Proposal for Unit 3: Adding to the Conversation

Before we enter a conversation it is a good idea to look at the conversation as a whole in order to determine what has been said and what is currently being said. So this is what I would like you to do. After you select the conversation you wish to enter, do some research in order to determine what is currently being discussed and what has been discussed. This will enable you to determine how you want to enter into the conversation. Your proposal should be broken down just as I have it. List your sources using MLA format (use your Everyday Writer) and briefly describe the points they are making. You may or may not use these in your final piece.

Present
Describe the conversation you are going to enter. What is the conversation about? Who is currently speaking about this topic/issue? What kinds of things are being said? List 3-4 sources and describe.
Past
Describe the background of the conversation. What has been said? What points, issues have been made? What form has the conversation taken? List 3-4 sources and describe.
Future—Your contribution
What do you want to add to the conversation? What points, issues do you want to address?
Plans for Contribution
What form (essay, website, letter to the editor, etc.) will your contribution take? Why? What do you want to say and to whom? Who is the audience? What do they already know? What is your purpose? What effect will your piece have on your intended audience? What further research will you need to do?