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How to Do an Outline for a Research Paper on a Book

Writing a research paper on a book is an assignment most students will undertake. After the book is read and the research completed, the challenge lies in organizing your thoughts and the material. Many students might attempt to jump into a research paper with little more than a good idea, but the key to a successful paper is planning. To plan a research paper, students must develop an outline to guide their thoughts and their writing. An academic outline is an efficient way to organize a research paper, while providing the writer with the flexibility to expand the material if necessary.

Research notes

Instructions

- 1
  The first section of an outline is dedicated to the introduction. In this section, introduce the title of the book and the author. After identifying the author and the title, provide a summary of the book, and establish the thesis statement. The thesis statement explains the problem or point of view the paper will explore
- 2
  The following section of an outline will explain the background of the book and any major issues. Within this section write an analysis of the characters, setting and plot. Discuss any use of figurative language and explain the author's use of symbolism, imagery and foreshadowing.
- 3
  The final elements of an outline will provide a guideline for the concluding statements. In this section, restate the thesis statement for the reader and develop any conclusions. The reader/writer interpretations are presented in this section and any solutions, final opinions or suggestions. Keep in mind, the conclusion is the final opportunity to present any findings and propose additional topics for research and exploration.

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