Writing a proposal in the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) exam requires a structured approach, formal language, and clear organisation. Proposals are typically written to suggest improvements, evaluate a situation, or put forward recommendations for a particular issue. Here’s how to craft a well-organised and effective proposal.
1. Use a Clear Structure
A proposal should be logically organised with a title and clear subheadings. This helps the examiner follow your ideas easily. A typical structure includes:
- Title: Clearly summarises the content of the proposal.
- Introduction: States the purpose of the proposal and briefly outlines the main points.
- Main Points: Each section should focus on a specific aspect, such as identifying problems, suggesting solutions, or outlining benefits.
- Conclusion: Summarises the key points and reinforces your recommendations.
2. Maintain a Formal Tone
A proposal is a formal document, so it should be written in a polite and professional tone. Avoid contractions (e.g. use "do not" instead of "don’t") and informal expressions. Instead, use more formal phrases such as:
- "This proposal aims to…"
- "It is recommended that…"
- "One possible solution would be to…"
3. Use Persuasive and Objective Language
Your proposal should present logical arguments and support them with evidence. You should aim to persuade the reader that your recommendations are worthwhile. Use language that sounds professional and confident, such as:
- "This measure would significantly enhance…"
- "Implementing this change would result in…"
- "A key advantage of this approach is…"
4. Engage the Reader
Although formal, a proposal should also be engaging. You can use rhetorical questions to involve the reader (e.g. "Would it not be beneficial to improve our facilities?") and include bullet points to highlight key points concisely.
5. Proofread and Check Your Work
Before submitting your proposal, check for:
- Grammar and spelling mistakes
- Clarity and coherence
- Logical flow between sections
A well-written proposal in the CAE exam demonstrates your ability to communicate in a professional and structured manner. By following these tips, you can ensure that your writing is clear, persuasive, and well-organised, giving you the best chance of scoring highly.
If you want to put these tips into practice, then take a look at the PDF which contains an example question based on what could be found in the Cambridge CAE C1 exam. If you’re serious about improving your English but are looking for more help, then check out the wide range of courses here at DAWAY! Don’t forget to use the code BLOG20 for a 20% discount on all courses!
