Three Organizational Strategies for Your Research Paper
For this project, there are three basic types of topics and, accordingly, three different options for organizing your topic into an outline:
Three Organizational Strategies to Consider
I. A Problem that Needs a Solution
1-Background of the Problem (be objective; inform the reader about the origins, beginnings, history, or causes of the problem)
2-Current Extent of the Problem (be objective; inform the reader about the extent of the current problem and the effects it is having)
3-The Solution (be subjective; argue your position/opinion/recommendation/judgments about how to best solve the problem)
II. A Conflict or Controversy with Opposing Sides
1-Background of the Controversy (be objective; inform the reader about the origins, beginnings, history, or causes of the conflict/controversy)
2-Opposing Viewpoints on the Controversy (be objective; inform the reader about the opposing viewpoints or arguments made by each side of this issue)
3-My Position (be subjective; argue your position/opinion/recommendation/judgments about resolving this issue)
III. A Development, Trend, Achievement, or Movement
1-Background of the Trend, Achievement, or Movement (be objective; inform the reader about the origins, beginnings, history, or causes of the trend, achievement, or movement)
2-Current Importance of the Trend or Movement (be objective; inform the reader about recent events, developments, effects and consequences associated with your topic)
3-My Position on the Trend or Movement (be subjective; argue your position/opinion/recommendation/judgments about whether the development, movement, or trend is having positive, negative, or morally-ambiguous effects on people or society; make educated predictions about future effects of this development; or express concerns that you have regarding where this development or trend is headed)