1. Identify a problem, offer a workable and logical, step-by-step solution that does not require an increased budget.
2. Display an awareness of the audience’s needs: what does the audience know about this issue, what does the audience need to know, how might the audience question the efficacy of the solution.
3. Create a thesis that clearly offers the general process of the proposal.
4. Attract audience interest within the first paragraph by appealing to common ground and making the issue pertinent to them.
5. Develop an argument that is logical as well as creative, using analogies, descriptions, analysis and examples.
Example:
A proposal must be WORKABLE solution to a problem. That solution cannot involve an influx of money! It is fairly simple to “improve” situations with increased cash flow — if school districts had more money they could afford to improve their campuses, modernize their technology, maintain programs in arts and athletics, but the problem is FINDING that income. For this reason, students must find solutions that are not based on increasing a budget, or raising money or getting donations.
A proposal, as workable solution to a problem, is also a form of process analysis. The proposal may be a method to solve a problem you have identified at your workplace. If you choose not to write about your workplace, then create a proposal to find a problem you have identified at Campus or in your specific community.