Part 2- Proposal
• In part 2 of the writing exam you may have the choice to write a proposal.
• This task requires you to outline a problem, or a problematic situation, and provide recommendations for future
solutions.
• The main difference between a report and a proposal is that the report focuses on describing a past or present situation,
while a proposal focuses on future actions that will improve a situation.
• It has to be concise and well-organised. Use headings so that the reader can quickly find the information they are
looking for in your text.
• Always end your report with a recommendation that will improve the situation.
• It is a formal paper, so avoid contractions and colloquial language.
• The word limit is 220-260 words.
• Spend 45 minutes on the task:
• 5-10 minutes to plan
• 30-35 minutes to write
• 5 minutes to check your work
Here is an exam task and a model answer.
The first and last headings stay the same
across any question. However, you need to
create your own headings for the main
paragraphs.
Proposal Structure
Title
Introduction The Missing Sport
Focus on the aim of the report.
Subheading 1
Give relevant facts about the current situation to
A Sensible Investment
provide some context to the proposal. We need to
know basic information about the situation we are
providing solutions for.
Subheading 2
Outline possible actions to improve the situation. In
other words, what you propose to do. Improving People’s Lives
Subheading 3
Explain how the actions you suggested will improve
the situation or benefit people.
Conclusion
A final, brief statement that provides a final
recommendation thus concluding the proposal.
Useful phrases for reports and proposals
Stating the purpose of the proposal Recommendations and suggestions
‣ The principal objectives of this report/proposal are to
‣ I would strongly recommend that…
‣ The objective of this report/proposal is to…
‣ In the light of the results of the survey I would advise
‣ The purpose of this proposal is to evaluate / explain / against…
describe / analyse etc ‣ The best solution would be to…
‣ In order to improve …… it is necessary to..
‣ This will have a positive impact on …
Background information
‣ At the present moment, Final recommendations
‣ Comments made at the end of the questionnaires ‣ Implementation of the above ideas would result in...
suggest…
‣ Provided that these recommendations are taken into
‣ Following a survey among… consideration,…
‣ Concerned members of the local community were ‣ Should these suggestions be implemented, there will
invited to attend… be a drastic increase/improvement in…
‣ A number of concerns with regard to … were expressed
by… Development
‣ First of all,…
‣ In addition to this
‣ Furthermore,…
‣ Moreover,…
‣ In fact,…
‣ Last but by no means least,…
