Intro
Boost your academic writing with our 7 essential MLA research paper outline templates. Master the Modern Language Association format with ease. Learn how to structure your paper, cite sources, and format headings with our downloadable templates. Improve your research paper writing skills and achieve academic success with our comprehensive guides and resources.
Creating a well-structured outline is crucial for writing a high-quality MLA research paper. An effective outline helps you organize your ideas, structure your arguments, and ensure that your paper flows logically. Here, we will discuss the essential components of an MLA research paper outline and provide seven templates to guide you.
Understanding MLA Research Paper Outline
Before we dive into the templates, let's understand the key elements of an MLA research paper outline. An MLA outline typically includes the following components:
- I. Introduction
- II. Body Paragraphs (usually 3-5)
- III. Conclusion
- IV. Works Cited
Each component has its own set of requirements and guidelines.
Basic MLA Research Paper Outline Template
Here is a basic MLA research paper outline template to get you started:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts
V. Works Cited
MLA Research Paper Outline Template with Subpoints
Here is a more detailed MLA research paper outline template with subpoints:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement D. Research Questions
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Explanation
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Explanation
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts D. Call to Action
V. Works Cited
MLA Research Paper Outline Template for Argumentative Essays
Here is an MLA research paper outline template specifically designed for argumentative essays:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement D. Counterargument
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Refutation of Counterargument
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Refutation of Counterargument
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts D. Call to Action
V. Works Cited
MLA Research Paper Outline Template for Analytical Essays
Here is an MLA research paper outline template specifically designed for analytical essays:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement D. Analysis of Key Terms
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Explanation of Key Terms
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Explanation of Key Terms
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts D. Implications of Analysis
V. Works Cited
MLA Research Paper Outline Template for Comparative Essays
Here is an MLA research paper outline template specifically designed for comparative essays:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement D. Comparison of Key Terms
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Comparison of Key Terms
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Comparison of Key Terms
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts D. Implications of Comparison
V. Works Cited
MLA Research Paper Outline Template for Cause and Effect Essays
Here is an MLA research paper outline template specifically designed for cause and effect essays:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement D. Statement of Cause and Effect
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Explanation of Cause
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Explanation of Effect
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts D. Implications of Cause and Effect
V. Works Cited
MLA Research Paper Outline Template for Narrative Essays
Here is an MLA research paper outline template specifically designed for narrative essays:
I. Introduction A. Hook B. Background Information C. Thesis Statement D. Narrative Hook
II. Body Paragraph 1 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Narrative Description
III. Body Paragraph 2 A. Topic Sentence B. Evidence (Quote, Statistic, etc.) C. Analysis D. Narrative Description
IV. Conclusion A. Restate Thesis B. Summarize Main Points C. Final Thoughts D. Reflection on Narrative
V. Works Cited
Gallery of MLA Research Paper Outlines
MLA Research Paper Outline Templates
In conclusion, creating a well-structured MLA research paper outline is essential for writing a high-quality essay. By using the templates provided above, you can ensure that your paper is well-organized and effectively communicates your ideas. Remember to customize the templates to fit your specific research question and topic.