what is a proposal for an essay

Jun 21, 2023

Proposal Essay Examples: Convincing Ideas for Your Research Paper or Essay

Dive into the power of persuasive writing through captivating proposal essay examples. Explore ideas that inspire, enrich your work, and unlock impactful proposal crafting. Prepare to elevate your writing and leave a lasting impression!

Writing a compelling proposal essay often presents a challenge for many students. A large proportion can't distinguish a research paper proposal from a proposal essay, and even more find difficulty in creating persuasive ideas for their essays. If this situation resonates with you, rest assured you're not alone.

In this extensive guide, we aim to simplify the process of writing a proposal essay. We provide a host of resources such as examples of proposal essays, a carefully constructed outline template, and proven writing techniques. Our guide, honed through years of experience in academic writing, is specifically designed to help you achieve high grades in your proposal essay assignment.

Embark on this journey with us to uncover the nuances of crafting an excellent proposal essay. Armed with the correct resources and guidance, you will transition from uncertainty to confidence, ready to produce an impressive proposal essay. Let's start delving into the craft of writing an engaging proposal essay.

What is a Proposal Essay?

An essay proposal is a document that outlines the content and purpose of your proposed essay. Whereas a thesis conveys the central concept of your study, an essay proposal summarizes the intent and substance of a specific essay.

A proposal essay also serves as a detailed plan of action addressing a particular problem. The writer identifies a problem, suggests a solution, and provides evidence to persuade the reader to agree with the proposed solution or idea. In essence, your role as a writer is to convince the reader that your concept is exceptional and that they should support its execution.

These essays function as a strategic tool, enabling you to sell an idea, belief, or yourself in a manner that not only piques the reader's interest but also convinces them of your capability to bring the proposed plan to fruition. Although proposal essays are frequently associated with business and economics disciplines, they extend beyond these fields.

Proposal essays fundamentally promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. They allow you to venture beyond the structured academic syllabus and engage with real-world issues that require innovative solutions. Writing a proposal essay, therefore, is an opportunity to demonstrate your analytical acumen and your capacity to think creatively.

How to Write a Proposal Essay

Writing a compelling proposal essay requires careful planning, thorough research, and meticulous execution. Here are the steps to ensure your proposal essay stands out:

1. Understand Your Audience: Begin by identifying your target audience. Who are they, and what is their role in the context of your proposal? What are their needs, concerns, or interests? Understanding your audience's perspectives helps in tailoring your message, increasing the chances of your proposal being accepted.

2. Research Thoroughly: Deep and broad research is crucial. Even if you're well-versed with the topic, there is always more to learn. Look at what experts in the field have said and how your proposal aligns or diverges from their views. This research will not only fortify your arguments but also make your essay more credible and authoritative.

3. Create a Detailed Plan: Once you've completed your research, start to structure your essay. Begin with an introduction where you present the problem or issue. Then, propose your solution in the body paragraphs, where each paragraph should focus on a single point or argument, supported by evidence. Finally, wrap up your proposal in the conclusion by summarizing your key points and reinforcing the significance of your solution.

4. Write Your First Draft: Start writing your essay based on the plan you have created. Be clear and concise, avoid jargon, and make sure your arguments are logically constructed and easy to follow.

5. Revise and Edit: After completing your first draft, it's important to revisit it with a critical eye. Look for areas where your argument can be strengthened, check for coherence and flow, correct grammatical errors, and ensure your language is clear and precise. It may be helpful to have others review your work for a fresh perspective.

6. Proofread: Once you're satisfied with the content of your essay, proofread it one final time to catch any minor mistakes or inconsistencies. Remember, a polished essay demonstrates your diligence and commitment to quality.

By following these steps, you can create a persuasive, well-structured proposal essay that effectively communicates your idea and its value.

Structure of a Proposal Essay

Writing a proposal essay requires a specific structure that enables you to present your idea clearly and persuasively. Here's an overview of the necessary elements:

1. Introduction: Your introduction sets the stage for your proposal. It should include a captivating hook that draws readers in, and a clear thesis statement that summarizes your proposal. For Example: A feasible approach to decreasing the alarming mortality rate among young mothers is by equipping parents with necessary skills to support their teenage daughters who become pregnant.

2. Problem Statement: After the introduction, delve deeper into the problem your proposal aims to solve. Describe its nature, roots, and implications. Clarify why it's critical to address this problem, how it affects your readers, and what benefits solving it would bring.

3. Proposal Statement: In this section, elucidate your proposal in detail. Describe the solution you've come up with, highlighting both its benefits and potential drawbacks. Ensure you present your idea as the optimal solution to the problem at hand.

4. Implementation Plan: Next, explain how you plan to execute your proposal. This should be a clear and comprehensive guide demonstrating the practicability of your solution. Identify potential obstacles that might arise during implementation and include steps to overcome them. Discuss why your approach is unique and why previous attempts to solve the problem have failed.

5. Expected Outcome: Here, discuss the positive results you expect from the implementation of your proposal. Provide a clear, concise picture of the improvements and advantages your solution will bring. 6. Evaluation: In this section, provide an estimate of the resources, including time, money, and expertise, necessary to implement your proposal. Discuss its feasibility within the current situation and address possible objections or criticisms from those who might disagree with your proposal.

7. Timeline and Required Resources: Clearly specify the resources required to implement your proposal, such as manpower, funds, and equipment. Include a timeline if possible, giving a chronological order of the steps to be taken.

8. Conclusion: Summarize the key points of your essay and reaffirm the significance of your proposal. This is your final opportunity to convince your readers, so end with a powerful call to action.

Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion, as it can confuse readers and may unnecessarily elongate your essay. Stick to wrapping up what you've already presented and reemphasizing its importance.

Proposal Essay Examples 

In the following section, we present a collection of Proposal Essay Examples. These essays serve as excellent references for those looking to understand the structure and content of a compelling proposal.

 Each one addresses a unique and important topic, provides an insightful problem statement, proposes thoughtful solutions, and concludes by summarizing the main points. These examples illustrate the effective strategies used in proposal writing to engage readers and convincingly present an argument. 

Let's delve into these intriguing examples to inspire and enhance your proposal writing skills.

1. Reducing Plastic Waste: A Proposal for Action

Introduction:

With the escalating global environmental crisis, the specter of plastic waste looms large. Forecasts from the United Nations indicate that, failing to reduce plastic waste, we'll have more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050. This proposal aims to present tangible solutions to this predicament.

Problem Statement:

The unchecked production and disposal of plastic products significantly contribute to plastic waste, endangering the environment and marine life. Given the lifespan of plastic waste—lasting centuries—it's crucial to devise an effective solution to curb plastic production.

Suggested measures to combat plastic waste include:

Government-imposed ban on single-use plastic items, such as straws, cups, and cutlery.

Government incentives encouraging the use of reusable products.

Awareness campaigns conducted by the government and NGOs about the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Investments in improved waste management systems for the proper handling of plastic waste.

Conclusion:

Reducing plastic waste is an urgent priority. By implementing the proposed measures, we can alleviate the issue, protect our environment and marine life, and build a more sustainable future.

2. Dangers of Texting While Driving

Despite countless warnings and campaigns, texting while driving remains a widespread, dangerous habit. This essay investigates the perils of this behavior and proposes measures to mitigate it.

Texting while driving constitutes a severe distraction, often leading to road accidents. Studies even rank it as more dangerous than drunk driving, as it considerably delays a driver's reaction time.

To address this peril, the following steps are suggested:

Launching educational programs and campaigns to inform drivers about the risks of texting while driving.

Implementing stricter penalties for drivers caught in the act.

Promoting technologies that restrict texting while driving.

Texting while driving is a lethal habit that warrants immediate attention. By raising awareness, enforcing stricter rules, and employing technology, we can significantly cut down road accidents due to distracted driving.

3. The Causes of Homelessness

Homelessness, affecting millions worldwide, is a complex and pressing social issue. This essay explores the causes behind homelessness and suggests viable solutions.

Causes of Homelessness:

Poverty, mental illness, addiction, and family breakdowns constitute the four primary triggers of homelessness.

To alleviate homelessness, the following steps are suggested:

Stimulate the supply of affordable housing by offering financial incentives to developers and reducing zoning restrictions.

Facilitate access to mental health services, addiction treatment, and support services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Alleviate poverty by raising the minimum wage, providing job training, and enhancing access to education and healthcare.

Addressing homelessness calls for a comprehensive and coordinated effort. By implementing the proposed measures, we can significantly reduce homelessness, emphasizing our collective responsibility to extend support to those grappling with this issue.

Final Words

In conclusion, crafting a persuasive proposal essay involves thoughtful planning, in-depth research, and adept writing techniques. With Jenni.ai's cutting-edge AI tools at your disposal, this process becomes simpler, enabling you to create standout proposal essays. Take this opportunity to enhance your writing skills and leave an enduring impression on your audience. Experience the transformative capabilities of Jenni.ai today!

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How To Write An Essay Proposal: Helpful Guideline For Students

Many students want to learn how to write an essay proposal when joining college. Most learners can read and write a five-paragraph essay when completing secondary education. However, very few students have experience with writing an essay proposal. A proposal is a typical assignment; students can write it based on an essay prompt. This article explains what an essay proposal is and how to write it.

Table of Contents

What is a proposal essay.

• What Is The Goal Of An Essay Proposal?

Why You Might Need An Essay Proposal

How to write a proposal for an essay, essay proposal example, how to start a proposal essay, how to write proposal: a step-by-step guide, essay proposal format.

• Tips And Hints On How To Write A Proposal Essay

An essay proposal is a paper that describes or proposes an idea or thesis that you intend to write. It outlines the main points you will discuss in the body of the paper while providing supporting evidence for the proposed argument.

A thesis represents the research and its main idea. However, a proposal essay encapsulates the content and purpose of the paper. It aims to convince the educational committee that the topic and approach are sound, hoping to get you the approval to proceed to the actual research.

Some call it a proposal argument that presents a problem that needs fixing or a necessary change. While people mostly write proposals in economics, management, and businesses, scientists, students, and other professionals write them.

What Is The Goal Of An Essay Proposal?

An essay proposal aims to persuade the reader that your topic is worth investigating. It should include a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in the body of the paper and provide supporting evidence for the proposed argument. Here’s what an effective essay proposal does:

• It suggests a change or idea.
• It convinces your readers to adopt a change or view.
• It shows your mastery of a concept in your field
• It presents a case for a change process or idea’s implementation
• It confirms the practicality, applicability, and feasibility of an idea, a program, or a change

Learning how to write essay proposal requires understanding its points. Essentially, this paper should represent a well-explained problem or issue. It proposes a way to solve it and a discussion explaining why your solution is the best.

You need an essay proposal if your teacher or professor assigns you a research paper. This paper outlines the scope and purpose of your project. And this is helpful because it ensures that the involved parties agree about the project and its content. It states to the stakeholder or decision-maker that you understand your project and its scope.

Learning to write a proposal is essential if you want to score a higher grade for a school or college course you’re taking. Also, this skill is vital if you want to write proposals to get business or project funding. Once you acquire this skill, you can write persuasively on a specific topic without struggling to start.

You do most of the work in the pre-writing stages when writing a proposal essay. Here’s what you should do before starting.

Know your readers: This essay aims to convince the audience that you have a worth-pursuing idea. Therefore, know who will read the proposal before you write it. Are you writing for a business person, government officials, or academics? If your readers are business people, justify the proposal by highlighting its potential financial benefits. If it’s for government officials, emphasize the proposal’s popularity. Research: You will have a higher chance of persuading others of the proposal if you have secondary sources supporting your claim. Therefore, talk to experts or read their research before writing your proposal. Pre-write: Take your time to brainstorm ideas before writing the essay. Also, think about ways to organize the views once you have them. Revise: Have a colleague or peer read the paper and provide feedback. After that, incorporate the feedback into your second draft.

Perhaps, you can also read a good essay proposal sample to understand what the readers expect you to include in your paper.

Here’s a good essay proposal example to take a peak at to shape and inspire your ideas, before we get into the details:

Christianity has not often seen eye to eye with women’s issues, particularly reproductive rights. For many years, Christianity in several forms has suggested that abortion is immoral, considering it to be the termination or murder of an unborn child (Stensvold, 2015). Whilst this terminology is helpful for creating an atmosphere of tension between women seeking abortion and their religious views, it needs to be critically examined for the way that it influences women who are practicing Christians and their attitudes towards their own body. The topic of abortion is also important because it has been traditionally seen as immoral, but more and more women (including practicing Christians) are choosing to undergo the procedure. It needs to be reevaluated in terms of modern society and understood for its significance in Christianity. Historically, the Catholic Church has been one of the biggest influencers on abortion (Stensvold, 2015). Despite this, Pope Francis has suggested that priests have the authority to absolve the sin of abortion and that it may not necessarily be one of the biggest issues facing the church (Dias, 2015). The Catholic Church is a big player in the general Christian world, and it is important to critically analyse the effects that it has on other churches. The purpose of this research will be to examine the rules and regulations of a variety of different forms of Christianity and their views on abortion with reference to the Catholic Church as a baseline. Methodology The theoretical perspective of structural functionalism will be used as a basis for conducting a thorough literature review on the topic. By analyzing several different sources which explore different Churches and their views on abortion, structural functionalism will help to place the Catholic Church and others in the context of a changing society. As the structure, norms and morality of the outside world changes, so too do the attitudes of religious believers. The literature review will focus on changing attitudes and beliefs surrounding abortion and so-called reproductive rights to analyse them in context of the Church to understand how both society, and the Catholic Church, influence Christian believers of other Churches. The analysis will include the major denominations in the United Kingdom: Anglican, Baptist, Lutheran, Methodist, Pentecostal, Orthodox, and Presbyterian, as well as brief discussions of non-Trinitarian denominations the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Quakers. Significance This work is important for several reasons. It will highlight the influence of the Catholic Church on other areas of Christianity, which is important as Catholicism remains the largest denomination. It will also help to highlight the effects of non-religious society on the views of various churches towards sin and absolution, which is important in a rapidly paced, globalized world. It will also help to highlight some of the key differences between denominations of Christianity in the United Kingdom. These three elements will come together to give a full picture on the controversial topic of abortion and the reasoning that many Christians give for its morality or immorality. Understanding this will help guide the ministerial profession into giving good, moral guidance to followers within the Church and to highlight some of the issues that will likely arise in practice.

Besides indicating your action plan, the proposal should have a theoretical positioning and a relationship to past work in your field. The readers will be more likely to approve your ideas or suggestions if your essay proposal is concise, clear, and engaging.

In most fields, a captivating and persuasive proposal is essential for success. Several proposal types include thesis proposals, book proposals, and science proposals. However, they have similar basic guidelines. Here’s how you can start your proposal.

• Topic rationale: Demonstrate why the topic is essential in your discipline. Also, include the objective limitations without promising something you can’t deliver.
• Review past works: Review published works that relate to your topic. Also, explain how your essay builds on the previous studies while exploring new territory.
• Outline your methodology or approach: Compose an essay proposal outline with the necessary resources, costs, and time for the work.

Different disciplines have varying standards for essay proposals. However, most essay proposals emphasize a specific focus of the study question. Also, they include headings, lists, and visuals, that make reading and cross-referencing easy. Additionally, use a concrete and precise style showing the feasibility of your idea.

Once you have the basic guidelines for writing your essay proposal, the next step is learning the steps to follow when doing it. A good format will help the academic committee comprehend your application’s seriousness or intent. The school, class, or institution you’re submitting the proposal to will determine your proposal’s format. Here’s a general step-by-step guide for writing a proposal.

Introduction: Start by introducing the issue you want to address to the committee. Present a firm introduction to enrapture the readers from the beginning. Background: The background should provide details of the issue while setting the stage, highlighting past studies on the topic or subject. Address stark facts to show the reason to address the problem immediately. Ideally, start the background with facts instead of your opinion. Significance: Explain what makes your study significant. Provide evidence from reports, studies, and other literature supporting your argument and showing the need to investigate your chosen topic for a proposal essay. Research hypotheses or questions: This section should explain your study goals. The hypotheses or questions should guide your analysis. Emphasize the need to solve the problem and how it affects your readers if this doesn’t happen immediately. Use credible facts and sources to support your hypotheses. Study design: Explain how you plan to conduct your study. Also, address the methodology to use in addressing the issue. In this section, show the readers how you will address the problem, why you choose to do it in a specific way, and the possible outcome. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the information you’ve provided in the other sections. Also, explain how the study will address the focus problem. You can conclude the proposal with one or two paragraphs describing how the study will address the issue. Essentially, the conclusion should morrow the introduction while wrapping up the overall message. This section should also address the consequences of the failure to undertake your proposal. Also, leave readers with something to think about and thank them for their consideration. Bibliography: This section is optional and lists the literature you read supporting your proposal’s content. Continue with the text if you don’t want to add a bibliography.

If some content doesn’t fit in your proposal, add an appendix. However, your proposal shouldn’t be too long because it can scare off some readers. Therefore, make it concise and clear by proofreading and editing. Also, ask somebody to proofread and critique your work to ensure an engaging and attractive presentation. Seeking help can also make your proposal more organized and helpful.

A basic format or outline will help you organize your proposal. College professors and teachers have expectations. Therefore, check your educator’s or supervisor’s requirements before writing your proposal. Here’s the basic format for an essay proposal.

• Introduction: The introduction summarizes the main points while establishing your paper’s purpose. For instance, when proposing a new approach to a topic, the opening can start with a brief description and then present an argument telling the audience why your method is the best.
• Body: The body of a proposal should present an argument supporting the main idea. Include evidence backing up the claim to compose a well-supported essay. And this evidence can be quotes, statistics, or real-life examples. Include sufficient evidence to support the argument.
• Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the argument you presented in the essay. Also, motivate the readers to take action based on your discussion. Most importantly, remind the readers why your topic is essential and its possible impact.

Ensure that each section comes out clearly in your paper. Also, ensure that your ideas flow logically from the introduction to the conclusion.

Tips And Hints On How To Write A Proposal Essay

Your proposal should be eye-catching and captivating. Here are tips to help improve your paper. They should be a great essay homework help and assistance to you!

• Please do your research: Before beginning to write your proposal essay, it is essential to do your research. And this will help you better understand the topic at hand and will allow you to formulate a more well-rounded argument. It is also essential to be familiar with the opposing side of the debate, as this will enable you to anticipate counterarguments and refute them accordingly.
• Keep it concise: When writing a proposal essay, it is vital to keep the paper brief and to the point. The goal is not to provide a complete overview of the topic but to present a clear and concise argument for the proposed solution. Be sure to edit the paper carefully before submitting it, as a well-written and well-argued proposal is more likely to be successful than a poorly written one.
• Make a clear argument: It’s essential to ensure that your view is clear and easy to follow. Remember that the goal is to persuade the reader of the viability of your proposed solution, so be sure to present your argument logically and straightforwardly.
• Write convincingly: Present evidence and facts to make your solution more convincing and efficient than what exists. Apart from making your plan awesome, ensure that readers see you as the person that can do it efficiently.
• Explain the plan: Your proposal should have a step-by-step plan with details to make the process easy to understand.
• Show your anticipation: Present an implementation plan, showing the complete process and how it will solve the problem.
• Present your desired results: Ensure that readers see and understand your desired results. Focus on defining everything in your proposal.
• Necessary resources: Explain what you need to complete the project. And this can include tangible resources, like computers, money, and paper. Also, you require intangible resources like time to complete the project.
• Preparation mode: Ensure that your readers see that you know what you plan to do. Looking more prepared will improve the approval chances for your proposal.

In addition to these tips, edit your proposal essay carefully before submitting it. Ensure it’s free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Additionally, read a sample to know what to include in your proposal.

Get Homework Help Today!

Do you need help writing a custom proposal? If so, we can help you if you contact us saying, “Please write my essay proposal.” We have knowledgeable and trustworthy writers with a proven track record of helping any student that needs help with research, writing, editing, or wishes to buy homework online.

Whether in college, university, or high school, we can help you write a winning proposal. We will deliver an excellent piece regardless of your proposal’s structure, subject, or level. We offer secure and helpful online services that cater to the needs of learners at various academic levels and disciplines. Our services are perfect for any learner that wants to present a perfect and successful proposal. Contact us to get the correct proposal that will help you excel academically.

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📕 Studying HQ

Ultimate Guide to Writing a Proposal Essay

Carla johnson.

• June 14, 2023
• How to Guides

If you’re a student, it’s likely that you’ve been asked to write a proposal essay at some point. A proposal essay is an academic piece of writing that tries to persuade the reader to do something or take a certain point of view. In this article, we’ll show you the best way to write a proposal essay that gets accepted.

What You'll Learn

What is a proposal essay?

A proposal essay is a type of academic writing in which the writer suggests an idea or solution to a problem and then backs up that suggestion with evidence. The proposal can take many different shapes, but it usually involves pointing out a problem or issue , suggesting a solution or course of action, and giving evidence to back up that solution or action.

Why are proposal essays important?

Proposal essays are important because they give students a chance to look into tough problems and come up with solutions that could change the world. By writing a proposal essay, students learn how to find and analyze information, think critically , and explain their ideas clearly. These skills are useful not only in school, but also in a lot of professional settings.

Thesis statement

In this article , we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to writing a proposal essay that will help you win over your audience and get your proposal accepted. We’ll cover everything from choosing a topic to formatting your essay , so you can be sure that you’re presenting your ideas in the most persuasive and effective way possible.

Choosing a Topic

Before you can start writing your proposal essay, you need to choose a topic. There are several factors to consider when choosing a topic, including your personal interests, the scope of the project, and the needs of your audience. Here are some tips to help you choose a great proposal essay topic:

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Topic

1. Your Interests: Choose a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging.

2. Relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant to your audience or community. This will make your proposal more compelling and increase the likelihood of it being accepted.

3. Feasibility: Choose a topic that is feasible within the scope of your project . Make sure you have access to the resources and information needed to effectively research and support your proposal.

Brainstorming Techniques

Once you have considered these factors, it’s time to start brainstorming potential topics. Here are some techniques to help you generate ideas:

1. Mind Mapping: Create a visual map of your ideas, starting with a central topic and branching out into related subtopics.

2. Freewriting: Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write down everything that comes to mind about a particular topic. Don’t worry about grammar or structure – just let your ideas flow.

3. Listing: Make a list of potential topics and then narrow it down based on the factors mentioned above.

Examples of Proposal Essay Topics

Here are some examples of proposal essay topics to help inspire your brainstorming:

1. Should college athletes be paid?

2. How can we reduce plastic waste in our community?

3. Should schools require students to wear uniforms?

4. How can we improve mental health resources for college students?

5. Should the minimum wage be increased?

6. How can we reduce the gender pay gap ?

7. Should the government provide free healthcare to all citizens?

8. How can we reduce the carbon footprint of our city?

9. Should there be stricter gun control laws?

10. How can we improve public transportation in our city?

Researching Your Topic

Once you have chosen a topic for your proposal essay, it’s time to conduct thorough research . This will involve gathering information from a variety of sources, evaluating their credibility, and organizing your findings in a way that supports your proposal.

Conducting Thorough Research

The first step in researching your topic is to identify credible sources of information. These may include academic journals, books, government reports, and reputable news sources. Use a variety of sources to ensure that you are getting a balanced and well-rounded perspective on your topic.

Evaluating Sources

Not all sources are created equal, so it’s important to evaluate each source for its credibility and relevance to your topic. Consider the following factors when evaluating sources:

1. Authorship: Who wrote the source, and what are their credentials?

2. Currency: How recent isthe information in the source? Is it still relevant?

3. Accuracy: Is the information in the source accurate and supported by evidence?

4. Bias: Does the source have a particular bias or agenda that may affect its credibility?

Taking Notes and Organizing Information

As you conduct your research, it’s important to take detailed notes and organize your information in a way that supports your proposal essay. Some effective note-taking strategies include:

1. Summarizing: Write a brief summary of key points and information from each source.

2. Quoting: Use direct quotes from sources to support your argument.

3. Paraphrasing: Restate information from sources in your own words, making sure to cite the source.

Once you have taken notes, organize them into an outline or mind map to help you structure your essay and ensure that your proposal is well-supported by evidence.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your proposal essay is well-researched, well-supported, and persuasive. In the next section, we’ll discuss how to effectively outline and structure your essay for maximum impact.

Outlining Your Proposal

Once you’ve chosen a topic and conducted thorough research , it’s time to create an outline for your proposal essay. An outline will help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your proposal is well-structured and easy to follow. Here are some tips for creating an effective proposal essay outline:

Creating a Proposal Essay Outline

1. Introduction: Begin with an attention-grabbing introduction that provides context for your proposal and sets the stage for your argument.

2. Background Information: Provide background information on your topic, including any relevant statistics, research, or historical context.

3. Problem Statement: Clearly state the problem or issue that your proposal addresses.

4. Proposed Solution: Present your proposed solution or course of action, providing evidence to support its effectiveness.

5. Implementation: Discuss how your proposed solution would be implemented and what steps would need to be taken to make it a reality.

6. Conclusion: Summarize your proposal and reiterate its importance, urging your audience to take action.

Tips for Effective Outlining

– Use bullet points or numbered lists to clearly organize your ideas.

– Make sure each section of your outline relates back to your thesis statement .

– Keep your outline concise and to the point.

Example Proposal Essay Outline

Here is an example proposal essay outline for a topic on reducing plastic waste in a community:

I. Introduction

– Attention-grabbing opening sentence

– Background information on plastic waste

– Thesis statement

II. Problem Statement

-Description of the problem of plastic waste in the community

– Statistics on the amount of plastic waste generated in the community

– Impact of plastic waste on the environment and health

III. Proposed Solution

– Proposal to ban single-use plastics in the community

– Alternatives to single-use plastics

– Benefits of reducing plastic waste

IV. Implementation

– Steps to implement the proposed ban on single-use plastics

– Timeline for implementation

– Strategies for community education and outreach

V. Conclusion

– Recap of the problem and proposed solution

– Call to action for community members to support the ban on single-use plastics

V. Writing Your Proposal

Now that you have a solid outline for your proposal essay, it’s time to begin writing. Here are some tips for crafting a strong proposal essay:

Crafting a Strong Introduction

Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide context for your proposal. Here are some tips for crafting a strong introduction:

– Start with a hook, such as a surprising statistic, quote, or anecdote.

– Provide background information on your topic to help the reader understand the context of your proposal.

– Clearly state the problem or issue that your proposal addresses.

Writing the Body of Your Proposal

The body of your proposal essay should provide evidence to support your proposed solution. Here are some tips for writing the body of your proposal:

– Use research and statistics to support your proposal.

– Provide examples and case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of your proposed solution.

– Address Potential counterarguments and provide rebuttals to strengthen your argument.

Tips for Persuasive Writing

To make your proposal essay as persuasive as possible, here are some tips to keep in mind:

– Use strong, clear language that conveys your confidence in your proposal.

– Make sure your argument is logical and well-supported by evidence .

– Use emotional appeals sparingly and only when appropriate.

– Use transitional phrases to connect your ideas and ensure a smooth flow of information.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing your proposal essay:

– Failing to clearly state the problem or issue you are addressing.

– Presenting a solution that is not feasible or practical .

– Failing to address potential counterarguments or objections to your proposal.

– Overusing emotional appeals or providing insufficient evidence to support your argument.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft a persuasive and effective proposal essay that will convince your audience to take action.

Refining Your Proposal

Once you’ve written a draft of your proposal essay, it’s important to refine it through careful editing and revision. Here are some tips to help you refine your proposal essay:

Editing and Revising Your Proposal

– Review your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.

– Make sure your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand.

– Check that your proposal is well-supported by evidence and that your arguments are logical.

– Look for areas where you can improve the flow and organization of your essay .

Peer Review and Feedback

It’s also a good idea to get feedback from others to help you refine your proposal essay. Here are some tips for getting feedback:

– Ask a peer or mentor to review your essay and provide feedback on areas that need improvement.

