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Tamy Chapman, Helen Nam, and Brad Gilpin

Welcome to the capstone project for the Academic English: Writing Specialization! This project lets you apply everything you’ve learned and gives you the practice you need for college classes by having you write a research paper. You'll have several due dates throughout the capstone to help you stay on schedule.

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Welcome to the capstone project for the Academic English: Writing Specialization! This project lets you apply everything you’ve learned and gives you the practice you need for college classes by having you write a research paper. You'll have several due dates throughout the capstone to help you stay on schedule.

In this capstone project, you will:

- conduct research on an academic topic of your choice

- create an outline to plan out your essay

- write a short annotated bibliography to help you evaluate your sources

- write a 7-8 page research paper

- use source material correctly with MLA format

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What's inside

Syllabus

Getting Started
In this Capstone project, you will combine all of the skills you've learned in the 4 courses of the Academic English: Writing specialization. This week, you will choose an academic topic to research and formulate an effective research question. By the end of this week, you should know your topic and have a rough outline of your research paper.
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Research and Annotated Bibliography
Last week, you learned about the assignment for this Capstone project, chose a topic, and created an outline. This week, you need to start researching and looking for source material. You will then create an annotated bibliography to submit.
First Draft and Introduction Paragraph
This week, you should start your first draft. Try to write several paragraphs including the introduction paragraph, which you should submit for feedback.
The Rough Draft
This week, you should continue working on the first draft. Try to have at least four pages written when you submit the rough draft for feedback. Also, include your Works Cited page for feedback.
Revise and Rewrite
You're getting near the end. Keep up the good work! This week, you don't have anything to submit. Just keep revising and get that next draft to at least 7 pages. Then revise and revise again.
The Final Draft
You're almost finished! In this final week, use the time to revise your research paper and edit it carefully. When you're finished, submit it for grading and review three other learners' papers. Then you'll be done!

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
May be appropriate for learners who want to improve their research and academic writing skills prior to the start of an academic program
May be appropriate for learners who want to improve their writing skills for college-level research papers
May be appropriate for learners who want to practice writing a research paper in MLA format
May be appropriate for students who need help getting started on a research paper and staying on schedule
May be inappropriate for students who are not familiar with the basics of academic writing
May be inappropriate for students who are looking for a comprehensive course on academic writing

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Reviews summary

Writing research papers

Learners say this research paper writing specialization is developed for academic learners who would like to learn more and write accurately in English.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Project: Writing a Research Paper with these activities:
Research Skills Refresher
This activity will enhance your ability to effectively conduct research for your paper.
Browse courses on Research
Show steps
  • Visit your institution's library or an online resource center.
  • Review the basics of research, including finding credible sources and using library databases.
Read: Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students
Reading this book will provide you with the foundational knowledge of academic writing necessary for this course.
Show steps
  • Purchase the book from a vendor of your choice.
  • Read the book, taking notes on key concepts.
  • Summarize the main ideas from each chapter.
Grammar and Punctuation Review
This activity will refresh your understanding of grammar and punctuation, ensuring clear and concise writing.
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Show steps
  • Enroll in an online grammar and punctuation course or review materials from a reputable source.
  • Complete exercises and practice writing sentences.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Annotated Bibliography
This activity will serve as a reference for sources throughout the research process.
Show steps
  • Gather at least five sources related to your research topic.
  • Write a concise summary of each source, including its main arguments and findings.
  • Evaluate each source for its credibility and relevance to your research topic.
Research Paper Outline
This activity will provide a detailed plan for your research paper and ensure a logical flow of ideas.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm and organize your research findings.
  • Identify the main sections of your research paper, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Create a detailed outline, including topic sentences for each paragraph.
MLA Citation Practice
This activity will ensure your research paper adheres to the correct citation style.
Browse courses on MLA
Show steps
  • Review the MLA citation guidelines.
  • Practice citing sources in MLA format using an online citation generator or other resources.
Research Paper
This is the culmination of your research and writing efforts in this course.
Show steps
  • Use your outline to write a well-structured research paper.
  • Include a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Support your arguments with evidence from your sources.
  • Write in a formal academic style and use correct MLA format.
Peer Review Workshop
This activity will provide valuable feedback to improve your writing and critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on Peer Review
Show steps
  • Exchange papers with a peer.
  • Provide constructive criticism on each other's work, focusing on organization, clarity, and grammar.
  • Incorporate feedback into your revised research paper.

