A General Paper Outline

PARAGRAPH ONE:

• Introduce what your General topic is about:  
  • Example: Sea Birds

THESIS STATEMENT: What the paper will narrow down to…

• Example: Blue Footed Boobies NEED TO BE PROTECTED

• CONCEPT ONE: This is the first idea you will express.
• CONCEPT TWO: This is the second idea you will explore.
• CONCEPT THREE: This is the second to last or last idea to present
• [CONCEPT FOUR]: This is the last idea you will explore.

TRANSITION:  This will take your reader to the first CONCEPT.

PARAGRAPH TWO: CONCEPT ONE:  LEAST IMPORTANT

• Example: Habitat: Still @  home with Mom & Dad
• Factoid One About Concept One:
• Factoid Two About Concept One
• Factoid Three About Concept One
• Factoid Four About Concept One

TRANSITION: SUM UP PARAGRAPH & MOVE TO

PARAGRAPH THREE: CONCEPT TWO:  NEXT TO LEAST IMPORTANT

• Example: Poor Social Skills
• Factoid One About Concept Two
• Factoid Two About Concept Two
• Factoid Three About Concept Two
• Factoid Four About Concept Two

TRANSITION: SUM UP PARAGRAPH & MOVE TO

PARAGRAPH FOUR: CONCEPT THREE: 

NEXT TO MOST IMPORTANT (OR MOST IMPORTANT  If Only 3 Concepts)

• Example: Poor Personal Hygiene
• Factoid One About Concept Three
• Factoid Two About Concept Three
• Factoid Three About Concept Three
• Factoid Four About Concept Three

TRANSITION: SUM UP PARAGRAPH & MOVE TO

PARAGRAPH FIVE: CONCEPT FOUR:  MOST IMPORTANT

• Example: Blue Footed Boobie MONSTER
• Factoid One About Concept Four
• Factoid Two About Concept Four
• Factoid Three About Concept Four
• Factoid Four About Concept Four

TRANSITION: SUM UP PARAGRAPH & MOVE TO

CONCLUSION:

Concept One Supports your Thesis Statement: WHO

Concept Two Supports your Thesis Statement: WHY

Concept Three Supports your Thesis Statement: WHAT

Concept Four supports your Thesis Statement WHERE

DISCUSSION: WHY THESE CONCEPTS SUPPORT YOUR THESIS STATEMENT:

DISCUSS: What can be done to save/support/inform the public about Blue Footed Boobies.

Research Steps

1. Select (or be assigned) a Topic to Research:

[4-6 weeks before paper/project is due]

2. Research: Find resources to start your search.    

[4-6 weeks before the paper/ project is due.]

·         Reference Librarian: Person that can help you narrow or broaden the search for information and can help you to find materials to search for.

·         On-Line Catalog: Books: The Library Catalog is on each lab computer under Library Resources. You can select Books by Title, Author or Subject. Check out the new Library of Texas catalog to find holding across the state. We strongly suggest that you start with a subject search. If you need assistance please see your reference librarian.

·         Online Databases:  Journal or Magazine Articles The library subscribes to stand alone databases & to those supplied through the State of Texas TexShare Program. Click on the Library Resources page; Click on Online Databases. You will need the User Id and Passwords if you wish to access these databases from home. Please see the Library Staff for these.

·         Library of Congress Subject Headings: This is a list of controlled subject for most data systems and library catalogs and indexes. This is also a good place to narrow your search topic.

·         Print Indexes: Readers Guide to Periodical Literature: MLA Guide:

·         General Information Sources: Almanacs, General and Subject Encyclopedia.

·         Internet Research: The researcher is strongly cautioned AGAINST using the  Internet. However, if you use a site on the Internet please check with your professor before using the information in your paper or presentation.

Better safe then sorry.

3. Evaluate Research: This is the step when you read the materials that you have gathered from your research. Make notes and highlight critical areas or concepts that you will want to cover in your paper/project.

[3 weeks before paper/project is due.]

4. Write Research Paper: Use Standard English practices from class. This is a formal paper. Do not use slang. Use a dictionary and thesaurus for word choices and spelling.

[2 weeks before the paper/project is due.]

5. Proofread the Paper/Project: Do not neglect this step. Use spell check and grammar check on the word processor. Have a friend or teacher look at your work before you turn it in. This can make a difference in your grade.

[1 week before paper/project is due.]

6. Turn in Paper/Project and Relax…until next time.