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Writing proposals

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English Learning: Writing Proposals

Dialogue

Alice: Hey Bob, you look like you’re wrestling a dragon. What’s wrong?

Bob: Alice! It’s worse than a dragon. I’m trying to write this proposal, and my brain feels like mush.

Alice: Oh, the dreaded proposal! Is it for the new coffee machine project?

Bob: Exactly! How do you even start? Mine just says, “We need coffee. Lots of it.”

Alice: Haha! That’s a good summary, but maybe a little too direct for a *proposal*.

Bob: See? I knew it! Should I add a chart of my caffeine intake?

Alice: Probably not! A proposal needs a clear problem, a solution, and why your solution is the best.

Bob: So, “Problem: No coffee. Solution: Buy coffee machine. Best: Because I said so.”?

Alice: You’re getting there… but we need more professional words. Like “enhance productivity” instead of “need coffee”.

Bob: “Enhance productivity”… Ooh, fancy! Does that mean I can just use big words?

Alice: Not just big words! Clear ideas. Think about what you want to achieve and explain it logically.

Bob: My main achievement right now is not falling asleep at my keyboard.

Alice: I hear you. Maybe start with an outline? Just bullet points of what you want to cover.

Bob: An outline… okay, that sounds less like wrestling and more like drawing. I can draw.

Alice: Good! And remember, a good proposal gets people excited about your idea.

Bob: My idea is coffee. I’m already excited! Now I just need the words.

Alice: You’ll get there, Bob! Just don’t forget to proofread for “coffee-related typos”.

Bob: Thanks, Alice! Wish me luck. Or maybe, wish my proposal luck.

Current Situation

Writing proposals is a common task in many workplaces and even schools. A proposal is a document that suggests an idea, a plan, or a project to someone else, like a boss, a client, or a teacher. The goal is to persuade them to agree with your idea or to give you resources (like money or time) for your project. They need to be clear, logical, and persuasive. While they can seem daunting at first, learning to write them effectively is a valuable skill that helps you communicate your ideas professionally.

Key Phrases

  • wrestling a dragon: (figurative) struggling with a very difficult or challenging task.
    • Example: I feel like I’m wrestling a dragon trying to finish this report on time.
  • brain feels like mush: (idiom) feeling mentally exhausted, unable to think clearly or concentrate.
    • Example: After studying all night for the exam, my brain feels like mush.
  • dreaded: (adjective) causing fear, apprehension, or reluctance; unpleasant.
    • Example: The dreaded Monday morning meeting is here again.
  • too direct: (adjective phrase) being very straightforward or blunt, possibly without enough diplomacy or detail for the situation.
    • Example: His feedback was a bit too direct; it made her feel uncomfortable.
  • enhance productivity: (phrase) to improve how much work is done efficiently and effectively.
    • Example: New software can help our team enhance productivity.
  • get people excited about (something): (phrase) to make others enthusiastic or interested in an idea, project, or event.
    • Example: Her presentation managed to get people excited about the new product.
  • proofread: (verb) to read and mark any errors in (a text) before it is published or submitted.
    • Example: Always proofread your emails carefully before sending them.
  • outline: (noun) a general description or plan giving the essential features of something but not the fine details.
    • Example: Before writing the essay, I always create an outline to organize my thoughts.

Grammar Points

1. Present Simple (for facts and habits)

We use the Present Simple to talk about things that are generally true, facts, or habits/routines.

  • Structure: Subject + Base form of Verb (add -s/-es for he/she/it)
  • Examples from dialogue:
    • “My brain feels like mush.” (a general feeling)
    • “A proposal needs a clear problem.” (a general truth)
  • Other example: I write reports every week. She works very hard.

2. Modal Verbs: ‘Should’, ‘Can’, ‘Needs to’

Modal verbs help us express possibility, necessity, advice, ability, etc.

  • Should: Used for advice or recommendations.
    • Structure: Subject + should + base form of verb
    • Example from dialogue: “Should I add a chart?” (asking for advice)
    • Other example: You should start with an outline.
  • Can: Used for ability or possibility.
    • Structure: Subject + can + base form of verb
    • Example from dialogue: “I can draw.” (ability)
    • Other example: He can speak three languages.
  • Needs to: Used for necessity or something that is required.
    • Structure: Subject + needs to + base form of verb
    • Example from dialogue: “A proposal needs to have a clear problem.” (requirement)
    • Other example: She needs to finish her homework.

3. Adjectives (describing words)

Adjectives describe nouns (people, places, things, ideas). They tell us more about the noun.

  • Placement: Adjectives usually come before the noun they describe.
  • Examples from dialogue:
    • “the dreaded proposal” (dreaded describes proposal)
    • “a clear problem” (clear describes problem)
    • “professional words” (professional describes words)
  • Other example: It’s a difficult task. We need new ideas.

Practice Exercises

Exercise 1: Present Simple

Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verb in parentheses.

  1. Bob usually ______ (struggle) with writing.
  2. A good proposal ______ (have) clear goals.
  3. I often ______ (feel) sleepy after lunch.
  4. Alice always ______ (help) her friends.

Exercise 2: Modal Verbs

Choose the best modal verb (should, can, needs to) for each sentence.

  1. You ______ start with an outline for your proposal. (advice)
  2. He ______ speak English fluently after living abroad for a year. (ability)
  3. Every student ______ submit their assignment by Friday. (necessity)
  4. We ______ enhance productivity in our team. (recommendation)

Exercise 3: Adjectives

Match the adjectives on the left with the nouns on the right to make common phrases.

  1. dreaded
  2. clear
  3. professional
  4. difficult
  • ____ a. task
  • ____ b. proposal
  • ____ c. words
  • ____ d. problem

Exercise 4: Key Phrases Fill-in-the-Blank

Fill in the blanks with the correct key phrase from the list below.

(proofread, brain feels like mush, too direct, get people excited, enhance productivity)

  1. After a long day, my _______. I can’t think anymore!
  2. It’s important to ______ about your new project during the presentation.
  3. Your feedback was a little _______; maybe try to be more polite next time.
  4. We need new strategies to ______ in the office.
  5. Always _______ your documents for any errors before sending them.

Answers

Answers for Exercise 1:

  1. struggles
  2. has
  3. feel
  4. helps

Answers for Exercise 2:

  1. should
  2. can
  3. needs to
  4. should

Answers for Exercise 3:

  1. dreaded – b. proposal
  2. clear – d. problem
  3. professional – c. words
  4. difficult – a. task

Answers for Exercise 4:

  1. brain feels like mush
  2. get people excited
  3. too direct
  4. enhance productivity
  5. proofread

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