Proposal: useful language
Headings, describing the current situation, putting forward ideas and persuading the reader to act.
A proposal is written for a boss, a committee or a council, and it looks to the future: you describe a situation, suggest improvements and persuade the reader that your plan is worth doing. Like a report, it uses headings and a formal style, but its purpose is to persuade, so it should end with a strong case for action.
Introduction and current situation
Putting forward ideas
Persuading and concluding
Make it better
The same idea, first in basic English, then in the kind of language that gets a higher mark.
- Basic: We need a new room because the old one is bad.Better: At present, the room is inadequate for the number of users.Describe the situation objectively and precisely.
- Basic: You should buy new computers.Better: I propose that the school invest in new computers.'Propose that…' is followed by the base form (or 'should').
- Basic: This will be good for everyone.Better: This would enable staff to work more efficiently.Explain exactly how the idea helps.
- Basic: Please do it.Better: I urge the committee to approve these proposals.End with a strong, formal call to action.
Remember the difference: a report looks back at what has happened; a proposal looks forward to what should happen. Use 'would' and 'could' for your ideas, and make sure your final paragraph persuades the reader to act.
Quick check
Choose the best answer.
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