Cambridge writing: how to write a proposal (C1 advanced)
Hi Quijoter@s! ?
Today we’re looking at one of the most common tasks in the C1 Advanced Writing paper: the proposal. Many students confuse it with a report, but although they are similar, a proposal has a specific purpose and tone.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What is a proposal?
A proposal is a formal or semi-formal piece of writing in which you:
suggest improvements
recommend actions
evaluate options
persuade the reader
The target reader is usually someone in authority (e.g. a principal, manager or committee), and your goal is to make practical recommendations.
Structure of a proposal
A clear structure is essential.
Title : Be concise and informative.
Examples:
Proposal for Improving Student Facilities
Proposal to Increase Community Engagement
Introduction: State the purpose clearly.
Useful phrases:
The aim of this proposal is to…
This proposal outlines…
The purpose of this document is to suggest…
Example: The aim of this proposal is to suggest ways to enhance student participation in extracurricular activities.
Main sections (with headings): Divide your ideas into logical paragraphs with clear headings. For example:
Current Situation
Suggested Improvements
Expected Benefits
Using headings improves clarity and organisation, which examiners reward.
Recommendations / Conclusion: End with clear, practical suggestions.
Useful phrases:
It is recommended that…
I would strongly suggest that…
One possible course of action would be to…
Implementing these measures would…
Example: It is recommended that the school allocate additional funding to student-led initiatives.
Useful Vocabulary for Proposals
To evaluate:
assess
examine
consider
analyse
To suggest:
propose
recommend
put forward
outline
To describe advantages:
beneficial
cost-effective
sustainable
feasible
efficient
To persuade:
would significantly improve
would enhance
would lead to
is likely to result in
Tone and register
A proposal should be:
formal or semi-formal
objective
solution-focused
persuasive but balanced
Avoid:
❌ contractions (don’t, can’t)
❌ overly emotional language
❌ informal expressions
What examiners look for
At C1 level, you are assessed on:
Content (Have you answered the task?)
Communicative achievement (Is the tone appropriate?)
Organisation (Is it clearly structured?)
Language (Is it varied and accurate?)
