Staring at a blank page is the hardest part of any research paper. An outline fixes that — it turns "write a paper" into a short list of smaller, doable steps.
1. Start with your thesis
One sentence that states the argument or finding your paper will support. Everything else in the outline should trace back to it.
2. Sketch your sections
Introduction, 3–4 body sections (one claim each), and a conclusion is a safe default for a 4–6 page undergraduate paper. Longer papers just add more body sections, not more layers.
3. Drop in your sources
Under each section, note which source(s) support that point. If a section has no source yet, that is your research to-do list.
4. Write the outline in full sentences
Not just "Section 2: economic effects" — write the actual claim: "Trade liberalization increased regional GDP but widened income inequality." A sentence-level outline is most of your first draft already done.