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Jun 21, 2023

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Jun 21, 2023

Nathan Auyeung

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Jun 21, 2023

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

Nathan Auyeung

Senior Accountant at EY

Graduated with a Bachelor's in Accounting, completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Accounting

Nathan Auyeung

Senior Accountant at EY

Graduated with a Bachelor's in Accounting, completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Accounting

Nathan Auyeung

Senior Accountant at EY

Graduated with a Bachelor's in Accounting, completed a Postgraduate Diploma of Accounting

Pitching an idea on paper isn’t always easy. You need to be clear, convincing, and thoughtful, all at once.

If you’ve written a persuasive essay before, you’ll notice some overlap. But proposal essays take things a step further: you’re not just making a point, you’re offering a plan.

This guide will walk you through strong examples and give you the tools to shape a proposal essay that actually sticks.

What is a Proposal Essay?

A proposal essay presents an idea and a plan to bring it to life. It outlines a specific problem, suggests a solution, and persuades the reader that the solution is both necessary and realistic.

Think of it like this: instead of arguing why something matters (like in a persuasive essay), you're arguing what should be done about it, and how.

Example: Let’s say you notice your campus has low recycling rates. A proposal essay could suggest launching a student-run recycling program, outline the logistics, and explain why it's worth funding.

These essays are common in academic settings because they test both your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. You're not just identifying an issue, you’re taking responsibility for how it could be improved.

A solid proposal essay shows that you’ve thought things through. It convinces the reader that your idea is not only important but also actionable.

Structure of a Proposal Essay

A well-written proposal essay follows a clear framework that helps readers move smoothly from problem to solution. Here’s a breakdown of each section and how it fits into the bigger picture:

Introduction

Begin with a hook that catches attention, then lead into your central thesis or proposal in one clear sentence.

Example: “College students are skipping meals to afford textbooks; something needs to change.”

Think of it like setting the stage before a play starts. The introduction gives context and tells your reader what they’re about to experience.

Problem Statement

This section zooms in on the issue. Describe what’s wrong, who it impacts, and why it’s urgent. Avoid being too broad.

Use this to answer:

What exactly is the problem?
Why should your reader care?
What are the consequences of ignoring it?

Proposed Solution

Present your idea as the clear answer to the problem. This part should focus more on what you’re suggesting rather than how you’ll do it.

Think of this as pitching a blueprint; you’re not building the house yet, just showing the design.

Implementation Plan

Explain how your solution could realistically be put into action. Keep it practical and straightforward.

Quick breakdown:

Who would be involved?
What steps would be needed?
How long might it take?

Expected Outcome

Paint a brief picture of what success would look like if your solution works.

Example: “If campus libraries offered open-source materials, students could save over $500 per semester and stress levels could drop significantly.”

Evaluation

A short section that acknowledges limitations or resources needed. This shows you’ve thought it through.

Mention:

Cost
Time
Stakeholders
Any risks or trade-offs

Conclusion

Wrap it all up by restating your idea and why it matters. The tone here should be confident but grounded.

Think of it like closing a pitch: you're not repeating everything, you’re reminding the reader why your idea deserves a shot.

Proposal Essay Examples

Below are a few proposal essay samples to spark ideas. Each one lays out a problem, offers a practical fix, and shows how to make the case clearly, use them as quick reference before drafting your own:

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.

Proposal:

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

Introduction:

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.

Problem Statement:

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.

Proposal:

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.

Conclusion:

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

Introduction:

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.

Proposal:

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.

Conclusion:

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.

How to Write a Proposal Essay with Jenni AI

Turn your idea into a persuasive pitch in just a few clicks. Follow the steps below and watch Jenni handle the structure while you focus on the content.

Step 1: Start a New Document

Head over to Jenni's homepage and click "Start Writing", once logged in then click New Document.

Step 2: Start with a Prompt

Click Start with a prompt and type something specific:

“I want to write a proposal essay that introduces a campus-wide textbook-rental program, covering the problem, solution, cost breakdown, and timeline.”

Pick a heading style:

Smart headings – auto-generates sections like Introduction, Problem, Proposed Solution, Implementation, Outcome.
Standard headings – intro/body/conclusion format.

Step 3: Click “Start Writing”

Once you click “Start Writing,” Jenni instantly produces a working title and a rough outline for your proposal essay.

You’ll also see Jenni while you type:

Accept to drop it straight into your draft.
Try Again for a different take, perfect if the tone or wording isn’t quite right.

In a few clicks, you go from blank page to organized draft.

Step 4: Build Out Your Proposal

With the outline in place, expand each section. Jenni offers sentence-level suggestions you can accept, edit, or skip, keeping your voice while saving you time.

No blank page. Just progress.

Ready to Pitch Your Proposal?

Proposal essays aren’t judged by fancy language; they’re judged by how clearly they lay out a problem and a plan. When your structure is tight and your evidence is solid, readers can’t help but take your idea seriously.

If you’re staring at a blank page, Jenni can give you the nudge you need to build an outline in seconds and suggest phrasing that keeps your voice intact. Bring the concept; Jenni helps you shape it into a proposal worth approving!

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