Research Paper Proposal

STUDENT NAME: ______

CLASS/PERIOD: ______

DATE: ______

Purpose:The research paper portion of Graduation Project is an opportunity to explore a topic that is of interest. Think carefully, and select an interesting topic that has depth and will keep your interest throughout the research process.

Directions: Answer each of the following questions thoroughly, using complete sentences and paragraphs. This form must be word-processed. (Refer to Seneca Valley High School’s home page under “Graduation Project” for this form.) All sections must be completed, including signatures, and the proposal must be approved by the classroom teacher before the research process can begin.

  1. What is the general area of study chosen for the research paper? Why was it chosen?
  1. Explain any prior experience or knowledge of this subject.
  1. List and explain three distinct paper topics that could be explored within the general area you selected. (The three paper topics need to be different from each other, and should reflect the depth of the general area.)

4. Of the three topics listed above, which will you chose for your research paper? (Keep in mind that the paper draft must be 1300-1900 words. Choose a topic that can be adequately addressed in 4-5 pages.)

Refer to pages 20-23, “Working on the Research Paper”, before completing numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8. Directions and a model are provided.

  1. What is the purpose for researching this limited topic? (Develop phrases that begin: To trace, To compare, To demonstrate, To define, To prove, To analyze, etc.)

6. What is the tentative thesis statement for the research paper? (Write one sentence that expresses the main message about the topic.)

  1. What is the tentative organizational plan for the paper?

(Think in terms of general subjects that will require research in order to support the tentative thesis. The answer to this question may be completed using a numbered list, rather than paragraph form.)

  1. Based on the purpose, thesis, and organizational plan, attachan annotated bibliography of four possible sources for this research. Please use MLA format for the entries. Verifying availability of valid sources now will avoid problems later on in the process.**

**IMPORTANT NOTE: The sources selected should be varied. This means that the bibliography should include as many of the following types of sources as possible: text sources (books, magazines, newspapers, pamphlets, etc.), media sources (Internet, films, television programs, etc.), and primary sources (interviews, emails, surveys, autobiographies, etc.). This will help to avoid “over-using” one type source. The more variety in the sources, the less likely overuse of one or two sources occurs, and the more believable the research becomes. This is also true for the credibility of selected sources. Use the skills acquired from the Web Evaluation assignment to select the best source information possible.

SIGNATURES

I acknowledge that I have answered the above questions to the best of my ability, and I commit to completing the research paper as outlined above, realizing that slight changes may have to be made as research progresses.

Student signature: ______Date ______

I acknowledge that I am aware of and approve of the topic my child has chosen for his/her research paper, and I agree to support him/her in his/her efforts to complete it.

Parent signature: ______Date ______

TO BE COMPLETED BY CLASSROOM TEACHER:

Paper topic approved:

_____ Yes_____ With reservation_____ No_____ Re-submit date

Teacher signature: ______Date ______

Teacher comments/concerns, if any:

ECP Eligible _____ Yes_____ No

ECP Coordinator’s Signature ______Date

Comments: