CAE - PROPOSAL
A proposal is a piece of formal writing similar to a report. Reports are based on current
circumstances or situations whereas proposals are action plans for the future. You give more
space to current situation in a report and more space to recommendations for future actions in
a proposal.
Normally an authority figure (boss/teacher/club members/colleagues) has asked you to
evaluate a set of options for a future event or the improvement of something.
PROPOSAL STYLE: IMPERSONAL / SEMI FORMAL-TO-FORMAL
Avoid too expressive words: amazing, magnificent, disgusting, like, a couple of, for example
What to use: Future tenses
Conditionals (2nd conditional)
Modal verbs / modal passives
TITLE
1st Paragraph – INTRODUCTION
Say what you the proposal is about:
- The principal aim(s)/ purpose / objectives of this proposal is/are to…
- This proposal relates to/ describes/ outlines/ is intended to highlight the current
problems with public transport and give ideas for improving the service of local
residents …
- In this proposal I describe/evaluate/present/assess/outline…
2nd Paragraph – (ex. Overseas students’ problems)
Describe the problem / Current situation:
- At the present, our company is encountering a dramatic waste of energy. Lights and
photocopiers are left on unessentially…
- One of the reasons why the building should be preserved is because of its touching
past…
- As the council may be aware, there are issues with buses not sticking to the published
timetables and this causes problems for the users…
- Comments made at the end of the questionnaires suggest…
- Following a survey among bus users carried out in the town, pensioners described the
situation as…
- Concerned members of the local community were invited to attend…
- A number of concerns with regard to the frequency of the buses were expressed by
pensioners/young mothers/locals…
- The first programme should focus / should provide the perspective
3rd Paragraph – (ex. Social activities)
Describe the improvements / Future situation / Suggestions:
- I suggest that we should have some effective solutions as mentioned below to solve the
urgent issues…
- A working group should be set up by…/There should be an enquiry into / A phone app
should be created and made available to all public transport users to help them
understand when their bus will arrive…
- I recommend that a larger survey should be conducted …
- It is suggested / recommended that…
- It would be an advantage to…implement / have a new / give customer the option to
Better bus shelter
Training for bus drivers to be more friendly
Increased access for wheelchair users
4th Paragraph - CONCLUSION
- To sum up, there are plenty of reasons why the library should be preserved, it benefits
the people, the history and the culture, and I would be pleased if you took my letter in
consideration.
- In conclusion, saving the energy is the responsibility of not only each individual but also
the whole society/ community.
- If these recommendations are implemented, the current undesirable situation with
public transport will definitely improve / is bound to improve.
- In my opinion…
- The results of the survey/questionnaire suggest that the introduction of heavier fines
would seem to be the best option/choice/solution.
- Unless these suggestions are implemented, it is unlikely that there will be any
improvement in the short term.
EXAMPLES
The Environmental Planning Committee is organising a campaign to make our town more
“green”. You are invited to submit a proposal related to your neighborhood. Present some
factual information about the area, pointing out any relevant environmental issues, and
suggest practical measures which individuals and families could take to make the
neighbourhood more green.
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to suggest ways in which our neighborhood could become more
environmentally sustainable and friendly. I will therefore recommend several measures to
achieve this goal.
Air pollution
In winter, and in particular on rainy days, almost every neighborhood’ family tends to use their
personal cars to take children to school thus consistently increasing air pollution through
vehicles’ exhaust fumes. In my opinion, families should be encouraged to use innovative
mobility services such as car sharing, electric bikes or electric scooters when possible. Our
town should also increase the number of school buses and public transport in general to help
citizens be greener.
Energy
Currently, there is an overconsumption of energy linked to the growing number of families in
our neighborhood. Many lights, heaters and personal computers should be turned off when no-
one is at home. Moreover, home appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers should
be turned on during night hours to save energy. Another alternative, for people who can afford
it, could be switching to natural energy such as rooftop solar panels or solar water heating.
Waste recycling
Another environmental issue is the overproduction of rubbish. A considerable amount of
plastic, glass and paper is currently not properly recycled, which is why I suggest that citizens
should be trained to reduce and recycle their waste.
