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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on October 12, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 21, 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organized and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about research proposals.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: “A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management”
• Example research proposal #2: “Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use”

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesize prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasize again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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Home » How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

How To Write A Research Proposal – Step-by-Step [Template]

Table of Contents

How To Write a Research Proposal

Writing a Research proposal involves several steps to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive document. Here is an explanation of each step:

1. Title and Abstract

• Choose a concise and descriptive title that reflects the essence of your research.
• Write an abstract summarizing your research question, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. It should provide a brief overview of your proposal.

2. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction to your research topic, highlighting its significance and relevance.
• Clearly state the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Discuss the background and context of the study, including previous research in the field.

3. Research Objectives

• Outline the specific objectives or aims of your research. These objectives should be clear, achievable, and aligned with the research problem.

4. Literature Review:

• Conduct a comprehensive review of relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings, identify gaps, and highlight how your research will contribute to the existing knowledge.

5. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to employ to address your research objectives.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques you will use.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate and suitable for your research.

6. Timeline:

• Create a timeline or schedule that outlines the major milestones and activities of your research project.
• Break down the research process into smaller tasks and estimate the time required for each task.

7. Resources:

• Identify the resources needed for your research, such as access to specific databases, equipment, or funding.
• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources to carry out your research effectively.

8. Ethical Considerations:

• Discuss any ethical issues that may arise during your research and explain how you plan to address them.
• If your research involves human subjects, explain how you will ensure their informed consent and privacy.

9. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

• Clearly state the expected outcomes or results of your research.
• Highlight the potential impact and significance of your research in advancing knowledge or addressing practical issues.

10. References:

• Provide a list of all the references cited in your proposal, following a consistent citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices:

• Include any additional supporting materials, such as survey questionnaires, interview guides, or data analysis plans.

Research Proposal Format

The format of a research proposal may vary depending on the specific requirements of the institution or funding agency. However, the following is a commonly used format for a research proposal:

1. Title Page:

• Include the title of your research proposal, your name, your affiliation or institution, and the date.

2. Abstract:

• Provide a brief summary of your research proposal, highlighting the research problem, objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.

3. Introduction:

• Introduce the research topic and provide background information.
• State the research problem or question you aim to address.
• Explain the significance and relevance of the research.
• Review relevant literature and studies related to your research topic.
• Summarize key findings and identify gaps in the existing knowledge.
• Explain how your research will contribute to filling those gaps.

5. Research Objectives:

• Clearly state the specific objectives or aims of your research.
• Ensure that the objectives are clear, focused, and aligned with the research problem.

6. Methodology:

• Describe the research design and methodology you plan to use.
• Explain the data collection methods, instruments, and analysis techniques.
• Justify why the chosen methods are appropriate for your research.

7. Timeline:

8. Resources:

• Explain how you will acquire or utilize these resources effectively.

9. Ethical Considerations:

• If applicable, explain how you will ensure informed consent and protect the privacy of research participants.

10. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

11. References:

12. Appendices:

Research Proposal Template

Here’s a template for a research proposal:

1. Introduction:

2. Literature Review:

3. Research Objectives:

4. Methodology:

5. Timeline:

6. Resources:

7. Ethical Considerations:

8. Expected Outcomes and Significance:

9. References:

10. Appendices:

Research Proposal Sample

Title: The Impact of Online Education on Student Learning Outcomes: A Comparative Study

1. Introduction

Online education has gained significant prominence in recent years, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes by comparing them with traditional face-to-face instruction. The study will explore various aspects of online education, such as instructional methods, student engagement, and academic performance, to provide insights into the effectiveness of online learning.

2. Objectives

The main objectives of this research are as follows:

• To compare student learning outcomes between online and traditional face-to-face education.
• To examine the factors influencing student engagement in online learning environments.
• To assess the effectiveness of different instructional methods employed in online education.
• To identify challenges and opportunities associated with online education and suggest recommendations for improvement.

3. Methodology

3.1 Study Design

This research will utilize a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and qualitative data. The study will include the following components:

3.2 Participants

The research will involve undergraduate students from two universities, one offering online education and the other providing face-to-face instruction. A total of 500 students (250 from each university) will be selected randomly to participate in the study.

