EN111

Research Proposal Paper

Research Proposal Paper

The purpose of this paper is to provide evidence to the instructor of the steps you take to establish a research question that will be addressed in your English 111 Final Project. In addition, it will provide you with a framework for selecting and narrowing your topic and important individual MLA style research writing practice. Paper Considerations Each paper must be 3-4 pages in length. This does not include your MLA Works Cited page. If you write the bare minimum that means there must be at least one word of your text on the 4th page. Your works cited page would begin on page number 5. The text must be typed in double spaced Times New Roman, 12-point font with normal character spacing according to MLA standards. Margins should be 1 inch all the way around the paper. At least 4 credible sources must be cited. Of these 4 sources: o At least one must be from a journal article o At least one must be from a book o At least one must be from the internet Citations of reference books will not be counted toward the 4-source minimum

Though the final research paper must be written in 3rd person prose, this paper is more personal and may be written in 1st person (like the research-supported paper we discussed in the first part of chapter 9). Follow this format to build up to your research question INTRODUCTION In the first few paragraphs provide a clear thesis, a preview of the main points/areas your paper will cover, and an overview of your general topic. o Introduction may also include: History Definitions What most people typically know about the topic already NOTE: Example thesis: This research proposal aims to detail the process of how I looked closely at the general topic of fears of the extraterrestrial and narrowed the scope to uncover some common assumptions. From that initial research, I will frame here how I was able to generate a specific research question that will be addressed in my final research project.

M. Bednarzyk

EN111

Research Proposal Paper

BODY Where you looked and what you found. Tell the story of your initial research and how it evolved into your research question. o May include: How you changed/narrowed/developed your thinking on the topic. What initially sparked your interest Is there a story? Why do you want to write about this? CONCLUSION Review your main ideas/concerns/topics and provide your research question. Additionally, present some insights about what you think the answer to your question will be (your initial HYPOTHESIS) and why. This paper is worth 150 total points (15%) of your final grade. DUE DATES 1. Bring 3 COPIES for an in class PEER REVIEW on Wednesday March 14. Peer reviews may not be made up. Attach a peer review sheet (from the website) to two of the copies. 2. Turn in your FINAL DRAFT along with your 2 peer reviewed drafts and peer review sheets NEATLY bound together on Monday March 26 at the beginning of class. (Please no sheet protectors!)

Final draft grading criteria: Category The use of 4 sources (at least 1 internet, 1 journal & 1 book) Correct MLA format 3-4 pages in length before the Works Cited page Evident thesis statement Evident research question Evident hypothesis Logical format Demonstration of appropriate college-level writing skills and application of various writing strategies Turned in 2 peer reviewed drafts and peer review sheets with final document. Total Points Points 10 15 10 20 25 10 10 35 15 150

Note: 25 participation points also ride on the quality of your peer reviewing!

M. Bednarzyk