Writing homework

Basics of the Proposal Essay Overview  In the proposal, you are asking someone to do something despite the obstacle that are in the way.  A general thesis might be something like: Although there are these obstacles, X group should do THIS THING because A, B, C reasons.  That might mean something like this specifically: Although it will enrage their allies in Russia, the Senator Ron Wyden should continue to support the nuclear missile defense because it is essential to our security, provides jobs, and adds stability to an unstable world. Overview  This proposal must be directed at those who can do what you want to have done.  This might mean you have to change what you want done or to whom you are writing.  Because you are asking someone to do something, your credibility is especially important.  Excellent sources acceptable by your audience are essential.  Respect for your audience is key.  Work to build bridges with the reader, showing common grounds early. How This Paper Is Different  This essay will not necessarily have a thesis at the end of the first paragraph. The guiding principal of the paper is the proposal.  The organization will change depending on what the problem is and what you want to have done.  Formality levels will depend on who is in your audience. Topic Selection  You are strongly encouraged to continue to work with the topic you worked with in the Debate essay.  Otherwise, choose a narrow topic you already know something about.  Local topics are better.  Choose a narrow topic and limit it, as we did with the debate.

 There is plenty of research to support even very narrow topics. Major Sections  There should be four major sections in the paper.

 Demonstration that the problem is a problem  Your proposal  Demonstration that your proposal will solve the problem  Response to opposition  The organization of these sections and their development levels will vary depending on your topic.  It is your responsibility to discern how much is necessary in each section. Defining “problem”  “Problem” in this sense doesn’t necessarily mean something horrible and terrible.  You might think of a “problem” as an opportunity to do something better.  You might see a way for something going well to go even better, which would work well for this assignment. Demonstrating the problem is a problem.

 Some audiences will readily believe the issue you are addressing is a problem; some won’t.  Your first task will be to figure out what your audience thinks of the problem you see.  For example, parking scarcity is generally recognized as problems by students and college officials.  Other problems you see may not be recognized by your audience.  You will have to prove to that audience that the problem is a problem.  Sources can be used in support of the argument that the problem is a problem. Your proposal  Your “thesis” – the guiding principle of the essay – is your proposal here.  It should forecast the structure for the paper.  It may not appear until after you have demonstrated the problem is a problem, which may be pages into the essay.  It should be clear exactly what you want to have happen.  This clarity will be much easier with a narrow proposal. Proving your solution will work  This is perhaps the most important section of the essay and where most of the development will probably occur.  You must prove that your solution will solve the problem.  Students often think that an answer is self - explanatory. It is not.  Focus this section on how it will benefit your audience to follow your proposed solution.  Sources should be used in support of this section.  Arguments by analogy – showing your idea has worked elsewhere – can be particularly compelling. The Opposition  Here, “opposition” means any thing that might get in the way of your proposal coming to fruition.  That might mean direct opposition from others.  That might mean other obstacles.  In general, time and money are the two issues that will have to be addressed in almost every proposal.  Think about why this change has not yet happened, and work to overcome those obstacles.  Research can be used to provide the ideas of the opposition. Organization  How this paper is organized is completely up to you.  You will have to decide how much time to spend in each section and how each section should  What often works well is to present the problem, present your proposal, answer objections/opposition, and then provide proof your solution will work. Using Evidence  Evidence should be reputable and credible, as always  The different here is that it must be credible for your audience.  Evidence can be used to provide the opposition arguments, to provide general background, and to show your solution will work. Appealing to the Audience  Work to establish common ground early with your audience, showing them what you both have to gain.  Shift formality level depending on who your audience is – formal for unknown audiences, less formal for more well -known audiences.  Use sources they will see as reputable.  Show them why they will benefit from enacting your solution. The conclusion  The conclusion here is your last opportunity to summarize your ideas and to make a compelling argument as to why your project should be undertaken.  It is also your last chance to connect with your audience.  Be careful not to fall into fallacies at the conclusion, which can undermine the overall argument. Final Notes:

 You are strongly encouraged to work with the same topic as you worked on with the debate.  Consider why this hasn’t been done before when looking for obstacles.  You may need to do additional research for this paper.  Audience, audience, audience. Basics of the Debate Essay