Project Proposal Template

You must complete the following FOUR elements: an introduction, an outline, one source explanation, and a reference entry.

ITEM 1: REQUIRED: Full Introduction:

You need to include an interest catcher/hook/grabber to engaged your reader. Follow this with a transitional sentence (respond to/build on your interest catcher). Then provide background information on your topic/explain why you chose this topic. Finally, include your thesis statement (possible format: By researching ___________________, it becomes clear that ____________________.)

Type your introduction here:

ITEM 2: REQUIRED: Outline: Instead of a paragraph-style “Proposal,” you are to complete the following outline to help you plan your paper. Required elements are indicated in red font. See my sample outline about my topic “Cake” to guide you (found at the end of this template).

It will be up to you how many sections/paragraphs you have once you begin your draft. The MINIMUM to complete this assignment is THREE sections. For now, section four is optional.

Research Paper Outline Template

I. Section 1/Body Paragraphs 1-3

A. Topic Sentence (what is this section/these paragraphs discussing?) Type the overall topic of this section/these paragraphs here:

B. Example/Evidence 1 to demonstrate overall topic Type your first example here:

C. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

D. Transition

E. Example/Evidence 2 to demonstrate overall topic Type your second example here:

F. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

G. Concluding Sentence

II. Section 2/Body Paragraphs 4-6

A. Topic Sentence (what is this section/these paragraphs discussing?) Type the overall topic of this section/these paragraphs here:

B. Example/Evidence 1 to demonstrate overall topic Type your first example here:

C. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

D. Transition

E. Example/Evidence 2 to demonstrate overall topic Type your second example here:

F. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

G. Concluding Sentence

III. Section 3/Body Paragraphs 7-9

A. Topic Sentence (what is this section/these paragraphs discussing?) Type the overall topic of this section/these paragraphs here:

B. Example/Evidence 1 to demonstrate overall topic Type your first example here:

C. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

D. Transition

E. Example/Evidence 2 to demonstrate overall topic Type your second example here:

F. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

G. Concluding Sentence

IV. Section 4/Body Paragraphs 10-12

A. Topic Sentence (what is this section/these paragraphs discussing?) Type the overall topic of this section/these paragraphs here:

B. Example/Evidence 1 to demonstrate overall topic Type your first example here:

C. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

D. Transition

E. Example/Evidence 2 to demonstrate overall topic Type your second example here:

F. Explanation (how does example and evidence prove/support topic sentence)

G. Concluding Sentence

ITEM 3: REQUIRED: Source Assessment:

Find ONE source (can be from an academic journal, an article from a magazine, a report/article from a newspaper, or a CREDIBLE website) and explain how it will be used in your paper (4 sentences). Include a direct quotation from the source that you will use in your paper.

Type your 4-sentence assessment of the source here:

Type the direct quotation from the source you will use here:

ITEM 4: REQUIRED: Reference Entry:

Type a properly formatted, APA-style reference entry for the above source here:

SEE BELOW FOR SAMPLE SECTIONS OF A RESEARCH PAPER ABOUT CAKE!

Here’s my thesis: By researching cake’s place in history as well as the societal value placed on this dessert, it becomes clear that cake is much more than celebratory eating: it reflects the wealth, health, and artistry of cultures around the world.

So the body of my paper could have the following sections:

A. Origins of Cake

a. History (when did cake become associated with celebrations?)

b. Historical significance (“Let them eat cake!”)

c. Societal value (cake in different cultures — does it appear the same way in the same form everywhere around the world? How does cake differ in purpose and form around the world?)

d. Cake traditions and superstitions

B. Cake as a Reflection of Wealth

a. Economics of cake industry (facts and figures)

b. Ingredients of cake expensive (spices from faraway lands, cakes during the Great Depression)

c. Wedding cakes — reflects social status (are you willing to spend money on a grocery store cake, wholesale club cake, designer cake?)

C. Cake as a Reflection of a Society’s Nutrition

a. Occurence of cakes in society (how often are cakes eaten? Facts and figures)

b. Nutritional makeup of cakes in different societies (America vs. Japan? Do some societies have “healthier” cakes regularly at events?)

D. Cake as Art

a. Evolution of cake decorating (from simple roses to fondant structures!)

b. Cakes are centerpieces of celebrations (made to look like anything!)

c. Televised cake competitions assessing artistry of cakes