Writing Task 4: A proposal

Writing a Proposal

About Proposals

• Format: Proposals can generally be a letter, memo or a report. Unless told otherwise

or given a specific type of document to respond to I’d recommend using a report style,

because this gives you the ability to use headings and follow a simple formula for

writing.

• Writing Style: You should use formal English, but the passive isn’t used much in

reports.

• Vocabulary Required: The vocabulary is similar to that used for business documents,

although it depends on the subject.

• December 2008 Changes: If you are preparing for the December 2008 examination,

the format will change: you will have less input, less time to answer and a lower word

limit. You may also be expected to write an email reply.

Step By Step

1. The Problem

Firstly look at the scenario you have been given, if it is a task 1 question you will be given

quite a lot of information and it is important that you follow that precisely. If it is question 2-

5 then you will be expected to introduce the subject and state what the problems are.

Exam Tip: Do not attempt Task 5 questions, unless you have relevant work experience,

because a part of the marks will be based on accurate work knowledge.

2. Suggest Your Ideas

Develop only as many ideas as you have been told to do so... If you have more than one idea

make sure that the ideas work well together.

Exam Tip: Don’t give too many ideas than you have to, because this uses up valuable exam

time, which you could be using to develop the ideas more fully.

3. Justify Them

For each idea that you come up with you should say why it is a good idea and you must do

this in a way that will appeal to the reader, often in Cambridge examinations this will be the

principal of your school or your manager.

4. Ask For What You Need

Then ask for what you need, you may have been directly told this and if that is the case you

should follow the instructions. In past papers it has been to ask for more money or in some

cases it maybe just permission to do it.

This formula is just a general plan and will need to be adapted for each situation!

WRITING TASK - PROPOSAL

The council is planning to hour a locar hero connected with our area. The local hero can be someone well known or an ordinary citizen. He/She could be still living or could be someone from history.
Residents are invited to send in proposals identifying a deserving person, giving reasons for their choice and suggesting a suitable way in which this hero should be honoured. 
Write your proposal in 220-260 words.