Career center

Learners who complete Project: Writing a Research Paper will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Grant Writer
Grant writers write proposals to secure funding for organizations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly thereby providing you with invaluable experience in the research, writing, and formatting skills necessary to be an effective grant writer.
College Instructor
College instructors teach undergraduate courses at colleges and universities. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will provide you with the writing skills necessary to effectively communicate course materials to your students and colleagues.
Editor
Editors review, edit, and revise written content for publication. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly, thereby sharpening the writing and editing skills you will need as an editor.
Journalist
Journalists write and report on news and current events. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which are crucial skills for fact-checking, writing compelling stories, and accurately reporting on current events as a journalist.
Paralegal
Paralegals assist lawyers with legal research and other tasks. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly, thereby gaining experience with legal research, formatting, and writing that will benefit you in your role as a paralegal.
High School English Teacher
High school English teachers teach English language arts to high school students. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including writing, research, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will bolsters the crucial writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary in becoming a high school English teacher.
Lawyer
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. This course can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly thereby enhancing your research, writing, and critical thinking skills that will be indispensible to your future success in law school and beyond.
Academic Librarian
Academic Librarians guide researchers, instructors, and students in the development and use of library collections. This course will help you develop skills in research, writing, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for success in this field. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly thereby giving you valuable foundational knowledge and skills for helping your future library patrons.
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will strengthen your abilities to organize, manage, and disseminate information as a librarian.
Freelance Writer
Freelance writers create written content for a variety of clients, including businesses, individuals, and organizations. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including writing, research, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will provide you with the foundational writing, research, and formatting skills you will need as a freelance writer.
Copywriter
Copywriters create written content for marketing and advertising purposes. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including writing, research, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to write clear and concise copy, conduct research, and use MLA format correctly thereby giving you a solid foundation in the effective communication techniques demanded of copywriters.
Instructional Designer
Instructional designers create and develop educational materials. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including writing, research, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will provide you with a vital foundation in the research, writing, and formatting skills that instructional designers need.
Archivist
Archivists preserve and provide access to historical records. This course will help you develop skills in research, writing, and critical thinking, all of which are essential for success in this field. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly thereby equipping you to expertly document and preserve historical records.
Market Researcher
Market researchers conduct research to help businesses understand their customers and make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will equip you with valuable research, writing, and critical thinking skills needed to succeed as a market researcher.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this field, including research, writing, and critical thinking. You'll learn how to evaluate sources, write a clear and concise research paper, and use MLA format correctly which will provide the important research and documentation skills expected of data analysts.

Reading list

We've selected 15 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Project: Writing a Research Paper.
A step-by-step guide to conducting research, writing, and documenting research papers. It includes practical advice and examples to help students succeed in their research.
This classic source provides extensive coverage of writing fundamentals, grammar, usage, punctuation, format, and style, and includes sample student essays with annotations that demonstrate how successful writers apply rhetorical principles and craft effective paragraphs and essays.
This widely-used textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the research process, from developing a research question to writing and presenting the final paper.
This official style guide of the Modern Language Association (MLA) provides detailed guidance on formatting research papers, including citations, references, and documentation.
A textbook that serves as a comprehensive guide to research methods in education. It provides a strong foundation for understanding the processes and techniques involved in educational research.
This practical guide introduces qualitative research methods, providing step-by-step instructions on conducting research, analyzing data, and writing research reports.
This comprehensive style guide is used primarily in the social sciences, history, and other disciplines. It provides detailed guidelines for formatting, citations, and usage.
This guide offers a comprehensive approach to developing clear, concise, and effective writing styles in academic and professional contexts.
Helps students develop their writing skills through a series of practical exercises and techniques, providing valuable insights into the writing process.
Provides a theoretical framework for reflective writing, explaining its role in the writing process and offering strategies for developing reflective writing skills.
While not directly related to research paper writing, this book offers practical advice and encouragement for writers, providing insights into the challenges and rewards of the writing process.
Encourages writers to develop their own writing process and style, providing practical advice and exercises to help them become more independent and effective writers.

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