Term Paper Outline

Your term paper outline is your reliable compass throughout the whole writing. Here you arrange all the points you are going to discuss in your term paper. Mostly you do it for yourself.

It will always help you to stay focused and to stick to the point in your paper. However, a tutor may ask you to submit your working term paper outline before you start writing. He will check on ways you are going to develop your thesis and see what can be amended.

You may revise and restructure this version of your outline as you come across new material and find new ideas to be included in your term paper.

Don't make haste with writing the paper. Think carefully over your topic and your main goal; evaluate the material you have found. Subdivide all the relevant material into groups and then name each group. These names will serve as headings and subheadings in your outline.

We would like to remind you that every term paper regardless of the subject has the following sections:

• Introduction or purpose of the paper. This opening part suggests acquainting the reader with the problem and stating the thesis.
• Body: It is usually divided into various headings and sub-headings connected with different aspects of the topic. For example:
  
  • Heading 1: History of the problem. You may include past attempts at solutions.
  • Heading 2: Extent of the problem. Who is affected? What impact has it?
  • Heading 3: Effects of the problem.
  • Heading 4: Possible future solutions.
• Conclusion: Sums up the points made in the term paper and gives a strong answer to the thesis.