Overview

For this assignment, you will write a proposal argument in response to a problem that you would like to be solved. A proposal argument defines a problem and calls for action by presenting a viable solution to that problem. Successful proposals are specific in both their description of a problem and the details required to solve that problem. Proposals should address practical considerations about the costs, feasibility, acceptability, and benefits of a specific solution. A proposal outlines the steps or processes required to bring a solution to action.

Processes, which describe the order in which certain action is supposed to be taken, require you to think about the resources and constraints available when applying or implementing certain ideas or actions. Because actions have consequences, you should also think about the implications of your recommendations. Consequences often present ethical, moral, and practical challenges or objections to proposed solutions or parts of a solution. These challenges must be resolved before most audiences will accept your proposal.

Formatting Details

Formatting your proposal argument will differ from essay format in that your proposal will contain front matter, body text and end matter. Your proposal argument may also utilize headings and visuals.

Your front matter will include:

A title page. Includes the title of your proposal, to audience of your report, who wrote the report, and the date. Type each of these items on a separate line and center each line.
An executive summary. Your executive summary includes the title of the proposal and your name at the top. Then, it describes the problem and your solution in a single paragraph.

The body of your proposal will contain the following information. Create your own informative headings to distinguish between sections.

A statement of the problem. Introduces the problem and establishes the relevance of the problem for your audience.
A description of the solution. Describes the solution and the steps needed to implement it.
An explanation of reasons. Provides your reasoning and/or your evidence in support of your proposed solution. You will also address any available alternatives, as well as possible counterarguments to your solution.
A conclusion. This section summarizes and reinforces your main points, considers the larger implications of your solution, indicates if there are any further solutions to consider, and/or issues a call to action.

The following content will comprise your end matter:

A works cited. Be sure to follow exactly the citation guide in your textbook. The works cited list is never numbered but is always alphabetized. Every reference on the list should match a clearly labeled in-text citation in the body of your proposal.
An appendix (optional). Any documents or visuals that might be too large for the body of your proposal may be included in an appendix. Be sure to label each item.

Your final draft should include 2 pages for front matter, 4-5 double-spaced pages for body content and at least 1 page for end matter (works cited): a total of 7-10 pages. You are encouraged to include headings in the body text and visuals if relevant. When citing your outside sources, follow MLA (see The New Harbrace Guide Chapter 22 and/or the PSU Libraries’ Citation Research Guide: https://guides.libraries.psu.edu/c.php?g=423282 ).

Recommended Process

Following these steps will help you draft your assignment.

Identifying a Problem

First, identify a problem that you would like to see solved. This should be a problem that has special interest to you but is manageable in scope. Problems that are too large or abstract will be difficult to write about in a detailed and precise manner given the length constraints of this assignment. If you have selected a large-scale topic (U.S. immigration, global warming), consider how you can narrow your focus to make your topic more manageable.

Proposals often contain one (or more) of the following argumentative structures:

- - Something may be wrong that needs to be changed or corrected. Example: To provide a better climate for learning, the Altoona School District should create a peer tutoring program.
  - Something may be lacking that needs to be added. Example: The Little Lions Swim Club should hire a full-time coach.
  - Something worthwhile may not be working properly and needs to be improved. Example: Ferguson Township's recycling program should be expanded to include curbside pick-up.
  - A situation may need to be redefined in order to find new approaches or solutions. Example: The benefits program for employees of MacLean's HealthCare Association should be revised to create a fairer maternity/family leave policy.

Conducting Background Research

Before you get too far on your project, do some preliminary research to identify what solutions have already been proposed to solve this problem. What you like or dislike about these proposed solutions? Do you have something new to offer to these conversations? If no solution has been previously discussed, consider the reasons for why this is. Remember: if your audience doesn't think a problem exists, you’ll need to convince them of that first.

Identifying a Solution

After studying existing positions and solutions surrounding your selected problem, formulate a solution that will address that problem. Your solution does not necessarily have to resolve the entirety of a problem. In your introduction, explain the problem and address an audience who can benefit from and participate in the solution your proposal addresses.

Creating A Step-By-Step Plan

Provide a detailed description of your solution in your body paragraphs. Your proposed plan of action should explore the costs and benefits (the feasibility) of your solution. Each step in your proposal must be well-researched and credible. You will need to include evidence that supports your claims and anticipates the objections that readers might have.

Use the library resources available to you but you may also conduct field research to support your position (e.g. interviewing an expert, surveying a representative group of people, observing patterns). At least one of your outside sources should focus an alternative solution to your problem or should speak to why this problem has not already been solved.

Note: Avoid any research which might lead you to violate fieldwork ethics; that is, any research where you might observe participants in an unsafe environment and/or ask participants to reveal sensitive information about themselves, such as mental or physical health and/or risk-taking activities. See Commentary: Fieldwork Ethics.

Finishing Strong

By the end of your proposal, your audience should have a clear plan of action that is feasible and relevant to them. Your solution should be mutually beneficial for both you and your audience.

Grading Criteria

Your proposal argument will be evaluated according to the PWR Grading Standards (http://www.pwr.psu.edu/grading-standards/ (Links to an external site.)) and according to the following criteria:

The proposal defines a problem for a real group of people and outlines a plan of action for resolving this problem.
The proposal is directed to a specific individual or group of people who are named in the proposal and whose interests, values, priorities, and abilities shape the argument.
The body of your proposal uses rhetorical techniques and relevant research to persuade readers that a problem exists and that the proposed solution is feasible.
The proposal includes a minimum of three credible sources and cites these sources properly both in the body text and the Works Cited page.
The proposal is correctly formatted.