Writing Assignment Three: Proposal Argument
Assignment Description:
Proposal arguments are one of the most common types of arguments that you will read or write in many workplace settings. Proposals typically call for some kind of action or change; they call on an audience to come to a decision and to do something. In light of this, proposal arguments typically rise out of existing problems and are most often framed as suggested solutions along the lines of " We should do X."
Your task:
Argue for a practical proposal that offers a specific action to solve some kind of urgent problem/crisis.
Your topic can focus on an issue here at HCC, one in the greater Houston community, or a larger issue of national or international importance. Practical proposals tend to be narrower and focus on what should happen in the here and now, i.e., how many new parking spaces should be added to HCC’s West Loop campus, or a proposal that recommends a specific, university-wide attendance policy for all classes.
Regardless of your topic, keep in mind the essential pieces of a proposal:
1.
Convince your target audience that a problem exists – and that it needs immediate attention.
2.
Convince them of the course of action that needs to be taken to solve the problem.
Assignment Goals:
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Focus on a specific rhetorical purpose (writing a proposal argument)
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Continued practice identifying relevant social issues
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Continued practice using written argumentation rhetorical strategies
Audience:
This time, I want you to write for an audience that has the power to act on the issue you are writing about.
It will be up to you to determine whom this audience is. You’ll need to describe/identify this audience in written detail early in our writing process for this assignment.
Grading Criteria:
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Effective usage of proposal argumentation strategies (proving that a problem exists, providing a thorough, detailed, practical solution to problem)
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Demonstration of critical thought
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Integration of at least 4 sources with your central argument
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Proper and sufficient use of MLA guidelines for citations
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Evidence of final editing and proofreading
Additional requirements: all your drafts must be typed, double-spaced, using Times New Roman 12 point font. Please use one-inch margins on all pages. Finally, your proposal must have a works cited page, and an interesting and appropriate title.
Minimum length for your proposal: 4 full pages
Rough Draft Due: Monday, 11/26
Final Draft Due: Monday, 12/5