– Consider joining a writing group or seeking feedback from an online community.

– Take the feedback you receive seriously and use it to improve your essay .

Finalizing Your Proposal

Once you’ve made revisions based on feedback and edited your essay for clarity and accuracy, it’s time to finalize your proposal. Here are some final steps to take:

– Review your essay one last time to ensure it is error-free and well-organized.

– Make sure your essay is formatted correctly, with appropriate headings, margins, and font size.

– Create a bibliography or works cited page to provide proper credit to your sources.

Proposal Essay Examples

To help you understand what makes a successful proposal essay,here are some examples of effective proposal essays:

1. “Implementing a School-Wide Recycling Program” – This proposal essay outlines a plan to implement a recycling program in a high school. It provides a clear problem statement, proposed solution, and implementation plan, as well as statistics and research to support the proposal. The essay also addresses potential objections and provides rebuttals.

2. “Increasing Access to Healthy Food in Low-Income Communities” – This proposal essay proposes a solution to the problem of food insecurity in low-income communities. It provides a clear problem statement, proposed solution, and implementation plan, as well as research to support the proposal. The essay also addresses potential objections and provides rebuttals.

3. “Reducing Gun Violence in the United States” – This proposal essay proposes a solution to the problem of gun violence in the United States. It provides a clear problem statement, proposed solution, and implementation plan, as well as statistics and research to support the proposal. The essay also addresses potential objections and provides rebuttals.

Analysis of What Makes These Proposals Effective

These proposal essays are effective because they:

– Clearly state the problem or issue they are addressing.

– Provide a well-supported proposal or solution.

– Address potential objections and provide rebuttals.

– Use research and statistics to support their proposals.

– Provide a clear implementation plan.

– Use clear and persuasive language.

By analyzing successful proposal essays, you can gain insight into what makes a proposal effective and use thoseinsights to improve your own proposal essay. Remember to carefully research your topic , create a clear and well-supported proposal, and address potential objections to make your proposal as persuasive as possible. With these tips and examples in mind, you’ll be well on your way to writing a winning proposal essay.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are the elements of a proposal essay.

A proposal essay typically includes an introduction, background information, a problem statement, a proposed solution, an implementation plan, and a conclusion. It should also be well-supported by evidence and address potential objections.

2. How do I choose a topic for a proposal essay?

When choosing a topic for a proposal essay, consider your personal interests, the relevance of the topic to your audience or community, and the feasibility of the proposal within the scope of your project.

3. What is a proposal essay structure?

A proposal essay typically follows a structure that includes an introduction, background information, a problem statement, a proposed solution, an implementation plan, and a conclusion. Each section should be well-supported by evidence.

Writing a winning proposal essay requires careful research, persuasive writing, and effective organization. By choosing a relevant and feasible topic, conducting thorough research, creating a well-supported proposal, and refining your essay through editing and revision, you can create a persuasive and effective proposal essay that inspires action.

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How to write a proposal essay: step-by-step guidelines for students

Updated 25 Jul 2024

Writing academic papers might feel both exciting and daunting for students. Whether you are new to it or have done it before, writing good essays is a challenge that requires a blend of creativity, critical thinking, and meticulous planning. Thus, we’ve elaborated this guide to review all the details of crafting a proposal paper and give you effective tips and tricks to improve your skills. From basics like understanding this essay to getting good at persuading people, this article will explain how to write a proposal essay that impresses your readers. 

What is a proposal essay?

This term refers to a type of academic writing in which an author presents a problem, provides a solution, advocates for a change in policy or practice, and offers evidence to persuade the audience of this idea’s merit and ability to execute it.

Similar to a visual analysis essay, this assignment is commonly used in educational settings, especially in college or university courses. You may encounter this in subjects like English, business, sociology, and political science. It serves as a tool to sell an idea, sparking interest and demonstrating the student’s problem-solving skills and ability to research, analyze, and persuade.

Completing a proposal example essay fosters critical thinking and allows the writer to tackle real-world issues creatively beyond standard academic coursework. It’s a chance to show analytical skills and the ability to use innovative approaches.

How long should it be?

The length of such writing can vary depending on the assignment instructions, but it typically ranges from 500 to 2000 words. It’s important to follow any specific guidelines your instructor provides regarding length, formatting, proposal essay topics, and other requirements.

What to do before you start writing: preliminary strategies

Let’s consider the essential pre-writing strategies to ensure the success of your research. These steps lay the foundation for a compelling argument and well-structured writing. Let’s explore each of these strategies.

Understanding your audience.

One of the fundamental aspects of crafting academic papers is knowing your audience inside out. To understand how to start a proposal essay, consider who your readers are: business professionals, academics, government officials, or perhaps a broader audience. Tailoring your text to resonate with their interests and concerns is key. For instance, emphasizing potential financial gains can strengthen your proposal if your audience comprises business people. On the other hand, if addressing government officials, highlighting the public appeal of your idea might be more effective.

Conducting thorough research.

Any academic assignment, whether completing a dissertation or an interview essay example, should be backed by credible evidence and expert opinions. Before penning down your arguments, invest time in thorough research. Seek out reputable sources, consult experts in the field, and analyze existing literature related to your topic. This groundwork can strengthen your credibility and enhance your text’s persuasiveness.

Brainstorming.

This stage is where creativity flourishes, and ideas begin to form. Use brainstorming sessions to generate innovative ideas relevant to the issues your proposal essay examples tackle. Once you have several concepts, ponder how to organize them cohesively within your document structure. Mapping out the flow of your arguments and identifying key points ensures a smooth transition from brainstorming to drafting.

Revision and feedback.

Revising your notes is the linchpin of future effective writing. Never settle for a first draft; instead, embrace the iterative refinement process. Seek feedback from trusted peers, colleagues, or paper writers for hire who can offer valuable recommendations about your essay’s strengths and weaknesses. Constructive criticism helps identify areas for improvement, whether it’s strengthening arguments, clarifying points, or refining language. Using feedback for subsequent drafts enhances your document’s overall quality and effectiveness.

The essay structure and its essential parts

The organization of any writing plays a pivotal role in effectively conveying the writer’s idea and persuading the audience. Let’s delve deeper into each element of a proposal essay outline to understand how they make your paper clearer and more convincing.

Introduction.

The beginning paragraph serves as the gateway to any academic work. It should hook the reader’s attention with an engaging opening or epigraph and succinctly present your thesis statement. 

Problem statement.

Following the introduction, delve into the issue you seek to address. Outline its intricacies, origins, and implications, explaining why tackling this issue is important and how it impacts your audience. Highlighting the urgency of the problem sets the stage for the significance of your proposal.

Proposal statement.

Present your solution in detail, outlining its merits and potential drawbacks. Convince your audience that your suggestion is the most effective approach to solving the identified problem. Emphasize the uniqueness of your proposal and address any shortcomings of previous attempts to analyze the issue.

Implementation plan.

Lay out a comprehensive implementation plan detailing the practical steps to execute your solution. Anticipate potential challenges and offer suggestions to mitigate them. Justify the feasibility of your approach and explain why previous strategies have failed.

Expected outcome.

Paint a clear picture of the positive outcomes your proposal is expected to achieve. Highlight the improvements and benefits resulting from its implementation, reinforcing the value of your essay proposal example.

Evaluation.

Whether you learn how to write an expository essay or any other academic paper, assessing the resources required to implement your suggestion, including time, finances, and expertise, is crucial. Address concerns about feasibility and anticipate objections from skeptics. Provide a realistic evaluation of the practicality of your proposal within the current context.

Timeline and required resources.

Specify the necessary resources for implementation, such as funding, manpower, and equipment. If feasible, provide a timeline outlining the chronological sequence of activities.

Conclusion.

Summarize the key points of your essay proposal template and reiterate the importance of your solution. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion, focusing instead on reinforcing the significance of your proposal and finalizing with a compelling call to action.

Creating a proposal essay: essential steps

When you need to write my essay for me, you should understand it requires careful planning, thorough research, and meticulous execution. Discover the main steps to ensure your essay stands out:

• Plan: Structure your essay proposal outline with an introduction presenting the problem, body paragraphs proposing solutions supported by evidence, and a conclusion summarizing key points and emphasizing the significance of your solution.
• Draft: Write your essay clearly, avoiding jargon and ensuring logical arguments. Follow the required proposal paper format.
• Revision: Review your draft for coherence, strengthen arguments, correct errors, and ensure clarity.
• Proofreading: Finally, proofread your text for minor mistakes or inconsistencies. A polished essay demonstrates your commitment to quality.

Follow these steps to craft a convincing, well-structured text communicating your idea’s value.

How to make an essay stand out: dos and don‘ts

Crafting an outstanding text goes beyond mere words. Understanding the dos and don’ts is crucial. By following the guidelines from our essay planner and avoiding pitfalls, you can elevate your writing and engage your audience effectively.

• Clearly define your proposal and its significance: Distinctly explain your proposal’s purpose, highlighting why it's important. Make sure the reader understands the problem you’re addressing and why your solution is necessary.
• Provide solid evidence and support: Support your proposal with credible evidence, statistics, examples, and expert opinions. This strengthens your argument and convinces the reader of your idea's feasibility and effectiveness.
• Address potential counterarguments: Acknowledge and address potential objections to your proposal. Anticipating counterarguments shows that you’ve thoroughly considered your proposal and strengthens your credibility.
• Use clear and persuasive language: Communicate your thoughts effectively using clear, concise language. Be persuasive in your writing, using rhetorical strategies to engage and persuade your audience.
• Follow the guidelines and format: Adhere to the guidelines and formatting requirements provided by your instructor or institution. A well-structured and organized paper proposal example demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail.

Don’ts:

• Don’t ignore opposing viewpoints: Neglecting opposing viewpoints can weaken your argument and make your proposal seem one-sided. Acknowledge differing perspectives and address them thoughtfully to strengthen your argument.
• Don’t rely solely on emotional appeals: While emotional appeals can be effective, relying solely on them can undermine the credibility of your argument. Make sure to include logical reasoning and evidence to support your proposal.
• Don’t overlook the importance of research: When learning how to write a proposal essay, conduct thorough research to support your proposal with credible evidence. Failing to research adequately can weaken your argument and undermine your credibility.
• Don’t use vague or ambiguous language: Avoid using vague or ambiguous language that can confuse or mislead your reader. Be clear and precise in your writing to communicate your ideas effectively.
• Don’t neglect revision and editing: Take the time to carefully revise and edit your proposal essay or get professional research proposal help . Spelling and grammar errors, as well as unclear or confusing language, can detract from the effectiveness of your text.

Final thoughts

Acquiring essay-writing skills is an achievable goal for every student. Following the guidance in this article, you can hone your skills and produce compelling content that effectively conveys your proposal essay ideas. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to implement these strategies and refine your writing craft.

If you ever need further assistance or guidance, remember that professional writers at EduBirdie are always available to lend a helping hand. Whether you need expert advice, editing assistance, or even full-scale writing support, our team of experienced professionals is just a click away. With our help, you can develop your skills, confidently create proposal argument examples, and achieve academic success.

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Written by Meredith Anderson

Meredith, a dedicated editor at EduBirdie, specializes in academic writing. Her keen eye for grammar and structure ensures flawless papers, while her insightful feedback helps students improve their writing skills and achieve higher grades.

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414 Proposal Essay Topics for Projects, Research, & Proposal Arguments

Writing a proposal essay is an essential skill for students navigating academia and beyond. Whether you are advocating for change, proposing a solution to a problem, or presenting a new idea, your writing should be clear, convincing, and creative.

In this article, our expert team has listed proposal essay topics for school and college students. As a bonus, you will find an effective writing guide and a practical example of a proposal essay.

🔤 What Is a Proposal Essay?

• ⭐ Best Topics in 2024
• 💡 Easy Topics & Prompts

📝 Proposal Argument Topics

• 📊 Project Proposal Ideas
• 🔎 Research Proposal Topics
• 😄 Funny Topics

🧩 Proposal Essay Structure

• ✍️ Writing Guide
• 📃 Proposal Essay Example

🔗 References

A proposal essay is an academic paper in which you propose something and justify your recommendation. Its goal is to convince the recipients to support your proposal and grant your request. Depending on what you are suggesting, there are three main types of proposal essays: proposal argument, research proposal, and topic proposal.

What Is a Proposal Argument Essay?

A proposal argument is an argumentative essay that offers a solution to a problem. It is often addressed to a particular company, non-profit organization, or government agency. It aims to persuade an organization to do something differently or perform a specific task. A proposal argument first describes a problem, then proposes a feasible solution to it, and explains why this particular solution is worth implementing.

What Is a Research Proposal Essay?

A research proposal essay is an academic paper that proposes a study and describes what, why, and how the author plans to investigate. This document should enable the audience to understand the quality and significance of the research and the author’s competence to perform it.

A research proposal usually includes a purpose statement , background and significance of the research topic, and methodology. It is also helpful to describe potential problems the researcher may encounter and how they will be solved.

What Is a Topic Proposal?

A topic proposal essay is a paper that suggests a topic for a major course assignment, such as a term paper. It usually presents your main argument or research question , explains why it is worth exploring, and outlines how you plan to support it. Also, it identifies a few scholarly sources to be used in the future paper.

⭐ 12 Best Proposal Essay Topics in 2024

• The methods of reducing childhood obesity.
• Do awareness campaigns increase funding for cancer research?
• Why should schools add sex education to their curricula?
• The role of government in protecting local businesses.
• How to prevent cybercrime.
• The impact of rap music on teenagers.
• Do high cigarette prices reduce smoking rates?
• The efficiency of using AI technology in education.
• Why should the use of steroids be banned?
• The use of art therapy in combating anxiety.
• How can we combat the global warming?
• The issue of bullying in high school.

💡 Easy Proposal Writing Topics & Prompts

Coming up with a good idea for your proposal essay can be challenging. Therefore, we’ve prepared writing prompts about common problems with possible solutions.

Proposal Essay on Texting and Driving

You can write a proposal suggesting a solution to the problem of driving while using a phone. First, describe the detrimental consequences of such behavior, proving that it’s worth paying attention to.

Then, focus on one solution that you consider to be the best. Check out some possible options:

• Formation of a driver safety culture.
• Implementation of a driver coaching program.
• Use of real-time technology.
• Execution of severe punishment.

Homelessness Proposal Essay

Highlight the issue of homelessness by indicating the root causes of this problem and its social and economic consequences. Then, provide your perspective on how to address it.

Here are some possible solutions to homelessness:

• Rapid rehousing .
• Permanent supportive or shared housing.
• New career opportunities.
• Volunteer initiatives.

Mental Health Proposal Essay

You can focus on the problem of the mental health crisis, manifesting in increasing rates of suicides and overdoses. Explore the causes and consequences of this issue and choose a solution to advocate for.

Consider the following solutions:

• Investments in mental health apps .
• Universal mental health screenings.
• Raising people’s awareness of the problem.
• Expanding access to psychological help.

Study Abroad Proposal Essay

You can focus on one of the issues that students face while studying abroad, such as language barriers, cultural differences, social isolation, financial difficulties, etc. Then, describe a solution to your selected problem.

Here are some possible solutions to international students’ issues:

• Encouraging access to college resources.
• The use of host families.
• Establishing safe spaces on campuses .
• Offering financial support and scholarships.
• Conducting campus-wide cultural sensitivity training.

Abortion Proposal Essay

Your proposal can focus on the problem of supporting and expanding abortion rights. Explain how restricted abortion rights harm women, children, the healthcare system, and the economy. Then, explain how policymakers can address this issue.

Check out some solutions listed below:

• Public and private insurance coverage of abortion.
• Sex education for students.
• Legal protections for abortion.
• Prohibition of violence against abortion providers .

The proposal argument analyzes the problem and offers practical steps for its solution. Below, you’ll find interesting topics for your proposal argument!

Proposal Argument Essay Topics with Solutions

• The use of replanting in combating climate change.
• ABZ Cleaning Services marketing plan proposal.
• Negotiation to stop military conflicts in the world.
• Water disinfection and its efficiency in solving water pollution issues.
• A business proposal for Kohl’s: improving product delivery.
• Universal basic income to combat poverty.
• The use of free education centers in improving people’s knowledge.
• Luckin Coffee business problems-solutions proposal.
• Ensuring refugees’ access to the labor market to protect their rights.
• Decriminalization of homosexuality to protect LGBTQ+ rights.
• Nestlé Inc.’s total quality challenge and solution.
• The use of media in raising awareness of gender inequality.
• Ensuring basic healthcare to protect children’s rights.
• Food prices increase: causes and solutions.
• The use of renewable energy to stop global temperatures rising.
• Well-thought-out strategic plan to combat self-doubt in business.
• Operations management: problem and solution.
• Education about consumer responsibility to stop overconsumption.
• The efficiency of book exchange for the promotion of reading.
• Human resource management: problems and solutions.
• Reduced cost of education to combat education inequality.
• Electronic voting systems to increase citizen participation.
• Truancy: causes, effects, and possible solutions .
• AI technology and its application to help people with disabilities.
• The effectiveness of wetland restoration in combating sanitation insecurity.
• American educational system’s drawbacks and solutions.
• Surveys of employee satisfaction to manage workflow.
• The efficiency of the Arms Trade Treaty in decreasing weapons accessibility.
• Sexual assault problem and solution.
• Improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture to combat health inequality .

Practical Proposal Argument Ideas

• Building buyer personas to find new customers.
• Employee absenteeism and business proposal to address it.
• Companies should make a shorter workweek to reduce unemployment.
• Vertical farming technologies for improved land usage.
• Proposal of employee training in Coca-Cola Company.
• Plasma reactors as a way to create oxygen on Mars.
• Community-based initiatives to encourage social interaction.
• Organizational change proposal for healthcare institutions .
• Entrepreneurship promotion to solve the wealth inequality issue.
• Prioritizing border security to ensure national safety.
• Public health legislation funding proposal.
• Donating to charities to address third-world poverty.
• Nutrition education to reduce obesity rates.
• Business communication: proposal for receiving investment.
• Implementation of Instagram restrictions to protect the self-esteem of teenagers.
• The use of ADAS technologies to reduce the frequency of car accidents.
• Vending machine “Great Coffee”: business proposal.
• Employers should provide flexible hours to help workers with anxiety.
• Expanding the range of services offered by postal providers to save postal service.
• Wok to Walk: marketing plan proposal.
• Work-life balance practices to prevent burnout at work.
• Schools should implement year-round classes to improve student performance.
• Cartier marketing analysis and strategy proposal for the post-pandemic era.
• Application of sunscreen to reduce the risks of skin cancer.
• Installation of sports facilities to encourage the population’s physical activity.
• Leverage buyout proposal for CSL Limited.
• Education about consumer responsibility to solve gun control issues.
• Development of water resource management systems to avoid water scarcity.
• Business ethics: business proposal for CEO.
• The government should launch mHealth apps to make healthcare accessible.

📊 Project Proposal Ideas for College Students

Looking for a project proposal topic to write about? Below, you’ll find the best ideas for your paper!

Project Proposal Title Ideas in Health

• The ban on tobacco to prevent illness and premature death.
• Pressure ulcers: research proposal .
• Recovery groups and their role in stopping substance abuse.
• The efficiency of sex education in solving HIV/AIDS issues.
• Community teaching work plan proposal: tuberculosis in Miami .
• Accessible treatment centers to help people struggling with suicidal behavior.
• Pediatric dentist training to create a positive experience for children.
• Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers treatment proposal.
• Water and sanitation projects to reduce water-borne disease rates.
• The efficiency of regular balance training in preventing injuries.
• Interdisciplinary plan proposal of a local hospital: objective and team organization .
• Free screening for the early identification of breast cancer.
• Workplace wellness initiatives to protect employee mental health.
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: research proposal .
• The use of online apps to improve patient-doctor communication.
• Geriatric care innovations to meet the health demands of the elderly.
• Hypertension prevention plan proposal .
• Machine learning and AI technology in the personalization of healthcare.
• The effectiveness of parental courses to prevent children obesity.
• Patient safety policy proposal .
• Yoga promotion programs to improve mental health.
• E-health platforms for remote monitoring of chronic conditions.
• Capstone project change proposal: new staffing policy .
• Women’s medical literature and its role in preventing maternal deaths.
• Accessible mental health services to decrease depression rates.
• Dementia: health promotion proposal.
• The use of a healthy diet in preventing cancers and diabetes.
• Vaccine access in poor countries to promote immunization.
• A bed alarm budget proposal for healthcare .
• Educational programs for parents to promote oral health at home.

Project Proposal Topics for Business

• The use of verification links to stop online scamming.
• Ocean Beauty Center: business proposal.
• Customer experience technology to deliver positive customer experience.
• Research into competitors to create a better brand presence.
• Service marketing plan proposal.
• The use of Amazon and eBay to pitch and brand your product.
• Instant online help tools to prevent shopping cart abandonment.
• Notes Restore: business plan proposal.
• The efficiency of valuable content in maintaining customer loyalty.
• Unique products to thrive in a competitive market.
• Avlon: market research proposal.
• The use of plain English in preventing product returns and refunds.
• Increasing sales by offering a product at a reduced price.
• Business proposal: a fitness center in Australia.
• Employment of cybersecurity services to protect a corporate website from viruses.
• The use of a recruitment agency to find qualified IT personnel.
• Leisure facility in Sherbury: business proposal.
• Regular developer training to save business during a crisis.
• Optimization of website speed through efficient coding.
• Talent management plan proposal.
• The use of the latest updates to solve unreliable internet connectivity issues.
• Mobile-friendly apps to improve customer support.
• Southwest Airlines human resource recruitment plan proposal.
• Authentic customer reviews to solve customer trust issues.
• The use of multi-factor authentication to maintain payment security.
• Emotional intelligence training proposal.
• Chatbots and their role in solving poor customer support issues.
• Workplace diversity and inclusion for fast business development.
• Utah Symphony and Utah Opera: merger proposal.
• The efficiency of social media influencers in business promotion.

Project Proposal Ideas for STEM Students

• Floating gardens and rafts to grow food during a flood.
• The use of innovative city technologies for solving a city’s design needs.
• Navigating the engineering talent crisis.
• Accessible infrastructure to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
• Chemical dispersants to clean up an oil spill.
• New technologies in retail supply chains.
• The use of heat-absorbing materials to construct solar ovens.
• AI healthcare diagnostics to provide patients with accurate results.
• Uber case study: online technology development.
• The use of monitoring systems to protect endangered species.
• Making technologies more inclusive to help people with autism.
• How can technology be used in healthcare?
• Aerospace engineering strategies to ensure safe flights.
• Eco-friendly packaging to stop plastic pollution.
• How new heart-scanning technology could save your life.
• Building earthquake-resistant structures to ensure urban safety.
• The use of biodegradable plastics to reduce environmental impact.
• Use of mathematics in a vocational context.
• Building seawalls to protect beach erosion.
• Solar farms for the production of renewable energy.
• Computerized sewerage system in Bedford Town.
• Creating artificial organs to save patients waiting for transplantation.
• Increasing microbial diversity to create a healthy and balanced soil ecosystem.
• Computerized accounting in an enterprise resource planning system.
• Early warning systems to save vulnerable areas from flood.
• The use of vitamin C bath to stop apple oxidization.
• Effective supply chain practices for computer and phone repair shop.
• Integration of damping systems to build earthquake-resistant structures.
• AI technology to design resistant bridges in urban areas.

Project Proposal Topics for Students in Education

• Funding for low-income schools to solve the problem of education access.
• Digital citizenship education proposal in Saudi Arabia.
• Inclusive teaching as a solution to inequalities in education.
• Students’ portfolios as a better alternative to standardized testing.
• Standardized testing: research proposal.
• Incentives for teachers to provide highly professional classes.
• Increasing federal school funding to improve education in low-income areas.
• York College OneCard proposal.
• A peer tutoring program to improve students’ performance.
• Parent-teacher conferences to address a lack of parental involvement.
• Proposal for the New National Constitution of Libya.
• Mentorship programs to cope with ineffective teaching methods.
• Anti-bullying policies to maintain a more positive school climate.
• Proposal to reduce college textbook cost.
• Video chats to address a lack of face-to-face communication in online courses.
• Study skills workshops to cope with students’ poor study habits.
• Virtual simulation curriculum technology proposal.
• Flexible learning environments to help students with anxiety disorder.
• The use of a rewards system to increase school attendance.
• How semester exams affect students’ emotional stability: article proposal.
• Monitoring cameras to ensure school safety and security.
• Anti-cheating measures to solve the issue of academic dishonesty.
• Analysis of student equity plan proposal.
• Additional facilities to accommodate the growing number of students.
• Global education partnerships to make higher education more accessible.
• Education issues: group proposal.
• Innovative classrooms to develop the creativity of students with disabilities.
• Introducing a financial literacy class to improve students’ money management skills.
• Proposal for the creation of K2 and K3-5 reading interventions.
• Launching a community service learning program to promote social responsibility.

Project Proposal Ideas for Students about Environment

• Buying e-books to protect the environment.
• The issue of environmental pollution by Polipaks Group.
• Extensive afforestation campaign to solve the deforestation problem.
• Low consumption levels to avoid adverse ecological consequences.
• Solar energy as an alternative energy source.
• Fines and punishment to reduce illegal dumping.
• Reusing things to stop climate change.
• Business model of renewable energy.
• Reducing single-use plastics on campus.
• Collecting sunlight for energy to stop natural resource depletion.
• Sustainable gas production in the UAE.
• Tree planting programs to protect the environment.
• Eco-friendly transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions.
• Sustainable practices in the Coca-Cola Company.
• Sustainable fashion and its role in reducing clothes consumption.
• High taxes for activities that harm our planet to support eco-friendly behavior.
• Carbon tax in the Australian industries.
• Limiting time on the road to reduce vehicle emissions.
• Supporting green businesses to encourage eco-friendly initiatives.
• Optimizing food production to improve quality, reduce cost, and prevent waste.
• Clean-up programs to remove litter and pollutants from public spaces.
• Green roof technologies to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
• Business plan: New Age Recyclers.
• A carbon offset project to engage businesses in environment protection.
• Education courses for people of any age to reduce their ecological footprint.
• Recycling batteries: market analysis for a new product.
• Replantation of native trees and plants to stop environmental degradation.
• Investing in solar panels to solve the energy consumption problem.
• Stanford University’s Habitat Conservation Plan.
• Choosing recyclables to decrease waste production.

🔎 Research Proposal Essay Topics

If you’re looking for research proposal essay topics, check out the list below! We’ve collected ideas for a proposal in computer science, agriculture, history, and more.

• Career counseling to support high school students.
• Project proposal for counseling centers.
• The effectiveness of advertisement in increasing brand awareness.
• The reliability of criminological analysis in identifying the offender’s personality.
• Research proposal on Ipad from Apple Inc.
• Remote workplaces to save the small business during pandemics.
• New therapeutic approaches to neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Research proposal: stress in the UK (England).
• The effects of socioeconomic status on access to quality education.
• The effectiveness of regular self-analysis in overcoming the psychological trauma of rape.
• Mitigation of supply chain risk in disasters: research proposal.
• Race to the Top program to improve students’ outcomes.
• Effective business communication practices contributing to business growth.
• A research proposal on banks and customer satisfaction.
• Psychological tricks of media to exploit impulsive buying.
• The advantages of using antipsychotics for preventing delirium .
• Congestive heart failure: research proposal .
• Therapies for school students to stop substance abuse.
• Controlling school attendance to improve children’s social skills.
• Research proposal: background of the problem of handoff communication in nursing.
• The impact of urbanization on biodiversity preservation.
• Trade globalization to create more job opportunities around the world.
• Research proposal: Chlamydia Trachomatis .
• Increase the age of smoking to 25 to reduce lung cancer rates.
• Potential effects of stricter laws on corruption and transparency.
• Primary prevention of HIV & AIDS: community teaching work plan proposal .
• The effectiveness of smart home systems in reducing energy consumption.
• Testing AI technologies to improve children’s diagnostics and treatment.
• High-performance work system proposal for workers.
• Including mental health topics in the school curriculum to protect students’ mental health.
• Paid vacations to support nurses’ emotional health.
• Non-profit National Kidney Foundation’s strategy proposal.
• Meditation to treat mental disorders nonchemically during pregnancy.
• Workplace diversity and its role in increasing business productivity.
• Business proposal report for a child day care.
• Face-to-face games to promote healthy child development.
• Investigating the relationship between sleep patterns and mental health in youth.

