Proposal Writing Project

Overview: Your fourth project is a proposal. Goals: Work collaboratively. Identify and thoroughly explain a problem and its symptoms. Research possible solutions. Identify an audience of stakeholders with the authority to help solve the problem. Consult writing handbook, textbook, the writing center, and/or peers to proofread and control surface features.

Procedure: 1. Choose a maximum of two classmates to work with to solve a campus problem. Create a contract to decide how each member will contribute to the project. 2. Invention: Identify a problem that faces freshman on the University of Arkansas of Little Rock campus. 3. Develop a survey to learn about the problem from those who face the problem. (See pages 372376 in Joining the Conversation.) 4. Research the problem to determine its relevance, definition, context, causes, and effects. (See page372 in Joining the Conversation.) 5. Define the problem. 6. Develop a practical solution to the problem or propose, and even, improve on a solution that other authors have offered. 7. Assess the practicality of your solution. Can your solution be implemented in a reasonable amount of time? with available funding? with available resources? given current knowledge and technology? without causing additional problems?

8. Provide details about how your solution can be implemented.

Whatever approach you take, remember that a clear problem definition is the single most important element in a problemsolving essay. A problem definition enables you to take a problem apart, examine its causes and effects, and understand whom or what it affects.

9. Provide evidence to identify and frame your solution, provide examples and illustrations, and illustrate processes to implement your solution. Rhet 1311. 02 Page 1

10. Address alternative solutions to the problem. 11. Draft your proposal. 12. Revise and edit with your group members. 13. Write a letter explaining how each person in your group contributed to the proposal. Assign a grade to your peers based on their adherence to your contract. 14. Submit your proposal and letter through Blackboard on November 21.

Proposal Checklist Clearly defined problem Thesis statement that summarizes proposed solution Support for solution Implementation plan for solution Alternative solution Conclusion Survey Group contract Include all invention work and drafts when you turn in final draft.

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Addressing WPA Outcomes

Rhetorical Knowledge

Your audience is stakeholders in the issue and those with authority and resources to help. Choose an appropriate tone for that audience. Critical Thinking Read about the issue, and conduct primary research (survey) to learn about the problem. Synthesize what you learn with your own experience to outline the problem and to propose an original solution or encourage a solution that others have proposed. Know that having the power to solve a problem is in understanding and communicating that problem to others. Processes

Understand the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes. Learn to critique your own and others' works. Learn to balance the advantages of relying on others with the responsibility of doing your part. Knowledge of Conventions

Apply appropriate format, tone, and mechanics for academic writing. Use MLA to cite your sources of information. Proofread for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage. Composing in Electronic Environments

You may use the available online sources to find out about your subject. Use the available means (Google Docs, email, track changes in MS Word) to share your work with the other authors in your group. Submit your final draft through email in Blackboard.

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