Writing in Sociology at Queens College

The Traditional Outline

T

his is an example of a traditional outline structure. This structure is useful for making sure that you know which ideas, arguments, or themes you will cover in the paper as well as the sources that support those ideas. It also helps you to develop a logical structure for presenting your research and analysis.

  1. Introduction
    1. What topic is this paper about?
    2. What will you do in this paper - Review literature? Present research findings? Make an argument?
  2. First theme: the first idea or topic that you will cover
    1. Research or reading relevant to topic 1
    2. Other research or reading relevant to topic 1
  3. Second theme: The next idea or topic that you will cover
    1. Research or reading relevant to topic 2
    2. Other research or reading relevant to topic 2
  4. Third theme: The last idea or topic that you will cover
    1. Research or reading relevant to topic 3
    2. Other research or reading relevant to topic 3
  5. Conclusion: Your analysis
    1. How is the research that you presented related to the topic of your paper?
    2. What conclusions do you draw based on the research or readings?