Essay Proposal. A proposal of your research establishes the focus question, explains your interests in the topic and what prior knowledge you have about the subject. Bibliography A working bibliography uses a recognized format (APA, MLA) and should be considered a work in progress throughout the ISU process. It represents the body of work that has be referred to in the research of the project. It should demonsrate an adequate variety of sources from general to specific, including books, periodicals, newspapers, electronic and other media type.