Your research proposal should answer the following questions:
What topic do you plan to research for the semester? What do you want to learn more about this topic? Why do you want to research this topic?
What do you already know about this topic? What do you need to know more about this topic?
Who else is interested in this topic?
What are the various perspectives on this topic?
Why is this topic significant to you and to larger audiences?
What research question will you ask and investigate about your topic?
What are relevant, credible sources that address your topic? (you might need to do a quick search for scholarly and academic sources on the topic)
How will you investigate your research question? Where will you look for information about it? What kind of search strategies will you use? what kinds of sources would you like to find?
Length: 700-1,000 words
Genre: Research plan (similar to a proposal but it can be more exploratory at this stage)
Citations: Include MLA or APA in-text citations and works cited page
Audience: Your English 102 instructor
The writer identifies a clear research topic that the writer will examine throughout the semester.
The writer establishes the significance of the research topic to an uninformed audience.
The writer introduces the research topic by including necessary background information, the issues at stake with the topic, the groups interested in the topic, and the positions on the topic.
The writer proposes a detailed plan to research the topic by providing appropriately scoped research questions, identifying relevant sources of information, and anticipating challenges in the research process.
The writer integrates evidence from popular sources by using appropriate paraphrases, summaries, and quotes.
Attribution and Citation – 5 points
The writer attributes and cites sources correctly in by using signaling phrases, in-text citations, and works cited page using MLA or APA style.
Genre conventions – 25 points
The writer uses a consistent organizational structure throughout the research plan. The research plan includes an engaging introduction, unified body paragraphs, a satisfying conclusion, and appropriate transitions.
The writer’s choices related to word selection and sentence structure are appropriate for the audience and purpose.
The writer pays careful attention to vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting to accurately convey meaning and build credibility.
Writing Process – 10 points
The writer created multiple drafts of the research plan and participated in peer review.
Successive drafts of the essay demonstrate the ability to explore and develop ideas, learn from instruction, apply feedback, and self-correct.
