The Proposal

Reference

Common mistakes

1. No headings → Introduction · Current situation · Recommendations · Conclusion
   a proposal needs headings
2. I want them to change everything! → It is suggested that the opening hours be extended.
   formal, specific recommendations
3. Recommendations with no reasons → This would allow students with after-school activities to…
   explain the benefit
4. Dear Sir or Madam, → A title, then Introduction
   not a letter

The Proposal — Exercises

Proposal conventions

Circle the correct answer.

1. What is the main purpose of a proposal? (to recommend future action and persuade the reader / to describe what happened in the past / to tell a story)
2. Which heading belongs in a proposal? (Recommendations / Dear Sir or Madam / Once upon a time)
3. It is suggested that the library _____ its opening hours. (extend / extends / will extend)
4. Which sentence describes the current situation? (At present, the library closes at 4 p.m. / The library should close later. / I love libraries.)
5. Which sentence explains a benefit? (This would allow students with after-school activities to use it. / This is a recommendation. / Students exist.)
6. Which is the best concluding sentence? (If these measures were implemented, the library could become genuinely popular. / Bye for now! / That is all I know.)

Complete the proposal phrase

Write the missing word or words.

1. The   of this proposal is to suggest improvements.
2.   present, few students use the library.
3. I would recommend   the space into two areas.
4. This   allow the library to serve different needs.
5. If these measures   implemented, numbers would rise.
6. The investment would be repaid by a   increase in users.

The Proposal — Answer Key

Proposal conventions

1. to recommend future action and persuade the reader — A proposal looks forward and persuades.
2. Recommendations — Proposals use headings like Recommendations.
3. extend — It is suggested that + subjunctive → extend.
4. At present, the library closes at 4 p.m. — At present… — the situation now.
5. This would allow students with after-school activities to use it. — This would allow… — persuasive benefit.
6. If these measures were implemented, the library could become genuinely popular. — Persuade with If these measures were implemented…

Complete the proposal phrase

1. aim
2. At
3. dividing
4. would
5. were
6. significant