Description
Part 1: Author's Note
The rough draft authors note should include a discussion of each of the following:
List your assigned topic, verbatim from your instructor's topic spreadsheet
A statement summarizing the steps you took to develop this draft
A reflection explaining the strategies you used in the message and why you used them
The kind of feedback you want, specifically.
The final draft author’s note should include your rough draft author's note PLUS a discussion of each of the following:
List your assigned topic, verbatim from your instructor's topic spreadsheet
A statement of where the draft is in the process of development, as well as how it has evolved throughout the revision process (be specific)
A reflection explaining the strategies you used in the message and why you used them (e.g., how you are seeking to build goodwill despite a negative situation, how you are preserving this employee's reputation, how you are managing your boss' impression of you)
Your own assessment of the piece, including where your writing has improved and where you still have room for growth
The kind of feedback that would help most, specifically, including what you believe would be most useful to your learning
Be sure to label each author's note, indicating whether it is your rough draft or final draft author's note.
Part 2: Persuasive Proposal & Research
Imagine you are working full-time for an organization after your UNL graduation. In your organization, employees are able to make suggestions for changes in policy or new approaches to organizational operations. You recently had a conversation with your immediate supervisor about a change you wish to see in your organization. Your supervisor seemed intrigued by your idea, but wanted more information. The next step is to prepare an email proposal in which you suggest this change. Your goal is to persuade him/her that your idea is strong so it can be implemented within the company.
Simply presenting your idea backed with your opinion is not sufficient. Rather, you need to synthesize your idea with credible library research that suggests this is viable and beneficial to the organization. You will need to meaningfully incorporate three different quality sources (i.e., those found in library databases rather than Google) into your proposal. Meaningfully incorporating research does not mean dropping in direct quotes from the articles you find in databases. Rather, you need to paraphrase and cite information you have found so that it flows smoothly with your own ideas. Direct quotes will incur penalties when the final draft is graded. The librarian who visits your recitation during Week 8 will help you learn how to locate and incorporate credible articles and documents using UNL Library resources.
The evidence you find to support your argument should be framed to show how specifically the organization will benefit. For example, if your topic was about subsidizing gym memberships for employees, your sources would need to show why employee health matters to the organization, not simply the benefits of exercising in general. Consider what the organization would gain from employees that exercise regularly and cost-effectively. Would regular exercise enable by a gym membership affect employees' stress levels? Their energy levels? Overall health?
Sample Solution