Proposal Essay Ideas in Computer Science

• New AI approaches to decrease the energy consumption of 5G networks.
• Informatics solution proposal: general solution – EHR.
• Ways to ensure data privacy in machine learning models.
• Exploring new applications of quantum computing.
• DesignIT Company: network consultation proposal.
• AI in art: exploring the boundaries between art and technology.
• Cognitive radio networks for improving future wireless systems.
• Informatics solution proposal for a supply issue.
• Quantum computing to advance medical predictive systems.
• Using NLP for code generation to increase software development productivity.
• Techfite firm’s emerging technology proposal.
• Developing methods to make AI algorithms more transparent to users.
• Investigating novel biometric authentication methods.
• ElekTron Company’s network design proposal.
• Methods to detect and mitigate biases in AI systems.
• Usability in computer interface to ensure effective human-computer interactions.
• Advanced education in computational science.
• 3D object modeling to improve the architecture of large cities.
• The use of one programming language to cut the costs of programming training.
• Computer technologies to be installed at TVU Hotel.
• Constant feedback to minimize algorithmic bias in AI technologies.
• The use of computers to sequence human genes.
• Data science in the energy management field.
• Using machine learning for optimizing traffic flow in a smart city.
• AI-based approaches to the early detection and mitigation of cyber threats.
• The development of an information system to support inventory management.
• The use of AI in automatic data analysis.
• Web-based monitoring to improve healthcare services.
• Scrum methodology to develop Agile software.

Interesting Proposal Essay Topics for Agriculture

• The use of social media to improve agricultural marketing.
• How China’s agricultural reform contributed to its success on economic growth.
• Organic farming to minimize pollution from agriculture.
• Farmer organizations to implement effective agricultural transformation procedures.
• Financial profile of Oman Agriculture Development Company SAOG.
• Increased availability of fertile land to prevent the agricultural land shortage.
• Modern farming technology to solve the issue of inadequate drainage.
• Obstacles and barriers of AIS in agriculture companies.
• The use of antibiotics alternatives in animal agriculture for public health.
• E-commerce platforms to promote farming on social media.
• Al Ain Poultry Farm: management strategy and policy.
• The incorporation of ecological practices into agricultural systems to protect the planet.
• Maintaining ground cover to restore soil health and biodiversity.
• Case study of Holly Farm: problems and solutions.
• Farmers’ collaborations to maintain knowledge and resource sharing.
• New technologies for storage of agricultural products.
• Competitive advantage in farming, car, and restaurant industries.
• Organic materials to recycle nutrients within the agricultural ecosystem.
• Alternative farming methods to provide efficient resource use.
• Political argument on farm subsidies.
• Anti-discrimination policies to expand the rights of women in the agricultural sector.
• Online podcasts to build trustful relationships between farmers and consumers.
• Quillstine Farm’s start-up business plan.
• Conserving genetic variety in crops and livestock for future resilience.
• Increasing investment to address a lack of modern farming equipment.
• Business plan: integrated farming.
• Favoring crop rotation over monoculture farming to save natural habitats.
• Waste management to cut down on agriculture’s environmental footprint.
• State farm: addressing problematic intersections.
• The use of mulch and cover crops to protect soil from wind and water erosion.

Proposal Topics for a History Paper

• World War II lessons to prevent future conflicts.
• The City of Dubai: history, development, and challenges.
• Modern technology to restore the chronology of ancient events.
• The lasting impact of the Silk Road on global trade.
• History of supply chain management.
• The evolution of democracy in Ancient Greece.
• Anti-nationalism programs to prevent an imbalanced view of the past.
• Major historical influences on Karl Marx’s materialist conception of history.
• The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
• The evolution of human rights: from declaration to practice.
• Corporate social responsibility and its historical background.
• The history of urban legends and folklore: transmission and societal impact.
• Environmental change and its impact on historical societies.
• Management and its historical evolution.
• The economic motivations and consequences of colonization.
• The history of entertainment and its social influence.
• Enron Company’s history of rise and fall.
• Disinformation and misinformation campaigns throughout history.
• The evolution of humanitarian aid and international relief efforts.
• Islamic banking: history and economic crises.
• Economic and social impact of pandemics throughout history.
• The evolution of warfare ethics: from ancient codes to modern international law.
• Justice is one of the key themes in human history.
• The history of human-animal relationships and their cultural significance.
• The Marshall Plan for European economic recovery post-WWII.
• History of inclusion in early childhood education.
• The influence of global trade routes on culinary traditions.
• New historical approaches to overcome scientific doubt.
• The history of Saudi Aramco from 1930 to 1940.
• AI technology to indicate fabricated historical documents.

😄 Funny Topics for Proposal Essays

Are you looking for funny proposal topics? Then, we have something for you! Read on to find some of the most outstanding ideas!

• Mobile apps to prevent people from running into objects while they are texting.
• Mindbody app: proposed business plan.
• Mental exercises to increase student productivity at school.
• Pavlov’s dog experiment to teach pets to use the toilet.
• Financial proposal for ‘SILK’ hair protection gel.
• The use of humor to reduce stress and depression.
• Surviving Monday mornings: a comprehensive guide to coffee consumption.
• Goals and features of a proposed school library.
• Online monitoring to stop students’ procrastination.
• Mini lie detector to get away with telling a white lie.
• Business proposal for the Al-Yamamah College and JavaNet.
• New device to ensure your shampoo and conditioner are at the same rate.
• Plants and their role in reviving the space where you are working.
• Marketing proposal for Bikemate.
• The art of organization to protect the house from clutter.
• AI kitchen appliances to ensure food safety.
• Business plan for the proposed Chinese medicine clinic in Kuwait.
• Rap music to make home tasks fun and effective.
• Second hand to save budget from unplanned shopping.
• Zetech Organization’s proposed change: strengths and weaknesses.
• Funny mugs to throw a perfect tea party.
• Online books to not die from boredom in the queue.

Proposal Title Ideas about Animals

• The use of langur pee smell to protect New Delhi from monkeys.
• Animal Foodland organization’s marketing plan.
• Conducting a study on dogs’ understanding of human emotional cues.
• Purchasing cruelty-free cosmetics to protect animals from being killed.
• Woolly Mammoth project – mythical animal.
• Animal adoption programs solve the problem of animal homelessness.
• Spaying and neutering to solve the pet overpopulation issue.
• Traveling by train among animals and plants.
• Taking part in Animal Rescue Team training to help animals in crisis.
• Veterinary care standards to improve conditions for animals in captivity.
• Cosmetic and medical animal testing .
• Establishing training programs to provide certificates of pet ownership.
• Natural habitat rehabilitation to save endangered species.
• Animal-based therapy overview and analysis.
• Creating protected areas to safeguard oceanic biodiversity.
• Responsible tourism to ensure wildlife safety and security.
• Red fluorescent protein transgenic dogs experiment.
• Global cooperation to stop illegal cross-border animal trafficking.
• Education programs to raise awareness of animal conservation.
• Business ethics decision situation in veterinary practice.
• Supporting fur-free fashion to protect wildlife.
• Encouraging TV talk shows to discuss animal issues.
• China Southern Airlines and monkey transportation.

Proposal Paper Ideas about Sports

• Developing a community-based sports initiative for physical fitness and health.
• How does social media influence sports brands marketing?
• Education on sports ethics to create an inclusive environment in a team.
• Anti-doping programs to reduce the cases of steroid use.
• Sports marketing affected by the internet of things.
• Financial rehabilitation services to help athletes with injuries.
• Creating fitness programs for children to promote a culture of health.
• Leadership in the sports club group.
• Equal pay for female athletes in professional sports to stop discrimination.
• Increasing access to sporting opportunities for people with disabilities.
• Preparing to be an effective follower in sports.
• Detailed protocols to prevent and manage dangerous situations in sports.
• Equipment-sharing programs to make sports activities more affordable.
• Kids and sports: lack of professional sports guides.
• Physical education programs in the schools to promote healthy lifestyles.
• Recovery strategies to prevent burnout and overtraining of athletes.
• Balancing college sports and academic mission.
• Supportive team program to assist athletes in coping with eating disorders.
• Monitoring systems to ensure safe and sustainable workloads.
• Advertising campaign for online sports nutrition store.
• Sports psychologists and their role in helping athletes with mental toughness.
• Sponsorship programs to reduce individual financial pressure in the sports industry.

Creating a well-developed structure is vital for any writing assignment. That’s why we’ve prepared a detailed template with the elements of a good proposal.

✍️ How to Make a Proposal Essay

Whether you are writing a proposal argument or a research proposal, the writing steps will be the same. Below are the steps you should take to complete this assignment.

1. Choose Your Topic

Choosing a good topic is vital in writing a proposal essay. Select the subject you are interested in. This way, you’ll be more willing to invest your time and efforts into this project. In addition, ensure that your topic is narrow, specific, and significant. If your topic is too broad, reading background information can help you limit its scope.

2. Research

Find trustworthy sources with the information you can use to support your proposal. It will help you write the background section and highlight the importance of the problem. In addition, reliable sources will help you provide evidence justifying your chosen solution to the problem.

Developing a detailed outline helps ensure that your paper is logical and cohesive. The outline will let you see how you will link all of the facts to support the thesis statement. Also, it can save you time by identifying any gaps and weaknesses in your argument before you start writing your paper.

4. Draft Your Proposal Essay

When drafting your proposal, remember that it is a type of persuasive writing. It should present a project and encourage the reader to go along with a plan of action outlined in the paper. So, ensure your proposal is convincing, logical, and credible and considers the audience, purpose, and tone.

Start your essay by presenting the purpose and essence of your project. The main body of your proposal essay should contain background information on the problem and persuasive reasons to support your proposal. Finally, the conclusion should underline the significance of the issue and call the audience to action.

5. Revise and Edit

Carefully revise and edit your draft. Consider whether the problem is described concisely, the solution is complete, and your evidence is used appropriately. Also, read your work to find any grammar or spelling mistakes. If you still have doubts about your paper, you can ask your professor or classmate to read it and give their feedback.

📃 Sample of a Proposal Essay

To help you understand how a proposal essay is structured, we’ve prepared a topic proposal example. Check it out!

Equipping Schools with Recycling Bins for Environmental Preservation

The purpose of this proposal is to implement a school-wide recycling program by strategically placing recycling bins across the campus. This initiative will promote zero waste culture, ensure the school’s sustainability, and contribute to environmental preservation.

The school is a perfect place to develop environmental awareness because it has the opportunity to build students’ knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues. One way to do so is to teach students to avoid improper waste disposal through recycling.

The proposal involves procuring and placing recycling bins across the school, including classrooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces. In addition, educational campaigns will be held to raise awareness among students, staff, and parents about the significance of waste segregation and recycling. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure the program’s effectiveness.

Several problems may arise while implementing this project, including resistance to change and logistical concerns about bin placement. Some may also object to the proposal due to the costs associated with it. However, the resistance to change can be mitigated by educational campaigns. The bin placement problem can be solved by involving staff and students in determining the optimal locations for recycling bins. Finally, financial constraints can be addressed by seeking partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.

Equipping the school with recycling bins is a step toward a sustainable future. By reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices, our school can lead by example and inspire positive changes within the community. This initiative gives a chance to raise environmentally conscious students and contribute to a healthier planet. Let us embrace this program to foster a sustainable school environment.

❓ Proposal Topics FAQ

How to write a proposal for an essay topic.

• Choose a topic.
• Identify your thesis or research question.
• Look for sources that you can use to support your thesis/research question.
• Create a detailed outline.
• Write the first draft.
• Edit the finished paper to fix grammar or spelling mistakes and ensure coherence.

How to write a proposal essay introduction?

Start with an attention-grabbing hook to pique your audience’s curiosity. Then, summarize the details of the problem and outline the purpose of your proposed project. Finally, add a strong thesis statement, summarizing your suggested solution and giving a preview of your supporting arguments.

How to write a proposal argument essay?

• Summarize the details of the problem and present the thesis.
• Give a detailed history of the problem.
• Present your proposal in detail.
• Examine the contrasting viewpoints.
• Sum up the main points of your essay.

What to write a proposal essay on?

Since you advocate for a change or a solution to a problem in your proposal essay, you should choose a topic you care about. You can write a proposal essay on virtually everything, from presenting a solution to climate change to implementing a community-based reading program or raising awareness about the importance of gut microbiota.

• Topic Proposals | University of Hawaii
• Selecting a Research Topic: Overview | MIT Libraries
• Proposals | University of Mary Washington
• Research Proposals | University of New Hampshire
• 10 Major Social Problems That Could Be Fixed with Innovative Solutions | Listverse
• How to Write a Topic Proposal | LUC Writing Center
• The Art of Proposal Writing: Proposal as Genre | Graduate College at Illinois
• Outline for Research Project Proposal | Portland State University
• Tips for Successful Proposal Writing | University of California, Davis
• How to Write a Good Postgraduate Research Proposal | The University of Edinburgh
• Proposal Argument Topic Ideas | Classroom
• What Is a Proposal Argument Essay? | Classroom
• Proposal Argument Essay | Madigan Library at Penn College
• Practical Proposal Essay Topics for Students | YourDictionary
• How to Write a Proposal Essay/Paper | Owlcation
• Guidelines for Proposal and Essay | York University
• The Academic Proposal | University of Toronto
• Writing Process: Creating a Proposal | Openstax
• How to Write a Research Proposal | University of Sheffield
• How To Write a Project Proposal (With Tips and Example) | Indeed

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• Essay proposal

How to Write an Essay Proposal + Examples

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

For those who are interested in learning how to write an essay, the question "how to write a proposal for an essay" usually occurs first.

What is a proposal essay?

What to include in an essay proposal, know your audience, set an issue, define a solution, write an essay proposal outline, writing an essay proposal, proposal for an academic research study 2022, what characteristics should good proposal essay examples have, introduction, how to start a proposal essay, how do you write a proposal for an essay example, what is a good topic for a proposal essay, what is an illustration of a proposal argument, how to write a paper proposal.

Proposal Essay

A proposal essay is a type of academic writing that presents a problem and suggests a solution or course of action. It outlines a plan, providing detailed arguments and evidence to convince the reader of its feasibility and effectiveness. The essay typically includes an introduction to the issue, a proposed solution, and a discussion of the benefits and potential challenges.

While a thesis represents the main idea of your research, an essay proposal encapsulates the purpose and content of a particular essay. The aim of a proposal is to convince the academic committee that your approach and topic are sound with the hope of you getting approval to go on with the actual research.

Apart from indicating your plan of action, a proposal should also contain your theoretical positioning and your relationship to previous work in that field. Your suggestions or ideas are more likely to be approved if you create an essay proposal in a clear, concise, and engaging manner.

Knowing how to write an essay proposal that is persuasive and captivating is essential for success in many fields. The various types of proposals include book proposals, thesis proposals , and other science proposals, but they use the same basic guidelines. Some of the elements of a proposal include:

• Outline of your intended approach or methodology: You should perform a comparison with the already existing work where you can also include resources needed, costs, and a timeline of when you will get the work done.

Various disciplines may have varying standard ways of writing an essay proposal.

But in any case, when organizing your material:

• Ensure you emphasize the specific focus of your research question
• Use lists, headings, and visuals which make cross reference and reading easy
• Ensure you use a precise and concrete style to show that your idea is feasible and that it can be put into action

This can be done by beginning with why your idea is worth doing or how it contributes to the field, providing enough details to establish feasibility, and showing your ability to handle possible changes or possible problems in focus.

Prewriting Stage

Making a plan is the first stage in drafting an essay proposal.

You must ensure that you think about your audience and what they could already have known or not know about your topic. This will enable you to focus your ideas and present them in a very effective way.

It is also good to assume that your readers will be busy and not predisposed to grant your ideas special consideration. So, persuasiveness and efficiency together with a refined tone that meets the audience’s desires and expectations is a key.

You need to research your project extensively. With a variety of facts and examples, you will be able to convince your audience easily. If your proposition lacks proof that your solution will work, then your solution is not an adequate solution.

Being meticulous as possible helps to make your readers feel confident that you have performed your research well and that you know how to write an essay proposal.

The third step in planning a proposal is to select your issue. You already know your issue. But do the readers know it? And do they believe that you properly understand what you are talking about? You need to set your issue properly by using explanations and evidence in order to convince your readers that you are the right person to do it.

The next step is defining your solution. It should be straightforward and easy to understand. You have to demonstrate how you will solve your issue while complying with the requirements in the request for the document. A proposal must define a problem and provide a practical solution that will convince skeptical or uninterested readers to support it. You can think of your solution in terms of objectives. Your main objective is the goal that you absolutely have to achieve with your project. The secondary objectives are other goals that you believe your project will achieve.

When planning your project, you need to keep the elements of style in mind. Take the time to get familiar with the specifics of writing a proposal for an essay before you dive in. You must tailor your paper to a specific style based on your idea and the people who will read it. Write in plain, direct English language and avoid overuse of obscure abbreviations, jargon, or unnecessarily complex language. You also need to prepare an outline.

An outline isn't part of the proposal but helps you organize it. An outline can comprise the problem, the solution, why the selected solution is the best, and a conclusion. In case you are writing an executive proposal, you will have to include things like organizational details and budget analysis.

Once you understand the basic guidelines on how to write an essay proposal, the next step is to write the actual proposal.

The structure and content of your proposal will help an academic committee understand the intent and seriousness of an applicant. A good essay proposal example is also useful in that it will help you organize your research and educate you about the subject you’re studying.

The format is determined by the institution, class, or school to whom you are submitting your proposal.

Here is a general essay proposal format that will help get you started:

• Introduction – This section will introduce the committee to the issue that you plan to address. The introduction should be firm. Ideally, you need the readers enraptured from the first point.
• Background – This section will provide information about the issue and set the stage by highlighting previous studies on the issue. If there are some stark facts that can shed some light on why your issue has to be addressed and should be addressed immediately, that is something you can start with. Whatever it could be, ensure you begin with a fact and not an opinion.
• Significance – In this section, you will explain why your study is important to be done. You will provide evidence from studies, reports, and other literature that supports your argument that there is a need for a study on the issue.
• Research questions /hypotheses – In this section, you will explain the goals of your study. These questions will guide your analysis. Emphasize why the problem needs to be solved and how it will affect the audience if not solved in time. Use credible sources and facts.
• Study Design – In this section, you will explain how you will conduct your study. You will address the methodology that you plan to use to address the issue. This is where you have to know how to address your problem, why you should do it in a certain way, and what the outcome will be.
• Conclusion – In this section, you will provide a summary of the information presented in the introduction, background, significance, and research questions/hypotheses. You will also explain how your study will help address the issue that your study focuses on. A conclusion should be only one or two paragraphs long. It should basically mirror your introduction and succinctly wrap up your overall message. In case there could be consequences to your proposal not being undertaken, you will have to address them in this section as well. Leave your readers thinking ahead and it is always good to thank them for their time and consideration.
• Bibliography – This is an optional section. The bibliography section provides a list of the literature you’ve read that supports the content of your proposal. If you choose not to include a bibliography, then just continue with your text. And if you have some extra content that does not fit in the proposal, you can add an appendix (best guide on how to write appendix in research papers). But bear in mind that if your proposal is too bulky, it might scare people off. So, if you are in doubt, just leave it out. Having written all sections of your text, you also need to edit your work. Revise your proposal to make it clear and concise. You can as well ask someone else to critique and edit it to make sure that the presentation is attractive and engaging as well as helpful and organized.

Essay Proposal Example

You can find an essay proposal template online. This template will help you to organize the information required to write a good proposal.

The following is a sample essay proposal :

The proposed research study will investigate the relationship between narcissism and personal accomplishment among college students.

College students are ideal subjects due to their young age, digital presence, and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

The study will focus on five key factors that contribute to personal accomplishment: ambition, career goals, leadership skills, volunteer work, and social media presence.

The study will utilize a survey design (quantitative) and will collect data from 250 college students (100 from each of three different college campuses).

Data will be analyzed via multiple regression analysis.

The results of the study will provide psychological professionals and educators with insight into the relationship between narcissism and personal accomplishment among college students.

The study will also provide college students with information that they can utilize to enhance their personal accomplishments and strengthen their college experience.

What is a Proposal Essay?

By definition, a proposal essay is a type of argumentative essay that explains, introduces, and justifies your position.

While there are many ways to write a proposal essay, the general format remains the same. The opening states the purpose and significance of your essay, the middle section provides supporting arguments, and the conclusion wraps everything up by restating your main points.

Proposal essays test students' ability to write a well-reasoned and convincing text. This is similar to a business proposition, where someone is trying to sell you something.

The good examples of proposal essay should

• Have a clear topic – this should be identical or similar to the essay question asked by the university/college
• Show the writer’s passion for the subject – when writing essays , the writer's zeal and excitement are always evident.
• Show a high level of analysis and comprehension – the writer understands the subject matter well enough to be able to explain it in simple terms for their assessors
• Show a confident, coherent, and structured argument – the writer understands the subject matter well enough to be able to present a well-argued and convincing position
• Show a high level of effectiveness in the use of language – the writing sample proposal essay should be informative and feature extensive and compelling use of vocabulary
• Show a professional presentation – the essay should be presented in a professional manner, i.e. consistently spaced paragraphs, heading, italicized literature, and a bibliography

Proposal Essay Outline

The following outline represents a basic proposal essay outline. Of course, every professor will have their own expectations, so be sure to check what they are before you start writing!

The introduction to an essay should briefly summarize the main points and establish the purpose of your paper. For example, if you're proposing a new way to approach a topic, your introduction might start with a brief description of the current approach and then present your argument for why your new approach is better. Regardless of what you're proposing, your essay should clearly state your thesis and provide a roadmap for your argument. Examples can help illustrate your points and provide readers with a concrete sense of what you're proposing.

The body of your essay will contain the argumentation that supports the main idea of your essay. In order to write a well-supported essay , you will need to include evidence to back up your claims. This evidence can come in the form of statistics, quotes from experts, or real-life examples. Be sure to include enough evidence to convincingly support your argument.

The conclusion of your essay proposal should wrap up the argument you made in the body of your paper. You should also motivate your readers to take action based on what you’ve discussed. Perhaps most importantly, you should remind your audience of the importance of your topic and the impact it could have.

You should begin writing your essay from the introduction.

First, summarize the background of your essay. This includes both the subject you’ll be discussing as well as the relevant literature. Place this summary at the beginning of the introduction.

Next, state the objectives of your essay. These objectives should be centered on addressing the knowledge gap presented by your topic.

Finally, introduce the argument you intend to present. This is the main idea of your essay.

Proofread your final text to ensure that the content is free of mistakes. Punctuation, grammar, spelling, or any other mistakes can make you look less educated and less credible, thus lowering your likelihood to be approved. Also, make sure that the essay formatting is in line with the guidelines required.

Even if this is your first time writing a proposal essay sample, these pointers will get you started in the correct direction. If you’re still feeling nervous, however, rest assured that you can approach us for help.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Academic Proposals

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

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Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

This resource introduces the genre of academic proposals and provides strategies for developing effective graduate-level proposals across multiple contexts.

Introduction

An important part of the work completed in academia is sharing our scholarship with others. Such communication takes place when we present at scholarly conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals, and publish in books. This OWL resource addresses the steps in writing for a variety of academic proposals.

For samples of academic proposals, click here .

Important considerations for the writing process

First and foremost, you need to consider your future audience carefully in order to determine both how specific your topic can be and how much background information you need to provide in your proposal. While some conferences and journals may be subject-specific, most will require you to address an audience that does not conduct research on the same topics as you. Conference proposal reviewers are often drawn from professional organization members or other attendees, while journal proposals are typically reviewed by the editorial staff, so you need to ensure that your proposal is geared toward the knowledge base and expectations of whichever audience will read your work.

Along those lines, you might want to check whether you are basing your research on specific prior research and terminology that requires further explanation. As a rule, always phrase your proposal clearly and specifically, avoid over-the-top phrasing and jargon, but do not negate your own personal writing style in the process.

If you would like to add a quotation to your proposal, you are not required to provide a citation or footnote of the source, although it is generally preferred to mention the author’s name. Always put quotes in quotation marks and take care to limit yourself to at most one or two quotations in the entire proposal text. Furthermore, you should always proofread your proposal carefully and check whether you have integrated details, such as author’s name, the correct number of words, year of publication, etc. correctly.

Methodology is often a key factor in the evaluation of proposals for any academic genre — but most proposals have such a small word limit that writers find it difficult to adequately include methods while also discussing their argument, background for the study, results, and contributions to knowledge. It's important to make sure that you include some information about the methods used in your study, even if it's just a line or two; if your proposal isn't experimental in nature, this space should instead describe the theory, lens, or approach you are taking to arrive at your conclusions.

Reasons proposals fail/common pitfalls

There are common pitfalls that you might need to improve on for future proposals.

The proposal does not reflect your enthusiasm and persuasiveness, which usually goes hand in hand with hastily written, simply worded proposals. Generally, the better your research has been, the more familiar you are with the subject and the more smoothly your proposal will come together.

Similarly, proposing a topic that is too broad can harm your chances of being accepted to a conference. Be sure to have a clear focus in your proposal. Usually, this can be avoided by more advanced research to determine what has already been done, especially if the proposal is judged by an important scholar in the field. Check the names of keynote speakers and other attendees of note to avoid repeating known information or not focusing your proposal.

Your paper might simply have lacked the clear language that proposals should contain. On this linguistic level, your proposal might have sounded repetitious, have had boring wording, or simply displayed carelessness and a lack of proofreading, all of which can be remedied by more revisions. One key tactic for ensuring you have clear language in your proposal is signposting — you can pick up key phrases from the CFP, as well as use language that indicates different sections in academic work (as in IMRAD sections from the organization and structure page in this resource). This way, reviewers can easily follow your proposal and identify its relatedness to work in the field and the CFP.

Conference proposals

Conference proposals are a common genre in graduate school that invite several considerations for writing depending on the conference and requirements of the call for papers.

Beginning the process

Make sure you read the call for papers carefully to consider the deadline and orient your topic of presentation around the buzzwords and themes listed in the document. You should take special note of the deadline and submit prior to that date, as most conferences use online submission systems that will close on a deadline and will not accept further submissions.

If you have previously spoken on or submitted a proposal on the same topic, you should carefully adjust it specifically for this conference or even completely rewrite the proposal based on your changing and evolving research.

The topic you are proposing should be one that you can cover easily within a time frame of approximately fifteen to twenty minutes. You should stick to the required word limit of the conference call. The organizers have to read a large number of proposals, especially in the case of an international or interdisciplinary conference, and will appreciate your brevity.

Structure and components

Conference proposals differ widely across fields and even among individual conferences in a field. Some just request an abstract, which is written similarly to any other abstract you'd write for a journal article or other publication. Some may request abstracts or full papers that fit into pre-existing sessions created by conference organizers. Some request both an abstract and a further description or proposal, usually in cases where the abstract will be published in the conference program and the proposal helps organizers decide which papers they will accept. 

If the conference you are submitting to requires a proposal or description, there are some common elements you'll usually need to include. These are a statement of the problem or topic, a discussion of your approach to the problem/topic, a discussion of findings or expected findings, and a discussion of key takeaways or relevance to audience members. These elements are typically given in this order and loosely follow the IMRAD structure discussed in the organization and structure page in this resource. 

