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

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How To Write A Proposal

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

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Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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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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  • Essay proposal

How to Write an Essay Proposal + Examples

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

How to Write an Essay Proposal + Examples

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?

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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-referencing 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, are keys.

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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Writing an essay proposal can seem daunting, especially if it’s your first time. This guide is designed to simplify the process, helping you understand what an essay proposal is, its purpose, and its importance for academic success. You’ll be prepared to create a standout proposal by grasping these concepts.

What is an Essay Proposal?

An essay proposal is an academic writing that outlines an essay’s topic, purpose, and structure before you start writing it. It acts as a blueprint for your writing, detailing what you intend to cover and how you plan to approach the topic. It summarizes the main argument, the significance of the topic, and the writing perspective, including sources and methods. In an essay proposal, you can structure your thoughts and convey your ideas clearly to your instructor or academic committee.

3 Key Purposes of an Essay Proposal

An essay proposal describes your essay’s main idea and how you plan to develop it. The purpose of an essay proposal includes:

Setting a Clear Path:

It involves defining the scope and objectives of the essay to create a focused and coherent structure. Prior to essay development, outlining specific goals, research questions, and the overall approach is a must. It becomes your roadmap for the writing. This clarity helps to organize thoughts and select relevant sources. It ensures your arguments and analysis align with your initial intentions. A well-defined path not only streamlines the writing process but also facilitates a more effective and targeted topic exploration.

Gaining Approval:

Gaining approval while writing an essay proposal ensures that your planned approach, topic, and research objectives meet the expectations and requirements. A well-structured proposal sketches your intended research and argument, allowing for early feedback and validation. This process helps refine your ideas, address potential issues, and confirm the essay aligns with academic standards and objectives. It ultimately sets a solid foundation for your subsequent work.

Demonstrating Feasibility :

Show that the proposed essay is practical and achievable within the given constraints. Sketch out a clear plan for how the essay will be conducted. It ensures that the author can effectively explore the topic and complete the project within the required timeframe with available resources. Showing feasibility also reassures reviewers or advisors that the proposed work is well-thought-out and manageable, increasing the likelihood of approval.

Difference Between a Thesis and an Essay Proposal

Understanding the difference between a thesis and an essay proposal is crucial. Both of these are academic writing. However, these two styles of academic writing have different purposes. Let’s explore the following factors to understand the differences clearly:

  • Thesis : A comprehensive document that presents and supports a specific research question or hypothesis, serving as the final written product of a research project. It contributes new knowledge to a specific academic field, involving a clear argument supported with evidence and demonstrating a deep subject understanding.
  • Essay Proposal : A preliminary document that outlines the research topic, objectives, and methodology, seeking approval before proceeding with the full essay. It provides a plan for how the research will be conducted and demonstrates the feasibility and relevance of the proposed Study.
  • Thesis : The content of a thesis includes a comprehensive literature review, detailed methodology, data analysis, results, and a discussion of findings. It presents original research, supporting arguments, and conclusions contributing to the academic field.
  • Essay Proposal : Includes an overview of the research topic, the objectives and questions, and a proposed methodology. Contains a brief review of relevant literature to justify the research. It provides a plan for structuring the essay and the needed resources.

Length and Depth :

  • Thesis : Often spanning 50 to several hundred pages, a thesis provides a comprehensive review of the research topic. The depth of a thesis reflects the detailed and original contribution it makes to the academic field.
  • Essay Proposal : It is concise, ranging from a few pages to around ten pages, focusing on outlining the research plan rather than a detailed analysis. The length and depth are designed to present a focused and manageable plan for the proposed Study.

Stage in Research Process :

  • Thesis : The final stage of the research process includes extensive data collection, analysis, and synthesis. It presents the research findings, arguments, and conclusions. Involves rigorous review and defense, showcasing the culmination of the research work.
  • Essay Proposal : An essay proposal is an early stage in the research process. It sets the groundwork for the research. This stage involves formulating the research questions, and ensures the proposed Study is feasible and relevant.

Structure :

  • Thesis : The structure includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Every section provides detailed information, analysis, and interpretation. Ensures a logical flow and detailed presentation of the research.
  • Essay Proposal : Consists of a brief introduction to the research topic, a clear statement of objectives and research questions, and a proposed methodology. It establishes the Study’s significance and relevance other than outlining timeline considerations.
  • Thesis : The thesis outcome contributes new insights. Demonstrates research, critical thinking, and analytical expertise. The successful defense of a thesis often results in the awarding of an advanced degree and recognition within the academic community.
  • Essay Proposal : The outcome secures approval and support for the research project. It helps refine the research plan and ensures the proposed Study is feasible and relevant. Successful approval leads to in-depth research and writing.  
  • Thesis : A thesis focuses on conducting original, in-depth research that addresses specific research questions or hypotheses. It contributes new knowledge. Explores and analyzes the chosen topic other than providing a detailed and evidence-based argument.
  • Essay Proposal : This proposal outlines the proposed research, including objectives and methods, to justify the need for the Study. It demonstrates feasibility and relevance. Also helps refine the research questions and establish a structured plan for the full essay.

Feedback, Revisions, and Approval :

  • Thesis : Requires formal approval and defense, often involving a committee review and oral presentation of findings. Multiple feedback and revisions are done based on detailed reviews by advisors or committee members.
  • Essay Proposal : Requires initial approval from an instructor or committee to proceed with the research and writing before feedback for refinement. It involves initial feedback and minor revisions before proceeding with the full research and writing.

Importance of Convincing the Academic Committee

Convincing the academic committee is essential because they decide whether you can proceed with your proposed topic. Here’s why it matters:

Approval: Convincing the academic committee to approve the Study involves presenting a clear and well-organized research proposal that outlines its significance and feasibility. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic and a solid plan helps writers gain your instructor or committee’s approval.

Support: You need to articulate the value and originality of your research, highlighting how it addresses important questions or gaps in the field. A detailed plan and preliminary evidence of your topic’s relevance will strengthen your case other than securing the committee’s backing or endorsement.

Credibility: Convincing the academic committee of your credibility involves presenting a well-researched and meticulously detailed proposal, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic. Highlighting your academic qualifications, previous research experience, and the rigor of your proposed methodology reinforces your capability to conduct the Study successfully.

Potential Impact : Convincing the academic committee of the potential impact involves clearly articulating how your research will contribute to the field, address significant gaps, or solve relevant problems. Emphasize the broader implications of your Study, such as its potential to influence policy, practice, or future research directions.

Examples of Different Types of Essay Proposals

Different types of proposals serve various academic and professional purposes. By familiarizing yourself with these different types, you can customize your proposal to meet the specific requirements and expectations of your academic or professional discipline. Here are some examples:

1. Analytical Essay Proposal : Outline a plan to analyze a specific theme, character, or concept in a literary work.

2. Argumentative Essay Proposal : Propose a topic where you will argue for or against a particular issue, providing evidence and reasoning.

3. Compare and Contrast Essay Proposal : Detail how you will compare and contrast two subjects, such as two literary works, theories, or historical events.

4. Cause and Effect Essay Proposal : Explain how you will explore the causes and effects of a specific event, action, or phenomenon.

5. Descriptive Essay Proposal : Plan to describe a particular subject in detail, focusing on sensory experiences and vivid imagery.

6. Expository Essay Proposal : Outline how you will explain a concept, process, or idea, providing clear and concise information.

7. Narrative Essay Proposal : Propose a plan to tell a story or recount an experience, focusing on narrative techniques and personal reflection.

8. Persuasive Essay Proposal : Detail how you will persuade your audience to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.

9. Definition Essay Proposal : Explain how you will explore and define a complex term or concept, providing various perspectives and interpretations.

10. Critical Essay Proposal : Plan to critique and evaluate a specific work, theory, or practice, offering a balanced analysis and supported arguments.

What to Include in an Essay Proposal

Crafting an essay proposal involves several crucial elements. These elements ensure your proposal is clear, convincing, and systematically organized. Here’s what to include:

Rationale for the Chosen Topic

The rationale explains why you have selected a particular topic. This section should:

Highlight Relevance: It emphasizes how the research topic addresses current issues or gaps, showcasing its significance. Illustrates the potential impact and applicability of the Study, making a compelling case for why the research is timely and necessary.

Show Topic Importance: Underscores its significance in addressing key issues or advancing understanding within the field. It demonstrates how the research will contribute valuable insights, potentially influencing future studies or practical applications.

Demonstrate Interest: Showing interest involves genuine enthusiasm and commitment to the research topic. This passion highlights your motivation and readiness to engage deeply with the subject matter, which can strengthen the proposal’s appeal.

You can take the example of your essay focusing on climate change. Here, you could describe how it impacts global ecosystems and emphasize the urgency of studying this issue.

Review of Related Literature (Literature Review)

A literature review shows you have researched your topic and understand the existing work in the field. This section should:

Summarize Key Sources: This section highlights the most relevant and influential research that builds the foundation of your academic paper. It offers a thorough understanding and shows how your work will build upon these established studies.

Identify Gaps: Identifying gaps involves pinpointing areas where existing research is lacking or insufficient. This section highlights the necessity of your Study and shows how it will contribute new insights or address overlooked issues in the field.

Establish Context: It provides background information to situate your research within the broader academic or real-world landscape. Helps readers understand the relevance and significance of your Study in terms of existing knowledge and ongoing discussions.

For example, if you are writing on renewable energy, you must include studies on solar and wind power and emphasize where more research is needed.

Outline of Intended Approach or Methodology

The methodology section outlines how you will conduct your research and write your essay. This part should:

Detail Your Plan: The details of your plan outline the research methods, timeline, and steps to complete the Study. This provides a clear roadmap of how you will achieve your objectives and ensures that your approach is well-organized and feasible.

Describe Methods: Describing methods involves explaining the research techniques and approaches you will use to gather and analyze data. It should clearly outline your methodological framework to demonstrate the rigor and feasibility of your Study.

Timeline and Resources: This section should summarize a realistic schedule for completing the research and identify the necessary resources. This ensures that the proposed Study is feasible and well-planned.

Use of Lists, Headings, and Visual Aids for Clarity

Organizing your proposal with lists, headings, and visual aids makes it easier to read and understand. Consider the following:

Bullet Points and Numbered Lists: This activity helps organize information clearly and concisely. This format enhances the readability of your essay proposals, making key points and steps easy for readers to follow and understand the topic.

Headings and Subheadings: Incorporating headings and subheadings helps structure the content, making it easier for readers to navigate different sections. It not only enhances clarity but also ensures each part is identified and logically connected.

