Joy English · Level C1 · Proposalsjoy-english.com
A proposal for a community workshop space
Name:Date:
Write a persuasive proposal that identifies a need, outlines a realistic plan and justifies its costs and benefits.
Proposal: a shared workshop in the old Marsh Lane depot
To: Greenfield Neighbourhood Council
Introduction. This proposal outlines a plan to convert the disused Marsh Lane depot into a shared workshop where residents can repair, build and learn practical skills. It sets out the need for the project, the activities proposed and the resources required.
The need. At present, residents who wish to mend furniture, bicycles or electrical appliances have nowhere affordable to work. A recent community meeting revealed that many people discard items that could easily be repaired, simply because they lack the tools or the know-how. At the same time, the depot, which has stood empty for six years, is deteriorating and attracting complaints.
What we propose. We propose to equip one hall with workbenches and basic tools, and to open it three evenings a week. Experienced volunteers, many of them retired tradespeople, would run drop-in repair sessions and short courses for beginners. Local schools could also use the space for practical projects during the day.
Benefits. The workshop would reduce waste, bring a neglected building back into use and give residents, particularly older people, a purpose and a place to meet. Furthermore, skills learned there might help some participants find work. Similar schemes elsewhere have attracted steady attendance, which suggests that the demand is real.
Costs and funding. Initial costs are estimated at £8,500 for tools, safety equipment and repairs to the roof. Running costs would be modest, as volunteers would staff the sessions and small charges for materials would cover consumables. We would be grateful if the Council would consider granting use of the building at a nominal rent.
Conclusion. In view of the clear need and the low running costs, we are confident that the workshop would become a valuable community resource. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the plan in more detail.
Choose the best option
Choose the option that is most effective in a formal proposal.
- Which sentence best introduces the purpose of a proposal?
- Which sentence presents a benefit with suitable caution?
- We propose ___ the hall with basic tools.
- Which sentence is the clearest way to give a cost?
- In view ___ the clear need, we are confident that the workshop would succeed.
- ___ the volunteers, running costs would remain modest.
- Which closing is most suitable?
Complete the proposal language
Type one word to complete each sentence.
- At ___, residents who wish to repair items have nowhere affordable to work.
- A recent meeting ___ that many people discard items that could be repaired.
- The scheme would ___ residents to learn practical skills.
- Initial costs are ___ at £8,500.
- It is ___ that attendance will remain steady, given the success of similar schemes.
- We would be ___ if the Council could grant use of the building.
- We would ___ the opportunity to discuss the plan.
Writing task
Your town library has a small unused courtyard. Write a proposal to the library manager suggesting that it be turned into a quiet outdoor reading garden. Explain the need, describe your plan, outline the benefits and say how the project could be paid for.
220–280 words
Check your writing
- I used headings and a formal, positive tone.
- I explained the need clearly.
- I described specific actions (what, when, who).
- I outlined realistic benefits without exaggeration.
- I dealt with cost and funding.
- I closed with a polite invitation to discuss the plan.
Answer key
Choose the best option
- a) This proposal outlines a plan to convert the depot into a workshop.It states the purpose in a formal, neutral way.
- b) The scheme might help to reduce waste and bring a building back into use.Might help to reduce is realistic and persuasive. The other sentences exaggerate.
- a) to equipPropose is followed by to + infinitive (or an -ing form without to); to equipping and the bare form equip are not correct.
- a) Costs are estimated at £8,500 for tools and roof repairs.A specific, hedged figure (estimated at) is more convincing than a vague claim.
- c) ofIn view of is a fixed phrase meaning "considering".
- a) Thanks toThanks to introduces a cause that is positive. Owing needs to, and Despite would reverse the logic.
- a) We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the plan in more detail.It is polite, formal and invites further discussion.
Complete the proposal language
- presentAt present means "now".
- revealed / showed / indicated / suggested / established / highlighted / confirmed / demonstratedRevealed, showed, indicated and similar verbs report what evidence has uncovered.
- enable / allow / help / encourage / permit / empower / inspireEnable, allow, help and encourage are followed by an object + to-infinitive.
- estimated / put / calculated / projected / budgeted / assessedCosts are estimated (or put, calculated) at ... is a standard way to give an approximate figure.
- anticipated / expected / likely / hoped / predicted / believed / thought / assumed / probable / envisagedAnticipated and expected both mean "believed likely to happen".
- grateful / obliged / thankful / delighted / pleased / appreciative / happyWe would be grateful if ... is the classic polite formal request; obliged, delighted and pleased also work.
- welcome / appreciate / like / value / loveWe would welcome the opportunity to ... is a formal and positive closing phrase.
Model answer
Proposal: a reading garden for Eastfield Library
To: The Library Manager
Introduction. This proposal outlines a plan to convert the unused courtyard behind the library into a quiet outdoor reading garden. It describes the need, the proposed work and the likely costs.
The need. At present, the reading rooms are busy and noisy after school, and several regular users have asked for somewhere calmer to study. Meanwhile, the courtyard has been locked for years and is used only for storing old shelving.
What we propose. We propose to clear the courtyard, plant shrubs and herbs, and install six benches and a covered area for wet weather. Volunteers from the local gardening society have offered to help with planting and maintenance, and the work could be completed during the spring so that the garden opens in early summer.
Benefits. The garden would give users a peaceful place to read and would make better use of existing space. It might also attract families who do not currently visit the library, and it would give the community a visible sign that the building is being looked after.
Costs. The work is estimated at £3,200, of which about £1,000 could be raised through a small plant sale and sponsorship from local businesses. We would ask the library to contribute the remaining sum from its maintenance budget.
Conclusion. In view of the clear demand and the modest cost, we are confident that the garden would be a valuable addition. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the plan with you.