The proportional size of each of these elements in relation to one another tends to vary by the stage of your research and the relationship of your topic to the field of the conference. If your research is very early on, you may spend almost no time on findings, because you don't have them yet. Similarly, if your topic is a regular feature at conferences in your field, you may not need to spend as much time introducing it or explaining its relevance to the field; however, if you are working on a newer topic or bringing in a topic or problem from another discipline, you may need to spend slightly more space explaining it to reviewers. These decisions should usually be based on an analysis of your audience — what information can reviewers be reasonably expected to know, and what will you have to tell them?

Journal Proposals

Most of the time, when you submit an article to a journal for publication, you'll submit a finished manuscript which contains an abstract, the text of the article, the bibliography, any appendices, and author bios. These can be on any topic that relates to the journal's scope of interest, and they are accepted year-round.

Special issues , however, are planned issues of a journal that center around a specific theme, usually a "hot topic" in the field. The editor or guest editors for the special issue will often solicit proposals with a call for papers (CFP) first, accept a certain number of proposals for further development into article manuscripts, and then accept the final articles for the special issue from that smaller pool. Special issues are typically the only time when you will need to submit a proposal to write a journal article, rather than submitting a completed manuscript.

Journal proposals share many qualities with conference proposals: you need to write for your audience, convey the significance of your work, and condense the various sections of a full study into a small word or page limit. In general, the necessary components of a proposal include:

• Problem or topic statement that defines the subject of your work (often includes research questions)
• Background information (think literature review) that indicates the topic's importance in your field as well as indicates that your research adds something to the scholarship on this topic
• Methodology and methods used in the study (and an indication of why these methods are the correct ones for your research questions)
• Results or findings (which can be tentative or preliminary, if the study has not yet been completed)
• Significance and implications of the study (what will readers learn? why should they care?)

This order is a common one because it loosely follows the IMRAD (introduction, methods, results and discussion) structure often used in academic writing; however, it is not the only possible structure or even always the best structure. You may need to move these elements around depending on the expectations in your field, the word or page limit, or the instructions given in the CFP.

Some of the unique considerations of journal proposals are:

• The CFP may ask you for an abstract, a proposal, or both. If you need to write an abstract, look for more information on the abstract page. If you need to write both an abstract and a proposal, make sure to clarify for yourself what the difference is. Usually the proposal needs to include more information about the significance, methods, and/or background of the study than will fit in the abstract, but often the CFP itself will give you some instructions as to what information the editors are wanting in each piece of writing.
• Journal special issue CFPs, like conference CFPs, often include a list of topics or questions that describe the scope of the special issue. These questions or topics are a good starting place for generating a proposal or tying in your research; ensuring that your work is a good fit for the special issue and articulating why that is in the proposal increases your chances of being accepted.
• Special issues are not less valuable or important than regularly scheduled issues; therefore, your proposal needs to show that your work fits and could readily be accepted in any other issue of the journal. This means following some of the same practices you would if you were preparing to submit a manuscript to a journal: reading the journal's author submission guidelines; reading the last several years of the journal to understand the usual topics, organization, and methods; citing pieces from this journal and other closely related journals in your research.

Book Proposals

While the requirements are very similar to those of conference proposals, proposals for a book ought to address a few other issues.

General considerations

Since these proposals are of greater length, the publisher will require you to delve into greater detail as well—for instance, regarding the organization of the proposed book or article.

Publishers generally require a clear outline of the chapters you are proposing and an explication of their content, which can be several pages long in its entirety.

You will need to incorporate knowledge of relevant literature, use headings and sub-headings that you should not use in conference proposals. Be sure to know who wrote what about your topic and area of interest, even if you are proposing a less scholarly project.

Publishers prefer depth rather than width when it comes to your topic, so you should be as focused as possible and further outline your intended audience.

You should always include information regarding your proposed deadlines for the project and how you will execute this plan, especially in the sciences. Potential investors or publishers need to know that you have a clear and efficient plan to accomplish your proposed goals. Depending on the subject area, this information can also include a proposed budget, materials or machines required to execute this project, and information about its industrial application.

Pre-writing strategies

As John Boswell (cited in: Larsen, Michael. How to Write a Book Proposal. Writers Digest Books , 2004. p. 1) explains, “today fully 90 percent of all nonfiction books sold to trade publishers are acquired on the basis of a proposal alone.” Therefore, editors and agents generally do not accept completed manuscripts for publication, as these “cannot (be) put into the usual channels for making a sale”, since they “lack answers to questions of marketing, competition, and production.” (Lyon, Elizabeth. Nonfiction Book Proposals Anybody Can Write . Perigee Trade, 2002. pp. 6-7.)

In contrast to conference or, to a lesser degree, chapter proposals, a book proposal introduces your qualifications for writing it and compares your work to what others have done or failed to address in the past.

As a result, you should test the idea with your networks and, if possible, acquire other people’s proposals that discuss similar issues or have a similar format before submitting your proposal. Prior to your submission, it is recommended that you write at least part of the manuscript in addition to checking the competition and reading all about the topic.

The following is a list of questions to ask yourself before committing to a book project, but should in no way deter you from taking on a challenging project (adapted from Lyon 27). Depending on your field of study, some of these might be more relevant to you than others, but nonetheless useful to reiterate and pose to yourself.

• Do you have sufficient enthusiasm for a project that may span years?
• Will publication of your book satisfy your long-term career goals?
• Do you have enough material for such a long project and do you have the background knowledge and qualifications required for it?
• Is your book idea better than or different from other books on the subject? Does the idea spark enthusiasm not just in yourself but others in your field, friends, or prospective readers?
• Are you willing to acquire any lacking skills, such as, writing style, specific terminology and knowledge on that field for this project? Will it fit into your career and life at the time or will you not have the time to engage in such extensive research?

Essential elements of a book proposal

Your book proposal should include the following elements:

• Your proposal requires the consideration of the timing and potential for sale as well as its potential for subsidiary rights.
• It needs to include an outline of approximately one paragraph to one page of prose (Larsen 6) as well as one sample chapter to showcase the style and quality of your writing.
• You should also include the resources you need for the completion of the book and a biographical statement (“About the Author”).
• Your proposal must contain your credentials and expertise, preferably from previous publications on similar issues.
• A book proposal also provides you with the opportunity to include information such as a mission statement, a foreword by another authority, or special features—for instance, humor, anecdotes, illustrations, sidebars, etc.
• You must assess your ability to promote the book and know the market that you target in all its statistics.

The following proposal structure, as outlined by Peter E. Dunn for thesis and fellowship proposals, provides a useful guide to composing such a long proposal (Dunn, Peter E. “Proposal Writing.” Center for Instructional Excellence, Purdue University, 2007):

• Literature Review
• Identification of Problem
• Statement of Objectives
• Rationale and Significance
• Methods and Timeline
• Literature Cited

Most proposals for manuscripts range from thirty to fifty pages and, apart from the subject hook, book information (length, title, selling handle), markets for your book, and the section about the author, all the other sections are optional. Always anticipate and answer as many questions by editors as possible, however.

Finally, include the best chapter possible to represent your book's focus and style. Until an agent or editor advises you to do otherwise, follow your book proposal exactly without including something that you might not want to be part of the book or improvise on possible expected recommendations.

Publishers expect to acquire the book's primary rights, so that they can sell it in an adapted or condensed form as well. Mentioning any subsidiary rights, such as translation opportunities, performance and merchandising rights, or first-serial rights, will add to the editor's interest in buying your book. It is enticing to publishers to mention your manuscript's potential to turn into a series of books, although they might still hesitate to buy it right away—at least until the first one has been a successful endeavor.

The sample chapter

Since editors generally expect to see about one-tenth of a book, your sample chapter's length should reflect that in these building blocks of your book. The chapter should reflect your excitement and the freshness of the idea as well as surprise editors, but do not submit part of one or more chapters. Always send a chapter unless your credentials are impeccable due to prior publications on the subject. Do not repeat information in the sample chapter that will be covered by preceding or following ones, as the outline should be designed in such a way as to enable editors to understand the context already.

How to make your proposal stand out

Depending on the subject of your book, it is advisable to include illustrations that exemplify your vision of the book and can be included in the sample chapter. While these can make the book more expensive, it also increases the salability of the project. Further, you might consider including outstanding samples of your published work, such as clips from periodicals, if they are well-respected in the field. Thirdly, cover art can give your potential publisher a feel for your book and its marketability, especially if your topic is creative or related to the arts.

In addition, professionally formatting your materials will give you an edge over sloppy proposals. Proofread the materials carefully, use consistent and carefully organized fonts, spacing, etc., and submit your proposal without staples; rather, submit it in a neat portfolio that allows easy access and reassembling. However, check the submission guidelines first, as most proposals are submitted digitally. Finally, you should try to surprise editors and attract their attention. Your hook, however, should be imaginative but inexpensive (you do not want to bribe them, after all). Make sure your hook draws the editors to your book proposal immediately (Adapted from Larsen 154-60).

How to Write a Proposal Essay/Argument

It is common for students to be assigned to a proposal essay assignment. Although many can write it based on the essay prompt, 4 out of 10 students find it hard to complete a proposal argument essay. Out of the ten requests we receive requiring our experts to help write proposal essays, four students appear to be confused between a proposal essay and a research proposal.

Not anymore because in this article, our senior research proposal writers put together their wits and insights to help you understand how to write a high-quality and effective proposal essay. We also provide a succinct sample and outline to help you do so quickly. This is a cheat sheet to scoring the best grades because we have tips and tricks that will make you ace your proposal essay.

What is a proposal essay?

As the name suggests, a proposal essay or paper is a type of academic paper that proposes an idea by providing evidence intended to convince the reader why an idea is good or bad.

It is sometimes referred to as a proposal argument essay, written if there is a problem to fix or a change to be made.

For instance, instead of just arguing that cigarette smoking affects health, it would be prudent to make a good argument on why there is a need to reduce the number of teenagers who are becoming cigarette addicts.

Even though proposals are written in business, economics, and management fields, they are also written by students, scientists, and other professional domains.

A proposal essay:

• Convinces the reader to adopt a given or proposes idea/change
• Shows the mastery of the concepts in a given field
• It makes a case for the implementation of an idea or change process
• Confirms the feasibility, practicality, and applicability of a program, idea, or change

Things to do/know before beginning

The pre-writing stage is the most critical part as it defines how smooth the entire writing process would be. Before typing or penning down the first sentence or even sitting down to write your proposal, there are certain mandatory rituals that you need to observe.

Primarily referred to as the proposal essay planning stage, here are the five steps to take:

1. Profile your target audience

A proposal essay or proposal argument aims to convince your audience that an idea is feasible, relevant, and practical. It might also persuade the readers that an idea is not worth pursuing.

As such, you need to have a deep understanding of your target audience. Are they business people or academics? What is their level of knowledge of the issue? What do you want to inform them about and why? Will they buy your suggestion? What is the best approach?

Understanding and profiling your audience helps you set the scope and tone of the proposal essay. For instance, when writing for the management and business people, proposing an idea with financial benefits could win their trust and time. On the other hand, when writing for healthcare workers, presenting strategies to improve patient quality, healthcare workers� wellbeing, and access to care could be relevant.

When you understand the people, who will read your proposal, you can quickly structure it better to draw their attention right from the start.

You need to consider what you need the audience to understand from your proposal. As well, you have to provide them with some facts that will help in decision-making. It also helps to choose a preferred style that will impress the readers.

It is about knowing what you are writing for to make them acknowledge the gist of the proposal. In the academic contexts, the audience is a professor, teaching assistant, associate professor, or instructor/lecturer. In this case, stick to the proposal essay prompt.

2. Define your research problem

With the audience in mind, you need to show that you understand the problem. One way of doing so is to highlight or state your situation so that your audience know the idea in the proposal.

This stage helps you win the trust of the readers. It also enables you to create an impression that you are knowledgeable about the issues at hand. Support your arguments with facts, references, and credible views to establish your identity/ethos.

Where necessary, ensure that you clarify and offer enough proof. Make sure to state the problem and why you feel it needs to be solved. It is the same aspect that appears in the introduction of a problem-solution essay .

When writing your problem statement section, ask yourself:

• What is the main issue? Use statistics, facts, and examples
• Who is affected by the issue? Who are the stakeholders?
• What has been done before?
• Why are previous/conventional solutions not working?
• Why will your innovative idea/solution works?
• How urgent is the problem or solution required?
• What are other researchers saying about the problem?

In sum, you need to prove that you have thoroughly researched and assessed the issue. Your problem statement must display your knowledge about the topic.

3. Research and gather sources

After outlining the problem, you now need to research how to solve it. Use secondary and primary sources to support your claims/proposal. As you persuade your readers, ensure that you report on what has worked and what has failed.

As you do so, ensure that your proposed solution is well-backed with evidence from credible and relevant scholarly literature.

As a rule of thumb, stick to research articles written five years ago unless otherwise instructed by the professor/instructor to use older sources.

4. Write your proposal outline

With the problem statement and the sources backing your proposal in place, it is now time to explain your answer.

You now have the problem, and you should strive to solve it. Before writing the proposal essay outline , ensure that you have read the request for proposal (RFP) prompt or template.

An outline helps you structure your proposal, find means of convincing difficult readers and coherently lay the sections. It also helps brainstorm excellent ideas and approaches then organizing them into a comprehensive and structured proposal format. We will present a sample outline later in this article.

5. Proceed to write the essay

After having the skeleton of your proposal, it is now time to write your first draft by filling in the various parts. Once you are done, revise the draft as much as possible or enlist for proofreading and editing before turning in the final draft.

Sections of a Proposal Essay/Argument

We have summarized the main parts of a proposal essay in this section. Note that the sections might differ depending on the preferred elements by your university or college. In this regard, some parts might be added or omitted. When writing, you can alter the body of your proposal to meet your needs.

1. Title Page

This is for you if you are wondering how to title your proposal essay. Like the dissertation, theses, or research papers, the proposal essay has a title page that includes:

• The title of your proposal essay, e.g., Rethinking Recycling: Why Reusing Needs to Be User Friendly.
• Your full official names
• The name of your professor/instructor/lecturer
• Name of your school and department

Depending on your college or university, or department, the title page could differ. There are also institutions with pre-written/designed title pages sent alongside the instructions. The bottom line is that you need to read the assignment prompt or the RFP file carefully.

2. Introduction

Your introduction is the entry point to your essay. Like any other essay introduction , the proposal essay introduction gives a brief background of the proposal. It introduces the subject to your audience (s).

As it is the most crucial section, it needs to be well written. You can begin it using a hook, mostly facts, statistics, or statements. It should also have a topic sentence that introduces the readers to a topic. Ensure that it has a relevant topic that entices the audience on why they should care about the particular topic.

The introduction then has a thesis statement that contains the proposal you are making for solving a problem. In a proposal essay, the thesis should clearly state the proposition . An example of a good thesis statement when writing a proposal essay on teenage pregnancy could sound like:

Although teenage pregnancy is considered a taboo topic, educating parents on how to take care of the teenage girls with pregnancy could reduce the high mortality rate of teen mothers.

If you were to write a proposal essay on childhood obesity, a good thesis statement could read:

Childhood obesity is a menace affecting society, creating public health pressure and needs to be solved through proper school-based health promotion activities that involve the parents.

Another example of a good thesis statement for a proposal essay on depression is:

Depression has claimed the lives of many people and needs to be addressed through multi-professional collaboration among teachers, healthcare workers, media core, governments, and employers.

Again, your thesis statement should highlight the problem and the solutions that you are proposing. It narrows down to knowing your audience so that your introduction emphasizes the benefits of the proposal to this specific audience.

4. Problem statement

Even though you have already stated the problem in your introduction paragraph, you need to expound on the problem. Explain why there is a need to solve the issue. Here, your aim is to invite the readers to understand the core of your proposal. State the aims of your proposal and declare the importance of the topic in this section.

The section helps you to assert the issue. The section defines and expounds on the specific issue, the sources, and the consequences.

You also need to highlight why the issue needs to be solved and how solving it impacts the reader. Instead of using moral principles or universal pleas to feelings, think of what is important to your reader.

5. Proposal/Statement of purpose

After broadly defining your problem in the first paragraph of the body of your proposal essay, you now need to state the purpose of the essay. The section is exclusively meant to discuss the proposal that you are making.

Take your time to explore the advantages and disadvantages of your proposed solutions, change, or ideas. It can be a few sentences long if it is a shorter proposal or a few paragraphs if it is a long proposal.

6. Action Plan

After highlighting the proposed solutions, changes, or ideas, it is now time to write the plan of action. Here your focus is on the implementation of the ideas or solutions.

You need to show the audience that the solutions or changes are practical, feasible, relevant, and desirable.

When writing this section, you need to convince the readers that your proposal is a good idea over other available option. Furthermore, you must provide a detailed explanation about the implementation of the solutions or changes. Ensure that you anticipate the potential barriers or challenges during the implementation phase because every proposal must highlight the challenges and how to overcome them.

As you do so, also look at the viability, relevance, practicality, and desirability of your proposal. Will it work? What has prevented past solutions from working? What is different about your proposal?

7. Desired Outcomes

As the name suggests, this is the section of the essay that you anticipate the outcomes of your proposal. It is your chance to make everything you have been writing about clear.

8. Evaluation

When writing the evaluation phase, you need to consider the cost and resource implications of your proposed idea or change. Is the idea feasible compared to what is there currently? As well, you need to include the contrary opinions of the dissenting voices over the proposed solutions. Assure the audience that despite the challenges, the proposed solution will work.

9. Resources Required and timeline

Explain the resources such as skills, finances, time, and equipment that are required to implement your change, solutions, or ideas.

10. Conclusion

Your conclusion needs to emphasize your proposal and leave your audience with a call to action. State your proposal, call to action, and why the audience must consider your suggestions.

Never include new information in your conclusion, as that would extend the word count as you try to expound on the new topic and further confuse your already settled/convinced audience.

11. Works cited/references/bibliography

Any academic paper, white paper, or professional paper must have citations. We use citations to avoid plagiarism by mentioning those we read their work while writing our own. Depending on your chosen format: APA, MLA, Harvard, or Chicago format, the title can be references, bibliography, or works cited. Works cited is exclusively for MLA, while references can be used for both APA and Harvard. In Chicago format, you will title the consulted resources as Bibliography. In Harvard format, you can use either references or a reference list. Remember, a bibliography includes all the relevant sources you read, even those not cited in the paper.

Sample Proposal Essay Paper (in image format)

Below is a proposal argumentative essay on climate change, focusing on recycling courtesy of Excelsior Online Writing Lab .

Note that the sections are not titled. However, the paragraphs have been organized around our suggested parts.

Proposal Essay Structure: Video

Here is a video that explains the structure of a proposal argument

Final Words

Now that you have learned how to write a proposal essay, you can conquer this type of assignment without a doubt. However, if you are stuck, you can hire an essay writer to write one for you.

Related Reading: Good persuasive speech topics.

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Now that you have read this, visit our blog for more college essay ideas . Be kind and share with friends as well.

Here are some commonly asked questions about the process of writing a quality proposal essay or proposal argument. You can send your questions, and we will answer them to enlighten our readers.

What is the format for a proposal essay?

Here are the main parts of a proposal essay:

• Introduction ( hook , background, thesis statement (proposal))
• Problem statement
• Statement of purpose/proposal declaration
• Plan of action
• Resources require
• References/works cited

What makes a good proposal essay?

A good proposal essay proposes an idea and offers evidence or arguments to convince the readers about the goodness or badness of the idea. A good one:

• Has all claims well-supported
• It is organized into paragraphs
• It does not have filler words
• Uses relevant and recent credible/scholarly sources
• Cites all the sources, especially quotes, to avoid plagiarism
• Uses formal language to present ideas
• Has well-balanced, coherent, clear, explained, and concise paragraphs
• Every paragraph stick to an idea
• Has a thesis statement that stands out
• Begins with a good hook

How do you write a proposal essay?

Here are the steps that are taken to write one:

• Read the proposal prompt
• Select a good topic or area that interests you
• Research on the issue you want to solve
• Write an outline for your proposal
• Write the first draft of your proposal
• Polish, edit, and re-read your proposal
• Submit the proposal essay through Canvas, Turnitin, SafeAssign, DropBox, or any platform as suggested by the instructor
• Enjoy your grades

Is the proposal essay similar to the research proposal paper?

No. while a proposal essay leaves the audience with a call to action, a research proposal paper highlights the strategies and steps a researcher will take to conduct research, just like a thesis and dissertation proposal. A proposal essay tackles an issue by suggesting change, ideas, or solutions based on the available information from scholarly literature.

It ends with the audience making the decision. On the other hand, a research proposal ends with the researcher conducting a study followed by writing a final research paper, term paper, dissertation, or thesis that details recommendations, suggestions, and conclusions.

What are the topics for proposal essays?

Suppose you need a good proposal essay topic; you need to think of areas such as healthcare, homelessness, world hunger, poverty, abortion, climate change, vaping, human and organ trafficking, and mental health.

You can also brainstorm topics relating to gun violence, gun control, election fraud, drink driving, teenage pregnancy, police brutality, pollution, COVID-19, cyberbullying, and cigarette smoking. The bottom line is to choose an exciting topic with credible scholarly articles and details.

Does a proposal essay need an annotated bibliography?

Unless otherwise stated on your essay prompt, including the reference as per the sample above is enough.

Does a proposal essay require research questions?

No, unlike the research proposal, a proposal argument or proposal essay does not require research questions since no research is being conducted. The purpose of such essays is to propose a solution, more like the problem solution essay.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

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Proposal Essay Examples: Convincing Ideas for Your Research Paper or Essay

Struggling to craft a captivating and well-built proposal essay? Many students find it challenging to compose a proposal-based essay and struggle to generate convincing ideas. If this sounds familiar, read on. In this comprehensive guide, we streamline the process of brainstorming and composing work, offering resources like suggestions on how to write a proposal essay, suggested steps when writing, useful examples, and efficient essay-crafting tips.

Developed through several years of expertise in scholarly writing, our article is meticulously tailored to help you excel in your academic assignments. Join us as we explore crafting an exceptional proposal paper. With the right tools and assistance, you'll move from ambiguity to self-assurance, ready to write an impressive work. Let's master the art of creating an attention-grabbing essay.

What is a Proposal Essay?

A proposal essay succinctly outlines the key content and aim of your intended study, summarizing its primary points and overall intent. Unlike a thesis, which presents the main idea of your academic study, a proposal-focused assignment acts as a detailed plan addressing a specific problem. As a proposal writer, you identify an issue, suggest a possible solution, and then provide persuasive evidence for the audience to have them support your viewpoint. Your goal is to convince them that this view is exceptional and deserves implementation. When writing such an essay, consider it as a chance to immerse in practical issues and showcase analytical and creative thinking skills. These papers serve as strategic tools, allowing an author to present their ideas or beliefs compellingly. Beyond business or economics, they encourage solution-seeking and reasoning skills across a variety of disciplines.

In a nutshell, a proposal-driven assignment allows you to demonstrate your ability to think innovatively and critically, addressing real-life issues with practical solutions. Now that you understand what is a proposal essay, join us in exploring its specifics and revealing your writer’s potential.

How to Write a Proposal Essay

Creating a successful proposal-related paper necessitates thorough preparation and an understanding of your audience's needs. To write such an essay, observe these stages:

• Extensively investigate your assignment’s topic to identify a chosen problem.
• Develop a compelling thesis statement summarizing your suggested solution.
• Make a solid proposal essay outline to logically organize all your ideas and ensure unity and cohesion.
• Present solid proof to support your viewpoints and anticipate any objections.
• Refine your writing carefully to enhance content clarity and logic.

When you are occupied with thoughts on how to write a paper proposal, handy tools like the AI essay generator Aithor have become indispensable helpers. Aithor, our intuitive assistant, empowers writers by utilizing advanced technology to generate ideas, check accuracy, and offer alternative words, improving the piece of writing. Explore the innovative capabilities of our AI tool by visiting https://aithor.com/ai-essay-generator and let it assist you with your assignment.

Check out some additional tips to enhance your overall essay quality:

• Get to know your audience and tailor your planned proposal to its interests.
• Use convincing language to involve your audience to advocate for your notion.
• Incorporate relevant data, instances, and statistics to reinforce your position.
• Address possible counterarguments to demonstrate thorough consideration.
• Use a powerful summary to conclude and inspire to act, urging support for your concepts.

To wrap up, writing a decent proposal-based essay requires in-depth investigation, persuasive argumentation, and attention to detail. By following the mentioned guidelines and additional tips, you can smoothly write a solid solution-focused writing that inspires action.

Prewriting Stage

Setting for a journey of composing a proposal-related assignment can be overwhelming. How to start a proposal essay? To ease this process, academic writers advocate for a systematic approach to craft a captivating piece of writing.

Here's a full guide to guarantee your assignment paper stands out. Know Your Reader

Being sympathetic to your prospective listeners is paramount when writing a persuasive paper. Who will you write for? Identify their key roles, preferences, and concerns to efficiently customize your message. This ensures mutual resonance in your views and addresses their specific needs and expectations.

Research Academic investigation forms the foundation of a robust convincing paper. Even with a prior understanding of the material, delving deeper yields new insights and perspectives. Revising scholarly literature enhances arguments, lending authority and credibility to your message.

Set an Issue

State the topic and challenges precisely and clearly. Use evidence to accentuate its significance and establish your grasp of the matter. That step is pivotal in gaining the audience's sympathy and support.

Define a Solution

Offer a straightforward and practical way out to the identified problem. Ensure its clarity and usefulness, aligning with indicated requirements. Frame your resolution in terms of objectives, delineating primary goals and additional benefits your project will provide.

Write an Essay Proposal Outline

Crafting an outline for your persuasive paper is essential. This helps put your ideas in order and create a logical flow. When structuring your paper, begin with a catchy introduction that describes the problem. Outline your suggested resolution with strong evidence, facts, and illustrations. Finally, summarize the noteworthy aspects and emphasize the relevance of your proposal. This structured approach enhances coherence and persuasiveness.

Ø  For executive proposals, add organizational data and budget analysis, maintaining clear and direct language, devoid of unnecessary jargon.

Structure of a Proposal Essay

Generating a credible proposal-focused essay involves several main components, each serving a definite purpose to efficiently convey your key idea. Here's a full breakdown of how to write an essay proposal:

Introduction

• Captivating Intro

Capture the readers' attention with an eye-catching hook. Precisely state your essay’s thesis statement, conveying your message succinctly and convincingly.

•   Context and Background

Provide a solid background for your proposed idea, thus setting a stage for the topic matter and its validity.

• Research Relevance

State why your investigation is essential, drawing upon the background info provided.

• Problem Statement

Dive deeper into the presented issue, delineating its relevance and impact to deliver a captivating context for your written work.

• Proposal Statement

State your projected way out to the mentioned challenges. Emphasize its paybacks and mention potential shortcomings to showcase its viability.

•   Implementation Plan

Clarify in detail how you wish to put your words into effect, addressing practical considerations and potential obstacles.

• Expected Outcome

Talk about the positive effects that you expect from executing your solution proposal, conveying distinctly its probable impact.

• Evaluation of Feasibility

Consider the proposal’s practicability considering the essential resources and would-be objections.

• Resource Management and Timeline

Indicate the demanded resources and generate a timeline for implementation if applicable.

• Research Queries and Objectives

List the goals of your inquiry and say how will addressing the challenges impact your audience. Utilize credible sources and data to reinforce your arguments.

•   Study Design and Methodology

Explain your methodology for addressing the challenge, illustrating the rationale behind your selected approach, and predicting the anticipated outcomes.

• Key Points Summary 

Recap the main points from the intro, background, and topic relevance, along with the hypotheses/research questions sections.

• Importance and Potential Impact

Accentuate how your investigation can hypothetically contribute to addressing the mentioned issue and consider potential consequences if the proposal is not implemented.

• Call to Action and Close

Restate the proposal’s relevance, leaving the audience with a convincing call to action. Express gratitude for the committee's consideration and leave readers with a sense of anticipation for the proposed research.

