this is a proposal paper on a local las vegas issue this can be an issue such as homelessness, lack of teachers in clark county, lack of volunteers in las vegas, the lowering water levels of lake mead etc. please allow me to approve the topic you choose. the paper has to clearly identify why this is a problem for las vegas locals, how it effects them and mainly a proposal on how to change the problem the paper must be between 9-10 pages double spaced. below is the paper description and grading rubric. please read through this carefully. please also be sure to present credible sources, and unpack each statement you make in the paper fully. PLEASE feel free to contact me with ANY questions
Rationale:
Persuasion and research are major research elements in academic writing. College students must be able to articulate specific claims, find reliable evidence to support their ideas, and tailor their research to the values and beliefs of different audiences to make their opinions convincing. The final paper for this course, a 8- to 10-page persuasive proposal paper, will give you practice researching and writing an effective argument and proposing change.
Description:
Basics: You will persuade us that a local problem is significant and propose an action that should help to drastically reduce this problem (most likely) or eliminate this problem. You will identify a specific audience to which this proposal would be directed and persuade that audience that your unique proposal is logical and well-supported.
Topic:
Subject Matter: The subject of the paper is completely up to you. I would prefer you find something local or in your specific field of study. These types of proposals are often more feasible, and youre more likely to be engaged in something with which youre closely associated. At the same time, if theres a topic that interests you which remains outside your field of study or in another community, please follow it. This should facilitate your continued interest in the issue, but it wont if you select a topic just to complete the assignment, so choose wisely! Remember that youll be working on this final project (and this issue) for most of the semester.
Some Warnings About Your Topic:
When deciding on a topic, here are a few warnings:
Pay attention to Scope: Try to avoid presenting proposals that are too grand in scope, such as a large-scale national proposal. Basically, keep this question in mind: can you cover the logistics of implementing this proposal in 8-10 pages? I need to know exactly how this would look when enacted. If, for example, you are trying to support a national proposal, you need to prove that it will affect all states in the same fashion (this is EXCEPTIONALLY DIFFICULT).
Avoid Confirmation Bias: As challenging as it may be, try to find an argument on which you dont hold any strong biases. Its difficult to be objective when you go into the research process with preconceived notions. At the same time, this could be your opportunity to challenge these preconceived notions with actual research. Just make sure to follow the evidence, NOT JUST YOUR FEELINGS/BELIEFS.
Fix an ACTUAL problem: Remember that this paper should focus on an existing problem. A paper defending gay marriage may produce some fascinating arguments, but it is already legal. As such, your argument is
well, pointless right now.
Watch out for vague, generalized proposal terms: When presenting proposals, watch out for terms that can be misconstrued by audiences. For example: Calling for the implementation of after-school programs can be problematic, as the term after-school programs is somewhat vague. In addition, watch out for any topic associated with obesity. In my experiences, students try to cover the greater issue of general health whenever they touch upon anything related to obesity, and their proposal loses focus. If youre interested in obesity, ask yourself this: what am I saying that hasnt already been said by a thousand sources? (Also, keep in mind that Ive read arguments of this sort SOOOOOOOOO many times, so Ill probably be more critical of the paper)
A proposal is not a call for the elimination of an existing proposal: Many people are critical of existing proposals. You may be tempted to call for the elimination of a certain policy. Thats fine, but thats not a proposal. You need to provide a solution for the problem that the existing policy is trying to resolve. (YOU GOT ANY BETTER SUGGESTIONS?- Jaws)
Make sure to acknowledge and respond to opposition: I know it sounds strange, but your argument is actually strengthened by the inclusion of opposition. By identifying and responding to opposition (often refuting it), you convey to the reader that you are a critical thinker who has really explored all avenues of thought. A good rule of thumb is to assume that your audience disagrees with you. How can you convey that you have really heard their points of opposition? Once again, return to the criteria for effective communication: listening, understanding, and responding.
Avoid topics based on morality: I know that moral codes often guide people to do great things, but try to avoid topics that rely on religious dogma for support. You can believe what you want, but you have to prove your points with empirical evidence in this class.
Requirements:
Your paper should following the following guidelines:
Number of sources: You should incorporate research from an appropriate amount of sources. I know that this is an ambiguous term. I dont want you to find sources merely to fill the requirements of the assignment. You should find a sufficient amount of sources to fully support all your arguments/claims; by the end of the semester, I want to feel as though you have become an expert in this topic. Basically, every avenue of thought surrounding this topic should be considered and every argument (for and against the proposal) should be supported by evidence.
Peer-Reviewed Sources: At least three of your sources need to be peer-reviewed. If you have less than three sources, or only three, I can assure you that your ideas arent supported or you arent really exploring the complexity of the issue. ***The citations for these sources need to be in bold***
Field Research: At least one source needs to represent field research/a primary source (interview, observation, survey, etc.). If you utilize two primary sources, Im willing to consider the second a peer-reviewed source.
Visual Component: You are required to include at least one visual in your paper. The paper should represent at least 8 FULL pages before the incorporation of the visual.
Formatting: This piece can be formatted according to MLA or APA format. It really depends on what your intended audience (which would be listed at the top of your paper or on the Title Page) would demand. If the subject is related to business or humanities, the audience who can implement this action is most likely going to prefer MLA. If the subject is more science or technology-based, they would probably prefer APA.
