The thought of writing a proposal overwhelms many people, but the task does not have to be daunting. Proposals are written when people need to ask permission to make a purchase, do a project, or change a policy; the proposal is a formal way of putting forth an idea and asking for action to be taken on that idea. When writing a proposal, consider who will read the proposal and what that person may or may not already know about what you are proposing.
Follow these steps when writing a proposal:

1. State your purpose. Do this clearly and concisely so that the reader knows immediately why you are writing.
2. Give some background information about why you are proposing your suggestion so that the reader has a better understanding of the problem.
3. State a solution to the problem; this is where you give specifics about your sugges,tion.
4. Continue with any costs that will be involved.
5. Conclude by restating the problem and proposed solution.

Compose a 10 minute oral proposal to change the existing policy on a subject that you deem to be important in society, for instance the drinking age in the United States.  Should there be one?  Should it lower than 21?  Should it be higher?  Should beer and wine separate from hard liquor?