3.3 Data Collection

The research will employ the following data collection methods:

• Quantitative: Pre- and post-assessments will be conducted to measure students’ learning outcomes. Data on student demographics and academic performance will also be collected from university records.
• Qualitative: Focus group discussions and individual interviews will be conducted with students to gather their perceptions and experiences regarding online education.

3.4 Data Analysis

Quantitative data will be analyzed using statistical software, employing descriptive statistics, t-tests, and regression analysis. Qualitative data will be transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically to identify recurring patterns and themes.

4. Ethical Considerations

The study will adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent will be obtained, and participants will have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.

5. Significance and Expected Outcomes

This research will contribute to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence on the impact of online education on student learning outcomes. The findings will help educational institutions and policymakers make informed decisions about incorporating online learning methods and improving the quality of online education. Moreover, the study will identify potential challenges and opportunities related to online education and offer recommendations for enhancing student engagement and overall learning outcomes.

6. Timeline

The proposed research will be conducted over a period of 12 months, including data collection, analysis, and report writing.

The estimated budget for this research includes expenses related to data collection, software licenses, participant compensation, and research assistance. A detailed budget breakdown will be provided in the final research plan.

8. Conclusion

This research proposal aims to investigate the impact of online education on student learning outcomes through a comparative study with traditional face-to-face instruction. By exploring various dimensions of online education, this research will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and challenges associated with online learning. The findings will contribute to the ongoing discourse on educational practices and help shape future strategies for maximizing student learning outcomes in online education settings.

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Sample Academic Proposals

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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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Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

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

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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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Jun 21, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

What is a Proposal Essay?

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

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

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

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

How to Write a Proposal Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Structure of a Proposal Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proposal Essay Examples 

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

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

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

1. Reducing Plastic Waste: A Proposal for Action

Introduction:

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

Problem Statement:

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

Suggested measures to combat plastic waste include:

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

Government incentives encouraging the use of reusable products.

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

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

Conclusion:

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

2. Dangers of Texting While Driving

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

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

To address this peril, the following steps are suggested:

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

Implementing stricter penalties for drivers caught in the act.

Promoting technologies that restrict texting while driving.

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

3. The Causes of Homelessness

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

Causes of Homelessness:

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

To alleviate homelessness, the following steps are suggested:

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

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

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

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

Final Words

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

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How to Write an Essay Proposal + Examples

By: Tasha Kolesnikova

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

What is an essay proposal?

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An essay proposal is a written description of your intended essay.

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

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

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

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

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

But in any case, when organizing your material:

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

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

Prewriting Stage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Proposal Example

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

The following is a sample essay proposal :

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

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

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

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

Data will be analyzed via multiple regression analysis.

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

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

What is a Proposal Essay?

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

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

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

The good examples of proposal essay should

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

Proposal Essay Outline

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

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

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

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

You should begin writing your essay from the introduction.

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

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

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

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

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

The proposal should be between 200 and 250 words. Introduce the topic, your argument, and the opposing side in the first paragraph. The second paragraph should include two to three arguments. Third and fourth paragraphs should offer more evidence. In the final paragraph, restate and emphasize your thesis.

When you write a proposal essay, you should think about subjects that incorporate societal difficulties and social life in the contemporary world. For example, you may write about how effective it is for schooling to be safe.

When you write a proposal for an essay, you should write down the problem and a thesis, which is a plan that can be argued for or against: On a college campus, it might be hard to find a place to park. Even though the school may give out 1,000 parking permits, only 700 of them are available on campus.

Create an attention-grabbing title. Consider anything that will capture and hold the reader's attention. Create an introduction. Provide a resource evaluation. Describe how you put your methods into action. Predict your outcomes. Discuss the potential consequences of your findings.

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How to Write a Research Proposal: Steps, Outline, Example, and More!

A research proposal is a strategic tool for a world of uncharted discoveries. It is the entrance to the world of scientific inquiry, where the bounds of human knowledge are pushed, and new perspectives are unveiled. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of how to write a research proposal :

• Pick a clear and focused topic. What specific question are you trying to answer?
• Show its importance. Why is your research relevant to your field?
• Research the gap. What do we already know? What are the knowledge gaps you'll address?
• Plan your methods. How will you collect and analyze your data (surveys, interviews, experiments)?
• Be realistic. Can you complete the research within your timeframe?
• Cite your sources! Show you've reviewed existing research.
• Keep it concise. Aim for a clear and focused document, typically 5-10 pages.

