Proposal Argument Using one or both of the articles “River of Time” by Namwali Serpell and “A Toxic Secret Lurks in the Deep Sea” by Rosanna Xia, you will write a proposal argument essay. In your proposal argument, you will examine a problem or issue inspired by these articles, and you will propose a specific solution to the problem. Steps to Writing a Proposal Argument Step 1: Make a Claim You should make a proposal claim advocating a specific change or course of action: We should (or should not) do SOMETHING… Step 2: Identify the Problem • What exactly is the problem? • Who is most affected by the problem? • What causes the problem? • Has anyone tried to do anything about it? If so, why haven’t they succeeded? • What is likely to happen in the future if the problem isn’t solved? Step 3: Propose Your Solution State your solution as specifically as you can. • What exactly do you want to achieve? • How exactly will your solution work? • Can it be accomplished quickly, or will it have to be phased in over a few years? • Has anything like it been tried elsewhere? If so, what happened? • Who will be involved? • Can you think of reasons why your solution may not work? • How will you address those arguments? • Can you think of any ways to strengthen your proposed solution in light of those criticisms? Step 4: Consider Other Solutions • What other solutions have been or might be proposed for this problem, including doing nothing? • What are the advantages and disadvantages of those solutions? • Why is your solution better? Proposal Argument Page 2 of 3 Step 5: Examine the Feasibility of Your Solution • How easy is your solution to implement? • Will the people most affected by your solution be willing to go along with it? (For example, lots of things can be accomplished if enough people volunteer, but groups often have difficulty getting enough volunteers to work without pay.) • If your solution costs money, how do you propose to pay for it? • Who is most likely to reject your proposal because it is not practical enough? • How can you convince your readers that your proposal can be achieved? Step 6: Analyze Your Potential Readers • Whom are you writing for? • How interested will your readers be in this problem? • How does this problem affect them? • How would your solution benefit them directly and indirectly? Step 7: Write a Draft Introduction: • Establish that the problem exists and is serious. o What exactly is the problem? o Who is most affected by the problem? o What is likely to happen in the future if the problem isn’t solved? o Which ethical axioms are being violated? • Analyze the problem: what do you know and believe? For instance: current situation, related problems, general assumptions, causes and effects. Body: • Present your solution. o Consider setting out your solution first, explaining how it will work, discussing other possible solutions, and arguing yours is better. • Make clear the goals of your solution. o Many solutions cannot solve problems completely. • Evaluate your solution. o How will it solve your problem? o How is it feasible? What are the necessary steps to implement your solution? o How is it better than other solutions? Why won’t other solutions work? o How can your reader be part of the solution? • Describe in detail the steps in implementing your solution and how they will solve the problem you have identified. o You can impress your readers with the care with which you have thought through this problem. Proposal Argument Page 3 of 3 • Defend your solution. o Why is it the best possible solution? o Has this solution been implemented before? What kind of results? o Gather evidence and proof to defend your solution. • Explain the positive consequences that will follow from your proposal. o What good things will happen, and what bad things will be avoided, if your advice is taken? o Argue that your proposal is feasible and can be put into practice. • If your proposal costs money, you need to identify exactly where the money would come from. Conclusion: • Issue a call to action—if your readers agree with you, they will want to take action.