Visual Aids: Including visual aids, such as charts, graphs, and diagrams, can effectively illustrate key points and data. These aids enhance your understanding by providing a clear and concise visual representation of complex information.

For example, a chart depicting the increase in global temperatures over the last century can visually bolster your argument on climate change. Integrating such elements into your essay proposal will enhance its thoroughness and persuasiveness, improving the likelihood of gaining approval.

Prewriting Stage of an Essay Proposal

Know Your Audience

Understanding who will read your essay proposal is crucial. Knowing your audience’s knowledge level helps you tailor your content effectively:

Assess Knowledge Level:

Assessing your knowledge level during the prewriting stage of an essay proposal involves evaluating your understanding of the topic and identifying gaps in your knowledge. This helps determine the scope of your research and guides you in gathering relevant information. By gauging your familiarity with the subject, you can ensure that your proposal is well-informed and addresses any necessary areas of Study.

Meet Expectations:

Meeting expectations during the prewriting stage of an essay proposal involves understanding and aligning with the requirements set by your instructor or academic committee. It includes adhering to guidelines regarding format, content, and research scope. Ensuring your proposal meets these criteria demonstrates that you are prepared and capable of producing a relevant and well-structured essay.

For example, if your audience consists of climate scientists, you can use technical jargon and assume familiarity with fundamental concepts. In contrast, for a general audience, you would need to provide explanations for these terms.

Research is a critical step that thoroughly reviews existing literature, theories, and data relevant to your chosen topic. It defines the scope of your Study by identifying key issues, gaps in knowledge, and current debates within the field. Through research, you ensure that your proposal is grounded in credible sources.

It supports your Study’s feasibility and indicates your understanding of the subject matter. This detailed groundwork is essential for crafting a well-informed proposal. It is poised to make a meaningful contribution to the academic discourse.

Gather Evidence:

It involves systematically collecting and reviewing relevant data, studies, and examples substantiating your research topic and objectives. It includes sourcing scholarly articles, empirical studies, and theoretical frameworks that align with your proposed Study.

By presenting credible and pertinent evidence, you establish a solid foundation for your proposal, demonstrating thorough preparation and a deep understanding of the subject. It reinforces the validity of your research questions other than illustrating your proposed Study’s potential impact and relevance.

Show Meticulous Work:

It shows careful attention to detail and thoroughness in every aspect of the proposal. Meticulous organization, accurate source citations, and thoughtfully addressing potential challenges showcase your commitment to high-quality research. Such diligence not only reflects your dedication to the project but also enhances the credibility and persuasive power of your proposal. It makes the essay proposal more compelling to reviewers and academic committees.

For example, if your essay focuses on renewable energy, incorporate data from recent studies on solar and wind power in addition to citing experts in the field to support your arguments.

Set an Issue

Clearly explaining the issue you intend to address is crucial as it establishes the foundation for your proposal and strengthens the impact of your argument.

Explain the Issue:

Explaining the issue in an essay proposal involves clearly articulating the specific problem or question your research aims to address. This section should provide context and background information, outlining why the issue is significant and relevant. By thoroughly explaining the issue, you set the stage for your research objectives and demonstrate the importance of your Study.

Establish Credibility:

Establishing credibility demonstrates your expertise and thorough understanding of the topic through well-researched evidence and authoritative sources. It includes citing reputable studies, showcasing a deep grasp of relevant theories, and presenting a clear methodology. By establishing your credibility, you assure the academic committee of the quality and reliability of your proposed research.

For example, if your topic is the effect of social media on mental health, include data indicating the increase in mental health issues among social media users and cite psychologists who have researched this phenomenon.

Define a Solution

Defining a solution in an essay proposal involves proposing a specific approach or strategy to address the identified issue or research question. This section should outline how your proposed solution will effectively resolve the problem and contribute to the field, demonstrating its practical and theoretical value.

Provide a Clear Solution:

Providing a clear solution in an essay proposal entails outlining a well-defined and actionable approach to address the issue at hand. This solution should be supported by evidence and reasoning, demonstrating its feasibility and effectiveness. By presenting a clear and structured solution, you show how your research will contribute to resolving the problem and advancing understanding in the field.

Align with Requirements:

Aligning with requirements in an essay proposal involves ensuring that your proposal meets your instructor’s specific guidelines and expectations. It includes adhering to formatting rules, addressing required components, and aligning with the scope and objectives. By carefully following these requirements, you show your ability to meet academic standards and enhance your proposal’s likelihood of acceptance.

For example, if you propose a new educational program to enhance literacy rates, detail the program’s structure, required resources, and anticipated outcomes. Ensure that your proposal adheres to any budgetary or time limitations.

Adhering to these steps during this prewriting stage establishes a solid foundation for your essay proposal. This thorough preparation guarantees that your proposal is well-structured, meticulously researched, and appropriately aligned with your audience’s requirements.

Proposal Essay Example

Undoubtedly, it is quite challenging to craft an essay proposal, but looking at examples can provide clear guidance. Here is an example that explains the components and methodology of an academic research study. This instance can serve you as a template for your own writing.

Example of an Essay Proposal for an Academic Research Study

Let’s consider a study titled “The Impact of Social Media on College Students’ Academic Performance.”

The focus of the Study:

The objective is to investigate how social media usage affects students’ academic outcomes. This involves assessing both positive and negative effects. It explores correlations between social media habits and academic performance other than identifying potential strategies to mitigate adverse impacts. The goal is to provide a comprehensive analysis that informs educational strategies and policy recommendations.

Research Question:

The research question explores the relationship between social media usage and academic outcomes among college students. Investigating how various aspects of social media engagement, such as time spent on platforms, types of content consumed, and interactions, affect students’ academic performance. Your essay proposal seeks to uncover both positive and negative impacts.

Methodology:

1. Participants: 

Sample Size: The sample size in the essay proposal methodology refers to the number of participants or data points selected to provide a representative and reliable basis for the Study’s analysis. Example: The Study was conducted on 200 college students from three different universities.

Selection Criteria: It includes factors such as academic standing, social media usage patterns, and demographic characteristics of college students to ensure a diverse and representative sample for analysis.

2. Data Collection:

Surveys: It creates a structured questionnaire to gather data on students’ social media usage habits, study routines, academic performance, and perceived impacts of social media. It questions the frequency and types of social media use, study habits, grades, and self-reported effects on academic performance.

Academic Records: Analyzes students’ grades, GPA, and course performance to assess any correlation with social media usage patterns. Academic records must be handled with confidentiality and consent, ensuring your analysis is ethical.

3. Analysis:

Statistical Methods: Analyze statistical data using quantitative methods to evaluate the relationship between social media usage and academic outcomes. Regression analysis, correlation coefficients, and t-tests can determine significant patterns or differences. Charts, graphs, and tables show how social media habits influence factors, offering a solid argument.

Software: Integrate SPSS, R, or Python can handle and interpret data. These tools can process large datasets, perform complex statistical tests, and generate visualizations to illustrate key findings. Offers accurate, efficient analysis and enhance the credibility of your research. It shows clear, data-driven insights into how social media usage affects academic performance.

How This Example Guides Your Proposal Writing

This example provides a clear framework for structuring your proposal:

Define Your Objective: It outlines the planned research, clearly presenting the topic, research questions, and methodology. It shows the study’s significance and feasibility, persuading professors of its value and the researcher’s capability to execute it effectively.

Specify Your Research Questions: Clearly summarize the key issues your study aims to address. It focuses on research, guides the methodology and analysis. Well-defined research questions also demonstrate the relevance and scope of your study to reviewers.

Detail Your Methodology: It explains how the research will be conducted. Describe the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, and analytical tools. A clear and detailed methodology ensures your approach is sound and feasible.

Importance of Analyzing Sample Proposals

Analyzing sample proposals offers several benefits:

Understanding Structure: Understanding the structure is essential for creating a clear, organized, and persuasive document. A structure has a title, introduction, objectives, research questions, literature review, methodology, timeline, expected outcomes, and references.

Learning Best Practices: Studying successful examples and following clear guidelines ensures your proposal is well-structured and compelling. It focuses on clarity, conciseness, and coherence. Also, address objectives, methodology, and significance.

Identifying Common Pitfalls: Common pitfalls can help you avoid mistakes such as lack of clarity, insufficient research, and poor organization. Recognizing these issues early ensures your proposal is clear, well-supported, and logically structured.

Reviewing examples like the one provided can improve your approach to writing your essay proposal. This practice ensures your proposal is clear, well-structured, and convincing, enhancing your chances of approval.

Proposal Essay Outline

Introduction

The introduction of your proposal essay establishes the foundation for the entire document. It should:

Summarize Main Points and Purpose: Summarizing the main points and purpose of your essay proposal clarifies the central arguments and objectives for the reader. It ensures that your proposal effectively communicates the essence of your research and its intended goals.

Example: “This proposal seeks to explore the impact of social media on college students’ academic performance. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve student success.”

Present a Clear Thesis Statement: A clear thesis statement in your essay proposal outlines the central argument or position you will be addressing. This statement provides a focused direction for your research and helps readers understand the core objective of your study.

Example: “This study aims to determine whether the time students spend on social media negatively impacts their academic performance.”

The body of your proposal is where you laid out the detailed plan for your research. It should:

Include Evidence and Supporting Arguments: This strengthens your claims and provides a solid foundation for your research. This approach demonstrates that your proposal is based on thorough research and will likely contribute valuable insights.

Example: “Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the influence of social media on academic performance. This Study will fill the gap by examining a diverse group of students across multiple universities.”

Use Statistics, Quotes, and Real-Life Examples: Adding these in proposals adds credibility and depth to your arguments. These elements help to illustrate your points more effectively and make your proposal more persuasive and compelling.

Example: “A survey conducted at XYZ University revealed that 40% of students spend more than 3 hours daily on social media, correlating with lower GPA scores.”

The conclusion should effectively summarize your proposal. It needs to:

Wrap Up the Argument: This section succinctly wraps up your main points and reinforces the significance of your research. It should reaffirm the value of your study and its potential impact.

Example: “This study will provide valuable insights into the relationship between social media usage and academic performance, potentially guiding future educational policies.”

Motivate Readers to Take Action: It should clearly sketch your research’s importance and potential impact. Encouraging immediate interest or support helps drive engagement and approval for your proposed study.

Example: “By supporting this research, academic institutions can better understand how to foster environments that enhance student success.”

