The document provides guidance on writing an effective specific aims page for a research proposal. It should convey excitement about the research, be easily understood without jargon, and make the reviewer want to learn more. The typical structure includes 1-2 paragraphs of background and importance of the topic, prior research, gaps in knowledge, and an overall hypothesis. Specific aims are then listed as bullet points. The writing should avoid jargon, complex language, and criticisms while ensuring each aim can stand alone.

1. Key points about specific aims
page
• Will determine most of the reviewer’s score
• Should convey your excitement
• Should make the reviewer want to read more

2. Key points about specific aims
page
• Must be easily understood
oAvoid jargon and abbreviations
oUse simple declarative sentences
oShould provide a clear description of what you
hope to do

3. Typical layout
• 1-2 paragraphs of background
o Importance of topic/overall goal
o Prior research, especially your own
o Gaps in current knowledge
o Overall hypothesis
• Specific aims in bullet points
• Importance and impact of knowledge to be
gained (optional)

4. Things to avoid
• Jargon and abbreviations
• Dense, hard to understand writing
• Potential pitfalls of the proposed research
• Criticisms of others’ work
• One aim that depends on another*

5. Things to do
• Make sure that the research will address your
hypothesis
• Have people outside your field read your
specific aims page