DRAFT DUE: Mon, 4/16 (Conference Required)

Proposal Paper

DRAFT DUE: Mon, 4/16 (conference required) FINAL DUE: Wed, 4/25  10-12 pages (not counting Works Cited), including one image of 1/3-1/2 page or less (additional visuals may certainly be included but will not count toward page count).  See example on pages 266-273 in Bedford Researcher regarding formatting: must have title, header, etc.  Must be Times New Roman 12 pt font with ONE INCH margins (go to File > Page Setup) .  Paper must be double-spaced, double-sided is okay (Works Cited begins on a new page).  Papers significantly under the page requirement will not pass; first and final drafts subject to late penalty.

HOW THIS PAPER IS DIFFERENT THAN OTHER “RESEARCH PAPERS” In this paper, you will bring together all the skills you have learned in English 2030 to write a persuasive proposal argument. This paper is different from other papers you have written in high school and college in three significant ways: 1. Your paper will have multiple sections with different points, rather than one argument you return to again and again. 2. You will not only identify a problem, but pose a reasonable solution. 3. You will use research to support your point – rather than simply writing a “research paper” where you predominantly summarize what others have said (which is really only a book report). And so, banish thoughts of boring summaries or research papers where you avoid the word “I.” This is your paper, your argument, and you need to take the reigns.

WHAT A PROPOSAL PAPER IS As explained in the Faigley & Seltzer reading (read it!!!), a proposal paper makes an argument: We should (or should not) do SOMETHING. Imagine your paper as containing these three parts:

1. Identify the problem.  Argue that a problem exists. This will be different depending on the nature of the project. But don’t be deceived – everyone will need to spend time explaining their problem! (For example, while folks will likely agree that the situation with the Ugandan child soldiers Bethany is researching a problem, she will need to take time to explain the particularities of the problem and the background. Conversely, Ariel is arguing about lower levels of parental neglect, and this might take some more convincing and less background information).  This is inherently an argument – avoid the obvious and think deep!  Research will be necessary to support your articulation of the problem.

2. State your proposed solution.  You are arguing here as well – by proposing a solution. In some ways “solution” is the not the right word: Alejandra cannot solve global warming, nor will Patrick resolve all problems with recording contracts. The idea is to think of something that can reasonably be done and that appeals to your particular audience (see below).  The level of practicality of your solution depends on you and your audience. But be as specific as you can: rather than saying, “somebody should clearly state what the breeding rules should be” (Aiko’s project), you should actually state those rules.

3. Convince your readers that your proposed solution is a good one.  Don’t just state a solution/proposal and assume it speaks for itself. Look at the questions on pages 207-208 in Faigley & Seltzer (Steps 3, 4, and 5) for a list of questions to get you thinking about how to convince the reader.  Give as much concrete detail as you can. The more specific your proposal, the better.  You’ll need to support your points with your own ideas and research. This doesn’t mean that you need to find an article that states your proposed solution – just use research for support where relevant, and make it clear how your solutions fits in or contradicts what others have said. MIXED AUDIENCE For this paper, you are writing to two audiences: (1) one of your choosing, and (2) an academic audience. Thus, this paper has a “mixed” audience – you need to include research like an academic paper, but you need to gear your argument toward a specific audience related to your project. When you introduce your proposal, you will identify your audience: “My proposal is geared toward [high school students], because they…” So pick your audience, and be sure to think about their needs while maintaining an academic tone. (So, if your paper is focused on high schoolers, you don’t need to “write like them”!)

The audience you choose will change the way you write your argument. For instance, Ryan’s argument regarding the consequences of text messaging in classrooms will be rather different if geared to educators instead of parents (or high schoolers). Similarly, Kristin’s argument about tattoo policies in the workplace will be very different if geared toward employers instead of employees.

ORGANIZATION Depending on your topic, you will address the three parts (other side) in differing amounts. A few rules to keep in mind:  Introduce to your paper. Summarize points #1-3 at the beginning so the reader knows where the paper is going (it is not a mystery play!). Write this introduction LAST, as you probably won’t know what you have to say until you are done!  Don’t write a misbalanced paper. If you spend 90% of the time identifying the problem (#1) and 10% proposing a solution and defending it (#2-3), your solution won’t be adequate. Similarly, if you spend 10% of the time identifying the problem (#1) and 90% on your solution (#2-3), the reader probably won’t be sure what it is you are solving! Similarly, a proposal that is introduced very well (#2) but not defended (#3) won’t work, nor will a proposal that is wobbly (#2) that you defend voraciously (#3). In striking a balance, keep in mind that you can continue to provide information about the problem as you offer your proposal.  Use sections. It is likely that your paper will have several different parts beyond the identify the problem & solution sections (discussed on the other side). We’ll talk more about this in class.  Consider a “call to action” conclusion. Remember, you are trying to encourage change!

FINAL WARNINGS  While I reference Faigley and Seltzer, this is your assignment. (The steps they provide on pages 207-208 provide great questions, but don’t quite match up to the assignment I’ve written here.)  This is not a research paper with no argument. The five paragraph essay will fail you!  Trying to write this paper without an outline is a bad idea – it’s too long to “fake it and see where it goes.”  The penalty for plagiarism – even for one paragraph – is failure of the course.

Everybody has great topics! Don’t act like you’re not smart enough or involved enough to make a proposal – you are and you will! 