Conclusion
Were these measures to be implemented, not only could we significantly reduce our energy
costs but we could also become a concrete example of a green town.
We are running a campaign to persuade organisations in our country town to use resources
more carefully and to reduce waste. The agency invites you to submit a proposal outlining the
current situation in an organisation that you know well and to suggest ways in which this
situation could be improved. We will provide financial support for approved proposals.
Introduction
The purpose of this proposal is to suggest ways in which my college could use resources more
carefully and reduce wastage. I will suggest a range of measures to achieve this.
Paper
The college currently uses twice as much printing paper as it did two years ago. This is despite
the fact that information is stored on computers any unnecessary use of paper affects the
environment in two ways: firstly by using valuable resources, and secondly by posing a waste
disposal problem. I suggest that in future no documents should be printed unless there is a
good reason for doing so, and students should be required to submit assignments
electronically.
Electricity
Currently, many lights, heaters and computers are not turned off when no one is in the
building. Televisions and other electrical equipment are left on stand-by overnight, adding to
the college’s energy consumption. Students and staff should be reminded to turn off all lights
and equipment when they are not needed.
Travel
It is well known that some students are making unnecessary journeys to college by car or
motorbike. This add to our energy consumption. I recommend that students should be advised
not to come to the college unless they have classes, and public transport or bicycles should be
used where this is possible. In addition to this, staff might consider working from home on at
least one day per week.
Conclusion
I believe that if all the suggested measures were implemented, the college would be able to
reduce wastage by at least 20% every year.
A national TV channel is planning a series of documentary programmes about unusual
hobbies and is looking for people and their hobbies to feature in the programmes. The series
producer invites you to send a proposal outlining ideas for two of these programmes which
should be aimed at general audiences rather than other people doing these hobbies. Your
proposal should suggest hobbies of different types and give reasons why you think they
would make successful TV programmes.
Introduction
I think that the decision to make a series of documentary programmes about unusual hobbies
will be warmly welcomed by national viewers. I suggest that the programmes should entertain
a wide audience, from young to elderly people, rather than attracting only people doing these
particular hobbies.
Peculiar places to sleep
The first programme I would suggest could/would focus on peculiar places to sleep: for
example, cliff camping, which is recently becoming one of the most exciting hobbies for many
young people. The programme would enable viewers to discover the beauties of our country as
well as the techniques and the equipment needed to reach and sleep in those unique sites.
Insect and food
Cooking bugs and preparing delicious insect dishes is my second suggestion for a successful
programme about unusual hobbies. Viewers will be amused and surprised to discover that
insects are hight in protein (or full of proteins), and low in fat as well as being cheap to produce.
The programme would be an entertaining cooking show where, every week, a famous chef
prepares his or her insect dish.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these programme proposals on unusual hobbies would, I think, make successful
TV programmes. Not only are they addressed at a general audience but they can also be seen as
an enjoyable moment to spend with families and friends. If successful, the programmes may
well be the beginning of annual TV series.
A television station is planning a series of documentary programmes about life in your region
and is inviting proposals from interested members of the public. The series producer invites
you to send a proposal outlining ideas for some of these programmes, which should be of
interest to general audiences as well to people who live in the region. You should give
reasons for your suggestions and say why you believe people unfamiliar with the region
would find the programmes interesting.
Introduction
I am sure that your decision to make a series of programmes on our region will be warmly
welcomed by viewers who live here. I suggest that the series should look at the region today
from the points of view of the following different groups of people.
A family
The first programme could focus on an “ordinary” family from the region. I would suggest a
young couple with two children. The programme might be able to highlight aspects of their
everyday life with which many viewers can probably identify: school, travelling, shopping and
preferred leisure activities could be covered. It may be important to make it clear from the
outset that the series is reflecting the lifestyle of typical residents.
Students
This programme should provide the perspective of young people who have grown up in our
region and who will shortly be deciding whether to stay or to move elsewhere. Participants
could talk about the advantages and disadvantages of living here in comparison with other
places they know. They could also be asked to say whether they intend to stay or move away
after the completion of their studies.
