How to Write a Proposal in English: A Guide for C1 Advanced

Hello English learners. In this lesson, you will learn how to write a proposal in English, what structure to follow, which phrases to use, and how to make your writing sound more formal and convincing. You will also see a complete example proposal at the end.

In C1 Advanced Writing Part 2, you choose one task from three options. A proposal is one of the text types that may appear, alongside reports, reviews and letters or emails. You must write 220–260 words.

Writing a proposal in English can feel difficult at first, especially if you are preparing for C1 Advanced or need to write formal recommendations at work. However, a good proposal is not about using complicated language. It is about presenting your ideas clearly, organising them logically, and persuading the reader that your suggestions are practical and useful.

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What is a Proposal in English?

A proposal is a formal or semi-formal piece of writing in which you suggest a plan, recommend changes, or offer solutions to a problem.

You may need to write a proposal:

• for a school, college, or university committee
• for your manager or company
• for a local organisation
• in a Cambridge English exam, especially C1 Advanced
• when suggesting improvements to a service, place, project, or event

The main purpose of a proposal is to persuade the reader to accept your recommendations.

For example, you may be asked to write a proposal about:

• improving a school library
• attracting more people to a language club
• organising a community event
• improving facilities at a sports centre
• introducing new activities for students
• making a workplace more environmentally friendly

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Proposal or Report: What Is the Difference?

Many English learners confuse a proposal with a report. They are similar because both are usually formal, organised with headings, and written for a clear purpose. However, they are not exactly the same.

Report	Proposal
Describes and evaluates a current situation	Suggests a plan or recommends future action
Often focuses on findings	Focuses on recommendations
May include advantages and disadvantages	Usually tries to persuade the reader
Answers the question: “What is the situation?”	Answers the question: “What should we do?”

A simple way to remember the difference is this:

A report explains what is happening. A proposal explains what should happen next.

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How to Write a Proposal in English

A strong proposal usually follows a clear structure. You do not need to invent a complicated format. In fact, the best proposals are easy to follow.

A useful structure is:

1. Title
2. Introduction
3. Current situation
4. Recommendations
5. Expected results
6. Conclusion

Let’s look at each part in more detail.

1. Write a Clear Proposal Title

Your proposal should begin with a short, clear title. The title should tell the reader exactly what the proposal is about.

Good examples:

• Proposal to Improve the School Library
• Proposal for a New English Conversation Club
• Proposal to Increase Student Participation in School Events
• Proposal for Improving the Company’s Recycling System

Avoid vague titles such as:

• My Proposal
• Some Ideas
• Things We Should Change

A good title immediately gives your writing a professional feel.

2. Start with a Strong Introduction

The introduction should explain the purpose of the proposal. Keep it short and direct.

Useful phrases for introductions:

• The aim of this proposal is to…
• The purpose of this proposal is to suggest…
• This proposal outlines several ways to…
• This proposal has been written in order to recommend…
• The following proposal presents a number of suggestions for…

Example:

The aim of this proposal is to suggest practical ways to improve the school library and make it more useful for both students and teachers.

This is simple, formal, and clear.

3. Describe the Current Situation

After the introduction, explain the present situation or problem. This helps the reader understand why changes are needed.

You can mention:

• what is not working well
• what students, customers, or staff currently need
• what problems have been noticed
• what could be improved

Useful phrases:

• At present, many students feel that…
• One of the main problems is that…
• A number of students have complained that…
• The current facilities are limited because…
• Although the existing system works reasonably well, there is still room for improvement.

Example:

At present, the library is not used as often as it could be. Many of the books are outdated, the computers are slow, and there is not enough space for students who wish to study quietly or work in small groups.

This gives the reader a clear reason to take your recommendations seriously.

4. Make Clear Recommendations

This is the most important part of the proposal. Your recommendations should be practical, specific, and connected to the problem.

Try to give two or three main recommendations, not too many. Each one should be explained clearly.

Useful phrases for recommendations:

• I would recommend introducing…
• It would be advisable to…
• One possible solution would be to…
• The school should consider…
• It is recommended that…
• Another useful measure would be to…
• A further suggestion is to…

Example:

It would be advisable to update the library’s collection by adding more exam preparation books, graded readers, and modern novels. This would encourage students to use the library not only for homework, but also for independent reading.

Notice that the recommendation is followed by a reason. This is important. Do not simply list ideas. Explain why they would help.

5. Explain the Expected Results

A proposal should persuade the reader that your ideas are worth accepting. That is why you need to explain the benefits of your recommendations.

Useful phrases:

• This would lead to…
• As a result, students would be more likely to…
• This would have a positive effect on…
• These changes would help to…
• If these recommendations were implemented, the result would be…
• The main benefit of this approach would be…

Example:

If these recommendations were implemented, the library would become a more attractive and practical learning space. Students would be more likely to study there, borrow books, and use the facilities for exam preparation.

This shows the reader that your suggestions have a clear purpose.

6. End with a Polite Conclusion

The conclusion should briefly summarise your opinion and encourage the reader to accept your proposal.

Useful phrases:

• To sum up, I strongly believe that these recommendations would…
• In conclusion, the proposed changes would…
• I am confident that these suggestions would help to…
• For these reasons, I recommend that the above measures be introduced.
• I hope these recommendations will be taken into consideration.

Example:

In conclusion, I strongly believe that these changes would make the library a more useful, modern, and welcoming place. For this reason, I recommend that the school consider introducing them as soon as possible.

Style Tips for Writing a Good Proposal

A proposal should usually be formal or semi-formal. This means your writing should be clear, polite, and organised.

