Writing Question

You will write a 1250-1500 word, double-spaced, 12 point font essay proposing a solution to a problem faced by a community or group to which you belong, and address your proposal to anyone who might help solve the problem. This paper should be in MLA format, including the headers, page numbers, and in-text citations and Works Cited page. Use Times New Roman 12 point font as your font type, please. (Use that for the Essay and Annotated Bibliography, too. Make sure that all 3 of these assignments are formatted in MLA format, from the paper headers to the titles to the citations.) Word count does not include outline or Works Cited page.

Pre-Writing

You should pick a topic that has a direct impact on your life. Think of an issue that you are deeply interested in and that affects your daily living. The best research papers are about something that interests you. Dont forget that this is a persuasive paper; your primary purpose is to convince your readers that your proposed solution to the problem is the best one for the given situation. Using a alphanumeric outline (either a macro or micro) will help you plot out your research paper. Use your online writing resources often! You have had four hours of tutelage from “Brainfuse 24/7Homework Help” in Canvas to use all semester. Now is the time to use what remaining time you have left. Consider using the FSW Writing Center, too. Every little bit can only help.

Sample Paper Topics
Problem	Solution
Classes fill up too quickly and students are unable to graduate on time.	More online classes should be offered to allow students to finish their degrees on time without putting undue stress on campus resources, such as classroom space.
Students cannot get financial aid without information from their parents if they are under the age of 24.	Financial aid should only require parental information if the student is still claimed as a dependent on his or her parents taxes.
Single parents struggle to juggle their parenting and work responsibilities.	There should be more opportunities for telecommuting.
Child care is too expensive.	Child care centers should write grants to increase funding and reduce costs to parents.
Working students cannot get to campus during the day for registration, advising or financial services.	College administrative offices should stay open in the evenings and weekends to accommodate these students.
An organization you belong to is running out of money because no one pays dues.	This organization should raise money through fundraisers and activities instead of membership fees.
College admission policies put too much emphasis on standardized tests, penalizing those who are poor test takers but excellent students.	Colleges should assess students based solely on GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation.

Sample Essay

Please be sure to review the following

Points to Consider

A Well-Defined Problem
Before presenting the solution, a proposal writer must be sure that readers know what the problem is. The writer must establish that the problem indeed exists and is serious enough to need solving.

A Proposed Solution
Once the problem is established, the writer must present and argue for a particular solution. Be sure that the topic is narrow and that the solutions are reasonable.

A Convincing Argument
The main purpose of a proposal is to convince readers that the writers solution is the best way of solving the problem. Proposals argue for their solutions by trying to demonstrate:

that the proposed solution will solve the problem
that it is a feasible way of solving the problem
that it stands up against anticipated objections or reservations
that it is better than other ways of solving the problem

A Reasonable Tone
Regardless of the proposal or the argument made on its behalf, problem-solution writers must adopt a reasonable tone. The objective is to advance an argument without having an argument. The aim is to bridge any gap that may exist between writer and readers, not widen it. Writers can build such a bridge of shared concerns by showing respect for their readers and treating their concerns seriously. They discuss anticipated objections and reservations as an attempt to lay to rest any doubts readers may have. They consider alternative solutions as a way of showing they have explored every possibility in order to find the best possible solution.

Most important, they do not attack those raising objections or offering other solutions by questioning their intelligence or goodwill! Please use the outline structure below to help you formulate an effective proposal essay.

Final Essay Outline Structure:

Main Title and Subtitle (center; use colon to separate the two): _________________________________

Introductory Paragraph: What do you need here to establish the rhetorical situation to set up thesis?

Thesis Statement (one underlined or highlighted sentence): __________________________________.

Note: Thesis = Subject + Assertion + Premise

Body para. 1) State why your topic is a serious problem.

Subpoint A
Subpoint B

Body para. 2) State previous solutions attempted; State the best/most feasible solution.

Subpoint A (past solution)
Subpoint B (past solution)
Subpoint C (best solution — your solution!)

Body para. 3) Establish criteria for your solution (e.g., money, time, people, technology?)

Subpoint A
Subpoint B
Subpoint C

Body para. 4) Demonstrate your solution will work: Implementation?

Subpoint A
Subpoint B

Body para. 5) Demonstrate benefits of your solution: Who will benefit from solution?

Subpoint A
Subpoint B

Body para. 6) Demonstrate your solution’s pitfalls: Counterclaim and rebuttal?

Subpoint A
Subpoint B

Concluding Statement (*call to action): _______________________________.

