How To Write An Annotated Outline? Step-By-Step Guide For Students

Creating an annotated outline before preparing a research paper is very helpful for the students. Many professors ask the students to prepare before starting a research study. An annotated outline enables the researcher to organise and collect all the necessary information. It assists the researcher in making sure that the research is aligned with the paper's thesis. An annotated outline saves valuable time in writing your research study.

Major critical elements of an annotated outline:

• Introduction: The annotated outline should always start with an introduction section, which introduces the title of the research study. Also, the introduction should include a hook statement, which can help attract the attention of the readers of the research paper. The introduction section of the annotated outline should also provide a preview of the main points discussed in the research study. The thesis statement for the research study is also included in the introduction section of the annotated outline.
• Section heading should be provided in the main body of the paper. The section heading made by the researcher can depend on the requirements of the research paper. However, these sections must be related to the thesis statement, as it is vital to support the thesis statement of the research study. The heading used in the research should help the different aspects of the research study. For instance, in a search study made on the impacts of climate change in California, the section heading should carry information such as geographical details of California, the effect of climate change on the local economy of California, and the impact of global warming on increasing climate change in California. It is also essential to ensure that the annotated outline carries only relevant information and should not include vague statements regarding the research study. Moreover, it is also necessary to avoid many headings as the annotated outline is very precise and generally consists of 2-3 pages. 
• Provide 2-3 supporting paragraphs under each section: Providing two distinct headings for each part is essential when writing an annotated outline. 
• Topic sentences in each paragraph: Starting every section with the topic sentence is essential. The topic sentence is vital as it helps provide information regarding the section and the arguments made by the researcher. For instance, when writing a research study on climate change in California, an area giving information regarding increasing sea level should look like this: "The increasing sea level in California is caused by increasing global warming in the world."
• Providing supportive examples: It is impoartnt to provide two supporting examples for each paragraph in the annotated outline. This helps make the information provided in each section authentic in nature. Moreover, it is also important to link each section with the thesis statement of the research study. Pieces of evidence in the section can be provided through surveys and reports. It is also essential to give a closing argument in each section as it helps in blinking the following passage in the annotated outline. This will help create a logical flow between the information provided in the paper.
• Providing a conclusion: It is crucial to give a conclusion in the annotated outline. The conclusion section generally includes the thesis statement in a rephrased manner. The decision should summarise all the essential points in the paper, which can support the thesis statement and make the readers think about the research study. 

Structure of an annotated outline without the use of citation

• It is essential to raise the materials provided for the research study and carefully identify its central section. Take the annotated outline's reference to highlight the paper's most relevant heading. It is important to divide each header into two distinct paragraphs. 
• Preparing the thesis in the annotated outline of the research paper is recommended. The thesis statement should be clear and to the point. The thesis statement should include all the essential topics in the annotated outline. 
• The thesis statement should provide information regarding the different sections' heading, which can be used to prove the claims made by the author and helps in creating subheading for the paragraphs. 
• Mention the research thesis and data in the annotated outline of the research study. Completing the annotated system helps the researcher provide the required information after deciding on the structure of the design.

Types of annotated outline:-

Structure of an annotated online with the use of citation

• Introduction: It consists of a hook statement, a summary of the main points and the thesis statement.
• Section heading: It will consist of two paragraphs of evidence, a summary and a conclusion of the paragraph.
• Conclusion: it consists of a rephrased statement, summary and closing sentence of the annotated outline.

An Annotated outline with citation

• It is advisable to read the material regarding the research paper and determine the main heading in the annotated outline. Decide the structure of the outline and highlight the most relevant heading for the outline. Furthermore, it is essential to break these headings into two distinct paragraphs for each heading in the main body of the annotated outline for a research study. 
• Select the primary reference for each section in the main body of the annotated outline. It is essential to choose the main references for different sources from where primary information for the paragraph has been collected. Alos, provide additional references for different sections of the annotated outline. The use of references is considered vital as it helps improve the authenticity of the claims made by the researcher. 
• Different referencing styles, such as the MLA or APA citation style, can be used depending on the requirement of the research study. 
• The researcher can also provide additional information regarding the different references used in the research study.
• Prepare a final thesis statement draft, as it serves as the base for completing the annotated outline. The thesis statement should summarise all the critical points of the research study.
• Include the thesis statement, references and research data in the annotated outline. After completing the thesis statement, the structure of the annotated outline can be completed.