Tourist information officer
Finally, a programme featuring a representative of the local tourist information office could
inform viewers about significant historical and cultural features of the region, as well as
mentioning regular events. Hopefully, this would encourage viewers to visit the region.
Conclusion
In my opinion, these programme proposals would be of interest to people outside our region as
well as those who live here. If successful, the series may well be the beginning of a regular
magazine programme.
The Council is planning to honour a local 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.
Introduction
In response to your invitation, I am writing to suggest a local hero who, in my opinion, deserves
to be honoured. My hero is from my neighbourhood, but not someone I know personally.
My choice
My choice is Helen Keanem who, until recently, was just an ordinary working mother. One
Friday last August, Helen was driving home, looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Suddenly, a
lorry in front of her swerved and crashed into a bridge (a tree). Helen immediately stopped and
went to help. When she reached the lorry, flames were coming from the cub but, without
hesitating, Helen opened the door, pulled the unconscious driver out of his lorry and dragged
him to safety. Helen herself suffered burns which kept her in hospital for two weeks.
Reasons for my choice
My main reason for choosing Helen is that she was an ordinary person going about her daily
life. She could easily have driven home, leaving the emergency services to deal with the
accident. But instead, she stopped and saved a man’s life. My other reason is that Helen has
shown us all that special training is not necessarily required to help other people. Anyone can
male a difference.
Honouring my hero
If my choice of local hero is accepted, I suggest that the council should set up a fund which
could be used to fund an annual prize for someone who helps other people. This could be
known as the Helen Keane Award.
I hope you will consider Helen Keane as a suitable nominee who deserves to be honoured.
We are anxious to ensure that our company shows more concern for the environment.
Could you write me a proposal?
Describe the problems, suggest what improvement we should make and make some
recommendations for encouraging the staff to be more environmentally aware.
Thomas Davies
Managing Director
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to raise the staff’s awareness of using energy in a more
environmentally friendly way at the workplace in our company.
Problems
In spite of using the recycling bins to dispose of cans, drinking bottles and paper, staff members
do not use them consistently. As a consequence, the workplace is really a mess. In addition, we
have to pay extremely high electricity bills due to the overuse of power in the company’s
facilities. The fact that lights, computer and photocopiers are left on overnight contribute to
make this problem increasingly worse.
Improvements
To solve these issues, I recommend using more recycling bins so that employees find it easier
and more comfortable to throw rubbish. In addition, we should put up more awareness-
raising posters on energy saving. Apart from that, all employees should be made aware of the
importance of turning off all electrical devices, when unused, at the end of their working day.
Solar panels will be an excellent alternative source of energy in order to reduce what we spend
on electricity. These methods may gradually change the attitude of the employees towards the
use of energy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, saving energy is the responsibility of not only each individual but also society as a
whole. If the above-mentioned recommendations are followed, positive changes will surely
follow.
The city council that you work for has received funding to start a new careers service for
young people. Read the notes below and write a proposal giving your suggestions as to what
the service could offer and how it could be run.
Notes:
opening hours : 11.30am to 8.00pm or even later when students can visit the
office.
provide information on higher education and part-time / temporary work
opportunities.
maintain a job notice board that companies can advertise on.
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to give suggestions as to what the careers service for young people,
which the city council has received funding to start, should offer and how it could run.
Helping young people find a job
The careers service will have the objective of assisting young people to find work. Because
employers usually look for older people with more experience, it can be really complicated for
young people to get hired. Consequently, they find it difficult to find a job when they finish
college, and if they want to become independent from their parents they won’t be able to do
so because they won’t have enough money.
Services offered
Not only should the careers centre provide young people with information about jobs, but it
should also give them information on higher education and part-time work opportunities. In
addition, we should maintain a notice board and get companies to advertise on it. Tips and
tricks on both how to write a good CV and on how to answer the typical interview questions
should be offered too.
Opening hours
We should offer long opening hours – for example from 11.30am to 8pm seven days a week.
This way, it would be easier for young people to use our services.
