Topic:
Immigration policies
Goal:
Write an essay in which you make a compelling case for change by identifying a specific problem and
putting forth a detailed solution.
Proposal:
Your essay is a proposal for change; your goal is to motivate your readers to act. So you must present your
readers with a specific problem. (What is the issue, exactly? What must be changed?) You must also
present a detailed solution. (How will your solution meet the need for change? Why is it better than the
status quo?) To this end, to be effective, your proposal must be workable (can it be done?), feasible (can it
be enacted?), and ethical (is it right?).
Objections:
You must raise and address at least one reasonable objection to your proposal. (Why is your solution better
than the status quo, let alone other possible solutions? How will you address the potential ill-effects to your
ideas?) Raise a strong objection, characterize it fairly, and be sure to answer it, perhaps with a concession.
A strong proposal will anticipate readers’ objections and answer them.
good argument entails the use of rhetorical appeals like ethos, pathos, and logos. To this end, in your
essay, you must deliberately use one (1) rhetorical appeal– mainly, logos, ethos, pathos, or kairos–
assigned randomly as a “wildcard.” (You can change your wildcard once, if you’d like.) As you write and
revise your essay, be mindful of your appeal. This page contains useful information on structuring a Proposal Argument. A proposal should be organized organically; it should be based on the specific topic, target audience, writer’s aim– that is, the “rhetorical situation.” But considering organizational forms can be useful, especially when starting. Below is an outline for a “five-part” proposal argument, with parts 2-4 comprising the body of the essay. Review it, take notes, and organize your own essay.

Proposal Arguments: Strategies for Structure.
I. Introduction.
• Establish the relevance of the problem, perhaps by telling about your experience or the experience of someone that you know.
• Argue for the seriousness of the problem. (Who does it affect? What makes it urgent? What will happen if the problem is not addressed?)
• Present your solution (thesis), or hint at it, especially if it is controversial…
II. Problem.
• Provide background about the problem, as well as explain the problem further.
• Discuss causes of the problem, as well as consequences.
• Don’t assume your readers knows why the problem is a problem, one they should care about–provide reasons and evidence to showit.
III. Solution (or Proposal).
• Consider setting out your solution first, explaining how it will work, and discussing other possible solutions, and arguing that yours is better.
• Or consider discussing other possible solutions first, arguing that they don’t solve the problem or are not feasible, and then presenting your solution.
• Make clear the goals of your solution. Many solutions cannot solve problems completely.
• Describe in detail the steps in implementing your solution and how they will solve the problem.
• Explain the larger benefits that will follow from your proposal. (What good things will happen, and what bad things will be avoided, if your advice is taken?)

IV. Rebuttal.
• Address likely objections to your proposal.
• Will it work in the “real world”?
• Is it ethical?
V. Conclusion.
• Restate the severity of the problem.
• Issue a call for action—if your readers agree with you, they will want to take action.
• Restate and emphasize exactly what readers need to do to solve the problem.