Additional Elements

Although not always mandatory, these elements can enhance the depth and credibility of your proposal:

Optional Bibliography and Appendix: A bibliography provides a list of the sources you referenced, while an appendix may contain supplementary materials such as charts, questionnaires, or additional data.

Example: “Bibliography: Smith, J. (2020). The Effects of Social Media on Academic Performance. Journal of Educational Research. Appendix: Survey Questionnaire.”

Importance of Editing and Revising Your Proposal: Always review your proposal for clarity, coherence, and conciseness. Editing helps ensure that your document is professional and free from errors.

Example: “Before submission, review your proposal multiple times. Consider having a peer or mentor read it to catch any errors you might have missed.”

This procedure allows you to craft a well-organized and compelling essay proposal that communicates your research plans and objectives.

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Top Proposal Essay Examples: Academic & Professional Success Guide

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

proposal for essay

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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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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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

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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.

This image shows proposal essay types.

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.

Give your proposal a clear and unambiguous title. It should let the reader understand the key idea of your project.
The introduction should outline the purpose of your proposal and present a .
Describe the problem in detail and outline its history and importance.
This section should include the proposal itself. Explain how your suggested research or solution would address the problem and how you plan to implement it.
Consider problems you may encounter when implementing the proposed project and explain how you plan to solve them. Also, anticipate and respond to the objections that the recipients of your proposal may have.
In your conclusion, and add a call to action for the audience.
The reference list should include all the sources you’ve used in your work. You should format them according to your required citation style, like APA or MLA.

✍️ 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.

This image shows how to write a proposal essay.

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

Updated 30 Aug 2024

how to write a proposal essay

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, professional infographic designs , 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.

Interesting Proposal Essay Topics Examples

Any academic work is defined by subject it studies and its relevance for current knowledge. That’s why it is crucial to find not only a suitable and interesting proposal essay topic for an essay but one that deals with a gap in scientific data or uncovers some relevant issues. Basically, good essay topic is half of success. It should not be too broad or too vague. These proposal essay topics deal with different subjects such as culture, literature, social media, health, history, etc. Find the one that works for you or use them as an inspiration. Remember that proposal essay topic should be interesting for you too – if the subject excites you, it will be much easier to write an assignment.

Social Media Research Proposal Topics Examples

Social media is a quite recent phenomenon, that’s why there are lots of studies that discover different ways it influences our lives. We yet to find how our communication skills are affected and what laws might regulate the Internet presence. These proposal paper ideas might catch your eye if you want to explore this field of knowledge.

  • The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health
  • Analyzing the Role of Social Media in Political Campaigns and Elections
  • Social Media as a Tool for Social Change: Opportunities and Challenges
  • The Effectiveness of Social Media Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
  • Privacy Concerns and Data Security in Social Media Platforms
  • The Influence of Social Media on Body Image and Eating Disorders
  • Cyberbullying on Social Media: Prevalence, Impact, and Prevention Strategies
  • The Role of Social Media in Crisis Communication and Management
  • Social Media Addiction: Identifying Patterns and Developing Interventions
  • The Evolution of Influencer Marketing on Social Media and Its Impact on Consumer Behavior

Interesting Themes on Literature for Students

If you need to analyze a particular novel or poem (also remember about poetry grammar ), you can explore narrative techniques, gender roles, characters, historical context or symbolic layer, etc. However, there are other Literature-related problems that can be solved in an essay. Here are 20 amazing proposal argument topics that might interest you:

  • The Evolution of the Hero's Journey in Literature
  • Dystopian Visions: Reflecting Society's Fears and Hopes
  • The Role of Nature in Romantic Literature
  • Tragedy and Redemption in Modern Drama
  • The Influence of Colonialism on Postcolonial Literature
  • Feminist Perspectives in 20th-Century Literature
  • The Intersection of Technology and Humanity in Science Fiction
  • Magic Realism: Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Fantasy
  • The Literary Exploration of Identity and Self-Discovery
  • War and Peace: Literature's Reflection on Conflict and Resolution

Analytical Ideas for Technology-Related Proposal Essay Topics

Another great example of scientific relevance are questions regarding technological growth, artificial intelligence, and role of technology in our everyday life. Proposal topics list could be endless as machines around us evolve and change every second. Here are 20 suggestions on the proposal essay topics around technology:

  • Evaluating the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment in Different Industries
  • The Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Data Security and Privacy
  • Assessing the Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering and CRISPR Technology
  • The Future of Autonomous Vehicles: Safety, Regulation, and Social Acceptance
  • Virtual Reality in Education: Enhancing Learning Experiences Through Immersive Technology
  • The Internet of Things (IoT): Transforming Everyday Life and Its Privacy Concerns
  • Renewable Energy Technologies: Analyzing the Path to a Sustainable Future
  • The Digital Divide: Strategies for Bridging the Gap in Access to Technology
  • Wearable Technology and Health Monitoring: Benefits and Privacy Implications
  • 3D Printing: Revolutionizing Manufacturing, Medicine, and Beyond

These proposal essay examples for students can inspire you to select a topic related to technology and formulate your own research proposal.

Proposal Topics List Regarding Family Life

It’s only natural to use your personal experience for a scientific purpose, that’s why you can base your research on a family-related subject. Take your family as an example to start working on a broader topic or social phenomena. However, it’s not necessary to research problems that arose in families. Here is a proposal essay topics list of personal essay prompts you can dwell on:

  • The Impact of Remote Work on Family Dynamics and Work-Life Balance
  • Parenting in the Digital Age: Strategies for Managing Screen Time and Online Safety
  • The Effects of Dual-Career Households on Child Development and Family Relationships
  • Exploring the Role of Extended Family in Childcare and Support Systems
  • The Influence of Cultural Background on Parenting Styles and Family Values
  • Adoption and Family Formation: Challenges and Opportunities for Non-Traditional Families
  • The Psychological Impact of Divorce on Children: Coping Mechanisms and Support Strategies
  • Single Parenting: Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilient Families
  • The Role of Family Therapy in Addressing Mental Health Issues
  • Intergenerational Living: Benefits and Challenges of Multi-Generational Households

Discovering Fascinating Ideas within Psychology

Whether you study psychology or not, you might find these research proposal ideas interesting as human nature is a mystery. Scholars still have little knowledge in different aspects, especially those that relate to mental illness. World around us has changed a lot in recent decades, that’s why it is vital to understand how human psyche deals with that. These are some attention-grabbing proposal essay topics regarding psychology.

  • The Psychology of Social Media: How Online Interactions Affect Self-Esteem and Body Image
  • Exploring the Cognitive Benefits of Bilingualism on Brain Function
  • The Impact of Sleep Quality on Daytime Cognitive Performance and Emotional Well-being
  • Understanding the Psychological Effects of Long-Term Solitude
  • The Role of Personality Traits in Workplace Success and Job Satisfaction
  • Analyzing the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Therapies on Anxiety and Depression
  • The Influence of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationship Patterns
  • Cognitive Dissonance: How Individuals Rationalize Contradictory Beliefs and Behaviors
  • The Psychological Impact of Climate Change Anxiety on Young Adults
  • Exploring the Phenomenon of False Memories: Implications for Eyewitness Testimony
  • The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Conflict Resolution and Negotiation

Culture and Social Problems’ Inspired Essay Proposal Topics

Those are two broad fields of knowledge that deal with various problems that need to be solved. Research proposal essay topics include the relevant state of society, or they can dwell on the prospects that are expected in future. Basically, they are always located in-between various science subjects, combining psychology, sociology topics , and anthropology together. Here are 25 interesting essay proposal topics that you might use:

  • The Impact of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures and Languages
  • Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange: Drawing the Line
  • The Role of Social Media in Shaping Modern Feminist Movements
  • Exploring the Cultural Dimensions of Mental Health Stigma
  • The Influence of Hip-Hop Culture on Youth Identity and Social Activism
  • LGBTQ+ Rights and Representation in Media Across Different Cultures
  • The Social and Cultural Implications of Body Modification Practices
  • Food Insecurity: A Cultural and Social Analysis of Hunger in Wealthy Societies
  • The Role of Art and Culture in Community Development and Social Change
  • Analyzing the Impact of Cultural Stereotypes on Interpersonal Relationships

These proposal essay topics list has to do with controversial issues that raise debates and discussions. If you choose one of them, you need to know exactly where you stand and what position are you going to defend. An essay is an assignment that requires a student to give an opinion spurted by persuasive arguments on the subject, not just summarize the debate of others.  

Need more writing assistance?

Connect with our top writers and receive a paper sample crafted to your needs.

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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Proposal Essay Examples

A proposal essay is a description of a future project. It pursues two purposes: to convince the reader that the research or business deserves attention and to test the plan’s viability. Because while writing this essay, you may encounter unsurpassable problems that will require you to change the topic.

How to write a paper proposal and what to include in it? The answer largely depends on the topic and the tutor’s requirements. But in any case, it should comprise a literature overview, the methods to be used, and the predicted results.

This website section features proposal essay examples for different study levels and disciplines. Feel free to use them for reference or inspiration.

416 Best Proposal Essay Examples

Employee engagement and retention: sustainability topic.

  • Subjects: Business Employees Management

Creating a Safe and Non-toxic Environment

  • Subjects: Business Employee Relationships

Equipping Children With Guns for Public Consideration

  • Subjects: Society's Imperfections Sociology

Adverse Childhood Experiences With Incarcerated Parents

  • Subjects: Child Psychology Psychology

Post-Operational Care in Diabetic Bariatric Surgery

  • Subjects: Health & Medicine Healthcare Research

The Representation of Saudi Women in the Media

  • Subjects: Gender Inequality Sociology

Stress Management Through Transcendental Meditation

  • Subjects: Alternative Medicine Health & Medicine

Indoors Adventure Program

  • Subjects: Architecture Design

Risks and Limitations Facing Organizations in International Diversification

  • Subjects: Business Risk Management

Problems With Relying on Work of Auditors in Other Countries

  • Subjects: Business Business Controversies

The Effectiveness of Financial and Accounting Software Tools

  • Subjects: Applications Tech & Engineering

Environmental Assessment

  • Subjects: Environment Environmental Studies

Expansion Plan of the Retail Store

  • Subjects: Business Marketing Project

Copyright Issues in Libya

  • Subjects: Intellectual Property Law

Fiduciary Duties: Review

  • Subjects: Business & Corporate Law Law

Prevention as the Future of Managed Health Care

  • Subjects: Administration and Regulation Health & Medicine

Aging as Social Problem in North American Society

  • Words: 1018

Criminologist Advisor as Profession

  • Subjects: Criminology Law

Roles of Organizations in the Recruitment of Nurses in Saudi Arabia

  • Subjects: Health & Medicine Nursing

Managing Natural Resources: Recycling

  • Subjects: Environment Recycling

Index Funds Mersus Actively-Managed Funds

  • Subjects: Business Financial Management

Mother’s Perception on Childhood Obesity in Libya

  • Subjects: Health & Medicine Pediatrics

How Acupuncture Can Help Patients With Migraines

The celebrity obsessed culture: marketing of colleges.

