Assignment Sheet for Writing Project 4: Proposing a Solution
This is your Capstone/Final
In your last assignment, the classical argument, your objective was to effectively persuade and argue for your topic. The next step is to propose an actual working solution to your topic. You have already learned to “wallow in complexity:” to research and analyze, to posit a thesis, antithesis, and synthesis; and to challenge the common ways of looking at a problem. Hopefully, this semester your accompanying research helped you to become more critical consumers of the material you read, and to develop the curiosity to generate significant and problematic questions.
In your Capstone assignment, you will apply those skills as you write a proposalwhere you will propose a solution for the problem you’ve been studying. Your aim is to make an argument that calls an audience to action. You’ll make a claim that some action should or ought to be taken, and then you’ll offer a solution to one of the problems you identified in your Exploratory Essay.
As stated in Allyn & Bacon, “for every proposal there is always an alternative course of action, including doing nothing.” Your task as a proposal writer is threefold: demonstrate that a significant problem exists; propose a solution to the problem; and justify the solution, showing how the benefits outweigh the costs and that the proposed solution will fix the problem better than alternative solutions would.” Your essay should contain the following three parts:
- a description of the problem
- a proposal for a solution
- a justification for the solution
Your introduction should get your audience’s attention (possibly by appealing to pathos), provide background on the conversation you are joining, and clearly state the claim you intend to support. The body of your argument should appeal to logos by presenting reasons and evidence in support of your position, as well as appeal to ethos by responding to opposing views (rebutting the counterargument). You may also appeal to pathos within your body by appealing to the values and beliefs of your audience.
This is a research paper. In addition to the research you did for the Exploratory, you should continue researching. The Works Cited page of your final paper must include no less than 7 secondary sources. (At least one firsthand source is preferred but not required).
Length:1800-2000 words minimum with a Works Cited page
This is your FINAL/CAPSTONE. No Late papers will be accepted.
Grading Criteria:
- Does the essay contribute something new to the subject?
- Does the writer make a convincing argument as to why her audience should or ought to take action?
- Is the proposed action (or “claim”) clearly identified and explained?
- Is the proposed action feasible, financially, politically, and socially?
- Is this claim logically supported by reasons and evidence?
- Have possible objections to the underlying assumptions (warrants) linking the claim and reasons been addressed?
- Have opposing views been addressed?
- Does the paper provide adequate background on the problem the author is attempting to remedy?
- Does the essay use credible, relevant sources?
- Does the essay use appropriate style and tone?
- Is there evidence of an effective writing process? (three drafts, lose ½ grade for each missing)
- Is there a logical progression and organization of thoughts?
- Smooth transitions between ideas/ paragraphs?
- Use of appropriate college-level spelling, grammar and mechanics?
- MLA format, in-text citations, and Works Cited page?
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