Location
The career center should be located somewhere near the universities in order to make it easier
for students to go there after their classes, if they need to.
Conclusion
To sum up, if we put all these recommendations into practice, we will succeed in helping young
people to find a job.
You work at an international company, and you and your colleagues would like to attend a
language course. You decide to write a proposal to your Director suggesting that the company
help with the cost of the course. In your proposal, you should provide information about the
time and costs involved and explain the relevance of the course to you and your colleagues'
work.
ADVANCED LANGUAGE COURSE FOR ACTIVE WORKERS
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to evaluate the benefits of an advanced language course for some of
the workers of the international company I work for, and to give reasons why the company
should help us with the payment of the course.
Main conditions
It is a German course focused on industrial engineering for those who have passed the
intermediate level given last year. The duration is five months, from February to June, with four
hours of classes in the office every Monday afternoon, and the rest of the programme online.
Although it is a quite specialized course, its price is only nine hundred pounds and it can be paid
in five monthly instalments. Nevertheless, it is an important amount to cope with on the salary
of the employees without any help from the company.
Benefits for the company
The attendance to the course will provide the staff of my department with the required level to
understand German engineering law. If we were able to achieve this level, our company would
have the opportunity to begin to work in Germany. This would mean, not only an exceptional
increase in the company’s annual average turnover, but also an increase in the number of staff
working for the company.
Conclusion
Taking all these points into consideration, from my viewpoint, this course could be an amazing
tool to help the company enter the German market. Besides, it is of central importance for the
personal development of the workers. Those are the reasons why we are asking the company
to help every worker with, at least, one third of the payment.
You are a member of the Students’ Council at the college where you study. The principal of
the college wants to make it easier for first year students from other countries to fit into
college life and has invited you to send in a proposal with practical suggestions. You have
been asked specifically to consider improving the range of social activities on offer and
appointing student advisers to help new students.
Proposal for integrating new students from other countries
Introduction
The purpose of this proposal is to suggest ways of facilitating overseas students’ integration
into this college.
Overseas students’ problems
There are two difficulties which newly arrived students have. Firstly, they are unfamiliar with
the academic system in our country, secondly, they often find it difficult to integrate on a social
level with other students and the general population here.
Social activities
Judging by recent figures, it is clear that social activities organised by the college are not well
attended. It has been noted that very few new students from other countries attend those
social activities, especially in their first year. This may be partly due to poor publicity, but, more
seriously, it may be because there is not a wide enough variety of activities attractive to foreign
students. I would recommend asking new students themselves for their ideas on the kinds of
social activities they would enjoy and I suggest we should invite these students to take part in
organising new activities.
Student advisers
It would also be a good idea, in my opinion to instigate a new advisory system. This, more than
anything, would overcome students’ problems with both the academic system and social
aspects of their life at the college. A more experienced adviser or mentor would be responsible
for helping new students from other countries to understand our system by giving them
guidance and advice, while also introducing them to other students and helping them to make
friends.
Conclusion
I suggest that we ask for volunteers to help with all the areas mentioned above.
The CEO of your company has decided to run training courses for its managers. S/he has
asked you to draw up a proposal on the types of training that would be most beneficial, the
reasons for your choice, and the best way of organizing such training.
Introduction
The purpose of this proposal is to suggest new and innovative training courses for the bank’s
management.
Current problems
A recent survey prepared by the HR department revealed that one of the major difficulties for
the bank’s staff today is the dysfunctional relationship between them and their respective
bosses. As we are in a multicultural environment, sometimes it is very complicated for
managers to deal with different personalities and cultures.
Types of training
One way to improve these difficult relationships is/would be to encourage managers to follow,
for example, a communication skills training course. Such a course could help our management
to better understand staff’s needs and to improve staff performance. Managers should be able
to encourage their team by setting new and exciting objectives or express gratitude for a result
achieved instead of simply assigning blame.
Another suggestion is a time management training course. This training could help our
managers to increase staff productivity, reduce stress and improve results. Effective time
management skills are important to avoid the so-called “micromanager syndrome / approach”
and to survive (the) increased business pressure.
