DEVELOPING A RESEARCH QUESTION

I want to study:
Because I want to find out:
So that I can understand:
This is important because:

DEVELOPING AN ABSTRACT

General topic and the background; previous scholarship:
My research question:
The methodology I will use:
Why this matters:

TIPS FOR WRITING A NARRATIVE

• Pitch your proposal based on the guidelines: don’t get off-topic
• Don’t bury the lead: get right to the point (abstract helps here)
• Avoid repetition – don’t repeat the abstract
• Demonstrate clear thinking and writing: logical progression of ideas
• Simplify technical language
• Passive vs. active voice: one or the other!
• Demonstrate interest and passion in the topic
• Have an informative title – helps the reviewers

STRUCTURING THE NARRATIVE

Existing Scholarship (include only of it is NOT in the abstract):
“Building on previous scholarship that…”
Methodology:
“In order to study XX, I will begin by …”

• Be specific about the order of your work, timetable (what you’ll do when)

Analysis/interpretation:
“Once I have collected these data/After studying these texts, I will …
Qualifications:
“As a XX major, I am qualified to undertake this project because…”
Significance:
“This research will lead to my thesis/will inform policymakers about …”