Your Name
April 21, 2016
Research Paper Outline
Directions: Complete the outline below using your introduction, topic/transition sentences, and note cards. Anything that is in blue must be replaced with your own original writing. Anything in black should stay on the document.
1. Introduction: Type your introduction in its entirety and include it before your outline.
II. First Supporting Reason Topic Sentence: Because each state varies in what type of background check is performed on those purchasing guns, making it easy for potential criminals to obtain weapons in neighboring states, there should be a federal mandate making these safeguards the same throughout all states.
A. States that have extensive background checks
B. Private sales
C. Gun shows
D. Success of background checks
E. Story about homicide that was committed by a man who had a criminal background and had just purchased a new gun from a private sale
Transition to Second Supporting Reason: Include your transition sentence here.
III. Second Supporting Reason Topic Sentence with Transition: Because several gun crimes are committed by the mentally unstable, if a background check demonstrates a record of violent mental illness, the person should be restricted from purchasing a gun.
A. Law suggested
B. Success: The Automated Mental Health Background Check (MHBC) in New York
C. Rhode Island’s proposal
D. Opposing side: Medical privilege
E. Opposing side: Differences in state medical record reporting
1. Massachusetts vs. Delaware vs. Indiana
F. Story where mental illness played a role in a crime, yet the criminal was able to purchase a gun
Transition to Third Supporting Reason: Include your transition sentence here.
IV. Third Supporting Reason Topic Sentence with Transition: While scrutinizing one’s background can show criminal history or recorded mental instability, it cannot prove one’s ability to commit future crimes; therefore, limits should be placed on the types of guns and ammunition sold, preventing the more devastating crimes.
A. Newtown school shooting
B. Aurora movie theater shooting
C. Types of weapons and ammunition rounds available for purchase
1. Oregon Ammunition Law
D. Statistics on mass shooting and weapons used; how rounds of ammunition plays a role
E. Federal Ammunition Law
Transition to Conclusion: Include your transition sentence here.
V. Conclusion
A. Restated thesis: In order to prevent more gun-related homicides, there should be stricter federal gun control laws in the areas of criminal background checks, including in the area of mental illness, as well as restrictions on the types of guns and ammunition sold to the public.
B. Final Thought: Perhaps wrap up with the same story used in the introduction.
*** Works Cited page is the last page found in your paper. It is a page all by itself. You do not need to include this in your outline, but you will need to include it with your rough draft and final draft of this paper***