Discussion Topic:

After reading and learning about research, proposals, and forms of argument, what do you think the purpose of it is? What place does it have in the world? Provide some examples from the readings, lectures, and other sources you find helpful.

Preparing and Writing a Proposal Proposals Are ideas you present in order to solve a problem. These are solutions you present to a problem. Solutions should be well thought out and offer information which will help the situation. Proposals and their key features A well-defined problem Some problems are obvious and some are not as obvious Some solutions are obvious and some are not as obvious You must present the well-defined problem without bias or opinion. This then shows your professional stance on the issue(s). Written proposals must establish that there is a problem that needs a solution. This helps to show it is serious enough to warrant a discussion in order to lead to a solution. Controversial issues give you a lot of information to work with because they have already been discussed to a great extent. Proposals and a solution to the problem Be ready to present a solution to a problem. You will need to be explanatory with enough information for the solution. There may be more than one solution to a problem. Often, this is a great way to approach a problem because then you have back up plans, failsafe's, etc. You will work on each one figuring out which has the most promise to result in a good solution. Proposals and a convincing argument for your proposed solution Providing evidence in order to convince readers is important in a proposal. Be ready to explain from an argumentative stance that your proposed solution is the best solution. Proposals and a response to questions readers may have Consider questions your readers may have about anything concerning your work. You need to think of what your readers might bring up during a discussion or reading of your proposal Are you being unbiased? What other arguments are out there? What are some possible solutions? Are there advantages to your solution(s)? What are they? Are there disadvantages to your solution(s)? What are they? Proposals and a call to action You must have the goal to call your readers to action. Start a conversation with them about the problem and present a plausible solution. What kind of outcomes are you anticipating and how might the reader help or add to it? Proposals and an appropriate tone Pay attention to your tone in your writing. You are attempting to persuade readers so make sure you are using the appropriate tone. Be reasonable, respectful, and appropriate in your tone. NOTES:

Definition Lecture Notes Making the Definition Better The apple An apple is the round edible fruit of a tree of the rose family, which typically has thin red, yellow, or green skin. The chair A chair is a piece of furniture that has a seat, legs, arms, and a back and is designed to accommodate one person. Patriotism A belief characterized by love and support for one's country, especially its values and beliefs. Formal dictionary definitions are composed of three parts. Term-The term to be defined. Class-The general class to which the term belongs. Differentiation-The qualities that differentiate the term from other items in the same class. Example/ Term: Dog Class: A domesticated mammal Differentiation: That has a snout, a keen sense of smell, and a barking voice. Extended definitions Much more detailed. Is not a simple answer and needs in-depth explanations. Needs relevant examples to represent and support the definition. Example/ Wikipedia. Is it a reliable source? Operational definitions Defines something by telling how it acts or how it works. Think of some examples such as: How does a car work? How does government work? Details an abstract (existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence such as love and beauty) concept (major/abstract idea or general notion) into something concrete (existing in a material or physical form; real or sold; not abstract), observable, and possibly measurable.