Organization of training
These training courses should be mandatory for all our managers. It is important to identify the
training goals and estimate how beneficial they would be for our management. Moreover, it is
fundamental to understand which activities will help our managers to improve their skills. The
last step, a truly innovative one, is to evaluate training through “reverse performance
evaluation / 360 degree” where employees can evaluate their managers.
Conclusion
I am convinced that not only will our managers benefit from these courses but also the staff
and, as a consequence, the bank’s productivity.
Our finance and economics students unfortunately do not currently have access to up-
to=date journals in their field of specialization.
Introduction
The aim of this proposal is to present two publications I would recommend the College to
subscribe to, in order to help students with their learning process. I will suggest which of the
two publications presented is the more useful for our students.
Financial World
Financial World is a weekly online publication. It is considered one of the top three financial
publication in the world and it is highly recommended for people interested in finance,
economics and politics because of its rounded view of the most significant world events. The
online version is cheaper than the paper one and more practical for students because they can
access the magazine form several devices such as computers or smartphones.
Geopolitics
Geopolitics is an online monthly magazine. It is only available online and the cost of a one-year
subscription is slightly higher than for FW. The magazine is a perfect combination of
geography, politics and economics, and all the articles are written by famous university
professors and journalists with a monthly in-depth analysis of a specific country. The online
version also offers access to interactive maps for a better understanding of international
geopolitical issues.
Recommendation
Considering that the College does not have sufficient funds to subscribe to both publications I
would suggest subscribing to Financial World for two reasons: firstly because the costs are
lower for an online subscription and secondly because it has a special emphasis on business and
economic news, which is probably more useful for / relevant to our students.
Proposal for improvements to the catering business website.
Introduction
As requested, I am submitting the following proposal to improve your catering business
website.
Design
The current design is rather simple and not very attractive/appealing. First of all I would change
the colour of the website from darker to lighter tones. I also suggest putting some professional
photos of dishes and beverages and simplifying the text, which is too detailed.
Ease of use
The website should be easy to use so that every visitor can have a positive user experience
leading to more online reservations. I recommend putting the main menu at the top of the page
so it can be more visible and less complicated to find. I would also suggest adding a small
calendar so when people make their own reservation, they can choose the time and the date
directly.
Organization
Good organization enables potential customers to find what they need quickly. I would
reorganize the existing content, identifying the most important topics and decide where new
information will go. My advice would be to choose some events such as corporate events,
weddings, parties. I would also invite customers to post their experience of your service on the
website so you can also be judged by your clients.
Conclusion
To sum up, I think that through these suggestions, which are cost-free and easy to implement,
the website will be more attractive and profitable.
You are a member of the Students’ Council at the college where you study. The principal of
the college wants to make it easier for first year students from other countries to fit into
college life and has invited you to send in a proposal with practical suggestions. You have
been asked specifically to consider improving the range of social activities on offer and
appointing student advisers to help new students.
Proposal for integrating new students from other countries
Introduction
The purpose of this proposal is to suggest ways of facilitating overseas students’ integration
into this college.
Overseas students’ problems
There are two difficulties which newly arrived students have. Firstly, they are unfamiliar with
the academic system on our country. Secondly, they often find it difficult to integrate on a
social level with other students and the general population here.
Social activities
Judging by recent figures, it is clear that social activities organised by the college are not well
attended. It has been noted that very few new students from other countries attend, especially
in their first year. This may be partly due to poor publicity, but, more seriously, it may be
because there is not enough variety of activities attractive to foreign students. I would
recommend asking new students themselves for their ideas on the kinds of social activities they
would enjoy and I suggest we should invite these students to take part in organising new
activities.
Students advisers
It would also be a good idea, in my opinion to instigate a new advisory system. This, more than
everything, would overcome students’ problems with both the academic system and social
aspects of their life at the college. A more experienced adviser or mentor would be responsible
for helping new students from other countries to understand our system by giving them
guidance and advice, while also introducing them to other students and helping them to make
friends.
Conclusion
I suggest that we ask for volunteers to help with all the areas mentioned above.