C1 Writing a proposal

WHAT EXACTLY IS A PROPOSAL? 

A proposal is a formal document in which you "propose" or give ideas for a project. This kind of document is sent to a figure of authority, for example your boss or the senior president of a national committee, who is asking for your help  in the form of ideas (or proposals) to make the project successful.

A proposal starts by describing the situation in a business, school, club, or other organisation you might be part of. For example, you might have to talk about the computer room in your college or the state of the canteen in your office. Sounds like a report, doesn't it? Well so far it's pretty similar.

The difference between a report and a proposal is that in the latter we have to give recommendations on improving the situation.

You have to persuade whoever is reading the proposal to make the changes you think are best.

So:

•  describe a situation 
• say  how you think it could be better
• try to convince someone you are right

WHO'S GOING TO READ IT?

As you'd expect, sometimes the proposals are set in the business world, and sometimes in the academic world. In these cases you'll be writing in quite a formal style. Another common scenario is that you're in a club and want to propose some changes - if you're writing to the other members of the club you can be a bit less formal but you should still be polite.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL RULES?

You should use headings, and have an intro and conclusion. You CAN use bullet points but  write in full sentences. Bullet points can help people read something efficiently, but they are often used by writers who are too lazy/scared to write complete sentences. Use them with care!

Oh, and it's not a letter so don't start with 'Dear Sir.'

(OUTCOMES WRITING AND VOCABULARY BOOKLET)

 

CAE WRITING REFERENCE

How to write a proposal

Useful language for a proposal
sample 1
sample 2

Sample 3
Writing checklists

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👉CHOOSE ONE OF THESE TASKS:

1. In the following piece of writing the headmaster of The English Language School has asked you to write a proposal on how to improve the EOI León (facilities, building, devices..) and how to attract new students. 

TASK 2:

There are plans to demolish an old and unused building in the town where you are a student. You feel that the building should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining why you think the building should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to modernise it and saying how the building could benefit the local people.

Notice that proposals have a title and subheadings (subtitles). There is an introduction and a conclusion as well.