format of research proposal sample pdf

Research Proposal Example/Sample

Detailed Walkthrough + Free Proposal Template

If you’re getting started crafting your research proposal and are looking for a few examples of research proposals , you’ve come to the right place.

In this video, we walk you through two successful (approved) research proposals , one for a Master’s-level project, and one for a PhD-level dissertation. We also start off by unpacking our free research proposal template and discussing the four core sections of a research proposal, so that you have a clear understanding of the basics before diving into the actual proposals.

• Research proposal example/sample – Master’s-level (PDF/Word)
• Research proposal example/sample – PhD-level (PDF/Word)
• Proposal template (Fully editable) 

If you’re working on a research proposal for a dissertation or thesis, you may also find the following useful:

• Research Proposal Bootcamp : Learn how to write a research proposal as efficiently and effectively as possible
• 1:1 Proposal Coaching : Get hands-on help with your research proposal

PS – If you’re working on a dissertation, be sure to also check out our collection of dissertation and thesis examples here .

FAQ: Research Proposal Example

Research proposal example: frequently asked questions, are the sample proposals real.

Yes. The proposals are real and were approved by the respective universities.

Can I copy one of these proposals for my own research?

As we discuss in the video, every research proposal will be slightly different, depending on the university’s unique requirements, as well as the nature of the research itself. Therefore, you’ll need to tailor your research proposal to suit your specific context.

You can learn more about the basics of writing a research proposal here .

How do I get the research proposal template?

You can access our free proposal template here .

Is the proposal template really free?

Yes. There is no cost for the proposal template and you are free to use it as a foundation for your research proposal.

Where can I learn more about proposal writing?

For self-directed learners, our Research Proposal Bootcamp is a great starting point.

For students that want hands-on guidance, our private coaching service is recommended.

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Research Proposal Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Sample Academic Proposals

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Select the Sample Academic Proposals PDF in the Media box above to download this file and read examples of proposals for conferences, journals, and book chapters.

Proposal Writing With

Proposal maker.

Writing a proposal letter is much more common than you think. It is a crucial skill in jobs, schools, and in all fields of study. It is also useful even in establishing intimate relationships with other people. The purpose of a proposal is to gain support for your plan or big idea by informing the appropriate people.

• Thesis Proposal Example
• How to Develop a Grant Proposal

Making a proposal can be nerve wracking as you are unsure whether the people that you planned a proposal with will agree with you or approve with what your ideas. The secret of securing an approval in your proposal is for you to be able to communicate to them in a comprehensive, brief, and engaging manner. There are lots types of proposals, such as science proposals, research paper proposals, book proposals , (even wedding proposal but that’s another topic), but each following the same basic guidelines.

Content Writing Proposal Example

• Google Docs

Size: A4, US

If you’re not sure on how to make a proposal or how to write one; here are some ways that will help you in writing one.

1. Know your audience

Make sure that when you think about your audience, assume what they might already know or what they don’t know about your topic before you begin writing your proposal . This way, it will help you to concentrate in presenting your ideas in an efficient way. Make your proposal persuasive and engaging. Consider questions like: Who will be reading your proposal? How familiar they are with the topic you are going to present? What background information that you need to give them? How are you going to meet their expectations? What do they want to hear and see? What is the most effective way of getting through me? How are you going to help them understand on what you’re trying to propose?

For example, if you are proposing for a travel documentary in Asia in your broadcast company in front of producers and editors, they know what a travel documentary is and how it is made. However, they might not know how your travel documentary will be different from other similar shows. You’ll focus on explaining that your travel documentary will present more on natural wonders of a certain country. You’re hoping that they will approve your project and finance your show. Convince them how are they going to be able to benefit from your project. You may also see proposal examples in pdf

2. Make sure your goal is clear to everybody

So it might be totally obvious to you what your goal is going to be but is it obvious to the people you are proposing to? You can support your proposal by citing sources that can support your plans. You can use evidence and explanations from other experts that are related to your proposal to back up your claims. You may also like short proposal examples & samples

Show that you conducted an in-depth research and evaluation in better understanding of the plan. By establishing your plan properly through your preparation, you can already convince the people you are proposing to that your plan is the best way to solve something or to create something wonderful and you are the best person for the task. You can ask yourself these questions, like: What will be the reason behind this goal? How sure am I with the reason? You may also check out how to write a proposal for a project

3. Know what will be the end goal in your proposal that can benefit everyone

Your proposal may need to define a problem and offer a solution that will convince the people you are proposing to. Obviously, they are not the easiest persons to convince or else you don’t need to do a proposal at all– you just talk your way through them through a random conversation and voila, your goal is approved by them. Think of your end goal; is the solution that you are offering is logical and feasible? Make your solutions in your proposal one of the end goal in your proposal. For example, when you are proposing for a travel documentary, provide an explanation how will the network earn from this show. How will their ratings go up through this show? Your main end goal is that you will achieve your project. You may also see proposal memo examples & samples

4. Think what format is appropriate to use

Your style and format depends on who will be the people who will approve of your proposal. You need to adjust your format in your proposal paper to fit a certain style. Think of what they will expect? Will they be interested in your problem? Don’t forget to write in plain and direct language whenever possible. You may also like simple proposal formats

How are you going to be persuasive? You can use emotional appeals to help convince the people  to approve of your plan but you should not only rely to this. You should also rely on facts that serves as a proper basis of your plan.

