Write an essay and it has to be about about a good academic inquiry.

Write an essay and it has to be about about a good academic inquiry. Not answering the question but rather explaining why the topic if good for a Major paper

WRITING EXERCISE #4: PROPOSAL
Overview: Prior to writing the major essay for this class, students must demonstrate that they understand what is and what is not a legitimate subject of academic inquiry. Note that abstract and philosophical concepts can make for excellent papers, so the limitations are not purely ones of fact. Instead, the approach and the purpose is what matters most.
Assignment: Students must suggest a topic of academic inquiry as the focal point for the upcoming major paper. They must argue that this paper makes a good topic. Thus, the proposal would not be “I’m going to prove that T. rex had feathers” and then a couple of paragraphs on whether or not T. rex had feathers. Instead, the proposal would be “I’m going to investigate whether or not T. rex had feathers,” and then it would include reasons why that question will lead to a good paper.
The proposal must include a topic phrased in the form of a question, a discussion of multiple acceptable answers to that question, and a review of at least three sources that will be useful in answering that question. The final document should be around 600-750 words long.
Things to consider:
• Remember to explain why the topic is a good one for a major paper, not why you think the answer to the proposed question is or is not a certain conclusion.
• If you cannot fill three pages writing about the topic, it’s probably not a good topic for a 10-page paper.
Grading:
• Out of 100 possible points, 25 points will be assigned to mechanical elements (including source citation) and style elements (this includes having a formal tone of voice).
• 25 points will be assigned based on the exploration of possible answers to the question.
• Another 25 points will be assigned based on the quality of the argument made and the use
of evidence to support claims (including the quality of that evidence); this includes
explaining the relative merits of any competing evidence.
• The final 25 points will be assigned based on the ability to summarize the sources being
reviewed.

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