Evaluation

Your essay must have:

Essay must include a topic outline (NOT included in word count).
The main title and subtitle of the essay must reflect the thesis, and both must be grammatically and mechanically presented correctly.
The essay is presented in the third-person grammatical point of view and utilizes formal mechanics.
The introduction clearly establishes the rhetorical situation for the reader. That leads the reader to an underlined thesis.
A clearly defined and documented problem to be solved is then presented, one that expresses kairos and exigency.
A nod to past solutions with a convincing argument in support of the solution is then presented.
Evidence/support documented in MLA must be provided with clear explications in all paragraphs.
The benefits of the solution are clearly articulated and strongly worded with evidence.
An anticipation of readers objections and questionscounterargument(s). It is important in this assignment that you address your opposition. At some point in the paper (see outline), you need to acknowledge your opposition and deal with opposition points. You can choose to either completely refute an opposition point or to concede that the oppositions point is of some value. You may find that you do both of these things at the same time. When you include a counterargument, you must make it clear that the other sides viewpoint is not your viewpoint, and you must always refute or concede.

Evidence to back up your ideas:

You will be conducting research to find statistics, facts, quotes from experts, and studies. THIS IS A COLLEGE-LEVEL RESEARCH PAPER! You should also conduct an interview if its a possibility for your topic. Hypothetical examples, anecdotes, and personal experience can also be used in this paper, albeit sparingly. Again, it’s a college research paper, not a personal life experience paper. Make sure your anecdotal references count. You will need to use evidence to define your problem/solution, as well as it’s implementation and potential impact.
You will also need evidence to support the validity of your proposed solution, yet establish the premise of the problem. A bulk of your research will be used to show your solution is best (see outline), but every body paragraph should have research in it, even your opponent’s point of view (eg, counterclaim). You must use a minimum of five credible sources as per instructions. Research sources can include magazines, books, credible websites, scholarly journals, articles from NC Live, and interviews. You will use MLA documentation to give credit to your sources through various quotation integration techniques that are cited with in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
Please review the grading policies in the syllabus for college-level writing expectations. As with your previous essays, please write this essay in an academic voice: avoid the words “you” and “your” and if you use the word “I” make sure it is in connection with a personal example. Do not announce your writing with phrases like “I think,” “I feel,” “I believe,” or “The purpose of this essay is…” Last, avoid contractions and other informal syntax, words, and phrases. Remember: this is a college-level research paper, so you want it to sound and read like one!
All final submissions must be in doc or docx format (i.e., Word document).
Final essay must include an alpha-numeric topic outline (see sample).
- Minus one grade letter for missing or incomplete outline.
NOTE: Final essay’s word count does NOT include outline or Works Cited entries. It’s the essay only (e.g., introductory hook – concluding statement).

***THERE IS NO EXTENSION FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT***

Rubric

Research Essay (1)

Criteria

Ratings

Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer demonstrates an understanding of the rhetorical situation for the assignment.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence8.5 ptsExceeds Expectations

7.5 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer makes an argument based on research and critical analysis.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence9 ptsExceeds Expectations

8 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer has a strong thesis statement that illustrates an argument and is advanced throughout the essay.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence9 ptsExceeds Expectations

8 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer addresses any important background information about his or her topic, such as recent controversies, laws, events, solutions, misconceptions, and so on.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence8.5 ptsExceeds Expectations

7.5 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer appropriately uses academic and non-academic sources to advance his or her thesis statement.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence8.5 ptsExceeds Expectations

7.5 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer appropriately uses summary, paraphrase, and/or direct quotation.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence8.5 ptsExceeds Expectations

7.5 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer cites a minimum of five sourcestwo peer-reviewed academic journal articles and three additional sources of his or her choice.

10 ptsComplete5 ptsPartially Complete

0 ptsIncomplete

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer adheres to MLA format for in-text citations.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence8.5 ptsExceeds Expectations

7.5 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer demonstrates sound document design in MLA format.

5 ptsAchieves Excellence4 ptsExceeds Expectations

3 ptsMeets Expectations2 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

5 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThe writer has a Works Cited page in MLA format.

10 ptsAchieves Excellence8.5 ptsExceeds Expectations

7.5 ptsMeets Expectations6 ptsNeeds Work0 ptsDoes Not Meet Expectations

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClarity: The composition is easily understood, legible, and coherent.* Can you give an example? * Can you elaborate on that point? * Can you express this in another way?

threshold: 3.5 pts

5 ptsAchieves Excellence4.5 ptsExceeds Expectations