English Unlimited HAK/HUM 4/5, Schulbuch mit Audio-CD und CD-ROM (mit Handelskorrespondenz)

188 Writing guide Proposal Definition A proposal is a written plan or suggestion . There are different types of proposals, such as grant proposals, research or book proposals. Purpose In a business environment, proposals are written to initiate a professional relationship between the writer and a potentially interested party (the prospective donor / buyer / client ) and gain their (financial) support . The proposal provides information about the project and explains its purpose and relevance for both the writer and the prospective donor / buyer / client, which might also be an organisation or company. Structure and layout Think of a suitable title , and provide a short introduction . State your objective clearly. In the main part of your proposal, emphasise the importance of the project and give details of how it will be implemented . Refer to the prospective or desired outcome (results). Use brief paragraphs for each idea. Pay attention to cohesion (sentence unity) and coherence (the logical development of your argument). A grant proposal could, for example, be structured as follows: Abstract: Provide a brief summary of the project (approximately half a page) – if required. Statement of need: Outline what the problem is and stress how it could be solved with the grant money. Project description: Explain how exactly the problem can be solved. Try to provide supporting evidence and emphasise the advantages of your suggested approach. Goals: Describe the desired outcome. Action plan: Describe who will do what and how. Evaluation and results: Detail the criteria necessary for monitoring the project and measuring its progress. Style and register The language used in your proposal should be formal and precise . When writing, think of the purpose of your proposal (to persuade) and your target audience (the potential donor / client). You can use ‘I’, but avoid overusing it. Useful expressions The purpose / aim of this proposal is to present / discuss / suggest … I suggest … as it would result in …  Consideration should be given to …  It would be advisable to … … on the grounds that it …   … owing to the fact that …  The problem of … can be addressed through …  To collect / select / identify …, I would strongly recommend …  More steps also need to be taken to … The obvious conclusion to be drawn from these facts is that …  I hope / believe / trust you will consider this proposal favourably and that …   … the proposal will be given /will receive due consideration. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv