1. Introduction: Setting the Context

The Introduction explains the problem or gap in the research, states the study’s focus, and establishes its significance.

Purpose:
To introduce the topic, highlight the gap in knowledge, and explain the study's relevance.

Tense and Verb Use:

• Present tense: To describe current knowledge or establish the research focus.
  • investigates, explores, addresses, focuses, examines, contributes
• Present perfect tense: To reference past research with ongoing relevance.
  • has shown, have identified, have highlighted

Expanded Vocabulary Alternatives:

• Instead of explores: examines, investigates
• Instead of focuses: centers on, emphasizes

Examples:

• This study explores how generative AI tools can enhance learners’ motivation in writing tasks.
• Existing research has highlighted the potential of AI tools in education but has not examined their role in fostering writing engagement.
• This research addresses this gap by contributing to the understanding of how AI tools influence writing skill development.

2. Research Objectives: Defining the Purpose

The Objectives section outlines what the research intends to achieve.

Purpose:
To clearly state the goals of the research.

Tense and Verb Use:

• Infinitive verbs: To define clear objectives.
  • to determine, to evaluate, to analyze, to develop, to propose, to assess
• Future tense: To describe planned activities or goals.
  • will explore, will examine, will identify

Expanded Vocabulary Alternatives:

• Instead of to evaluate: to assess, to measure
• Instead of to propose: to suggest, to recommend

Examples:

• The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of generative AI tools in improving English writing skills.
• *This study seeks to:
  1. Analyze the impact of AI-generated feedback on learners’ written accuracy.
  2. Investigate teachers’ perceptions of integrating AI tools into instruction.
  3. Propose strategies for effectively incorporating AI tools in writing pedagogy.*

3. Literature Review: Supporting the Research

The Literature Review summarizes key studies and identifies gaps the proposal aims to address.

Purpose:
To contextualize the research within the field and justify the study.

Tense and Verb Use:

• Present tense: To describe established theories or general truths.
  • argues, suggests, demonstrates, highlights, identifies
• Present perfect tense: To emphasize the relevance or limitations of past research.
  • has shown, have demonstrated, have not explored

Expanded Vocabulary Alternatives:

• Instead of suggests: proposes, indicates
• Instead of highlights: emphasizes, underlines

Examples:

• Smith (2020) argues that AI tools enhance learner autonomy in writing tasks.
• Existing studies have demonstrated the benefits of AI in adaptive learning but have not explored their role in improving writing fluency.
• Previous research has largely focused on grammar correction tools, leaving a gap in understanding the motivational aspects of AI in writing.

4. Methodology: Describing the Approach

The Methodology section explains how the research will be conducted, focusing on methods and procedures.

Purpose:
To outline how the study will be carried out.

Tense and Verb Use:

• Future tense: To describe planned actions.
  • will collect, will analyze, will adopt, will implement, will administer
• Passive voice: To emphasize the process rather than the researcher.
  • will be conducted, will be analyzed, will be employed

Expanded Vocabulary Alternatives:

• Instead of will analyze: will evaluate, will interpret
• Instead of will adopt: will employ, will utilize

Examples:

• This study will adopt a mixed-methods approach, combining surveys and interviews to collect data.
• Quantitative data will be collected through pre- and post-tests, while qualitative insights will be gathered through interviews with language teachers.
• The data will be analyzed using statistical tools for quantitative results and thematic coding for qualitative findings.

5. Significance of the Research: Highlighting Contributions

The Significance section explains why the research is important and how it will contribute to the field.

Purpose:
To justify the research's importance and anticipated contributions.

Tense and Verb Use:

• Present tense: To articulate the research's contributions.
  • contributes, addresses, provides, fills, enhances
• Future tense: To predict the study's impact.
  • will contribute, will provide, will inform

Expanded Vocabulary Alternatives:

• Instead of will contribute: will advance, will add to
• Instead of addresses: responds to, resolves

Examples:

• This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on AI tools in language education by addressing their role in improving learners’ motivation and writing skills.
• The study will provide practical recommendations for integrating generative AI tools into writing instruction.

6. Budget and Timeline

The Budget and Timeline section outlines the resources required and the schedule for completing the project.

Purpose:
To detail resource allocation and project phases.

Tense and Verb Use:

• Future tense: To describe plans and resource use.
  • will allocate, will spend, will complete, will require

Examples:

• The project will require 10 million VND, allocated to software licenses, participant incentives, and research materials.
• The study will be completed within five months, with data collection conducted in the first two months and analysis in the third.

Additional Notes on Verb and Tense Usage

1. Consistency:
   Use consistent tenses within sections. For example, avoid shifting from future tense to present tense unless describing general truths alongside planned actions.

2. Variety in Verb Use:
   Avoid repeating the same verbs (e.g., "analyze" or "explore"). Synonyms or variations can make writing more dynamic and professional.

3. Focus on the Proposal (Not Findings):
   When describing proposed research, prioritize future tense and infinitive verbs. Avoid discussing potential findings unless in the "Expected Outcomes" section.