Persuasive Writing Topic Parameters
from http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/cafe/resourcemodules/sustainability/upload/propose2.pdf
I encourage you to stick with the topic of your causal analysis and to solve the problem identified there, but you may focus on a new topic if you prefer.
WILL YOUR SOLUTION BE PRACTICAL OR POLICY-ORIENTED?
Either way, your proposal should include
(1) a description of the problem;
(2) a proposed solution; and
(3) a justification for the proposed solution.
The proposal must also address a particular audience.
Think of a problem that genuinely concerns you and for which you have a solution to propose.
Write a paper supported by research, that proposes the solution to a particular audience.
In planning or writing your proposal, consider the following questions.
• Do you need to convince this audience that the problem is a problem
• How will you introduce the problem?
• What kind of solution are you proposing: a specific action, policy, or change of outlook that will lead to policy or
action change?
• How much detail regarding the solution will you need to provide for your intended
audience?
• What kind of evidence will you need to provide to persuade your audience of your
proposal’s feasibility and benefits?
• What kind of arguments or combination of arguments will you use in your justification section?
• What objections might your audience have and how will you address those objections?
• What alternate proposals exist and how will you support your claims that yours is the better solution?
Essential Ingredients--Criteria Your proposal
should include the following elements: 1.
A claim that 1) proposes a practice or policy
to address a problem or need and 2) is
oriented toward action, directed at the future,
and appropriate to the audience you are addressing. [action and causal claims] 2.
An explanation of both the problem and the
significance of your proposal. [existence,
value, and causal claims] 3. Statements that clearly relate the proposal claim to the problem or need. [causal claim] 4. Evidence
that the proposal will effectively
address need or solve problem, and that
it is feasible. [causal, evaluative claim] 5. A consideration of the alternative proposals and conditions for rebuttal. [ethos—willing ability to consider alternatives and anticipate rebuttal] Getting Started
(Invention) Because it is difficult, maybe impossible, to compose in a specific
structure, the following questions are
designed to help you get started writing
and generating ideas, without worrying initially
about the order or sequence of ideas.
1.
Select and Explore a Problem
• After selecting a problem you want to write about, define it extensively, in as much detail as you can.
• Why is it controversial? If everyone agrees, there is no need for argument.
• What is the history of this debate? When did the problem begin? What changes took place that influenced the development of the problem?
• Examine the problem’s severity. Provide and analyze evidence that the problem exists to the degree you claim it does. 2.Analyze
Causes and Relevance of Problem
• Suggest a minimum of five potential causes of the problem.
• Diagram some possible causes and effects of this problem.
• Rank or organize the causes: show why one or two of these are primary in contributing to the problem, OR designate a primary cause as the cumulative effect of a number of causes which, on their own, could not precipitate the problem.
• Argue against other causes being potentially primary.
• Why is your argument important and why will your readers care about it?
• What are its implications?
• For whom is it important?
When it comes to traffic, the
problem may be gridlock,
pollution, or the high cost of
fuel. The solution should attend
to the nature of the problem.
See http://www.uaa.alaska.edu/cafe/resourcemodules/sustainability/upload/propose2.pdf
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