-point under a heading. If there is an A, there must be a B; otherwise merge the point upward.

  • Mixing topic and sentence styles at the same level. Pick one style for the whole outline.

  • Leaving out the counterargument. Papers that address the strongest opposing view read as more credible.

  • No evidence slots. An outline that only lists ideas does not show whether you have the sources to support them.

Frequently asked questions

What is a research paper outline?

A research paper outline is a plan that lists your thesis, main points and supporting evidence in order before you write the draft. It helps you check your logic and find gaps in your research early.

How long should a research paper outline be?

Usually one to two pages. A good rule is one roman numeral for each major section of the paper and two or three supporting lines under each. Your instructor may specify a length.

Should I use a topic outline or a sentence outline?

A topic outline uses short phrases and is quicker to write. A sentence outline uses full sentences and is closer to a draft. Use whichever the assignment asks for; if it does not say, a sentence outline gives you more to build on.

Does the outline format change for APA or MLA?

The outline layout does not change. The citation style only affects how you write sources, in the outline and in the final paper. See the APA and MLA format templates for the paper itself.

Do I put the thesis in the outline?

Yes. Put it at the top and again at I.C. The rest of the outline should support it directly.

How do I turn an outline into a paper?

Write each roman numeral as a section or a group of paragraphs. Use each A and B as a paragraph, each numbered line as the evidence and analysis inside it, and keep the order you planned.

Related templates

Literature review template

An outline and a synthesis matrix for your sources.

Essay outline template

A basic 5-paragraph essay outline.

APA format template (7th edition)

APA 7th edition paper in Word and Google Docs.

MLA format template (MLA 9)

MLA 9 paper in Word and Google Docs.

Annotated bibliography template (APA 7th edition)

APA annotated bibliography in Word and Google Docs.

Annotated bibliography template (MLA 9)

MLA annotated bibliography in Word and Google Docs.

Numbering and division rules follow the standard outline conventions taught by university writing centers (for example the Purdue OWL guidance on outlines). Last reviewed October 2026.

Write your essay in Writing Studio

Plan your sections, see your headings with word counts as you write, and keep a short brief for each section next to your text. Export to Word when you’re done.

Sign up

The template download stays free. You do not need an account for it.