Introduction:
What will be the subject of your research project and what issue will be addressed? Be as specific as you can be.
Why does this issue need to be addressed?
What is your working thesis? In other words, what stance will you take on the issue raised.
Statement of Purpose:
Which specific group(s) will find the subject important? Why is subject important to this group?
What is your interest in the subject you have chosen? Provide a specific personal interest, not just a general interest in the overall subject.
What will your perspective add to the existing discussions on the subject?
Statement of the Problem:
Which problem(s) related to your research subject most need to be addressed and why?
For each problem discussed, explain why the problem needs to be addressed. Why is it a significant problem and why should people be concerned about it?
How will your own stance on the issue address the problem(s) and why will your approach be effective? Try to answer this question for each problem discussed.
What other solutions to the problem(s) have been offered, if any, and why are these ineffective or less effective than yours?
Review of the Literature:
What are one or two of the most significant writings on the research subject and what makes these important?
How have these writings influenced your own views of the subject and the issue addressed?
What will be the significance of these writings in making your own argument on the issue?
Project Description:
Which major points will need to be addressed in order to make your overall argument work?
Why are these points important to your overall argument?
What is the order of importance of the points?
Conclusion:
How will researching and writing your paper add to your own knowledge and education?
What will your research add to the existing discussion on the issue?
What do you hope that readers will take away from the paper?