Essay Three

Essay Assignment #3 – The Proposal Argument
Davidson – English 102

7/19: In-Class Brainstorming
7/24: First Drafts Due. Minimum EIGHT pages.
7/26: Second Drafts Due. Minimum NINE pages.
7/31: Final Papers Due in LAB 336 by noon.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS:

A Proposal argument points to a specific problem, the consequences of a problem, or the circumstances that have created a problem. (The idea of the “problem” may also be understood as not necessarily being something that is completely wrong, but instead a way in which something may simply be improved). The argument then proposes a way in which to solve the problem, the consequences, or both. At the end of a successful proposal argument a reader should be able to both understand the problem presented and the means the writer has provided for the problem to be solved. Furthermore there should be sufficiently credible evidence for the reader to believe the writer’s claims.

For the purposes of this assignment your proposal argument should be based on your evaluation argument. In order to proceed, you should first consider what you have learned from your evaluation. Using this information decide how you can make a successful proposal argument.

HOW TO PROCEED:

Your thesis statement should introduce your argument and suggest the reason why you have chosen this specific subject to focus your analysis. Most importantly it should state the ideas you want your readers to accept. (The argument that follows should be why they should accept this). What do you have to offer that your reader did not initially realize as being problematic? How can you support your argument and convince the reader of what you have discovered as being a suitable proposal?

1). Acknowledge what you perceive to be the problem or what you believe may be improved.
ex: There is not enough parking on campus.

2). Explain why this is a problem and/or why you think it should be improved.
ex: Students and faculty alike are unable to make it to class on time which in turn disrupts the learning process. It also aggravates and annoys which causes further problems in concentration and overall happiness.

3). Propose a solution to the problem.
ex: Build a multi-layer parking garage adjacent to the Payne Center.

4). Provide extensive support why your solution is a viable one and provide a realistic assessment of how this plan could be carried out.
ex: The largest obstacle to this process will be the funding. By current estimates the entire procedure should cost ________ (your research should come in handy here). Three specific areas in which some of this cost could be alleviated are available to students….

5). Assess the negative impact(s) of your solution.
ex: This could provide a bit of antagonism among students who feel the cost of the parking garage should be provided through other sources. However, I would argue that….

6). Provide a reasonable claim as to why your solution is the best one.
ex: While the enrollment of Southern Miss continues to grow, this problem will continue to become worse and worse until a viable solution can be reached. My solution could provide for a swift turn around that would allow the students contributing to the parking garage to enjoy the benefits of their sacrifices.

FORMAT:

The minimum length of this assignment is NINE pages. Papers must be typed, double-spaced, 12 point, Times New Roman, with one-inch margins. Any papers that deliberately manipulate any of these stipulations in order to gain length will be docked a minimum of a full letter grade. For the purposes of this assignment you will need a minimum of SEVEN secondary sources. You will need to hand in a paper copy (in my office between 10am-12noon on Tuesday, July 31st) as well as submit your work in electronic format to turnitin.com (by no later than midnight on July 31st).