C1 Advanced Writing · Part 2 · Proposal

How to Write a C1 Advanced Proposal Step by Step ✍️

Welcome, my lovely students! 💙 In this lesson, we are going to learn how to write a strong Cambridge C1 Advanced proposal. Please remember this: with enough training, you do not need to panic. A proposal is not about writing “beautifully”; it is about being clear, persuasive, organised and practical.

Official exam instructions you must know

  • Paper: C1 Advanced Writing.
  • Time allowed: 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Part 1: mandatory essay. You must answer it.
  • Part 2: choose one task from three options.
  • Word count: 220–260 words for each answer.
  • Paper-based exam: write clearly in pen, not pencil.
  • Alterations: you may make changes, but your work must be easy to read.
  • Time limit: you must complete the answer sheet within the time limit.
  • Digital-based exam: you type your answer, but the same timing, word count and task requirements apply.
  • Marks: each Writing question carries equal marks.

Part 1

Mandatory essay based on notes and opinions.

Part 2

Choose one option: email/letter, review, report or proposal.

Today

We are practising the proposal task.

Teacher note 💡: A proposal is like a professional suggestion. You explain a problem, propose solutions and show why your ideas would benefit the reader or community.

Understanding the exam task

What do you have to do in C1 Advanced Writing Part 2?

In Part 2, Cambridge gives you three possible tasks. You answer only one. In this official 2022 Sample Paper 2, the options are a proposal, a report and a review. Today, we are focusing on the proposal, which is Question 2. 📝

Full official Part 2 task

Write an answer to one of the questions 2–4 in this part. Write your answer in 220–260 words in an appropriate style on the separate answer sheet.

Question 2 · Proposal · Our focus today

There are plans to demolish an old and unused building in the town where you are a student. You feel that the building should be saved. You decide to write a proposal for the town council explaining why you think the building should be preserved, suggesting what could be done to modernise it and saying how the building could benefit the local people.

Write your proposal.

Question 3 · Report

You have just finished a three-week study and work programme in an English-speaking country. You studied English language in the mornings and worked for a local company in the afternoons. The programme organiser has asked you to write a report about your experience. In your report, you should evaluate the programme, explaining which part of the programme was more useful, and suggest changes you would recommend for next year’s programme.

Write your report.

Question 4 · Review

A travel website has asked you to write a review of a holiday resort you have been to, explaining what kinds of people the resort is likely to appeal to, and which aspects of the resort you would most recommend to other visitors. You should also suggest at least one way in which you feel the resort could be improved.

Write your review.

Assessment criteria

CriterionWhat it meansIn a proposal, this means...
ContentYou answer every part of the task.You explain why the building should be saved, how to modernise it and how locals would benefit.
Communicative AchievementYour writing is appropriate for the reader and purpose.You sound persuasive, respectful and practical for the town council.
OrganisationYour ideas are logically arranged.You use clear sections, headings and paragraphs.
LanguageYou use accurate and varied grammar and vocabulary.You use persuasive language, recommendation structures and formal vocabulary.

Teacher tip 💡: In a proposal, your goal is to convince the reader that your idea is realistic, useful and worth considering.

Examiner secrets 🚨

Problems and common mistakes in C1 proposals

A proposal is not an emotional complaint. It is a practical, persuasive document. The town council does not only need to know that you care; they need to understand why your idea makes sense and how it could work. 🧠

Time management warning ⏱️

You have 1 hour 30 minutes for two writing tasks. For Part 2, aim for around 40–45 minutes: 5 minutes planning, 30–35 minutes writing, and 5 minutes checking. Do not spend too long inventing complicated ideas. Simple, realistic ideas written clearly can score very well.

What lowers your score?

Memorized phrases

Copied phrases can sound unnatural and may not answer the specific task.

Repetition

Repeating “important”, “good” or “people will like it” makes your language look limited.

Bad organisation

A proposal without headings is harder to follow and looks less professional.

Wrong style

A proposal should be formal, respectful and persuasive, not casual or dramatic.

Common mistakes Spanish students make

IncorrectCorrectWhy?
❌ People is interested in history.✅ People are interested in history.“People” is plural.
❌ I am agree with preserving it.✅ I agree with preserving it.“Agree” is a verb.
❌ It depends of the budget.✅ It depends on the budget.The correct preposition is “on”.
❌ I suggest to modernise the building.✅ I suggest modernising the building.After “suggest”, use a gerund.
❌ The building can give benefits to people.✅ The building could benefit local residents.This sounds more natural and formal.
Strategy ⚡

Tips for success: always plan before writing

Please do not start writing immediately. In a proposal, planning helps you sound organised and persuasive. A good plan can be done in less than 5 minutes.

The 5-minute lightning plan

  1. Identify the text type: proposal.
  2. Identify the reader: the town council.
  3. Underline the task points: why preserve it, how to modernise it, and how locals would benefit.
  4. Choose your position: the building should be saved and turned into a community learning centre.
  5. Decide your sections: Introduction, Reasons for preservation, Modernisation plan, Benefits for local people, Conclusion.

