Write a proposal asking your instructor for approval on the formal report topic you have chosen.
Information you might want to include in your proposal:
• Why is this an interesting and significant topic? How does it relate to current concerns?
• What are you hoping to achieve for yourself (in terms of improving your writing and critical thinking skills) when you write the paper?
• How will you approach the topic, and what is your plan/timeline for completing your formal report? Be realistic about how much time you will spend on each phase (planning, research, first draft, revisions, final version).
• What resources are you planning to use? Be specific about the details, e.g. the library databases that you will be searching, relevant web resources and search terms. It might be useful to talk to the NAIT librarians when you are developing this section of your plan.
• Make sure you review Kent Lewis’s introductions to “Questions” and “Argument” before determining your topic, since the Literature Review has a strong focus on analysis of argument or persuasive writing.
• What assistance or guidance will you need from me or from your classmates as you are going through the essay-writing process?
When you are writing, remember that you are trying to persuade your instructor to approve your topic. Keep your audience in mind. Maintain a friendly, polite, enthusiastic tone; present your information in a professional manner.