Write a three- to four-page (750-1000 word) proposal argument as a formal research paper, using research data to develop and support your argument. You may make either a practical proposal for a specific, local problem or a policy proposal that addresses a broader issue. You may write on any topic you wish, but make sure that you can deal with it adequately in a brief essay.
A good proposal argument must present both an accurate and detailed picture of the problem and
a feasible plan for addressing it. So your paper must do all of the following:
- Identify a problem. (Persuade your audience that the problem is genuine and requires a solution by giving examples and citing evidence, such as statistics or expert testimony.)
- Make a proposal for action that will help alleviate the problem.
- Justify your solution. (Give reasons why your audience should accept your proposal and act on it.)
Your essay should include at least four sources. Remember that encyclopedias–including on-line encyclopedias like Wikipedia–will not count as a source. Use proper MLA documentation, including parenthetical references and a list of Works Cited.
Before you submit your initial draft, you must submit a proposal thesis. Your proposal thesis will be a single sentence that identifies the problem and outlines your solution for it.
Make your prose as clear and concise as possible. Don’t waste my time and yours trying to sound impressive. Organize your paper as a Classical Argument, with a self-announcing structure and an explicit thesis.
Proposal Thesis Due:
Thursday, November 13 / Saturday, November 15Initial Draft Due:
Thursday, November 20 / Saturday, November 22
(Bring THREE copies of your essay to class.)
NB: I will not respond to drafts lacking a Works Cited page and in-text citations.Revised Draft Due:
Thursday, December 4 / Saturday, December 6
(Bring your Revised Draft, your Initial Draft with my comments on it, and all the Peer Critiques you received to class in a folder.)
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