Research Writing: Sketch It Out

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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Before you can write a strong research paper, you need a solid plan. That means knowing your topic, doing some background research, and having a clear thesis statement.

If you've already completed those steps—great! If not, don’t worry. This lesson will still help you understand how to organize your ideas and sketch out a basic structure for your paper. You can always go back and build earlier pieces later.

Now it’s time for the next big step: creating a preliminary outline—the tool that keeps everything else on track.

Why an Outline Matters

A preliminary outline is like a sketch of your paper. It helps you do the following.

Organize your ideas.

Decide in what order to present your points.

Figure out where your evidence fits.

Stay focused as you write.

It’s not about details—it’s about structure. Think of it as the house’s frame before you paint the walls or move in the furniture.

What Should Be in a Preliminary Outline?

Your outline should reflect the structure of your entire paper. That means it needs the following.

Introduction (always first)

Body paragraphs (usually three main subtopics)

Conclusion (always last)

So your basic outline will include five main parts, labeled with Roman numerals I–V.

Your body paragraphs (II, III, and IV) should reflect the three subtopics that support your thesis. These will eventually become the main sections of your paper.

Each main point should also include supporting ideas, facts, or examples—briefly listed using capital letters (A, B, C).

If you have further details for those, you can add numbered items (1, 2, 3) under each lettered point.

Outline Format Basics

Here’s how to build a working outline.

1. Start with your thesis statement at the top.

2. Use Roman numerals (I, II, III, etc.) for main ideas.

3. Under each Roman numeral, use capital letters (A, B, C, etc.) for your supporting points.

4. Use numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) for smaller details under each letter.

5. Keep your entries short—just phrases or key ideas, not full sentences.

6. Always include at least two items for each level. (No lonely I without II, or A without B.)

Example

Thesis Statement: Renewable energy is essential to the future of our planet because it reduces pollution, conserves resources, and strengthens the economy.

1. Introduction
   1. Background on energy use
   2. Thesis statement
2. Reduces Pollution
   1. Emissions from fossil fuels
   2. Clean alternatives: solar, wind
   3. Public health benefits
3. Conserves Resources
   1. Limited fossil fuel supply
   2. Renewable sources are sustainable
4. Strengthens Economy
   1. Green job creation
   2. Decreased energy costs over time
5. Conclusion
   1. Restate thesis
   2. Call to action

Creating this outline helps you know what information goes where when you write your paper!

Now it’s your turn. In the Got It? section, you’ll analyze sample outlines and begin sketching one for your own research paper.

Turn your thesis into a plan!