Much of my advice comes down to style, and someone else's style may conflict. Rules of grammar and formal writing are usually not up for debate, but the methods of research and writing certainly are. I've written the methods that I found worked well for me. You'll have to experiment to find what works well for you. I have to write a proposal.
Proposals vary depending on the assignment.
Some are point form, some are mini-essays. You should ask your instructor for advice on what they're looking for in the proposal. I have a sample proposal here , but beware that it is a specific sample, and may not fit every case. See the links section on Grammar and Style . You may also wish to purchase a guide to grammar such as The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White.