10 Proposal Practice Questions with Answers | Cambridge C1 Advanced
In Part 2 of the Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) Writing paper, you choose one task from a list, and a proposal is one of the options. You read a situation, then write a proposal of 220 to 260 words that suggests a plan for the future and persuades the reader to act. This post gives you 10 C1 Advanced proposal practice questions with model answers. Each answer is written at C1 level and shows how to use clear section headings, suggestion language, and a persuasive but formal tone.
Proposal 1
Nature clubs across your region want to combine members' observations of seasonal changes without turning the project into a specialist scientific survey. Write a proposal for the coordinating group suggesting what observations to collect, how submissions should be checked and displayed, and how the calendar could encourage wider public participation.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal describes how the nature clubs in our region could combine members' observations of seasonal changes into a single shared record. It suggests what to collect, how submissions could be checked and displayed, and how the project might attract wider public participation, while keeping the tone friendly rather than strictly scientific.
What observations to collect
I suggest focusing on a small number of simple, familiar events, such as the first frog spawn, the arrival of certain birds, and the flowering of common trees. These are easy to recognise and enjoyable to look for, so members would not need specialist knowledge. Each record would include only a date, a place and a short note.
Checking and displaying submissions
To keep the record reliable without making it feel like a survey, I propose that two volunteers review new entries each week, mainly to remove obvious mistakes. The results could then be shown on a large regional map and a simple online calendar, so that everyone can see the seasons changing across the area.
Encouraging wider participation
Finally, the calendar itself could invite the public to take part. Schools and families might be encouraged to add a single observation, and small seasonal events, such as a spring walk, would attract newcomers. In this way, the project would grow steadily while remaining welcoming and easy to enjoy.
Proposal 2
A public library wants readers to leave useful questions for later borrowers without writing in books. Write a proposal for the reader-development manager suggesting which books should join a removable question-card scheme, how cards should be designed and moderated, and how the scheme could encourage thoughtful reading without damaging stock.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal sets out how the library could let readers leave useful questions for later borrowers without writing in the books themselves. It suggests which books should join the scheme, how the cards should be designed and moderated, and how the idea could encourage thoughtful reading while protecting our stock.
Which books to include
I suggest beginning with popular fiction and widely borrowed non-fiction, where readers are most likely to want to share ideas. Reference books and fragile or rare items should be excluded, because they are consulted differently and must be kept in perfect condition. Starting with a limited, popular selection would also make the trial easy to manage.
Designing and moderating the cards
Each book in the scheme could carry a slim card holder inside the front cover, holding a removable card on which readers write a single question. To keep the cards helpful and appropriate, a member of staff would check them briefly each week and remove anything unsuitable. Cards that attract interest could be kept, while blank or unhelpful ones are replaced.
Benefits for thoughtful reading
This scheme would encourage readers to think more deeply, because writing a good question requires reflection. At the same time, it would leave no marks in the books, so our stock would remain undamaged. If the trial succeeds, it could gradually be extended to other parts of the collection.
Proposal 3
A public library's reservable study rooms often remain empty because users do not cancel bookings they cannot attend. Write a proposal for the access-services manager explaining how check-in, automatic release and a short-notice waitlist should work, what fair exceptions are needed, and how the system could improve access without penalising genuine delays.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal explains how the library could reduce the number of empty study rooms caused by users who fail to cancel bookings. It sets out how check-in, automatic release and a short-notice waitlist would work, what fair exceptions are needed, and how the system could improve access without punishing genuine delays.
Check-in and automatic release
I propose that anyone who books a room must check in within fifteen minutes of the start time, either at a screen outside the room or through an app. If no check-in is recorded, the room would be released automatically and made available to others. This simple step would free rooms that would otherwise stay locked and empty.
A waitlist and fair exceptions
When a room is released, a short-notice waitlist could offer it immediately to the next waiting student. However, the system must allow for genuine delays. Students held up by a class or a transport problem could send a quick message to hold their room for a few extra minutes, and repeated late arrivals, rather than a single one, would affect a user's priority.
Benefits
Together, these measures would make far better use of the rooms, so that more students gain access during busy periods. Because the exceptions are built in, honest users would not be penalised, and the system would feel fair as well as efficient.
