subtopics research paper

How to create a helpful research paper outline

Last updated

21 December 2023

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You need to structure your research paper in an orderly way that makes it easy for readers to follow your reasoning and supporting data. That's where a research paper outline can help.

Writing a research paper outline will help you arrange your ideas logically and allow your final paper to flow. It will make the entire process more manageable and help you work out which details to include and which are better left out.

What is a research paper outline?

Write your research paper outline before starting your first draft. The outline provides a map of how you will structure your ideas throughout the paper. A research paper outline will help you to be more efficient when ordering the sections of your thesis, rather than trying to make structural changes after finishing an entire first draft.

An outline consists of the main topics and subtopics of your paper, listed in a logical order. The main topics will become the sections of your research paper, and the subtopics reveal the content you want to include or discuss under the main topics.

Under each subtopic, you can also jot down items you don't want to forget to include in your research paper, such as:

Topic ideas

Paragraph ideas

Direct quotes

Once you start listing these under your main topics, you can focus your thoughts as you plan and write the research paper using the evidence and data you collected and any additional information.

Why use an outline?

If your research paper does not have a clear, logical order, readers may not understand the ideas you're trying to share, or they may lose interest and not bother to read the whole paper. An outline helps you structure your research paper so readers can easily connect the content, ideas, and theories you're trying to prove or maintain.

Are there different kinds of research paper outlines?

Different kinds of research paper outlines might seem similar but have different purposes. You can select an outline type that provides a clear road map and thoroughly explores each point.

Other types will help structure content logically or with a segmented flow and progression of ideas that align closely with the theme of your research.

The 3 types of outlines

The three outline formats available to research paper writers are:

Alphanumeric or topic outlines

Sentence or full-sentence outlines

Decimal outlines

Let’s look at the differences between each type and see how one may be more beneficial than another, depending on the nature of your research.

This type of research paper outline allows you to segment main headings and subheadings with an alphanumeric arrangement.

The alphanumeric characters of Roman numerals, capital letters, numbers, and lowercase letters define the hierarchy of main topic headings, subtopic headings, and third- and fourth-tier subtopic headings. (e.g., I, A, 1, a)

This method uses minimal words to describe the main and subtopic headings. You'll mostly use this type of research paper outline to focus on the organization of the content while allowing you to review it for unrelated or irrelevant information.

Full-sentence outlines

You will format this type of research paper outline as an alphanumeric outline, using the same alphanumeric characters. However, it contains complete sentences rather than a few words for each main and subtopic heading.

This formatting method allows the writer to focus on looking for inaccuracies and inconsistencies in each point before starting the first draft.

Instead of using alphanumeric characters to define main headings, subheadings, and third- and fourth-tier subheadings, the decimal outline uses a decimal numbering system.

This system shows a logical progression of the content by using 1.0 for the main section heading (and 2.0, 3.0, etc., for subsequent sections), 1.1 for the subheading, 1.1.1 for a third-tier subheading, and 1.1.1.1 for the fourth-tier subheading.

The headings and subheadings will be just a few words, as in the alphanumerical research paper outline. Decimal outlines allow the writer to focus on the content's overall coherence, increasing your writing efficiency and reducing the time it takes to write your research paper.

How to write a research paper outline

Before you begin your research paper outline, you need to determine your topic and gather your information. Let’s look at these steps first, then dive into how to write your outline.

1. Determine your topic

You'll need to establish a topic or the main point you intend to write about.

For example, you may want to research and write about whether influencers are the most beneficial way to promote products in your industry. This topic is the main point around which your essay will revolve.

2. Gather information

You'll need evidence, data, statistics, and facts to prove or disprove that influencers are the best method of promoting products in your industry.

You'll insert any of these things you collect to substantiate your findings into the outline to support your topic.

3. Determine the type of essay you'll be writing

There are many types of essays or research papers you can write. The kinds of essays include:

Argumentative: Builds logic and support for an argument

Cause and effect: Explains relationships between specific conditions and their results

Analytical: Presents a claim on what is being analyzed

Interpretive: Informative and persuasive explanations on how something is perceived

Experimental: Reports on experimental results and the reasoning behind the results

Review: Offers an understanding and analysis of primary sources on a given topic

Definition: Defines what a term or concept means

Persuasive: Uses logic and reason to show that one idea is more justified than another

Narrative: Tells a story of personal experience from the author’s point of view

Expository: Shows an objective view of a subject by exploring various angles

Descriptive: Describes objects, people, places, experiences, emotions, situations, etc.

Once you understand the essay format you are writing, you'll know how to structure your outline.

4. Include basic sections

You'll begin to structure your outline using basic sections. Your main topic headings for these sections may include an introduction, multiple body paragraph sections, and a conclusion.

Once you establish the sections, you can insert the subtopics under each main topic heading.

