ENGLISH 1302 GUIDELINES FOR THE ACADEMIC PROPOSAL Purpose: To persuade your professor and yourself that your research project is a well planned and valuable project in which will be successful. You will be seeking approval of a project: that project is your research paper. Once your proposal is approved, you will begin putting together your research paper. Audience: Yourself and your English 1302 instructor Topic: Write and submit a proposal of your research paper.   Proposal: 2-3 pages. Based on Lesson 6: “Gathering Research,” Lesson 7: “Integrating Research,” and Lesson 8: “Documenting Research.”  You may select the topic from an area of interest in your major field. Consult the suggested writing assignments in Student Course Guide for the Writer’s Odyssey for Lesson 8, p. 65. Format: Write a brief document that summarizes your research project for this course. These are the major components of an Academic Research Proposal and you will section your proposal according to these components: An overview of the completed research paper, includingAn introduction to your project and a preliminary thesis statement A short summary of the topic you are researching including short quotations, and paraphrases from some of your potential sourcesA description of the basic elements of your paper An explanation of the how readers will benefit from reading this paper A strong conclusion 2. Your detailed, specific plan for completing this project, including a timetable tailored to your specific work and home schedule 3. A working bibliography: a list of at least four reliable sources in correct MLA citation format Requirements: MLA format Two to three pages plus a One page working bibliography Evaluation will be based on how well you Tailored your message for your audience Wrote an introduction that engages your reader Stated a brief overview of your project Used correct MLA citation format in the text and in your bibliography Explained how readers will benefit from your research project Provided a complete, realistic plan for completion of your research paper, including all the required checkpointsSupplied the necessary details to support your proposal Concluded strongly, perhaps refocusing on your thesis Designed the proposal so that it is easy to read Wrote with language that is concise, positive, and specific Edited your proposal carefully. English 1302 also addresses the following objectives. The basis for rating each item on the proposal and research paper rubric: Introduction with strong thesis and clear sense of audience and purposeDo the opening sentences bring the reader to the general topic? Is there an attempt to hook the reader? Does the thesis contain a controlling idea or clear direction that indicates the writer’s purpose? Indicates clear organization, critical thinking, logical development of ideas, exposition and or argumentDoes the writer organize the paper in a logical manner? ...

1. ENGLISH 1302
GUIDELINES FOR THE ACADEMIC PROPOSAL
Purpose:
To persuade your professor and yourself that your research
project is a well planned and valuable project in which will be
successful. You will be seeking approval of a project: that
project is your research paper. Once your proposal is approved,
you will begin putting together your research paper.
Audience:
Yourself and your English 1302 instructor
Topic:
Write and submit a proposal of your research paper. Proposal:
2-3 pages. Based on Lesson 6: “Gathering Research,” Lesson 7:
“Integrating Research,” and Lesson 8: “Documenting Research.”
You may select the topic from an area of interest in your major
field. Consult the suggested writing assignments in Student
Course Guide for the Writer’s Odyssey for Lesson 8, p. 65.
Format:
Write a brief document that summarizes your research project
for this course.
These are the major components of an Academic Research
Proposal and you will section your proposal according to these
components:
An overview of the completed research paper, includingAn
introduction to your project and a preliminary thesis statement
A short summary of the topic you are researching including
short
quotations, and paraphrases from some of your potential
sourcesA description of the basic elements of your paper
An explanation of the how readers will benefit from reading this
paper

2. A strong conclusion
2. Your detailed, specific plan for completing this project,
including a timetable
tailored to your specific work and home schedule
3. A working bibliography: a list of at least four reliable
sources in correct
MLA citation format
Requirements:
MLA format
Two to three pages plus a
One page working bibliography
Evaluation will be based on how well you
Tailored your message for your audience
Wrote an introduction that engages your reader
Stated a brief overview of your project
Used correct MLA citation format in the text and in your
bibliography
Explained how readers will benefit from your research project
Provided a complete, realistic plan for completion of your
research paper, including all the required checkpointsSupplied
the necessary details to support your proposal
Concluded strongly, perhaps refocusing on your thesis
Designed the proposal so that it is easy to read
Wrote with language that is concise, positive, and specific
Edited your proposal carefully.
English 1302 also addresses the following objectives.
The basis for rating each item on the proposal and research
paper rubric:
Introduction with strong thesis and clear sense of audience and
purposeDo the opening sentences bring the reader to the general

3. topic?
Is there an attempt to hook the reader?
Does the thesis contain a controlling idea or clear direction that
indicates the writer’s purpose?
Indicates clear organization, critical thinking, logical
development of ideas, exposition and or argumentDoes the
writer organize the paper in a logical manner?
Does the writer use topic sentences that support the thesis?
Does the writer use transition devices to make clear the train of
thought?
Does the writer employ the universal intellectual standards as
appropriate to the assignment? (Attached)
Strong evidence of research and successful integration of
outside sourcesDoes the writer incorporate ideas from outside
sources that are appropriate to the task?
Does the writer show that he/she recognizes credibility of
sources?
Language, mechanics and technical proficiencyTo what extent
do grammatical and mechanical errors interfere with the readers
immediate comprehension and/or enjoyment of the paper?
MLA usage, including in-text citations and works cited
pageDoes the writer display competency with heading and
header?
Does the writer display competency with margins, spacing, font
size etc?
Does the writer use correct in-text citations and have a
corresponding entry on the works cited page?
Conversely, does the writer have an in-text citation for all
works on the works cited page?
Is paraphrasing adequate?