Definition of What Is a Research Proposal

Research proposals accomplished two things at once: 1) persuade the academics that the proposed study deserves funding and 2) lead the researcher on an exciting intellectual quest. 

The proposal combines a call to action, a request for financial support, and a mission statement. It's a creative work that unites the brilliance of creation with the powerful ability to persuade, opening up a whole new range of alternatives.

Research Proposal Purpose

Its main goal is to persuade a funding organization or other interested parties that the suggested project is worth the investment and that the scholar has the competence and assets necessary to complete it adequately.

The proposal has to be crystal clear, direct to the point, and persuasive, making a strong argument for the significance of the study, its future contribution, and the original strategy the scholar would employ. Each ambitious researcher should have a strong study proposal, which may lead to funding possibilities, team projects, and even brand-new insights.

We bet you'd fancy a guide on how to write a proposal for a research paper with detailed information and explaining steps required to complete your work successfully. Then, let's delve into the following sections right away!

Research Proposal Length 

The length of a research proposal can vary depending on several factors, but here's a quick guide:

• Typical Range: 1,500 - 3,000 words (excluding references and appendices).
• Ballpark Pages: 5-10 pages (assuming standard formatting).
• Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Aim for a concise and well-structured document that effectively conveys your research plan.
• Check with your specific program or funding agency for any word or page limit requirements.

How to Write a Research Proposal Step-by-Step

There is no research proposal template that is universally applicable to all types of papers. However, no matter how extensive and in-depth your study is, you will discover that the majority of research paper proposal example templates contain the following information:

Research Paper Title

So, how to start a research proposal? The logical answer is to first come up with a proper title. A well-written title can greatly increase the likelihood of a research article being read and referenced. For instance, a study titled 'The Effect of Media Platforms on Social Development: A Systematic Review' effectively communicates the study's focus while clarifying how it was conducted. The reader will find it simpler to comprehend the study's goal and any potential ramifications owing to the title's precision and informational nature.

An abstract provides a 150-300 word summary of a research paper and its primary objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. As it is frequently the first thing readers see and can influence whether they continue reading the complete article, the abstract is an important part of a research study. An effective abstract should summarize the paper's ideas, be simple to read, and emphasize the importance and possible influence of the work. It should give readers a thorough understanding of the paper's scope and purpose while piquing their interest in learning more.

If you're wondering how to write a research proposal context, remember that here you should provide your paper's structure and background information. Typically, you should discuss related literature reviews and any research gaps you'll explore throughout the study. It's also suggested that you stress the importance of undertaking the research and mentioning related theoretical and conceptual frameworks employed. Considering these, providing the context in your proposal is crucial since it helps your audience comprehend the study's relevance and how it fits into a broader perspective.

Research Question

The research question is the foundation of your proposal that shapes your study design and defines its main goal. It demonstrates your desire to learn more while furthering your academic career. Suppose you're writing a proposal about comparing the US and UK healthcare systems. In that case, you can come up with the following research question: 'How do low-income citizens with severe diseases do in terms of their physical well-being in the US and the UK?'

Research Method

In the research proposal, you should go into depth about how you conducted your study. Explain your key research tools and the techniques you employed to get your results. If you conducted interviews, tell the reader about the subjects of your questions. Lastly, provide your analysis of the results.

Research Significance

Afterward, you should describe the significance of your work. Every research proposal sample will briefly explain how your research is unique and contributes to the topic of study. You might wish to provide reasoning for the necessity of your study at this given moment. For example: 'The study's findings connect Psycho with other contemporary movies that share the same shock-factor traits. The startling aspect is more difficult to create today, as seen by the rise of low-budget, badly made horror movies that rely on shock rather than suspense to keep viewers' interest.'

Bibliography

Finally, you should compile a list of the articles and books most helpful to your research. You may need to do so according to the guidelines set forth by your instructor for research papers (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). You could also develop an annotated bibliography in which you explain how each resource aided your inquiry.

