How to outline a research paper?

Question

I am writing a research paper on what Jihad is. How should I outline my paper and what should I include? I have a lot of great information. I just don't know how I should go about organizing the information.

Answer 1

Organization principles include
Most to least important
Least to most important
Time line
Your thesis drives the organization

I personally would start with an introduction including definition and your thesis about jihad, explain any misconceptions, then historical examples with results and then the modern version that we are familiar with including how each of these contributes to your thesis. Conclude with a summary

Answer 2

The first sentence of your paper should be used as your guideline or outline for your research paper. Your sentence should be longer than the example and can give more reasons for more parts of the paper. For example (please note this is not factual just an example) The Catholic Church takes a harsh view on capital punishment because man does not have the right to take life. Your first part of the paper would be support as to why they take a harsh view. i.e. church doctrine etc. and your references. Part two would be why man does not have this right and cite references. Your conclusion would support your theory or sentence and cite references. Now I would use more than one reference and cite examples from not just church "papwerwork" but examples from the news and hearings etc.

Answer 3

Your outline should basically give a rough outlay of your paper. It should include all your major points.
Introduction
- thesis
Paragraph 1
- point
- point
- point
Paragraph 2
- point
- point
- point
Paragraph 3
- point
- point
- point
Conclusion