Research Paper Proposal
STUDENT NAME: ______________________________________________________
CLASS/PERIOD: ________________________________________________________
DATE: _________________________________________________________________
Purpose: The research paper portion of Senior Project is an opportunity to explore a topic that is of interest. The
election of this topic and the completion of the paper are the basis for the remaining components of Senior Project.
The three other components will be related to the subject chosen for the paper. With that in mind, think carefully,
and select an interesting topic that has depth and will provide interesting project ideas later on.
Directions: Answer each of the following questions thoroughly, using complete sentences and paragraphs. This
form must be word-processed and turned in on or before the due date. (Refer to Seneca Valley High School’s home
page under “Senior Project” for this form.) All sections must be completed, including signatures, and the proposal
must be approved by the classroom teacher before the research process can begin. This form will be used for future
reference by both teachers and judges to compare the original plans with the final outcome of the different phases of
Senior Project.
1.
What is the general area of study chosen for the research paper? Why was it chosen?
2.
Explain any prior experience or knowledge of this subject.
3.
List and explain three distinct paper topics that could be explored within the general area you selected. (The
three paper topics need to be different from each other, and should reflect the depth of the general area.)
4. What is the limited topic chosen within the general area of study? (Keep in mind that the final paper must be
1700-2300 words. Choose a limited topic that can be adequately addressed in 6-7 pages.)
Refer to pages 21-23, “Working on the Research Paper”, before completing numbers 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Directions and a model are provided.
5.
What is the purpose for researching this limited topic? (Develop phrases that begin: To trace, To compare, To
demonstrate, To define, To prove, To analyze, etc.)
6. What is the tentative thesis statement for the research paper? (Write one sentence that expresses the main
message about the topic. See Write for College, item 287 for help.)
7.
What is the tentative organizational plan for the paper?
(Think in terms of general subjects that will require research in order to support the tentative thesis. The
answer to this question may be completed using a numbered list, rather than paragraph form.)
8.
Based on the purpose, thesis, and organizational plan, attach an annotated bibliography of six possible sources
for this research. Please use MLA format for the entries. Verifying availability of valid sources now will avoid
problems later on in the process.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: The sources selected should be varied. This means that the bibliography should
include as many of the following types of sources as possible: text sources (books, magazines, newspapers,
pamphlets, etc.), media sources (Internet, films, television programs, etc.), and primary sources (interviews,
emails, surveys, autobiographies, etc.). This will help to avoid “over-using” one type source. The more
variety in the sources, the less likely overuse of one or two sources occurs, and the more believable the
research becomes. This is also true for the credibility of selected sources. Use the skills acquired from the
Web Evaluation assignment to select the best source information possible.
9.
List and explain three potential project ideas that will relate to the research topic. Give this careful
thought, so that a feasible project can be developed in January.
Project Idea #1:
Project Idea #2
Project Idea #3
Engineering Certificate Program
I am interested in pursuing the Engineering Certificate Program (ECP), and would like to have my paper topic
reviewed by the ECP coordinator. I acknowledge that the ECP coordinator must approve my paper topic in order
for my paper to be considered as a contributing element to my overall ECP requirements. I understand that I must
complete the paper as proposed in order receive ECP credit for the paper.
Student Signature ______________________________ Date__________
I acknowledge that my child is interested in pursuing the Engineering Certificate Program, and that his/her senior
project must be approved by the ECP coordinator in order to be considered as a contributing element to my child’s
overall ECP requirements. I understand that he/she must complete the paper as proposed in order receive ECP credit
for the paper.
Parent Signature ______________________________ Date __________
SIGNATURES
I acknowledge that I have answered the above questions to the best of my ability, and I commit to completing the
research paper as outlined above, realizing that slight changes may have to be made as research progresses.
Student signature: _____________________________________ Date _____________
I acknowledge that I am aware of and approve of the topic my child has chosen for his/her Senior Project research
paper, and I agree to support him/her in his/her efforts to complete Senior Project.
Parent signature: _______________________________________Date _____________
TO BE COMPLETED BY CLASSROOM TEACHER:
Paper topic approved:
_____ Yes
_____ With reservation
_____ No
_______ Suggested re-submit date
Teacher signature: _____________________________________Date _____________
Teacher comments/concerns, if any:
ECP Eligible
_____ Yes
_____ No
ECP Coordinator’s Signature ____________________________Date_____________
Comments: