How to write a proposal – C1 English Writing

How to write a proposal – C1 English Writing

Exercise 4

Complete this proposal using the words from the box.

aim – beyond – consequently – ensure – furthermore – propose – should – suggest – while – would

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Proposal for the renewal of a local historical building

Introduction

The 1 of this proposal is to outline a redevelopment plan for the historical building known as the Old Mill. Transforming this derelict site into a multi-purpose community hub would not only preserve a historical landmark but also provide essential services for local inhabitants.

Current state of the building

At present, the building is in a state of advanced disrepair, characterized by broken windows and structural decay. 2 being an eyesore, the site has unfortunately become a magnet for vandalism. 3 , the surrounding area has seen a decline in footfall, affecting local businesses negatively.

Proposed multi-purpose use

I 4 that the interior be partitioned to cater to a diverse demographic:

• Ground floor: A co-working cafe equipped with high-speed internet to support local freelancers and remote workers.
• First floor: A youth center offering workshops in digital skills and the arts, providing a safe space for teenagers.
• Garden area: A community allotment where elderly residents can engage in gardening and social interaction.

 

Financial sustainability

To 5 the project remains viable without placing an undue burden on taxpayers, I 6 a mixed-income model. Revenue generated from the cafe and private desk rentals 7 subsidize the free youth and elderly programs. 8 , we could apply for national heritage grants specifically allocated to the restoration of industrial buildings.

Conclusion

The renovation of the Old Mill represents a unique opportunity for the local community to come together and enhance community spirit 9 stimulating the local economy. 10 this proposal be accepted, it would turn a neglected liability into an attractive communal asset.

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How to write a proposal – C1 English Writing

In Part 2 of the C1 Advanced Writing paper, you may be asked to write a proposal. While it is similar in structure to a report, the key difference is its purpose: a proposal aims to persuade a specific reader to approve a future course of action.

Proposal vs. Report: What is the difference?

It is easy to confuse these two text types, but the focus is different:

• A Report focuses on the past and present (what happened, what the current situation is). It is primarily factual.
• A Proposal usually includes a brief description of the current situation but focuses on the future (what should happen, what the benefits would be). It is primarily persuasive.

Comparison: Report vs. Proposal

Below are the features of a report and a proposal side by side:

In a proposal, you are expected to:

• use clear headings to organise your suggestions
• address all points in the prompt
• use persuasive language to present your ideas convincingly
• use an impersonal, formal, or semi-formal tone
• write 220–260 words.

Let’s now look at how to develop a proposal based on the following task:

The planning stage

Before you start writing, spend about 5 minutes planning. In a proposal, you need to identify the main problems and then suggest practical solutions that would appeal to the reader.

What to consider in your plan:

• Identify the target reader: the College Dean → formal register.
• Select your suggestions: choose two or three ideas that are realistic for a college budget.
• Explain your reasons: why should the Dean approve this? (e.g. higher exam results, better student reputation).

Choose your two or three ideas

Choose ideas that provide a clear academic or social benefit:

1. A quiet study area → to reduce stress.
2. Weekly peer-support workshops → to improve mental health and build a stronger sense of community.

General proposal structure

These sections are a useful guide, but you can combine or adapt them as long as your proposal is clearly organised.

🔹 Title

• Purpose: To state clearly what the proposal is about.
• Guidance: Use a clear and specific title, such as ‘Proposal for…’ or ‘A proposal to…’

🔹 Introduction (Heading: Introduction or Purpose)

• Purpose: State the aim of the proposal and provide background.
• Guidance: Use formal opening phrases: ‘The aim of this proposal is to suggest…’ Avoid getting into details yet.

🔹 Section 1 (Heading: e.g. Current situation or Background)

• Purpose: Describe the current problem that needs solving.
• Guidance: Be objective but firm. Use phrases like ‘It has been noted that…’ or ‘Students have expressed concern regarding…’ to show there is a genuine need for change.

🔹 Section 2 (Heading: e.g. Proposed changes / Suggested activities)

• Purpose: Present your main ideas in detail.
• Guidance: Use modal verbs (would, could, might) to present suggestions and their possible results. Explain how the ideas would work in practice.

🔹 Section 3 (Heading: e.g. Potential Benefits / Impact)

• Purpose: Persuade the reader by showing the value of your ideas.
• Guidance: Connect the solutions back to the college’s goals (e.g. higher grades, better student atmosphere). This is where you present the value of your ideas convincingly.

🔹 Conclusion (Heading: Conclusion or Recommendation)

• Purpose: Summarise your position and make a final push for the proposal to be accepted.
• Guidance: Use emphatic language to show you believe in the plan. Avoid adding any brand-new ideas here.

Useful language for writing C1 proposals

To state the purpose:

• The aim/purpose of this proposal is to suggest…
• This proposal is intended to outline the benefits of…
• I am submitting this proposal to request/recommend…

To describe the current situation:

• At present, the situation is…
• It has been observed that…
• There is a clear need for… due to…

To make suggestions (the ‘future’ focus):

• One potential idea would be to…
• Another possible approach would be to…
• It would be highly advantageous to…
• I would propose that this idea be considered…
• The implementation of [X] would enable staff to…

To highlight benefits (persuasive markers):

• This would clearly result in…
• The most significant benefit of this would be…
• Not only would this improve [X], but it would also lead to [Y] (e.g. student performance, satisfaction)
• This may be a cost-effective way of…

To conclude/recommend:

• In light of the above, I strongly recommend that…
• We firmly believe that this proposal offers a viable way forward.
• I hope that these suggestions will be taken into consideration.

Sample Proposal

➟ State the aim of the proposal.

➟ Describe the current problem that needs solving.

➟ Present your main ideas in detail.

➟ Introduce the advantages the proposed changes would bring.

➟ Encourage the acceptance of the proposal.