5.6: Policy Proposal Argument

Introduction

We’ve said that rhetoric is “the art of persuasion,” and in an argument, the writer attempts to persuade their readers to think or do something. A proposal is an argument that attempts to get the reader to solve a problem or to agree to a solution. The problem can occur anywhere from school, to the community, a state, or the nation. When you write a proposal argument, you address a real issue or problem. You write to a specific reader, and your purpose is to persuade your reader to act.

Proposal Arguments

A proposal argument is structured much like an equation. "A" should do "B" because of "C." For example, if you wanted to change a city law to require ramps for every door in the downtown businesses, you could frame it as:

A (entity in charge) + B (should put ramps on doors) = C (reasons why ramps should be added.)

Example thesis statements.

Let's look at some different types of thesis statements for proposal arguments.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

First example:

The downtown merchants should provide a ramp for at least one entry to their business because they increase business and help the community.

Second example:

Entries with ramps enable the elderly, people with disabilities, and people with strollers to have access to their businesses.

Types of proposal arguments.

There are different types of proposal such as procedural and policy. Refer to your assignment to be sure you know what kind of proposal to write.

Procedural proposals

Procedural proposal talk about a procedure that needs to be changing. The procedures could be local, statewide, national, or worldwide.

Let's look at some examples.

Example \(\PageIndex{2}\)

First example procedure proposal thesis.

La Crosse county should implement online voting to ensure all eligible voters can cast their ballot.

Second example of procedure proposal.

Students graduating from ABC High School should line up in the music wing before walking to the auditorium for commencement.

Policy proposals

A policy proposal seeks to change a current policy. Often people think of the laws when they of these proposals, but this kind of argument can apply to any type of policy. You can think of a policy as the actions a group of people take to further their cause or group. So you could write about anything that fits this general definition. 

Let's take a look atsome examples.

Example \(\PageIndex{3}\)

First example:

All buses in the State of Minnesota should be fit with seatbelts to ensure the safety of school children.

Second potential thesis for policy proposal:

Instructors who discover misuse of AI by a student must speak to the student in person before implementing any consequences to ensure fair treatment of students.

Suggestions for writing a proposal

1. Think of a problem you’d like to fix.

It could be something you feel is important and needs to be changed. Determine what and how you want the change to occur. To find policies, look in school handbooks, city ordinances, state and federal websites, newspapers, or news magazines.

2. Write a claim that describe the problem and solution.

Start with the A + B = C formula. You can revise from there to find the best wording.

3. Explain the reasons why the change is needed.

Demonstrate that there is a problem that needs to be fixed and describe the reasons in detail.

4. Explain the feasibility of the change and the positive results that will occur.

Consider whom or what the change affects.

• Exactly what will change?
• How much will it change?
• How will that affect the people involved?
• How will it improve a situation.

5. Provide researched evidence to show the answers to these questions.

Include relevant graphs, charts, or illustrations in your evidence.

Questions for revision.

According to Andrea A. Lundsford and John L., Ruszkiewicz, you should consider the following questions when review your draft.

Questions on your claim.

1. Does the claim clearly call for action?

Is the proposal as clear and specific as possible? Is it realistic or plausible?

2. Is the proposal too broad or sweeping?

Do you need to qualify parts of it? If so, how? Should you narrow the scope of the policy change?

3. Does the proposal directly address the problem that it intends to solve?

If not, how could the connection be strengthened?

4. Is the claim likely to get the audience to act rather than just to agree?

If not, how could it be revised to do so?

Questions about your evidence.

1. Is enough evidence furnished to get your readers' support?

If not, what kind of evidence do you need to add? Does any of the evidence provided seem inappropriate or otherwise ineffective? Why?

2. Is the evidence simply added?

Or is there clear explanation of how the evidence relates to the ideas being presented.

3. Are alternative views and objections readers might have considered?

Are they presented ethically?

4. What kinds of sources are cited?

How credible and persuasive will they be to readers? What other kinds of sources might work better?

5. Are all quotations introduced with appropriate signal phrases?

Are they blended smoothly into your sentences?

6. Are all visual or multimodal sources introduced and analyzed to explain their significance?

Questions for organization.

1. How does the opening get and hold your readers' attention?

2. Have you used a vivid image or example, a memorable anecdote, or a startling quote?

Have you avoided overused openers like definitions or rhetorical questions?

3. Is this organization or design effective?

4. Will readers understand the relationships among the claims, supporting ideas, and evidence?

If not, how might those connections be clearer?

5. Are ideas presented logically?

Does the order of supporting paragraphs make sense?

6. Are more transitions needed?

7. Would headings or graphic devices help?

Lundsford, Andrea A. and John L. Ruszkiewicz. “Chapter 12, Proposals.” Everything’s an Argument, 9th edition, MacMillian Learning, pp 521-574.

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\)

Example proposal outline from the University of California, Riverside linked here: Example policy proposal outline

Conclusion

All the arguments presented in this chapter have some elements in common. They all contain a thesis that takes an arguable position. They use evidence to support their position. They are clearly organized and follow the conventions of the genre in which they are written. It might be easier to stick to a strict format such as the five paragraph essay; however, advanced writers let the genre and content determine the organization and length.

As noted, arguments are all around us. Knowing how to express ourselves in a clear and succinct manner will serve you beyond your years in college.

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Works Cited

Lundsford, Andrea A. and John L. Ruszkiewicz. “Chapter 12, Proposals.” Everything’s an Argument, 9th edition, MacMillian Learning, pp 521-574.

"Submission Proposal Outline." University of California, Riverside. https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:7780ef68-f2f2-4f62-8673-16e0d391a72f