Argument Proposal Help! :)

ENG 1520 Research Paper Mini - Proposal

Before beginning a research paper, it is often necessary to submit an idea for an instructor’s approval and feedback. Your proposal should be written with the goal of convincing others that you have a worthwhile topic, a plan to execute your research, and an idea of how you will present your argument to your audience. Please take this aspect of the research project seriously, as “rush job” proposals usually lead to low-quality papers. On the other hand, well thought-out proposals typically lead to successful projects.

Use the template on the back of this document to develop your proposal. Please note that only typed proposals will be accepted.

Date:

To: Quincy Norwood

From: [name and email address]

Subject of my paper: [The subject is the broad topic, Meditation as part of K-12 Curriculum]

My (working) thesis: (Main claim of essay, what do you wish to prove to your audience?): Meditation should be part of the K-12 Curriculum in the US because of its proven benefits to behavior and learning.

Summary of argument: 

· Introduction to problem – [What is the issue and why should your audience care?] An increasing number of elementary to high-school aged children are reporting experiencing anxiety, reduced attention spans resulting from overstimulation, and issues managing their emotional well-being. The effects of these issues are often displayed in undesirable behaviors such as violence, becoming withdrawn, and poor academic performance. In the past, most student issues were addressed with punishments, or they were outright ignored. Though some of the older methods of student management may still have some merit, perhaps it is time to rethink the way education is delivered in the US. Meditation has been proven to reduce behavioral issues and increase focus among students, creating an environment that is more conducive to learning.

· Purpose of Study - [Here you will discuss why your project matters; what questions will you be addressing?] This study will prove how incorporating meditation into public schools’ curriculum can improve academic performance and behavior. The questions to be addressed in this essay are: How can meditation improve behavior? How can meditation improve cognitive function? How would meditation fit into schools’ curriculum? How can schools get parents to buy in?

· Intended audience:  [Who will be interested in reading your material?] – Parents, students, teachers, and administrators

· Reasons to support claim [Why you believe your claim is true; use a minimum of four reasons. Envision these ideas the body of your essay] – (1) Increased attention span; (2) Reduced or completely eliminated incidents of violence; (3) Increased self-control; (4) Students develop more respect for self and others (5) Improved academic performance; (6) Reduced anxiety.

· Types of sources – [Here you will document the types of sources you will use to support your argument. What evidence will most effectively reach your audience.] This study will utilize data showing student improvement in behavior and academic performance. I will also use data showing decreased incidents of violence and interviews with teachers participating in mindfulness and meditation curricula detailing the positive impact of meditation

· Refutation of Counterargument [Here you will think through opposing viewpoints. Who is against you?] - Respond to notion that using class time for meditation detracts from “core curriculum.” Also, respond to parents’ fear that meditation could force a certain religious doctrine on children