Understanding Your Research Proposal

A research proposal is intended to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it. Generally, a research proposal should contain all the key elements involved in the research process and include sufficient information for the readers to evaluate the proposed study.

Regardless of your research area and the methodology you choose, all research proposals must address the following questions: What you plan to accomplish, why you want to do it and how you are going to do it.

The proposal should have sufficient information to convince your readers that you have an important research idea, that you have a good grasp of the relevant literature and the major issues, and that your methodology is sound.

The quality of your research proposal depends not only on the quality of your proposed project, but also on the quality of your proposal writing. A good research project may run the risk of rejection simply because the proposal is poorly written. Therefore, it pays if your writing is coherent, clear and compelling.

Title:It should be concise and descriptive. For example, the phrase, "An investigation of . . ." could be omitted. Often titles are stated in terms of a functional relationship, because such titles clearly indicate the independent and dependent variables. However, if possible, think of an informative but catchy title. An effective title not only pricks the reader's interest, but also predisposes him/her favourably towards the proposal.

Reference: http://www.meaning.ca/archives/archive/art_how_to_write_P_Wong.htm

Choosing a Topic and Thesis: Not too broad, not too narrow

Choosing a Research Topic: Student's View

Tips for Choosing a Topic for Research

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How to Write a Project Proposal

A project proposal is a document that is written with a specific purpose in mind: to convince someone that a project can and should be completed. Although there isn't a universal format for project proposals, many elements in proposals are important, and often, mandatory. Above all else, you must remember that a project proposal is an argument. If you don't present a viable and logical argument, your proposal will likely be rejected.

REMEMBER:

1. Write an introduction and place it under a header labeled "Introduction." This should be a brief description of the overall project and a statement about why it is a relevant and important project.
2. Include a section about previous or related work. Place this under a header labeled "Background." If there is research or other similar projects related to your own proposal, you must include this information. Including this shows the reader that you have done your homework and are knowledgeable about your topic.
3. Write out the specific proposal under a header labeled "Proposed Work." This includes the entire scope of the project and the details related to each component of the project. Include a list of project outcomes. This allows the reader to see tangible results from your project.
4. Include a project timeline, which can fall under "Proposed Work." Alternatively, you can add a new section entitled "Project Timeline." The timeline should be based on each component of the project. Include information about how long a component of a project will take, who will be responsible for completing the task and the specific dates associated with a task. Present this data in a table. To insert a table in Microsoft Word, click the "Insert" tab and select "Table." Enter the number of rows and columns you want to include in the table.
5. Write out a budget and place it under a header labeled "Budget." Present the expenses that the project requires. Write out a brief explanation for each budget item.
6. Conclude by stating the significance of the project. Tell the reader how your project will directly impact or improve the reader's life

Lesson 14 - Reported Speech (Wh- Questions) - Grammar

Perfect English: the Passive Voice