In many schools and colleges, teachers and professors ask students to write academic papers on specific topics. Basically, instructions provide assignments where learners need not only to write papers but also to follow specific formats. Along these lines, one of the common writing formats is the MLA referencing style. In this case, students need guidelines to follow format rules and get positive grades. Hence, this article provides the outline template in MLA with explanations to help students to write excellent papers.
Thesis
An appropriate outline template in MLA starts with a thesis statement. For instance, the first item in such works states the main argument and focus of the research paper or essay. In this case, one needs to make an assertion that takes a stand. Besides, the thesis statement presents the main idea that narrows the topic. Thus, students start an essay outline with a debatable assertion that explains the purpose of the topic.
Main Points of the Outline Template in MLA
1. First Point
One presents the first main point, which relates to the thesis statement. In this case, it is advisable to give the main point in a complete sentence. Besides, the first point in the outline template in MLA should be a valid claim. Thus, a person has to present a valid point that relates to the thesis statement.
- One should state the first subpoint that relates and supports the first claim. For example, writers provide appropriate evidence to support the subpoint. Besides, a person needs to give a proper citation to substantiate the subpoint. Thus, the first sub-topic must support the assertion with appropriate evidence.
- One should provide the second subtopic to support the first claim. For instance, scholars can provide second and subsequent supporting details where applicable. Along these lines, a person must ensure that the second and following subtopics of the outline template in MLA reinforce the claim. Thus, a writer has to provide several and relevant statements that support the first claim.
2. Second Point
An author needs to provide second and subsequent supporting claims. As a rule, all the supporting assertions of the outline template in MLA must relate to the thesis statement. Hence, the points presented must help to support the thesis statement fully. Besides, supporting claims with relevant evidence makes papers significant.
- For every claim, one should provide supportable sub-topics. Basically, the primary aim is to explain all claims exhaustively. Along these lines, subtopics must be sensible statements. Thus, all subtopics need to be accurate and relevant to topics.
Conclusion
Conclusion parts of the outline template in MLA should summarize the main points presented in papers. For instance, concluding parts should restate thesis statements and supporting details. In this case, one must write a sentence explaining the contribution that the thesis statement can make. Besides, a person must not introduce new information in the conclusion. Thus, such papers end with a clear and relevant concluding paragraph.
The Outline Template in the MLA Works Cited
The outline template in MLA should end with the MLA Works Cited where applicable. For example, one must provide the MLA format Works Cited if a student used evidence from scholarly articles to support subtopics. Along these lines, students must observe appropriate MLA citation rules to create the MLA format Works Cited page. For instance, it should have full bibliographic details for sources used. Hence, writers have to provide the author’s names, titles of references, and years of publication. Besides, scholars must provide volume and issue numbers, pagination, Digital Object Identifiers, or Internet links where applicable. Thus, writers should give a detailed list of sources used to support claims in papers.
Other Features of the MLA Template
The Works Cited should adhere to capitalization and indentation rules of the outline template in MLA. For example, all entries should appear in title cases. Moreover, titles and names of sources must have major words starting with capital letters. Basically, all references should appear in hanging indentation. In turn, second and subsequent sentences of entry begin at a distance of half an inch from the left side. Thus, Works Cited pages observe standard formatting rules of the MLA format paper example.