BS Applied Linguistics

Research Project (ENG525)

Fall 2023
Assignment No. 1
Research Proposal Writing
Total Marks: 10

Instructions:

 Upload your assignments in a proper format, i.e. MS word file. Corrupt files will be awarded zero
marks.
 The assignments should be zoomed in at 100%.
 Please avoid plagiarism; plagiarized work will be marked zero.
 After the due date, the assignments submitted via email would not be entertained.
 Please avoid submitting copied assignments; otherwise, such a case would be referred to the
discipline committee.
 The font color should be preferably black and font size 12 Times New Roman.

In this assignment, you are required to write an introduction, research objectives, research
questions, statement of the problem and the significance of the study about the topic selected for
your Research Proposal. You can consult with your supervisors and they will guide you
accordingly.

First assignment should be based on the following points:

1. Topic
Topic should give a clear indication of your proposed research approach or key questions.

2. Introduction
You should include:
 The background and issues of your proposed research
 A short introduction of the topic
 A summary of key debates and developments of the topic

3. Objectives of the Study

Objectives always are set to explain or answer the research questions. Objectives are
usually headed by infinitive verbs such as:
 To identify…
 To establish…
 To describe…
 To determine…
 To estimate…
 To develop…
 To compare…
 To analyze…
 To collect

Examples of Research Objectives:

 To compare the unemployment rate among all European countries.
 To analyze the unemployment rate evolution from 2002 to 2012.
 To identify the factors associated with high unemployment rates.

Note: Maximum TWO objectives are required.

4. Research Questions/ Hypothesis

You should formulate research questions and hypothesis very clearly, by clearly
mentioning that what actually needs to be explored and why they are worth exploring. Research
questions need to be:
 Clear
 Research able
 Connected with already established theory and research
 Linked with each other
 Capable of making contribution to research

Note: Maximum TWO research questions should be there in your work.

5. Statement of the Problem

Statement of the problem should be based on one brief paragraph. It should clearly establish
the aims of the research and the relationship sought between the variables/concepts of the study.

6. Significance of the Study

This section describes the importance or potential benefits of the research. It specifies
how your study will improve, modify or broaden the knowledge pool in the field under
exploration. Make a note that such improvements/modifications may have significant
implications also.

When you are taking the importance of your study into account, pose yourself the following
questions:

 What will be the outcomes of this research study?

 Will the results of this research contribute to the solution or development of anything related
to it?
 What will be improved or changed as a result of the proposed research?
 How will results of the study be implemented and what innovations will come out?