How to Create a Research Proposal Outline with a Research Proposal Template

Your outline format should look like the research proposal example provided above. Ensure you have a well-defined research topic and a clear plan for organizing your approach before starting the proposal writing process. Our history essay writer suggests that the following be included in your research proposal outline:

I. Introduction

• Background information and context
• Research problem statement
• Research question(s) or hypothesis

II. Literature Review

• Review of relevant literature
• Identification of gaps in existing research
• Explanation of how the proposed research will address those gaps

III. Methodology

• Research design
• Participants or population
• Sampling method
• Data collection methods
• Data analysis methods

IV. Expected Results

• Discussion of expected outcomes
• Significance of expected outcomes

V. Timeline

• Project timeline with major milestones
• Itemized budget with justification for expenses

VII. Conclusion

• Recap of the research problem and proposed solution
• Potential contributions to the field of study

VIII. References

• List of references cited in the proposal

This research paper outline should give you a clear idea of how to write a research proposal example effortlessly. Now, let our research proposal writing service tells out more about the formatting details.

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How to Format a Research Proposal Properly: APA Research Proposal

A research proposal format might be as short as a few paragraphs or as extensive as up to ten pages for dissertations. When unsure how to format a research proposal, first discuss details with your teacher, such as length, content, style, etc.

However, one of the most demanded styles is the APA research proposal format, which follows a specific format as given in the American Psychological Association guidelines. As it guides the project and helps guarantee that the study is thorough, ethical, and evidence-based, a research proposal example APA is usually generated before the study is conducted. 

Here is the general APA format:

• 12-point font Times New Roman.
• Double-spaced.
• 1-inch margins.
• An APA running head (limited to 50 characters).
• A title page with the paper's title (no more than 12 words in length), your name, and the name of your institution.
• An abstract (150-200 words).
• In-text citations.
• References page.

Effective Research Proposal Topics

Research proposals are the foundation of scholarly investigation. Therefore, thinking of fresh and distinctive research proposal ideas might be difficult. Due to this, our paper writers have supplied some excellent research proposal topics that will add excitement and enthusiasm to your academic endeavor:

• Social Media and Teen Anxiety
• E-Learning vs. Traditional Classrooms in STEM Fields
• Bilingual Education and Math Performance
• Music and Focus: Classical vs. Electronic
• Subscription Boxes vs. Traditional Shopping
• Meditation vs. Exercise for Stress Relief
• Pocket Parks and Mental Health in Dense Cities
• Mobile Games and Problem-Solving in Adults
• AI and Automation in Healthcare
• Leadership Styles in Family Businesses
• Power Napping for Shift Workers
• Blue Light Filters and Sleep Quality
• Napping vs. Extended Sleep for Memory Consolidation
• Language Learning Apps for Travelers
• Light Pollution and Bird Migration Patterns
• Solar Energy Adoption in Rural Communities
• Social Media and Political Polarization
• Parental Involvement and Standardized Test Scores
• Volunteer Work and Social Responsibility in Young Adults
• Mentorship Programs for Women in STEM

Research Proposal Example

Here is a research proposal example APA. Notice the structure of a short research paper (around 15 pages) and the APA formatting.

If you enjoyed our sample, feel free to drop us your ' write an essay for me ' request for any kind of assignment.

To wrap up, we hope our article assisted you in writing a research proposal. In addition to providing a thorough analysis of all the crucial elements of a research project, we provided guidance on how to write a research paper proposal that stands out.

And if you're already prepared to start producing a scholarly research paper, you can always rely on us! Contact us with your ' write my research paper ' request to place an order for a quality custom term paper that will easily impress your professor!

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What Are the 5 Steps of Writing a Research Proposal?

What is a research proposal, what is the format of a research proposal.

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• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/
• Examples of Research proposals | York St John University. (n.d.). York St John University. https://www.yorksj.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/apply/examples-of-research-proposals/
• How to write your research proposal | University of Westminster, London. (n.d.). https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/research-degrees/entry-requirements/how-to-write-your-research-proposal

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• How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

How to Write a Research Proposal | Examples & Templates

Published on 30 October 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on 13 June 2023.

A research proposal describes what you will investigate, why it’s important, and how you will conduct your research.

The format of a research proposal varies between fields, but most proposals will contain at least these elements:

Introduction

Literature review.

