Progress as of Friday, November 30

I haven't really done anything except think about my ideas. I'm leaning toward the field trip one. Arguing for a swimming pool isn't going to work. Arguing for the renovation idea would be either too complicated (with a lot of mini-proposals in one) or too simple (I can't write that much on how we should build a roof). And the bonus with the field trip idea is if I argue it well enough, someone in charge here might actually think about doing it.

But I'm still thinking. I might think of something better when I have time this weekend.

Potential Ideas for the Inquiry Contract

For my topic, I'd like to something small and practical. It's easier to write in-depth and convincingly if what you're writing about isn't huge and confusing and has hundreds of sides and angles and facts about it. This contract sounds hard enough without trying to complicate with writing about the war in Iraq, or something like that. Then I wouldn't have to worry so much about research- I could focus more on writing good papers. However, I'm not particularly passionate about anything. Anything that would be easy to write about, that is.

So, first: a possibility is to argue for more field trips in high school. Perhaps every fourth block or something, each class could go on a trip. Educational or community service or for just having fun. Or maybe once a semester, each people could sign up for a field trip somewhere. Or an overnight trip, or something. I haven't really developed anything more coherent than that.

Second: build/renovate the area outside the main building and between the two buildings, so that that is a covered walkway between them (so in the rain/hail/snow we don't have to be precipitated upon), there are more picnic tables outside for the growing school population and make some sort of tent/pavilion outside to cover said tables.

Third: build a swimming pool. While I would absolutely love to have a swimming pool here, I know they cost millions and so arguing for one is probably not going to work.

What do you all think?

Ch 15: Proposal Arguments

The first essay (the one about the hosts not being paid enough) is the most effective of them, in my opinion. It's clearly and simply laid out. There's no need to read through irrelevant stuff that just sounds nice and means nothing. The reason for it being written like that is because it was sent to a CEO as a practical proposal. CEOs don't hae time to read through lots of stuff; they want a simple, direct approach. Also, the author uses statistics and math to back her reasons up. Again, it provides good support because math and statistics appear to be more reliable than observation. People consider them a mark of a more accurate piece of writing, even if they actually aren't. It lends credence to the argument. The author also uses pathos in her argument, while still keeping it as concise as possible. She talks about her own personal experiences, giving herself credibility and describes why exactly a host deserves the 1% tip using pathos as well.