Discussion of proposal: Groups 3 & 4

You had to read "The Fat Tax: A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Rauch (EA, p. 259-61).

Chapter 12 from Everything's an Argument discusses the main elements of proposals. One of those elements involves showing that the proposal is workable. Tell us how well the sample essay you read establishes workability based on the requirements presented in the chapter on page 246. Please explain your opinion in detail and point to specific passages in the essay.

Posted by hristova on November 09, 2004 at 10:57 AM
Comments

I think this sample essay establishes good points and is very well thought out. The actual proposal was really funny. A FAT TAX??? I did not notice any of the requirements left out. He even brought up alternative actions and stated how his proposal was more efficient.

Posted by Edgar on November 10, 2004 08:02 AM

The sample essay was very informative, and went above and beyond to establish additional ideas then the requirements given. The way he proposed his ideas was very crafty and made you want to read.

Posted by Rakesh M on November 10, 2004 10:00 AM

Even though the author did propose a strange idea, he was able to get the message across effectively and reasonly. I think the only flaw was that in the end, he says, "did I mention that I weighed 135 lbs?". This question throws off the argument and makes the audience think that he is proposing this for his own purposes not to help all overweight people.

Posted by nancy on November 10, 2004 12:01 PM