•   Bibliography (Optional)

Include a literature list that references the materials used and displays the work’s contents to demonstrate the depth of the investigation. It is usually placed at the end of the whole text as a separate section.

Remember to refine your final draft for clarity and conciseness, testing if the paper proposal format is well-constructed. Consider seeking some feedback from others to enhance the presentation and proposal actuality. Additionally, ensure each paragraph flows smoothly and plausibly and supports your general argument. This ensures content clarity and cohesion throughout your text.

Academic Research Study Proposal Sample 2024

Here is a sample idea for an interesting proposal paper:

• The proposed research study will investigate the risks of sending messages while driving and explore measures to mitigate this hazardous behavior.
•  Texting when driving continues to be a widespread issue despite various awareness campaigns and legal restrictions.
• The study will focus on examining the mental and physical distractions caused by this activity. Also, the proposal will delve into the increased likelihood of mishaps and fatalities associated with such behavior.
• Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the investigation will gather data through surveys, interviews, and driving simulations from a diverse sample of drivers across different age groups and regions.
•  Data analysis will include statistical analysis of accident rates, qualitative coding of interview responses, and thematic analysis of driving simulation outcomes.
•  The essay's findings aim to raise awareness among policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and the public about the grave dangers of texting when driving.
• Additionally, the investigation will propose recommendations for interventions such as stricter enforcement of existing regulations, educational programs targeting drivers of all ages, and the creation of technological solutions to prevent distraction-related cases.
• Ultimately, this study seeks to add to the lessening of crashes and fatalities caused by texting in a car and encourage safer driving habits in society.

Final Remarks

In composing a robust proposal essay, the journey from beginning to culmination is marked by strategic planning and scrupulous work. If you embrace a methodical approach, a captivating paper will emerge. Such vital details as understanding the audience, conducting in-depth research, describing the challenges, proposing possible way-outs, and structuring your arguments are vital elements of a successfully written work. Each phase of this process contributes to the clarity and persuasiveness of the text, ensuring resonance with readers. Using illustrative examples adds depth and relatability to the proposal.

Ultimately, the proposal paper showcases not only analytical prowess and solution-seeking acumen but also adept communication of intricate concepts. With unwavering dedication and meticulous focus on details, the proposal essay becomes a testament to effective persuasion and insightful discourse.

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Crafting a compelling proposal essay can be a game-changer in persuading your audience to see things from your perspective. Whether you’re tackling a social issue, suggesting a new policy, or pitching an innovative idea, a well-structured proposal essay lays the groundwork for impactful communication.

By exploring various proposal essay examples, writers can gain insights into effective strategies and techniques. These examples not only demonstrate how to present a problem and propose a solution but also highlight the importance of clear, concise, and persuasive language. Dive into these examples to enhance your writing skills and elevate your arguments to the next level.

Understanding Proposal Essays

What is a proposal essay.

A proposal essay presents an idea through a written document, aiming to persuade the reader about its merit. By explaining the issue, outlining a solution, and presenting supporting arguments, it helps the reader understand and accept the proposal. Proposal essays are essential in academic, business, and social contexts for suggesting new policies or solutions to problems.

Key Elements of a Successful Proposal Essay

Clear Problem Statement : The essay must define the issue. It should concisely outline what the problem is and why it matters.

Proposed Solution : The solution must be practical and feasible. It should directly address the problem and be detailed enough for the reader to understand.

Evidence and Support : Data, real-life examples, and authoritative sources should back up the proposal. This lends credibility and convinces the reader of the solution’s viability.

Anticipation of Objections : Addressing potential counterarguments strengthens the proposal. It shows preparation and enhances the argument by pre-emptively resolving concerns.

Specific Language and Tone : The essay should be formal yet persuasive. Clear and precise language enhances understanding and keeps the reader engaged. Avoiding ambiguity ensures the reader grasps the proposal’s intent and details on the first read.

These elements collectively create a compelling and persuasive proposal essay.

Analyzing Top Proposal Essay Examples

Education Proposal Essays

Education proposal essays tackle issues within the education system, offering solutions. These examples focus on topics like reducing student loan debt, improving teacher retention rates, or integrating technology in classrooms. For instance, an essay proposing a loan forgiveness program might include statistics on student debt, the economic impact of loan forgiveness, and case studies from countries with successful programs. Using data from authoritative sources like the Department of Education, these essays aim to persuade policymakers or educational institutions.

Environmental Proposal Essays

Environmental proposal essays address ecological concerns by suggesting practical actions. Examples include advocating for renewable energy incentives, proposing plastic bans, or promoting urban green spaces. An essay on renewable energy incentives might discuss the environmental benefits of solar and wind energy, the economic advantages of green jobs, and evidence from regions successfully using renewable resources. Citing authoritative sources like the Environmental Protection Agency, these essays aim to influence government regulations or public behavior.

Social Issues Proposal Essays

Social issues proposal essays present solutions to societal problems like homelessness, inequality, or mental health. Examples include proposals for affordable housing programs, initiatives for workplace diversity, or mental health awareness campaigns. An essay advocating for affordable housing might highlight the social and economic benefits of housing stability, include success stories from other cities, and present data on housing affordability. Drawing on reputable sources like the Department of Housing and Urban Development, these essays aim to persuade community leaders and policymakers.

Writing Your Own Proposal Essay

Choosing the right topic.

Selecting a suitable topic lays the foundation for a compelling proposal essay. Choose issues that are current and relevant to your audience. For instance, topics like climate change, education reform, or mental health resonate widely. Ensure the problem has a clear scope and is feasible to address. Use authoritative sources to validate the significance of the issue.

Structuring Your Proposal Essay

A well-structured essay ensures clarity and persuasiveness. Start with an engaging introduction that presents the problem briefly. Follow with a detailed Problem Statement section explaining the issue’s context and impact. The next section, Proposed Solution, outlines a logical, step-by-step approach to resolving the problem, supported by data and examples. Conclude with a Call to Action, urging the audience to support the proposed solution.

Tips for Effective Writing

Clarity and precision enhance the impact of your essay. Use simple language and avoid jargon. Ensure each paragraph conveys one main idea supported by evidence. Proofread to eliminate grammatical errors and improve readability. Align your proposal with the interests and values of your audience to make it more convincing. Use data and quotes from reputable sources to substantiate your arguments effectively.

Reviewing Real-World Applications

How Proposal Essays Influence Decision-Making

Proposal essays shape decision-making by presenting structured arguments that highlight specific issues and suggest actionable solutions. Policymakers, educators, and business leaders use these essays to identify gaps, evaluate potential benefits, and make informed choices. Data-driven content enhances credibility, encouraging stakeholders to consider proposed changes. For example, a proposal essay suggesting new energy policies might include statistics from environmental agencies and case studies of successful renewable energy implementations. By delivering clear, evidence-based recommendations, proposal essays drive progress across various sectors.

Proposal Essays in Academic vs. Professional Settings

Proposal essays serve distinct purposes in academic and professional settings. In academia, they aim to explore theoretical concepts, present research findings, and propose new studies. Academic essays often include detailed literature reviews, methodologies, and hypotheses. For instance, a proposal essay in education might outline a new teaching method supported by scholarly articles and preliminary research results.

In professional environments, proposal essays focus on practical applications, addressing specific organizational challenges and delivering measurable outcomes. Business proposals might include market analysis, financial projections, and strategic plans. For example, a marketing firm might propose a new campaign strategy supported by market trends and competitor analysis. Academic essays prioritize intellectual exploration, whereas professional proposals emphasize solution implementation and tangible benefits.

Proposal essays play a crucial role in shaping decisions across various fields. By presenting well-structured arguments and actionable solutions, they effectively influence academic research and professional practices. Whether addressing educational challenges, environmental concerns, or social issues, these essays leverage data-driven content to build credibility and persuade stakeholders. Understanding the nuances of crafting compelling proposal essays can significantly enhance one’s ability to advocate for meaningful change and drive impactful outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a proposal essay.

A proposal essay is a type of writing that presents a problem, offers a practical solution, and supports the proposal with evidence. It aims to persuade the audience of the viability and importance of the proposed solution.

Why are proposal essays important in academia and business?

Proposal essays are crucial in both academia and business because they help to outline clear, actionable plans to address specific issues. They use structured arguments and credible evidence to persuade decision-makers to adopt proposed solutions.

What key elements should be included in a persuasive proposal essay?

A persuasive proposal essay should include a clear problem statement, a detailed practical solution, supporting evidence, a rebuttal of potential objections, and appropriate, persuasive language.

Can you give an example of a proposal essay topic in education?

An example of a proposal essay topic in education could be “Solutions for Reducing Student Loan Debt.” This essay would outline the issue of high student loan debt and propose actionable solutions such as policy changes or alternative financing options.

How do proposal essays influence decision-making?

Proposal essays influence decision-making by presenting well-structured arguments, clearly defining issues, and offering actionable solutions. The use of credible, data-driven content enhances the essay’s persuasive power, making it more likely to sway decision-makers.

What’s the difference between academic and professional proposal essays?

Academic proposal essays focus on theoretical exploration and research findings, while professional proposal essays emphasize practical applications and measurable outcomes. Professional proposals are often aimed at solving real-world problems with direct, actionable solutions.

How do you address objections in a proposal essay?

To address objections in a proposal essay, acknowledge possible counterarguments and provide evidence or reasoning to refute them. This demonstrates thorough consideration of the topic and strengthens the persuasiveness of your proposal.

What are some environmental proposal essay topics?

Environmental proposal essay topics might include advocating for renewable energy adoption or proposing bans on single-use plastics. These essays would outline the environmental problems and propose practical, actionable solutions.

How do you enhance the credibility of a proposal essay?

Enhance the credibility of a proposal essay by using data from authoritative sources, presenting logical arguments, and providing concrete evidence. Cite reputable studies, statistics, and expert opinions to back up your claims.

Can proposal essays be used to address social issues?

Yes, proposal essays can effectively address social issues. For example, essays might propose solutions for homelessness or mental health challenges, using data and evidence to argue for specific interventions or policy changes.

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Home » How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide [With Template]

How To Write A Proposal – Step By Step Guide [With Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write A Proposal

Writing a Proposal involves several key steps to effectively communicate your ideas and intentions to a target audience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:

Identify the Purpose and Audience

• Clearly define the purpose of your proposal: What problem are you addressing, what solution are you proposing, or what goal are you aiming to achieve?
• Identify your target audience: Who will be reading your proposal? Consider their background, interests, and any specific requirements they may have.

Conduct Research

• Gather relevant information: Conduct thorough research to support your proposal. This may involve studying existing literature, analyzing data, or conducting surveys/interviews to gather necessary facts and evidence.
• Understand the context: Familiarize yourself with the current situation or problem you’re addressing. Identify any relevant trends, challenges, or opportunities that may impact your proposal.

Develop an Outline

• Create a clear and logical structure: Divide your proposal into sections or headings that will guide your readers through the content.
• Introduction: Provide a concise overview of the problem, its significance, and the proposed solution.
• Background/Context: Offer relevant background information and context to help the readers understand the situation.
• Objectives/Goals: Clearly state the objectives or goals of your proposal.
• Methodology/Approach: Describe the approach or methodology you will use to address the problem.
• Timeline/Schedule: Present a detailed timeline or schedule outlining the key milestones or activities.
• Budget/Resources: Specify the financial and other resources required to implement your proposal.
• Evaluation/Success Metrics: Explain how you will measure the success or effectiveness of your proposal.
• Conclusion: Summarize the main points and restate the benefits of your proposal.

Write the Proposal

• Grab attention: Start with a compelling opening statement or a brief story that hooks the reader.
• Clearly state the problem: Clearly define the problem or issue you are addressing and explain its significance.
• Present your proposal: Introduce your proposed solution, project, or idea and explain why it is the best approach.
• State the objectives/goals: Clearly articulate the specific objectives or goals your proposal aims to achieve.
• Provide supporting information: Present evidence, data, or examples to support your claims and justify your proposal.
• Explain the methodology: Describe in detail the approach, methods, or strategies you will use to implement your proposal.
• Address potential concerns: Anticipate and address any potential objections or challenges the readers may have and provide counterarguments or mitigation strategies.
• Recap the main points: Summarize the key points you’ve discussed in the proposal.
• Reinforce the benefits: Emphasize the positive outcomes, benefits, or impact your proposal will have.
• Call to action: Clearly state what action you want the readers to take, such as approving the proposal, providing funding, or collaborating with you.

Review and Revise

• Proofread for clarity and coherence: Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
• Ensure a logical flow: Read through your proposal to ensure the ideas are presented in a logical order and are easy to follow.
• Revise and refine: Fine-tune your proposal to make it concise, persuasive, and compelling.

Add Supplementary Materials

• Attach relevant documents: Include any supporting materials that strengthen your proposal, such as research findings, charts, graphs, or testimonials.
• Appendices: Add any additional information that might be useful but not essential to the main body of the proposal.

Formatting and Presentation

• Follow the guidelines: Adhere to any specific formatting guidelines provided by the organization or institution to which you are submitting the proposal.
• Use a professional tone and language: Ensure that your proposal is written in a clear, concise, and professional manner.
• Use headings and subheadings: Organize your proposal with clear headings and subheadings to improve readability.
• Pay attention to design: Use appropriate fonts, font sizes, and formatting styles to make your proposal visually appealing.
• Include a cover page: Create a cover page that includes the title of your proposal, your name or organization, the date, and any other required information.

Seek Feedback

• Share your proposal with trusted colleagues or mentors and ask for their feedback. Consider their suggestions for improvement and incorporate them into your proposal if necessary.

Finalize and Submit

• Make any final revisions based on the feedback received.
• Ensure that all required sections, attachments, and documentation are included.
• Double-check for any formatting, grammar, or spelling errors.
• Submit your proposal within the designated deadline and according to the submission guidelines provided.

Proposal Format

The format of a proposal can vary depending on the specific requirements of the organization or institution you are submitting it to. However, here is a general proposal format that you can follow:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your proposal, your name or organization’s name, the date, and any other relevant information specified by the guidelines.

2. Executive Summary:

•  Provide a concise overview of your proposal, highlighting the key points and objectives.
• Summarize the problem, proposed solution, and anticipated benefits.
• Keep it brief and engaging, as this section is often read first and should capture the reader’s attention.

3. Introduction:

• State the problem or issue you are addressing and its significance.
• Provide background information to help the reader understand the context and importance of the problem.
• Clearly state the purpose and objectives of your proposal.

4. Problem Statement:

• Describe the problem in detail, highlighting its impact and consequences.
• Use data, statistics, or examples to support your claims and demonstrate the need for a solution.

5. Proposed Solution or Project Description:

• Explain your proposed solution or project in a clear and detailed manner.
• Describe how your solution addresses the problem and why it is the most effective approach.
• Include information on the methods, strategies, or activities you will undertake to implement your solution.
• Highlight any unique features, innovations, or advantages of your proposal.

6. Methodology:

• Provide a step-by-step explanation of the methodology or approach you will use to implement your proposal.
• Include a timeline or schedule that outlines the key milestones, tasks, and deliverables.
• Clearly describe the resources, personnel, or expertise required for each phase of the project.

7. Evaluation and Success Metrics:

• Explain how you will measure the success or effectiveness of your proposal.
• Identify specific metrics, indicators, or evaluation methods that will be used.
• Describe how you will track progress, gather feedback, and make adjustments as needed.
• Present a detailed budget that outlines the financial resources required for your proposal.
• Include all relevant costs, such as personnel, materials, equipment, and any other expenses.
• Provide a justification for each item in the budget.

9. Conclusion:

•  Summarize the main points of your proposal.
•  Reiterate the benefits and positive outcomes of implementing your proposal.
• Emphasize the value and impact it will have on the organization or community.

10. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as research findings, charts, graphs, or testimonials.
•  Attach any relevant documents that provide further information but are not essential to the main body of the proposal.

Proposal Template

Here’s a basic proposal template that you can use as a starting point for creating your own proposal:

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I am writing to submit a proposal for [briefly state the purpose of the proposal and its significance]. This proposal outlines a comprehensive solution to address [describe the problem or issue] and presents an actionable plan to achieve the desired objectives.

Thank you for considering this proposal. I believe that implementing this solution will significantly contribute to [organization’s or community’s goals]. I am available to discuss the proposal in more detail at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me at [your email address or phone number].

Yours sincerely,

Note: This template is a starting point and should be customized to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the organization or institution to which you are submitting the proposal.

Proposal Sample

Here’s a sample proposal to give you an idea of how it could be structured and written:

Subject : Proposal for Implementation of Environmental Education Program

I am pleased to submit this proposal for your consideration, outlining a comprehensive plan for the implementation of an Environmental Education Program. This program aims to address the critical need for environmental awareness and education among the community, with the objective of fostering a sense of responsibility and sustainability.

Executive Summary: Our proposed Environmental Education Program is designed to provide engaging and interactive educational opportunities for individuals of all ages. By combining classroom learning, hands-on activities, and community engagement, we aim to create a long-lasting impact on environmental conservation practices and attitudes.

Introduction: The state of our environment is facing significant challenges, including climate change, habitat loss, and pollution. It is essential to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand these issues and take action. This proposal seeks to bridge the gap in environmental education and inspire a sense of environmental stewardship among the community.

Problem Statement: The lack of environmental education programs has resulted in limited awareness and understanding of environmental issues. As a result, individuals are less likely to adopt sustainable practices or actively contribute to conservation efforts. Our program aims to address this gap and empower individuals to become environmentally conscious and responsible citizens.

Proposed Solution or Project Description: Our Environmental Education Program will comprise a range of activities, including workshops, field trips, and community initiatives. We will collaborate with local schools, community centers, and environmental organizations to ensure broad participation and maximum impact. By incorporating interactive learning experiences, such as nature walks, recycling drives, and eco-craft sessions, we aim to make environmental education engaging and enjoyable.

Methodology: Our program will be structured into modules that cover key environmental themes, such as biodiversity, climate change, waste management, and sustainable living. Each module will include a mix of classroom sessions, hands-on activities, and practical field experiences. We will also leverage technology, such as educational apps and online resources, to enhance learning outcomes.

Evaluation and Success Metrics: We will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. Pre- and post-assessments will gauge knowledge gain, while surveys and feedback forms will assess participant satisfaction and behavior change. We will also track the number of community engagement activities and the adoption of sustainable practices as indicators of success.

Budget: Please find attached a detailed budget breakdown for the implementation of the Environmental Education Program. The budget covers personnel costs, materials and supplies, transportation, and outreach expenses. We have ensured cost-effectiveness while maintaining the quality and impact of the program.

Conclusion: By implementing this Environmental Education Program, we have the opportunity to make a significant difference in our community’s environmental consciousness and practices. We are confident that this program will foster a generation of individuals who are passionate about protecting our environment and taking sustainable actions. We look forward to discussing the proposal further and working together to make a positive impact.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [your email address or phone number].

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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6.5 Writing Process: Creating a Proposal

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Describe the elements of the rhetorical situation for your proposal.
• Apply prewriting strategies to discover a problem to write about.
• Gather and synthesize information from appropriate sources.
• Draft a thesis statement and create an organizational plan.
• Compose a proposal that develops your ideas and integrates evidence from sources.
• Implement strategies for drafting, peer reviewing, and revising.

Sometimes writing a paper comes easily, but more often writers work hard to generate ideas and evidence, organize their thoughts, draft, and revise. Experienced writers do their work in multiple steps, and most engage in a recursive process that involves thinking and rethinking, writing and rewriting, and repeating steps multiple times as their ideas develop and sharpen. In broad strokes, most writers go through the following steps to achieve a polished piece of writing:

• Planning and Organization . Your proposal will come together more easily if you spend time at the start considering the rhetorical situation, understanding your assignment, gathering ideas and evidence, drafting a thesis statement, and creating an organizational plan.
• Drafting . When you have a good grasp of the problem and solution you are going to write about and how you will organize your proposal, you are ready to draft.
• Review . With a first draft in hand, make time to get feedback from others. Depending on the structure of your class, you may receive feedback from your instructor or your classmates. You can also work with a tutor in the writing center on your campus, or you can ask someone else you trust, such as a friend, roommate, or family member, to read your writing critically and give honest feedback.
• Revising . After reviewing feedback from your readers, plan to revise. Focus on their comments: Is your thesis clear? Do you need to make organizational changes to the proposal? Do you need to explain or connect your ideas more clearly?

Considering the Rhetorical Situation

Like other kinds of writing projects, a proposal starts with assessing the rhetorical situation —the circumstance in which a writer communicates with an audience of readers about a subject. As a proposal writer, you make choices based on the purpose for your writing, the audience who will read it, the genre , and the expectations of the community and culture in which you are working. The brainstorming questions in Table 6.1 can help you begin:

Summary of Assignment

Write a proposal that discusses a problem you want to learn more about and that recommends a solution. The problem you choose must be a current problem, even though it may have been a problem for many years. The problem must also affect many people, and it must have an actual solution or solutions that you can learn about through research. In other words, the problem cannot be unique to you, and the solution you recommend cannot be one you only imagine; both the problem and the solution must be grounded in reality.

One way to get ideas about a problem to write about is to read a high-quality newspaper, website, or social media account for a week. Read widely on whatever platform you choose so that you learn what people are saying, what a newspaper’s editorial board is taking a stand on, what opinion writers are making cases for in op-eds, and what community members are commenting on. You’ll begin to get a handle on problems in your community or state that people care about. If you read a paper or website with a national or international audience, you’ll learn about problems that affect people in other places.

You will need to consult and cite at least five reliable sources. They can be scholarly, but they do not have to be. They must be credible, trustworthy, and unbiased. Possible sources include articles from reputable newspapers, magazines, and academic and professional journals; reputable websites; government sources; and visual sources. Depending on your topic, you may want to conduct a survey, an interview, or an experiment. See Research Process: Accessing and Recording Information and Annotated Bibliography: Gathering, Evaluating, and Documenting Sources for information about creating and finding sources. Your proposal can include a visual or media source if it provides appropriate, relevant evidence.

Another Lens. Another way to approach a proposal assignment is to consider problems that affect you directly and affect others. Perhaps you are concerned about running up student loan debt. Or perhaps you worry about how to pay your rent while earning minimum wage. These concerns are valid and affect many college students around the United States. Another way is to think about problems that affect others. Perhaps students in your class or on your campus have backgrounds and experiences that differ from yours— what problems or challenges might they have encountered during their time in college that you don’t know about?

As you think about the purpose and audience for your proposal, think again about the rhetorical situation, specifically about the audience you want to reach and the mode of presentation best suited to them and your purpose. For example, say you’re dissatisfied with the process for electing student leaders on your campus. If your purpose is to identify the problems in the process and propose a change, then your audience would include other students, the group or committee that oversees student elections, and perhaps others. To reach other students who might also be dissatisfied, you might write an article, editorial, or letter for the campus newspaper, social media page, or website, depending on how students on your campus get news. In addition, you might organize a meeting of other students to get their input on the problem. To reach the decision makers, which may include elected students, faculty, and administrators, you might need to prepare an oral presentation and a slide deck.

Below in Figure 6.7 are three slides from Shawn Krukowski’s proposal that he adapted for a presentation: the title slide, a slide on one aspect of the problem, and a slide introducing one of the proposed solutions.

Quick Launch: Finding a Problem to Write About

A proposal must address a real-life problem and present one or more workable solutions. Usually, problems worth writing about are not easily solved; if they were, they would no longer be considered problems. Indeed, problems in proposals are often complex, and solutions are often complicated and involve trade-offs. Sometimes people disagree about whether the problem is a problem at all and whether any proposed solutions are viable solutions.

Exploring a Problem

One way to generate ideas about a problem is to brainstorm. To explore a topic for your proposal, use a graphic organizer like Table 6.2 to write responses to the following statements and questions:

For example, perhaps you’re considering a career in information technology, and you’re taking an IT class. You might be interested in exploring the problem of data breaches. A data breach is a real-world problem with possible solutions, so it passes the first test of being an actual problem with possible solutions. Your responses to the questions above might look something like those in Table 6.3 :

Narrowing and Focusing

Many problems for a proposal can be too broad to tackle in a single paper. For example, the sample above reveals that data breaches are indeed a problem but that several aspects can be explored. If you tried to cover all the aspects, you would be left writing general paragraphs with little specific information. The topic needs to be narrowed and focused.

The data breaches example above could be narrowed to the following problems—and possibly even more. Note that the questions start to zero in on possible solutions, too. In your own writing, as you brainstorm, try placing subtopics you discover into their own categories and asking more questions, as shown in Table 6.4 .

Sample Proposal Topics

The following broad topics are potentially suitable as a start for a proposal. Choose one of these or one of your own, and ask the exploring questions. Then look at your responses, and ask focusing questions. Continue to focus until you have a specific problem that you can discuss in sufficient depth and offer a concrete solution or solutions.

• Health fields: cost of medical and dental care for uninsured people, management of chronic conditions and diseases, infection control, vaccinations, access to mental health care, drug use and addiction, sports injuries, workplace safety
• Education: gaps in academic achievement, curriculum, recruitment and retention of staff and/or students, buildings and grounds, graduation rates, cocurricular activities
• Environment: forest management and fires, hurricanes and other extreme storms, water and air pollution, sustainable development, invasive species, waste management, recycling and composting, community gardening
• Engineering and computer science: robotics, vehicles and transportation, digital divide, online privacy, misinformation and misbehavior on social media, video games
• Business and manufacturing: quality improvement, process improvement, cost control, communication, social media, pay equity, fundraising, sourcing of materials, net-zero energy processes, workplace safety
• Policy and politics: public institutions, such as public schools, libraries, transportation systems, and parks; taxes, fees, and services; donations to political campaigns; healthcare, such as Medicare and Medicaid; social security; unemployment insurance; services for active military and veterans; immigration policy
• Society and culture: social media and free speech; inequality in housing, employment, education, and more; cancel culture; bullying; wealth and poverty; support for the arts; athletes and sports; disparities related to race, sex, gender identity and expression, age, and/or ability

Gathering Information

Proposals are rooted in information and evidence; therefore, most proposal assignments require you to conduct research. Depending on your assignment, you may need to do formal research, an activity that involves finding sources and evaluating them for reliability, reading them carefully and taking notes, and citing all words you quote and ideas you borrow. See Research Process: Accessing and Recording Information and Annotated Bibliography: Gathering, Evaluating, and Documenting Sources for detailed instruction on conducting research. If you are proposing a solution to a problem in your local community or on your campus, you may need to conduct primary research as well, such as a survey or interviews with people who live or work there.

Whether you conduct in-depth research or do background reading, keep track of the ideas that come to you and the information you learn. You can write or dictate notes using an app on your phone or computer, or you can jot notes in a journal if you prefer pen and paper. Then, when you are ready to begin to organize what you have learned, you will have a record of your thoughts and information. Always track the source of the information you gather, whether from your reading or a person you interviewed, so that you can return to that source if you need more information and can credit the source in your paper.

Kinds of Evidence

You will use evidence to demonstrate that the problem is real and worthy of being solved and that your recommended solution is workable. Choose evidence for your proposal that is rooted in facts. In addition, choose evidence that best supports the angle you take on your topic and meets your instructor’s requirements. Cite all evidence you use from a source. Consider the following kinds of evidence and examples of each:

Definition : an explanation of a key word, idea, or concept.

The Personal Data Notification & Protection Act of 2017 defines a security breach as “a compromise of the security, confidentiality, or integrity of, or the loss of, computerized data that results in… (i) the unauthorized acquisition of sensitive personally identifiable information; or (ii) access to sensitive personally identifiable information that is for an unauthorized purpose, or in excess of authorization.”

Example : an illustration of an idea or concept.

Every month, university staff members receive a fake phishing email from the IT department. The goal is to train employees of the university to be critical readers of every email they receive.

Expert opinion : a statement by a professional whose opinion is respected in the field.

