Proposal Writing

TO PROPOSE?

•To put forward an idea

•To offer a solution to a problem

SCENARIO

•An idea is proposed by someone else

•You, however, feel that such idea is good but not great

•You come up with another solution that might better solve the problem

STAGES OF PROPOSAL

1. Introduction of background

2. Objective(s)

3. Reactions to the earlier proposed idea

3.1.Reasons must be given

4. Presentation of your idea

4.1.Along with relevant reasons

5. Conclusion

STAGES VS. PARAGRAPH

•5 stages = 4 paragraphs

•Stage 1 + 2 = Paragraph 1

•Stage 3 = Paragraph 2

•Stage 4 = Paragraph 3

•Stage 5 = Paragraph 4

•Hence, the proposal must be written

•In 4 paragraphs

PARAGRAPH 11. Introduction of background

1.1.To make it clear which situation you are referring to

1.2.Summarize the main details

2. Mention of objectives

2.1. To express your opposition to earlier suggestion

2.2. To present your suggestion

PARAGRAPH 2

•Mention of earlier suggestion

•Express your feeling/opinion

•Give reasons

PARAGRAPH 3

•Present your suggestion (This is the topic sentence)

•Give reasons (Support your suggestion why it is better)

•Reasons must be logical and relevant

•Use transitions

•Because, in addition, likewise

PARAGRAPH 4

•End your proposal politely by

•Expressing your wish that your proposal be given a serious consideration

•Showing your willingness to discuss further details

BEFORE SUBMITTING

•Is all relevant information included?

•Are 5 (five) stages completed in the 4 (four) paragraphs?

•Is it over 250 words?

•Do you double-space?

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

PARAGRAPH 1

•Background - what is the situation that brings about the first suggestion

•Farewell party ≠ River View Restaurant

•Objectives - well-done

PARAGRAPH 2•What is the first suggestion? Summarize it

in the first sentence

•The party is planned to take place at River View Restaurant.

•How do you feel about it?

•I do not feel this is a good choice

•Give reasons with details

•Be coherent

HOW TO BE COHERENTReason 1 + Detail 1 Reason 2 + Detail 2

The price is too expensive (reason 1) We have to spend as much as 690 baht per person. (detail 1)

It is difficult to get there (reason 1) for it cannot be accessed by public transportation. (detail 2)

PARAGRAPH 3

•What do you suggest?

•An alternative location would be the Goody Buffet.

•Why?

•Reason 1 + Detail 1

•Reason 2 + Detail 2

AGAIN, COHERENCE!

(1)It is more suitable to our budget. It is only 299 baht per person. (2)Better than that, they also offer 5% discount to students with ID card. (3)In addition, it can easily be reached since it is situated at the city center.

PARAGRAPH 4

•Well - done!

IMPROVEMENT

•Keep IRRELEVANT reasons away

•What are the concerns?

•Transportation and expense

•Any information that has nothing to do with these issues must be OMITTED

GRAMMAR

•S/V

•Part of speech

•Easy (adj) easily (adv)

•It offer an easy access.

•It can be accessed easily.

•Voice: active or passive

•It is located at the heart of Bangkok

•Singular / plural

•Message you try to convey

•I believe the price is cheaper. Fact or opinion?

•Fragment = incomplete sentence

•The sentence is missing either S, V, or both

•Cause - effect >> the use of BECAUSE

•MUST consist of TWO (2) clauses

•Because it is cheaper. >> fragment

•It is a better choice because it is cheaper.

•Run-on sentence

•The sentence is way TOO long

•Once an idea is conveyed, stop.

•New message - new sentence

•Use transition instead of dragging the sentence on for too long

LET’S REVIEWPART TWO

WHAT TO PUT IN EACH PARAGRAPH

•Before writing

•What are the issues/concerns mentioned in the situation?

•Weather

•The amount of money raised

•Include only relevant reasons

PARAGRAPH 2•Summarize previously suggested activity

•As decided by the student committee, a car wash fundraiser is to be organized.

•What’s your opinion?

•I do not think this activity is a good idea.

•Why?

•Car washing depends on the weather conditions.

•Add detail

•Since it is to be done outdoors, the activity may be cancelled if it rains.

PARAGRAPH 3•Introduce your proposal

•My proposal is to have a bake sale instead.

•Why?

•This activity does not depend on weather --

•Add detail

•-- because the sales booth can be set up either indoors or outdoors.

Avoid major mistakes,

please

•Part of speech

•Sales vs. Sell

•There is a chance to make multiple sales.

•It sells like a hot cake.

•Afford vs. Affordable

•I can afford a new pair of shoes because the price is affordable.

•Run-on sentence (again!)

•Start a new sentence when one idea is presented

•A comma (,) is NOT used to join sentences.

•Use a conjunction (and,but..)

•Long sentences do not equal good sentences

•There are a limited number of cars so we will raise small amount of fund, as a result, this activity is not good for fundraising.

•Start a new sentence already :)