1. Introducing the Problem
Every proposal begins with a problem. Depending on what their readers know about the problem, writers may need to explain how the problem came to be or what attempts have been made to solve it. Sometimes, readers are already aware of a problem, especially if it affects them directly. In such cases, the writer can merely identify the problem and move directly to presenting a solution. At other times, writers may be unaware that the problem exists or may have difficulty imagining the problem. In these situations, the writer may have to describe the problem in detail, helping readers recognize its importance and the consequences of failing to solve it.
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2. Presenting the Solution
The solution is the heart of the proposal argument paper. The writer’s primary purposes are to convince readers of the wisdom of that solution and even to take action on it. In order to achieve these purposes, the writer must ensure that readers can imagine the solution and envision just how it would be implemented.
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3. Arguing Directly for the Proposed Solution
A proposal is not a proposal without some argument supporting the solution. It may describe a situation well or complain with great feeling about a problem; if it goes not further, however,it cannot be a proposal. Writers must try to convince readers that the solution presented will actually alleviate or decrease the problem. The solution should appear feasible, cost-effective, and more promising than alternative solutions. Writers should support their argument with things like personal experience, hypothetical cases and scenarios, statistics, facts, examples, speculations about causes or consequences, and quotations from authorities. The most convincing support surprises readers—they see it and think, “I never thought of it that way.”
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4. Counter-arguing: Anticipating Readers’ Objections, Questions, and Preferred Solutions
As they argue for their solutions, experienced writers are continually aware of readers’ objections to their arguments. Writers may accommodate readers’ likely objections and questions by modifying their own arguments. What better way to disarm a skeptical or antagonistic reader. Or, writers may refute readers’ objections and questions; that is, try to show them to be faulty in some way. Experienced writers bring their readers’ objections right into their arguments. They do not ignore them. Experience writers may also acknowledge other solutions. If a writer knows or suspects a reader may have an alternative solution in mind, it is better to discuss them directly in the argument. If writers ignore other possible solutions, readers could regard them as ill-informed about the topic. A writer can integrate all or part of an alternative solution in his own solution, or refute the alternative as unworkable.
5. Establishing Credibility
For an argument to be considered credible by readers, they must find it authoritative, believable, or trustworthy. The writer’s attitude toward the reader is revealed in the following ways: word choice, sources, the “ring-of-truth” of quotations and personal experiences, the step-by-step logic of the argument, the plausibility of reasons, the adequacy of support, and the sensitivity in handling the reader’s likely questions, objections, and preferred solutions.
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