Coral reef research paper outline

Steps in the Preparation of an Annotated Bibliography

Outline:

This outline is an overview of the paper that outlines the scope of the paper, describing the topics

to be covered and the order. This outline will contain all the detail you need to write a complete

paper. If you prepare your outline correctly, it should be almost as long as the actual paper

(don’t freak out, that’s a good thing). Below is a general example of what your outline should

look like, except that yours will be much longer.

Make sure that your outline includes the following:

1. Topic sentences for each section (marked by Roman numerals)

2. Subtopics:

• Major key points

3. References for each point that you intend to cover.

Example

Title

• Should inform the reader of what the paper is about.

• When constructing a title, choose informative over cute.

I. Introduction: Topic sentence that states the basic idea/premise of your paper. For example, if you are examining the role of neuropeptides in parental behavior, your first

sentence might introduce parental behavior and it’s significance in species survival

(Reference- see format for in-text citations).

a. Introduce your system

i. Define the system, its function, types present, etc. (Reference- see format

for in-text citations)

ii. If you are comparing organisms, briefly introduce the organisms

(Reference- see format for in-text citations)

b. The main focus of the paper

c. Provide the scientific reasoning as to why part b is interesting

d. Be brief and concise

II. Main Body. Topic sentence focusing on your major points (Reference- see format for in- text citations).

a. You may choose to devote one section to describe the behavior/ ecology /

scientific relevance or problem that you are focusing on.

i. Background information

1. Generalities of the taxon the species belongs to

2. Behavior and ecology of the species

3. Scientific relevance of the species (e.g. research breakthroughs that

have been possible thanks to this species)

4. Etc. (Reference- see format for in-text citations)

5. Include as many sections as you deem necessary to cover your

main ideas.

III. Conclusion a. Summary

b. Significance

IV. References (see reference instructions)