Poverty in America Research Proposal

The Proposal is considered the first formal document of your research
• Write this document in the first person in terms of what you intend to do.
For example, one paragraph might begin: I propose to examine the position that gay marriages should not be legalized
• State how you plan to prove this point. For instance—through in depth research and interviews, I will . . .
• Consider beginning this Research Proposal with an anecdote that ties in directly with your subject; pull a reader into your plan while clarifying for
yourself a clear direction.
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• READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY TO ASSIST YOU IN CREATING
YOUR PROPOSAL
FORMING THE PROPOSAL:
You should be beyond a general topic and moving on to a specific researchable
claim. Avoid predictable topics unless you can demonstrate new and compelling
issues. Select subjects, then issues that matter to YOU. Your topic must be controversial/argumentative.
Explaining purpose in your Proposal:
x clarifies the topic.
x analyzes the issues.
x sways the reader with varied, compelling evidence.
ENG 102 Unit Five Page 2 of 3
Simply stated, your claim:

x should clarify the topic and take on the issue as well as your
selected approach. Are you, for instance proposing changes?
x may point to a general, specialized, or expert audience.
A good Proposal should have:
x a solid issue (beyond the topic) with brief background information
x a working claim (one that offers some flexibility since, as research
continues, you may modify it a bit)
x awareness of the level of the audience
x a plan for locating appropriate sources and consideraticixon for researchable
views
x a possible/feasible conclusion

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