What values can you appeal to? Of the person or organization that needs to be convinced, how can you show that their interests are served, if appropriate?

Assignment Question

Overview: For the second argumentative “essay” this semester (which will be included in your final portfolio), you will write a call-to-action letter (a protest letter) to a specific person or organization that calls for a specific change in relation to a problem or issue you have identified about the media through your research this semester. This is a real world example of where we engage in proposal arguments (arguments focused on actions we should or should not take). Writing a call-to-action letter rather than an academic essay will allow us to practice crafting an argument for a different kind of audience, to recognize that we are engaging with issues that matter, and to see the potential consequences of our writing. In a way, this is a continuation of your research and an extension of your first project: based on what you found in your analysis, how could the media improve further?

Guidelines 2-4 sources (you may need to locate new sources based on your purpose in this paper). 900-1100 words. 12 pt. readable font, 1” margins; single-spaced (as is conventional for a letter). Format as a business letter Informal citations in the letter for referencing sources. An appended APA formatted References page for the sake of this course, which you will not mail to the letter’s recipient. Goals To understand and apply the conventions of a proposal argument (Core Value 2). To demonstrate awareness of audience by researching your audience and, as you write to them, providing necessary background information, anticipating objections, and creating “audience-based reasons” (Core Value 3). To select the most appropriate and best quality sources for your purpose (Core Value 4). To treat other views respectfully and to develop persuasive ethos (Core Value 5). To make careful use of emotional appeals; you want to get your audience to care about a problem, but also to persuade them to accept your solution through logical appeals (Core Value 5).

Audience as Context: To write a protest letter, you obviously need a recipient! You should identify a person or group that you believe can help create the change you would like to see (or prevent the change you do not want to see!) and attempt to persuade them to take action. This person or group could be the perpetrator of the problem you see, someone with the power to enact or prevent the proposed change, or someone you need as an ally to first build the critical mass needed to create pressure toward or against change. As a writer, you will need to make strategic choices about how best to appeal to your audience and tailor your reasons, evidence, etc. to them. Sections 1 and 3 of your proposal (see below) will need to be carefully crafted. Note: You have this option of making this an “open letter,” which means it is addressed to a specific recipient, but also is meant to be published for the public to read. There are multiple audiences, then, for an open letter, making it a slightly different genre (see samples below). Basic Structure: Proposals usually are made in three phases: 1) show that a problem does/does not exist 2) explain your proposed solution, and 3) offer a justification for this solution (that it is fair and feasible).* If other proposed solutions to the problem already exist, you should address these and refute them (while making concessions) in favor of your own. You do not need to reinvent the wheel; it is fine to align yourself with a proposal made by others and perform the work of persuading your own audience.

Note: Your proposal can be to do nothing, though you’ll want to find others arguing a change should be made, that way there is tension and a reason to write. 

The three sections outlined above are not meant to be accomplished in one paragraph each; the number of paragraphs will vary per task. If you have a rationale for deviating from this structure, that’s fine; you just might want to discuss it with me ahead of time. Details Part of showing that a problem exists entails getting your reader to care enough to accept your proposed solution. To get the reader to care, you will need to work on their hearts as well as their minds by showing how the problem affects people (and, potentially, the reader specifically) and has important stakes. You will need to show how your solution solves the problem (wholly or partially). You will need to offer reasons for adopting your proposal. What values can you appeal to? Of the person or organization that needs to be convinced, how can you show that their interests are served, if appropriate? Always remember your audience. You don’t have to pretend that your solution is perfect or has neither costs nor any negative consequences; you should address these and convince your reader that despite them, your solution is about doing the right thing.

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