4. Conclusion that summarizes the main points of the essay and
impacts the readerDoes the conclusion give a sense of closure to
the paper?
Does the conclusion avoid new information needing support?
Does the conclusion take advantage of a last chance to impact
reader?
Please pay special attention to these areas as they have been a
problem to students in the past:
1. Thesis in Introduction
2. Impacting Conclusion
3. Strong evidence of research and successful integration of
outside sources
4. 2009 MLA format, including in-text citation and working
bibliography page
ENGLISH 1302…Fall 2010
Assignmentfor the Research Paper Proposal
(Used courtesy of Professor Stephanie Venza)
Purpose:
To persuade your professor and yourself that your research
project is a well planned and valuable project which will be
successful. You will be seeking approval of a project: that
project is your research paper. Once your proposal is approved,
you will begin putting together your research paper.
Audience:
Yourself and your English 1302 instructor
Topic:
Write a brief document that summarizes your research project
for this course.
These are the major components of an Academic
Research Proposal:
An overview of the completed research paper, includingAn

5. introduction to your project and a preliminary thesis statement
A short summary of the topic you are researching including
short
quotations, and paraphrases from some of
your potential sourcesA description of the basic elements of
your paper
An explanation of the how readers will benefit from reading this
paper
A strong conclusion
(2) Your detailed, specific plan for completing this
project, including a timetable
tailored to your specific work and home schedule
(3) A working bibliography: a list of at least four reliable
sources in correct
MLA citation format
Requirements:
MLA format
Two to three pages plus a
One page working bibliography
Evaluation will be based on how well you
Tailored your message for your audience
Wrote an introduction that engages your reader
Stated a brief overview of your project
Used correct MLA citation format in the text and in your
bibliography
Explained how readers will benefit from your research project
Provided a complete, realistic plan for completion of your
research paper, including all the required checkpointsSupplied
the necessary details to support your proposal
Concluded strongly, perhaps refocusing on your thesis
Designed the proposal so that it is easy to read
Wrote with language that is concise, positive, and specific
Edited your proposal carefullyThis course also addresses the

6. following objectives:
Dear Students:
I want to address some problems that some students have with
the proposal:
Please don't use the 2nd person, “you”, as this is not appropriate
for a research paper. use 1st person, “I” or “we”, or 3rd,”he-
she-it-they”. It is preferable that you use 3rd. Ist is OK if you
are writing a persuasive piece but be careful not to get caught
up in talking about yourself.
Make sure you use correct MLA format for 2009 for the works
cited page. Your heading need not be in a header but your last
name and pagination must be.
Make sure your sources are reliable. For example Wikipedia can
be changed by anyone so it is not reliable, and some websites
have an agenda to give you a message or sell you something.
Also make sure your sources are up-to-date.
Make sure you have both Web and Print sources.
Your thesis should address what you are going to be talking
about in your paper specifically and should be in your
introduction. There is a power point on thesis under the course
information tab.
I am looking forward to gaining great insight into subjects I had
no idea about! It will make for interesting reading.
Ginger Hughes
6
Anon

7. Anon
1
Anon
Ginger Hughes
English 1302-2423
13 November 2009
Food for Health and a Greener Earth: Organic
Rising concerns for health and environment have made
organic foods a controversial topic among consumers today.
This proposal examines the effects of synthetic chemicals used
in food and conventional farming to illustrate the benefits of
organic food and farming on human health and the environment.
Naturally grown foods have been around for generations. The
advent of industrialized farming for mass food production
during the twentieth century increased the amounts of foods
exposed to man-made pesticides, fertilizers, hormones, and
preservatives. Recent discoveries indicate the adverse effects of
these chemicals on humans, animals, and the environment. The
consumption of organic foods will not only promote better
health for humanity but also encourage organic farming in order
to preserve the planet for future generations.
SUMMARY
Foods made without the use of artificial fertilizers, hormones,
and preservatives are defined as organic food. Although
agriculture through human history used organic farming
methods, industrialized farming and the invention of synthetic
fertilizers triggered a chain of events in farming and food
manufacturing leading to mass production. Recent research
indicates that artificial hormones and antibiotics given to
livestock, preservatives and flavors in packaged food, and the
use of fertilizer, pesticides, and genetic engineering in produce
present numerous health hazards to humans and animals. In

