Writing Proposals 1102 F19

Key Features: Proposals

• A well-defined problem.

From the outset, you need to establish that there is a problem "that [is] serious enough to require a solution" (249). (Remember: not all problems need to be controversial.)

• A recommended solution.

After defining your problem, describe your suggested solution(s). Use sufficient details to ensure that your audience understands what you're proposing (and why). The Norton Field Guide suggests visuals (photos, diagrams, etc.) as a way to help.

Key Features: Proposals (cont'd)

• A convincing argument for your proposed solution.

Your proposal must "convince readers that your solution is feasible--and that it is the best way to solve the problem" (249). As previously mentioned, thoughtful use of media/design can help strengthen, through visualization, parts of your argument.

• A response to anticipated questions.

Like considering counterarguments/counterclaims when creating an argument, you may need to think about potential questions your audience might have about aspects of your proposal. Show that the "advantages outweigh any disadvantages" (250).

Key Features: Proposals cont'd

• A call to action.

The purpose of a proposal is to "persuade readers to accept your proposed solution" (250). Sometimes this acceptance necessitates your audience taking action.

• An appropriate tone.

As always, you must carefully consider your tone, especially when writing to persuade. As The Norton Field Guide aptly states, "Readers will always react better to a reasonable, respectful presentation than to anger or self-righteousness" (250).

Key Features: Topic Proposals

• A concise discussion of the subject.

In order to define the scope of one's topic, topic proposals typically "open with a brief discussion of the subject, outlining any important areas of controversry or debate...and clarifying the extent of the writer's current knowledge of it" (255).

• A clear statement of your intended focus.

Be clear as to which aspect(s) of the topic you want to address. Narrow your focus and explain how you will do this.

Key Features: Topic Proposals cont'd

• A rationale for choosing the topic.

It's crucial to explain why you want to write about what you want to write about! Why do you want to explore this topic. Why does this topic interest you? At its most successful, your rationale should be both personal and practical.

• Mention of resources.

Identify the research materials available to you in order to show you'll be able to successfully conduct the research you need to. Describing one's research strategies also helps ensure that one's plan is realistic and reasonable.

Writing as Inquiry

Start with questions! As you work to discover and narrow down your topic, it's important to start with "what you don't know rather than with what you do know" (323). As The Norton Field Guide explains, "In academic writing, good topics arise from important questions, issues, and problems that are already being discussed" (323); your job is to then figure out how to enter that larger conversation.

Answering questions will not always be easy--nor should it be! As The Norton Field Guide states, "The best questions can't be answered by looking in a reference book" (323). Inquiry is about exploration, not finding the "right" answers. The following are some exploratory questions to jump start your research process:

*Substitute "it" for your topic

How can it be analyzed?

How can it be defined?

How can it be interpreted?

How can it be described?

What expectations does it raise?

How can it be explained?

What are the different positions on it?

What can it be compared with?

What may have caused it? What might be its effects?

What are your own feelings about it?

How can it be classified?

Are there other ways to think about it?

You can also use the 5 W's (and H) to ask questions about your topic.

What Do You Already Know?

As The Norton Field Guide explains, "Chances are you already know something about your topic, and articulating that knowledge can help you see possible ways to focus your topic or come up with potential sources of information" (482).

Try tapping your knowledge by...

• Freewriting

• Listing

• Clustering

• Looping