A research proposal is the document which will convey, to the authorities, your wish to research on a particular topic. Your further progress will be subject to the approval of the committee who judges the proposals. Hence it is absolutely necessary to make sure that your proposal is flawless, if you are serious about your research.
There are certain things which can improve the overall quality of your research proposal. While preparing the proposal, remember to include the basic elements that are required for building a strong proposition. Your aim, your skills in the specific area, the reason why you wish to research on that particular topic and what you hope to accomplish by researching on that topic are a few of those which should certainly be included.
Give your proposal a very good title. If you are very clear about what you are going to include in your research proposal, you can consider a title before you start writing the proposal. But some applicants will only have a vague idea of the contents they have planned for the proposal and sometimes the points will still be too scattered to reveal the theme. If that is your case, then you should ideally wait till you finish writing your proposal to pick the appropriate title. Your title should be concise but at the same time descriptive enough to convey the subject matter.
Your proposal should start off with an introduction on the subject or object of research. Give a brief background analysis of the topic before you proceed into the body paragraphs. Remember that the opening paragraph has a big role to play in the impression created. Give a statement which will include the purpose of your research, the scope of the subject of research and the theory on which your research will be based.
From there, you should proceed to give a detailed description of the subject of research. It should always remain focused on the main topic. Irrelevant matter will make it look less impressive. Project the significance of the topic. Mention the various studies that have been conducted on the subject, in related topics. That will bring emphasis on the fact that even though there have been studies in that subject area, the particular topic you are proposing to research on, is still fresh. The conclusion should be a summary of all that is said so far and a proclamation of your confidence in the project.
Do not be repetitive. Be organized in your writing as well as planning. It creates a positive impression if you manage to convince the authorities that you are capable of organizing yourself perfectly, as research is a process which is impossible without good planning. Good writing skills are a big advantage while you are preparing a research proposal. It is also necessary to edit and proof read your document to make it flawless.
The topic you are proposing to research on, might be impressive and worthy of research; but unless you manage to convince the committee of your potential, the project will not be granted to you. Take professional help if you find it necessary. It is not worth taking a chance with your research proposal as the future of your project depends on it.