Use Formal Language

Instead of: We should get some new books.

Write: It is recommended that the library should purchase a wider range of up-to-date books.

Instead of: The computers are really bad.

Write: The computers are outdated and no longer meet students’ needs.

Avoid Contractions

Use Headings

Headings make your proposal easier to read. They also help you organise your answer clearly.

Be Specific

Weak recommendation: The library should be better.

Stronger recommendation: The library should provide more exam preparation books, improve its computer facilities, and create a quiet study area.

Model C1 Advanced Proposal (231 words)

Proposal to Improve the School Library

Introduction

The aim of this proposal is to recommend practical improvements to the school library. Although it could be a valuable resource for students and teachers, it is currently underused.

Current Situation

Many books are outdated, the computers are unreliable and there is insufficient space for quiet study. As a result, students often choose to work elsewhere, even when they need access to learning materials.

Recommendations

First, the school should update its collection, particularly exam preparation materials, graded readers and modern fiction. This would encourage independent reading and give students access to resources they cannot easily find at home.

Second, replacing the computers and improving the Wi-Fi connection would make online research and homework easier. Reliable technology would also allow students to use digital learning platforms.

Finally, I recommend creating separate areas for individual study and group work. Clear signs and suitable furniture would help students use these spaces without disturbing one another. These changes need not be introduced simultaneously; the school could begin with the most affordable improvements.

Expected Benefits and Conclusion

Together, these measures would make the library more welcoming, useful and attractive. Students would be more likely to study there regularly, while teachers could make better use of its resources. I therefore recommend that the school prioritise the book collection and technology, then consider reorganising the study areas as funds become available.

C1 Advanced Proposal Writing – Free Practice Worksheet

PDF · 4 pages · A4 · Printable

Download the worksheet

Common Mistakes in Proposal Writing

Even students with a good command of English can lose marks in C1 Advanced Writing if their proposals are unclear, too informal or poorly organised. Here are five common mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Being Too Informal

A proposal is usually written for someone in a position of responsibility, such as a school director, manager or committee. Your language should therefore be polite, professional and appropriate for the reader.

Too informal:

The school should get some new computers because the old ones are really bad.

Better:

It would be advisable to replace the outdated computers, as they no longer meet students’ needs.

Tip: Avoid slang, very informal expressions and contractions. Aim for a formal but natural style.

2. Giving Recommendations Without Reasons

Simply suggesting changes is not enough. You need to explain why your recommendations are necessary and how they would improve the situation.

Weak:

The school should organise more speaking activities.

Better:

The school should organise weekly speaking activities, as these would give students more opportunities to practise their English in a relaxed environment.

Tip: After each recommendation, ask yourself: Why would this be a good idea? Your answer will help you develop your argument.

3. Forgetting the Reader

Before writing your proposal, think carefully about who will read it. A proposal for a school director will sound different from one written for a group of students.

Your recommendations should also consider what the reader can realistically do.

Weak:

The school must build a completely new library immediately.

Better:

The school could consider reorganising the existing library space to provide additional study areas without significant expense.

Tip: Make sure your suggestions are realistic, relevant and appropriate for the person receiving the proposal.

4. Writing One Long Paragraph

A proposal should be easy to read. If you put all your ideas into one long paragraph, the reader may struggle to identify your main recommendations.

Instead, divide your writing into clear sections with appropriate headings.

For example:

• Introduction
• Current Situation
• Recommendations
• Expected Benefits
• Conclusion

You do not need to use all these headings in every proposal. Choose the ones that best suit the task.

Tip: Use headings and paragraphs to guide the reader through your ideas. This also helps demonstrate good organisation in the exam.

5. Not Explaining the Benefits

One of the main purposes of a proposal is to persuade the reader to accept your suggestions. To do this effectively, you need to show what positive results your recommendations could produce.

Weak:

The school should introduce an online booking system for speaking club sessions.

Better:

Introducing an online booking system would make it easier for students to reserve places and help teachers organise sessions more efficiently. As a result, more students might be encouraged to participate.

Tip: Connect your recommendations to their expected results. Useful expressions include This would enable…, As a result…, One major benefit would be… and If these changes were introduced…

Remember

A successful C1 Advanced proposal does more than suggest improvements. It explains what should change, why the changes are necessary and how they would benefit the reader or organisation.

Keep your writing clear, your recommendations practical and your tone appropriately formal.

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Practice Task

Your English language school wants to encourage more students to attend its speaking club. The school director has asked students to suggest improvements.

Write a proposal for the school director describing the current situation, recommending two or three changes and explaining how these would benefit students.

Write your proposal in 220–260 words.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to write a proposal in English is extremely useful if you are preparing for C1 Advanced or if you need formal English for work or study. A good proposal should be clear, organised, persuasive, and practical.

Remember the basic structure:

Introduction → Current Situation → Recommendations → Expected Results → Conclusion

Once you understand this structure and learn a few useful phrases, writing a proposal becomes much easier. The key is to focus on the reader, explain your ideas clearly, and show how your recommendations would improve the situation.

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Improve Your C1 Advanced Writing Skills

Would you like more guidance and practice for the Cambridge C1 Advanced Writing paper?

My Writing for C1 Advanced guide provides clear explanations, model answers and practical techniques for essays, reports, proposals, reviews and letters or emails.

The accompanying C1 Advanced Writing Practice Workbook offers additional exercises and exam-style tasks to help you develop your writing skills and become more confident.

Both books are available individually or together as a bundle.

Explore the C1 Advanced Writing Books

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