THE HOMEWORK IS ATTACHED TO THE PDF BELOW PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Assignment Sheet for Proposing a Solution

This paper requires you to propose an actual working solution to your topic. You have already learned to “wallow in complexity:” to research and analyze, to posit a thesis, antithesis, and synthesis; and to challenge the common ways of looking at a problem. Hopefully, this semester your accompanying research helped you to become more critical consumers of the material you read, and to develop the curiosity to generate significant and problematic questions.

For your final, you will apply those skills as you write a proposal where you will propose a solution for the problem you’ve been studying. Your aim is to make an argument that calls an audience to action. You’ll make a claim that some action should or ought to be taken, and then you’ll offer a solution to one of the problems you identified in your Annotated Bibliography.

As stated in Allyn & Bacon, “for every proposal there is always an alternative course of action, including doing nothing.” Your task as a proposal writer is threefold: demonstrate that a significant problem exists; propose a solution to the problem; and justify the solution, showing how the benefits outweigh the costs and that the proposed solution will fix the problem better than alternative solutions would.” Your essay should contain the following three parts:

• a description of the problem • a proposal for a solution • a justification for the solution

Your introduction should get your audience’s attention (possibly by appealing to pathos), provide background on the conversation you are joining, and clearly state the claim you intend to support. The body of your argument should appeal to logos by presenting reasons and evidence in support of your position, as well as appeal to ethos by responding to opposing views (rebutting the counterargument). You may also appeal to pathos within your body by appealing to the values and beliefs of your audience.

This paper should have a minimum of six sources (minimum of 4 scholarly).

Length:1800 words minimum with a Works Cited page.

Due Dates:

4/26 Presentations

05/02 Final Draft (NO LATE PAPERS ACCEPTED)

Grading Criteria:

• Does the essay contribute something new to the subject? • Does the writer make a convincing argument as to why her audience should or ought to

take action? • Is the proposed action (or “claim”) clearly identified and explained? • Is the proposed action feasible, financially, politically, and socially? • Is this claim logically supported by reasons and evidence? • Have possible objections to the underlying assumptions (warrants) linking the claim and

reasons been addressed? • Have opposing views been addressed? • Does the paper provide adequate background on the problem the author is attempting to

remedy? • Does the essay use credible, relevant sources? • Does the essay use appropriate style and tone? • Is there evidence of an effective writing process? (three drafts, lose ½ grade for each

missing) • Is there a logical progression and organization of thoughts? • Smooth transitions between ideas/ paragraphs? • Use of appropriate college-level spelling, grammar and mechanics? • MLA format, in-text citations, and Works Cited page?

SCORING GUIDE FOR PROPOSAL ARGUMENT

Topic Choice: The Problem VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL WORK

-- The problem is compelling, clear, focused, timely, and of interest to the chosen audience.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

5 4………..3 2……………1

Development of the Problem VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY

EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL WORK

--Optimal time is spent developing the problem, showing its significance. --Necessary background information and definitions are provided. --Adequate research is used to support the writer’s claims.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

15….14……13 12…..11……10 9….8…..7…..6……5….…………..1

The Solution (thesis) & Justifications VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY

EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL WORK

--The solution is clear, reasonable and focused toward the appropriate audience. --Optimal time is spent developing justifications for the solution. --Examples of precedent, consequence, and principle are persuasive. --Research is effectively used to back up a variety of justifications.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

20….19……18….17 16…..15……14….13… 12….11…..10……5….…………..1

Addressing Counter Arguments VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL

WORK

--The writer shows knowledge of and effectively addresses opposing views for both the problem and solution

--The writer shows good audience awareness.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

10……9……. 8………7……….6………...5 4……3……….2……….1

Research VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL

WORK

The writer indicates thorough knowledge of the topic and uses an appropriate number of sources that are balanced, varied, current, and authoritative.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

10….9….... 8……7……6 5…….4…….3…...2……1

Documentation and incorporating research VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL

WORK

--MLA guidelines are followed throughout.

--Thorough knowledge of how to use and incorporate quotes, paraphrasing, and summary is evidenced throughout.

Nearly all of the qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

10……9……. 8………7……….6………...5 4……3……….2……….1

Organization VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL

WORK

The organization is logical as well as rhetorically effective with the problem and solution ordered to effectively appeal to the reader.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

10……9 8……..7………6………….5 4………3……..2…………1

Mechanics and Style VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL

WORK

-- Essay has no major errors in word selection and use, sentence structure, spelling, and punctuation.

--Attention is paid to prose style, evidenced by varied sentence structures and careful word choices.

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

10…..9….. 8………7……….6………...5 4……….3…….2….…….1

Rhetorical Appeals VERY EFFECTIVE PARTIALLY EFFECTIVE NEEDS SUBSTANTIAL

WORK

--The writer appeals effectively to the emotions/values of the audience (pathos)

-- Writer presents a logical argument (logos)

-- Writer establishes a voice that is fair-minded, knowledgeable, and appropriate in tone (ethos)

Nearly all of these qualities are in evidence.

Few or none of these qualities are in evidence.

10…..9….. 8………7……….6………...5 4……….3…….2….…….1