GE L12 Unit 3 (Academic writing: A proposal)

Academic Writing:
A Proposal

Unit 3

A proposal is a piece of writing that communicates factual information about a particular topic to a specific audience.

What is a proposal?

Discuss with your partner.

Activity 1

a) economics, sociology, psychology, business, or science.

b) Proposals, like reports, provide factual details about a particular issue to a specific audience. The difference is that proposals focus less on describing the current situation and more on suggesting actions for the future.

c) A proposal is written in a formal and impersonal style.

d) The sources of information for a proposal can include textbooks, articles, surveys or interviews, statistics, lab research, or general knowledge about the topic. (In assessments, the ‘facts’ for proposals are usually created or imagined by the student.)

Activity 1

Proposals

Writing Tip

After briefly giving some background information regarding noise pollution, this proposal will suggest ways that the council could act to help alleviate the problem. The proposal is informed by data gathered from studies on noise pollution, as well as from conducting a survey of local residents.

Introduction

Studies have shown that prolonged and excessive exposure to noise is linked to serious health problems, ranging from cardiovascular disease to psychological disorders. Levels of this form of pollution have become a major concern for the population of this area, and many people are now looking to their elected representatives on the council to introduce measures that will improve the situation.

Current Situation

There are three key areas where action on the part of the council is recommended:

Roads
As road traffic is the major source of all noise pollution, the concept of “quieter driving” should be incorporated into the existing environmental campaigns by the council encouraging drivers to move to electric or hybrid vehicles. The council could assist in this by restricting access for heavy goods vehicles, implementing shuttle bus services to reduce private car use and erecting noise barriers alongside busy roads. Were the council also to cover roads with low-noise surfaces, this series of measures would significantly reduce noise pollution.

Suggestion

Trains
The rail system is also guilty of producing excess noise. Our locality, and many others in this country, would benefit from the installation of noise barriers at the side of train tracks and the introduction of low-noise brake blocks on trains.

Suggestion

Urban planning
Noise makes certain locations unsuitable for building new homes. Such areas could be identified by the council using computer models that can predict exposure to noise, and by-laws subsequently made to prevent building there. Another measure the council could take is to introduce requirements for the exterior walls of existing and new buildings to be insulated from noise.

Suggestion

As an authority charged with ensuring the welfare of local inhabitants, it is the responsibility of the council to provide leadership in the reduction of noise pollution. Should the council choose to implement the recommendations made in this proposal, it would not only be fulfilling its duty, but, by helping improve the quality of life for residents of this town, also increase its popularity among the electorate.

Final Recommendation

Impersonal language is a formal way of writing that avoids sounding too personal, emotional, or subjective. Instead of using “I,” “we,” or “you,” the focus is on the subject matter itself. It helps proposals sound more professional, objective, and credible.

Definition

• Objectivity – To make the proposal sound based on facts and research, not on personal opinion.

• Professionalism – A formal tone is more suitable for academic and official audiences, such as councils, institutions, or organizations.

Why We Use Impersonal Language in Proposals

• Persuasion through evidence – Readers are more likely to be persuaded by neutral, evidence-based language than personal viewpoints.

• Clarity – It reduces ambiguity and ensures the proposal is taken seriously.

Why We Use Impersonal Language in Proposals

• Avoid personal pronouns – Don’t use I, we, you. Instead, use neutral phrasing.

  • ❌ I will explain the problem in this proposal.

  • ✅ This proposal will explain the problem.

How to Use Impersonal Language

• Use passive voice (when suitable) – This emphasizes the action, not the person doing it.

  • ❌ We gathered the data from surveys.

  • ✅ The data was gathered from surveys.

How to Use Impersonal Language

• Use noun forms instead of verbs – Makes the writing sound more formal.

  • ❌ If we install noise barriers...

  • ✅ The installation of noise barriers...

How to Use Impersonal Language

• Use formal, objective vocabulary – Replace casual verbs and phrases with academic/formal ones.

  • ❌ If we bring in noise barriers...

  • ✅ The introduction of noise barriers...

How to Use Impersonal Language

• Personal: I think we should reduce the number of trains at night.

• Impersonal: It is recommended that the number of trains at night be reduced.

Examples of Impersonal Language in Proposals

• Personal: We will encourage people to use electric cars.

• Impersonal: A campaign should be launched to encourage the use of electric cars.

Examples of Impersonal Language in Proposals

• Personal: I found that noise pollution is causing stress.

• Impersonal: Research indicates that noise pollution contributes to stress.

Examples of Impersonal Language in Proposals

• In proposals, always keep the tone formal, avoid “I/we,” prefer passive voice or noun phrases, and focus on facts and recommendations rather than personal opinions.

Key