In The Sixth Extinction , science writer Elizabeth Kolbert observes that humans are making the choice about “which evolutionary pathways will remain and open and which will be forever closed” (268).

Fact : information that is true and can be proven correct or accurate. Statements of fact are built on evidence and data.

In March and April of 2020, 43 states in the United States issued orders directing residents to stay home except for essential activities.

Interview : a person-to-person, phone, or remote conversation that involves an interviewer posing questions to another person or group of people.

During an interview, I asked about parents’ decisions to vaccinate their children. One pediatrician said, “The majority of parents see the benefits of immunizations for their children and for public health. For those who don’t, I talk to them and try to understand why they feel the way they do.”

Quotation : the exact words of an author or speaker.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, SpaceX was required to conduct a “comprehensive review of the company’s safety culture, operational decision-making, and process discipline,” in addition to investigating the crash of its prototype spacecraft (Chang).

Statistics : numerical fact or item of data.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 40 million tons of food waste were generated in 2017, comprising 15.2% of all trash sent to landfills (DeSilver).

Survey : a structured interview in which respondents are all asked the same questions and their answers are tabulated and interpreted. Surveys reveal attitudes, beliefs, or habits of the general public or segments of the population.

In a survey of adults conducted in July 2020, 64 percent of respondents said that social media have a mostly negative effect on American society (Auxier).

• Visuals and other media : graphs, figures, tables, photographs, diagrams, charts, maps, videos, audio recordings, etc.

Thesis and Organization

Drafting a thesis.

When you have a solid grasp of the problem and solution, try drafting a thesis . A thesis is the main idea that you will convey in your proposal and to which all the paragraphs in the paper should relate. In a proposal, you will likely express this main idea in a thesis statement of one or two sentences toward the end of the introduction.

For example, in the thesis statement Shawn Krukowski wrote for his proposal on climate change, he identifies the problem and previews the solutions he presents:

student sample text What is needed to slow climate change is unified action in two key areas—mitigation and adaptation—spurred by government leadership in the United States and a global commitment to addressing the problem immediately. end student sample text

Here is another example that identifies a problem and multiple solutions:

student sample text The number of women employed in the IT field is decreasing every year, a trend that can be changed with a multifaceted approach that includes initiatives in middle schools, high schools, and colleges; active recruitment; mentoring programs; and flexible work arrangements. end student sample text

After you draft a thesis statement, ask these questions and revise it as needed:

• Is it engaging? A thesis for a proposal should pique readers’ interest in the problem and possible solutions.
• Is it precise and specific? If you are interested in curbing the spread of invasive plant species, for example, your thesis should indicate which environment the plant or plants are invading and that you are proposing ways to stop the spread.

Organizing Your Ideas

A proposal has a recognizable shape, starting with an introduction, followed by discussions of the problem, possible solutions, potential objections to the solutions, and a conclusion with a recommendation. A graphic organizer like Table 6.5 can help you organize your ideas and evidence.

Drafting a Proposal

With a tentative thesis, an organization plan, and evidence, you are ready to begin drafting your proposal. For this assignment, you will discuss a problem, present possible solutions, address objections to the solutions, and conclude with a recommendation.

Introduction

You may choose to write the introduction first, last, or midway through the drafting process. Whenever you choose to write it, use it to draw readers in. Make the proposal topic clear, and be concise. End the introduction with your thesis statement.

Opening a proposal with an overview of your topic is a reliable strategy, as shown in the following student-written example on women working in IT. The thesis statement, which appeared earlier in this section, is underlined:

student sample text People who work in the information technology (IT) field often start their careers fixing computers and other electronic devices for others. Through experience and education, an IT worker’s career path can branch out to specialize in everything from programming new software to setting up and maintaining networks. The IT field is growing because of the constant development of technology, and the demand for employees also is growing. underline Yet the number of women employed in the IT field is decreasing every year, a trend that can be changed with a multifaceted approach that includes initiatives in middle schools, high schools, and colleges; active recruitment; mentoring programs; and flexible work arrangements end underline . end student sample text

Body Paragraphs: Problem, Solutions, Objections

The body paragraphs of your proposal should present the problem, the solution or solutions, and potential objections to the proposed solution(s). As you write these paragraphs, consider using the point , evidence , and analysis pattern:

• The point is the central idea of the paragraph, usually given in a topic sentence stated in your own words at or toward beginning of the paragraph.
• With the evidence you provide, you develop the paragraph and support the point given in the topic sentence. Include details, examples, quotations, paraphrases, and summaries from sources. In your sentences and paragraphs, synthesize the evidence you give by showing the connections between sources. See Position Argument: Practicing the Art of Rhetoric and Argumentative Research: Enhancing the Art of Rhetoric with Evidence for more information on quoting, summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing.
• The analysis comes at the end of the paragraph. In your own words, draw a conclusion about the evidence you have provided and relate it to the topic sentence.

The paragraphs that follow show the point-evidence-analysis pattern in practice.

Body Paragraphs: Problem

Follow the introduction with a discussion of the problem. Using paragraph structure, define the problem and discuss it, drawing on evidence from your sources. This paragraph (or paragraphs) should answer these questions: What is the problem? Why is this a problem? The following example, from the proposal on women working in IT, answers the first question:

student sample text The information technology (IT) field is continuously expanding, with many more positions available than workers to fill them. In fact, the pool of IT professionals was so small that in 2001, Congress raised the visa limit in an effort to fill the gap with employees from overseas (Varma, 2002). And yet the number of women represented in the occupation is decreasing. From 1990 to 2020, the percentage of women in IT declined from 31 percent to 25 percent, even though women make up 47 percent of all employed adults in the United States. According to White (2021), only 19 percent of women pursue a computer science major in college, compared to 27 percent in 1997. Of those women who graduated with a computer science degree, 38 percent are working in the field compared to 56 percent of men, a statistic that indicates women are not staying in the field. Although gender diversity supposedly is valued in the workplace, the underrepresentation of women in IT is clearly a problem. end student sample text

The writer then goes on to answer the second question: Why is this a problem? The writer discusses stereotypes, lack of encouragement and role models, workplace culture, pay, and prospects for advancement (not shown here).

Body Paragraphs: Solutions

After presenting and explaining the problem, use specific information from the sources you consulted to present the solution or solutions you have discovered through your research. If you are proposing more than one solution, present them one at a time, using headings as appropriate.

The solutions section will likely be the longest part of your proposal. Below are two paragraphs from the proposal about women working in IT. Note how the first paragraph introduces the solutions and how the second paragraph uses evidence to develop the first proposed solution. Also note the informative boldface headings.

student sample text The following suggestions are ways to encourage women to enter IT and build their careers, with the eventual goal of achieving gender balance in the field. The solutions discussed include encouraging interest in computer technology among girls in middle school and high school, actively recruiting college-age women to study IT, and within the field, mentoring women and expanding workplace flexibility to improve retention. end student sample text

student sample text The National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) is an organization that encourages girls in middle school and high school to explore their interest in IT. One program, the NCWIT’s Aspirations in Computing, supports women in high school by showing them that they can succeed in technology and introducing them to other students with similar interests. The same program matches middle-school girls with female high-school and college students and awards scholarships for computing and programming competitions. In addition, internships and IT courses in middle school and high school provide opportunities to learn what a career in IT entails, with or without a degree in IT. Opportunities like these give girls and women support and a sense of belonging. end student sample text

The paragraphs that follow (not shown here) continue the discussion of the possible solutions.

Body Paragraphs: Objections

Depending on the problem and solution, consider the objections readers may raise, and explain why your proposal is necessary and worthwhile. For example, the proposal on women in IT does not discuss objections because few people would object to the writer’s proposal. Shawn Krukowski, however, in his proposal on climate change, includes a section on objections to taking action. He focuses the discussion on people who deny that climate change is a problem. Would you do the same? Consider whether this section of Shawn’s proposal might have been stronger had he addressed objections to the solutions he proposed—mitigation and adaptation—instead of objections to the problem.

student sample text Despite scientific evidence, some people and groups deny that climate change is real or, if they admit it exists, insist it is not a valid concern. Those who think climate change is not a problem point to Earth’s millennia-long history of changing climate as evidence that life has always persisted. Most of the change, however, predates human civilization, which has benefited from thousands of years of stable climate. The rapid change since the Industrial Revolution is unprecedented in human history. end student sample text

student sample text Those who deny climate change or its dangers seek primarily to relax or remove pollution standards and regulations in order to protect, or maximize profit from, their industries. To date, their lobbying has been successful. For example, the world’s fossil-fuel industry received $5.3 trillion in 2015 alone, while the U.S. wind-energy industry received $12.3 billion in subsidies between 2000 and 2020 (Green America, 2020). end student sample text

Conclusion and Recommendation

The conclusion and recommendation section of your proposal is the part in which you interpret your findings and make a recommendation or give a call to action. At this point, focus on the solution that will best solve the problem, suggesting or summarizing specific actions.

Below is the recommendation section from the proposal about women in IT. In the full conclusion (not shown here), the writer summarizes the main points of the proposal. In the recommendation paragraph that follows, the writer calls for specific actions:

student sample text Many researchers have studied why few women choose IT as a career and why some decide to leave the field. Although the numbers cannot be improved immediately, the following changes in school and the workplace could recruit and retain more women in IT: end student sample text

• Include technology education courses and formal IT programs in middle- and high-school curricula to give girls and young women opportunities to develop an interest at an early age.
• Develop internship and mentor programs in high schools and colleges to combat stereotyping and encourage women to enter the field.
• Develop and encourage workplace mentor programs, flexible work options, and open communication for professional growth and retention.

student sample text With time and effort, these actions may result in more women seeing themselves in long-term IT careers. end student sample text

References or Works Cited Page

Including any data you gathered through primary research, such as a survey you created and administered, interviews you conducted, or observational notes you took, you must cite the sources you consulted. These sources appear in the text of your proposal and in a bibliography at the end. The paragraphs in the previous section, including Shawn Krukowski’s proposal, use APA documentation style. For more on documenting sources, see Index and Guide to Documentation , MLA Documentation and Format , and APA Documentation and Format .

Abstract or Executive Summary

An abstract (or executive summary) summarizes your proposal. The purpose is to present information briefly and economically so that readers can decide whether they want to read further. Include your main points, but not the evidence.

Although an abstract or executive summary comes first in a proposal, it is advisable to write it after you have completed your proposal and are certain of your main points. The example below is the abstract from the proposal about women in IT.

student sample text The purpose of this proposal is to raise awareness of the small number of women working in the information technology (IT) field, to examine the factors that contribute to discouraging women from entering IT, and to propose ways to draw women into the field and retain them. Although the IT field is growing, the number of women employed within it remains low. Women may be reluctant to pursue a career in IT because of stereotypes, few role models, and lack of encouragement. Women who have already established a career in IT report leaving the field for these reasons, as well as family responsibilities and lack of advancement. There are several potential ways to raise the number of women in IT. Encouraging interest in computer technology among girls in middle school and high school, recruiting college-age women to study IT, mentoring young professional women, and improving workplace flexibility will, over time, break down stereotypes and increase the number of women in the IT field. end student sample text

Peer Review: Getting Feedback from Readers

With a complete draft in hand, you may engage in peer review with your classmates, giving feedback to each other about the strengths and weaknesses of your drafts. For peer review within a class, your instructor may provide a list of questions or a form for you to complete as you work together.

Conferencing in Writing Groups

Other people can provide feedback on your writing beside your classmates. If you have an on-campus writing center, it is well worth your time to make an online or in-person appointment with a tutor at any point in your writing process. You will get valuable comments and improve your ability to review your own writing.

Another way to get fresh eyes on your writing is to ask a friend or family member to read your draft. To get useful feedback, provide a list of questions or a form such as the one shown in Table 6.6 for them to complete as they read.

Revising Your Proposal

A strong college paper is rarely written in a single draft, so build in time to revise your work. Take time with the comments you receive from your readers, and read your own work with a critical eye.

Responding to Reviewers’ Feedback

When you receive feedback from readers—whether from your instructor, your classmates, a writing tutor, or someone else—read each comment carefully to understand what the reader is communicating. Do your best not to become defensive, and be open to suggestions for improvement. Remind yourself that your readers are trying to help. As someone who hasn’t thought about your proposal as much as you have, a new reader can often see strengths and weaknesses that you cannot. Analyze each response, and decide whether acting on a suggestion will make your writing better. Remember that you remain the author, and you make the final call on your writing.

As you read, keep track of the comments your readers make. Pay special attention to strengths and weaknesses that more than one reader identifies. Use that information to improve later assignments as well as your proposal.

Revising on Your Own

The following revising strategies can help you read your draft critically and carefully:

• Read your draft aloud. Read the entire text from the beginning slowly and carefully, marking spots that need revision. Reading in this way allows you to see areas that need clarification, explanation, or development that you may have missed when you wrote the first draft. You can also have someone read your draft aloud to you.
• Make a paragraph outline. The most common unit of thought in writing is the paragraph, a group of sentences set off from other groups because they focus on a single idea. Writing a paragraph outline creates a map of your whole paper that can help you determine whether the organization is effective or needs changing. Number each paragraph and write a phrase describing its topic or focus. Check that each paragraph has a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph.
• Test your evidence. Check whether each piece of evidence is factual and supports the main idea of the paragraph. Check that each piece of evidence is introduced, woven into your sentences, and cited.
• Listen for your voice. In most college papers, your language should sound like a real person. If your instructor requires a formal style for the assignment, the language should be objective and in third-person point of view .
• Let go if you need to. View change as good. Learn to let go of words, sentences, paragraphs, and maybe even your entire first draft. Sometimes the best way to revise is to start fresh. The knowledge you have built in writing a first draft will serve you well if you need to start over.
• Create a new file for each revision. Each time you revise a draft, save the new version with a new file name so that you don’t lose your previous work. That way, you can return to an earlier version of your draft if you are not happy with the revision.
• Edit and proofread. When you are satisfied with the overall shape of your paper, reread it once again to check for sentence-level errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and source citations.

Taking It Public: Publishing or Presenting Your Proposal

Publishing is a final step in the writing process. You may want to consider publishing your full proposal in your campus newspaper (or rewriting it as a letter to the editor) if your topic is related to your school. Or you may want to present it to an organization or committee on campus that can help you make your solution a reality. If your topic is related to the community in which you live, consider submitting your proposal to the local newspaper or presenting it at a city council meeting. (Note that if you decide to present your proposal orally, you’ll need to figure out in advance the procedure for speaking or getting on a meeting agenda.) If your topic is more general and involves substantial research, consider submitting your proposal to one of these journals that publish undergraduate research work in all fields:

• American Journal of Undergraduate Research
• Midwest Journal of Undergraduate Research
• PURSUE Undergraduate Research Journal

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Learn how to effectively write a proposal essay and present your ideas with confidence to impress your audience.

When it comes to persuading others to embrace your ideas and support your cause, the ability to present a convincing proposal can be a game-changer. Whether you’re vying for a research grant or seeking approval for a new project, the power of a well-crafted proposal essay cannot be understated. By effectively outlining your goals, presenting a solid argument, and utilizing persuasive language, you can maximize your chances of success.

Successful proposal essays require meticulous planning and thoughtful execution. Much like a skilled architect who carefully designs a blueprint before constructing a building, a successful writer must lay the groundwork for their proposal essay. This involves conducting thorough research, understanding the audience’s needs and expectations, and structuring the essay in a logical and compelling manner.

One key aspect of a winning proposal essay is the ability to clearly articulate the problem or need that your proposal aims to address. Whether it is a social issue, a business opportunity, or a scientific inquiry, it is essential to concisely define the problem and highlight its significance. This not only helps the reader understand the context of your proposal but also establishes the relevance and urgency of your solution.

What is a proposal essay and why is it important?

A proposal essay is an academic paper in which the writer presents an idea or solution to a problem and argues for its feasibility and effectiveness. The purpose of a proposal essay is to convince the reader that the proposed idea or solution is worth pursuing and that it can make a positive impact. This type of essay is important because it allows students to develop critical thinking skills, research and analyze a topic, and present a well-formed argument. Writing a proposal essay also helps students build persuasive writing skills, which are useful in various professional settings.

Understanding the purpose and significance of proposal essays

In the realm of academic writing, proposal essays hold a distinctive place. These unique pieces of writing serve a specific purpose and carry significant weight in various academic and professional settings. Proposal essays are persuasive documents that aim to propose a solution, suggest a course of action, or present an argument for a particular issue or problem.

Proposal essays offer individuals the opportunity to showcase their critical thinking skills, research abilities, and persuasive writing techniques. The purpose of a proposal essay is to convince the reader that the proposed solution or idea is valid and feasible. It requires a thorough understanding of the topic, careful analysis, and the ability to present logical arguments supported by credible evidence.

Furthermore, proposal essays play a crucial role in decision-making processes. In academic settings, professors often require students to write proposal essays as a way to assess their understanding of a particular subject and their ability to propose innovative solutions to real-world problems. In professional environments, individuals may need to write proposal essays to persuade clients, stakeholders, or decision-makers to adopt a specific course of action or implement a particular change.

Proposal essays typically follow a structured format, including an introduction that captures the reader’s attention and presents the problem or issue, a thorough analysis of the problem, a detailed proposal or solution, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and emphasizes the significance of the proposed solution.

In conclusion, proposal essays are valuable tools that allow individuals to explore critical issues, propose innovative solutions, and showcase their persuasive writing skills. These essays contribute to academic and professional environments by fostering critical thinking, driving decision-making processes, and facilitating positive change.

Choosing a compelling topic for your proposal essay

One of the crucial factors to consider when writing a proposal essay is selecting a compelling topic. The topic you choose should not only be interesting to you but also captivate your readers. It should address a specific problem or issue that you are passionate about and offer a potential solution. In this section, we will explore some effective strategies to help you choose a topic that will engage your audience and make your proposal essay stand out.

By considering these factors and following these tips, you can choose a compelling topic that will pique your readers’ interest and effectively convey your proposal in your essay. Remember, a well-chosen topic is the foundation of a winning proposal essay.

Strategies for selecting an engaging and relevant subject

When it comes to crafting a proposal essay, one of the most important steps is selecting a subject that is both engaging and relevant. The subject you choose will determine the focus and direction of your essay, so it’s crucial to choose wisely. This section will explore a few strategies that can help you select an engaging and relevant subject for your proposal essay.

1. Identify your interests and passions:

Start by reflecting on your own interests and passions. What topics do you find most compelling? What issues do you feel strongly about? By selecting a subject that aligns with your interests, you’ll be more motivated to research and write about it, which will ultimately result in a more engaging essay.

2. Research current trends and issues:

To ensure that your proposal essay is relevant, it’s important to stay informed about current trends and issues. Researching topics that are currently being discussed or debated can help you identify subject matters that are timely and impactful. Look for areas where change or improvement is needed, as these topics often make for compelling proposal essays.

3. Consider your audience:

When selecting a subject, it’s crucial to consider your audience. Think about who will be reading your essay and what topics they might find interesting or relevant. Tailoring your subject to your audience’s needs and interests will make your essay more engaging and increase the likelihood of it being well-received.

4. Narrow down your focus:

While it’s important to select a subject that is broad enough to provide ample research material, it’s also important to narrow down your focus to avoid overwhelming yourself and your readers. A specific and well-defined subject will allow you to delve deeper into the topic and provide a more detailed proposal.

5. Brainstorm and seek inspiration:

Don’t be afraid to brainstorm and seek inspiration from various sources. Read articles, books, and essays on different subjects to spark ideas. Engage in discussions with others to get their perspectives and insights. By opening yourself up to new ideas and perspectives, you’ll increase your chances of finding an engaging and relevant subject for your proposal essay.

By utilizing these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to selecting an engaging and relevant subject for your proposal essay. Remember to choose a subject that aligns with your interests, research current trends and issues, consider your audience, narrow down your focus, and seek inspiration from various sources. With the right subject, your proposal essay will captivate readers and make a compelling case for your ideas.

The structure and components of a successful proposal essay

In order to create a compelling proposal essay, it is essential to understand the structure and components that make it successful. A well-structured proposal essay will not only impress your audience but also effectively convey your ideas and arguments.

First and foremost, a successful proposal essay should have a strong introduction. This is where you grab your readers’ attention and provide them with a clear understanding of the issue you are addressing. Your introduction should include a hook, some background information, and a strong thesis statement that clearly outlines your proposal and its significance.

After the introduction, it is important to present a clear and detailed description of the problem or issue you are proposing a solution for. This section should include relevant statistics, facts, and examples to support your claims. It is essential to establish the urgency and importance of the problem you are addressing in order to convince your readers of the need for your proposed solution.

Once you have established the problem, it is time to present your proposed solution. This section should outline your plan of action and explain how it will effectively address the problem. Be sure to provide evidence and reasoning to support your solution and demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness. Additionally, consider addressing any potential counterarguments and provide rebuttals to strengthen your proposal.

Furthermore, a successful proposal essay should include a section on the expected outcomes and benefits of implementing your proposed solution. This is where you explain the positive impact your proposal will have and why it is a valuable and worthy investment. Use concrete examples and evidence to illustrate the potential benefits and persuade your readers to support your proposal.

In conclusion, a well-structured proposal essay should reiterate the main points of your proposal and emphasize its importance. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion and instead provide a strong summary that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. Lastly, include a call to action, encouraging your audience to take action and support your proposal.

By following this structure and including these essential components, you can create a successful proposal essay that effectively communicates your ideas and convinces your readers to support your proposal.

Breaking down the essential elements and organization

Understanding the fundamental components and structure of a proposal essay is crucial for crafting a persuasive and effective piece of writing. By breaking down the essential elements and organizing them in a logical manner, you can ensure that your proposal essay is clear, concise, and compelling.

One of the key elements of a winning proposal essay is a well-defined problem statement. This statement should clearly outline the issue or challenge that your proposal aims to address. It is important to provide a detailed description of the problem and explain why it is significant and relevant. By highlighting the problem, you can demonstrate to your audience why your proposed solution is necessary and valuable.

After presenting the problem statement, it is essential to provide a rationale for your proposal. This involves explaining the reasons behind choosing the proposed solution and how it directly addresses the identified problem. The rationale should be supported by evidence, research, or expert opinions to establish credibility and strengthen the argument for your proposal.

Next, it is important to outline the specific objectives and goals of your proposal. These objectives should be realistic, measurable, and aligned with the problem statement. By clearly stating the desired outcomes of your proposal, you can show your audience the benefits they can expect to achieve by accepting your proposal.

In addition to presenting the objectives, it is crucial to provide a detailed action plan. This plan should outline the specific steps, strategies, and resources required to implement the proposed solution. By breaking down the implementation process, you can demonstrate your readiness and preparedness to carry out the proposal.

Furthermore, a proposal essay should address potential challenges or limitations that may arise during implementation. By acknowledging and addressing these concerns, you can show your audience that you have considered various perspectives and have developed contingency plans to overcome obstacles.

In conclusion, a well-structured and organized proposal essay is essential for effectively communicating your ideas and persuading your audience. By breaking down the essential elements and organizing them in a logical manner, you can create a compelling proposal that addresses the problem, provides a rationale, sets clear objectives, outlines an action plan, and anticipates potential challenges. Paying attention to organization and clarity will help ensure that your proposal essay is persuasive and impactful.

Researching and gathering evidence for your proposal essay

When preparing a proposal essay, the key to success lies in the research and evidence you gather to support your ideas and arguments. Thorough research is essential to ensure that your proposal is well-informed, well-supported, and persuasive.

Before diving into the research process, it is important to have a clear understanding of the topic you are proposing. Take the time to brainstorm and refine your ideas, identify the main points you want to address, and outline the structure of your essay. This initial planning will provide a solid foundation for your research and help you stay focused throughout the process.

Once you have a clear direction, start by gathering background information on the topic. This could involve reading academic articles, books, or reputable websites that provide authoritative insights into the subject matter. Taking notes and highlighting key points will help you organize your thoughts and identify potential gaps in your knowledge.

In addition to background research, it is crucial to conduct targeted research to support your proposed solution or argument. This involves finding evidence, data, and examples that illustrate the effectiveness or feasibility of your proposal. Look for scholarly articles, case studies, empirical data, and expert opinions that support your ideas. Examples and real-world evidence can make your proposal more compelling and credible.

When conducting research, be critical of the sources you consult. Evaluate the credibility, reliability, and relevance of each source to ensure that the information you include in your essay is trustworthy and valid. Peer-reviewed academic journals, government publications, and reputable research institutions are often good sources of reliable information.

As you gather evidence, keep in mind that a diverse range of perspectives can strengthen your proposal. Consider different viewpoints, counterarguments, and alternative solutions to demonstrate your understanding of the complexities of the issue and to address potential objections. This will make your essay more balanced and persuasive.

It is also important to properly cite and reference all the sources you use in your proposal essay. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also adds credibility to your own work. Follow a recognized citation style, such as APA or MLA, and ensure that you include an accurate bibliography or reference list.

In summary, researching and gathering evidence for your proposal essay is a crucial step in the writing process. Through thorough research, you can develop a well-informed and persuasive proposal that is supported by credible evidence and examples. By demonstrating a deep understanding of the topic and presenting a compelling argument, you increase the likelihood of your proposal being successful.

Tips for finding and utilizing credible sources

When working on your proposal essay, it is crucial to gather information from credible and reliable sources. This ensures that your arguments are backed up by trustworthy evidence and your proposal is grounded in facts and expert opinions. Here are some tips to help you find and utilize credible sources effectively.

• Start with scholarly databases: Scholarly databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and Google Scholar provide access to peer-reviewed articles, research papers, and academic journals. These sources are written by experts in the field and undergo rigorous review processes, making them highly reliable.
• Check the author’s credentials: Before using any source, it is important to evaluate the author’s expertise and qualifications. Look for their educational background, affiliations with reputable institutions, and any relevant experience in the field. This information can help you determine the credibility of the source.
• Consider the publication date: While older sources can still be valuable, it is essential to prioritize recent publications. Research in various fields evolves over time, and new studies and discoveries may have emerged since older sources were published. Seek out the most up-to-date information to ensure the accuracy and relevance of your proposal.
• Look for peer-reviewed sources: Peer-reviewed sources go through a thorough evaluation process by experts in the field, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the information presented. These sources are more reliable and trustworthy compared to non-peer-reviewed materials.
• Consult reputable institutions and organizations: Government agencies, reputable nonprofits, and well-established organizations often provide reliable information and data on various topics. Websites ending in .gov, .edu, and .org are generally more trustworthy, as they are associated with these credible institutions.
• Use multiple sources to cross-reference information: One of the best ways to ensure the credibility of your sources is to consult multiple sources on the same topic. Cross-referencing information from different sources allows you to verify the accuracy and reliability of the information. If multiple credible sources provide similar information, it strengthens the validity of your proposal.

By following these tips, you can find and utilize credible sources effectively, strengthening the quality and reliability of your proposal essay. Remember to critically evaluate each source and consider its relevance to your topic to ensure that you present a well-rounded and well-supported argument.

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Full Guide: How to Write a Proposal Essay

Writing a well-structured essay for the first time is no walk in the park. You need enough time to research thoroughly and present your thoughts convincingly. But what if you have limited time for research or are unfamiliar with the topic? Read through this comprehensive guide on how to write a proposal essay properly.

What is a Proposal Essay?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to write a proposal essay, it is important to understand what this assignment is all about.

A proposal essay is an academic paper that identifies a problem and proposes a solution. It is a common assignment for students of social sciences, business, and management.

What is the Purpose of a Proposal Essay?

The main purpose of a proposal essay is to suggest a solution to an existing problem. Instructors use these essays to evaluate your research and persuasive writing skills. Thus, failing a proposal essay can lower your course grade.

If you value your grade point average, you should work with a reliable proposal essay writing service to improve your grades. Our online proposal essay help provides you with a platform where you can pay someone to help you with your “ write my proposal essay ” request.

