1. Problem/Solution Essay

2. An effective proposal challenges your audience

3. Reasons…
…justify why the action is to be
taken.

4. Two types of proposals
About policies (broad social or political topics)

5. About
Practices
Often
narrow
topics of
local
interest

6. Make your argument clear
and well defined

7. Discuss
the
problem
in detail

8. Offer a
solution
with
justification
for that
solution

9. Make a
claim
should/
should
not
The government should provide more comprehensive physical
and psychological care for active duty military returning from
combat zones.

10. Claim is often the conclusion
that can be stated as a thesis

11. Establish the need

12. Explain how
your proposal
is in the best
interest of the
community

13. Act as a
proponent of
positive change

14. Why change?
the current method
of operation isn’t
working.
even though it
appears that the
current method of
operation is
working, it isn’t, or
there is a better way.

15. Predict future consequences

16. Bolster claim with ethos appeals…
…and specifically
discuss how your
proposal will address
the problem

17. Prove that your proposal is feasible.
scholarly research
creative problem-solving

18. Questions to consider…

19. Is it clearly a call
for action?

20. Is it too sweeping?
How can it be narrowed?
Will my proposal really solve the existing problem
without causing bigger problems?
Is there another, simpler means of solving the
problem?
Is my solution really practical?
What are the consequences and undetermined
problems associated with my proposal?

21. Most readers are resistant to
change and would rather remain
stagnant in thought.

22. Limit pathos appeals to
compelling case studies
or to just your
introduction/ conclusion.

23. Open with a moving description of the
problem (1-2 ¶s) then introduce proposal
& thesis statement. “Sell” audience on
need for this proposed solution ¶.
RECOMMENDED
OR Possible
Begin with proposal and feasibility
structures
arguments, then demonstrate how it will
meet certain needs – do this with
proposals that are intrinsically unusual,
regardless of their practical value