Writing homework

Basics of the Proposal Essay

Overview  In the proposal, you are asking someone to do

something despite the obstacle that are in the

way.

 A general thesis might be something like:

Although there are these obstacles, X group

should do THIS THING because A, B, C

reasons.

 That might mean something like this specifically:

Although it will enrage their allies in Russia, the

Senator Ron Wyden should continue to support

the nuclear missile defense because it is

essential to our security, provides jobs, and adds

stability to an unstable world.

Overview  This proposal must be directed at those who

can do what you want to have done.

 This might mean you have to change what you

want done or to whom you are writing.

 Because you are asking someone to do

something, your credibility is especially

important.

 Excellent sources acceptable by your

audience are essential.

 Respect for your audience is key.

 Work to build bridges with the reader, showing

common grounds early.

How This Paper Is Different

 This essay will not necessarily have a

thesis at the end of the first paragraph.

The guiding principal of the paper is the

proposal.

 The organization will change depending

on what the problem is and what you

want to have done.

 Formality levels will depend on who is in

your audience.

Topic Selection  You are strongly encouraged to

continue to work with the topic

you worked with in the Debate

essay.

 Otherwise, choose a narrow

topic you already know

something about.

 Local topics are better.

 Choose a narrow topic and limit

it, as we did with the debate.

 There is plenty of research to

support even very narrow topics.

Major Sections  There should be four major sections in the

paper.

 Demonstration that the problem is a problem

 Your proposal

 Demonstration that your proposal will solve the

problem

 Response to opposition

 The organization of these sections and their

development levels will vary depending on your

topic.

 It is your responsibility to discern how much is

necessary in each section.

Defining “problem”

 “Problem” in this sense doesn’t necessarily

mean something horrible and terrible.

 You might think of a “problem” as an opportunity

to do something better.

 You might see a way for something going well to

go even better, which would work well for this

assignment.

Demonstrating the problem is a

problem.  Some audiences will readily believe the issue you

are addressing is a problem; some won’t.

 Your first task will be to figure out what your

audience thinks of the problem you see.

 For example, parking scarcity is generally

recognized as problems by students and college

officials.

 Other problems you see may not be recognized by

your audience.

 You will have to prove to that audience that the

problem is a problem.

 Sources can be used in support of the argument

that the problem is a problem.

Your proposal

 Your “thesis” – the guiding principle of

the essay – is your proposal here.

 It should forecast the structure for the

paper.

 It may not appear until after you have

demonstrated the problem is a problem, which

may be pages into the essay.

 It should be clear exactly what you want to have

happen.

 This clarity will be much easier with a narrow

proposal.

Proving your solution will work

 This is perhaps the most important

section of the essay and where most of

the development will probably occur.

 You must prove that your solution will

solve the problem.

 Students often think that an answer is self-

explanatory. It is not.

 Focus this section on how it will benefit your

audience to follow your proposed solution.

 Sources should be used in support of this section.

 Arguments by analogy – showing your idea has

worked elsewhere – can be particularly

compelling.

The Opposition

 Here, “opposition” means any thing that

might get in the way of your proposal

coming to fruition.

 That might mean direct opposition from

others.

 That might mean other obstacles.

 In general, time and money are the two issues that will

have to be addressed in almost every proposal.

 Think about why this change has not yet happened,

and work to overcome those obstacles.

 Research can be used to provide the ideas of the

opposition.

Organization

 How this paper is organized is

completely up to you.

 You will have to decide how much

time to spend in each section and

how each section should

 What often works well is to present the

problem, present your proposal, answer

objections/opposition, and then provide

proof your solution will work.

Using Evidence

 Evidence should be reputable and

credible, as always

 The different here is that it must be

credible for your audience.

 Evidence can be used to provide the

opposition arguments, to provide general

background, and to show your solution will

work.

Appealing to the Audience

 Work to establish common ground

early with your audience, showing

them what you both have to gain.

 Shift formality level depending on who your

audience is – formal for unknown audiences,

less formal for more well-known audiences.

 Use sources they will see as reputable.

 Show them why they will benefit from enacting

your solution.

The conclusion

 The conclusion here is your last

opportunity to summarize your

ideas and to make a compelling

argument as to why your project should

be undertaken.

 It is also your last chance to connect

with your audience.

 Be careful not to fall into fallacies at the

conclusion, which can undermine the

overall argument.

Final Notes:

 You are strongly encouraged to work with the

same topic as you worked on with the debate.

 Consider why this hasn’t been done before

when looking for obstacles.

 You may need to do additional research for

this paper.

 Audience, audience, audience.

Basics of the Debate Essay