Example: this is what your lightning plan should look like ✅

Lightning Plan — Proposal to save an old building

Exam pointMy quick decision
Text typeProposal
ReaderTown council
PurposePersuade the council to preserve and modernise the building
Why preserve it?It has historical value and gives the town character
Modernisation ideaTurn it into a community learning and arts centre
FacilitiesStudy rooms, exhibition space, café, accessible entrance, energy-efficient lighting
BenefitsStudents, families, elderly residents, local artists and small businesses could use it

What raises your score?

Good paragraphing

Each section has a clear function and uses a heading.

Variety of grammar

Use passive forms, conditionals, modals and recommendation structures.

Topic relevance

Every paragraph must answer one part of the task.

Formal register

Use respectful and persuasive language suitable for a council.

Cohesion

Use linking phrases such as “For this reason”, “In addition” and “It is recommended that”.

Model answer

Solving Step by Step – MODEL ANSWER

Now we are going to solve the official proposal task. The town council is planning to demolish an old unused building, and your job is to persuade them to preserve it, modernise it and use it for the benefit of local people.

Cambridge-style proposal structure

SectionPurposeApprox. length
TitleMake the proposal topic clear.5–10 words
IntroductionState the aim of the proposal.35–45 words
Reasons for preservationExplain why the building should be saved.50–60 words
Modernisation planSuggest realistic improvements.60–70 words
Benefits and conclusionExplain local benefits and give a final recommendation.65–80 words

Proposal for Preserving the Old Town Building

Introduction

The aim of this proposal is to suggest that the old building in the town centre should be preserved rather than demolished. Although it is currently unused, it could become a valuable space for students, residents and local organisations.

Reasons for preservation

The building is part of the town’s history and gives the area character. Demolishing it would remove an important link with the past. In addition, restoring existing buildings is often more sustainable than replacing them completely, especially if the original structure remains safe.

Suggested modernisation

It is recommended that the building be converted into a community learning and arts centre. The interior could include study rooms, a small exhibition area, a café and flexible rooms for workshops. Furthermore, the building should be modernised with energy-efficient lighting, disabled access and reliable internet.

Benefits for local people

This project would benefit several groups in the community. Students would have a quiet place to study, elderly residents could attend social activities, and local artists would have somewhere to display their work. It could also attract visitors to nearby shops and cafés.

Conclusion

For these reasons, I strongly recommend preserving and modernising the building. With careful planning, it could become a useful, sustainable and attractive centre for the whole town.

Highlighted parts explained paragraph by paragraph 🔍

1. Introduction

The introduction states the aim of the proposal clearly. It does not start with emotion; it tells the council exactly what the document will propose.

2. Reasons for preservation

This paragraph answers why the building should be saved. It uses historical and environmental arguments, which sound mature and persuasive.

3. Modernisation plan

The task asks what could be done to modernise the building. This paragraph gives realistic, concrete suggestions.

4. Benefits

This paragraph explains how local people would benefit. It mentions different groups, which helps the proposal feel useful for the whole community.

5. Conclusion

The conclusion gives a final recommendation. It is short, confident and connected to the main proposal.

Teacher tip 💡: A strong proposal should make the reader think: “This idea is realistic, useful and worth approving.”

Language bank 📚

Essential Grammar and Vocabulary Knowledge for C1 Proposals

In a proposal, your language should be formal, persuasive and practical. You need to recommend actions and explain their benefits clearly.

15 useful proposal phrases

PhraseFunctionExample
The aim of this proposal is to...Introduce purposeThe aim of this proposal is to suggest a new use for the building.
This proposal outlines...Preview contentThis proposal outlines how the building could be modernised.
It is recommended that...Formal recommendationIt is recommended that the building be preserved.
One possible solution would be to...Suggest solutionOne possible solution would be to create a community centre.
This would benefit...Explain benefitThis would benefit students and elderly residents.
A further advantage would be...Add benefitA further advantage would be increased footfall in the town centre.
In order to modernise the building...Introduce methodIn order to modernise the building, several facilities should be added.
The building could be converted into...Suggest transformationThe building could be converted into a learning centre.
This approach would allow...Explain resultThis approach would allow residents to use the building daily.
It would be advisable to...Formal adviceIt would be advisable to consult local residents.
The main reason for this is...Justify ideaThe main reason for this is the building’s historical value.
This would be a cost-effective way to...Discuss valueThis would be a cost-effective way to improve community facilities.
For this reason,...Link argumentFor this reason, demolition should be avoided.
In addition,...Add ideaIn addition, the centre could support local businesses.
To conclude, I strongly recommend...Final recommendationTo conclude, I strongly recommend preserving the building.

C1 vocabulary upgrades for proposals

BasicC1 upgradeExample
old buildinghistoric building / heritage siteThe historic building should be preserved.
good ideaworthwhile proposalThis would be a worthwhile proposal for the council.
help peoplebenefit local residentsThe project would benefit local residents.
moderniserenovate / upgradeThe interior could be renovated.
usefulpractical / valuableThe centre would provide valuable services.