What are Various Types of Proposal Essays?

Proposal essays differ according to their purpose and target audience. For example, a business proposal essay aims to convince investors of a business idea.

Other types of proposal essays that our cheap essay writer can help with are:

• Political proposal essays
• Essays on educational projects
• Scientific proposal essays
• Essays on environmental issues
• Essays on social issues

What is the Format of a Proposal Essay?

A proposal essay consists of 7 main parts. It consists of an introduction, background, significance, research questions, study design, conclusion, and bibliography.

Each section plays an important role in conveying your message:

• Introduction. The introduction provides a brief overview of the topic you plan to address in your essay.
• Background. The background sheds more light on the problem you are trying to solve. It provides facts about why a problem requires a solution.
• Significance. You explain why the topic you have chosen is important. Back up your claims with statistics from the relevant literature.
• Research questions. This section contains questions that provide a framework for developing the proposal essay.
• Study Design. The study design section contains information about how the research will be conducted.
• Conclusion . The conclusion summarizes the above sections: Background, significance, and research questions.
• Bibliography. The bibliography contains a list of all sources used in your essay.

How to Write a Proposal Essay: The Writing Process

Writing a well-scored proposal essay involves several steps. Some of the steps that our essay writers often use are:

• Find a problem. Look for a problem that you think needs to be solved. You can get ideas from recent news stories, research reports, or journals in your field of interest.
• Do extensive research. Once you have found a practical problem, do more research to make sure it’s a problem you can tackle. Consider whether it is realistic, helpful, and feasible.
• Define a solution. Identify multiple solutions and narrow it down to one that is clear, specific, and actionable.
• Know your audience . Knowing the audience you are writing for will help you communicate your message effectively and persuade your readers. The audience could be a group of experts, a general audience or a special interest group.
• Write the essay. Write the essay about the proposal in clear language. Provide evidence to support your proposed solution. Use headings to organize the essay and make it easier to read. Lastly, revise your proposal to make sure it is error-free.

How to Write a Proposal Essay: How to Format

You can format your proposal essay in a variety of styles. The choice depends on the instructions and the course. Some common formatting styles you can use when writing this academic paper include:

• AMA (American Medical Association)
• APA (American Psychological Association)
• Harvard/ Turabian
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers)
• MLA (Modern Language Association)

How to Write a Proposal Essay: Importance of Writing

A proposal essay not only helps instructors assess your knowledge in a particular course, but also strengthens your problem-solving skills. The essay encourages you to brainstorm ideas, identify gaps and propose innovative solutions.

Aside from problem-solving, learning how to write my proposal essay has many benefits, such as:

• Improved critical thinking. Writing a proposal essay can improve your critical thinking skills in many ways. First, the essay encourages you to evaluate sources and select the most relevant ones. Second, the proposal exercises your ability to evaluate many solutions and select the best one based on logic.
• Enhanced research skills. Writing a proposal essay takes your research skills to the next level. The assignment trains you to gather different sources of information and evaluate their relevance. You will also learn different formatting and citation styles.
• Improved persuasive skills. Writing a proposal essay will help you develop strong persuasive skills. After writing a series of essays, you will learn how to present your ideas logically. You will also learn how to respond to counterarguments with evidence.
• Enhanced writing skills. When you learn how to write a proposal essay , you learn several things. First, the essay teaches you to present ideas logically. Also, writing a proposal essay teaches you how to use grammar, punctuation, and citations correctly.
• Preparation for the real world of proposals. Learning how to write a proposal essay can prepare you for writing real proposals. For example, if you are taking a research-related course, the essay will prepare you for writing grant proposals. If you are a business major, the knowledge you gain from the essay will help you with business proposal writing.

How to Write a Proposal Essay: Top Writing Tips

To write a successful essay on a proposal, you should choose a topic that you are familiar with. Such a topic will make your writing easier.

If you ask us, “ write me a proposal essay” we will use the following tips:

• Identify an impactful problem . There are many problems that you can choose as a topic for your proposal essay. However, if you want to choose a topic that you are comfortable with, you should choose one that has an impact on society; it should probably be a problem that people want to know more about.
• Propose the solution. Once you have identified a problem, research the topic thoroughly. Then brainstorm possible solutions, including strategies and initiatives. Once you have a list of possible solutions, evaluate them for feasibility. Select the most effective and feasible solution.
• Support your assertions with evidence. Evidence quantifies the problem and lends credibility to your proposal. It shows your instructor that you have done sufficient research. So use it liberally to back up your claims. Evidence can include statistical data and case studies.
• Address possible objections. A good proposal essay does not just propose a solution to a problem. It also anticipates possible objections and addresses them. Our professional proposal essay writers claim that addressing these objections shows that you have considered all sides of the problem before proposing a solution.
• Edit and revise. Mistakes can cause you to lose some points. Therefore, revise your essay several times before submitting it. Check your essay for grammatical and spelling errors. Also check the coherence and consistency of the ideas in your essay.

How to Write a Proposal Essay: Common Mistakes Students Make When Writing

When it comes to learning how to write a proposal essay , it is important to know the most common mistakes students make. This way, you will know what to look for before you submit the essay.

When you ask us, “ do my proposal essay,” we’ll avoid five of the most common mistakes you should watch out for:

• Insufficient evidence to back the proposed solution . Your proposed solution is not an opinion, but a logical choice . Without evidence, your instructor will grade your contribution as weak. You will receive an unsatisfactory grade for the essay.
• Focusing too much on the problem rather than the proposed solution . Although it is important to define the problem your essay solves, do not focus too much on it. That would distract you from presenting a clear solution to your instructor. As a result, your essay will not do well.
• Not tailoring the proposal to the intended audience . A good business proposal essay should be tailored to a specific audience. For example, you should tailor a business proposal to investors. If you do not, the essay may be less convincing, and you probably will not get the best grade.
• Failing to follow the instructor’s guidelines . In many cases, your instructors will provide you with a guide to walk you through the writing process. The guide will include information about format, citation style, and general structure. If you do not use the guide, do not pay attention to the details. Your professor will penalize you if you do not follow the instructions.
• Including unnecessary information . A proposal essay with unnecessary information distracts the lecturer from the main topic of the essay. So, in any case, try to stay on topic. Avoid unnecessary details such as personal anecdotes and excessive background information.

How to Choose Topics for Your Proposal Essay

Choosing a topic is another important task when you are learning how to write a proposal essay . According to our proposal essay editing service, the topic you choose will determine the grade you receive.

A thought-provoking topic will show your instructor that you have put effort into your research. A broad topic can result in a poor grade because it does not allow for meaningful analysis.

So how do you avoid the latter type of topic? Our essay writing help has compiled tips for choosing the right topic:

• Choose a topic that you love. Choose a topic from an area that you understand and like. Start by choosing many topics that you are passionate about. Then, evaluate each topic to determine the one with the most potential for a successful proposal essay.
• Look for uniqueness. Having a unique topic sets your proposal apart from other students’. It shows your professor that you have put thought into choosing your topic.
• Research the problem. Researching your problem will help you better understand the problem, its causes and its effects. Also, research will help you gather the data and statistics you need to know if the problem is easy to describe.

Examples of Proposal Essay Topics

Good essay proposal topics focus on issues relating to society, the environment, education, or the economy. These may include topics such as income inequality, access to healthcare, and climate change.

Examples of topics our essay writer help has covered include:

• Immigration policy
• Technology and its impact on society
• Gun control and gun violence prevention
• Income inequality
• Mental health awareness

How Long Should a Proposal Essay Be?

Length is another important point that you should not disregard when learning how to write a proposal essay . An essay that meets expectations should be long enough to thoroughly analyze the problem and the proposed solution. However, it should not be so long that it loses the reader’s interest.

Below are the recommended lengths for proposal essays at different academic levels:

• High school: 600-1,000 words
• College: 750-1,000 words
• University: 1,100-1,500 words
• Masters: 1,100-2,000 words
• Doctoral thesis: 1,100-2,000 words

Learn More on How to Write a Proposal Essay

Writing an essay on a proposal can be a daunting task. It requires a considerable amount of time and effort. Even for experienced writers, there is a possibility of making mistakes that can lead to a lower grade.

However, you can avoid these challenges by asking us, “write me my essay.” We have worked on many essay proposals before and will create a proposal that meets your expectations.

Buy proposal essay today.

FAQs on Our Proposal Essay Writing Service

Here you will find short answers to frequently asked questions about proposal essay writing help.

How do I write a thesis for my proposal essay?

State the problem that your proposal addresses. Then state the solution or approach you propose. Your thesis should be specific, clear, and debatable.

How is a proposal essay structured?

Students who pay for essays are given an essay with 11 main components: Title Page, Introduction, Problem Statement, Proposal, and Plan of Action. In addition, our team of essay writers also include the desired outcomes, an evaluation, a timeline, a conclusion, and references.

How do I write an introduction for my proposal essay?

The introduction of a proposal essay begins with a hook, such as a relevant statistic. After the hook, the introduction provides a context for the problem. It ends with a thesis statement.

Full Guide: How to Write a Response essay

Full guide: how to write a reflection paper, one thought on “ full guide: how to write a proposal essay ”.

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180+ Proposal Essay Topics in 2024

Table of contents

• 1 What Is a Proposal Argument Essay?
• 2 Interesting Proposal Essay Topics
• 3 Environment & Global Warming
• 4 Technology
• 5 Business Proposal Essay Ideas
• 6 Proposal Essay Topics on Education
• 7 Personal Development and Psychology
• 8 History Proposal Essay Topics
• 9 Culture Proposal Writing Ideas
• 10 Literature Proposal Essay Topics
• 11.1 Law and Justice
• 11.2 Politics and Government
• 11.3 Topics on Economics
• 12 Tips for Proposal Argument Essay Writing
• 13 Conclusion

Do you need to work on a proposal essay but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry; we’re here to help! This guide will walk you through how to start drafting a proposal essay that will get you the desired grade. We’ll discuss how to choose a topic, how to structure your document, how to make sure it is persuasive and well-written, and cover more than a hundred themes to choose from.

Regarding the themes, we’ll cover interesting proposal essay topics with solutions, ranging from medical proposal essay topics to even funny proposal essay topics. So let’s get started!

What Is a Proposal Argument Essay?

It is an argumentative essay in which you propose a solution to a problem . It can be written for an academic audience, such as your professor or classmates, or it can be for a more general audience, such as a government body or business.

To come up with a good paper, you need to have a subject you are passionate about and know there is a problem. For example, if you are interested in environmental issues, you might research the problems with plastic pollution. If you are interested in education, you might research problems with the current school system.

Once you have chosen your field of study, you can seek help from various services, such as a research proposal writing service , to explore themes related to your topic. This approach will help you gain a deeper understanding and find evidence to support your findings. After completing your research, you will be ready to start putting together your paper!

Interesting Proposal Essay Topics

Choosing the right topic for a proposal essay can be challenging, but it is crucial for success in college. A good topic captures interest and provides a solid foundation for your research. To help you get started, we have compiled a list of intriguing proposal essay topics that cover various subjects.

Need help with your proposal essay? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

Environment & Global Warming

Here are some environment essay ideas to get you started:

• Ways to reduce plastic pollution
• Effects of air pollution on human health
• Methods to reduce food waste and control global climate change
• Risks associated with fracking
• Importance of protecting endangered species
• Steps to reduce car emissions
• Advantages of using renewable energy
• Exploring climate change through contemporary literature
• Issues with nuclear power plants
• Strategies to encourage recycling
• Importance of conserving water resources
• Ways to combat global warming effectively
• Implementing sustainable practices in daily life
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through innovative solutions
• Adapting to climate change at a community level
• Promoting environmental sustainability in urban areas
• Addressing environmental issues through policy changes
• Methods for effective environmental conservation
• The impact of environmental policies on local communities
• Alternatives to plastic bags for a cleaner environment
• The role of sustainable agriculture in mitigating climate change
• Policies to reduce the use of plastic bags in retail stores
• How sustainable agriculture practices can combat climate change
• Innovative solutions to replace plastic bags and reduce environmental impact

When creating this kind of text, it is important to remember that you are trying to persuade the reader to accept your solution. This means that you need to make sure your text is clear and easy to follow. You will also need to find evidence to support your claim. Finally, practice makes perfect!

Technology themes are easy proposal essay topics and always evolving. There are always new problems to solve. Here are technology subjects to get you started:

• The problem of Internet addiction
• How to secure data online
• The dark side of social media
• How to stop cyberbullying
• Identity theft
• The pros and cons of artificial intelligence
• How driverless cars will impact society
• The future of virtual reality
• The impact of the Internet on education
• How biometrics will change security measures
• The impact of modern technologies on education
• Ethical considerations in scientific research advancements
• The influence of modern media on public opinion
• How social media platforms shape political discourse
• Economic benefits of adopting renewable energy sources

Business Proposal Essay Ideas

Business writing is a common assignment in business school. To craft a good one, you need to choose a relevant theme that can be expanded. Here are ten business project proposal ideas to get you started:

• The pros and cons of starting your own business
• How to come up with a business plan
• What investors look for in a startup
• How to pitch your business idea
• The challenges of being a young entrepreneur
• How to balance work and life when you’re self-employed
• The importance of customer service
• How a social presence can help or hurt your business
• The role of marketing in a successful business
• Developing an effective sales strategy
• The impact of economic development on small businesses
• Balancing economic development with environmental sustainability
• The role of corporate social responsibility in modern business practices
• Strategies to ensure economic stability in volatile markets
• Economic benefits of embracing digital transformation in businesses
• Challenges faced by developing countries in attracting foreign investment

These are just some of the potential subjects you could develop in a business paper. Do some research and pick one that interests you!

Proposal Essay Topics on Education

Here are education proposal topic ideas to get you started:

• Ways to address the problem of illiteracy
• Strategies to improve test scores
• Solutions for reducing the high dropout rate
• Methods to reduce bullying in schools
• Techniques for improving communication between teachers and students
• How to make school more engaging for students
• The impact of technology on education
• Pros and cons of homeschooling
• The importance of implementing comprehensive sex education
• Effective methods for disciplining children
• Ways to support the mental health of college athletes
• Improving nutritional quality in school lunch programs
• How to enhance educational outcomes through innovative teaching methods
• Strategies for increasing parental involvement in children’s education
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The possibilities are endless when it comes to the kinds of papers you can write. Research, pick an interesting topic, and go from there!

Personal Development and Psychology

Here are personal development and psychology topic proposal ideas to get you started:

• How to overcome procrastination
• How to deal with anxiety
• How to manage stress
• The benefits of meditation
• The role of therapy in personal development
• How to set good goals and achieve them
• How to overcome negative thinking
• Building self-confidence
• Dealing with envy
• Overcoming jealousy
• Strategies to raise mental health awareness in schools
• Effective ways to support mental health during the college years
• Improving social life for better mental well-being
• Building stronger interpersonal relationships in the digital age
• Techniques for personal development in a fast-paced world
• Addressing ethical dilemmas in modern psychological practices

History Proposal Essay Topics

• How the American Revolution changed America
• The causes of the Civil War
• How the Industrial Revolution changed America
• The Roaring Twenties: A decade of change
• The Big Depression and the New Deal
• World War II: The home front experience
• The black lives matter movement in 2024
• The civil rights movement
• The fall of communism in Eastern Europe
• The end of apartheid in South Africa
• The influence of the modern world on global politics
• Challenges facing contemporary society in the 21st century
• Analyzing the most significant historical events of the last decade
• Economic development challenges in developing countries
• The impact of cultural diversity on national identity
• Key historical events that shaped modern society

History is so much more than just the past, it’s an exploration of human nature. And that means there are all sorts of fascinating themes you can write about!

Culture Proposal Writing Ideas

• How social networks have changed the way we communicate
• The impact of globalization on culture
• How immigration has changed America
• The role of women in society
• Racism in America
• Homophobia in America
• Promoting gender equality in the workplace
• Fostering tolerant behavior in multicultural societies
• The effects of streaming services on traditional television consumption
• The impact of meme culture on political discourse
• Challenges and opportunities of remote work in the digital age
• The influence of online education on traditional schooling
• Cyberbullying and its effects on mental health
• The role of social media influencers in shaping public opinion
• The representation of minorities in digital media
• Privacy concerns in the era of big data
• The digital divide and its impact on education equality
• The influence of virtual reality on social interactions

Culture is a fascinating subject that can make for an engaging paper. There are so many different areas to explore, and it’s up to you as the writer how in-depth your research will be!

Literature Proposal Essay Topics

• The decline of printed media in the 21st century
• How the Internet has changed the way we consume literature
• The evolution of dystopian themes in contemporary literature
• The portrayal of mental health in modern fiction
• The impact of social media on literary criticism
• Representation of LGBTQ+ characters in 21st-century novels
• The role of women writers in shaping modern literary trends
• The influence of technology on narrative structure in fiction
• Depiction of immigrant experiences in recent literature
• The resurgence of poetry in the digital age
• Exploring themes of identity in young adult literature
• The impact of self-publishing on the literary market
• The role of literature in the Black Lives Matter movement
• Portrayal of pandemics in contemporary fiction
• The influence of graphic novels on literary culture
• Exploring cultural hybridity in global literature

Social Life and Social Issues Proposal Essay Topics

Here are some social life issues headlines to get you started:

• How to reduce crime in your community
• The role of the media in society
• Addressing illegal drug use in urban areas
• Solutions for improving healthcare accessibility for low-income families
• Strategies to combat homelessness among low-income families
• Domestic violence: Causes and solutions
• Preventing drunk driving through community initiatives
• Elder abuse: Recognition and prevention strategies
• Child abuse prevention and intervention programs
• Human trafficking: Global and local responses
• Addressing the rise of illegal immigration during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Combating childhood obesity through effective programs
• Animal cruelty: Legislation and enforcement
• The importance of comprehensive sex education in schools
• Exploring moral responsibility in contemporary society
• The role of religious education in promoting ethical values
• Addressing world hunger through sustainable practices
• Ethical implications of modern surveillance technologies
• The importance of early childhood education in social development

Why not develop your own social life paper? There are an infinite number of potential subjects you could choose from! Research and pick one that interests you.

Law and Justice

Here are ten law and justice high-level but good themes to get you started:

• The death penalty: Pros and Cons
• The problem of false confessions
• How to manage sexual harassment lawsuits
• The issue of police brutality
• Racial discrimination in the criminal justice system
• The problem of mass incarceration
• Is our current immigration system fair?
• Can you argue that there should be stricter gun control laws?
• Should the legal drinking age be raised?
• Should marijuana be legalized?

These are just some of the potential topics you could research about.

Politics and Government

Here are ten politics and government themes to get you started:

• The problem of voter turnout
• How to improve the political process
• The issue of campaign finance reform
• How to reduce corruption in government
• The role of lobbyists in government
• Is our current tax system fair?
• Should the government do more to regulate big business?
• What is the best way to handle the issue of illegal immigration?
• Should the government do more to protect the environment?
• What is the best way to handle the issue of climate change?

Topics on Economics

Here are ten economy proposal paper topics to get you started:

• The problem of income inequality
• The issue of jobs outsourcing
• How to improve the American economy
• The role of the Federal Reserve in the economy
• The problem of trade deficits
• Should the minimum wage be raised?
• Is capitalism the best economic system?
• What is the best way to reduce unemployment?
• Should there be stricter regulation of the financial sector?
• The role of the Federal Reserve

When it comes to writing a proposal essay, students can face several challenges. However, with the help of an online essay writing service , students can get professional assistance in selecting a suitable proposal essay topic and completing the entire essay. Papersowl.com provides guidance on researching the issue, outlining the essay, and crafting the final draft, ensuring that the essay meets the course requirements.

Tips for Proposal Argument Essay Writing

Let’s talk about some essential tips to ensure your essay stands out and persuades your reader effectively. Here are key strategies to enhance your proposal argument essay:

• Ensure Clarity and Accuracy:

Your essay must be well-written, free of grammar and spelling errors. A polished document enhances credibility and shows that you take your work seriously. Be clear and concise in your writing. Your goal is to persuade the reader, so ensure your arguments are easy to follow and understand.

• Support with Evidence:

Back up your proposal argument with solid evidence. Use reliable sources to support your claims and strengthen your argument. Look for top proposal essay examples in your field to gather insights and ideas on structuring and presenting your proposal.

• Practice and Revise:

Writing is a skill that improves with practice. The more you write and revise, the better your essays will become. Don’t be afraid to draft and redraft until your essay is compelling and clear. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to refine your arguments and improve your writing.

• Choose the Right Topic:

Select a topic you are passionate about and that addresses a specific problem. A topic that genuinely interests you will be easier to research and write about. Ensure the topic is debatable, with clear opposing viewpoints to address in your essay. This will make your argument more robust and comprehensive.

• Conduct Thorough Research:

Once you’ve chosen a topic, conduct extensive research to understand the issue fully. Gather information from various sources to get a well-rounded view. Use this research to build a strong foundation for your proposal, making your argument more persuasive and credible.

And if you’re willing to get some extra help to save time and effort, you can always try our pay to write essay offering today and kick back while professional writers craft a top-notch paper just for you!

So, what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite theme and get started typing proposals with any topic you like! The sooner you start, the more time you’ll have to revise and polish your work. And don’t forget to ask for help if you need it – professors are always happy to offer guidance and feedback.

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How to Write a Paper Topic Proposal & Thesis Statement

•    PART 1 OF THE ASSIGNMENT: PAPER TOPIC PROPOSAL The formal research paper or honors thesis will provide you with an opportunity to more fully develop the background and implications of one of the topics presented during the semester or explore a related topic not covered. Your paper topic proposal requires research in order to make your proposal as close to your paper topic as possible. I strongly suggest you come to office hours to discuss your topic proposal with me, because I will review all proposals for viability and reject any inappropriate or undoable topics. The written proposal must include the following 2 things: 1.    Your proposed paper topic: This part of the proposal is one sentence. Keep your paper topic narrow (but not so narrow that there are no scholarly sources available on the topic). 2.    Why the topic is interesting and important: Address how you will focus the topic. If you choose a topic that is not of interest to you, it will show in your paper. This topic must remain of interest to you for two semesters, so give it some serious consideration. As we cover topics in class, undoubtedly something will come up that you want to learn more about. This would be an ideal paper topic. This part of the assignment requires that you include two to three paragraphs about why this topic is interesting and important. Why should the reader care about Roger Williams’s relationship with the Narragansett Indians? If you simply retell the story of his exile from Massachusetts and what he thought of the Narragansett religious beliefs and practices, that’s a book report, not an honors level research paper. However, if you explore the significance Narragansett religion had on Williams, his writings, and his life, you have the makings of an interesting and important research paper. It would require research pertaining to the role of missionaries in the American colonies, research of the Puritan philosophy and why Williams was banned from Massachusetts Bay Colony, and research of Narragansett beliefs and religious views and how they were impacted by the English and Dutch.

What should your paper topic be?  Select a course-related topic. I suggest you write about an area that most interests you and in which you might already have some background knowledge. What do you want to learn more about? What are you interested in? Avoid choosing a topic that bores you. Sustained interest in your topic is important, as a topic that bores you makes for a boring paper. It is unlikely you will be able to fool the reader into believing you liked a topic that you didn’t actually like.

Now, narrow down your topic:  Once you’ve chosen a topic, ask yourself if it’s narrow enough for you to tackle in the paper or honors thesis you will be writing. Narrow topics generally result in the best papers. One important consideration is the availability of material. Therefore, before making a final decision on your topic, do some initial research to find out the type, quality, and quantity of information available. Finally, how much time do you have to write your paper? The earlier you begin your paper, the more thorough the treatment your topic will receive. If you can’t begin your paper early in the semester, consider limiting your topic so you can deal with it adequately.

•    PART 2 OF THE ASSIGNMENT: THESIS STATEMENT What is a thesis statement?  A thesis statement is “a proposition stated as a conclusion which you will then demonstrate or ‘prove’ in your paper.”  It is the focal point around which your research will revolve. It is usually stated in the form of an assertion or statement you resolve through your research. It’s not a question; it’s an answer, such as: “Key decisions in large U.S. cities are made by a handful of individuals, drawn largely from business, industrial, and municipal circles, who occupy the top of the power hierarchy.” “Cigarette smoking harms the body by constricting the blood vessels, accelerating the heartbeat, paralyzing the cilia in the bronchial tubes, and activating excessive gastric secretions in the stomach.” A thesis takes a position on an issue. Because you must take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement in your research paper. It is different from a topic sentence in that a thesis statement is not neutral. It announces, in addition to the topic, the argument you want to make or the point you want to prove. This is your own opinion that you intend to back up. This is your reason and motivation for writing. A thesis statement: i)    tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. ii)    is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. iii)    directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel. iv)    makes a claim that others might dispute. v)    is usually a single sentence somewhere in your first paragraph that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation. After you have done some preliminary research and reading on your narrowed-down topic, you should formulate a single-sentence thesis statement.

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion – convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is the purpose of the thesis statement?  The thesis statement guides you, enabling you to focus your research paper and outline what you will write. It allows you to clarify your thinking and determine what is relevant and irrelevant as you do your research. Your research paper must be thesis-driven. A high school level “report” will not receive a passing grade. The thesis must pull together the analysis that follows. Your thesis statement must be specific – it should cover only what you will discuss in your research paper and must be supported with specific evidence. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper. Early in your paper I should be able to locate the thesis statement. If I ask you “Where is the thesis statement?” you should be able to point to it immediately.

How do you come up with a thesis statement?  A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process and careful deliberation after preliminary research. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading a writing assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis,” a basic main idea, an argument that you think you can support with evidence but that may need adjustment along the way. Your topic may change somewhat as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Samples: 1)    The non-thesis thesis: You must take a stand or you’ll end up with a “non-thesis thesis.” a)    Bad Thesis 1: In his article, Stanley Fish shows that we don’t really have the right to free speech. b)    Bad Thesis 2: This paper will consider the advantages and disadvantages of certain restrictions on free speech. c)    Better Thesis 1: Stanley Fish’s argument that free speech exists more as a political prize than as a legal reality ignores the fact that even as a political prize it still serves the social end of creating a general cultural atmosphere of tolerance that may ultimately promote free speech in our nation just as effectively as any binding law. d)    Better Thesis 2: Even though there may be considerable advantages to restricting hate speech, the possibility of chilling open dialogue on crucial racial issues is too great and too high a price to pay. 2)    The overly broad thesis: A thesis should be as specific as possible, and it should be tailored to reflect the scope of the paper. It is not possible, for instance, to write about the history of English literature in a five-page paper. In addition to choosing simply a smaller topic, strategies to narrow a thesis include specifying a method or perspective or delineating certain limits. a)    Bad Thesis 1: There should be no restrictions on the First Amendment. b)    Bad Thesis 2: The government has the right to limit free speech. c)    Better Thesis 1: There should be no restrictions on the First Amendment if those restrictions are intended merely to protect individuals from unspecified or otherwise unquantifiable or unverifiable “emotional distress.” d)    Better Thesis 2: The government has the right to limit free speech in cases of overtly racist or sexist language because our failure to address such abuses would effectively suggest that our society condones such ignorant and hateful views. 3)    The incontestable thesis: A thesis must be arguable. And in order for it to be arguable, it must present a view that someone might reasonably contest. Sometimes a thesis ultimately says, “people should be good,” or “bad things are bad.” Such thesis statements are redundant or so universally accepted that there is no need to prove the point. a)    Bad Thesis 1: Although we have the right to say what we want, we should avoid hurting other people’s feelings. b)    Bad Thesis 2: There are always alternatives to using racist speech. c)    Better Thesis 1: If we can accept that emotional injuries can be just as painful as physical ones we should limit speech that may hurt people’s feelings in ways similar to the way we limit speech that may lead directly to bodily harm. d)    Better Thesis 2: The “fighting words” exception to free speech is not legitimate because it wrongly considers speech as an action. 4)    The “list essay” thesis: A good argumentative thesis provides not only a position on an issue but also suggests the structure of the paper. The thesis should allow the reader to imagine and anticipate the flow of the paper, in which a sequence of points logically proves the essay’s main assertion. A list essay provides no such structure, so that different points and paragraphs appear arbitrary with no logical connection to one another. a)    Bad Thesis 1: There are many reasons we need to limit hate speech. b)    Bad Thesis 2: Some of the arguments in favor of regulating pornography are persuasive. c)    Better Thesis 1: Among the many reasons we need to limit hate speech the most compelling ones all refer to our history of discrimination and prejudice, and it is, ultimately, for the purpose of trying to repair our troubled racial society that we need hate speech legislation. d)    Better Thesis 2: Some of the arguments in favor of regulating pornography are persuasive because they ask pornography proponents to ask themselves whether such a profession would be on a list of professions they would desire for their daughters or mothers. 5)    The research paper thesis: In another course this would be acceptable, and, in fact, possibly even desirable. But in this kind of course, a thesis statement that makes a factual claim that can be verified only with scientific, sociological, psychological, or other kind of experimental evidence is not appropriate. You need to construct a thesis that you are prepared to prove using the tools you have available, without having to consult the world’s leading expert on the issue to provide you with a definitive judgment. a)    Bad Thesis 1: Americans today are not prepared to give up on the concept of free speech. b)    Bad Thesis 2: Hate speech can cause emotional pain and suffering in victims just as intense as physical battery. c)    Better Thesis 1: Whether or not the cultural concept of free speech bears any relation to the reality of 1st amendment legislation and jurisprudence, its continuing social function as a promoter of tolerance and intellectual exchange trumps the call for politicization (according to Fish’s agenda) of the term. d)    Better Thesis 2: The various arguments against the regulation of hate speech depend on the unspoken and unexamined assumption that emotional pain is trivial.

