Essay

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Proposal to Solve a Problem

Proposals require great skill with persuading its audience.  A proposal can help us analyze a problem, evaluate the feasibility of solutions, and ultimately move readers to take particular action to solve the pressing problem.

When writing Proposals:

  • Research the problem and the solution(s).
  • Decide how to present the problem so that readers see it exists and it is serious.  You will do this in the Lead-in of the Introduction paragraph.  This is where you educate and convince your reader that a problem exists and that it needs solving.
  •  When declaring and implementing the solution, explain and convince your audience how it is not too costly, time-consuming, or troublesome in any way.
  • Address likely objections to your solution and cleverly counter-argue those objections.  Again, convince your audience that your solution is feasible, “do-able.”

The Essay and Presentation Assignment: After reading the essay “Ounces of Prevention–The Public Policy Case for Taxes on Sugared Beverages” (by Brownell and Frieden) and watching the documentary (TBA), you will write an essay  and deliver a presentation that will embark upon solving the obesity and chronic illness crisis by proposing one solution–a whole foods, plant-based (yes Vegan!) diet/lifestyle.

  • You will write the Essay on your own.
  • The Presentation will be a group effort.  Groups will be comprised of 3 members.  A Presentation will last 12-15 minutes in length.  Each group member must speak equally.
  • If you choose to present on your own, your presentation will last 4-6 minutes in length.

Essay:

  • 5 pages in length.
  • A Works Cited page–at least 3 sources.  You must use the Brownell and Frieden essay and the documentary (TBA) as part of your sources.
  • Purpose and Reader: people who are either in denial of their unhealthy habits or uneducated about nutritional information.  Regardless, these groups of people know they need to change their eating habits and lifestyle for the better.  Thus, you must logically and emotionally appeal to your readers and convince them that your proposal is the best way to go.  Lastly, your character must come through as someone who has the reader’s best interest at heart.  You should come across as concerned, not condescending to your reader.

Presentation–The Scenario:

  • You as an individual–or your group–will deliver a presentation at the Student Union on campus on the benefits of a whole foods, plant-based lifestyle.  You must “sell” this lifestyle to your audience who are either in denial of their unhealthy habits or uneducated about nutritional information.  Regardless, these groups of people know they need to change their eating habits and lifestyle for the better.  Thus, you must logically and emotionally appeal to your audience on  campus and convince them that your proposal is the best way to go.  Lastly, your character must come through as someone who has the audience’s best interest at heart.  You should come across as concerned, not condescending to your audience.
    • The Presentation will be a group effort.  Groups will be comprised of 3 members.  A Presentation will last 15-20 minutes in length.  Each group member must speak equally.
    • If you choose to present on your own, your presentation will last 5-8 minutes in length.
  • PowerPoint/Keynote/Prezi/Google Slides: slides, videos, graphics, etc…–these are allowed.  However, videos should not be the whole length of the presentation.