The current situation section of a proposal frames the problem/issue/opportunity. It explains what has led for a need to make a change or shift direction. In short, the current situation section establishes your argument and sets up the project plan, which details the solution. While we'll focus on the project plan next module, let's use this week's writing activity to draft the current situation. Following the outline detailed in Chapter 8 of our textbook, the current situation should make three moves:

1. Identify and define the issue/problem/opportunity

2. Discuss the causes of the issue/problem/opportunity and how these causes led to the issue/problem/opportunity

3. Discuss the effects or impact of not doing anything about the issue/problem/opportunity

You'll want to, of course, weave your responses to the above moves in a fluid, coherent manner. In other words, the current situation should not simply answer the questions in a static manner. Consider persuasion tactics from Chapter 13, for example. Keeping the primary reader-users (the action takers) in mind is key. In what ways can you frame the current situation, following the above moves, to address the primary reader-users' needs, values, and attitudes?