Respond Question Series

Sample Proposal Essays

 

Choose one of the sample essays assigned from Kanning, and complete the question series below, offering full responses to these questions. (You can copy and paste these questions into your word processor and type your responses and print them out, or you can hand-write your responses on separate paper.)

 

1. Type or write the writer's name and the title of the sample essay you've chosen to use for this assignment. What problem is the writer discussing? Is it a legitimate problem? Is the focus small enough to handle?

 

 

2. Who is the audience for the proposal? Is the proposal addressed to (and tailored to) the audience? How so?

(Further explanation: The audience should be the person or group who has the power to enact the proposed solution to the problem. Therefore, the writer should tailor his or her proposal to this audience's beliefs, assumptions, and values.)

 

 

3. Evaluate the organization of the proposal: Is it easy to identify the introduction of the problem? The proposed solution to the problem? The justification of the problem? The conclusion? Are there clear transitions between each of these sections?

 

 

4. Evaluate the writer's selection of evidence: Does the writer include specific reasons, examples, illustrations for each part of the proposal argument? Identify one example that works really well and one that could be improved, and explain why.

 

 

5. Is the justification convincing? Why or why not?

(Further explanation: The justification is the most important aspect of the proposal argument, since it explains why the reader should care and implement the proposal. Consider the writer's reasons for enacting the proposed solution and the evidence provided in support of those reasons.)

 

 

6. Are opposing views or counter/alternative proposals refuted or acknowledged? How so?

 

 

7. Act like an opponent to the proposal you are reading. What faults can you find in the argument?

 

 

8. Does this proposal seem to be a logical, appropriate solution to the problem? Why or why not?

(Further explanation: Consider the proposal as a whole, after evaluating its parts.)

 

 

 

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