• Research design

Reference list

While the sections may vary, the overall objective is always the same. A research proposal serves as a blueprint and guide for your research plan, helping you get organised and feel confident in the path forward you choose to take.

Table of contents

Research proposal purpose, research proposal examples, research design and methods, contribution to knowledge, research schedule, frequently asked questions.

Academics often have to write research proposals to get funding for their projects. As a student, you might have to write a research proposal as part of a grad school application , or prior to starting your thesis or dissertation .

In addition to helping you figure out what your research can look like, a proposal can also serve to demonstrate why your project is worth pursuing to a funder, educational institution, or supervisor.

Research proposal length

The length of a research proposal can vary quite a bit. A bachelor’s or master’s thesis proposal can be just a few pages, while proposals for PhD dissertations or research funding are usually much longer and more detailed. Your supervisor can help you determine the best length for your work.

One trick to get started is to think of your proposal’s structure as a shorter version of your thesis or dissertation , only without the results , conclusion and discussion sections.

Download our research proposal template

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Writing a research proposal can be quite challenging, but a good starting point could be to look at some examples. We’ve included a few for you below.

• Example research proposal #1: ‘A Conceptual Framework for Scheduling Constraint Management’
• Example research proposal #2: ‘ Medical Students as Mediators of Change in Tobacco Use’

Like your dissertation or thesis, the proposal will usually have a title page that includes:

• The proposed title of your project
• Your supervisor’s name
• Your institution and department

The first part of your proposal is the initial pitch for your project. Make sure it succinctly explains what you want to do and why.

Your introduction should:

• Introduce your topic
• Give necessary background and context
• Outline your  problem statement  and research questions

To guide your introduction , include information about:

• Who could have an interest in the topic (e.g., scientists, policymakers)
• How much is already known about the topic
• What is missing from this current knowledge
• What new insights your research will contribute
• Why you believe this research is worth doing

As you get started, it’s important to demonstrate that you’re familiar with the most important research on your topic. A strong literature review  shows your reader that your project has a solid foundation in existing knowledge or theory. It also shows that you’re not simply repeating what other people have already done or said, but rather using existing research as a jumping-off point for your own.

In this section, share exactly how your project will contribute to ongoing conversations in the field by:

• Comparing and contrasting the main theories, methods, and debates
• Examining the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
• Explaining how will you build on, challenge, or synthesise prior scholarship

Following the literature review, restate your main  objectives . This brings the focus back to your own project. Next, your research design or methodology section will describe your overall approach, and the practical steps you will take to answer your research questions.

To finish your proposal on a strong note, explore the potential implications of your research for your field. Emphasise again what you aim to contribute and why it matters.

For example, your results might have implications for:

• Improving best practices
• Informing policymaking decisions
• Strengthening a theory or model
• Challenging popular or scientific beliefs
• Creating a basis for future research

Last but not least, your research proposal must include correct citations for every source you have used, compiled in a reference list . To create citations quickly and easily, you can use our free APA citation generator .

Some institutions or funders require a detailed timeline of the project, asking you to forecast what you will do at each stage and how long it may take. While not always required, be sure to check the requirements of your project.

Here’s an example schedule to help you get started. You can also download a template at the button below.

Download our research schedule template

If you are applying for research funding, chances are you will have to include a detailed budget. This shows your estimates of how much each part of your project will cost.

Make sure to check what type of costs the funding body will agree to cover. For each item, include:

• Cost : exactly how much money do you need?
• Justification : why is this cost necessary to complete the research?
• Source : how did you calculate the amount?

To determine your budget, think about:

• Travel costs : do you need to go somewhere to collect your data? How will you get there, and how much time will you need? What will you do there (e.g., interviews, archival research)?
• Materials : do you need access to any tools or technologies?
• Help : do you need to hire any research assistants for the project? What will they do, and how much will you pay them?

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement.

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

Critical thinking refers to the ability to evaluate information and to be aware of biases or assumptions, including your own.

Like information literacy , it involves evaluating arguments, identifying and solving problems in an objective and systematic way, and clearly communicating your ideas.

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6.5 Writing Process: Creating a Proposal

Learning outcomes.

