Proposal Outline

I.                   Introduction – This section introduces your entire paper. Avoid presenting facts in the introduction. If you must, you may have ONE statistic if it supports a dramatic opener, but remember you are simply introducing the topic. To write this section, think back to my suggestion regarding plot summary: introduce, state players and problem, state complications, finish with a strong thesis statement. (5-7 sentences)

 

Thesis Statement: __________________________________________________

 

II.                Introduction to Proposal /solution/argument

This is a mini-introduction section to set up the elements of the proposal section of your paper. You will evaluate the topic and end with your proposed solution. This section may include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated your topic. You will make a proposal statement in this section.  (5-7 sentences)

 

III.             Solutions/Argue for solution

This section takes the proposal statement and presents the solution (and elements of the solution) to your proposal. You should include specific elements of your proposal. This may be a 3 part solution to the problem. If that is the case this section would most likely have 3 paragraphs.  This section will include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated your topic. (3-5 paragraphs)

IV.             Introduction to Counter-argument
This is a mini-introduction section to set up the elements of the counter-argument section of your paper. You will evaluate the counter-argument and end with your persuasive statement that this approach to the problem will not work. This section may include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated your topic. (5-7 sentences)

V.                Counter-argument – this is where you present documentation of the opposing views to your documented solution in a way that demonstrates you have researched both sides of the issue. You leave the reader feeling that you are a credible source to write about this topic. This section will include facts, data, and statistics that demonstrate you have evaluated your topic. (3-5 paragraphs)

VI.             Conclusion – Do not put any new statistics (data) nor introduce a new idea into a conclusion. This is you wrapping up your paper and demonstrating a critical concluding thought.  (5-7 sentences)

You must demonstrate research through documentation in sections II, III, IV and V.