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: October 26, 2021

To: Quincy Norwood

From: Your name; your OCC email address

Subject of my paper: [The subject is the broad topic: Privatized Prisons]

My (working) thesis: (Main claim of essay, what do you wish to prove to your audience?): Privately owned prison systems are ineffective and should be phased out.

Summary of argument: 

· Introduction to problem – What is the issue? The United States has a serious problem with incarceration. While the country only represents about 4.5% of the global population, the US incarcerates nearly 25% of the world’s inmates. The number of inmates in America’s correctional facilities has quadrupled since the early 1980s. Though the prison population is gradually decreasing, there still remains significant issues with the way the US does incarceration. Racial and economic disparities in sentencing, fewer opportunities for rehabilitation, and inhumane conditions plague many prisons in the US. Furthermore, the aforementioned issues become intensified in privately owned profit-driven prisons. With the goal of maximizing profit, private prisons will make cutbacks in key areas and the effect is poorly managed and understaffed facilities that significantly decrease an inmate’s chances of successfully reintegrating into society upon release.

· Purpose of Study – [Here you will discuss why your project matters; what questions will you be addressing?] The aim of this project is to prove the assertion that prison for profit is counterproductive and should be phased out. The questions to be addressed in this study are: What drives private prison populations? What is the true cost of budget slashing measures in private prisons? How do private prisons increase recidivism? How are inmates’ human and civil rights violated? The findings resulting from these inquires will support my claim that private prisons should be banned.

· Intended audience – [Here you will discuss who you think will benefit most from reading your essay. For this project, it is safe to assume part of your audience has your level of education, but they are not specialists in the field you plan to discuss. As a result, you will have to define certain terms and explain key concepts. Aside from a general audience, who do you think will gain the most from reading your paper?] The intended audience for this study will consist of inmates, lawmakers, private prison shareholders, politicians, and citizens with an interest in changing the way the US handles incarceration.

· 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 a blend of statistical data from the US Bureau of Justice Statistics and peer-reviewed studies of the economics of private prisons. This study will also include data from academic journals such as American Law Review. Additionally, anecdotal evidence like personal testimony from inmates will be used to support claims made in this study.

· Reasons to support claim (Why you believe your claim is true; use a minimum of four. Visualize each of these ideas as a point you will develop in your essay) (1) Privately owned prisons have a history of inhumane treatment of inmates; (2) Privately owned prisons have a vested interest in recidivism; (3) Private prisons do not save taxpayers’ money (4) “Minorities,” the poor, and immigrants overrepresented in private prisons (5) Inmates exploited for cheap labor.

· Refutation of Counterargument [Here you will include the most popular opposition to your argument]- Respond to notion that private prisons benefit taxpayers and inmates. Also, refute the ethics of prison for profit and the “they’re getting what they deserve” argument.