Froposafis

Proposals are similar to reports in many ways. Both set out information in a formal and clear way, often so that someone else can make a decision based on the information. The main differences between a report and a proposal are:

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a proposal looks forward while a report looks back

a proposal always presents the writer's viewpoint, whereas a report focuses more on facts (although a report may have a persuasive element to it, this is not always the case).

Work with a partner. Discuss these questions.

a b c

Name five possible kinds ofproposals (e.g. a proposal to a university department from a student who would like to do a piece of academic research). Have you had any experience of writing a proposal? What do you think are the characteristics, format and language of a proposal?
a

Work with a partner and choose include in your proposal.

task that interests you. Discuss what you would

Writ" a proposal for your college principal in which you ask for suppod to travel to another country in order to gain some useful experience there" Explain what you would like from the college and why it would be of benefit. Writ" a proposal to your college principal suggesting that your college set up (or make improvements to) its own website. Explain why it would be a good idea and what it should contain. Writ" a proposal for your college principal suggesting a college event that you would like to organise. Describe what you would like to do and give reasons why it would be of benefit to the
college-

Discuss these questions about the task you chose.

Why do you think what you are proposing would be a good idea? Remember that the college principal is likely to be more concerned than you are about costs, potential organisational problems and college prestige. How will you address these issues in your proposal?

Discuss the presentation of your proposal.

a It is important to open with b c

a clear statement

ofwhat the proposal contains.

How will you do this? It is also important to close effectively. How will you do this? What headings would be appropriate in your proposal?

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Look at these sentences used in other proposals. Which might you be able to adapt for your own proposal? How would you adapt them?

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The aim of

this proposal is to put forward a piece of academic research that I woutd Like to undertake.
This proposal outlines the scope of the new course being recommended, explaining why it would be of beneflt to students. It then concludes with some suggestions as to how the course could be implemented most effectively.
There are a number of reasons why I wish to put this proposal forward.

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There are a number of overwhelming arguments in favour of extending the computer centre at the college, rather than the sports facilities.

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Firstly, the proposed new college magazine would help

to create

a stronger feeling of community wrthin the student body.

Secondly, the proposed extension to the college library would serue the additional useful purpose of attracting more students to apply for courses here.

Despite the fact that the suggested programme might be expensive, the additional cost could bejustiffed in terms of the beneflts that participants would receive.

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There are a number of recommendations that I would like to make. Taking all the evidence into account, I recommend that the English Club should make some radical changes to its current programme.
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would urge you to give these recommendations serious consideration.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like me to expand on anything in this proposal.
Having outlined the proposal in general terms, lwould now like to discuss three key issues in more detail. Now work alone to write the proposal.

a b c

Write the first draft ofthe proposal. Exchange proposals with a partner for comments and suggestions. Make any improvements suggested by your partner.

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