Writing: Advanced Argumentation & Persuasion C1 - Lesson 11: Writing a Proposal (Academic or Business)

Writing: Complex Text Types C1

Lesson 11: Writing a Proposal (Academic or Business)

Listen to key concepts and examples.

What you will learn: By the end of this lesson, you will be able to structure a persuasive proposal, define a clear problem and solution, and use C1-level language to justify your request for approval or funding.

Before You Start: C1 Key Vocabulary 🧠

A proposal is a sales document. It "sells" an idea. These words are crucial.

Feasibility

| លទ្ធភាព

The state of being possible to do easily or conveniently. (Can it be done?)

Methodology

| វិធីសាស្រ្ត

A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. (The "How-To" plan).

Deliverable

| លទ្ធផលជាក់ស្តែង

A product or result that is completed and given to the client/manager.

Justification

| ការ​ផ្ដល់​ហេតុផល

A good reason or explanation for doing something.

The B1 Request vs. The C1 Proposal

A B1-level request states a *want*. A C1-level proposal proves a *need* and demonstrates the *value* of the solution.

WEAK (B1 Request)

"I think we should buy new laptops. Our computers are old and slow. It would be good for the staff."

STRONG (C1 Proposal)

"This proposal outlines a phased replacement of all front-line computers. The justification is a documented 20% loss in productivity directly attributed to outdated hardware. The proposed solution will be implemented over six months, with a final deliverable of a fully upgraded workforce, yielding an estimated ROI of $50,000 in the first year."

The 3 Pillars of a Persuasive Proposal 🏛️ (Click 🔊)

Whether academic or business, every strong proposal must answer three questions.

1. The 'Why?' (Problem & Justification)

Clearly define the problem and *why it matters now*. Use data.

• Currently, the organization faces a significant challenge...
• This project addresses a critical gap in the research...
• The central issue we aim to resolve is...

2. The 'What & How?' (Solution & Methodology)

Explain your solution and the step-by-step plan to achieve it.

• We propose a multi-phased approach...
• The methodology will consist of...
• The scope of this project includes...

3. The 'So What?' (Outcomes & Feasibility)

State the specific, measurable benefits (Deliverables, ROI) and why your plan is possible.

• The expected outcomes include...
• This will yield a measurable Return on Investment (ROI) by...
• We have the necessary resources to ensure feasibility.

Practice Your C1 Analysis 🎯

Quiz: Identify the Strongest Component

Read the goal, then choose the *strongest* and *most persuasive* (C1-level) sentence for a proposal.

1. Goal: You want to convince your boss to pay for an English course. Which is the strongest *Justification*?

• A) I think it would be nice to learn English because it is a global language.
• B) Improving my English fluency will directly impact my ability to negotiate with our new international clients, reducing miscommunication and improving sales conversion rates.
• C) I want to take an English course so I can get a better job at another company one day.

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2. Goal: You want to propose a new research project. Which is the strongest *Problem Statement*?

• A) No one has studied the history of Cambodian markets before.
• B) While previous research has focused on the architecture of Angkorian-era markets, a significant gap exists in understanding their economic and social supply chains.
• C) I want to write about old markets because I think they are interesting.

Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)

• Proposal | សំណើ
  A formal plan or suggestion put to others for consideration or discussion.
• Feasibility | លទ្ធភាព
  The state of being possible to do easily or conveniently. (Can it be done?)
• Methodology | វិធីសាស្រ្ត
  A system of methods used in a particular area of study or activity. (The "How-To" plan).
• Deliverable | លទ្ធផលជាក់ស្តែង
  A product or result that is completed and given to the client/manager.
• Justification | ការ​ផ្ដល់​ហេតុផល
  A good reason or explanation for doing something.
• Stakeholder | ភាគីពាក់ព័ន្ធ
  A person or group with an interest or concern in something (e.g., investors, employees, customers).
• Return on Investment (ROI) | ផលចំណេញលើការវិនិយោគ
  The measure of profit or benefit resulting from an investment.

Your Writing Mission ⭐

Write a 1-Paragraph "Elevator Pitch" Proposal

Your mission is to practice the core of a proposal. Think of one thing you want to change or start (at your work, your university, or in your community).

In your notebook, write one short paragraph that includes:

1. The Problem: (e.g., "Our current student website is difficult to navigate...")
2. The Solution: ("...therefore, I propose we redesign the homepage with a simplified menu...")
3. The Key Benefit: ("...which will lead to a 50% reduction in student support emails.")

Remember to use strong, persuasive language!