  • Subjects: Advertising Entertainment & Media

The Functional Statement of the Asset Management Department

  • Subjects: Business Management

Strategy: The Benchmarking Program

  • Subjects: Business Strategy

Brand: An Exceptional Food Experience

  • Subjects: Brand Management Business

MRSA: Executive Summary

Emotional intelligence in nursing study by winship, health promotion and smoking cessation.

  • Subjects: Family, Life & Experiences Lifestyle

Social Media Applications in the Workplace

  • Subjects: Entertainment & Media Social Media Issues

Financial Risk Management in Islamic Banking

Bond evaluation types, methods, and factors.

  • Subjects: Economic Concepts Economics

Preventing Painful IV Sticks in Children

Prescribing rights for nurse practitioners in the state of georgia.

  • Words: 1087

Business Transactions With Costco Business Case

  • Subjects: Business Case Study

The Importance of Teamwork With Limited Resources

The lockout and one-punch laws.

  • Subjects: Drug and Alcohol Addiction Sociology

Network Topology Supporting Different Quantity of Employees

  • Subjects: Computer Science Tech & Engineering

Implementation of Menu Labeling

  • Subjects: Diet & Nutrition Food Safety

COVID-19 Awareness in Different Levels of Dental Students

  • Subjects: Health & Medicine Public Health

Ban Key Single-Use Plastic Products

  • Subjects: Environment Human Impact

The Development of New Leadership Needs

  • Subjects: Business Leadership Styles

Windows vs Google. New Operating System as the Key to Success

  • Subjects: Programming Tech & Engineering

The Modern-Day Global Economy

  • Subjects: Economic Development Economics

The Popularity of Outsourcing

Witch-hunt in europe during the middle ages.

  • Subjects: History Medieval History
  • Words: 1032

Home Life and Individuals With Asperger’s Syndrome

  • Subjects: Diagnostics Health & Medicine

Poem Concerning the American Revolutionary War

  • Subjects: Literature Poems

Investigating Zeolites to Separate Hydrogen from Syngas in a Pressure Swing Adsorption

  • Subjects: Chemistry Sciences

Chinese Economy: The Impact of the Novel Coronavirus

  • Subjects: Economic Theories Economics

Information Technology: The Impact of Paperless

  • Subjects: Tech & Engineering Technology Effect

Agricultural Sector: The Use of Drones

  • Subjects: Other Technology Tech & Engineering

The Tracking Device for BEA19 Technologies Ltd: Opportunities

  • Subjects: Sports Sports Science

Policy Alternatives to Control and Prevent the Spread of Schistosomiasis

  • Words: 1026

The Success of Homeschooling and How the Program Can Be Increased

  • Subjects: Education Education System

Sunrise Life Skills Software Business

  • Subjects: Project Management Tech & Engineering
  • Words: 1092

Social Distancing: Communication With Patients Families

  • Subjects: Epidemiology Health & Medicine

Recreation Hub as a Way to Combat Sedentary Lifestyle

The state project al-mazunah free zone.

  • Subjects: Economics Investment

Sick Leave Exposition: Interview Regulation

  • Subjects: Communications Sociology

Business Plan For the Rock T-Shirt Brand

Purposive research methodology for saudi economic study.

  • Subjects: Sciences Scientific Method

Treasured Objects in Beowulf, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and Pope’s “Rape of the Lock”

Plato’s “method of division”.

  • Subjects: Philosophers Philosophy

The Teachers Service Commission

  • Subjects: Education Teacher Career

The Law and Application of Corporate Sustainability in Saudi Arabia

Resolute energy corporation: project plan template, prayer’s impact on individuals and their health, interactive whiteboard use during a meeting.

  • Subjects: Business Business Communication

Student Learning in Traditional Setting vs. Career Academies

  • Subjects: Approach to Learning Education

Ella Fitzgerald, the Jazz Singer

  • Subjects: Art Singers

Cardiovascular Diseases and Saudi Male Patients Aged 40 – 65 Years

  • Subjects: Cardiology Health & Medicine

The Self-Conscious Song in the Opera, the Return of Ulysses to His Homeland

  • Subjects: Art Musicians

The Future of Customer Satisfaction Based on Saudi Corporations Social Marketing Programs

  • Subjects: Business Marketing

Physical and Psychological Trauma in Women

Saudi primary school science teachers’ beliefs: teaching new curriculum.

  • Subjects: Curriculum Development Education

Businesses Restructuring By Delivery and Payment Plan of Goods in Kuwait

  • Subjects: Economics Trade

The Gap Between Managers and Employees in Saudi Arabia

A model for defining relationships between variables.

  • Subjects: Human Rights Sociology

The Concept of Network Security Information

  • Subjects: Computer Security Tech & Engineering

Northern Illinois University Analysis

Key performance indicators for risk management, investigation of the day-to-day life of culture.

  • Subjects: Cultural Studies Culture
  • Words: 1083

Sustainable Development Solutions in Organisations

  • Subjects: Business Entrepreneurship

Artificial and Automated: Innovation in Marketing

  • Subjects: Business Marketing Communication

Contacting Clients for Their Satisfaction

New business and blueprint for the business, global movement “education for all”, the g4 reforming the united nations security council.

  • Subjects: International Relations Politics & Government

Special Education Professional Development Needs of Teachers in Saudi Arabia Assessment

  • Subjects: Education Pedagogical Approaches

IT Executives Role in Successful E-transformation in the UAE

  • Subjects: Cyber Security Tech & Engineering

Narrative Approach to Explore the Moral Residue Problem

  • Subjects: Philosophical Concept Philosophy

Total Quality Management: A Viable Solution for Zayed University

  • Subjects: Education Education Theories

The Positive Effects Proactive Maintenance on Asset Sustainability

Rightfoods, inc. sales problems.

  • Subjects: Business Company Analysis

Approaches for Firms to Integrate Inexperienced Graduates

The problem of aging, and the needs of aging employees, renewable energy resources in qatar.

  • Subjects: Environment Environmental Management

10 Years of Government Excellence Program

  • Subjects: Politics & Government Public Administration Activity

Studying Abroad and Improving the Outcomes of Students’ Career Development

  • Subjects: Education Education Abroad

Green Supply Chain With ISO 14001 and 9001 in Australian Hospitals

Sales plan for computer equipment, a leading government strategy in abu dhabi.

  • Subjects: Government Politics & Government

Realism in Girlfriends Directed by Claudia Weill

  • Subjects: Entertainment & Media Movies

Enhancing Educational Leadership: A Study on Mentoring First-Year Teachers

Arts and crafts festival event.

  • Subjects: Entertainment & Media Events

Civil Union: Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Couples’ Marriages

  • Words: 2045

Granite City Building Inspectors: Service Crime

  • Subjects: Criminal Investigation Law

Human Environmental Security as a Global Challenge

  • Subjects: Ecology Environment

Various Issues Surrounding the Concept of Lawful Humanitarian

Deciphering the best start-up fundraising ways, mobile health promotion unit project, kfc restaurant project plan, total quality management for urban transformation, challenges faced by international students at the university of tampa.

  • Subjects: Education Learning Challenges

Wireless Local Area Network and Channel Fading

  • Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering

Fire Security Protocols and Leadership Effectiveness

  • Subjects: Accidents & Protection Tech & Engineering

NiceBox and Customer Satisfaction

  • Subjects: Business Organizational Management

Applied Cognitive Psychology in the Classroom

  • Subjects: Cognition and Perception Psychology

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How to Write a Proposal Essay/Argument

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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.

sample essay

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.

We are known as the best website for writing essays for any level . Our professional writers are experts and masters in writing any type of essay. So, if you just hate writing essays, we can take over the process from you. We can edit and proofread your essay, polish your essay, and write you an essay outline.

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.

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How to write an essay proposal

In today’s educational landscape, one of the most crucial skills that students need to possess is the ability to present a compelling argument through a well-written essay. However, crafting a convincing paper requires a solid foundation and careful planning. This article aims to guide you through the process of developing an impactful essay proposal – a blueprint for your future masterpiece. By following these steps, you will gain a deeper understanding of the proposed topic and increase your chances of delivering a persuasive and coherent paper.

To embark on this exciting journey, it is essential to first identify a topic that resonates with your personal interests and expertise. A thoughtful and engaging proposal distinguishes itself by selecting a subject that not only captivates your readers but also allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject matter. Once you have selected a topic, it is time to refine your focus and develop a clear thesis statement that encapsulates the main argument of your essay.

After determining your topic and thesis, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to support your proposed argument. Utilize reputable sources, such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites, to gather evidence and develop a persuasive case. Remember to critically evaluate the sources you choose and consider multiple perspectives to provide a well-rounded analysis in your essay proposal. Utilize the power of paraphrasing and quoting to strengthen your arguments and provide credibility to your assertions. Additionally, compiling an annotated bibliography can help you track and organize the sources you plan to use in your final paper.

Understand the Purpose of an Essay Proposal

Understand the Purpose of an Essay Proposal

Before diving into the specifics of writing an essay proposal, it is essential to have a clear understanding of its purpose. An essay proposal serves as a preliminary outline of your intended essay, highlighting key ideas and arguments that will be explored in your writing. It acts as a roadmap, guiding both the writer and the reader through the main points that will be covered in the coming essay.

One of the primary objectives of an essay proposal is to present a compelling argument or thesis statement. This statement should clearly state the main point you will be making in your essay and provide a preview of the supporting evidence or arguments that will be presented. By doing so, the essay proposal sets the stage for the essay itself and helps the writer stay focused on the main ideas they want to convey.

Furthermore, an essay proposal allows the writer to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter and their ability to articulate their thoughts clearly. Through the proposal, the writer can showcase their research skills, knowledge of relevant literature, and critical thinking abilities. It is also an opportunity to demonstrate that the writer has a unique angle or perspective on the topic, which can add value to the overall discussion.

