To close out the Invention stage, after you’ve engaged in brainstorming techniques to select an effective subject or topic to write about, you’ll have to draft and submit a Proposal:
Taking a glance at this definition we can see that a proposal involves reporting a plan. It involves scheming– careful planning that considers the goal to be accomplished, the materials available, and the challenges likely to be encountered. Think of it as a report of your tactical plan– your plan of attack!
In more specific terms, proposals are formal plans that delineate the topic you’ve selected to write about, the method you will use, the perspective (or attitude) you will take, what you may have to research to add depth to your work, and the logistics of your project.
NOTE: The proposal is a suggestion you submit for approval, meaning it should be clearly written, well-thought-out and clearly focused on the topic, and well-developed with details and examples.
Although they are short, proposals should still feel well-developed, meaning you’ve taken the time to consider possible choices within the rhetorical situation:
- Your proposal should include enough detail and background information to make the subject of your essay clear. Be sure to explain why this particular topic is compelling for you to explore further in writing. (What are you writing about? And, why have you selected this topic?
- Take into account what you already know, or what you have to say about your topic prior to engaging in research. Explain what more you need to learn. (What do you already know about your topic, prior to research? What do you hope to add in terms of research?)
- Think ahead and consider any challenges you might face, including logistics for writing and planning time to write. Be as honest as you can about the amount of time you have to compose. Then, explain how you’ll overcome your challenges. (When and where will you write this paper?)
Resources
Professor Gomez 