Writing Part 2 — for a manager, council or committee
Purpose
suggest future actions and persuade the reader to accept them
Length
220–260 words
Register
formal; persuasive but impersonal
Must have
title · headings · current situation · recommendations · conclusion
Structure
Use headings
Title
Proposal for Improving the School Library
Introduction
the aim and how you got the information
Current situation
what the problem is now
Recommendations
your suggestions, with reasons and benefits
Conclusion
why the reader should accept them
Language for proposals
Recommending and persuading
Aim
The aim of this proposal is to… · This proposal outlines…
Problem
At present, … · Many students described it as…
Recommending
I would recommend + -ing · It is suggested that the library extend…
Benefits
This would allow… · If these measures were implemented, …
Proposal or report?
Future vs past
Report
describes what happened or what was found — looks back
Proposal
argues for what should happen — looks forward
Both
headings, formal register, recommendations
Model
Notice the headings and the persuasive recommendations
A proposal — 243 words
Proposal for Improving the School Library
Introduction The aim of this proposal is to suggest ways in which the school library could be made more attractive to students, following a survey of 120 students carried out last month.
Current situation At present, the library is used mainly for silent study during exam periods. Many students described it as dull and unwelcoming, and over half said they had not borrowed a book in the past year. The opening hours, which end at 4 p.m., were also criticised, as they prevent students with after-school activities from using the facilities.
Recommendations Firstly, I would recommend dividing the space into two areas: a quiet zone for study and a relaxed reading area with comfortable seating. This would allow the library to serve different needs at the same time.
Secondly, it is suggested that the library extend its opening hours until 6 p.m. on at least three days a week. Older students have offered to act as volunteer assistants, which would keep the cost of this change to a minimum.
Finally, the book collection should be updated to include more graphic novels, recent fiction and magazines, as these were the most frequently requested items in the survey.
Conclusion If these measures were implemented, the library could become a lively and genuinely popular space. I am confident that the relatively modest investment required would be repaid by a significant increase in the number of students using it.
Common mistakes
Where candidates lose marks
No headings
→
Introduction · Current situation · Recommendations · Conclusion
a proposal needs headings
I want them to change everything!
→
It is suggested that the opening hours be extended.
formal, specific recommendations
Recommendations with no reasons
→
This would allow students with after-school activities to…
explain the benefit
Dear Sir or Madam,
→
A title, then Introduction
not a letter
Your turn
Say it first, then write it
Plan a proposal out loud, then write it.
1
Your town wants ideas for a new youth centre. What is your title?