Guide to Writing a Proposal

Guide to Writing a Proposal

In a proposal it is the writer’s aim to make several points in which he/she states why something should or should not happen.

It is addressed to someone, but not headed by ‘Dear sir/madam’.

The paragraphs in which your points are made should all have a heading.

The style should be formal, but ‘I’ and ‘we’ are allowed.

For example.

There is an unused piece of land in the village. You send in your proposal in which you state what should be done with the land.

The options are: build a fitness centre, a library or a children’s playground.

For each option you state whether or not this is a good idea. Explain why you think it is (not).

Introduction

Here you make known that you are offering your proposal to the town council on the issue at hand.

Body

Several paragraphs, depending on the number of options you have. State whether you think this option is a good idea or not. Each paragraph should have a heading, which is underlined.

Each paragraph should contain approx. 50 words.

Conclusion

Here you summarise what you have said and come to your conclusion: state clearly which option is your choice and why.

End the conclusion expressing the hope that your proposal will meet with the council’s approval.

Example

I would like to offer my proposal for the use of the vacant lot at the end of Church Lane.

The town council has come up with three options, all of which are good choices. However, I would like to give my opinion on the matter, which will hopefully meet with your approval.

Fitness centre

A fitness centre is a good idea since it provides young people with an outlet to their hyperactivity. Our town could do with another fitness centre, since we only have two. Nevertheless,

Library

Our town has one small library on the north side. People from other parts of town always have to travel across town to reach their library. Moreover, the bus service to that part of town is miserable.

A new one in Church Lane would provide a much needed alternative library. Especially for the elderly, who will have to travel less.

Children’s playground

Although every child has a right to a playground, I don’t think that we need one on Church Lane. Just around the block, near Bishop street, there is a large playground, including …..

All in all I would suggest building a new library to provide a well-spent service to our fellow townsmen. Reason 1, reason 2.