Follow MLA 8th Edition guidelines for everything. Minimum length: 10 pages, not including a complete, properly formatted "Works Cited" section at the of the essay. You also must provide a minimum of 10 sources.
1. Grounding/Introduction
Draw me in, make me care. Perhaps tell a story that illustrates the problem and demonstrates why it's urgent, a personal anecdote or a case study. Paint a picture of the current dire situation, perhaps by describing a physical scene that typifies the problem. For instance, if gun control is your issue, you might describe a tragic scenario of children innocently playing with a gun, and its disastrous outcome. Begin with what you think will shock, seduce, or somehow involve the reader.
2. The Problem
Identify the controversy/conflict/problem/debate/trend. Offer factual evidence that it exists. Describe its magnitude and its urgency. Provide statistical evidence when possible. Does it affect certain people more than others (senior citizens more than students, the working class more than the rich, women more than men)? Demonstrate that the problem will soon become extremely serious, if it's not serious now.
3. History of the Problem
Provide the background and history your reader will need to know about to understand the problem. Your Historical Analysis will be greatly utilized for this part of the Proposal. Explain the development and the most significant historical events that have contributed to the situation as it currently exists.