Your task is to call your audience's attention to a problem, propose a solution to that problem, and present a justification for your solution. You'll do this in about 4 to 5 pages.
Rhetorical Context
You have two choices:
- You may write a policy proposal essay to be published in a collection of student writing that will be circulated among members of Congress.
- You may write a policy proposal essay for publication in either Spin or Source magazine (these are popular music and culture publications that cover a wide range of issues, including politics, public safety, and health, in addition to entertainment).
In making your choice, think carefully about your audience and purpose. You must decide which option is the more appropriate place for your topic, as well as how you will present your essay (and yourself as the writer).
Research
Both options require that you use at three outside sources. You must correctly cite your sources and include a works cited page, using MLA guidelines.
Getting Started
Before you start writing, consider the following questions.
- Which option are you choosing? Explain why you chose that option.
- What problem will you address? Why is it a problem? Whom does it affect? How does it affect them? Who has the power to solve the problem? Why hasn't it been solved yet?
- What is your solution (summarize it)?
- What are some other possible solutions?
- Why should your solution be enacted?
- What are the consequences of doing nothing?
