OBJECTIVE
PROPOSAL ARGUMENT
(20% of overall grade)
“When you write a proposal argument, you suggest a solution to a problem. The purpose of a proposal argument is to convince [your reader] that a problem exists and that your solution is both practical and worthwhile” (552).
ORGANIZATION
1. Intro: Stating the Problem (554)
• Provide the reader with context details to understand the problem you’ve researched. o “By presenting the problem in detail, you draw readers into
your discussion and motivate them to want to solve it” (554).
• Wrap up introduction with a clear and arguable thesis statement outlining your solution.
o Your solution may be multifaceted.
2. Body Paragraphs: Demonstrating That Your Solution Will Work (555)
• Organize your main points through strong, clear topic sentences. o If your solution is multifaceted, consider using
section breaks/subheadings in your essay.
• Begin making the case for your proposed solution.
o Supply your reader with evidence to support your thesis.
▪ Use summary, paraphrase, direct quotes, and synthesis.
▪ Avoid overusing direct quotes. Your essay should be
written primarily in your own voice.
• Show that your solution is feasible, meaning practical and worthwhile.
o Consider finding an example or model in which your solution was successfully implemented elsewhere.
• Incorporate supporting and opposing points of view (557).
o Consider the positive and negative effects of your solution.
3. Conclusion
• Reiterate your main points and your thesis statement.
• No new information should be introduced in the conclusion.
REQUIRED SOURCES
You are required to use at least five credible sources:
• 2 primary sources
• 3 secondary sources
Instructor Murray
PRIMARY: Primary sources are original texts or firsthand accounts about a topic, person, or experience including but not limited to: historical and legal documents, interviews, eyewitness accounts, surveys, results of experiments, statistical data, audio and video recordings, speeches, autobiography.
SECONDARY: Secondary sources are secondhand interpretations of primary sources including but not limited to: newspaper/magazine articles, opinion columns, scholarly articles that discuss the original research of someone else, biography.