In addition, an essay proposal serves as a tool for receiving feedback and guidance from instructors or peers. By presenting a concise summary of your essay’s main points and arguments, others can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. This feedback can help refine and strengthen the overall argument and ensure that the essay effectively addresses the intended audience.

Overall, understanding the purpose of an essay proposal is crucial for successful essay writing. It provides an opportunity to plan and organize your thoughts, present a persuasive argument, showcase your knowledge and skills, and seek guidance from others. By having a clear understanding of the purpose, you can approach the task of writing an essay proposal with confidence and effectiveness.

Research Your Topic Thoroughly

To create a compelling and well-informed essay, it is crucial to thoroughly research your chosen topic. By conducting in-depth research, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, allowing you to craft an essay that is both insightful and engaging for your readers.

When researching your topic, it is important to explore a variety of reputable sources, such as academic journals, books, and credible websites. These sources will provide you with the necessary evidence and information to support your arguments and strengthen the overall credibility of your essay.

In addition to sourcing information, it is also essential to critically analyze and evaluate the material you gather during your research. Take note of any conflicting viewpoints or gaps in existing knowledge, as these can serve as potential areas for exploration and discussion in your essay. By conducting thorough research, you can offer a well-rounded and balanced perspective on your chosen topic.

Furthermore, conducting comprehensive research will also help you identify any potential biases or assumptions that may exist within the existing literature. By being aware of these biases, you can ensure that you present a fair and objective analysis in your essay.

Overall, thorough research is a vital step in the essay writing process. By delving deep into your topic and exploring a range of reliable sources, you will not only enhance your own understanding but also provide your readers with a well-researched and informative essay.

Clearly State Your Thesis Statement

One of the most crucial elements of an essay proposal is a clear and concise thesis statement. The thesis statement is the central point or argument that you will be making in your essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, giving them a clear understanding of the main idea you will be exploring. In order to effectively communicate your thesis statement, it is important to choose your words carefully and ensure that your message is strong and impactful.

When stating your thesis statement, it is important to use strong and definitive language. Avoid vague or uncertain phrases, and instead, opt for clear and concise statements that leave no room for confusion. Your thesis statement should be specific and focused, clearly indicating the direction your essay will take. This will help your reader understand exactly what you will be arguing and what evidence you will be presenting to support your claims.

Additionally, it is important to ensure that your thesis statement is compelling and engaging. Use language that grabs the reader’s attention and makes them excited to delve into your essay. Consider using powerful verbs and vivid descriptions to make your thesis statement stand out. By clearly stating your thesis statement in a captivating manner, you will make an immediate impact on your reader and set the tone for the rest of your essay.

To summarize, clearly stating your thesis statement is essential in writing an effective essay proposal. It provides a clear direction for your essay and gives the reader a sense of what to expect. Use strong and definitive language, avoid vagueness, and make your thesis statement compelling and engaging. By doing so, you will captivate your reader and lay a strong foundation for the rest of your essay.

Outline Your Proposed Essay Structure

Organizing your essay in a clear and logical structure is crucial to effectively communicate your ideas to the reader. In this section, we will discuss how to outline your proposed essay structure.

To begin, it is important to decide on the main points or arguments that you will be addressing in your essay. These main points will serve as the core of your essay, and each one should be supported by evidence or examples.

  • Introduction: Start by introducing your topic and providing some context for the reader. State your thesis statement, which is the main argument or point that you will be making in your essay.
  • Main Body: Divide your essay into several paragraphs, each focusing on a different main point. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point, and then provide evidence or examples to support your argument.
  • Counterarguments: Address any potential counterarguments or opposing viewpoints to strengthen your argument. Refute these counterarguments by providing evidence or logical reasoning.
  • Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Leave the reader with a final thought or a call to action.

Remember to use logical transitions between paragraphs to ensure a smooth flow of ideas. Additionally, using headings and subheadings can help organize your essay and make it easier for the reader to navigate through your arguments.

By outlining your proposed essay structure, you will have a clear roadmap for your writing process. This will make it easier for you to develop your ideas and ensure that your essay is well-structured and coherent.

Provide a Convincing Argument for Your Proposal

In order to successfully persuade your audience to accept your proposal, you must present a compelling argument that not only clearly conveys your ideas, but also provides strong evidence and reasons to support your claims. A convincing argument will appeal to the logical and emotional side of your readers, making them more likely to be swayed by your proposal.

Emphasize the Benefits: One effective way to make your argument convincing is by highlighting the potential benefits that your proposal can bring. Explain how your proposal addresses a specific problem or need, and how it can lead to positive outcomes. Use specific examples and evidence to demonstrate the advantages and the potential impact your proposal can have.

Address Counterarguments: When making a persuasive argument, it is important to acknowledge any potential counterarguments or objections that might be raised by your audience. By addressing these counterarguments and offering well-reasoned responses, you can strengthen your argument and show that you have considered different perspectives. This demonstrates your credibility and ability to anticipate potential challenges or concerns.

Provide Evidence: To support your argument, it is crucial to provide solid evidence that illustrates the validity of your proposal. This can include statistics, research findings, expert opinions, or real-life examples that demonstrate the effectiveness or feasibility of your proposal. Make sure your evidence is reliable, up-to-date, and relevant to your argument.

Appeal to Emotions: While logic and evidence play a significant role in a convincing argument, appealing to your audience’s emotions can also be highly persuasive. Tap into their values, beliefs, and emotions by using persuasive language, personal anecdotes, or powerful imagery. When your readers can connect with your proposal on an emotional level, they are more likely to empathize and support your argument.

Conclusion: By providing a convincing argument for your proposal, you can increase your chances of gaining support and acceptance. Remember to emphasize the benefits, address counterarguments, provide evidence, and appeal to emotions. This will help you create a strong case for your proposal and make your essay more persuasive overall.

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  • How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples

How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples

Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.

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Table of contents

Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.

At the stage where you’re writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.

Creating categories

Look over any information, quotes and ideas you’ve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essay—this will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.

Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If you’re writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period you’re discussing.

Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.

As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.

Order of information

When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.

Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.

Consider these questions to order your material:

  • Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
  • Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
  • Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?

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proposal for essay

Within each paragraph, you’ll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.

In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.

The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.

  • Thesis statement
  • First piece of evidence
  • Second piece of evidence
  • Summary/synthesis
  • Importance of topic
  • Strong closing statement

You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; don’t randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.

Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.

Argumentative essay outline

This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internet’s impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.

Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internet’s effects on education.

  • Importance of the internet
  • Concerns about internet use
  • Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
  • Data exploring this effect
  • Analysis indicating it is overstated
  • Students’ reading levels over time
  • Why this data is questionable
  • Video media
  • Interactive media
  • Speed and simplicity of online research
  • Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
  • Evidence indicating its ubiquity
  • Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
  • Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
  • Argument that it introduces students to citation
  • Summary of key points
  • Value of digital education for students
  • Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet

Expository essay outline

This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.

The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.

  • Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
  • Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
  • Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
  • Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
  • Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
  • Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
  • Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
  • Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
  • Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
  • Link to the Reformation.
  • Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention.
  • Describe Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
  • Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
  • Summarize the history described.
  • Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.

Literary analysis essay outline

The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austen’s novel Mansfield Park .

The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.

  • Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
  • Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
  • Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
  • Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
  • Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
  • Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
  • Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
  • Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
  • Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
  • Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
  • Answer the research question
  • Indicate areas for further study

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.

Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . It’s a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.

If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If you’re not sure, ask your supervisor.

When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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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:

Rhetorical Situation Element Brainstorming Questions Your Responses

Are you free to choose your own problem and solution to write about, or is your topic specified?

What do you want to know more about? What requirements do you have? Do you need to do research?

What is the purpose of the proposal?

Is the purpose to examine a problem and explain possible solutions? Or is it to recommend a specific solution?

Who will read your writing?

Who is your primary audience—your instructor? Your classmates? Other students or administrators on your campus? People in your community? How will you shape your writing to connect most effectively with this audience? Do you need to consider secondary audiences, such as people outside of class? If so, who are those readers?

In what format should you prepare your proposal?

Should you prepare a written proposal or use another medium? Should you include visuals and other media along with text, such as figures, charts, graphs, photographs, audio, or video? What other presentation requirements do you need to be aware of?

How do the time period and location affect decisions you make about your proposal?

What problems in your city, county, state, area, nation, or the world need a solution? What current events or new information might relate to the problem? Is your college or university relevant to the problem?

What social or cultural assumptions do you or your audience have?

How will you show awareness of your community’s social and cultural expectations in your writing?

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:

Exploring Questions Your Responses
What problem am I interested in learning about?
How do I know this is a problem?
What are a few examples of the problem?
What causes the problem?
Who is affected by the problem?
What are some negative effects of the problem?
Why should the problem be solved?
What are the potential consequences of the problem if nothing is done?
What are some realistic solutions to the problem?

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 :

Exploring Questions Sample Responses
A problem I’m interested in learning more about is… Data breaches
How I know data breaches are a problem… In my class, we’re spending a lot of time on data security and breaches. Also, data breaches are in the news almost constantly, and a Google search turns up many that don’t make the news.
What are a few examples of data breaches? I’ve heard about people getting their information stolen. I’ve heard about foreign governments, like Russia, stealing national security information and trying to interfere in recent elections. In my class, I’m learning about businesses that have customer and employee information stolen.
What causes data breaches? Hackers have a variety of methods to break into websites, to get people to click on links, and to lure people to give out information.
Who is affected by data breaches? Individual people, businesses, utility companies, schools and universities, governments (local, state, and national)—pretty much anyone can be affected.
What are some negative effects of data breaches? Identity theft, financial theft, national security, power shutdowns, and election interference. Data breaches cause chaos and cost a lot of money.
Why should the problem of data breaches be solved? People need the personal, financial, and medical information they share with businesses and other organizations to remain private. Businesses and organizations need to keep their operations secure. Governments need to keep national security secrets from getting into the hands of people who want to harm them.
What are the potential consequences of data breaches if nothing is done? People will continue to be victims of identity theft and all that goes with it, including losing money, and they will lose trust in institutions they used to trust, like banks, hospitals, and the government.
What are some realistic solutions to data breaches? Increased security for individuals, like two-factor authentication, stronger passwords, and education to avoid getting scammed. For companies and governments, stronger protections on websites. I need to learn more.

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 .

