Week 1 Assignment
Week One: Topic Selection and Exploration
Welcome to the first week of your English Composition I course! This week marks the beginning of your final paper journey. You will take your first steps by selecting a topic, conducting preliminary research, and building a strong foundation for your writing project.
Step 1: Topic Proposal and Development
Your first task is to select a broad topic that interests you. This topic will serve as the basis for your final research paper.
If you’re unsure where to begin, refer to the “501 Writing Prompts” document found in the Week One Module for inspiration.
Your submission should include:
- A written proposal describing your chosen broad topic and why you selected it.
- A clear and focused thesis statement that presents your main idea or position.
- A research question that will guide your inquiry and help narrow your focus.
Step 2: Background Exploration (“Presearch”)
Before diving into in-depth research, you’ll engage in some informal exploration to better understand your topic:
- Use brainstorming or freewriting to generate ideas and refine your interest.
- Create a concept map to visually connect key ideas, subtopics, and potential research angles.
(Watch this short video to learn how to build a concept map: How to Create a Concept Map) - Identify relevant background or contextual information that supports your topic.
- Based on this exploration, revise your proposal, thesis statement, or research question if necessary to reflect a clearer direction.
Week One Submission Requirements
Please submit a four-page document including:
- Title Page (Formatted using the provided APA 7 template – 1 page)
- Topic Proposal (A written explanation of your selected topic and rationale – 1 page)
- Concept Map (A visual representation of your topic’s key ideas and connections – 1 page)
- Reflection (Describe your thought process, how your topic evolved, and how you finalized your decision – 1 page)
Important Reminders
- Choose a topic that genuinely interests you and offers enough credible research material.
- This selection will shape the direction of your final paper, so take the time to choose wisely.
- Refer to the APA 7 Assignment Template provided in your course materials for correct formatting.