In Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal”, the narrator advocates that in order
for the government of Ireland to solve its problems of begging children and
poverty stricken mothers babies should be sold for food. Is he serious?
No, of course not. Swift’s writing is an example of verbal irony trying to show
us the extent of Ireland’s problems.
In a group presentation, you are to parody (following the structure of) Swift’s famous essay, “A
Modest Proposal” in order to create your own “radical” solution to a problem facing American
society. You get to have fun with this essay’s shocking solution, but you must also do your
research.
Step #1 – Identifying a problem
Brainstorm about a social problem. It can come from the problem you wrote about in your first
writing assignment. Tell me the problem you are interested in “solving”. They will be approved
on a first come basis.
Step #2 – Researching the problem
Research your chosen problem. Determine the extent of the problem and who it affects.
Research the cause of the problem and how the problem is currently being dealt with. You will
show where you acquired your facts from.
Step #3 – Creating your own proposal
Consider your own preposterous, but believable, solution. The idea should be simple but
serious, presenting a shocking solution to an issue we all agree is a problem. Remember: it is
not science fiction and your proposal should be able to be implemented.
Your final draft will be done as a presentation. Be sure your presentation is organized in the
following format:
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​
​
1. Intro - Talk about what your paper will be about. Here is where
you make general comments about your problem.
2. Statistics - To give your paper credence, you need to have some
statistics that show just how bad your problem is, who/what it
effects, how. . .
3. Other solutions - Here is where you point out other solutions that
have been tried but don't work. Explain the shortcomings of each
"solution".
4. Your proposal – Here you will talk about your proposal, explain
how it will work and how it will solve your chosen issue.
5. Benefits – List and explain the advantages to your proposal. Tell
the reader who benefits and how. If it is a good "solution" there will
be many benefactors.
6. Conclusion – End with a statement which reinforces how “good”
of an idea your proposal is.
Be sure to use appeals in your persuasive argument. These will be presented the last
academic week of the term, beginning January 11th. I will give you some class time but plan on
doing this outside of class time. Remember, ​your ​group will divvy up the total points.
"A Modest Proposal" Social Satire Presentation
Grading Rubric
0
✓(15 pts)
✓
(20 pts)
✓+
(25 pts)
1 or
less
2
3
4
2 or
less
3
4
5
2 or
less
3
4
5
1 or
less
2
3
4
Development of Proposal
_____ Easy for audience to understand what the
societal problem is and the extent of it
_____ Satirical nature of presentation is clear
_____ The solution is easy to understand and is
logical. There are no loose ends
_____ Solution is far reaching, solving many problems
Rhetoric Device: Ethos
_____ Show expertise on the topic
_____ Presentation is edited
_____ Presenter is organized and prepared
_____ Presenter appears professional in dress
_____ Presenters connects with audience
○
Makes eye contact
○
Well spoken and confident
Rhetoric Device: Logos
____ ​Use facts or statistics (sources are cited)
_____ Terms are defined and ideas are explained
_____ Cause and effects and/or if then statements are
used
_____ Presentation utilizes charts and/or diagrams
_____ Addresses the opposing point of view
Rhetoric Device: Pathos
____ ​Tell stories to create emotion or use inspirational
quotes
_____ Use powerful words, phrases or images that stir up
desired emotion
_____ Connect through visuals (images or videos)
_____ Match your tone, volume and pace to the emotion
Total points ___________ x number of group members = ______________________________