Problem: Hackers get into computer systems and steal information. What tactics do hackers use? What do they steal? What do they do with what they steal? How successful are they? How can hacking be stopped or reduced?
Problem: Data breaches harm individuals. What happens to people when their information is stolen? In what ways is their information used? What should people do when they discover their information has been stolen? Are there steps they can take to protect their information?
Problem: Data breaches harm businesses, organizations, and medical systems. What happens to businesses, organizations, and medical systems when hackers break in? What kind of information is stolen? How is the information used? What do businesses, organizations, and medical systems do, or what should they do, when they know about a breach? How can data breaches be prevented?
Problem: Data breaches harm governments. What happens to governments when hackers break into their systems? What kind of information is stolen? How is the information used? What should governments do when they know about a breach? How can data breaches be prevented?

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.

Introduction (usually one paragraph, but can be two)

Draw readers in with an overview. Provide necessary background here or in the description of the problem, defining terms as needed.

State the thesis.

Description of the Problem (one or more paragraphs)

Explain the problem, establishing it as a problem in need of a solution.

Develop the paragraph(s) with evidence.

Possible Solution or Solutions (one or more paragraphs)

Describe possible solutions, one at a time.

Develop the paragraph(s) with evidence.

Objections (one or more paragraphs)

Explain objections readers are likely to raise to the solutions given in the previous paragraph(s).

Develop the paragraph(s) with evidence.

Conclusion and Recommendations (one or more paragraphs) Conclude with a summary of the points and recommend a solution or a course of action.

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.

Does the introduction interest you in the problem?
Can you find the thesis statement? Underline it for the writer.
Does the thesis state the problem and suggest that a solution will be proposed?
Can you identify a paragraph or paragraphs that define and explain a problem?
Can you identify a paragraph or paragraphs that propose one or more solutions to the problem?
Does the writer address possible objections to the solution or solutions? If not, are there objections the writer should consider?
Does each paragraph start with a point stated in the writer’s own words, and does that point relate to the thesis? Mark paragraphs that don’t have a clear point.
Does each paragraph support the main point of the paragraph with details and evidence, such as facts, statistics, or examples? Mark paragraphs that need more support and/or explanation.
Does each paragraph end with analysis, in the writer’s own words, that draws a conclusion? Mark paragraphs that need analysis.
Is there a clear conclusion that makes a recommendation and connects to the thesis statement?
Where do you get lost or confused? Mark anything that is unclear.
Does the proposal flow from one point to the next?
Does the essay have a clear, descriptive title?

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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Home — Essay Types — Proposal Essay

Proposal Essay Examples

Exploring proposal essay topics opens up a realm of possibilities for addressing various issues and challenges, ranging from practical business plans to cutting-edge engineering solutions. These topics serve as the foundation for constructing well-reasoned proposals, demonstrating the thoughtfulness and ingenuity of the writer. Whether you are delving into Economics, Business Management, Engineering, or any other field, proposal essay topics provide the canvas upon which your innovative ideas can be sketched and evaluated.

Proposal Essay Ideas and Topics

The realm of proposal essays is vast and encompasses a multitude of ideas and topics across various disciplines. Here are a few proposal essay ideas and topics, along with some proposal essay examples, to inspire your own academic exploration:

  • Environmental Sustainability : Propose initiatives to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices in urban areas.
  • Education Reform: Offer innovative solutions to enhance the quality of primary and secondary education, addressing challenges such as remote learning and educational inequality.
  • Healthcare Access: Propose policies to improve access to healthcare services, especially in underserved communities.
  • Business Strategies: Suggest strategies for small businesses to thrive in the digital age, adapting to evolving market trends and consumer behaviors.
  • Technological Advancements: Explore proposals for ethical and sustainable technological advancements, focusing on areas like renewable energy sources or artificial intelligence ethics.

Proposal Argument Essay Topics

Proposal argument essay topics encompass a wide range of issues and ideas that can be explored and debated. These topics typically revolve around proposing a solution or course of action to address a specific problem or challenge. Here are some proposal argument essay topics to consider:

  • Implementing Stricter Gun Control Laws to Reduce Gun Violence
  • Promoting Sustainable Agriculture and Reducing Food Waste
  • Reforming the Criminal Justice System to Focus on Rehabilitation
  • Addressing the Student Loan Debt Crisis with Debt Forgiveness Programs
  • Combating Climate Change through Renewable Energy Initiatives
  • Improving Mental Health Support and Services in Schools
  • The Impact of Technological Advancements
  • Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace through Pay Equity Measures
  • Enhancing Cybersecurity Measures to Protect Personal Data
  • Combating Childhood Obesity through Healthier School Lunch Programs

When considering a topic for your proposal argument essay, it's essential to choose one that aligns with your interests and allows you to present persuasive arguments supported by compelling evidence and reasoning.

Topic Proposal Essay Example

You might explore the benefits of implementing community policing programs as a solution to improve trust, transparency, and cooperation between the police and the community—a topic proposal essay example that addresses real-world issues and proposes practical solutions for positive change.

These proposal argument essay topics cover a wide range of social, political, environmental, and economic issues, providing ample opportunities for in-depth research and critical analysis. Select a topic that resonates with your passion and enables you to construct a convincing argument for your proposed solution.

In conclusion, a proposal essay is a valuable genre of academic writing that allows students to delve into critical issues, propose solutions, and support their ideas with sound research and evidence. It serves as a platform for innovative thinking and problem-solving across various academic disciplines.

What is a Proposal Essay

A proposal essay is a type of academic writing where the author presents a problem and proposes a solution or course of action to address that problem. This type of essay is often assigned in college courses, and its primary goal is to persuade the reader or audience that the proposed solution is viable, effective, and well-reasoned. To better understand how to craft a proposal essay, it can be helpful to explore proposal essay examples , which you can find on our essays base.

Proposal essays can cover a wide range of topics, from social and environmental issues to business and policy proposals. They are a valuable exercise in critical thinking, research, and persuasive writing, as they require the author to analyze a problem, develop a well-considered solution, and present it convincingly to an audience. These essays are commonly assigned in college courses to assess students’ ability to think critically and propose practical solutions to real-world problems.

How to Write a Proposal Essay and Tips for Success

Navigating the world of proposal essays can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of potential topics. The key to success lies in understanding how to craft a proposal essay that not only captures the attention of your professor and audience but also persuades them to take action. When writing a proposal essay , consider these essential steps and tips to create a compelling and persuasive piece of academic writing.

Much like a research outline, a proposal essay delves into an event or argument, providing compelling reasons for why a particular action should be taken or why a certain social event may not be beneficial. The structure of your proposal will largely depend on your chosen topic and objectives. For instance, financial reports may necessitate the inclusion of statistical data, while fashion studies may require a different approach to essay writing. When learning how to write a proposal essay , it’s crucial to tailor your approach to your specific subject matter. The overarching goal is to present a clear and convincing piece of evidence right from the introduction.

By incorporating insights and exploring proposal essay examples , you can confidently craft compelling proposals that leave a lasting impact.

How to Write Proposal Essay Introduction

The introduction of a proposal essay plays a crucial role in engaging the reader and setting the stage for the proposal’s main arguments. It typically begins with a hook or attention-grabbing statement to draw the reader in. Here’s a proposal essay introduction example :

“Imagine a community where families struggle to put food on the table, where children go to bed hungry each night. This is the harsh reality faced by many residents in our town. In this proposal essay, we will address the pressing issue of food insecurity in our community and present a viable solution that can make a significant difference—the establishment of a community food bank. This proposal aims to not only alleviate hunger but also foster a sense of unity and support among our residents. In the following sections, we will explore the reasons behind food insecurity, the benefits of the proposed food bank, and the steps needed for its successful implementation.”

This introduction effectively grabs the reader’s attention by highlighting a pressing issue and presenting the proposed solution, setting the stage for the essay’s main arguments and supporting evidence.

Structuring Your Proposal Essay

At its core, a proposal essay is similar to a research outline, where you will discuss an event or argument and provide compelling reasons for why a particular action should be taken or why a certain social event may not be beneficial. The structure of your proposal will largely depend on your chosen topic and objectives. For instance, financial reports may necessitate the inclusion of statistical data, while fashion studies may require a different approach to essay writing. Regardless of the topic, the overarching goal is to present a clear and convincing piece of evidence right from the introduction.

  • Introduction with a hook sentence. 
  • Thesis statement . 
  • Three body paragraphs where you set your objectives by explaining your proposal with the statistical data, surveys, and other facts. 
  • Conclusion . It must be kept brief as you work on your topic. The major part should be taken from your proposal’s justification. 
  • A literature review.

To craft a proposal essay, consider these essential elements:

  • A captivating introduction : Grab the reader’s attention from the outset by highlighting the significance of your topic and why it warrants consideration.
  • A well-defined problem statement: Clearly articulate the issue or challenge that your proposal aims to address.
  • A compelling solution: Propose a well-thought-out solution to the identified problem, ensuring its feasibility and effectiveness.
  • Supporting evidence: Substantiate your proposal with relevant data, research findings, or expert opinions.
  • A persuasive conclusion: Reiterate the significance of your proposal and its potential impact, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

7 Most Common Proposal Essay Mistakes to Avoid

Addressing these common mistakes will significantly improve the quality and effectiveness of your proposal essay.

Proposal Writing Mistakes

Examples of a Proposal Essays

To further enhance your understanding, let’s delve into a few examples of proposal essays :

  • Example 1 : Advocating for a Greener Campus

Propose the implementation of sustainable practices on campus, such as energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and composting initiatives.

  • Example 2: Addressing the Issue of Homelessness

Advocate for the establishment of a community shelter or propose a volunteer program to assist the homeless population.

  • Example 3 : Promoting Healthy Eating Habits

Suggest the introduction of healthier food options in school cafeterias or advocate for nutrition education programs.

Remember : Tailor your proposal essay to the specific requirements of your assignment and ensure it aligns with your chosen topic.

How to Write a Proposal Argument Essay

Writing a proposal argument essay involves a structured approach to presenting your ideas, arguments, and proposed solutions to a specific issue or problem. Here are the key steps to follow when learning how to write a proposal argument essay :

  • Choose a Relevant Topic
  • Research Extensively
  • Identify Your Audience
  • Craft a Strong Thesis Statement
  • Outline Your Essay
  • Write a Compelling Introduction
  • Present Your Arguments
  • Address Counterarguments
  • Propose Solutions
  • Conclude Effectively
  • Revise and Edit
  • Cite Sources
  • Seek Feedback

Remember that a well-written proposal argument essay presents a clear problem, provides compelling evidence, and offers practical solutions while considering the needs and perspectives of the audience.

Key Differences Between Proposal Argument Essays and Proposal Essays

The key difference between proposal argument essays and proposal essays is that proposal argument essays argue for why their proposal is the best one, while proposal essays do not. Proposal argument essays are also typically more persuasive than proposal essays.

