A Modest Proposal Essay

A. Write an essay with two to three partners. Divide these sections between you:

1. The problem.

In 2-4 fully-developed paragraphs, define the specific problem you propose to solve.

2. Scope of the problem.

In 2-4 fully-developed paragraphs, show how important and pervasive the problem is. Use at least two of the following: anecdotes, examples, scientific studies, statistics, expert testimony, graphics.

3. Solution.

In 3-7 paragraphs, make your own modest proposal. In the most specific terms possible, define the parameters of your plan to address this problem. What techniques will be used to make this solution workable? Make this section as objective and practical as you can.

4. Not the solution.

In 2-4 paragraphs, limit your solution. What are you NOT proposing?

5. List positive outcomes.

In 5-7 quick (one-sentence) paragraphs, list the benefits of putting your solution into practice.

6. Address counter-arguments.

In 2-5 paragraphs, demolish the (real-world, sensible) solutions that others might propose.

7. Conclude

(DO NOT USE THE WORDS "IN CONCLUSION"!

In 2-5 paragraphs, show how much of a better world this would be if this solution were put into practice. In your last paragraph, make sure we know that you are disinterested (that is, you do not stand to profit from your solution).

B. Comment meaningfully on the essay another group wrote.

1. With your group, read and annotate the essay you received. What do you notice about the argument? Write right on the copy you received.

• What kind of lead, or hook, opens the argument?
• How do authors set up their central claim? Where do they present that claim?
• What's the structure? How's it organized?
• Where do the appeals (logos, ethos, pathos) come from? anecdotes? interviews? statistics? assertions? observations?
• How inflamatory or reasonable is the diction? How simple or complex is the syntax?
• What are the authors assuming about the reader? Who is their audience?
• What holes can you poke in the reasoning?
• The mode here is irony. In what ways is the irony effective? In what ways does it fall flat?
• How does the last line of the conclusion function?

2. Individually, write a two to three page critique of the argument, comparing it to the model essay Swift wrote. To what extent have the authors approached Swift's genius? In what specific ways have they fallen short? (If they have surpassed Swift, then, again, in what specific ways is their writing more successful than his?) In any case, use quotes from both essays to make your case. Attach your annotated copy of their argument to the back of your critique.