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

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

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

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

Considering the Rhetorical Situation

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

Summary of Assignment

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Launch: Finding a Problem to Write About

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

Exploring a Problem

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

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

Narrowing and Focusing

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

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

Sample Proposal Topics

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

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

Gathering Information

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

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

Kinds of Evidence

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

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

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

Example : an illustration of an idea or concept.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quotation : the exact words of an author or speaker.

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

Statistics : numerical fact or item of data.

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

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

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

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

Thesis and Organization

Drafting a thesis.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Organizing Your Ideas

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

Drafting a Proposal

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

Introduction

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

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

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

Body Paragraphs: Problem, Solutions, Objections

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

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

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

Body Paragraphs: Problem

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

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

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

Body Paragraphs: Solutions

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

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

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

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

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

Body Paragraphs: Objections

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

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendation

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

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

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

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

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

References or Works Cited Page

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

Abstract or Executive Summary

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

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

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

Peer Review: Getting Feedback from Readers

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

Conferencing in Writing Groups

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

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

Revising Your Proposal

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

Responding to Reviewers’ Feedback

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

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

Revising on Your Own

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

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

Taking It Public: Publishing or Presenting Your Proposal

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

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

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Sample Proposal Argument

Now that you have had the chance to learn about writing a proposal argument, it’s time to see what one might look like. Below, you’ll see a sample proposal argumentative essay written using  APA 7 th edition formatting guidelines.

Click the image below to open a PDF of the sample paper.

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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.

482 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

Advanced Practice Nursing Framework

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

Catastrophe of Hurricane Sandy

• Subjects: Disasters Environment

Australian Public Health Policy Redesign

Wireless local area network and channel fading.

• Subjects: Internet Tech & Engineering

Essay Papers Writing Online

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

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

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

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

What is a proposal essay and why is it important?

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

Understanding the purpose and significance of proposal essays

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing a compelling topic for your proposal essay

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

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

Strategies for selecting an engaging and relevant subject

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

1. Identify your interests and passions:

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

2. Research current trends and issues:

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

3. Consider your audience:

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

4. Narrow down your focus:

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

5. Brainstorm and seek inspiration:

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

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

The structure and components of a successful proposal essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Breaking down the essential elements and organization

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Researching and gathering evidence for your proposal essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips for finding and utilizing credible sources

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

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

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

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How To Write An Essay Proposal: Helpful Guideline For Students

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

Table of Contents

What is a proposal essay.

• What Is The Goal Of An Essay Proposal?

Why You Might Need An Essay Proposal

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

• Tips And Hints On How To Write A Proposal Essay

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

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

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

What Is The Goal Of An Essay Proposal?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips And Hints On How To Write A Proposal Essay

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

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

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

Get Homework Help Today!

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

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

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How To Write A Proposal Essay In 2023?

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Table of Contents

How To Write A Proposal Essay (Writing Guide)

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

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

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

How to Start a Proposal Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Related: Why Order Essay Writing Service

How to Write the Main Part of a Proposal Essay

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

The Proposal

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

Body Paragraph One – First Argument

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

Body Paragraph Two – Second Argument

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

Body Paragraph Three – Third (Opposing) Argument

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

How to Conclude a Proposal Essay

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

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

Outline Example

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

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7.6.1: Annotated Sample Proposal Argument

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Listen to an audio version of this page (12 min, 39 sec):

Format note: This version is accessible to screen reader users.  Refer to these  tips for reading our annotated sample arguments with a screen reader . For a more traditional visual format, see  the PDF version of "Why We Should Open Our Borders."

Laurent Wenjun Jiang 

Prof. Natalie Peterkin 

July 25, 2020

Why We Should Open Our Borders

Refugees, inequalities, economic instabilities...the fact that we are bombarded by news on those topics every day is proof that we live in a world with lots of problems, and many of us suffer as a consequence. Nations have tried a variety of solutions, but the reality has not improved. Yet there exists a single easy measure that could solve almost all of the problems mentioned above: an open-border policy. The current border and immigration practices, including border controls and detention centers, are unjustified and counterproductive. (Note: The first body paragraph gives background on the problem, opportunity, or situation.) This paper discusses the refugee problem, the history of open-border policy, the refutations for the current border policies on philosophical and moral grounds, and the arguments why this open-border policy will work economically.

