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Assignment 2

Assignment

• Write an essay proposing a solution to a problem. Choose a problem faced by a community or group (to which you may or may not belong), and address your proposal to the members of the group or, alternatively, to an outsider who might help solve the problem. Keep in mind that a proposal is essentially a call to action. That is, you not only want to convince your readers that the problem at hand is real and urgent and has an immediate impact on their lives; you also want to persuade them to endorse and put into effect your proposed solution to the problem. The better you can identify your readers' knowledge and/or ignorance of the problem, and the better you can relate the problem to their personal lives, the more likely you are going to persuade them of the validity of your concern and thus enlist their cooperation.

An effective proposal typically has the following features:

1. A Clearly Defined Problem A well-defined problem frequently provides the grounds for your proposed solution to the problem. Therefore, you will not only need to define the problem but also show its existence and its seriousness, particularly in relation to your target group. In addition, you may also have to analyze the history of the problem, its causes, and consequences, and perhaps show the (failure of) past efforts in dealing with it.
2. A Proposed Solution After you have sketched out your problem, you need to advance and argue for a particular solution to the problem. This solution usually comprises the thesis of your proposal. (Note that your paper has, therefore, an almost natural, built-in structure: from the presentation of the problem to the proposition and deployment of your solution.)
3. A Convincing Argument Since you want to convince your audience that your proposal is the best possible one, you need to demonstrate the effectiveness, the feasibility, and the overall quality of your proposal, its superiority to or advantage over other proposals, if you will. That means that you will have to show that your proposal can achieve the desired result, that it can reasonably be put into practice (financially, technologically, environmentally, etc.), and that it can stand against anticipated counter arguments.
4. A Reasonable Tone Since you want to establish a dialogue and appeal to your audience's reason, you need to adopt a measured and balanced tone in your presentation. Such an "objective" tone lends you rhetorical authority and credibility, more so than frantically trying to rouse your readers' emotions. Do not come across as belligerent or feisty.

Length and Due Dates

• 3-5 typed, double-spaced pages
• Fri 6 Oct, First Draft. While I will not collect your first draft on that day, have it available for improvement during our revision workshop and for general inspection. As always, please bring a second copy.
• Mon 9 Oct, No class in lieu of additional office hours, 10:00-11:30. Sign-up required.
• Fri 22 Sept in class. Second Draft and notebooks.
• Wed 11 Oct, In class. Second Draft (with notebook and copy of first/previous draft[s])

Please Note

• As with your first essay, make sure that you have stapled the materials for this assignment so that your final/second draft is on top and clearly identified as such, followed by your earlier draft(s) and your notebook underneath.

Purpose and Goals

• Write an effective proposal with all the requisite features (see above)
• Formulate a precise thesis which you then support in the essay;
• Put your "ammunition" in a persuasive and effective order, including a strong introduction;
• Pitch your proposal to a clearly defined audience;

Evaluation

• The clear presentation of the problem and your persuasive solution to it.
• A clearly stated thesis that you develop in the essay.
• The anticipation of counter arguments.
• The balanced use of appropriate examples (and research) to strengthen your proposal.
• Correct spelling and proper use of English.

Sincere Tips

• Review the Guide to Writing in our textbook chapter on how to develop viable problems & solutions
• Visit the Writing Center at whatever stages of the writing process you deem necessary
• Use the relevant portions of the Editing Checklist in the Toolbox (on the website) to fine tune the basics of your paper
• The Toolbox also contains additional student sample papers for you to look at
• Do not (try to) print out your paper—either at home or at school—on the morning your paper is due . . . .
• As always, think of me as a resource.