Proposal argument essay examples :

  • An essay that proposes a new law to reduce gun violence.
  • An essay that proposes a new program to help homeless people find housing.
  • An essay that proposes a new marketing strategy for a business.

Proposal essay examples:

  • An essay that proposes a new curriculum for a school.
  • An essay that proposes a new event for a community.
  • An essay that proposes a new product or service for a company.

Which Type of Essay Should You Write?

The type of essay that you should write depends on your assignment and your audience. If you are writing an essay for a class, your professor will likely tell you which type of essay to write. If you are writing an essay for a professional audience, you should choose the type of essay that will be most effective in persuading your audience to support your proposal.

Both proposal argument essays and proposal essays can be effective ways to communicate your ideas and persuade others to support your cause. When choosing which type of essay to write, it is important to consider your assignment, your audience, and the purpose of your essay.

General Essay Proposal Examples

Proposal essay writing checklist.

Instead of offering a classic structure template that won’t relate to your course topic, you must follow our free checklist that will provide you with much better assistance as you compare your paper to what we have: 

  • Your objectives are included in the first sentence in the introduction. (It should also be reflected in your hook sentence and the title of your proposal.)
  • You provide a background of a problem in the introduction.
  • Your proposal has a brief literature review that will be used as the supporting data.
  • Your proposal essay explains why your objectives will be met. (It’s the heart of your proposal. Use an explanatory tone as you apply analysis.)
  • Your tone is persuading by turning to quotes and the evidence.
  • Your conclusion is brief and simply re-states your thesis ideas.

Take your time to explore various proposal essay examples to see how much scope you should use when discussing some argument. Keep your tone unbiased when you provide information that represents what’s being common sense. Refer to your course and talk things out with your academic advisor to ensure that your proposal essay’s theme has been fully understood.

Homeless Proposal Essay

Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that has persisted throughout history and continues to challenge societies worldwide. Addressing homelessness requires a holistic approach that encompasses social, economic, and psychological dimensions. This essay proposes several strategies to mitigate homelessness, focusing on affordable housing, mental health services, employment…

Transforming Traditional Business: An Electronic Business Proposal

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses must adapt and embrace electronic business (e-business) strategies to remain competitive and thrive. This proposal outlines the key elements and benefits of implementing e-business practices and technologies within our organization, paving the way for a more efficient, customer-centric,…

Prioritizing Early Intervention for Children’s Mental Health

As the prevalence of mental health disorders continues to rise, it is essential to prioritize early intervention in addressing mental health issues in children. Mental health problems can have long-term consequences on a child’s emotional, social, and physical development, making early intervention crucial in preventing…

Opening a Coffee Shop in Downtown: A Comprehensive Business Proposal

The coffee culture has been booming in recent years, and it is no surprise that coffee shops are popping up everywhere. Downtown areas are a hub for businesses, and opening a coffee shop in a downtown area can be a great idea. A coffee shop…

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boy-baner

Gun Control: An Essential Step in Reducing Gun Violence

Introduction Gun control is a topic that has been debated for decades in the United States. The issue is a complex one that involves balancing the right to bear arms with the need to protect public safety. In the wake of numerous mass shootings and…

Community Service Project: Improving Education for Low-Income Families

Introduction Education is a fundamental right that every individual should have access to, yet many low-income families struggle to provide adequate education for their children. The purpose of this community service project proposal essay is to address this issue and provide a solution that will…

An Examination of Abortion and its Health Implications on Women

Introduction Abortion is a controversial issue that has remained a topic of heated debate in the United States and other parts of the world. It is a medical procedure that involves terminating a pregnancy before the fetus is viable. While some people believe that women…

Air Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Proposed Solutions

Air pollution is a significant global problem that affects the health of millions of people, damages the environment, and costs billions of dollars. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), outdoor air pollution causes around 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide every year. Moreover, air pollution…

A Proposed Policy for a Campus-Based Food Cooperative

College students face many challenges in their academic journeys, including time management, financial constraints, and mental health problems. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of access to affordable and healthy food options. Many college students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, struggle to…

A Tax on High-Calorie Foods: A Solution to the Global Obesity Epidemic

According to the World Health Organization, in 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults were overweight, of which around 650 million were obese. In the United States alone, more than 42% of the population is considered obese. This epidemic not only has significant health consequences but…

What is a proposal essay?

It is an idea with a list of facts that help the readers see why a particular suggestion is good or bad. The proposal essay topics are limitless. They can deal with education and propound the benefits of distance learning or turn to technology and research the woes of video games. Good proposal essay examples should provide evidence and a list of arguments.

How to write a proposal essay?

A good paper proposal example should include a brief explanation of why you have chosen the topic with a clear thesis statement. The key is to introduce your idea and explain why you think it matters. Check out our essay proposal example to see how it turns to trusted evidence and lists reliable references or similar research on the subject.

What is the primary purpose of a proposal essay?

The primary purpose of a proposal essay is to advocate for a specific idea, solution, or change and provide convincing arguments and evidence to persuade the reader of its feasibility and importance.

How should I choose a proposal essay topic?

Choose a proposal essay topic that you are passionate about and that addresses a real problem or issue. Consider topics that interest you and are relevant to your audience or community.

What is the difference between a proposal essay and a research paper?

While both involve research and writing, a proposal essay focuses on advocating for a specific idea or solution, whereas a research paper typically presents findings and analysis of existing research on a broader topic.

Are proposal essays used outside of academic settings?

Yes, proposal essays are used in various professional and real-world settings, such as business proposals, grant applications, and policy recommendations, in addition to academic assignments.

The most popular topics for Proposal Essay

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  • Discrimination

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Process AI

How to Write a Proposal and Get What You Want (Free Templates)

proposal for essay

A proposal has a lot of different purposes, but there’s only one good way to write one: the way that pulls together all of the information in a concise and persuasive way and helps you get what you want … whether that’s a whole new software system, or just a tweak to your marketing strategy.

This Process Street article isn’t about a business proposal — also known as a quote — but instead about the document required when formally pitching an idea for action and execution by managers or department heads .

To explain how to write a proposal document and get what you want, we’ll go through the following:

Free proposal writing template

When are proposals necessary, why are proposals important, examples of proposals, how to write a proposal: step-by-step, last steps before submitting the proposal, more free proposal writing checklists, even more free proposal writing checklists, customize your proposal checklists with process street.

Let’s get started.

If you fancy taking a quick look at a free interactive template, that will help you write your proposals right away, feel free to dive straight into this!

Writing a Proposal: Step-by-Step Guide

There are more templates, like this one, further down in this post, so stick around.

Any project you don’t have the clearance or authority to start without a higher-up’s approval, you need to submit a proposal for.

According to SSWM , a proposal is “a detailed description of a series of activities aimed at solving a certain problem”.

That problem  could be anything, from:

  • Process improvement
  • Cost reduction
  • A new marketing strategy

If it’s an idea you need to ask permission to execute, or to get action on, it needs a proposal.

A proposal is a way to pitch an idea and state your requirements, so it’s important for supervisors because they can get information in writing (not casually in the elevator), and be able to act knowing the full implications of their decision.

They’re also a chance for you to make a structured, logical argument and lay down everything in favor of your idea. A well-written proposal shows your manager you care about the cause, and it’s not just a mid-meeting whim you blurted out.

To write a top proposal you need to scrutinize it before you present it.

It’s a broad topic, but it’s best explained with examples.

  • Proposal for Process Improvement
  • Proposal for Server Replacement
  • Proposal for Cost Savings

Below is a simple proposal example with some basic sections.

proposal for essay

Now let’s take a look at how to write a proposal — whether it’s as simple as the one above, or more complex.

Here’s the general structure of a proposal:

proposal for essay

As you can see, a proposal generally consists of:

  • Introduction : A brief overview of the problem, solution, costs, and benefits.
  • Issue : The main definition of the issue, including subject, purpose, main argument, background information and importance.
  • Solution : The main definition of the solution, including your step-by-step plan, the benefits, and how potential obstacles will be overcame.
  • Qualifications : Overview of the personnel required, experience.
  • Conclusion of the costs and benefits, and wrap-up : Balance the cost against the benefit, reinforce your point one last time.

1. Identify and define your reader

Just like with any kind of persuasion, it helps if you understand how to appeal to your audience. Who will be reading your proposal and deciding if it’s accepted or rejected? What do they care about? What kind of language and benefits would resonate with them? This is the first step because it’s an important thing to keep in mind as you go along and as information that informs the way you write from here on.

2. Define the problem your proposal will solve

Who : Who will the proposal affect?

What : What’s the reason for you to write the proposal in the first place? Explain the current situation and the problems that come with it.

3. Define the solution

How : How are you going to solve the problem? Explain step-by-step in detail.

Who : Identify the personnel you need, along with their prior experience to add persuasion to the proposal

4. Conclusion: costs, benefits and wrap-up

Reiterate : The purpose and main argument

Costs : Break down the projected costs involved for different elements of the project

Benefits : Break down the benefits to the organization, monetary and non-monetary, to persuade the reader there’ll be a return on investment

Thanks : Thank the reader for their time.

Contact information : Where can the reader get in touch with you? Make sure to be crystal clear to make the details easily discoverable.

Clear writing is your best friend when you’re trying to write persuasively. For that reason, there are a few checks to run before you submit your proposal.

Remember, what’s clear to you might not always be clear to other people.

1 .Check for jargon (then destroy it)

Although jargon is popular in the business world, not everyone shares the equal love for it. It’s terms like right-size, blue sky (verb), turn-key, and synergize. They might mean something to you, or make you feel intelligent, but there are simpler alternatives that will help people understand what you mean !

2. Change the passive voice to the active voice

The passive voice is defined as :

“The noun or noun phrase that would be the object of an active sentence (such as Our troops defeated the enemy) appears as the subject of a sentence with passive voice (e.g. The enemy was defeated by our troops).”.

It’s a long-winded way of expressing something that could be expressed in simple terms:

passivevoice

The passive voice sounds distant and even deceptive, and, since the reader might even just be skimming your proposal, you don’t want to add extra words to cloud your point.

3. Proofread the proposal

Install a tool like Grammarly and check the proposal in an online text editor. Grammarly will manage to pick up on anything that is grammatically incorrect and sometimes even flags up stylistically poor phrases. Poor spelling and grammar will only discredit the value of what you’re saying and could be a problem that leads to your proposal being rejected.

