English 1020 and 131

Instruc4ons for the Informal Proposal

A working deni4on of a proposal: It is a wri@en statement of your plan to either research a project, or a
statement oering to solve a problem or provide some other type of service. Always, it is persuasive in
nature.
Note the following headings of a proposal (that is to say, they are the headings for the purpose of yours.
You see, headings for a proposal can vary, depending on the purpose). They are:
1. Introduc4on. An introduc4on should contain two parts: (1) an impetus where you show me, tell
me what got you interested in this issue; show me some connec4on to the topic that mo4vates
you personally (if you have it). A good idea is to explain why this issue deserves a@en4on. Whats
at stake? and (2) a background. In the background, discuss the big problem or overall topic and
tell me how your issue ts within that topic. Remember, we do not argue topics, but we argue
issues as they relate to topics. Like a funnel, you show the broad category of your topic and how
you have narrowed it down to a specic and workable scope. This is an important aspect and
should be at least two paragraphs.
2. Statement of the Issue as a Research Ques4on(s). Keep in mind that all respectable research
projects begin with a ques4on that morphs into your working thesis. For that reason the issue
you plan to research should begin as a research ques4on, again indica4ng the issue you will
address, only this 4me as a ques4on. A research ques4on may look like one of the following:
(1) The meaning of dierence: what is social class? Or (2) Dening aspects of culture: is it
learned, shared, and symbolic? In these examples I wanted to show you, maybe remind you,
how to set up a research ques4on. Not by any stretch of the imagina4on do I expect you to
address either of these issuesunless you want to. By the way, if you already have a possible
answer, include it here.
3. Audience. Tell me who your audience for this essay could be and why you think this audience
will benet.
4. Proposed Plan of Development (Methodology). Right here is where you should outline in prose
format how you plan to develop your argument. Where will you get your evidence? What
research strategies will you use? Will you consult reputable primary and/or secondary sources?
Expert opinion? Personal experience? This can be tricky because you want to disclose enough of
your plan to secure my approval without giving away so much informa4on that I will not see the
value of your research. Without specics, though, your prospectus has li@le chance, so you
decide how much to reveal. This aspect should take one to two paragraphs to give me what I
need.
5. Qualica4ons (ethos). It is in this sec4on that you will tell me why you believe you are qualied
to take on this issue in an argument aimed to persuade. You want to convince me that your
proposed argument is worthwhile and that what you hope to accomplish will contribute to
culture and-or society. Ex: As previously stated in the introduc4on, I have more than three years
working with abused women and children . . . you get the point. Know, too, that academic
experience counts when it comes to making this kind of ethical argument. A minimum of one
paragraph should suce here.

Your Task:
This is Part I of your three-part group project: proposal, annotated bibliography, and nal persuasive
argument. Using the aforemen4oned format and ve headings, your group should prepare a proposal for
your nal essay. Keep in mind that this is a technical document which means it is a structured document.
It should be forma@ed as follows:
A working 4tle. The 4tle may change on your essay, but you s4ll need one for the proposal
All headings should be in bold and lef jus4ed. Again, it should have the same headings and
look exactly like the sample above
Use the MLA heading with a header if you are using the MLA format; a 4tle page if you are using
the APA format
Due Dates:
Discuss with me your proposed issue = 11/3 Submit completed proposal to Bb = midnight Saturday,
11/14