33 Writing a Proposal Argument Assignment Guidelines

Introduction:

When you chose your topic for community change at the beginning of the semester, you identified a problem that exists, one that you would like to see solved through some sort of community action.

You have now spent weeks gathering information about your topic and have summarized various perspectives about it; you have also synthesized and analyzed some of these perspectives. Now you are ready to apply all of those skills in writing an argument that proposes real change!

For this assignment, you will present the problem you have identified and pose a solution to the problem while drawing on the sources you have already summarized. All of this will result in a 4- to 5-page proposal argument.

College Comp II explains proposal arguments in the following way:

Proposal arguments–which propose that something should, ought to, or must happen–may be one of the most common kinds of arguments we encounter in our day-to-day lives.

The basic idea behind a proposal argument seems pretty straightforward: we state what we think should happen and then marshal evidence to support that proposal.

Assignment:

Write a 4- to 5-page proposal argument on the topic you have been exploring all semester. As you write, keep in mind these key features of a proposal (from The Norton Field Guide to Writing, 5th ed.):

  • A well-defined problem that is serious enough to require a solution.
  • A convincing argument for your proposed solution, using credible evidence to support your claims.
  • A response to anticipated questions that shows how the advantages of your proposal outweigh any disadvantages.
  • A recommended solution described and explained in enough detail for readers to understand what you are proposing.
  • A call to action, which persuades readers to accept your proposed solution.
  • An appropriate tone (readers will react better to a reasonable, respectful presentation than to anger or self-righteousness.)

Your proposal argument MUST incorporate at least 5 of the sources you’ve already summarized (though you may certainly use more!):

  • 1 source that provides background information on the issue.
  • 1 source that offers a counter/opposing perspective from yours.
  • 2 sources that support your views on the issue.
  • 1 source that provides a viable solution to the problem.

I strongly recommend that you structure your proposal argument in the following way (you will have a chance to outline your organizational plan prior to turning in your paper):

  • Introduction to Topic:
    • Attention Getter.
    • Background Information, including history and context for problem. (integrate 1 source)
    • Thesis – Claim.
  • Refutation or Opposing Arguments
    • Explain them, explain how and why there may be value in them, and disagree with the parts you believe to be invalid.  (integrate 1 source)
  • Evidence to Support Your Claim, including appeal to logos and pathos. (Evidence must come from at least 2 sources: examples, statistics, facts, studies, testimony, data, etc.).
    • Reason 1 supporting your claim:
    • Reason 2 supporting your claim:
    • Reason 3 supporting your claim:
  • Solution:
    • What is your solution to the problem?  How will it work?  What are its advantages? (integrate 1 source)
    • What does the future look like without some resolution to this problem?
  • Conclusion:
    • Creative, thought-provoking closure. 

Additional Requirements:

  • Include a properly formatted Works Cited page at the end of your paper.
  • Format your paper according to MLA guidelines.
  • Properly cite all sources you include in your paper.
  • The essay should be 4 to 5 pages long, not including the Works Cited page (around 1,000 to 1,250 words).

You will also read/watch/review:

 

License

Icon for the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Writing for Community Change: An Instructor Guide Copyright © 2024 by Lewis-Clark State College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

Share This Book