As promised, check out the below five templates that have each been designed by the team at Process Street — makers of the finest remote work software for processes around — to help you write winning proposals.

Proposal Template Checklist Process

This proposal template is a checklist that should be used alongside the proposal document you are planning to submit. Use it to make sure that all the elements have been considered, that the proposal contains everything it needs to and that it meets all set requirements.

Click here to access the Proposal Template Checklist Process!

Business Proposal Template Checklist

Whether your business proposal is solicited or unsolicited, use this business proposal template checklist to ensure you include all the required information in your proposal and cover key areas such as these the problem the organization is facing, the proposed solution, the budget, and a key CTA.

Click here to access the Business Proposal Template Checklist!

How to Write a Grant Proposal Checklist

Use this template to make sure your grant proposal includes all the relevant information, that it contains everything it needs to, and that it meets all stated RFP requirements.

Click here to access the How to Write a Grant Proposal Checklist!

Research Proposal Example Checklist

Use this template to convince others that you have a worthwhile research project and that you have the competence and the work-plan to complete it.

Click here to access the Research Proposal Example Checklist!

Project Proposal Template Checklist

Use this template, alongside the proposal document you are planning to submit, to set the project vision, define the project requirements, describe the deliverables, and specify the deadlines.

Click here to access the Project Proposal Template Checklist!

If you’re looking for more inspiration, give these alternative proposal writing templates a go too.

  • Bid Proposal Template Checklist
  • Budget Proposal Template
  • Construction Proposal Template Checklist
  • Consulting Proposal Template Checklist
  • Continuation Project Proposal Template
  • Contractor Proposal Template Checklist
  • Event Proposal Template Checklist
  • Marketing Proposal Template Checklist
  • Project Proposal Template
  • Renewal Project Proposal Template
  • Simple Proposal Format Checklist
  • Sponsorship Proposal Template Checklist
  • Supplemental Project Proposal Template
  • Website Proposal Template Checklist

If the above templates don’t quite fit your company, industry, or the proposal document you are writing, don’t worry!

Process Street to the rescue!

Process Street is super-powered checklists . We are a super-charged, state of the art BPM SaaS platform which allows you to create templates and run individual checklists from these. You can check tasks off as you work through them, set deadlines, request approvals, assign various tasks , and work through your proposal workflows with ease.

Watch this to get an idea about who we are and what we do:

To help you customize your proposal writing template, and make your proposal wriitng easier, you can use all these different types of Process Street features:

  • Dynamic due dates
  • Task permissions
  • Conditional logic
  • Approval tasks
  • Embed widget
  • Role assignments

You can also connect your templates to thousands of apps through Zapier , webhooks, or API access to automate your proposal processes and workflows.

If you’re unfamiliar with process automation, what it means, and the benefits it can bring to your business, watch this Process Street webinar on automation:

Remember, if you want to get access to any of our proposal writing checklists, just click the links above and they will be added to your Process Street account where you can use them over and over again. Or, if you haven’t yet signed up for a Process Street account, click here and start your free trial.

Has this guide helped you out? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

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Benjamin Brandall

Benjamin Brandall is a content marketer at Process Street .

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Writing Lab

  • Course Assignments
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  • Business Letters, Memos, and Plans

What is a proposal?

Main parts of a proposal, how do i know i have written an effective proposal.

  • Annotated Bibliographies
  • Persuasive Essay
  • Executive Summary
  • Literature Review

A proposal is a clear, organized plan that introduces an area of need or project idea and includes the details needed to address the issue or complete a project.  A proposal clearly outlines the steps, details, recommendations, and other pertinent information needed to fully address the area of identified need.

While there are different types of proposals (e.g. research, business, conference, etc.), here is a general format to follow:

Looking for information for business proposal? Check out our FAQ:  How do I write and present a business proposal? - FAQS (libanswers.com)

Introduction

This is where you establish the background of the issue and reference any past discussions, experience, or any other relevant information to the problem or proposed project.  Be sure to keep the introduction clear and concise.

Areas of Need

This section of your proposal needs to outline in detail the area(s) that need addressing.  For example, if you see a need for further education in your unit, clearly outline the problem areas you noticed.  You need to make it clear you have a complete understanding of the situation, so your reader will understand there are real issues that need addressing.

Recommendations

In this section, clearly and logically outline the recommendations you have to address the issue(s).  If you feel further education is needed in a particular area, clearly outline what education is needed and why.  This is the section that will require you to be persuasive.  In other words, really "sell" your recommendations to ensure you get approval for your proposal.

Here is where you outline the cost, timeline, logistics, required staff, required technology, and any other relevant information you need to share regarding your plan.  Do not include in-depth information here - you can include this information in appendices.   See the section Additional Information below.

Be sure to recap important points, stress that your plan benefits all parties involved, and call out any action items.  It is important to drive home why this issue is important to address the issue sooner rather than later.

After you have written your proposal, you can use this checklist to ensure you've met the mark:

  • Will it meet the needs of all involved?
  • Does the introduction generate interest and clearly describe the purpose of the proposal?
  • When sharing the area(s) of need, are you providing a clear picture of the need(s)?  Are you providing clear links between the need(s) and the recommendations? 
  • Are your recommendations clear and specific?  Do you address how these recommendations will benefit all involved?  Do you provide evidence or proof?
  • If costs are involved, do you clearly justify them?  
  • Does your summary clearly tie up loose ends?  Do you have a specific call to action?
  • Are your appendices needed and complete?
  • << Previous: Business Letters, Memos, and Plans
  • Next: Annotated Bibliographies >>
  • Last Updated: Sep 10, 2024 11:36 AM
  • URL: https://guides.rasmussen.edu/courseassignments

IMAGES

  1. How to Write an Effective Proposal Essay

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  2. 10+ Essay Proposal Outline Templates

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  3. How to Write a Proposal Essay like a Pro : Guide + Example (2023)

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  4. How to Write a Proposal Essay like a Pro : Guide + Example (2023)

    proposal for essay

  5. 10+ Essay Proposal Outline Templates

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  6. 😍 What is a proposal essay. How to Write an Effective Proposal Essay

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VIDEO

  1. GCU Proposal Essay

  2. Essay Proposal on Utilitarianism

  3. Proposal Essay 2-Steps to Proposal Arguments

  4. Group 2 Revised Proposal Essay Presentation

  5. Proposal Argument Essay

  6. Essay Proposal Assignment

COMMENTS

  1. How to Write a Proposal Essay/Paper

    Show the audience that you know what you are doing. The more prepared you look the better your chances are to get the proposal passed (or get a better grade if it is for a class). 8. Conclusion. Do not restate your introduction here if you choose to mention the "history" of a certain proposal.

  2. How To Write A 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 ...

  3. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposals, like all other kinds of academic writing, are written in a formal, objective tone. Keep in mind that being concise is a key component of academic writing; formal does not mean flowery. Adhere to the structure outlined above. Your reader knows how a research proposal is supposed to read and expects it to fit this template.

  4. How to Write a Research Proposal

    Research proposal examples. 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".

  5. Proposal Essay Examples: Convincing Ideas for Your Research ...

    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 ...

  6. How to Write an Essay Proposal + Examples

    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.

  7. How to Write an Essay Proposal

    Argumentative Essay Proposal: Propose a topic where you will argue for or against a particular issue, providing evidence and reasoning. 3. Compare and Contrast Essay Proposal: Detail how you will compare and contrast two subjects, such as two literary works, theories, or historical events. 4.

  8. Top Proposal Essay Examples: Academic & Professional Success Guide

    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 ...

  9. Ultimate Guide To Writing A Proposal Essay

    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.

  10. Full Guide: How To Write A Proposal Essay

    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.

  11. 414 Proposal Essay Topics + Writing Guide & Example

    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.

  12. How to Write a Proposal Essay: Best Tips for Students

    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.

  13. Proposal Essay Examples

    428 samples. A proposal essay is a description of a future project. It pursues two purposes: to convince the reader that the research or business deserves attention and to test the plan's viability. Because while writing this essay, you may encounter unsurpassable problems that will require you to change the topic.

  14. How to Write a Proposal Essay like a Pro : Guide + Example

    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 ...

  15. Guide to Writing an Effective Essay Proposal

    To summarize, clearly stating your thesis statement is essential in writing an effective essay proposal. It provides a clear direction for your essay and gives the reader a sense of what to expect. Use strong and definitive language, avoid vagueness, and make your thesis statement compelling and engaging.

  16. How To Write An Essay Proposal

    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.

  17. Academic Proposals

    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 ...

  18. Sample Academic Proposals

    Select the Sample Academic Proposals PDF in the Media box above to download this file and read examples of proposals for conferences, journals, and book chapters.

  19. How to Write an Essay Outline

    Revised on July 23, 2023. An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate ...

  20. 6.5 Writing Process: Creating a Proposal

    Introduction; 3.1 Identity and Expression; 3.2 Literacy Narrative Trailblazer: Tara Westover; 3.3 Glance at Genre: The Literacy Narrative; 3.4 Annotated Sample Reading: from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass by Frederick Douglass; 3.5 Writing Process: Tracing the Beginnings of Literacy; 3.6 Editing Focus: Sentence Structure; 3.7 Evaluation: Self-Evaluating; 3.8 Spotlight on …

  21. Free Proposal Essay Examples. Best Topics, Titles GradesFixer

    In the United States alone, more than 42% of the population is considered obese. This epidemic not only has significant health consequences but…. Junk Food Obesity. 1 2 … 8. Absolutely free Proposal Essay examples provided by straight-A students. Variety of topics to choose from, easy to download. You can even order custom essay from our ...

  22. How to Write a Proposal and Get What You Want (Free Templates)

    Explain step-by-step in detail. Who: Identify the personnel you need, along with their prior experience to add persuasion to the proposal. 4. Conclusion: costs, benefits and wrap-up. Reiterate: The purpose and main argument. Costs: Break down the projected costs involved for different elements of the project.

  23. PDF WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL

    WRITING A SUCCESSFUL PROPOSAL . Summary . At the beginning of your proposal, or on a cover sheet, write a two- or three-sentence summary of the proposal. This summary helps the reader follow your argument in the proposal itself. For example: "Annunciation Shelter requests $5,000 for a two-year, $50,000 job training program for

  24. Proposals

    Persuasive Essay; Executive Summary; Literature Review; What is a proposal? A proposal is a clear, organized plan that introduces an area of need or project idea and includes the details needed to address the issue or complete a project. A proposal clearly outlines the steps, details, recommendations, and other pertinent information needed to ...