How do I know if my thesis is strong?  If there’s time, run it by a professor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback (http://www.umass.edu/writingcenter/index.html). Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft of your working thesis, ask yourself the following: 1)    Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. 2)    Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument. 3)    Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”? 4)    Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is, “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue. 5)    Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary. 6)    Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Jane M. Smith Honors ____ [Date] Paper Topic Proposal and Thesis Statement Proposed paper topic: [One sentence.] Why the topic is interesting and important: [Two to three paragraphs.] See details above on what is required of this section. Thesis statement: [One sentence.]

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How To Write A Proposal Essay In 2023?

Also Read: Best Cheap Essay Writing Service , Cheap Essays Online , Online Essay Service

Table of Contents

How To Write A Proposal Essay (Writing Guide)

• How to start a proposal essay
• How to write body for a proposal essay
• How to conclude a proposal essay
• Outline example

Briefly, a proposal essay is an essay which puts forward an original idea, and then defends it through the use of well-backed up research and personal opinion combined to try and persuade whoever is reading it of the advantages\disadvantages of the idea.

Proposals are mainly found in three fields: education (it is a good way to teach and learn critical thinking), business (as a way of showing why particular moves would be a bad idea, or a good one, respectively), and economics, for much the same reason. This of course does not mean that they are limited to these areas – proposal essay writing is something which can be useful for many fields.

How to Start a Proposal Essay

Much of the work which goes into a good proposal essay is done ahead of time; as the following paragraphs will show, being able to persuade others of your point of view is as much to do with the quality of the research being done, and the ways in which you pitch your argument as it does with the writing style.  Writing is (it should go without saying) important, but it can only do so much.

Knowing the audience for your work is incredibly important – the audience will determine the overall tone of the paper, as well as possibly influence the types of sources which can and should be used to back up the arguments made in the paper itself. For example, if the paper is aimed at business people, then arguments should revolve around the financial benefits or drawbacks of the situation being proposed. Alternatively, academics should be tackled by using strictly academic sources and previous academic theories , whether to agree with them or disagree.

Don’t skip over the research. This is the most important part of the process, even more so than having polished writing; less than stellar writing and good research will stand up to scrutiny far more easily than perfect writing and a lack of research will. Good research also makes it more likely that the essay will fulfill its purpose in persuading other people to the point of view it discusses.

Before writing the essay, start by creating a list of your ideas, and forming them into an outline . This outline does not need to be fixed, but it will you to organize your thoughts and the essay so that they both flow coherently in the writing.

An introduction in an essay is how you introduce the topic to whoever is reading. Not only is it the place to lay out the arguments which you will be relying on throughout the essay, but also gives space for any necessary history or important people to be mentioned and discussed before the actual essay begins. The introduction is possibly one of the most important parts of the essay, as it sets up what is to come, and begins the work of persuading people of a particular point of view by convincing them to read on. Outside of an educational setting, proposal essays are generally only written as a means of solving a problem or showing one potential way to solve a problem. Therefore, they highlight the problem which they are attempting to solve within the introduction itself, so as to ensure that the audience understands.

Related: Why Order Essay Writing Service

How to Write the Main Part of a Proposal Essay

An outline will be featured at the end of this article, which will show the relevant parts of a proposal essay – note that depending on the context, some parts may need to be taken out or rearranged to better suit what it is trying to convey.

The Proposal

The proposal should act as a statement of purpose, something which explains the purpose behind writing the essay.  It can be anything from a few lines long to an entire paragraph – it depends on the length of the essay itself – but it should contain the problem\opinion\topic which is under discussion, and an explanation of why it is worth debating.

Body Paragraph One – First Argument

This is the paragraph where you lay out your first argument for or against the proposal. Make sure that the writing is good, clear, and doesn’t go off into unnecessary tangents. Similarly, make sure that everything is referenced properly, and prepare to back up every argument (including any follow-up arguments) with well-checked facts.

Body Paragraph Two – Second Argument

This should be the same as above, except with an entirely new argument.

Body Paragraph Three – Third (Opposing) Argument

Again, this should be the same as above, although many people use it as a means of expressing an opposing opinion to the one they hold. It is entirely up to the writer as to how to use this paragraph, though it should be noted that devoting time to debunking the more common arguments or opposing opinions in the essay will tell the audience that the research into the problem has been thorough and well-done.

How to Conclude a Proposal Essay

The conclusion should not be a simple re-statement of the introduction, with all of the relevant history and essay points, but it should contain some elements of it all. You should include just enough to serve as a reminder of why the proposal was deemed appropriate in the first place, without any in-depth knowledge of the introduction. The main arguments being made in your proposal should also be reiterated. Once this is done, there are two ways in which a proposal essay can be ended, and it depends on what type of proposal essay was being written. If the proposal essay was written in an educational setting, then the conclusion should wrap up all the research done and deliver the final conclusion, along with any last pieces of information which might be appropriate at this stage. The other kind of proposal essay, the one did in a professional setting, should have several more strands to it.

For people who are giving a professional proposal essay : state the goal of the proposal, just to ensure that everybody who reads the essay knows what it is handling, and then focus on why the proposal will work, with reference to any previous moves in this direction, or any potential assets to the proposal which would particularly suit your audience.

Outline Example

• It should be banned because it goes against the family-friendly nature of the paper
• It should be banned because it is overall degrading, and outdated
• It should not be banned because the women gave their consent to be photographed that way.
• Proposal – page three is something that should be banned because it is an outdated feature of the newspaper which blatantly goes against the nature of the paper as stated by its publishers. It has no place in a society that claims to view men and women as equal.
• Body paragraph one – the Sun claims that it is family-friendly, so what message is the topless woman sending to the family, and specifically, to children? It teaches boys that women should be related to sex objects, it teaches girls that they should be okay with being related to a sex object.
• Body paragraph two – women are supposed to be seen as equals in our society, but there are no corresponding naked men features, so the topless women become one more part of our ‘sex-sells’ culture. This is degrading to women who want to be more than that.
• Body paragraph three – the women in question are presumably over the age of consent and therefore chose to be photographed like this. Is it not degrading to take their choice away from them?
• Reiterate the proposal
• Go over the main arguments
• Come to an overall conclusion.

What (Exactly) Is A Research Proposal?

A simple explainer with examples + free template.

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Reviewed By: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | June 2020 (Updated April 2023)

Whether you’re nearing the end of your degree and your dissertation is on the horizon, or you’re planning to apply for a PhD program, chances are you’ll need to craft a convincing research proposal . If you’re on this page, you’re probably unsure exactly what the research proposal is all about. Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Overview: Research Proposal Basics

• What a research proposal is
• What a research proposal needs to cover
• How to structure your research proposal
• Example /sample proposals
• Proposal writing FAQs
• Key takeaways & additional resources

What is a research proposal?

Simply put, a research proposal is a structured, formal document that explains what you plan to research (your research topic), why it’s worth researching (your justification), and how  you plan to investigate it (your methodology). 

The purpose of the research proposal (its job, so to speak) is to convince  your research supervisor, committee or university that your research is  suitable  (for the requirements of the degree program) and  manageable  (given the time and resource constraints you will face). 

The most important word here is “ convince ” – in other words, your research proposal needs to  sell  your research idea (to whoever is going to approve it). If it doesn’t convince them (of its suitability and manageability), you’ll need to revise and resubmit . This will cost you valuable time, which will either delay the start of your research or eat into its time allowance (which is bad news). 

What goes into a research proposal?

A good dissertation or thesis proposal needs to cover the “ what “, “ why ” and” how ” of the proposed study. Let’s look at each of these attributes in a little more detail:

Your proposal needs to clearly articulate your research topic . This needs to be specific and unambiguous . Your research topic should make it clear exactly what you plan to research and in what context. Here’s an example of a well-articulated research topic:

An investigation into the factors which impact female Generation Y consumer’s likelihood to promote a specific makeup brand to their peers: a British context

As you can see, this topic is extremely clear. From this one line we can see exactly:

• What’s being investigated – factors that make people promote or advocate for a brand of a specific makeup brand
• Who it involves – female Gen-Y consumers
• In what context – the United Kingdom

So, make sure that your research proposal provides a detailed explanation of your research topic . If possible, also briefly outline your research aims and objectives , and perhaps even your research questions (although in some cases you’ll only develop these at a later stage). Needless to say, don’t start writing your proposal until you have a clear topic in mind , or you’ll end up waffling and your research proposal will suffer as a result of this.

Need a helping hand?

As we touched on earlier, it’s not good enough to simply propose a research topic – you need to justify why your topic is original . In other words, what makes it  unique ? What gap in the current literature does it fill? If it’s simply a rehash of the existing research, it’s probably not going to get approval – it needs to be fresh.

But,  originality  alone is not enough. Once you’ve ticked that box, you also need to justify why your proposed topic is  important . In other words, what value will it add to the world if you achieve your research aims?

As an example, let’s look at the sample research topic we mentioned earlier (factors impacting brand advocacy). In this case, if the research could uncover relevant factors, these findings would be very useful to marketers in the cosmetics industry, and would, therefore, have commercial value . That is a clear justification for the research.

So, when you’re crafting your research proposal, remember that it’s not enough for a topic to simply be unique. It needs to be useful and value-creating – and you need to convey that value in your proposal. If you’re struggling to find a research topic that makes the cut, watch  our video covering how to find a research topic .

It’s all good and well to have a great topic that’s original and valuable, but you’re not going to convince anyone to approve it without discussing the practicalities – in other words:

• How will you actually undertake your research (i.e., your methodology)?
• Is your research methodology appropriate given your research aims?
• Is your approach manageable given your constraints (time, money, etc.)?

While it’s generally not expected that you’ll have a fully fleshed-out methodology at the proposal stage, you’ll likely still need to provide a high-level overview of your research methodology . Here are some important questions you’ll need to address in your research proposal:

• Will you take a qualitative , quantitative or mixed -method approach?
• What sampling strategy will you adopt?
• How will you collect your data (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc)?
• How will you analyse your data (e.g., descriptive and inferential statistics , content analysis, discourse analysis, etc, .)?
• What potential limitations will your methodology carry?

So, be sure to give some thought to the practicalities of your research and have at least a basic methodological plan before you start writing up your proposal. If this all sounds rather intimidating, the video below provides a good introduction to research methodology and the key choices you’ll need to make.

How To Structure A Research Proposal

Now that we’ve covered the key points that need to be addressed in a proposal, you may be wondering, “ But how is a research proposal structured? “.

While the exact structure and format required for a research proposal differs from university to university, there are four “essential ingredients” that commonly make up the structure of a research proposal:

• A rich introduction and background to the proposed research
• An initial literature review covering the existing research
• An overview of the proposed research methodology
• A discussion regarding the practicalities (project plans, timelines, etc.)

In the video below, we unpack each of these four sections, step by step.

Research Proposal Examples/Samples

In the video below, we provide a detailed walkthrough of two successful research proposals (Master’s and PhD-level), as well as our popular free proposal template.

Proposal Writing FAQs

How long should a research proposal be.

This varies tremendously, depending on the university, the field of study (e.g., social sciences vs natural sciences), and the level of the degree (e.g. undergraduate, Masters or PhD) – so it’s always best to check with your university what their specific requirements are before you start planning your proposal.

As a rough guide, a formal research proposal at Masters-level often ranges between 2000-3000 words, while a PhD-level proposal can be far more detailed, ranging from 5000-8000 words. In some cases, a rough outline of the topic is all that’s needed, while in other cases, universities expect a very detailed proposal that essentially forms the first three chapters of the dissertation or thesis.

The takeaway – be sure to check with your institution before you start writing.

How do I choose a topic for my research proposal?

Finding a good research topic is a process that involves multiple steps. We cover the topic ideation process in this video post.

How do I write a literature review for my proposal?

While you typically won’t need a comprehensive literature review at the proposal stage, you still need to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the key literature and are able to synthesise it. We explain the literature review process here.

How do I create a timeline and budget for my proposal?

We explain how to craft a project plan/timeline and budget in Research Proposal Bootcamp .

Which referencing format should I use in my research proposal?

The expectations and requirements regarding formatting and referencing vary from institution to institution. Therefore, you’ll need to check this information with your university.

What common proposal writing mistakes do I need to look out for?

We’ve create a video post about some of the most common mistakes students make when writing a proposal – you can access that here . If you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

• The research topic is too broad (or just poorly articulated).
• The research aims, objectives and questions don’t align.
• The research topic is not well justified.
• The study has a weak theoretical foundation.
• The research design is not well articulated well enough.
• Poor writing and sloppy presentation.
• Poor project planning and risk management.
• Not following the university’s specific criteria.

Key Takeaways & Additional Resources

As you write up your research proposal, remember the all-important core purpose:  to convince . Your research proposal needs to sell your study in terms of suitability and viability. So, focus on crafting a convincing narrative to ensure a strong proposal.

At the same time, pay close attention to your university’s requirements. While we’ve covered the essentials here, every institution has its own set of expectations and it’s essential that you follow these to maximise your chances of approval.

By the way, we’ve got plenty more resources to help you fast-track your research proposal. Here are some of our most popular resources to get you started:

• Proposal Writing 101 : A Introductory Webinar
• Research Proposal Bootcamp : The Ultimate Online Course
• Template : A basic template to help you craft your proposal

If you’re looking for 1-on-1 support with your research proposal, be sure to check out our private coaching service , where we hold your hand through the proposal development process (and the entire research journey), step by step.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

51 Comments

I truly enjoyed this video, as it was eye-opening to what I have to do in the preparation of preparing a Research proposal.

I would be interested in getting some coaching.

I real appreciate on your elaboration on how to develop research proposal,the video explains each steps clearly.

Thank you for the video. It really assisted me and my niece. I am a PhD candidate and she is an undergraduate student. It is at times, very difficult to guide a family member but with this video, my job is done.

In view of the above, I welcome more coaching.

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Bundle of thanks to you for the research proposal guide it was really good and useful if it is possible please send me the sample of research proposal

You’re most welcome. We don’t have any research proposals that we can share (the students own the intellectual property), but you might find our research proposal template useful: https://gradcoach.com/research-proposal-template/

Cheruiyot Moses Kipyegon

Thanks alot. It was an eye opener that came timely enough before my imminent proposal defense. Thanks, again

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I am an undergraduate student (First Degree) preparing to write my project,this video and explanation had shed more light to me thanks for your efforts keep it up.

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Thank you. This is a great insight. I am a student preparing for a PhD program. I am requested to write my Research Proposal as part of what I am required to submit before my unconditional admission. I am grateful having listened to this video which will go a long way in helping me to actually choose a topic of interest and not just any topic as well as to narrow down the topic and be specific about it. I indeed need more of this especially as am trying to choose a topic suitable for a DBA am about embarking on. Thank you once more. The video is indeed helpful.

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I need any research proposal

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

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As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Write a Salary Increase Letter (Example Included!)

Negotiating your salary can be a key step in advancing your career and boosting your financial stability—but it can also be pretty intimidating. The good news is that with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be so scary. That's where a salary increase letter comes in.

Whether you're asking for a raise due to your great performance, increased responsibilities, or changes in the market, a well-crafted letter asking for salary increment can be a powerful (and smooth) way to make your case.

In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about writing a salary increase letter, from understanding its purpose to tips on crafting an effective one. We'll also include sample letters and templates to help you get started. Plus, we’ve interviewed Muse career coach Jenn Smith , who shares her top advice on navigating this critical career move.

Need a higher salary? Check out open jobs on The Muse for your next big move »

What is a salary increase letter?

A salary increase letter is a formal document that employees use to request a raise from their employer. Unlike a salary review letter—which is typically initiated by the employer to communicate pay adjustments—a salary increase letter is written by the employee seeking a boost in compensation.

Writing a salary increase letter can be necessary for several reasons:

• Performance improvements : You've consistently exceeded your performance goals or achieved a significant milestone and believe your contributions are worth a higher salary.
• Increased responsibilities : Your role has expanded significantly, and your current salary no longer reflects the scope of your responsibilities.
• Market adjustments : Industry standards and market rates for your position have increased, and your current salary needs to catch up to these benchmarks.

When writing a letter to request a salary increase, it's generally more effective to address it to your direct manager or your department’s director rather than HR. Your manager is more familiar with your work, contributions, and the value you bring to the team. They are also likely involved in budget decisions and have the authority to advocate for your raise.

Is it OK to ask for a raise through a salary increase letter?

Yes, writing a salary increase letter can be a formal and respectful way to request a raise. It allows you to clearly articulate your reasons, provide evidence of your achievements , and give your employer time to consider your request. Plus, a letter is a documented record of your request and can be reviewed by decision-makers at different levels of the organization.

On the other hand, having an in-person conversation can be generally more effective. “This allows you to present your case dynamically, outlining your accomplishments, contributions, and the value you bring, and respond to questions or concerns in real-time,” Smith says, adding that a direct conversation also allows for immediate feedback. “Your manager can provide insights into decision-making, share any constraints or considerations, and offer guidance.”

She also believes it’s a good idea to supplement your conversation with a follow-up email to ensure clarity and provide a reference for future discussions.

How to write a salary increase letter

These tips will prepare you for writing an effective pay raise letter:

1. Research salary benchmarks

Conducting extensive research will strengthen your case and help you present a compelling argument.

“Research industry salary benchmarks for your role, experience level, and geographic location,” Smiths says. “Use reliable sources like industry salary surveys, compensation reports, and online salary databases.”

Additionally, be sure to understand your company's salary ranges, performance evaluation criteria, and typical raise percentages.

2. Choose the right time

Timing is crucial when it comes to writing a letter requesting pay increase. Making your request at the wrong time can significantly reduce your chances of success.

“Typically, organizations have annual or semiannual performance review cycles,” Smiths says. “Discuss this with your manager before the performance review process starts so they can consider it as they begin budget conversations.”

One common mistake she sees is “asking for a raise at an inappropriate time, such as during a company's financial downturn or immediately after a major organizational change or layoffs.” Avoid doing that at all costs.

3. Keep it clear and straightforward

Begin your letter by setting the context for your request and remind your employer of your role within the company. Clearly state your position, tenure with the company, and the purpose of the letter.

4. Detail your contributions and impact

In the main section of your letter, outline your accomplishments and contributions to the company. Highlight specific achievements, projects, or responsibilities that demonstrate your value.

Provide evidence of your impact, such as performance metrics, positive feedback from clients or colleagues, and examples of how your work has benefited the company, explaining how your contributions justify the proposed raise.

5. Conclude with gratitude and reaffirmation

Summarize your key points and reiterate your appreciation for the opportunity to discuss your compensation. Express gratitude for the support and experiences you have gained and reiterate your commitment to the company. This positive tone reinforces your professionalism and leaves a lasting impression.

Salary increase request letter example

Here’s a sample letter for salary increase request to show you how these tips can be put into practice:

Alex Johnson 123 Elm Street Springfield, IL 62704 [email protected] July 25, 2024

Emma Thompson Director of Sales Innovative Tech Solutions 456 Maple Avenue Springfield, IL 62704

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I hope you are well. I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at Innovative Tech Solutions over the past three years and appreciate the opportunities for growth and development that have been provided to me.

During my time here, I have consistently exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to the Sales team. For example, I spearheaded a new email marketing campaign that increased sales by 15% and successfully launched our new TechY product line, resulting in a 20% revenue boost.

In addition to my core responsibilities, I have taken on new challenges, such as leading the training program for new sales representatives and managing key client accounts, which have significantly contributed to our team's success.

I have also undertaken several professional development activities, including completing a certification in Advanced Sales Strategies and attending workshops on market trends, which have further enhanced my skills and ability to contribute to our team.

Based on my research of industry standards and salary benchmarks for my role and experience level, I believe that an adjustment in my compensation is warranted. Therefore, I respectfully request a salary increase to $85,000. This adjustment would better reflect the value I bring to the team and align my compensation with industry standards.

I am confident this increase will further motivate me to continue delivering high-quality work and contributing to the success of Innovative Tech Solutions. I am more than willing to discuss this request in person and provide any additional information that may be required.

Thank you for considering my request and for your ongoing support.

Sincerely, Alex Johnson

Raise request letter template

Now, here's a template for a raise request letter to help guide you in drafting your own:

[Your Name] [Your Address] [Email Address] [Date]

[Recipient’s Name] [Recipient’s Title] [Company’s Name] [Company’s Address]

Dear [recipient’s name],

I hope you are well. I am writing to formally request a review of my current salary. I have thoroughly enjoyed working at [Company’s Name] over the past [number] years and appreciate the opportunities for growth and development that have been provided to me.

During my time here, I have consistently exceeded expectations and made significant contributions to the [Department] team. For example, I [List your accomplishments, using quantifiable results whenever possible, such as increased sales by 15% through a new email marketing campaign; successfully launched a new product line, resulting in a 20% revenue increase; etc.].

In addition to my core responsibilities, I have taken on new challenges, such as [List additional responsibilities].

In addition to these accomplishments, I have undertaken several professional development activities, including [certifications, courses, and training programs], which have further enhanced my skills and ability to contribute to our team.

Based on my research of industry standards and salary benchmarks for my role and experience level, I believe that an adjustment in my compensation is warranted. Therefore, I respectfully request a salary increase to [desired salary or salary range]. This adjustment would better reflect the value I bring to the team and align my compensation with industry standards.

I am confident this increase will further motivate me to continue delivering high-quality work and contributing to the success of [Company Name]. I am more than willing to discuss this request in person and provide any additional information that may be required.

Sincerely, [Your name]

How often should I make a salary raise proposal ?

Typically, you should ask for a raise once a year, ideally around your annual performance review. If you have taken on significant additional responsibilities or have had exceptional achievements, it might be appropriate to request a salary review sooner. However, be mindful of your company's financial health and the timing of your request.

Should I wait for a performance review?

Waiting for a performance review is often a good strategy, as this is a natural time for salary discussions. However, if you feel that your contributions have significantly outpaced your current compensation, you might consider requesting a meeting outside of the review cycle. Just ensure your request is well-timed and substantiated.

What if the salary increase request is denied?

If a salary review is denied, consider asking for specific feedback. “Work with your manager to set clear goals—create a development plan that outlines the steps you need to receive a raise,” Smith says. “Consider discussing alternative forms of compensation, which could include bonuses, additional vacation days, flexible working arrangements, and professional development opportunities.”

Key takeaways

Whether you opt for a formal letter via email , a direct conversation, or a combination of both, the key is to present a well-reasoned case for your increased-salary request. When crafting your letter, keep these takeaways in mind:

• Avoid approaching the conversation with an aggressive or entitled attitude. Politeness and professionalism will help you make a positive impression.
• Document any professional development activities you've undertaken , such as certifications, courses, training programs, or conferences. This shows your commitment to growing within your role and adds weight to your request.
• Be confident in your request to demonstrate your self-assurance and understanding of your worth. Clearly state your desired salary or salary range and show you are informed about salary ranges for your position.
• Explain how a salary increase will help you contribute even more to the company's success. Position your request as a mutually beneficial arrangement that will enhance your productivity and the value you bring to the organization.
• Use clear and concise language, avoiding jargon or overly complex sentences. Ensure your message is easily understood and directly addresses your key points. After writing it, don’t forget to proofread it.

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The Election Is Crucial to the Supreme Court’s Future. Biden’s Reform Plans Are Not.

By Erwin Chemerinsky

Mr. Chemerinsky is the dean of the Berkeley School of Law at the University of California and the author of the forthcoming book “No Democracy Lasts Forever: How the Constitution Threatens the United States.”

President Biden on Monday proposed term limits and an ethics code for Supreme Court justices. Those reforms are unquestionably desirable but they have little chance of being enacted. The laser focus for Democrats and others alarmed by the direction of the court should instead be on the November election.

I say this because the potentially disastrous consequences of a Donald Trump victory — which no doubt would mean the expansion of the court’s conservative wing and more decisions that fundamentally compromise constitutional rights — are of urgent and imperative concern.

In 2021, Mr. Biden formed a bipartisan commission of lawyers and legal scholars to study and appraise possible changes to the court. It worked diligently and presented a lengthy report. Mr. Biden and most lawmakers ignored it. Now, he has rediscovered the issue.

The most important proposal by Mr. Biden is to impose term limits of 18 years for Supreme Court justices, which would allow a president to make two regular appointments in a single term. That idea makes enormous sense. Life expectancy now is much longer than it was in 1790 when the court first assembled. From then until 1970, the average tenure of a Supreme Court justice was approximately 15 years. For those appointed since 1970 who have left the bench, the average tenure was 26 years. Many of the current justices are likely to serve more than 30 years. That is too much power for too long in one person’s hands.

Lifetime tenure also leaves too much to accidents of history as to when vacancies occur. Mr. Trump appointed three justices in four years. Two of those appointments followed the deaths of sitting justices, Antonin Scalia, who died at 79 after nearly three decades on court, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was 87 and had spent 27 years as a justice. Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama served a combined 16 years as president, but appointed only four justices during that time. President Jimmy Carter had no opportunity to make an appointment.

The problem with term limits for Supreme Court justices, and certainly ones that would apply to the current justices, is that they would require a constitutional amendment. The Supreme Court has long said, starting with McCulloch v. Maryland in 1819 and increasingly in recent years, that history and tradition are important in interpreting the Constitution. The tradition has always been that a Supreme Court justice holds the position for life, unless the justice resigns or is impeached and removed. Article III, Section 1, makes that clear: “The Judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their Offices during good Behaviour.”

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How to Write a Job Proposal (and Land the Role You Want)

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A job proposal is a detailed document, typically three to six pages, that outlines why you’re a good fit for a role. It’s different than a cover letter in that it’s typically not a part of a formal application process.

• A job proposal is something you write and share with the hiring manager, or another contact you’ve made at the organization, either to get your foot in the door or to secure a job after a round of interviews.
• You can also use this technique if you already work at a company and want to transition laterally, be promoted, or propose an entirely new role.
• Your proposal should include: Why you want the role and why you have the skills and experience to add value. It should also signal how deeply you have thought about the organization, its needs, and how to address them.
• It’s typically best to send it to a direct contact at the organization, either along with your thank-you notes after an interview, or to a recruiter or employee you’ve connected with via LinkedIn.