How to OUTLINE a Proposal Paper
First, know the 5 steps of a Proposal argument. They are:
1. Define your problem clearly.
2. Describe your solution clearly.
3. Provide support for your solution.
4. Address counter-arguments in the form of readers’ objections and questions about your solution.
5. Address other possible solutions and why they won’t work as well as your solution.
Title: Gives reader an idea of your solution
I. Introduction
a. Begin with a startling fact, image, example, quote, or question about your problem.
b. State your thesis position: how you are going to solve this.
Example: “The best way solution for the childhood obesity epidemic in America is to pass a law banning junk food from all stores other than grocery stores.”
II. The Problem
a. How do we know it exists?
b. Why should we care? How serious is it?
c. What causes it?
III. Your Best Solution
a. Why will it solve the problem?
b. How will it work? Outline the steps:
1. Step 1 in implementing your solution
2. Step 2
3. Step 3, etc.
IV. Counterarguments
a. Questions or objections the reader might have about your Best Solution
– how much will it cost?
– how long will it take to start working?
– who is going to do it?
b. Your answers to these
V. Other possible Solutions
a. Present these solutions (what has already been tried? what is currently being tried? what has worked or not worked elsewhere? what else might potentially be tried?)
b. Your rebuttal: Why they’re not as good as your Best Solution (too expensive, take too long to implement, wouldn’t solve the root cause of the problem, would only reach a small portion of those effected by the problem, etc.)
VI. Conclusion – restate your thesis
– parting thoughts for readers; urging readers to action, etc.
a. Restate your thesis position
b. End with a call for action to the reader
