Proposal Arguments -- In-Class Assignment

Someone should/should not do something because _____________________.

Your Project 4 Paper Should Include:

• A description of the problem
• A proposed solution
• Compelling evidence to convince your readers of the fairness of the solution
• Proof that the solution is feasible

1. Identify a problem:

•   The problem should be something that your audience can relate to. Be sure you understand the rhetorical situation and the discourse community in which you are participating.
•   The problem may or may not affect everyone, but should affect a significant number of people, or else should at least affect them deeply. This involves defining the scope of the problem. Remember—if the problem is too narrow or too shallow, you will have a difficult time convincing your audience of the problem’s importance, and maybe whether it’s a problem at all.

2. State a solution for the problem:

•   Every real problem has more than one side, and you’ll have to consider potential arguments against both your problem and your solution.
•   Streamline your problem and solution. State them in the clearest, most concise way you can. If you’re too broad, you risk allowing loopholes and your audience may become confused about how to go about implementing your solution.

       (It may help to think about your solution in terms of a cause/consequence stasis claim, and then state it in the form of an enthymeme)

3. Provide compelling reasons to show that your solution is practical and can be implemented:

•   Just because your solution is possible doesn’t guarantee that it’s feasible. The solution to your problem may require more resources than you have access to. Keep it manageable.

Read the following article and create a mini-proposal argument either for or against closing US borders or imposing travel restrictions for passengers traveling from countries experiencing an outbreak of the Ebola virus.

Why hasn’t the U.S. closed its airports to travelers from Ebola-ravaged countries?

What is the problem? Is there only one problem? Why is it a problem?

List three possible solutions to the problem, or at least three plans of action that could serve as steps toward solving the problem.

Describe how your solutions are realistic and feasible.