Drug and Alcohol Abuse Amongst Teens
How does the proposal open? Will it capture readers’ interest? Does it make clear what problem will be addressed and give some sense of why it matters?
How else might it begin? Does the title tell readers what the proposal is about, and will it make them want to know more?
Is the problem described in enough detail? Will any readers need more information to understand that it’s a problem that matters? Have you said anything about its causes and consequences—and if not, do you need to?
Is the proposed solution explicit and compelling? Have you provided enough evidence to show that it’s feasible and will address the problem—and that it’s better than other possible solutions? Is there an explicit statement of what it will accomplish?
Have other possible solutions been acknowledged fairly? How well have you responded to them? Are there any other solutions that need to be considered?
Is the proposal easy to follow? If not, try adding transitions or headings.
How have you established your authority to write on this topic? Does the information seem trustworthy? How do you come across as author—passionate? serious? sarcastic?—and how does this tone affect the way the proposal comes across to readers?
How would you characterize the style? Is it appropriate for your intended audience? Consider the choice of words, the level of formality, and so on.
How about design? Are there any illustrations—and if so, how do they contribute to the proposal? If not, is there any
information that would be easier to show with a photo or in a chart? What about the font: is it appropriate for a proposal of this kind? Is the design appropriate for the medium?
How does the proposal conclude? Will it inspire the change or action you’re calling for? How else might it conclude?
