Unit 5 - writing a proposal

1.

CAE
WRITING PART 2
A PROPOSAL

2.

ATTITUDE PHRASES
Compare two different versions of a report. In extract B:
1. Which expression introduces a statement that is true in most cases?
2. Which structure is used to emphasise the importance of a point?
A
Many of the people we spoke to said that they would
welcome the idea of the town hosting an
international festival, but very few of them had a
firm idea about what kind of focus they thought it
should have.
B
Generally speaking, the people we spoke to said that
they would welcome the idea of the town hosting an
international festival. What was noticeable, though,
was that very few of them had a firm idea about the
kind of focus they thought it should have.

3.

ATTITUDE PHRASES
Read these two further extracts and add the expressions in italics to the categories below.
A
Understandably, perhaps, the general level of interest was
higher among older people than teenagers or young adults.
What became clear, moreover, was that, on the whole, young
people were far more interested in music and dance than
anything else. Indeed, this came near the top of the list for
many older people, too, although food and drink attracted
most interest.
B
Apparently, a lot of people feel that we do not organize
enough cross-cultural events in the town. Surprisingly,
though, most of them had had very little contact with the
international college and had been to no events here.
Presumably, this is partly our fault for not publicising it
sufficiently well.
Generalising: generally speaking, by and large, as a rule, in the main, ………
Giving your opinion/reaction: annoyingly, naturally, strangely, to be honest, ………
Commenting on the truth/likelihood of something: possibly, doubtless, in all probability, ………
Emphasising what you have said: in fact, ………
Reporting/commenting on an opinion: seemingly, one assumes, ………

4.

ATTITUDE PHRASES
We also interviewed several people about our idea for offering foreign language courses at
the college in the evenings. (1) In the main / Frankly, the people we interviewed, both
young and old, were very positive about it. (2) Presumably / Indeed, some languages will
have more takers than others, but I feel it’s well worth progressing to the next stage and
investigating which ones we could offer. Most people felt it would be a hugely popular
initiative. (3) To be honest / Apparently, it was a great success when the school used to
run evening classes years ago, according to many people. (4) Quite rightly / Naturally, we
will need to do further research but we really should follow up our ideas as soon as we
possibly can. As well as making money, I feel absolutely sure that the lessons would be an
excellent way of integrating our college into the life of the town. And (5) personally /
doubtlessly, I'd be absolutely delighted if our students could benefit from more contact with
people from the town. It would be wonderful if this could be the start of a new ongoing
relationship.

5.

ATTITUDE PHRASES
Match each underlined word to how it is used to show perspective.
1. Apparently, walking for 30 minutes a day has more health
benefits than running or going to the gym.
A. I have heard this statement, but I'm not sure if it’s true.
B. I hope this statement is true.
4. Evidently, working too many hours causes people to become
stressed.
A. you know something is wrong
B. you can see that something is true
2. Unfortunately, I couldn't come to work because I was too ill.
A. you think the situation is unlucky
B. you think something is not important
5. Naturally, people put on weight when they eat lots
of junk food.
A. you believe something is very important
B. you think something is normal and not surprising
3. Having regular health checks is undoubtedly helpful in detecting
signs of serious illness.
A. you think something is definitely true
B. you have a negative opinion of something
6. Drinking water is undeniably good for your health.
A. you think something cannot be rejected
B. you cannot understand why others think this way

6.

PROPOSAL VS REPORT

7.

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

8.

9.

In response to your invitation, I am writing, to suggest a local hero who, (1) in my opinion / I think,
deserves to be honoured. My hero is from my neighbourhood, but not someone I know personally.
…………………………………
My choice is Helen Keane, who, until recently, was just an ordinary working (2) mother / mum. 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. Helen immediately stopped and went to help. When she
(3) got to / reached the lorry, flames were coming from the cab but, without hesitating, Helen
opened the door, pulled the unconscious driver out of his lorry and dragged him to safety. Helen herself
(4) was burnt / suffered burns which kept her in hospital for two weeks.
…………………………………
My main reason for choosing Helen is that she was an ordinary person going about her daily life. She
could easily have (5) gone off / driven home, leaving the (6) ambulance / 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 (7)
make a difference / help.
…………………………………
If my choice of local hero is accepted, I suggest that the council should (8) set up a fund/ get
together some money which could be used to fund (9) an annual prize / a prize every year for
someone who helps other people. This could be known as the Helen Keane Award.
I hope you will consider Helen Keane a suitable nominee who deserves to be honoured.