A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Research Proposal Researchers who want to obtain a grant for a project often write a proposal when seeking funding for research. The creativity stages and innovation phases are highlighted in a research environment to show social scientists that innovative research methodologies can be generated and that. Research proposals, like all other types of academic writing, are written in a formal and objective tone. Keep in mind that being concise is a key part of academic writing. Formal does not mean flowery. Follow the structure described above. Your reader knows how a research proposal is supposed to read and expects it to fit that pattern. It starts with double-checking that your thesis questions are obvious and unambiguous, and then revising the rest of your proposal. “Make sure your research questions are very clear,” says Sarah. “Make sure all writing is clear and grammatically correct,” adds Chelsea. “A supervisor won’t be too interested in one.