Assignment #4: Proposal

Purpose

A proposal paper aims to establish a specific plan of action or solution to a problem. Identify an interesting problem or issue that merits your taking a stand; translate your stand (or position) into a thesis statement that proposes a solution; support your proposal with specific details and examples; and marshal your reasoning and appeals to persuade others to accept your proposal by modifying their thinking, behavior, or influence.

Invention

Keep in mind as you brainstorm/draft:

Ø  You might begin by thinking about what your proposal paper might accomplish: Solve a problem. Change a behavior. Introduce new policy or procedure.

Ø  Given these typical aims, your audience could range from one that is completely unsympathetic to your proposal to one that is understanding and ready to be persuaded to action.

Ø  Make sure that your proposed topic is a problem with a debatable but realistic solution.

Ø  Drawing from Chapters 10-13 of the HGW, consider which available means are going to be most effective for making your major claim or for supporting points. A paper could deploy definition, comparison, cause-and-effect analysis, process analysis, or narration (or a combination of these available means) in order to argue for your proposal. (For example: perhaps you want to propose a plan for healthier dining options in the residence hall. A paper might deploy cause and effect related to the so-called “Freshmen 15” and incorporate a short narrative involving an acquaintance of yours who is struggling to find healthy dining choices before proposing a specific course of action).

Expectations

A successful proposal paper will:

1.      Define the situation or problem that calls for your attention (exigence);

2.      Establish an audience who is (or should be) invested in this situation or problem;

3.      Communicate your purpose (to offer a specific solution to the previously identified problem);

4.      Marshal emotional appeals, logical reasoning, details and examples to enhance your points;

5.      Employ a tone that expresses your opinion and advances your proposal without being confrontational;

6.      Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints/proposals; and

7.      Supply a clear, identifiable course of action.

Length: 4-5 pages (double-spaced)

Rough Draft Due: April 1, 2011

Final Assignment Portfolio Due: April 8, 2011

Resources: “Checking Over a Position Argument” on page 237 of The Harbrace Guide to Writing.