Proposal 4
A regional community network wants residents from several towns to teach practical or professional skills to one another. Write a proposal for the steering group suggesting a format for regular skill-exchange evenings. Explain how residents would contribute and how the events should rotate between locations, and show how they would benefit people with different backgrounds.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal suggests a format for regular skill-exchange evenings in which residents from several towns teach one another practical or professional skills. It explains how people would contribute, how the events should move between locations, and how they would benefit people from different backgrounds.
Format and contributions
I suggest holding an evening once a month, with three or four short, informal sessions running at the same time. Any resident could offer to lead a session, whether on a practical skill such as bicycle repair or a professional one such as writing a job application. Volunteers would sign up in advance, so that a varied programme could be advertised. A short welcome at the start would introduce the evening and help newcomers feel at ease.
Rotating between locations
To keep the network genuinely regional, the evenings should rotate between the towns involved, using a community hall in each. A rotating location would share the travelling fairly and give each town a turn to welcome others. A small local team would arrange the room and refreshments on the night.
Benefits for different people
Because anyone can teach and anyone can learn, the evenings would bring together people who rarely meet. Newcomers could share skills from their own culture, older residents could pass on experience, and younger people could offer digital help. In this way, the scheme would build confidence and friendships across the whole region.
Proposal 5
A town-centre partnership wants empty shop windows to remain useful while premises await new tenants. Write a proposal for the partnership board suggesting suitable temporary displays, explaining how contributors should be selected and displays maintained, and showing how the scheme could benefit the area without making the premises appear occupied.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal explains how empty shop windows in the town centre could be used while the premises wait for new tenants. It suggests suitable temporary displays, describes how contributors should be chosen and the displays looked after, and shows how the scheme would benefit the area without making the shops appear occupied.
Suitable displays
I suggest filling the windows with work from local schools, art groups and community projects, together with information about local events. Displays of this kind are attractive and clearly non-commercial, so passers-by would not mistake an empty shop for a working business. Simple lighting on a timer would keep the windows welcoming in the evening.
Selecting contributors and maintaining displays
Contributors could apply through the partnership, which would choose a varied mix and change the displays every few weeks. Each display should carry a small sign explaining that the premises are available to rent, along with contact details. A volunteer would check the windows regularly and replace anything damaged or faded.
Benefits for the area
This scheme would make the street feel cared for rather than abandoned, which encourages shoppers to keep visiting. At the same time, the clear signs and changing community displays would remind potential tenants that the units are empty and ready to let, so the windows would attract interest rather than hide it.
Proposal 6
A weekend market wants visitors using public transport to store temperature-sensitive purchases safely while they continue shopping. Write a proposal for the management board explaining where shared cool-storage lockers should be placed, how access, cleaning and responsibility should work, and how traders and visitors would benefit.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal explains how the weekend market could help visitors who travel by public transport to store temperature-sensitive purchases safely while they continue shopping. It suggests where shared cool-storage lockers should be placed, how access, cleaning and responsibility should work, and how both traders and visitors would benefit.
Where to place the lockers
I suggest installing a bank of cool lockers near the main entrance, close to the transport stops that most visitors use. A central position would let people drop off chilled purchases early and collect them easily on their way out. Clear signs and a simple map would help newcomers find the lockers quickly.
Access, cleaning and responsibility
Each locker could be opened with a short code printed on a ticket, so that no keys are needed. The market would employ staff to clean the lockers at the end of each day and to remove anything left behind. To make responsibility clear, a notice would state that food is stored at the owner's risk and must be collected before closing time.
Benefits
This service would encourage more people to visit without a car, because they could buy fresh or frozen food early and shop on comfortably afterwards. Traders would benefit too, since visitors would feel free to buy chilled goods rather than leaving them until the very end of their trip.
Proposal 7
A professional association wants a new award for projects that extend the useful life of existing public or workplace facilities. Write a proposal for the annual-awards committee explaining which projects should qualify, what evidence entrants should provide, how entries should be judged, and why maintenance deserves recognition.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal sets out how the association could create a new award for projects that extend the useful life of existing public or workplace facilities. It explains which projects should qualify, what evidence entrants should provide, how entries should be judged, and why this kind of work deserves recognition.
Which projects qualify and what evidence
I suggest that the award should be open to any project that repairs, adapts or improves an existing building or piece of equipment, rather than replacing it. Entrants would provide a short description, before-and-after photographs, and clear figures showing the cost saved and the extra years of use gained. This evidence would keep the judging fair and factual.