5. Organize your outline

For example, if you're writing an argumentative essay taking the position that brand influencers (e.g., social media stars on Instagram or TikTok) are the best way to promote products in your industry, you will argue for that particular position.

You'll organize your argumentative essay outline with a main topic section supporting the position. The subtopics will include the reasoning behind your arguments, and the third-tier subtopics will contain the supporting evidence and data you gathered during your research.

You'll add another main topic section to counter and respond to any opposing arguments. Once you've organized and included all the information in this way, this will provide the structure to start your argumentative essay draft.

6. Consider compare-and-contrast essays

A compare-and-contrast essay is a form of essay that analyzes the differences between two opposing theories or subjects. If you have multiple subjects that are the same or different in just one aspect, you can write a point-by-point outline exploring each subject in terms of this characteristic.

The main topic headings will list that one characteristic, and the subtopic headings will list the subjects or items that are the same or different in relation to this characteristic.

Conversely, if you have multiple items to compare, but they have many characteristics that are similar or different, you can write a block method outline. The main topic headings will contain the items to be compared, while the subtopic headings will contain the aspects in which they are similar or different.

7. Consider advanced organizers for longer essays

An advanced organizer is a sentence that introduces new topics by connecting already-known information to new information. It can also prepare the reader for what they may expect to learn from the entire essay, or each section or paragraph.

Incorporating advanced organizers makes it easier for the reader to process and understand the information you are trying to convey. If you choose to use advanced organizers, depending on how often you want to use them throughout your paper, you can add them to your outline at the end of the introduction, the beginning of a section, or the beginning of each paragraph.

Do outlines need periods (full stops)?

If you're constructing alphanumerical or decimal topic outlines, they do not need periods because the entries are usually not complete sentences. However, outlines containing full sentences will need to be punctuated as any sentence is, including using periods.

An example research paper outline

Here is an example of an alphanumerical outline that argues brand influencers are the best method of promoting products in a particular industry:

I. Introduction

A. Background information about the issue and the position being argued.

B. Thesis statement: Influencers are the best way to promote products in this industry.

II. Reasons that support the thesis statement

A. Reason or argument #1

1. Supporting evidence

2. Supporting evidence

B. Reason or argument #2

C. Reason or argument #3

1. Supporting evidence

2. Supporting evidence

III. Counterarguments and responses

A. Arguments from the other point of view

B. Rebuttals against those arguments

IV. Conclusion

How long is a thesis outline?

There is no set length for a research paper outline or thesis outline. Your outline can be as long as it needs to be to organize your thoughts constructively.

You can start with a short outline containing an introduction , background, methodology, data and analysis, and conclusion. Or you can break these sections into more specific segments according to the content you want to share.

Why make writing a research paper more complicated than it needs to be? Knowing the elements of an outline and how to insert them into a cohesive structure will make your final paper understandable and interesting to the reader.

Understanding how to outline a research paper will make the writing process more efficient and less time-consuming.

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Dig Deeper with Subtopics

When exploring a complex topic, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable sections is often essential. This process of dividing a subject into distinct components is known as subtopic analysis. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of subtopics, how they aid in organizing information, and their role in enhancing understanding.

A subtopic can be defined as a specific subject or theme that forms part of a larger topic. It serves as a way to categorize and organize information, allowing for a more detailed examination of different aspects of a subject. Subtopics provide a structured framework that helps readers and researchers navigate through complex ideas and gain a comprehensive understanding of a topic.

The Purpose of Subtopics: 1. Enhancing Clarity and Organization: Subtopics aid in organizing information in a logical and coherent manner. They allow writers to present their ideas in a systematic way, ensuring that readers can follow the flow of information effortlessly. By dividing a topic into subtopics, writers can provide a clear structure that guides readers through the content.

2. Fostering In-depth Analysis: Subtopics enable a deeper exploration of various facets of a subject. By breaking down a topic into smaller sections, researchers can delve into specific areas of interest or investigate different perspectives. This approach facilitates a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the subject matter.

3. Efficient Information Retrieval: Subtopics assist readers in locating specific information within a larger body of content. By organizing information into distinct subcategories, it becomes easier to locate relevant details without having to sift through an entire text. This feature is particularly useful in research papers, where readers may want to refer back to specific sections or gather information on a particular aspect of a topic.

To illustrate the concept of subtopics, let’s consider a broader subject such as climate change. Within this topic, subtopics may include:

1. Causes of Climate Change: – Greenhouse gas emissions – Deforestation – Industrialization

2. Impacts of Climate Change: – Rising sea levels – Extreme weather events – Biodiversity loss

3. Mitigation Strategies: – Renewable energy sources – Carbon capture and storage – Sustainable agriculture

Subtopics play a vital role in organizing and presenting information in a structured and coherent manner. By breaking down complex topics into smaller sections, subtopics enhance clarity, facilitate in-depth analysis, and aid in efficient information retrieval. Whether it’s in academic research, article writing, or any form of content creation, understanding and effectively utilizing subtopics can greatly enhance the overall comprehension and readability of the subject matter.

