Cambridge C1 Proposal Writing
Here we will look at what you need to know about C1 proposal writing. In the Cambridge Advanced exam(CAE), you may be asked to write a proposal in Part 2.
What is the Cambridge C1 Advanced Proposal?
A proposal is an example of a real life task. Candidates are asked to prepare some ideas that could be used to persuade the reader of the benefit or value of the proposal. While the structure of a proposal is very similar to the C1 report, a report addresses a current situation, whereas in writing a proposal you consider a possible future action.
How to write your C1 proposal
Firstly, you need to show that you have an understanding of the type of register and structure needed. For proposals, that structure tends to follow the types of conventions that we have seen with the structure of reports. The style is generally formal or semi-formal.
Proposal Structure
In a proposal each section or paragraph should have a title or heading so that a reader can see what you want to say. Generally, we use Introduction as a title for the first part although Background may also be suitable. Typically Recommendations is appropriate for the final section. For other sections you should choose a title that clearly describes the theme or topic in that section or paragraph.
Other proposal considerations
- You should use a title. Something in the form of Proposal to/for .. is suitable.
- Modal verbs are always a useful form to present observations and suggestions.
- Passives are also extremely useful but don’t overuse them as they can make a text very difficult to read.
- As with the report you should avoid pronouns like you or I in order to make the writing style more formal but we can be a good option.
Your C1 proposal structure
How to do it
The first step is to identify what content needs to be included in your proposal. All the necessary information is usually provided in the question itself. In many cases, the question will also suggest the headings you should use. Based on that, your proposal might follow this structure and title and include the following headings:
Proposal for Improvements in student contact opportunities
Introduction (or Background)
Present Situation
Possible Activities
Recommendations
Writing an introduction
The introduction is the one part of the proposal, like the report, where the structure tends to be the same. An introduction needs to state the purpose of the proposal and provide any relevant background. The sample below is a typical approach to the introduction.
The aim/purpose of this proposal is to consider ways to improve the current lack of regular social contact between university students and local residents.
(Background) Many of these students live on campus or with other students in the town.
Other sections of the proposal
For each of the remaining parts it is important to provide support and details to any opinions you offer. In the following example, the explanation contains relevant details.
Current Situation
The university campus has students from many parts of the world and there seems to be a good level of integration. This comes from the variety of activities available to students, however, there is nothing similar in the town.
At this stage of the proposal you should move on to offer potential ideas that might be useful in order to bring the town and university together. Here is one such idea.
Possible Activities
One potential idea is to produce an international evening where townspeople and students alike can mix. The format of it would need to be decided but something that involved food, drink and perhaps displays of individual countries might work very well.
Writing a conclusion or recommendation
The final part of a proposal is where a reader expects to see an overall analysis. It should bring together what you have said in the rest of the proposal and reiterate the value of your proposition. This is part of that final paragraph.
Conclusion/Recommendations
In conclusion, it is important that we join forces to develop a range of activities to benefit all of us who live in our town.
Completed C1 Proposal
Proposal for Improvements in student contact opportunities
Introduction
The aim/purpose of this proposal is to consider ways to improve the current lack of regular social contact between university students and local residents. Many of these students live on campus or with other students in the town so between their studies and spending most of their time with other students, the opportunities are very limited.
Current situation(Background)
The university campus has students from many parts of the world who have access to a very wide range of campus activities. As a result, students are much more inclined to spend their time on campus or doing activities organized by the university rather than go elsewhere.
Possible activities
One potential idea is to arrange a one-off international evening where townspeople and students alike can mix. The format of it would need to be decided but something that involved food, drink and perhaps displays of individual countries might work very well.
The town council, too, could consider organising regular events to show off our cultural attractions by way of tours and other activities. There is a clear secondary benefit here where town residents would most definitely welcome some new cultural experiences.
Recommendations
In conclusion, it is important that we join forces to develop a range of activities of benefit all of us who live in our town and while it is unfortunate that we find ourselves in these circumstances, both the university and the council need to be equal partners in any solution. We firmly believe that our proposal can prove a model for a way forward.
260 words
Some points to consider
- Sell your Idea
Look at what you are writing in a proposal. How persuasive is it? - Use Emphasis
Consider using expressions that draw attention to key points. Examples include emphatic verb form and linking devices like clearly, actually, specifically etc.
Watch our YouTube C1 proposal writing video