8. humans, long-term exposure to these chemicals including
nitrates have been linked with health conditions like cancer,
infertility, and autism among many others. Synthetic fertilizers
and pest-eliminators disrupt eco-systems and have been reported
to create deformities, infertility, and unusual behavior among
wild animals. We all inhabit one earth; it is our duty to create a
friendly environment for all beings on the planet. Selecting
organic foods will encourage more farmers to convert to organic
farming methods that maintain the natural balance of the
environment. Eliminating the use of pesticides, growth
hormones, and antibiotics in food will prevent a multitude of
unwanted diseases and illnesses both in human and animal
populations. Organic farming will reduce waste, promote
recycling of organic matter, minimize landfills, and support
eco-systems. Although many argue against the availability and
high cost of organic food, they are accessible through organic
gardening, local farms, and careful shopping.
QUOTATIONS AND PARAPHRASES:“The word ‘organic’
refers to a natural or ‘earth-friendly’ method of farming and
producing food” (Dunn-Angelou 10): This quote supports the
definition of organic.“We suspect that the increase in chemical
and medical sensitivities, childhood cancers, infertility rates,
learning disabilities, autism and mood disorders may relate in
some way to the sea of endocrine disruptors in which we all
swim” (Mills par 16): This quote gives evidence for effects of
synthetic fertilizers and hormones.“Epidemiological studies
have linked nitrates in drinking water to reproductive problems
and bladder and ovarian cancer. When nitrate-contaminated well
water is mixed with infant formula and fed to babies, the infants
can suffer from methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome”
(Rich par 18): This quote refers to the effects of chemicals in
artificial fertilizers.
“Toxic herbicides and insecticides are accumulating in ground
and surface waters. Chemical fertilizers are running off the
fields into water systems where they generate damaging blooms

9. of oxygen-depleting microorganisms that disrupt ecosystems
and kill fish” (“Hidden Costs” 3): This quote provides the
effects of harmful chemicals on wildlife and the
environment.“Data gathered since 1981 from the Rodale
Institute's experimental farms in east-central Pennsylvania on
organically grown corn and soybeans shows that the soil
retained 15-28% more carbon than conventionally farmed soil,
the equivalent of 1,000 pounds of carbon, or 3,500 pounds of
carbon dioxide per acre foot of soil” (“Everything”): This quote
gives statistics of the benefits of organic farming.Dr. Mary
Warren, a holistic practitioner and an expert on nutrition claims
that Phytonutrients found in organic foods help heal many
conditions and diseases: This paraphrase illustrates the benefits
of organic food.
BASIC ELEMENTS
The introduction followed by the thesis will provide the
reader with a basic understanding of organic food and create
curiosity towards the subject in order to gain insight on a
currently controversial subject.
The body will define the term, “organic” followed by
details of organic farming in human history, the evolution of
modern farming methods, the adverse effects of non-organic
farming and foods on human health and the environment
supported by data, the benefits of organic farming and food with
statistics, ending with counterarguments and concessions in
order to convince the reader.
The conclusion will integrate a restatement of the thesis
while persuading the reader to adopt an organic lifestyle and a
sense of awareness and responsibility towards creating a
greener earth.
BNEFITS TO THE AUDIENCE
The consumption of organic food is a highly debated issue
at present, due to mixed reviews by experts and cost. The
research paper will offer eye-opening details about organic food

10. to the reader: why organic food is important to a world filled
with increasing maladies, what synthetic chemicals are doing to
the environment, how we can help the earth’s eco-system, and
how we can overcome the high cost of organic food. The data,
statistics, anecdotes, expert opinions, and testimonies will fuel
the knowledge of the curious and grant interest to the
disinterested consumers in the audience. All consumers, young
and old will benefit from the information provided in this
research.
TIMELINE
Tuesday 3rd November -Conduct personal interview with Dr.
Mary Warren, a nutritional expert (1pm).
Wednesday 4th November –Gather online research (9am to
11am).
Thursday 5th November –Reserve reference books from the
library (10am).
Saturday 7th November –Review textbook and videos for
research paper and start draft (1pm to 4pm).
Sunday 8th November –Finish writing first draft (3pm to 5pm).
Monday 9th November – Finish revising and start citations page
(10am to 12noon)
Wednesday 11th November – Finish writing (2pm to 4 pm).
Friday 13th November –Revise and prepare for submission (1pm
to 7pm).
Working Bibliography
Dunn-Georgiou, Elisha. Everything You Need to Know About
Organic Foods. New York: Rosen P.G., 2002. Print.
“Everything I Need to Know About Organic Foods.” The
World’s Healthiest Foods. Whfoods.org. 2009. Web. 4 Nov.
2009.
Gore, Albert. An Inconvenient Truth. New York: Rodale, 2006.
Print.
“Hidden Costs of Industrial Agriculture.” Union of Concerned
Scientists. Ucusa.org. 2009. Web. 4 Nov. 2009.

11. Kimbrell, Andrew. Your Right to Know: Genetic Engineering
and the Secret Changes in Your Food. California: Earth Aware,
2007. Print.
Mills, Dixie. “Endocrine disruptors — tipping the hormonal
scales.” Womentowomen.com. 17 Aug 2009. Web. 4 Nov. 2009.
“Pesticides and Neurodevelopment.” National Institute of
Health Sciences – National Institute of Health. Niehs.nih.gov. 9
Nov. 2007. Web. 4 Nov. 2009.
Warren, Mary. Personal Interview. 3 Nov. 2009.