Tips for Writing a Great Proposal

Tips for Writing a Great Proposal

What is a Proposal ?

A proposal is a professional suggestion (or professional suggestions, made to a person in a higher authority. It usually takes the form of a formal letter.

Make full use of Purpose-Audience-Context

This simply means that you should convey the purpose of your situational writing in the first paragraph. This is valid regardless of the type of situational writing.

Also, have a firm grasp of WHAT YOUR READER WILL WANT. For example, if it is a principal who wants to make the arts culture in the school more vibrant, then your proposal/letter should address this.

Remember to look at the handout provided

Please read through the details and highlight all keywords both in the question and in the information sheet provided.

Read everything thoroughly

In the same way, please read closely for details like time, addresses, and names. Most importantly, read to understand the context of the situation.

Include at least one personal response.

Don't just stick to the content requirements. Please add relevant information, and say something about how you feel about the circumstances.

Always use an appropriate tone.

Make sure to use the right tone in your proposal/letter.

Use a formal, yet enthusiastic tone. Be persuasive and get a good idea of what the person you are proposing to will want. For example, if the reader is a teacher who wants a proposal for setting up a library, convince him or her about why the books you are introducing will be appropriate.

Circle keywords and cross them out as you write them.

Use the same keywords in the question.

Please look out for important words in the question.

Other Tips Regarding Formatting

When writing in an informal capacity, sign off using Terms of Endearment. With Love, Wishing You Were Here, etc. are acceptable. You may use Yours Sincerely as well.

Use Yours Sincerely when writing to a person of a higher authority WHOSE NAME YOU KNOW. Use Yours Faithfully if you do not know the person's name.