ISC Class 11 Proposal Writing: Objectives (Why) and List of Measures (How)
Updated 18 October 2026 · Fact-checked
In an ISC proposal (about 150 words, 10 marks), the objectives answer why, in at least two distinct reasons written as a paragraph, and the list of measures answers how, in at least four bulleted complete sentences using 'may'. Interchanging the two sections loses marks in both.
Understand Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal
Format from the chapter page. The CISCE format has a centred title of about five or six words, an introduction of at most two sentences, objectives, a list of measures and a one-line polite conclusion. This page covers the two middle sections, where marks are most often lost.
Objectives (why). At least two distinct reasons, written as a paragraph and not as bullets, different from the introduction, and containing no arrangements. Start with phrases like 'The proposal aims to' or 'The club seeks to'. Reasons may be benefits for the participants or for the institution.
List of measures (how). At least four items, each a complete sentence, bulleted, in a formal and polite tone. Use 'may' because the head of the institution makes the final decision. The 2025 scheme on the chapter page wants the measures to cover where, when, what, who and how, and monetary measures are accepted.
Test for each sentence. Ask: is this a reason (why) or an arrangement (how)? A reason goes in the objectives; an arrangement goes in the measures.
Length. About 150 words in all: objectives around 35 words, measures around 65.
Scope note. The situations below are invented; no board situation is reproduced.
Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal: key facts
- Objectives
- why
- at least two distinct reasons
- a paragraph
- different from the introduction
- no arrangements
- Begin with 'The proposal aims to'.
- List of measures
- how
- at least four bullets
- complete sentences
- may
- where when what who how
- Money measures are accepted.
- Quick test
- reason = objective | arrangement = measure
- Apply it to every sentence.
How to answer Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal questions
Use this for the middle sections of any proposal.
- 1Underline the situation and the people involved.
- 2List two different reasons for the plan and write them as a paragraph.
- 3List where, when, what, who and how as five arrangements.
- 4Write four or five bullets, each with 'may' and a full sentence.
- 5Run the quick test on every sentence.
Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal in real life
The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.
Why and how are different questions
Suppose a student asks parents for permission to join a weekend swimming class. He says it will improve his fitness and confidence, and then offers to go by school bus on Saturdays at 8 a.m. and to pay from his savings.
Which parts are objectives and which are measures?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Fitness and confidence are reasons.
- Saturday, 8 a.m., the school bus and paying from savings are arrangements.
Answer: Fitness and confidence are the objectives (why); the day, time, travel and payment are the measures (how).
Memory hook: Why in a paragraph, how in bullets.
Tricks to remember Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal
Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.
W-H
Why = objectives, How = measures.
Use it when: Keeps sections apart.
May for measures
The head decides, so every bullet may.
Use it when: Tone of the measures.
Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal: solved examples
Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.
Example 1: Sort the sentences · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
Which sentence belongs in the OBJECTIVES? (a) A rota may be drawn up for the reading corner. (b) The proposal aims to encourage students to read for pleasure. (c) Books may be donated by parents. (d) The corner may open every day at lunch.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- (a), (c), (d) are arrangements with 'may'.
- (b) states a reason.
Answer: (b)
Example 2: Bullets or paragraph? · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level
State, in one line each, whether the objectives and the measures are written as bullets or as a paragraph.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- The chapter page says objectives are a paragraph, not point-wise.
- Measures are bulleted complete sentences.
Answer: Objectives: a paragraph. Measures: bulleted complete sentences using 'may'.
Example 3: Write objectives · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
Invented situation: as Secretary of the Library Club you propose a monthly book-swap day. Write the objectives paragraph (about 35 words).
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Reason 1: students read more varied books.
- Reason 2: the library saves money and builds sharing.
- Begin 'The proposal aims to'.
Answer: Model: The book-swap aims to give students access to a wider variety of books without cost and to encourage them to read beyond the syllabus. It also seeks to build a habit of sharing within the school community.
Example 4: Write measures · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
For the same book-swap, write four measures that cover where, when, who and how, each a full sentence with 'may'.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Where: the library.
- When: the first Saturday of every month.
- Who: Library Club members to record swaps.
- How: a simple ticket or register.
Answer: Model: The swap may be held in the school library. It may take place on the first Saturday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon. Library Club members may record each exchange in a register. Posters may be put up a week earlier to remind students to bring their books.
Example 5: Correct a mixed section · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
A student writes under OBJECTIVES: 'The club will collect books on Monday. Students will bring one book each. This will increase reading.' Rewrite the objectives correctly and move the arrangements to the measures.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Only the last sentence is a reason.
- The first two are arrangements.
- Rewrite as a paragraph and convert the arrangements to 'may' bullets.
Answer: Objectives: The activity aims to increase students' reading and to bring books to those who cannot buy them. Measures: Books may be collected on Monday. Each student may be asked to bring one book.
Where students lose marks in Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal
The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.
Mistake: Interchanging objectives and measures
Both describe the plan.
Wrong working
Objectives: Boxes will be kept at the gate.
Right working
Objectives: The drive aims to help neighbours in need.
Do this: Ask why or how of each sentence.
Usually costs: Marks in both sections
Mistake: Phrases for measures
Notes feel quicker.
Wrong working
Saturday, Hall, Volunteers
Right working
The event may be held in the hall on Saturday.
Do this: Subject, verb and 'may' in each bullet.
Usually costs: Measures marks
Mistake: Objectives as bullets
The key says a paragraph.
Wrong working
Bulleted objectives.
Right working
A connected paragraph.
Do this: Join two reasons with a linker.
Usually costs: Part of the objectives mark
Exam tips
- Write objectives as a paragraph and measures as bullets.
- Use 'may' in every measure.
- Cover where, when, what, who and how.
- Do not repeat the introduction in the objectives.
- Keep the whole proposal near 150 words.
Practice questions on Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal
Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.
Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
Which word best expresses that the head of the institution makes the final decision? (a) will (b) shall (c) may (d) must
Hint
Think of the chapter page.
Answer
(c) may.
Q2 · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level
Name the five things the measures should cover, as per the 2025 scheme on the chapter page.
Hint
Where, when, what, who, how.
Answer
Where, when, what, who and how.
Q3 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
Invented situation: a proposal to start a recycling bin system in school. Write a two-reason objectives paragraph of about 35 words.
Hint
Reasons for students and for the environment.
Answer
A paragraph with two distinct reasons, for instance awareness of waste and reducing what goes to landfill, without any arrangement.
Q4 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level
For the recycling bins, write four measures with 'may' covering where, when, who and how, including a money measure.
Hint
Bins, rota, monitors, funding.
Answer
Four complete sentences, e.g. bins may be placed near each staircase; waste may be emptied every Friday; student monitors may supervise; bins may be funded from the club budget.
Q5 · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
A student's measures read: 'Saturday', 'Hall', 'Volunteers', 'Money'. Explain what is wrong and rewrite one correctly.
Hint
Complete sentences with 'may'.
Answer
They are single words, not sentences, so the plan has no detail and loses marks. Corrected: The workshop may be held in the school hall on Saturday morning.
Test your recall
Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.
1.What do objectives answer?Show answer
Why.
2.What do measures answer?Show answer
How.
3.How many measures at least?Show answer
Four.
4.Which word is used in the measures?Show answer
May.
5.How are objectives written?Show answer
As a paragraph.
Objectives and the List of Measures in a Proposal: frequently asked questions
Can measures include money?
Yes, monetary measures are accepted.
How many marks is a proposal worth?
10 marks, usually about 150 words.
Is Class 11 set by CISCE?
No, schools set it on the board format.