Refugees are a problem of worldwide concern. Recently the biggest wave of refugees came from Syria, which witnessed an eight-year-long civil war. In an interview, a Syrian refugee expresses deep sorrows regarding the loss of her home: “My brothers, sisters, uncles, neighbors, streets, the bread ovens, schools, children going to schools ...we miss all of that, everything in Syria is precious to us” she says, with tears hovering in her eyes (Firpo). She also exposes the terrible living conditions there: “[W]e didn’t run away, Syria has become uninhabitable. Not even animals could live there. No power, no running water, no safety, and no security. You don’t know who to fight...even when you lock yourself away, you’re not safe...I was most scared of seeing my children die right in front of me” (Firpo). (Note: Moving refugee testimonies serve as evidence supporting the claim that their situation is one of great urgency.) As heart-breaking as it sounds, we should also know that this is only the tip of the iceberg: Gerhard Hoffstaedter, an anthropologist at the University of Queensland, states that there are around 70 million displaced people in developing countries, which is the highest recorded number since the 1950s, causing the United Nations to call this world issue “a crisis.” The leading nations in the world do not offer enough support to displaced people living in abject conditions. Refugees at the U.S.-Mexico border and in Southeast Asia and Australia are constantly kept in detention centers. Many nations do not comply with the provisions signed in the 1951 Refugee Convention and the succeeding 1967 Protocol; they treat the refugees only as those in passive need of simply humanitarian aids (Hoffstaedter). In this crisis, it is our common responsibility as members of an international community to help those who are in need.

Historically, the large-scale control of the mobility of people is a relatively new phenomenon worldwide. (Note: This body paragraph starts with a definition argument to show that the current trend is new. This argument later becomes support for the idea that open borders are possible.) In the modern era, border signifies “ever more restrictive immigration policies” at the same time grants “greater freedom of mobility to capital and commodities”, as defined in the editorial “Why No Borders.” This creates a contradictory ideology that could cause potential harm to those who need to migrate (Anderson, et al.). John Maynard Keynes dates the beginning of this process only back to World War I in the early 20th century. However, this trend did not become widespread until after World War II. According to a historical outline created by Christof Van Mol and Helga de Valk, due to the booming in the industrial production in northwestern Europe in the 1950s, the local workers were increasingly educated and gradually became whitecollar employers, leaving vacancies in blue-collar occupations (Mol and Valk).

Thus, those countries started recruiting immigrants from other parts of Europe and even North Africa: for example, Germany and France started seasonal working programs to attract immigrants (Mol and Valk). Because of the lack of job opportunities in the other parts of Europe and North Africa and the need for workers in the industrializing countries in Northern and Western Europe, “international migration was generally viewed positively because of its economic benefits, from the perspective of both the sending and the receiving countries'' (Mol and Valk). This early migration pattern within Europe provides the basic model for the European Union that builds on the fundamental ideology of the free movements of goods and human resources. In recent days, the European Union has become one of the biggest multinational organizations, which can also serve as a successful example of this open-border ideology, at least on a regional scale.

Borders do not satisfy the needs of contemporary societies. From both philosophical and moral perspectives, restrictive border policies are not justified. First of all, borders divide and subjugate people. The editorial “Why No Borders” describes the border as being“thoroughly ideological” (Anderson, et al.). The authors argue that because border policies try to categorize people into “desirable and non-desirable” according to their skills, race, or social status, etc., they thus create an interplay between “subjects and subjectivities,” placing people into “new types of power relationship” (Anderson, et al.). This is what is identified as the ultimate cause of the divisions and inequalities between people.

Some fear that competition from immigrants would cause a reduction in the wages of local workers (Caplan). (Note: In this body paragraph, the author attempts to disprove the counterargument about a downside of open borders for local workers.) This is not an uncalled-for worry, but it is also a misunderstanding of the nature of the open-border policy. Nick Srnicek reasons that this kind of competition has already existed under the current trend of globalization, where workers in developed countries are already competing against those in developing countries that have cheaper labor. He argues, “Workers in rich countries are already losing, as companies eliminate good jobs and move their factories and offices elsewhere” (Srnicek). The border serves companies by making workers in the developing world stay where wages are low. Thus, “companies can freely exploit” cheap labor. In this sense, workers on both sides will be better off under an open-border policy (Srnicek). A recent study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison investigating the economic implications of immigration between rich and poor countries concluded that the benefits of an open-border policy far outweigh the cons and that “the real wage effects are small” (Kennan).

