Research Project Part Two: Persuasive Proposal Email (15%)
Due Date: December 4, 2017
Submission Instructions: Submit via eConestoga
Your Task:
1. Identify a topic or issue that is relevant to your field of study and of particular interest to you. This will be the topic for your research project due later in the course.
2. Narrow this topic or issue by focusing on a particular research question that you would like to answer in your final research assignment.
3. Use the LRC databases to find materials that will help you to answer your question.
4. Follow the formatting details below (and see the attached template) to help you present your research question as a proposal email — the word ‘proposal’ is important, because your purpose in this task is to get your instructor’s approval and feedback before you begin your research project. Using the email template will help you to ensure that you are providing your instructor with a clear and detailed outline of your plan.
Topics: In this task, you are free to propose any topic or issue that is relevant to your field of study. It’s also recommended that this topic be something that you are familiar with and interested in.
Length: 5 paragraphs (single spaced)
Format: Please compose your email using 12-point Arial font and be sure to follow the email writing tips discussed in class. Organize your email in five paragraphs according to the following instructions:
a) Opening paragraph
Clearly state the purpose of this email — to earn your instructor’s approval and receive his or her feedback on your proposal.
b) Body Paragraph 1
State your general research topic and explain why it is interesting, important, and relevant to your field of study or academic interest.
c) Body Paragraph 2
State the particular research question that you plan to answer. Identify the type of research assignment you plan to write – informational report, analytic paper, etc. — and explain why this format is best suited to answering your question. Name two or three relevant and credible resources that you’ve found to demonstrate that you are headed in the right direction.
d) Body Paragraph 3
Outline your work plan for the completion of this project — i.e. explain how you will break up this large project into smaller stages, estimate the time that you will spend on each stage, and identify any potential scheduling conflicts or key dates.
e) Closing paragraph
Clearly state your request for approval and raise any particular issues you would like your instructor to address. Make sure you close with a direct request to proceed.
Reminders: Use the email template provided but do not copy whole phrases.