Back to course 'ENGL210: Technical Writing'

Topic outline

  • Unit 6: Writing Proposals

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    Proposals are another common form of technical writing. These reports can either be formal or informal depending on the context. Some examples of proposals can be simple estimates for home improvement projects to more complex and formal business plans. This unit covers how to craft proposals.

    Like process documents, proposals also rely on formatting to help them convey professionalism and appeal to the audience. Appealing to the audience is key given the persuasive nature of proposal writing. Proposals seek to persuade the audience to take action on a requested item or task. 

    Like other forms of technical writing, a proposal begins with audience analysis and moves through the steps of planning, writing, and revision.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • utilize audience analysis to plan, write and revise a proposal;
      • format and organize a written proposal; and
      • adapt the style and content of a proposal based on type of proposal and audience analysis.

    • 6.1: Planning for a Proposal

    • 6.2: Tools of Persuasion

      • Principles of Persuasion URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read this chapter. Make a list of the six principles of persuasion. Identify how your proposal might use each principle to persuade the audience you selected in the activity for 6.1.

      • What Is Persuasion? URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read this section. Complete exercise three, discussing your results with a colleague, friend or family member. In your own notes, brainstorm some ways your proposal can demonstrate memorable gain to your audience.

    • 6.3: Writing a Proposal

      • Business Proposal URL
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Read this section and the associated links, especially the final one with a proposal sample. Also review the sample proposals collected here.

      • Writing Activity: Complete Proposal Assignment
        Students must
        Make a submission
        Use the idea for a proposal you have been brainstorming to develop a complete proposal for a specific audience you have identified.

    • 6.4: Formatting

      • Proposals Page
        Students must
        Mark as done

        Review the section on the format of proposals and the sample proposals again. Make notes about the elements of formatting used in the samples. What elements of formatting do you need to add the proposal you wrote in subunit 6.3? Revise as needed to follow formatting standards.

    • Unit 6 Assessment