SOLUTION: The Basic Outline of a Paper The following outline shows a basic

The Basic Outline of a Paper

The following outline shows a basic format for most academic papers. No matter what length the paper needs to be, it should still follow the format of having an introduction, body, and conclusion. Read over what typically goes in each section of the paper.

Introduction: Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical context that introduces the paper topic. Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject. Define of any key terminology needed to understand the topic. Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject.

Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction of the paper. The introduction must end with a THESIS statement (using 1 sentence in length). It tells what the overall paper will focus on, AND briefly outlines the main points in the paper.

Body: Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis. Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points. For this short research paper, use strong evidence from sources—use direct quotations that support the main points. After, always discuss such in your own words.

Conclusion: Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words. Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2 sentences for each point). Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position. End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the whole point of the paper together.

Additional Tips

Decide on the thesis and main points first. You do not need to start writing your paper with the introduction Try writing the thesis and body first; then go back and figure out how to best introduce the body and conclude the paper. Use transitions between main points and between examples within the main points. Always keep your thesis in the forefront of your mind while writing; everything in your paper must point back to the thesis.

Introduction List possible ideas for the introduction:

Immigration has been a major issue in the United States., but very beneficial to the city of Chicago itself. Immigration has huge advantage in the economy. Though efforts have been made‚ the number of illegal aliens in this country continues to grow.

Thesis Statement (Usually the last sentence(s) in the introduction):

The state of Illinois and Chicago host millions of immigrants who play a pivotal role in providing entrepreneurial solutions in the city committed to repairing and situating the American economy.

II. Body (note: where the word evidence is inserted, be sure to include a direct quote.)

Main Point- Many people argue that immigrants drain the American economy, hence reducing their numbers to make the economy stronger

Examples/Details/Explanations/:

a. However, America needs immigrants if it requires to remain competitive in the global realm

b. Immigrants provide a workforce to the American economy. Opponents of immigration argue that immigrants hurt American workers because they take more of the job, reducing wages.

c. This implies that employer demand for people or workforce with low skills is in high demand in American industries; therefore, immigrants will always be handy in such aspects hence greatly contributing to the economy’s growth.

Main Point: Immigrants provide a workforce to the American economy.

Examples/Details/EVIDENCE/Explanations:

a. According to an article on Immigration Evidence Policy, Sherman state, “in 2016 immigrants contributed to up to $2 trillion to the total US GDP, while in 2018, immigrants contributed up to $46 billion to overall taxes.”

b. According Mather in the article America’s Changing Population, he establishes that “between 2010 and 2020, there was very low population growth in America as compared to other years.”

c. In the book Stereotypes of immigrants and immigration in the United States, Bellovary relates that, “Immigrants are known for filling most labor needs in the US workforce.”

Main Point: ___________________________________________________________________ Examples/Details/EVIDENCE/Explanations:

a. ______________________________________________________________________

b. ______________________________________________________________________