For example, you could mention that people will love watching travel documentaries with beautiful nature being highlighted and it may inspire people to visit those places or putting knowledge about geography that people would want to know. Find some verified articles, journals, or facts that will support your claim. It will make you look good and it will help your proposal to be pushed through. You may also check out proposal templates and examples

5. Make an outline

This will help in making your proposal clear and concise. This will be a guide on how you should present your proposal. Make sure you know all of the important details before you start.

The outline should consist of: a problem (or a suggestion you want to discuss), your solution (or the benefits everyone can get in your suggestion), how you will solve it (or work out your suggestion), why your solution is best, and a conclusion (wrapping up your plan that you discussed). You may also need to include some things such as budget analysis and organizational details. You may also see how to write a request for proposal

6. Make a firm introduction

This is the tricky part. You should start with a hook. Something that will get the attention of your audience right away. You want your readers enraptured from the first sentence of your proposal. Make your proposal filled with purpose and usefulness as possible. Like as mentioned before, use some background information to get your readers in the zone. Then state the purpose of your proposal. What are you trying to achieve? You may also like fundraising proposal examples & samples

If you have any facts that are useful in shedding light on why this proposal can benefit everyone and what are the practical and useful ways on in your proposal. Point out what issues that need to be addressed and why should it be addressed immediately.

After you’re done in the introduction, proceed in the body, or the meat of your work. You should state your suggestion in this part. Emphasize why this suggestion would work out and why this is important to improve things. Make sure you get to answer all questions and cover them with research and facts. Don’t forget to use credible sources. You may also check out project proposal examples

7. Suggest solutions or ways to make your proposal work out

This is the make or break part of your proposal. This section is where you get into how you will be able to address the problem, why you will do it in this way; is it helpful or not?, and what will be the outcome of this plan. To make sure that you’re proposal is in the persuasive side, consider the following points:

Discuss the huge impact of your ideas. If ideas are far-stretched from being practical in its applicability, it will not likely to get as much as enthusiasm to the people you are proposing to. Your ideas should present a betterment of a certain routine or goal. For example: “When the network will welcome travel documentaries, more people will be watching our channel and more people will be interested in nature and they will ask lots of questions regarding about it and we will be trending in social media and that will create more traffic.” You may also see research proposal examples & samples

Telling why you will do something is as important as saying what you will do. Assume that the concerned people are skeptical and will not accept your ideas right away. Consider why is your suggestion better than something else? Present lots of good options that will make your proposal have better chances by getting approved by your audience. You may also like concept proposal examples & samples

Anticipate other concerns that they might come up. By addressing these questions will show that you’ve considered your idea from all angles.

8. Include a schedule and budget (if necessary)

Your proposal also represents an investment (unless if it was a project for school proposal, this does not really apply). In order to convince your audience that you’re proposal is also a good investment, provide a detailed and concrete information about your timeline and budget as possible when you are going to do your proposal. Detail also the responsibilities and time commitments on the level of departments or individual staff. You may also check out budget proposal examples

9. Wrap up with a conclusion

Your conclusion should mirror your introduction and will briefly wrap up your general goal. To convince your audience more, if there are consequences to your proposal not being undertaken, address them. Summarize again the benefits of your proposal and finish it that the benefits of your proposal will outweigh the costs. Leave your audience to ponder about the advantages of your proposal. After you presented your proposal, thank your audience for their consideration and time. If applicable, you might have few appendices attached in your your proposal. Letter them A, B, etc. (Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C). This is applicable if you have data sheets, reprints of articles, or letters of endorsement and the like. You may also see professional proposal examples & samples

10. Edit your work

Be careful in your writing and designing the proposal. Revise any necessary points that are not clear and vague. Ask your friends to critic your proposal and help you point out what parts that need some revising. They’ll be able to highlight issues your mind has grown blind to. There may be issues that you haven’t completely addressed or questions you’ve left open-ended. Make sure the presentation is attractive and interesting as well as organized. You may also like non-profit proposal examples & samples

Avoid using jargon and cliches. This will not only make your work confusing but also underwhelming. Use concise and strong words to support your proposal.

Proofreading helps to ensure that the content of your proposal is free from mistakes. Re-read your proposal carefully and try to check for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors. Any mistakes on your proposal might make your work look sloppy and less credible, and reduces the chances of your proposal getting approved. You may also check out investment proposal examples

Knowing how to write a persuasive and fascinating proposal is essential for success in many fields. If you know how to make a good proposal, you could help your workplace draw more great projects and opportunities. You could also get lauded for your dedication. So if you’re planning to make a proposal, go and do it. The rewards of getting approved are priceless. Even if you don’t get approved right away; don’t give up. Try as many times as possible. It’s extremely helpful for you to improve. So go and share your great ideas.

To help you get started, here are some sample formats:

 Proposal For Safety Measure Sample Format

Size: 61 KB

Process Improvement Sample Proposal

Size: 60 KB

Writing a Successful Proposal

Size: 44 KB

Narrative Writing

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Generate a proposal for a new school recycling program

Compose a proposal for a school field trip to a science museum.