What Is A Subtopic Example?

A subtopic is a specific aspect or issue within a broader topic that can be further explored or discussed. It allows for a more focused examination of a particular area or theme related to the main topic. For example, if the main topic is “The devastating effects of El Niño will not be lessened by the ability to predict its occurrence,” some subtopics could include:

1. Loss of Environment: – Deforestation and habitat destruction caused by El Niño. – Negative impacts on marine ecosystems and coral reefs. – Loss of biodiversity and species extinction due to El Niño’s effects.

2. Weather Extremes: – Intensification of storms, hurricanes, and cyclones during El Niño. – Increased rainfall and flooding in certain regions. – Droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires triggered by El Niño conditions.

By breaking down the main topic into subtopics, it becomes easier to organize and present information in a more detailed and structured manner.

How Do You Write A Sub Topic?

I. Introduction A. Definition of a subtopic B. Importance of using subtopics in writing

II. Body A. Understanding the main topic 1. Identifying the main theme or subject 2. Narrowing down the focus

B. Brainstorming subtopics 1. Listing related ideas or concepts 2. Organizing subtopics based on relevance

C. Creating subtopic titles 1. Using concise and descriptive words 2. Highlighting the main idea of each subtopic

D. Structuring the subtopics 1. Arranging subtopics in a logical order 2. Ensuring smooth transitions between subtopics

E. Writing subtopic paragraphs 1. Introducing the subtopic in a topic sentence 2. Supporting the subtopic with relevant details and examples

F. Using bullet lists for subtopics 1. Presenting information in a concise and organized manner 2. Enhancing readability and clarity

III. Conclusion A. Recap of the importance and process of writing subtopics B. Encouragement to incorporate subtopics in writing for better organization and clarity.

What Is Subtopic In A Sentence?

A subtopic is a specific subject that is part of a larger topic. It functions as a subset or division within the broader subject. For instance, in a book with ten main topics, each of these topics can be further divided into four subtopics. These subtopics provide more specific information or focus on a particular aspect of the main topic. To illustrate, let’s say we are discussing the key topics in a research paper. These topics are then analyzed and broken down into sub-topics, allowing for a more detailed exploration of the subject matter. The use of subtopics helps to organize and categorize information, making it easier for readers to navigate and comprehend complex subjects.

What Is A Sub Topic Of A Sub Topic?

A subtopic of a subtopic is a further division or breakdown of a subject within a smaller, more specific context. It refers to a subject that forms part of a topic, which is then further divided into subtopics, and those subtopics are further divided into even more specific sub-sub-topics.

To illustrate this with an example, let’s assume the main topic is “Animals.” Under this topic, a subtopic could be “Mammals.” Now, within the subtopic of “Mammals,” there can be various subtopics such as “Carnivores,” “Herbivores,” and “Omnivores.” Continuing the breakdown, under the subtopic of “Carnivores,” you might find sub-sub-topics like “Big Cats,” “Canines,” and “Marine Predators.”

In an organized outline or structure, the subtopics and sub-sub-topics provide a hierarchical framework to explore a subject in a more detailed and specific manner. It allows for a systematic approach to categorizing and analyzing information, making it easier to navigate and understand complex subjects.

A subtopic of a subtopic is a further division of a subject within a smaller, more specific context, providing a hierarchical structure to explore and analyze information in a systematic manner.

A subtopic is a specific subject or theme that is part of a larger topic. It is a way to further break down and explore different aspects or components of a main subject. Subtopics allow for a more focused and organized approach to discussing and analyzing a topic, as they provide a way to categorize and delve deeper into specific areas of interest.

By dividing a topic into subtopics, one can effectively address different aspects, issues, or perspectives related to the main subject. This division helps to provide a clear structure and flow to the overall discussion or research. Subtopics also help to ensure that all relevant aspects of a subject are addressed and that no important information or viewpoints are overlooked.

Additionally, subtopics allow for easier navigation and comprehension of complex subjects. They provide a framework for organizing information and presenting it in a logical and coherent manner. Readers or listeners can easily follow and understand the different subtopics presented, as they can focus on specific areas of interest or relevance to them.

Furthermore, subtopics can enhance the depth and comprehensiveness of research or analysis. By exploring various subtopics, researchers can delve into specific areas of interest, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the subject matter. This allows for a more thorough examination and examination of different perspectives, arguments, or evidence related to the topic.

Subtopics play a crucial role in structuring and organizing information, facilitating a more focused and comprehensive exploration of a main subject. They enable a systematic approach to addressing different aspects or components of a topic, promoting clarity, organization, and depth in research, discussion, or analysis.