Writing the Proposal

In my opinion, this is one of the better writing assignments for UCCA 102, because it’s REAL. Proposals are written every day in "the real world." In addition, it’s good because you will have to cover a variety of sources in your research: facts, statistics, anecdotes, information and opinions from authorities, and interviews with experts or others with firsthand knowledge of the context. Below are a series of steps that will guide you in developing this document.

Step One: Deciding on a Problem

Jot down several social or political policies that have irritated you or affected you in some way. (Remember all our discussions about dissonance?) Remember: these problems don’t have to be global, national, or even statewide in their scope. Some excellent proposals in my classes last semester dealt with issues on this campus (which is filled with policies that affect you). Keeping the problem "local" allows you to do likewise with your audience.

When you’ve decided on the best issue (probably after consultation with your group members and me), write down all the knowledge you now have about the problem you have chosen: how you became aware of the problem, why you view it as serious, and what your solution would be (this doesn’t have to be original, and it might even change during the course of your research). Again, check with me and your group members at this point.

Since the proposal is persuasive in purpose, you have to consider the audience. How do they feel about your proposed solution? Are they convinced there is indeed a problem? What are his/her/their previous experiences with the situation?

Step Two: Collaborative Activity

Your writing group can be of great help. Each of you should present your problems and proposed solutions to your group members. Some of the group may have previous experience/knowledge with the situation. They might be able to role-play your readers and anticipate possible objections, problems in logic, etc. They can really help you decide on effective credibility, affective, and logical appeals. (That means you better find that handout I gave you on the persuasive appeals.) As you get into the formal research, remember you should be open-minded, open to the possibility of other solutions.

 

Step Three: Research

There should be a number of sources that you incorporate in your document. Seven is a general guideline. If you do "field" research, check our handbook for proper citation form. I really expect that you folks will be able to correctly cite your sources and use appropriate bibliographic formats (either MLA, APA, etc.).

Step Four: Evaluating Materials

Bring your research (notes, etc.) to class where you and your group members can assess each other’s collections. I will expect that you will all write brief (memo format) self-assessments based on your reviews.

Step Five: Writing the Rough Draft

Your paper will be in the 7-10 page range. We will have our usual one-to-one conferences. Here’s a general plan you can follow:

 

Step Six: Critical Reading

We will use the following criteria:

      1. How well does the author define the problem and how might the definition be more effective?
      2. How might the author better present the seriousness of the problem?
      3. Is there any unclear information?
      4. Does the writer give specific reasons for the reader to support the solution?
      5. Are the reasons supported by example, anecdote, statistics, quotes, etc.?
      6. Does the author provide for objections, questions, and alternatives? Does she/he acknowledge their importance yet have good arguments against them?
      7. Is the argument arranged or organized effectively?
Step Seven: Revising

After assessing the rough draft, you should write a memo to me, outlining your plans for revision. Bring that to your conference with me.

Step Eight: Final Draft

Your paper should conform to the appropriate format guidelines (MLA, APA, etc.).

Evaluation Criteria

The author of the paper

      1. Clearly defined the problem
      2. Provided background information on the problem
      3. Portrayed the seriousness of the problem
      4. Illustrated implementation of the solution
      5. Gave specific reasons for accepting the solution
      6. Supported reasons with appropriate examples, anecdotes, statistics, etc.
      7. Allowed objections and alternatives
      8. Organized the document effectively
      9. Followed the conventions of standard written English
      10. Documented sources correctly
      11. Formatted properly