Although an open border could lead to minor reductions in the wages of local workers in developed countries, there is a simple solution. Since the labor market follows the economic law of supply, work supply and wages are inversely related, meaning that the lower the supply of labor, the more wages rise. (Note: This paragraph could be seen as a limit and a rebuttal because the open border would need to be combined with changes to labor laws in order to avoid a possible bad effect.) Nick Srnicek proposes, “a shortening of the workweek...would reduce the amount of work supplied, spread the work out more equally among everyone and give more power to workers ... more free time to everyone” (Srnicek). Thus, although the open-border policy is not perfect, its downside is easy to address. (Note: The author does not investigate how much time, money, and will an open border policy would need; the argument remains mostly theoretical because it doesn’t address feasibility.)

As an expatriate myself, I can truly relate to this type of thinking. Due to a variety of the political, economic, and social limitations that I came across in my home country, I was not able to achieve self-actualization. In pursuit of a better education and a more free living environment, I went abroad and finally arrived in this country a few years ago. It was not until then that I gained a vision of my future. Now I am working in hopes that one day the vision could become reality. Sometimes I cannot help wondering what could happen if I was not so lucky to be where I am today. But at the same time, I am also conscious of the fact that there are also millions of people out there who cannot even conceive of what it is like to actualize their lives. (Note: The conclusion humanizes the possible benefits of the proposed solution.) I am sure that one of the mothers who escaped her war-torn home country with her family has the sole hope to witness her children growing up in a happy and free place, just like any mother in the world. I am sure that there is one little girl whose family fled her country in desperation who once studied so hard in school, dreaming of becoming the greatest scientist in the world. I am also sure that there is a young boy who survived persecutions and wishes to become a politician one day to make the world a better place for the downtrodden. Because of borders, these children can only dream of the things that many of us take for granted every day. We, as human beings, might be losing a great mother, great scientist, great politician, or just a great person who simply wishes for a better world. But everything could be otherwise. Change requires nothing but a minimal effort. With open borders, we can help people achieve their dreams.

Works Cited

Hoffstaedter, Gerhard. “There Are 70 Million Refugees in the World. Here Are 5 Solutions to the Problem.” The Conversation , 24 Mar. 2020, theconversation.com/there-are-70-million-refugees-in-the-world-here-are-5- solutions-to-the-problem-118920.

Anderson, Sharma. “Editorial: Why No Borders?” Refuge , vol. 26, no. 2, 2009, pp.5+. Centre for Refugee Studies, York University. Accessed July 26, 2020.

D, D. “Keynes, J. M., The economic consequences of the peace.” Ekonomisk tidskrift, vol. 22, no. 1, Basil Blackwell Ltd., etc, Jan. 1920, p. 15–. Accessed July 26, 2020.

Srnicek, Nick. “The US$100 Trillion Case for Open Borders.” The Conversation , 18 Feb. 2020, theconversation.com/the-us-100-trillion-case-for-open-borders-72595.

Caplan, Bryan. "Why Should We Restrict Immigration?" Cato Journal , vol. 32, no. 1, 2012, pp. 5-24. ProQuest , https://libris.mtsac.edu/login?url=https://search- proquest-com.libris.mtsac.edu/docview/921128626?accountid=12611.Accessed July 26, 2020.

Kennan, John. “Open Borders in the European Union and Beyond: Migration Flows and Labor Market Implications.” NBER Working Paper Series, 2017,  www.nber.org/papers/w23048.pdf.

Firpo, Matthew K., director. Refuge . 2016. The Refuge Project, www.refugeproject.co/watch.

Van Mol, Cristof, and Helga de Valk. “Migration and Immigrants in Europe: A Historical and Demographic Perspective.” Integration Processes and Policies in Europe , edited by Blanca Garcés-Mascareñas and Rinus Penninx, 2016, IMISCOE Research Series, pp. 33-55.

Attribution

This sample essay was written by Laurent Wenjun Jiang and edited and annotated by Natalie Peterkin. Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 .