WRTG 394 students,
In preparation for writing assignment #3, you have
identified a problem or need in your
workplace or in your community for which you would like to
recommend a solution.
Your next step is to write a proposal memo. The memo is to
be read by a decision-maker or
group of decision-makers. This decision-maker or group of
decision-makers will approve or turn
down the proposal based on the information in the memo.
For writing assignment #3, you will write the proposal memo.
In this proposal memo, you
will seek approval to begin work on this project, which will
include an investment of your time
to conduct primary and secondary research.
You goal in writing the memo is to receive formal permission
from these decision-makers by
convincing them that, first, there is legitimate problem or
need to be addressed and, second, that
there are reasonable recommendations and solutions that make
sense for your company or
community organization.
? The introduction of the memo should
clearly state that you are proposing to carry out a
study. The introduction should also make reference to any
previous discussions you have
had about your plans with any individuals named in the
memo’s header.
? The body of the memo should have the
following information:
? the background of the problem or need
? the benefits to the company or
community that will accrue by virtue of you doing this
study
? how you will conduct the study (methods
and procedures; these are especially
important if you will doing any internal surveying,
interviewing, or data collection)
? the amount of time you will need to
invest in doing this work as well as any budget
or help you will need
? what you will deliver at the end of the
process and when you will deliver it
? your qualifications and experience that
will enable you to be successful in this
endeavor
? The conclusion should contain the
formal request for approval. It should also remind the
decision-makers of the benefits that will accrue due to your
work.
Assignment Rubric:
Formatting of the memo Excellent Good Fair Needs
improvement Does not pass
The memorandum follows standard conventions for its
header, including the Date, To, From, and Subject lines
10 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points
Audience Excellent Good Fair Needs
improvement Does not pass
The memo is written to a specific decision-maker
15 points 12 points 10 points 7 points 5 points
Introduction of the memo Excellent Good Fair Needs
improvement Does not pass
The introduction states that the writer is proposing to
carry
out a study
3 points 2 points 1.5 points 1 point 0 points
Body of the memo Excellent Good Fair Needs
improvement Does not pass
The memo describes the background of the problem or need
15 points 12 points 10 points 7 points 5 points
The memo describes the benefits to the company or
community
10 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points
The memo indicates how the writer will conduct the study,
including details of primary and secondary research
involved
10 points 8 points 7 points 6 points 5 points
The memo indicates the amount of time that will be needed
5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point
The memo indicates any resources (budget, support,
personnel, etc.) needed for successful completion of the
project
5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point
The memo provides a date and method of delivery of the
final product: the research-based persuasive report
2 points 1.5 points 1 point 0.5 points 0 points
Conclusion of memo Excellent Good Fair Needs
improvement Does not pass
The conclusion contains a formal request for approval.
5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point
The conclusion reminds the decision-makers of the benefits
that will accrue from the work being proposed
5 points 4 points 3 points 2 points 1 point
Grammar and mechanics Excellent Good Fair Needs
improvement Does not pass
The conventions of Standard Written English, including
usage and punctuation, are maintained throughout the
document
15 points 12 points 10 points 7 points 5 points
Overall Score Excellent
90 or more
Good
80 or more
Fair
70 or more
Needs
Improvemen
t
60 or more
Does not pass
0 or more