Grammar structures that help in proposals

StructureWhy it helpsExample
Passive voiceSounds formal and objectiveThe building should be preserved.
Modal verbsMake recommendations politelyThe council could convert it into a learning centre.
ConditionalExplains possible outcomesIf the building were renovated, it would attract more visitors.
Recommendation clauseVery useful for formal proposalsIt is recommended that the building be restored.
C1 Writing phrase bank

Useful Phrases for C1 Writing Tasks

Keep these phrases as a reference. Use them naturally and adapt them to the task. Cambridge rewards flexible language, not memorised blocks.

Text typeUseful phrasesExample
EssayIn my opinion; Firstly; Moreover; However; As a result; It could be argued that; To a certain extent; This suggests that; Another key factor is; To conclude; From my perspective; The main advantage is; A possible drawback is; It is worth noting that; On balanceOn balance, setting an example is more effective than giving advice.
Email / LetterI’m writing to; Thank you for your email; I was delighted to hear; I would be grateful if; Please let me know; I look forward to hearing from you; I am sorry to inform you; Could you possibly; I am contacting you regarding; I hope this helps; Best wishes; Yours sincerely; Yours faithfully; Kind regards; Many thanksI am writing to enquire about the possibility of joining the programme.
ReviewI would highly recommend; One drawback is; What impressed me most was; It is particularly suitable for; The highlight of my visit was; I was pleasantly surprised by; It may not appeal to; The atmosphere was; The service was outstanding; It offers excellent value for money; Visitors should bear in mind that; Despite this minor issue; Overall; If you are looking for; It is well worth visitingWhat impressed me most was the peaceful atmosphere.
Report / ProposalThe aim of this report/proposal is; This proposal outlines; The main findings suggest; It is recommended that; One possible solution would be; The evidence indicates; A further recommendation is; In order to improve; The majority of participants; It would be advisable to; The following measures should be considered; This would benefit; The current situation; A practical approach would be; In conclusionIt is recommended that the building be preserved and modernised.

Formal and informal email formulas

SituationGreetingEndingExample
Formal, name knownDear Ms Taylor,Yours sincerely,Dear Mr Brown, I am writing to enquire about...
Formal, name unknownDear Sir or Madam,Yours faithfully,Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing regarding...
Semi-formalDear Alex,Kind regards,Dear Alex, Thank you for your message.
InformalHi Jamie,Best wishes, / Take care,Hi Jamie, Thanks for getting in touch!

When to use Mr, Ms, Miss, Mrs and Dr

TitleUseSafe example
MrFor a man, followed by surname.Dear Mr Johnson,
MsFor a woman when marital status is unknown or irrelevant. Usually the safest option.Dear Ms Carter,
MissTraditionally for an unmarried woman, but avoid guessing.Dear Miss Green,
MrsFor a married woman, only if you know she uses it.Dear Mrs Wilson,
DrFor someone with the title Doctor.Dear Dr Evans,
Final message 🌟

You can write a strong C1 proposal — step by step

My final advice is simple: never leave a writing task unanswered. Cambridge does not reward blank pages, and even an imperfect answer gives the examiner something to assess. If you plan, answer every bullet point, use clear headings and check your grammar, you are already protecting your score.

Remember these exam facts

  • The Writing paper has 2 parts.
  • You must answer Part 1 and one option from Part 2.
  • Each Writing question carries equal marks.
  • The Writing paper represents approximately 20% of the total C1 Advanced exam score.
  • In each writing task, Cambridge assesses Content, Communicative Achievement, Organisation and Language.

Before writing 🧠

Read the task twice and create your lightning plan.

While writing ✍️

Use headings, persuasive language and realistic recommendations.

After writing ✅

Check prepositions, subject-verb agreement, spelling and word count.

Please remember: you do not need to be perfect to improve. You need a system, practice and feedback. And that is exactly what we train together. 💙

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Source: This activity is based on the official Cambridge C1 Advanced Sample Paper 2 (2022) – Writing: Part 2.

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Persuasive Language in Proposals

Pregunta 1:

Stating the Objective


The main 1 of this proposal is to outline how the college can improve its sustainability practices and to request funding for new recycling bins.

Which word is most appropriate for a formal proposal?
Pregunta 2:

Justifying Proposals


Taking these factors into 1, it is clear that the current facilities no longer meet the needs of the growing student body.

Choose the correct formal expression.
Pregunta 3:

Evaluating Benefits


The implementation of a mentorship scheme would be highly 1 to new employees during their first month.

Which adjective fits best?
Pregunta 4:

Addressing Costs


While the initial 1 may be high, the long-term savings will justify the investment.

Select the formal term for spending.
Pregunta 5:

Final Recommendation


I have no 1 in recommending this course of action, as it addresses all the concerns raised during the meeting.

Complete the formal phrase.
Inglés · Cambridge · C1
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Cambridge C1 Advanced Exam: Mastering Writing Part 2 Proposal

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