English paper

Proposing a Solution – a Research-Based Argument

For this final assignment you will combine many of the rhetorical strategies, writing, and thinking skills you have learned this semester. For this final research argument proposal, you will investigate, analyze and present a problem (significant, problematic and interesting), and argue for a possible solution to that problem with a specific audience in mind. Your purpose is to call your audience's attention to a problem, propose a solution to that problem, and present a justification for your solution. Solutions can come in two forms: practical and policy.

OPTION 1- PRACTICAL PROPOSAL: If you have been exploring a local problem and you want to suggest a "nuts-and-bolts solution to it," you may choose to write a practical proposal. In this case, your proposal should be aimed at a more specific audience (i.e. the person or organization with the power to affect the change you are calling for) and should propose a practical solution to the problem at hand.   

OPTION 2 - POLICY PROPOSAL: If you have been exploring a problem that affects a larger community of people or that requires a solution at higher levels or within our culture, you may choose to write a policy proposal where you argue for a change in the way we address a problem or issue.   

 Regardless of the type, your proposal should

1. Demonstrate that a significant problem exists.

2. Propose a solution to the problem.

3. Justify the solution, showing the benefits outweigh the costs and that the proposed solution will fix the problem better than alternative solutions would.

4. Anticipate an objection that skeptical readers might have, present a strong case of that objection, and respond to it.

RESEARCH

The strength of your argument will depend largely on the sources you use.  Therefore, I am asking you to use the sources that you have at your disposal effectively. However, this does not mean that you are limited to the eight sources you have already found. The added sources (if you go for them) can be online or print sources as long as they are credible for an academic audience, and as long as you balance your use of sources to create an effective proposal argument.

Summary of Grading Criteria

As I evaluate your proposal, I will try to answer these questions:

 Problem, Solution, Justification, Response to possible objections (40 points)

· Has the writer described the problem in enough detail for the intended audience? Has the writer given enough background on the problem and shown how this problem is indeed significant?

· Has the writer constructed a clear thesis that proposes a solution to the problem at hand? 

· Does the writer describe the solution and show how and/or why it would work?

· Does this essay persuade the intended audience that this proposal should be enacted?

· Does it show that the benefits of this proposal outweigh its costs?

· Does it show why this solution is better than alternatives?

· Does it address possible objections to the proposed solution?

· Does it effectively respond back to the anticipated objections?

Rhetorical Considerations: (30 points)

· How well has the writer achieved his or her persuasive purpose? How effective is the writer at imagining an audience? How effective is the writer at meeting the constraints of the proposal argument genre?

· Logos, ethos and pathos: Overall, how effectively has the writer appealed to his audience's reason by creating an argument that is well-reasoned and logical? How effectively has the writer established his or her credibility? Has the writer gained the readers' confidence and trust? How effective is the writer at appealing to the audience's values, beliefs and emotions?

Research and Documentation: (20 points)

· Has the writer used sources purposefully - through clearly attributed summary, paraphrase or quotation, and for his or her own purposes? (see A&B Guide to Writing, Chapter 22, and The Everyday Writer, chapters on research, and integrating sources).

· Has the writer cited and documented sources effectively?

Other Considerations: (10 points)

· Is the proposal well-organized and developed? Are ideas clearly and fully developed?

· Does the work have major or only minor errors in word selection and use, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation? 

· Has the writer paid attention to his or her prose style - evidenced by varied sentence structures and careful word choices?

Learning Goals

As we continue to practice rhetorical reading, thinking and researching

 

· You will learn to explore and analyze a problem and propose a solution to it.  Problem solving is one of the most valuable skills you will learn through this class and this specific assignment.

· You will learn to write (and appreciate the value of) a clear, focused thesis.

· You will learn the conventions of a commonly used argumentative text: the proposal argument.

· You will learn to evaluate sources and synthesize the ideas of others into your own writing.

· You will learn to effectively locate and evaluate sources.

· You will learn to document sources following the Modern Language Association's Guidelines.

· You will continue to learn rhetorical strategies that if used effectively will empower you as you become a more effective and persuasive communicator.

 

Structure of the Paper

· Title

· Introduction (one paragraph)

· Thesis (containing your solution to the problem) (one paragraph)

· Significance of the problem (one paragraph to few paragraphs)

· Solution (supported in few paragraphs)

· Anticipated objection to your solution and response to it (a couple of paragraphs)

· Conclusion