Writing Proposal Arguments

Writing Proposal Arguments

Dr. Alisa CooperFreshman Composition

South Mountain Community College

Proposal Claimsask the audience to act in a certain way - to do something based on the information you provide and the argument you make, and the claims are often stated as "should/should not" statements.

Reasons

The reasons in the argument justify why the action is to be taken.

Presence

An argument is said to have "presence" when the reader or listener senses the immediacy of the speaker/ writer’s words.

Appeal to Emotion

Should you choose to use an appeal to emotion, consider limiting it to your introduction or conclusion.

Proponent of Change

the current method of operation isn’t working.

even though it appears as though the current method of operation is working, it isn’t, or there is a better way.

Predict Future Consequences

You will need to try to predict future consequences as reasonably as possible.

Developing a Proposal Argument

Convince your reader that a problem exists.

Establish Presence

Show the specifics of your proposal.

The justification: convincing your reader that your proposal should be enacted

Touching the right pressure points

Special Problems of Proposal Arguments

Establish your authority through ethos, pathos, and logos

Overcome the cautious or skeptical nature of your audience.

Predict future consequences.

Evaluate the consequences.

Taking Stock of What you Have

Will your Topic Work?Does a real problem exist?

Will my proposal really solve the existing problem without causing bigger problems?

Is there another, simpler means of solving the problem?

Is my solution really practical?

What are the consequences and undetermined problems associated with my proposal?

Writing Your Proposal Argument

Ask yourself the following questions:

Why is the problem a problem?

For whom is the problem a problem?

How will these people suffer if the problem is not solved? (details)

More QuestionsWho has the power to solve the problem?

Why hasn’t the problem been solved up to this point?

How can the problem be solved?

What are the possible benefits of acting on your proposal?

Final QuestionsWhat costs are associated with your proposal?

Who will bear these costs?

Why should this proposal be implemented?

Why is it better than alternative proposals?

Organizing a Proposal Argument (Sample Outline)

I. Present the problem that needs to be solve.

A. Describe the problemB. Provide a history for the problemC. Argue that the problem can be solved, but don't solve it yet

Organizing a Proposal Argument (Sample Outline)

II. Present the proposal.A. Present your claim (thesis)

B. Explain the specifics of the proposal

Organizing a Proposal Argument (Sample Outline)

III. Provide a summary of the opposing viewpoints. A. Counter Argue: (this section can summarize opposing solutions and discus why they aren't valid)

Organizing a Proposal Argument (Sample Outline)

IV. Justification: Convince the reader that the proposal should be adopted. A. Solution is Feasible: Reason 1, presented and developed B. Solution Solves the Problem: Reason 2, presented and developed C. Solution is the Best Solution: Reason 3, presented and developed etc.

Organizing a Proposal Argument (Sample Outline)

V. Conclusion A. Restate Your Proposed Solution B. Summarize main arguments C. Entice your readers to act

Paper 3 GuidelinesWrite a 2-3 page paper that defines the problem for your proposal paper. Use the information in this presentation to help establish your "presence."

Use sources as much as needed, and be sure to cite your sources using parenthetical notation. Use your book as a guide.

Include a works cited page with a list of the sources used in this section of your paper.

If you're following the outline presented in this presentation, you will only do section I.