•Provide a hook that engages the reader.
•Provide a relevant example that illustrates the problem your proposal focuses on.
•Provide any necessary context or background on the problem, which includes Steele’s terms and definitions unless they are disruptive to the introduction paragraph and fit better in the body.Do not include the Steele quote/prompt from FA1.
•You are encouraged to acknowledge other perspectives on the problem(refer to the They Say / I Say templates and/or CH 6 videos in Additional Resources).
•Conclude the paragraph with a one-sentence proposal (thesis)statement, following the format in CH 12in your textbook
.A.The sentence must specify the group(s) of people you hold accountable or responsible for implementing the solution. For this reason, students were instructed to begin their proposal/thesis statement with this group of people.
B.The sentence must specify the exact solution you are proposing(the solution must be actionable, in other words, capable of being outlined in clear steps later in the body). The solution must be preceded by an appropriate verb that compels the group(s)above to take action(refer to CH 28Cin Bed ford).
C.The sentence must explain why action or change is necessary(preceded by the conjunction because). These reasons must include the specific identity contingencies,stereotype threat, and effects members of the social identity your proposal focuses on will continue to endure if the group(s) above fail to adopt your proposal.
In the body paragraph(s), explain in greater detail 1reasons why the change is needed and consequences if no change or action is taken, 2steps taken to enact or implement the change or action, and 3ways in which the proposal is feasible or sustainable.Integrate textual evidence from your sources to further your argument.
1.There must beat least one paragraph that justifies or explains to the group(s) above why change is urgently needed. This requires you to identify and explain the effects of specific identity contingencies and stereotype threats members of the social identity will continue to endure if no action is taken.Logically, this should be the first body paragraph(s).
2.There must be multiple paragraphs that identify the proposed solution(s)and the exact steps the group(s) above must taken in order to implementor enact the solution(s) .Each step must be explained in a detailed manner, and must specifically explain how the step, if acted on, will fix the problem, which should directly relate to the exact identity contingency, stereotype threat, or effect identified previously.I tmay be useful to answer the 6 reporter questions: who, what, when, where, and how, and why.
3.To effectively persuade an audience to invest resources, such as time and money, you must convince them that the proposed solution (and steps) are feasible(realistic), sustainable(long-term), and beneficial.This information may fit into one separate paragraph after the paragraphs on the solution, OR this information may be “logically”integrated into the same paragraphs on the solution.
•Every paragraph (unless it is a continuation of a previous paragraph) must begin with a topic sentence that expresses a clear and specific claim that directly relates to the proposal/thesis statement.For this reason, it is essential that you continually reference your proposal/thesis statement(problem/solution).
•This claim/topic sentence must be sufficiently explained before referencing your sources. For this reason, it is suggested that you do not reference a source or evidence from the source until at least the 4thsentence.
•All evidence must be integrated into the paper properly by framing or sand-wiching the evidence with explanation before and after the evidence, clearly and directly connecting it to your claim and proposal/thesis statement.
•Each source needs to be properly introduced with an appropriate signal phrase(refer to CH 21 in the 8thed. of the textbook or CH 20 in the 6thed, CH 55B in the Bedford):A.The signal phrase must identify the source(author, credentials, and title of the article). Refer to the Signal Phrases Hand out.B.The signal phrase must provide adequate context(explanation) that clearly connects the source to the specific point you are making and proposal in general.Refer to the Signal Phrases Handout.C.Refer to CH 37Ein the Bedford for punctuating signal phrases.D.Refer to CH 37and CH 55in the Bedford for punctuating and formatting quotes.The signal phrase with context is the best method of establishing ethos and a critical form of logos!
•Each source needs to be concluded with a properly formatted and punctuated in-text citation: Refer to CH 22 in the 8thed. of the textbook or the OWL Purdue site.
•Each source needs to be properly concluded with further context (explanation) that clearly connects the quote to the specific point you are making and/or the general proposal(problem/solution).
•When you are including multiple sources, especially in the same paragraph, it is important that you connect or relate the sources to boost your credibility.Refer to CH 55C in the Bed ford.In the concluding paragraph(s), acknowledge and appeal to your naysayers.
•Reiterate your stance.
•Acknowledge the existence of opposing views.This may be done as a rebuttal paragraph prior to the concluding paragraph.•Explain the possible objections to your proposal.This may be done as a rebuttal paragraph prior to the concluding paragraph.
•Appeal to audience members who might objectby explainingwhy this problemshould matter to them and what is at stake for them(and those they know and care about)—in other words, how failing to act could impactthem andothers.
•Avoid clichésand commands (imperative sentenceswherethe subject of the sentence is implied “you.”) Refer to BedfordCH 49and CH 13C.This is an ideal place to employ pathos!
