A Modest Proposal
Group Project
Now that we have read Swift’s “A Modest Proposal,” your group is going to propose its own outrageous
solution to a pressing contemporary problem. This problem can exist at school, in the community, the city, the
country, or the world. Try to choose something original. Like Swift’s proposal, your essay should include
appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos, and make heavy use of verbal irony. Follow Swift’s framework of setting
up the problem, offering your solution, and then persuading the reader that it is the best and most logical
answer. Also follow Swift’s example of offering more legitimate but supposedly “unfit” solutions somewhere
in the essay. Try to close with a chilling justification for your solution (Swift argues that the homeless, starving
poor in Ireland will readily tell you they’d be better off if they had been sold for food as infants).
1. As a group, brainstorm a list of at least three possible contemporary problems. For each problem,
come up with one or two “over-the-top” solutions. (Fill out attached worksheet).
2. Agree upon one problem and solution from your list and run with it. Research the problem (appeals to
logos include data) and failed attempts to solve it. Use your time in the computer lab wisely! This will
be the only class time you have to research this.
3. Write your rough draft, following Swift’s model as instructed above. (Rough draft can be typed or
handwritten). Make sure to include appeals to logos (logic), pathos (emotion), and ethos (why should
we listen to you?). Remember that this is satire, and satire relies heavily on verbal irony. This is a
formal essay. Your speaker may use first-person pronouns, but avoid excessive use of phrases like “I
think, “I feel,” or “I believe,” as these will make your argument sound weak. (You can also speak as
“We” to acknowledge that this solution was agreed upon by “committee.”)
4. Revise and edit your draft. Your final draft should be completely free of spelling, grammatical, and
punctuation errors.
5. Publish! Your final draft must be typed and printed. One person from each group will read their
proposal to the class. (Don’t forget a good title!)
PROCESS WORK
Group Members and their role in the project:
(I want to know who is doing what and it needs to be CLEAR that EVERYONE is taking an ACTIVE role in this assignment or the ENTIRE
GROUP will suffer. Tremendously.)
Name
Three possible Problems/Solutions: (Circle the prob/sol. you agree upon)
1.Problem:
Solution 1:
Solution 2:
2.Problem:
Solution 1:
Solution 2:
3. Problem:
Solution 1:
Solution 2:
Role
Data/Statistics/Facts from your research:
Past failed solutions:
Appeal(s) to Logos (logic/reason):
Appeal(s) to Pathos (emotion):
Appeal(s) to Ethos (ethics):
Satire:
(Remember, a satirical essay mocks an individual, group or institution with the purpose of provoking reform. Swift does this
with verbal-irony; make sure your appeals include verbal irony to satirize your point).
Group Members:
Problem/Solution:
GRADING RUBRIC
5
3
1
0
Appeal to logos (X2)
Effective and obvious
appeal to logos
Somewhat effective and
obvious appeal to logos
Ineffective appeal to
logos
No appeal to logos/did
not complete
assignment
Appeal to pathos (X2)
Effective and obvious
appeal to pathos
Somewhat effective and
obvious appeal to
pathos
Ineffective appeal to
pathos
No appeal to pathos/did
not complete
assignment
Appeal to ethos (X2)
Effective and obvious
appeal to ethos
Somewhat effective and
obvious appeal to ethos
Ineffective appeal to
ethos
No appeal to ethos/did
not complete
assignment
Spelling/Grammar (X2)
Uses consistent agreement
between parts of speech.
No errors in mechanics.
Creative and effective use
of spelling strategies
Maintains agreement
between parts of speech.
Few errors in mechanics.
Applies basic grade level
spelling.
Inconsistent agreement
between parts of speech.
Many errors in mechanics.
Limited evidence of spelling
strategies.
Did not complete
Satire (X4)
Clearly demonstrates
understanding of and
effectively uses satire to
include verbal irony
Demonstrates a moderate
understanding and
somewhat effective use of
satire to include verbal
irony
Little to no identifiable
understanding or use of
satire or verbal irony
Did not complete
Structure (X3)
Clearly and effectively
adheres to Swift’s
model
Somewhat effectively
adheres to Swift’s model
Little to no adherence to
Swift’s model
Did not complete
Process Work (X3)
Brainstorm/rough draft
wksht filled out
completely. Evidence of
editing and revision
Brainstorm/rough draft
wksht partially filled out,
some evidence of editing
and revision
Brainstorm/rough draft
wksht partially filled out,
No evidence of editing or
revision
Did not complete
(Verbal Irony)