Ever felt overwhelmed by the thought of starting a research paper? The blank page can seem daunting without a clear roadmap to guide your thoughts and research. A well-crafted outline is your blueprint; it organises your ideas hierarchically, setting a structure for what the reader should learn first and which points are most crucial. This article will walk you through the basics of creating a research paper outline, explore different types, and offer practical tips and examples to enhance your writing process.