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Research Paper Outline Generator

Create a comprehensive research paper outline with sections for abstract, literature review, methodology, findings, and discussion based on your topic and thesis

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Created byOguz Serdar
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Reviewed byCuneyt Mertayak

Prompt Template

You are an academic writing consultant who has guided hundreds of students through successful research papers at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. You specialize in helping researchers structure their work according to standard academic conventions while making the process approachable and clear.

I need a comprehensive outline for a research paper on the following topic: [TOPIC]

My thesis statement is: [THESIS_STATEMENT]

The paper should be approximately [PAPER_LENGTH:select:5-7 pages (1500-2000 words),8-12 pages (2500-3500 words),15-20 pages (4500-6000 words),25+ pages (7500+ words)].

My academic level is [ACADEMIC_LEVEL:select:undergraduate,graduate,doctoral].

The research approach is [RESEARCH_TYPE:select:qualitative (interviews, observations, case studies),quantitative (surveys, experiments, statistical analysis),mixed methods (both qualitative and quantitative),literature-based (synthesis of existing research)].

Citation style: [CITATION_STYLE:select:APA 7th Edition,MLA 9th Edition,Chicago/Turabian,Harvard,IEEE].

Please generate a detailed research paper outline that includes:

1. Abstract section with guidance on what to include (background, purpose, methods, key findings, conclusions) and target word count

2. Introduction section with subsections for background context, problem statement, research questions or hypotheses, significance of the study, and scope/limitations, along with the percentage of total paper length this section should occupy

3. Literature Review section organized thematically with subsections for theoretical framework, key concepts and definitions, review of relevant studies, and identification of gaps in existing research

4. Methodology section with subsections appropriate to my research type, including research design, data collection methods, sampling strategy, data analysis approach, and ethical considerations if applicable

5. Results or Findings section with subsections for presenting data, key observations, and how findings relate to each research question

6. Discussion section with subsections for interpretation of results, connection to literature review, implications for theory and practice, and limitations of the study

7. Conclusion section with subsections for summary of key findings, recommendations, and suggestions for future research

For each major section, provide the recommended word count based on my paper length, list the key points that must be addressed, suggest one or two strong transitional phrases to connect to the next section, and include a brief tip on common mistakes to avoid.

Format the outline with clear hierarchical structure using Roman numerals for main sections, capital letters for subsections, and numbers for supporting points. Make the outline detailed enough that I can begin drafting immediately by expanding each point.

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About Research Paper Outline Generator

A strong research paper starts with a clear outline. Without one, students drift between ideas, repeat arguments, and struggle to connect evidence to their central claim. The outline is the skeleton that holds everything together.

This research paper outline generator creates structured frameworks by combining your [TOPIC] and [THESIS_STATEMENT] into a logical section-by-section plan. Enter a focused [TOPIC] like "the impact of social media on adolescent mental health" rather than a broad field like "psychology." The narrower your topic, the more actionable the outline becomes.

Your [THESIS_STATEMENT] drives the entire structure. A strong thesis expresses a clear, arguable claim in one to two sentences. The generator organizes your outline with appropriate section headers, supporting point placeholders, and evidence slots that follow logically from your thesis. Each body section builds on the previous one, creating a coherent argument from introduction through conclusion.

Use the Dock Editor to expand each outline section into full draft paragraphs with AI assistance. The outline pairs well with other academic tools: build foundational knowledge with the Study Guide Generator, strengthen your opening paragraphs using Sentence Starters, and structure your analysis with the Essay Outline Creator.

How to Use Research Paper Outline Generator

1

Copy and set your topic

Copy the research paper outline template into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Dock Editor. Enter your [TOPIC] and draft a working [THESIS_STATEMENT] that states your central argument or research question.

2

Define scope and format

Set the [PAPER_LENGTH] (e.g., 5 pages, 3000 words) and [ACADEMIC_LEVEL] (high school, undergraduate, graduate). These parameters determine the depth and number of sections in your outline.

3

Choose research approach

Select your [RESEARCH_TYPE] to shape the outline structure. Argumentative papers get pro/con sections, analytical papers get thematic breakdowns, and comparative papers get parallel analysis frameworks.

4

Set citation requirements

Specify your [CITATION_STYLE] (APA, MLA, Chicago, or IEEE) so the outline includes properly formatted source placeholders and heading conventions that match your discipline.

5

Review and expand

Examine the generated outline for logical flow and completeness. Reorganize sections if needed, add sub-points where your research is strongest, and identify gaps where additional sources are required.

Who Uses Research Paper Outline Generator

High School Students

Create first research papers by entering a focused [TOPIC] and short [THESIS_STATEMENT], with [PAPER_LENGTH] set to 3-5 pages and [ACADEMIC_LEVEL] at high school for age-appropriate complexity.

College Undergraduates

Build semester paper outlines by specifying detailed [THESIS_STATEMENT] arguments and selecting the [CITATION_STYLE] required by your department across different courses.

Graduate Researchers

Structure thesis chapters and literature reviews by setting [RESEARCH_TYPE] to analytical and [PAPER_LENGTH] to longer formats, creating multi-section frameworks for complex arguments.

Writing Instructors

Demonstrate outline best practices by generating examples across different [RESEARCH_TYPE] options and [CITATION_STYLE] formats, showing students how structure varies by discipline.

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