ENG 113: Composition I

 A proposal argument suggests a solution to a problem  The purpose of a proposal argument is to convince people that: A problem exists Your solution is both practical and worthwhile

 Local: What steps should the community take to protect its historic buildings? How can the city promote the use of public transportation? How can community health services be improved?  Global: What should be done to increase domestic energy production? What is the best way to lower the federal deficit? What is the best way to solve the problem of childhood obesity?

 Begin a problem argument by demonstrating that a problem exists Some problems will be familiar to your reader Some problems will be unfamiliar to your reader Do not assume that the readers will accept (or even understand) the importance of the problem your are discussing

 How much background information should you provide?  Answer depends on how much your readers already know about the topic  In many cases, a direct statement of a problem is not enough Need to explain the context of the problem Then discuss the problem with this context in mind  By presenting the problem in detail, you draw readers into your discussion and motivate them to want to solve it

 Next, you need to propose a solution Sometimes the solution is self-evident For complex problems, the solution might be more complicated  You will need to provide more detail  Present the steps you will take to implement your plan  Describe the costs  And more…

 You not only need to present your solution, but prove that it will work  You need to provide evidence to support your solution Facts, examples, and so on from your own experience and/or from research Other solutions that are similar to yours that worked Visuals – charts, graphs, etc

 The solution must make sense and be feasible (practical)  Sometimes, a problem can be solved, but the solution is just as bad—or worse— than the problem The solution is not desirable  Even if a solution is desirable, it may not be feasible

 Presenting the benefits of your solution will help to convince your readers that your plan has merit  The benefits illustrate why the solution is worth implementing It is better than the problem It is feasible

 You should always assume that any proposal—no matter how strong—will be objectionable to some readers  Even sympathetic readers will have questions they want answered  Therefore, you should always anticipate and refute possible objections to your proposal If some objections are particularly strong, you should concede them – admit they have merit, but point out their shortcomings

 Stating the Problem  Proposing a Solution  Establishing Feasibility  Discussing Benefits  Refuting Opposing Arguments

 Introduction Establish the context for the proposed solution Present the thesis  Explanation of the Problem Identify the Problem Describe why it needs to be solved  Explanation of the Solution Propose the solution Describe how it solves the problem  Evidence in Support of the Solution Presents support for the solution (multiple paragraphs)  Benefits of the Solution Demonstrates positive results of the solution  Refutation of Opposing Arguments Addresses objections to the solution  Conclusion Reinforces the main point Includes the strong concluding statment