You will write a research paper in Unit Seven. Here you will submit your researc

You will write a research paper in Unit Seven. Here you will submit your research proposal that
includes the thesis statement, outline, and a Works Cited page. Follow these four steps to
create a research proposal.
• Step 1: After selecting the topic from the approved list, develop a thesis statement. A
strong thesis statement is arguable, a statement that will be supported by reliable
sources. The thesis statement is only one sentence in the introductory paragraph, and
it must be specific to the issue being discussed.
The thesis is often the answer to a why or how question, or it may be a cause-andeffect statement. If the thesis is too narrow, the paper will have nothing to discuss. If
it is too broad or general, the thesis may be difficult to argue for.
The topics listed are given to help you develop a thesis statement. Be sure you have
chosen a topic that is interesting and relevant. Build on one of the topic ideas by
asking why or how questions about the topic. Then create a thesis that answers your
question. The paper will argue that your answer (the thesis) is correct.
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Discuss the thesis idea with an adult or trusted friend. Together determine whether the
thesis is arguable (you will provide an analysis that supports and develops personal
opinions rather than report ON something). Decide whether the thesis is broad
enough for an entire paper and narrow enough to prove an overall point.
• Step 2: Locate secondary sources. Use at least five secondary sources. The topic
selections have plenty of strong source material, so do not use essay sites like
“123helpme” or “answers.com” as sources. Do not use SparkNotes or other study
sites as sources, and do not use Wikipedia. Instead, look for strong critical and/or
informational articles. Locate sources in any library’s reference section. Ask a
librarian to help locate this type of research. Some libraries have access to online
resources that may have articles about the topic. Search the Internet for sources as
well, but be careful about the material selected. Keep a list of the sources and
corresponding quotes. Be sure that the quotes chosen are applicable to the thesis.
This list of quotes will be needed for the outline.
Create Works Cited entries in Modern Language Association (MLA) style for each
source used. In Unit Seven, you will submit a final Works Cited page including only
the sources that are actually cited in the paper. Information about the MLA styles can
be found by searching the Internet for “MLA format” or using a university website
such as Purdue’s OWL to be sure your information is accurate. A good example can
be found in the Writing Handbook on Page R43 in the textbook, or check out a copy
of the MLA Handbook from a library. Additionally, look under “Resources” in Unit 9
of this course for MLA guides that you can download and print.
• Step 3: You may have written writing plans as webs or maps in the past, and you can
begin developing your ideas that way. However, a formal outline will need to be
submitted.
The outline is the plan for the paper just as a blueprint is the plan for a building to be
built. Without structure, the paper will fall apart. Once the thesis statement is
developed, you’ll need to create topic sentences for each supporting paragraph. A
minimum of three supporting (body) paragraphs will be needed in addition to the
introduction and conclusion. Next, decide which examples and quotes to use in each
paragraph. Any paraphrases and quotes will need to be cited for in-text citation in
the outline. After a comment or paraphrased/direct quote, list the author and page
number to which you referred. Example: (Bloom, 67)
See Page R39 in the Writing Handbook section of the textbook for an example of an
outline. Also refer to the outlining guide under “Resources” section in Unit 9 of this
course. When the outline is finished, the paper is practically written!
• Step 4: Carefully spellcheck, edit and save the document, then submit the research
proposal by uploading the thesis statement, outline, and Works Cited page.