Final Project Assignment
For the final project, students are required to produce an academic paper of
approximately 1,800–2,000 words that integrates critical argumentation with a
preliminary research proposal on a relevant issue and propose a mini research study
address a significant issue in education or language education that the student is
academically interested in, particularly one that is relevant to postgraduate study,
teaching practice, or current educational debates.
The project should include:
I. Introduction
The introduction should clearly establish the focus of the paper. Students are
expected to introduce the issue under discussion, explain its significance within the
relevant academic field, and present a clear central argumentative claim. In addition,
the introduction should briefly outline the structure of the paper in order to guide the
reader through the subsequent sections.
II. Literature review
In this section, students should review at least five academic sources, with an
emphasis on peer-reviewed journal articles. Rather than summarizing each source
individually, students should organize the literature thematically and identify key
debates, perspectives, and tensions within the existing research.
* For example, if the topic concerns the use of artificial intelligence in academic
writing, the literature review may be organized into themes such as:
- Benefits of AI in writing development
- Concerns about academic integrity
- Pedagogical integration of AI tools
The literature review should demonstrate synthesis of research findings,
comparison across studies, and critical evaluation. Based on the literature reviewed,
students should present a clear argumentative position regarding the issue under
discussion.
Students are encouraged to include a counter-argument section, in which they
present an opposing perspective from the literature and critically respond to
demonstrate balanced academic reasoning and critical engagement with multiple
viewpoints.
III. Proposed research study
Building on the preceding argument and literature review, students should
propose a mini research study that could further investigate the issue.
This section should include:
(1) Research gap: an explanation of what remains underexplored in the current
literature
(2) Research questions: two clearly formulated questions that guide the proposed
study
(3) Methodology, including a brief description of
- research design
- participants or research context
- data collection methods
- data analysis approach
IV. Conclusion
The conclusion should briefly summarize the main argument developed in the
paper, emphasize the significance of the proposed research, and discuss potential
implications for research, teaching, or practice within the relevant field.
V. Reference
All sources must be cited appropriately using APA referencing style, including
both in-text citations and a reference list.
VI. Marking rubric
Criteria Weight
Academic argument 25%
Literature synthesis 20%
Critical evaluation of perspectives 15%
Research proposal design 20%
Academic language & cohesion 5%
Referencing accuracy 15%