Proposal Arguments Ch 12 – Everything’s an Argument

What are Proposals?  A should do B because of C  Action-oriented  Focused on the future  Audience-centered  Notice that we are no longer using X & Y terminology – now there is a focus on the agent

Issues in Writing Proposals  They almost always present a challenge to the reader  To write an effective proposal, you must emphasize your ethos  Because these arguments seek to incite action, they must be very responsive to their audiences

2 Kinds of Proposals  Proposals about Practices Narrower, very local and concrete  Proposals about Policies Broad plans of actions for major social, political and economic issues

Sample Proposal A student dissatisfied with the noise level in a study lounge in a campus dorm proposed that a soundproofed wall and door be installed between the study lounge and an adjoining TV lounge. In preparing the proposal, which she submitted to the university housing office, the student interviewed dorm residents about their study habits and researched the cost of the proposed wall by taking measurements and visiting the local hardware store.

The Claim  Proposals need to be very strong & clear to be persuasive  They should consist of 3 parts: Description of problem Proposed solution Justification of solution

Establish a Need  Proposals must address a clearly-defined need  Establish the need as one of the first steps in your project  Evoke the need in a particularly effective way (employ some form of pathos)  Demonstrate that meeting this need is in the interests of the community at large

Bolstering Your Claim  Demonstrate that your proposal will address the problem, & how  Prove that your proposal is feasible. This WILL require research and creative thinking!  Personal experience is persuasive in proposal arguments

Challenges  Readers are innately conservative  Arguments must have “presence” to convince  Proposals often deal with lost potential – this is a hard sell  Must evaluate all possible consequences, not just those pertaining to the problem

Proposal Structures  Traditional 5 paragraphs OR  Open with a moving description of the problem (1-2 ¶s) then introduce proposal & thesis statement. Return to description in final ¶.  Begin with proposal and feasibility arguments, then demonstrate how it will meet certain needs – do this with proposals that are intrinsically nifty, regardless of their practical value

All Proposals Must Have  A claim proposing an action aimed at practice or policy, directed towards the future, and appropriate to the audience  Statements explaining how the proposal relates to the problem  A demonstration of its feasibility and effectiveness

Questions to Consider  How much will it cost?  Who will fund it?  Who will implement it? Maintain it?  Where will the supplies come from?  Is there any special expertise required?  How long will it take?  Is any special permission required?  Will it truly meet the needs of a majority of the people involved?

Research Options  Newspapers & magazines (online & print)  Online databases  Government reports & documents  Websites, newsgroups & listservs  Books  Experts in the field  Gather your own research via surveys, interviews, &c.

Scrutinize Your Claim  Is it clearly a call for action?  Is it too sweeping? Does it need to be qualified  Is the proposal clearly connected to the need it purports to meet? If not, how can that connection be strengthened?  Will it incite action?

Possible Topics  Problems at the university  Problems in my city or town  Problems at my place of work  Problems related to hobbies, recreation, consumer life  Problems related to place of residence

Good Luck!