Suggested Outline Template for a Research-Based Expository Paper (REP)
Make a plan to write about your social
issue USING FACTS AND INFORMATION FROM RESEARCH that you have read, thought
about, paraphrased, and that you cite!
For this
writing task, you are not being asked to give your opinions or even much of
your personal experience. You are being
asked to research (using a variety of methods) and then write about what data
and information you find. Become an
EXPERT on your topic and share what you learn. Before you begin writing, make an outline. Then, research and take notes. Finally, use your notes to write detailed, accurate, well-researched paragraphs that are organized according to you outline. Here is a sample outline that may help you plan for your own writing & research work.
I.
Introduction – Introduce
readers to your topic
A.
Hook (some startling statistic
or an important question or a social action quote related to the issue you
selected):
B.
A brief definition of
the issue:
C.
A couple of general, but
important facts:
D.
List what you will talk about
in this research paper
II.
Section I – Describe the
problem for your readers
A.
Define the social issue in more
detail – explain in depth what the social issue is
B.
Describe the causes for this
problem
C.
Explain where it is happening
(specifically, where is this a problem & why in those areas)
III.
Section II – Explain why this
social issue is a problem
A.
In the
past
1.
Consequences / impacts locally
a)
Impacts on you
b)
Impacts on your family
c)
Impacts on your school
d)
Impacts on your city/state/country
e)
Impacts on people you know and
care about
2.
Consequences /impacts globally
a)
Impacts on other
families/communities
b)
Impacts on other states or
countries
c)
Impacts on others around the
world
B.
In the
present
1.
Consequences / impacts locally
a)
Impacts on you
b)
Impacts on your family
c)
Impacts on your school
d)
Impacts on your city/state/country
e)
Impacts on people you know and
care about
2.
Consequences /impacts globally
a)
Impacts on other
families/communities
b)
Impacts on other states or
countries
c)
Impacts on others around the
world
C.
In the
future
1.
Consequences / impacts locally
a)
Impacts on you
b)
Impacts on your family
c)
Impacts on your school
d)
Impacts on your city/state/country
e)
Impacts on people you know and
care about
2.
Consequences /impacts globally
a)
Impacts on other
families/communities
b)
Impacts on other states or
countries
c)
Impacts on others around the
world
IV.
Section III – Analyze the
problem and explain how this problem can / might be solved
V.
Section IV – Describe who is working
to address this issue and what they are doing
A.
In Tucson
B.
In other states & countries
VI.
Conclusion
A.
Summarize the issue & why
it matters
B.
Suggest ways for readers to
take action (what can be done)
C.
Powerful ending – quote or
message or question...
