Research proposal
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Step One: Research Proposal English 1121
Bodelson 25 points
Directions: Addressing the questions below, create a 1-2 page formal research proposal in
which you propose the topic you would like to research for your argumentative research paper.
Please answer each question separately.
1. Choose an argumentative issue that you would like to argue a stance on. In a well-developed
paragraph, describe the issue in some detail. Explain the issue and what you currently know
about it.
• What is the current controversy?
• What are the two sides of the argument? What do those sides seem to argue?
• Are there any well-known people involved in the issue?
2. State what your stance will be and why. In a well-developed paragraph, explain why
you have chosen to take the side you will argue.
• Do you have personal experience with it?
• Are you familiar with the topic for some other reason?
• What makes you lean to the side you have chosen?
3. Write a tentative thesis statement that includes the subject as well as your stance.
(Remember to avoid statement of facts and announcing).
4. With the topic in mind, make a list of possible points you could cover in your paper that
would best suit the argument you are planning to make.
For example, if you were arguing that ADHD medication is too readily prescribed to young
children, you would include points like:
▪ Physical side effects of the medication
▪ Psychological side effects of the medication
▪ Unqualified physicians are allowed to prescribe them
▪ The number of children prescribed the medications
▪ Alternatives to ADHD medication
Requirements:
a. 1-2 pages, double spaced, 12 (Times New Roman) font
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b. Label the assignment with the following information in the upper left-hand corner (double
space)
• Name
• Instructor’s Name
• Class name, number, and section
• Date
• Assignment name
c. Number the pages in the upper right-hand corner with your last name coming before the
number (ex. Bodelson 1)
▪ Click on the Insert Tab in the upper left-hand corner
▪ Select Page Number
▪ Select Top of Page
▪ Select Plain Number Three
▪ You will see the curser right before the page number. Go to that, and type
in your last name.
▪ Once you have finished, clicked on the red, Close Header box.
d. Save as a Word document .doc or .docx. Name the file: Research Proposal-Your Last name.
e. Once you have completed the Research Proposal, please make sure to place a copy into the
D2L Assignments folder labeled Research Proposal.
Due Date: There is only ONE draft for the Research Proposal, so your final draft Must be
posted in the Assignments folder labeled Research Proposal on Sunday, October 30th by 11:59
pm.