Clay Spinuzzi's Courses

Proposals have to frame (describe) a problem as well as solve one; they have to make sure that readers understand the problem in the same way the author does (and vice versa).

Introduction

Describe the proposal, including the claim (A should do B) and reason (because of C).

Describe the exigence: what the current situation is and why it has to change.

Forecast the paper

Body

Restate the claim, providing at least one reason and the grounds (evidence) to support it.

If necessary, discuss the warrant and the backing (evidence) needed to support it.

Discuss the effect: how the proposal addresses the exigence.

Conclusion

Restate the proposal.

Restate the effect: that the proposal will address the exigence.

Show that the proposal is feasible.