Key Terms
Real-world proposals
Contractor bids, service agreements, business pitches. Problem is usually obvious and unstated (someone needs a bathroom
Academic/civic proposals
The kind you're writing. Problem is complex; solution isn't obvious.
Facts
Statements whose truth can be proven or inferred from data and evidence. Statistics: facts that use numbers.
Bias
A preconceived opinion — about a subject, person, group, or idea — that skews how information is presented or received.
Abstract / Executive Summary
Paragraph that summarizes the problem and recommended solution. Written last; placed first.
Introduction
Opens the proposal; introduces the problem; thesis appears at the end.
Body
The middle section. Covers the problem, the solution(s), and objections.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Restates the problem; recommends a solution; issues a call to action.
Thesis
The main idea the entire proposal supports. In a proposal, it identifies the problem and previews the solution.
Topic sentence
States the main idea of each paragraph.
Evidence
Facts, statistics, examples, expert opinion — anything used to support your claims.
Objections / Counterclaims
Questions or opposition readers may raise against your solution. You address these proactively.
Objective stance
Writing free from bias, personal feelings, and emotional language. Builds credibility (ethos).
Ethos
The reader's sense that you are trustworthy and credible.
Synthesis
Drawing connections between multiple sources and combining them into an original conclusion.