Assignment 1:  TOPIC PROPOSAL

Name                                                                                      

Topic Definition

Write a paragraph explaining the research topic you have selected for your term project. 
Your paragraph must address ALL of the following elements:

1. Thesis Statement.  This is a statement (one or two sentences) declaring what you intend to
    prove, show, analyze, etc.  Tell what special focus or emphasis you will use to narrow your
    topic.  Please underline your thesis statement.

                                 Sample Thesis Statement

    Broad, Unfocused:  Teaching about AIDS is good.

    Narrow, Focused:  Incorporating AIDS education into the middle school curriculum will
    reduce the spread of the disease.

2. Audience.  To whom will this research be directed?  Describe a hypothetical target group of
    readers  which could  benefit  from your bibliography.  Consider such factors as educational
    or intellectual level, occupation, specialized interests, age, etc.

3. Approach.  From what angles will you research?  (current?  historical?  scholarly?  popular?
    practical?  persuasive?  theoretical?  human interest?  firsthand accounts? etc.)

4. Scope.  What time periods, geographical areas, or range of subtopics will the research
    focus on?

NOTE:  You may begin work on the project as soon as this proposal has been approved by
the instructor.  This proposal could form the basis of the preface of your term project.
Therefore, it is recommended that you write your topic proposal in the form of one flowing
narrative paragraph rather than an itemized outline.

                                                         Topic Selection Aid

                                                                      CQ Researcher