How to reduce the rates of smoking among adolescents? After reading the lecture notes, sample student essays, topic suggestions, and completing the proposal plan sheet, you now should be more than prepared to complete a rough draft of your proposal essay. Remember, the essay should be 800-1,000 words in length and use 3 sources. It should have a creative title, include a header with your name, a works cited page with your 3 citations and be double-spaced and typed in 12 font.