Reading Summary - Unit Three

From the beginning of the chapter fifteen “Proposal Arguments” overview it is very easy to see that proposal arguments are widely used everywhere in society today.  The overview clearly explains and defines the two types of proposal arguments; practical proposals and policy proposals.  Practical proposals are very common to me as a manager.  I find myself building and proposing practical arguments several times each day for the rest of my life.  Practical proposals, in my translation of the chapter’s text, are very detailed and minute-to-minute types of issue proposal arguments.  In this type of argument I can see having a clear and logical structure being of the utmost importance. The rhetorical triangle is obviously equally important with this and every argument type.  Policy proposals, in my translation of the chapter’s text, are broad and long-term types of issue proposal arguments that, though common, are extensively researched and developed over a long period of time.  I also can see the importance of clear structure and rhetorical writing knowledge with policy proposal reading and writing.  The bottom line of the overview is value; the value of learning to identify and write proposal arguments. (Ramage 311)

The body of the chapter has a familiar focus on logos, the structure portion of argumentative writing.  The structures of proposal arguments, just as with ethical and globalization arguments, use the Toulmin Analysis framework when structure is important to the writer.  This structure begins with an enthymeme, or claim and supporting reason for the claim.  Following the claim and supporting reason is the grounds, or supporting evidence for the claim and reason.  Following the enthymeme claim and supporting reasons is the warrant and warrant backing.  The ultimate focus of the logos in proposal arguments, as I understand it through the reading of the chapter, is to minimize the rebuttal possibility by covering all of the “special concerns” that proposal arguments can entail. (Ramage 312-14)

The closing of the chapter on proposal arguments outlines in detail the importance of convincing the audience that a real problem exists through calling the audience’s attention to the specific problem and importance of action early on in the argument.  Also in the closing of the chapter is an explanation of the need to justify the proposal to the audience.  It is also noted that, depending on the specific rhetorical context of the argument, a different level justification may be necessary for arguments that could be taken harder by the audience versus the level of justification necessary for simple and less complex issues.  Ending the chapter is a brief summary of proposal arguments as advertisements.  This, I assume, is brief because of the previous chapter that is dedicated fully to visual arguments and the strong rhetorical presence that advocacy posters and argumentative advertisements have in today’s society. (Ramage 316-22)

Throughout the chapter, in my opinion, is a very eye-opening reminder of the huge role that rhetoric plays in everyday life.  I assume that this feeling is shared by many but the knowledge of rhetorical analysis and argumentative writing seems to be shared by only a limited few.  I know that the use of proposal argument in the workplace is more than common for me and the management teams that I work with on a daily basis than it is for the general public.  I am very surprised and slightly disappointed that I haven’t been previously educated on the development and analysis of proposal argument reading and writing.  With that said, I am also very thankful that I am learning this now and will have it to use and teach at home and at work.

           

           

           

Work Cited

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean and June Johnson. Writing Arguments:  A Rhetoric with Readings.  8^th Edition.  New York:  Longman, 2010. Print.