How entries should be judged
A small panel, including an engineer and a facilities manager, could score each entry on the value of the work, its long-term saving, and how easily it could be copied elsewhere. Shortlisted projects might give a brief presentation, so that good ideas are shared as widely as possible. Clear scoring notes would also help entrants understand why a particular project had won.
Why maintenance deserves recognition
Finally, this award would highlight work that is usually overlooked. Extending the life of a facility saves money and reduces waste, yet it rarely attracts attention. By celebrating it, the association would encourage more members to value careful maintenance rather than constant replacement.
Proposal 8
A professional association wants members to learn from difficult ethical situations encountered in practice. Write a proposal for its training committee explaining how members could submit and anonymise cases, how the cases should be discussed, and what safeguards and professional benefits the scheme would provide.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal explains how the association could help members learn from difficult ethical situations met in practice. It describes how members could submit and anonymise cases, how the cases should be discussed, and what safeguards and professional benefits the scheme would offer.
Submitting and anonymising cases
I suggest that members submit real situations through a simple online form, changing all names, places and dates before sending them. A trained volunteer would then review each case and remove any remaining details that could identify the people involved. Only fully anonymous cases would be accepted, so that no one could be recognised.
How the cases should be discussed
The anonymised cases could be discussed at regular meetings, either in person or online, where members consider how they would have acted and why. A facilitator would guide the conversation and keep it respectful, focusing on the decision rather than on blame. A short written summary of each discussion could then be shared with members who could not attend. Members could also suggest which kinds of case they would most like to explore, so that the sessions stay relevant to daily practice.
Safeguards and benefits
Strong safeguards are essential: cases must remain anonymous, and discussions must stay confidential. With these protections in place, the scheme would help members handle difficult decisions more confidently, learn from one another's experience, and strengthen the ethical standards of the whole profession.
Proposal 9
An employee-owned company wants non-manager staff to observe selected board meetings through rotating seats. Write a proposal for the governance committee explaining how observers should be selected and prepared, what confidentiality and participation rules are needed, and how observations should be shared with colleagues so that the scheme offers meaningful learning rather than symbolic involvement.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal explains how non-manager staff could observe selected board meetings through rotating seats, so that the scheme offers real learning rather than symbolic involvement. It describes how observers should be chosen and prepared, what rules are needed, and how their observations should be shared with colleagues.
Selecting and preparing observers
I suggest that observer seats rotate among departments, with staff applying and names drawn fairly so that everyone has a chance over time. Before attending, each observer would receive the agenda and a short briefing explaining the main issues and any background they need. This preparation would allow them to follow the discussion and gain far more from it.
Confidentiality and participation rules
Clear rules are essential. Observers would agree to keep commercially sensitive information confidential, and certain items could be discussed without them present. During the meeting, observers would mainly listen, but they could be invited to comment at set points, so that their presence is genuine rather than decorative.
Sharing observations
After each meeting, observers would write a short, non-confidential summary for their colleagues, explaining what they learned about how decisions are made. Over time, this would help staff throughout the company understand the board's work, and it would give the board useful contact with the wider workforce. A brief question-and-answer session with each observer would let colleagues ask what had surprised them most.
Proposal 10
A regional transport partnership wants to add rest points to long pedestrian routes between neighbourhoods and essential services. Write a proposal for the board explaining what evidence should determine locations, recommending suitable design and maintenance responsibilities, and showing how the scheme would improve access without obstructing busy paths.
Write your proposal in 220 to 260 words.
Model answer
Introduction
This proposal explains how the partnership could add rest points to long walking routes between neighbourhoods and essential services. It sets out what evidence should decide their locations, recommends suitable design and maintenance responsibilities, and shows how the scheme would improve access without blocking busy paths.
Deciding locations
I suggest that locations be chosen using clear evidence rather than guesswork. The partnership could study which routes are used most by older people and those carrying shopping, and identify the longest stretches without anywhere to sit. Short surveys and a simple map of existing benches would show where the gaps are greatest.
Design and maintenance
Each rest point should include a sturdy bench with a back and armrests, placed slightly off the main path so that it does not obstruct walkers. A nearby litter bin and good lighting would make the spot pleasant and safe. The local council could take responsibility for cleaning and repairs, with residents encouraged to report any damage. Where there is enough space, a small shelter would make a rest point usable in poor weather too.
Benefits
By placing the seats where they are genuinely needed, the scheme would help people who cannot walk long distances without a break, so more residents could reach shops and clinics on foot. Because the benches would sit just off the path, they would improve access without slowing down other pedestrians.