Audience
This is a personalized essay with a formal tone. While this paper should display a level of professionalism, your personal voice should come through. Although the use of I is not necessary, I would like to see that youre actively engaged in the topic. Research and education have no place in a persons life if one cant find practical application for this information. Although self-reflection may be an element of this assignment, dont become too casual with your language (dont use text-speak or common slang, unless theres a clear purpose for doing so).
Your argument should be tailored to a specific audience; this audience should be able to implement this issue (the head of the Athletics committee at CSN, CSNs Board of Trustees, Nevadas water commission, etc.). You will need to identify this intended audience underneath the title. In addition, dont discount the impact of reflective writing. As you conduct extensive research on your topic, allow an amount of objective, mental flexibility. You are not only researching this issue to persuade the audience, but to possibly find alternative perspectives on the issue. Your views may change in the composition of this paper. Due to this, you are being persuaded, and are part of the audience, as well.
Proposal Paper
Proposal Paper
Criteria
Ratings
Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTitle and Introductory Paragraphs
15.0 pts
Title and introductory paragraphs identify topic and engage the audience.
7.0 pts
Title and introductory paragraphs identify topic and engage, but are somewhat cliche
0.0 pts
Title and introductory paragraphs are vague or misleading
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAudience Awareness
40.0 pts
A specific audience is clearly identified. The identified audience would be able to implement this action. Tone, style, content and structure are consistently tailored to audience. The evidence/arguments appeal to this audiences beliefs and values.
20.0 pts
The identified audience is rather general/vague. Tone, style, content and structure waffle. Some evidence/arguments wouldnt appeal to this audiences values/beliefs.
0.0 pts
Tone, style, content and structure are not consistently tailored to audience
40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeConclusion
10.0 pts
Conclusion provides effective closure. The audience understands the takeaway message.
5.0 pts
Conclusion provides very little closure; asks questions, but doesnt attempt to answer them
0.0 pts
Conclusion doesnt provide closure
10.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThesis Clarity
20.0 pts
Thesis is clearly stated or implied- the action youd like to see from your audience is apparent
10.0 pts
Thesis is slightly unclear.
0.0 pts
Thesis is unclearly stated or implied
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEthos
40.0 pts
Personal experiences and/or observations are relevant and proportionate; strong authorial credibility
20.0 pts
Personal experiences and/or observations are somewhat relevant; hazy authorial credibility
0.0 pts
Personal experiences and/or observations are not consistently relevant or proportionate; weak authorial credibility
40.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCritical Thinking/Persuasiveness
50.0 pts
Discerning; that is, evidence, claims, and conclusions are effectively analyzed and evaluated; inferences are drawn. Evidence isnt merely presented an left to speak for itself.
25.0 pts
Somewhat discerning; could take their inferences further. Sources are often left to speak for themselves.
0.0 pts
Not discerning; that is, evidence, claims, and conclusions are ineffectively analyzed and evaluated. Sources are always inserted without context.
50.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeStructure
20.0 pts
Overall organization is purposeful, focused and fluid; redundancy is not a problem. Transitions are used to connect one section to another.
10.0 pts
Overall organization is somewhat purposeful, focused and fluid, but some redundancies exist. Transitions are occasionally used to connect sections.
0.0 pts
Overall organization is unclear, unfocused AND disjointed; redundancy is a problem. There is no attempt to connect the sections of your paper through effective transitions.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSource Credibility
20.0 pts
Sources are credible. At least three of the sources are peer-reviewed and one source of evidence represents field research that the author has collected.
10.0 pts
Some sources dont appear credible. At least one of the sources is peer-reviewed and field research is included.
0.0 pts
Sources are not credible. None of the sources are peer-reviewed and field research appears to be missing.
20.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSource Information
60.0 pts
Information derived from sources is typical, sufficient and relevant. The evidence helps to support that a problem truly exists, that it was caused by certain factors, and that the proposal will effectively solve the problem.
30.0 pts
Some information isnt relevant, typical or sufficient.
0.0 pts
Information derived from sources is atypical, insufficient, AND irrelevant
60.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSource Integration
25.0 pts
Sources are integrated effectively
12.0 pts
Some sources are not integrated effectively, or some are missing
0.0 pts
Sources are missing, dropped in, AND ineffectively integrated
25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitations
30.0 pts
Works Cited Page and in-text citations are present and formatted according to MLA or APA standards is accurate.
15.0 pts
Citations are present, but they dont submit to most APA- and MLA-style formatting standards.
0.0 pts
Works Cited Page and in-text citations are missing or serious problems are evident.
30.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
25.0 pts
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling follow standard usage. Sentences are varied and dynamic in their structure.
12.0 pts
At least three recurring errors persist in the grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Sentences often follow a pattern or arent developed.
0.0 pts
Grammar, punctuation, and spelling dont consistently follow standard usage. Sentences always fall into a pattern.
25.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeParagraph Unity, Coherence, and Development
15.0 pts
Paragraphs are consistently unified, coherent, and well-developed
7.0 pts
Some paragraphs are not consistently unified, coherent, or well-developed.
0.0 pts
Paragraphs are not consistently unified, coherent, or well-developed
15.0 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVisual Element
30.0 pts
A visual has been integrated into the essay. The visual helps to support an argumentative point made in the paper.
15.0 pts
A visual has been integrated into the essay, but it has a tenuous connection to any argumentative point made in the paper.
0.0 pts
There is no visual integrated into the paper.
30.0 pts
Total Points: 400.0
