IB writing: proposal

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

Proposal writing

Writing a good and convincing proposal is a tricky process and involves 

1) proposal thinking and 

2) proposal format

1) Proposal thinking

The complexity of proposal thinking arises from the need to construct clear logical chains - i.e. you have to 

-  clearly analyse an existing reality

- imagine a way of improving the situation

-  work out the practical application of your improvement

-  and show logically and convincingly why it will improve things.

screencast-o-matic.com

2) Proposal format

- overall subject title

- main headings

- sub-headings, bullet points, numbered sections

- explicit clear organisation : determined by the precise nature of the task, but these main elements should probably be recognisable :

summary of aim / purpose ... present context ... future result ... advantages (+ possible drawbacks?) ... conclusion + recommendation

Proposal sample

To be handed out now 

This sample has been written as a response to a real HL Paper 2 task, from May 2018. You will see that it illustrates two fundamental elements of good proposal writing: the use of a clear and methodical format, and the use of appropriate tenses.

Proposal sample

This is the basic structure of the sample, with annotations to emphasise the key elements of format.

If you apply these fundamental elements, you will score highly under Criterion C.

The value of the format features

Main title - this should immediately explain what the proposal is about - it doesn't have to explain everything, but it should show the general area.

The value of the format features

Main title - this should immediately explain what the proposal is about - it doesn't have to explain everything, but it should show the general area.

Section headings - the point of using headings is to make clear the step-by-step, logical structure of the argument...

The value of the format features

Main title - this should immediately explain what the proposal is about - it doesn't have to explain everything, but it should show the general area.

Section headings - the point of using headings is to make clear the step-by-step, logical structure of the argument...

Numbering - adds to this sense of a clear sequence of ideas, and...

The value of the format features

Main title - this should immediately explain what the proposal is about - it doesn't have to explain everything, but it should show the general area.

Section headings - the point of using headings is to make clear the step-by-step, logical structure of the argument...

Numbering - adds to this sense of a clear sequence of ideas, and...

Numbered sub-sections - ... give even more detail - although such detailed numbering is really only of use in very big complicated documents (consider laws, constitutions, etc)

The value of the format features

Main title - this should immediately explain what the proposal is about - it doesn't have to explain everything, but it should show the general area.

Section headings - the point of using headings is to make clear the step-by-step, logical structure of the argument...

Numbering - adds to this sense of a clear sequence of ideas, and...

Numbered sub-sections - ... give even more detail - although such detailed numbering is really only of use in very big complicated documents (consider laws, constitutions, etc)

Bullet points - an alternative to numbering: less structured and more like a list, but work well if the bullet points are each short, sharp and clearly phrased, since they become more easily remembered

a final additional point about the structure

Note the sub-headings 'Introduction / context' and 'Advantages / conclusion'.

a final additional point about the structure

Note the sub-headings 'Introduction / context' and 'Advantages / conclusion'.

'Introduction / context' - A proposal will usually be proposed to some person or some group, so this heading indicates that first there would be some kind of address to the target audience, followed by the survey of the context or situation

a final additional point about the structure

Note the sub-headings 'Introduction / context' and 'Advantages / conclusion'.

'Introduction / context' - A proposal will usually be proposed to some person or some group, so this heading indicates that first there would be some kind of address to the target audience, followed by the survey of the context or situation.

'Advantages / conclusion' - This sub-heading implies a reverse of the 'Introduction / context' - the 'Advantages' are a finishing-off summary of the proposal itself, followed by a closing address to the target audience, usually along the lines of "...thank you for your attention... hope you like the proposal..."

Appropriate tenses for proposals

Have another look at the sample and look at the linguistic tone and use of tenses.

Appropriate tenses for proposals

Have another look at the sample and look at the linguistic tone and use of tenses.

Tone - the function to be used should be, basically, polite and courteous suggestion - although the proposal should be quite firm and decided at the same time.

Appropriate tenses for proposals

Have another look at the sample and look at the linguistic tone and use of tenses.

Tone - the function to be used should be, basically, polite and courteous suggestion - although the proposal should be quite firm and decided at the same time.

Use of tenses - note the use of modals (should, would, could) ... and how these refer to, and imply, 2nd Conditional structures such as "(If you were to decide...) we would be able to... "

Also observe the use of 'will', specifically in sub-section 5 'Costs and benefits' - why is 'will' mainly used here, and not 'should'? Well, because these are definite consequences which will follow if the proposal is adopted, so these are not really 'conditional' ... 

Proposal writing

Assignment:

Use the topic of your presentation to write your proposal (450-600 words):

• So what's the goal of your presentation?
• Who are you trying to convince / persuade to make real changes?

Write a text in which you define the issue's problem and provide context, explain specific ways in which this could be solved / improved, and argue how such changes would benefit the reader / the proposal's audience.