For your researched science essay for the general public.
Due: One day after Session 10
Length: ~250 words (1 page)
The first stage in writing your science essay for the general public will be to develop and draft a prospectus. A prospectus is a valuable tool for writers, as it can help them develop their ideas and a feasible plan for a writing project. You will write a first version, meet with either me or the Writing Advisor to go over it, and then—if necessary—submit a revised version that shows you have a well thought out plan for the essay.
Your prospectus should describe each of the following in at least one paragraph:
- The general topic of your essay and why you have chosen it.
- The aspect of the topic or perspective you plan to focus on, and why.
- Your target audience and the kind of journal or magazine you might envision this essay appearing in.
- The basic purpose of the essay.
- What you envision as the biggest challenges you’ll face in writing about this topic for a general audience.
It should be formatted as shown below, including the title and each of the bold-faced words or phrases as section headings:
Prospectus: For a science essay for the general public
Topic
Focus
Target Audience
Purpose
Main Challenges
Use a standard 12 pt. font for the main text and 1.5 spacing of text within each section.
You should treat your prospectus as a guide for your science essay, rather than as a rigid “blueprint”. Some things may change, not only in response to comments on your prospectus, but even later through your research and drafting of the essay.