The Rule of 4C

A well-written description of any project makes it possible for the intended audience (sponsor, prospective student, parent, executive) to understand the concept and context of your project. Make sure you check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  Use the rule of 4C to guide you in your writing and remember this is not an abstract.

  • Clear: Use simple, generally accepted and unambiguous words and sentences to describe the key point. Use special terms/definitions only if necessary.
  • Concise: Describe the project briefly but comprehensively.
  • Complete: Make sure the content covers all critical aspects required for the reader to understand the project.
  • Credible: Include to up-to-date and relevant information only.
Project Title

The title should be direct, clear, descriptive, and attention-grabbing (75-character limit).

Examples:

  • A Holistic Approach to Harvesting Algae for Biofuels
  • Software Development For Home Energy Audits
  • Improving Snow Forecasts In Rockingham County
  • Using Robotics to Improve Spinal Surgery Procedures
Project Description

Introduction, Statement, and Description should be no more than 225 words.

Introduction

Capture the reader’s attention with an interesting fact or anecdote (1-2 sentences).

Example: Lake Shenandoah is located in Rockingham County near Harrisonburg and was created in 1957 by damming the confluence of two small streams, Congers Creek and Massanetta Springs. This public lake is managed for recreational uses, including boating and fishing.


Statement

Explain the project scope/activity (2-4 sentences).

Example:  For decades, Lake Shenandoah has struggled to meet its potential as a valuable resource for the community due to a long list of issues. Historically, high sediment and nutrient loads have led to eutrophication in the lake, which causes large growths of aquatic plants to cover much of the lake’s surface in the spring and summer months. A dam spillway failure in 2018 lowered the lake’s water level by roughly 5 feet. While the decreased lake level impacted the fish community, it presented an opportunity to create wetlands to improve water quality.

 


Description

Describe the project, goals, and research questions. Include important open questions/limitations (2-5 sentences).

Example: We aim to better understand the lake's issues through water testing and analysis of Lake Shenandoah and its tributaries. In turn, we pass this information to the managing agency, Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources, to assist them in making more informed management decisions. Our analysis shows that the lake suffers from eutrophication and could benefit from managing invasive species, including Parrot’s Feather, an emergent aquatic plant.

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