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Length: A single paragraph that reaches at least one full page
Format: Standard MLA Format (1’ margins, double-spaced)
Using pages 258 or 275 in your Guide to Freshman Composition, you will write a one-page, single paragraph proposal that presents your research question and an explanation of the process by which you arrived at this path of inquiry.
This proposal will:
Establish where the question came from (a personal story of how you came to your research question and why you think this question is worth asking).
What EXACTLY is your question? Simply state your question; for example, “What are the effects of social media on children between 13-18 years old?”
Why is this a relevant question to pursue? Why should your readers care about the answer to this question? What do we gain from answering this question?
Who would benefit from an answer to this question and why would they benefit?
Things to Consider:
Your question should be under the theme of: Issues and Representations in Music, Film, and
other forms of Media. That is to say that your chosen topic should involve the way a certain
social issue is portrayed.
Be sure that this question is sustainable and researchable. Remember, you are going to be focusing on the topic and question for the majority of this semester, so it needs to be a question that you can follow for a long time. Additionally, you will be conducting multiple rounds of research on this question, so you will want to ensure that this is a question that lends itself to research.
Be sure to avoid yes or no questions or questions that begin with “Should.” Review the research question formula provided in class.
You SHOULD NOT be making an argument at this point and your question should not contain an argument or any personal opinion.
Your research question SHOULD NOT focus on any of the restricted topics outlined in class (see class notes for a detailed list of restricted topics not available for research).
Too Tired? Too Anxious? Need More Time? We’ve got your back.