The Starting Point

The starting point for most projects is often a proposal. A proposal in business is an offer to provide a service or a product to someone in exchange for money. Many businesses and non-profit organizations rely on proposals to receive new or additional funding or to enhance the growth of their firm. In business, a proposal is a part of a process of planning and research on, and cultivation of potential foundation and corporate investors. A well-designed proposal can often make the difference between getting the job and the additional funding; it could also mean the loss of company money and ultimately perhaps your job or someone else's job.

Similarly, proposals appear at the college or university level. A department receives word that new grant money is available in a specific area. Faculty members submit proposals showing how much time and money are needed to complete their proposed project.

Thus, a proposal is a written document that launches a proposed solution to a specific problem or need.

As all writing is persuasive, a proposal must convince the reader that the writer has credibility and that his or her ideas have merit. The success of a proposal rests on the effectiveness of the argument. A proposal written for academia clarifies for your instructor, your classmates, and you, why you intend to research a specific topic, how you intend to research it, and what purpose your work will serve. In addition, your proposal should connect the issue to the larger audience that may include legislators and individuals involved in the issue.

Topic: Choose the issue from the Exploratory Essay and your position on the issue. Develop a clear claim for your issue--one that you believe is true or most valid about the issue.

Objectives: Demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes a valid argument.

Purpose: Proposals help organize and develop ideas for longer papers about a particular issue. Your purpose is to develop your clear position on the issue selected and prove your perspective is valid. In addition, you should motivate your audience to care about this issue and understand your position.

Length and Format: Write a 250-500 words (do not use more space) Issue Proposal using 1-2 sources (limit to 1-2 best sources) that will show the direction the longer Position Essay will follow. Use MLA or APA for documentation and paper format as directed by your instructor.

Audience: You, other readers in the class, and your instructor. Be sure to identify stake holders, legislators, and other individuals involved in the issue -who they are and why they care about this issue? How are they affected by this