ISC Class 12 Proposal Writing: The CISCE Format with Model Proposals

What Proposal Writing is about

Weightage: Proposal writing is Question 2(ii): about 150 words, 10 of the 80 marks of English Paper 1. With directed writing the specimen advises not more than 55 minutes for Question 2, so about 20 minutes for the proposal.Source: CISCE ISC 2027 English syllabus (Question Two (b)) and ISC Specimen Question Paper 2025, English Paper 1

Key concepts

Title: centred, about 5-6 words

The specimen key says 'The title must be center-aligned' and 'should be around 5-6 words'. Write it in the middle of the line, in title case. It names the plan, not the writer: 'Proposal for a Laughter Club' or 'Celebrating Ten Years with Trees'.

Worked example

Write a title for a proposal to set up a peer tutoring programme in your school.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Name the plan.
2. Keep to about 5-6 words.
3. Centre it.

Answer: Proposal for a Peer Tutoring Programme (6 words, centre-aligned).

Heading / Introduction: at most two sentences

The marking scheme: 'The heading should have a maximum of 2 sentences.' The specimen key suggests a short introduction of 'about 10 to 15 words' and says the student 'should introduce the topic here with just a glimpse of what or how the plan can benefit the institution'. The 2025 examiners expected 'two key points in the Introduction' and deducted marks where candidates 'included only one point from the question'. So: sentence 1 says who is proposing what (taken from the question); sentence 2 gives the occasion or the benefit.

Worked example

Write the introduction for: 'You are the President of The Nature Club of your school. You want to organise Tree Plantation Day to celebrate its tenth anniversary.'

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Point 1 from the question: the Nature Club proposes a Tree Plantation Day.
2. Point 2 from the question: to mark its tenth anniversary.

Answer: The Nature Club proposes to organise a Tree Plantation Day to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The programme will make our campus greener and involve every student.

Objectives: two distinct reasons, as a paragraph

The specimen key: objectives 'should include AT LEAST 2 POINTS', 'should be written in the form of a paragraph, not point-wise', and should give '2 distinct reasons for such a proposal', which may be benefits to participants or to the institution. The 2025 marking scheme adds that objectives 'should be different from the heading' and that a 'list of measures will not be accepted in the Objectives'. An objective answers WHY; a measure answers HOW. The 2024 and 2025 examiners both reported candidates who interchanged the two, 'losing marks in both sections'.

Worked example

Which of these are objectives and which are measures for a Laughter Club? (a) to help students manage examination stress; (b) a meeting may be held every Friday in the activity room; (c) to develop an appreciation of humour in literature and life; (d) a comic-reading corner may be set up in the library.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Ask of each: does it say WHY (objective) or HOW (measure)?
2. (a) why: objective.
3. (b) how: measure.
4. (c) why: objective.
5. (d) how: measure.

Answer: Objectives: (a) and (c), written together as a paragraph. Measures: (b) and (d), written as bullet points with at least two more.

List of measures: at least four, bulleted, complete sentences, with 'may'

The specimen key: the list 'must be at least FOUR in number', 'should be a coherent plan of action', and students should 'try to use the word may… The final decision is to be made by the head of the institution'; 'The words need to be formal and polite.' The 2025 scheme describes a coherent plan as covering 'Where, When, What, Who & How' and accepted 'monetary measures'. The examiners penalised 'incomplete sentences, single words, or phrases instead of well-structured points'.

Worked example

Turn these notes into proper measures: 'saplings – nursery'; 'Saturday 7 a.m.'; 'teams of 10'; 'watering duty'.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. Make each a complete sentence.
2. Use 'may' and a formal tone.
3. Cover where, when, who and how.

Answer: • Two hundred saplings of native species may be obtained from the municipal nursery.
• The plantation may be held on Saturday, 5 July, from 7 a.m. along the school boundary.
• Students of Classes 6 to 12 may be divided into teams of ten, each led by a club member.
• Each team may adopt its saplings and take turns to water them through the summer.

Conclusion: one polite line

The specimen key asks for a 'One-liner statement to end your proposal' that 'should politely request the head of the institution to accept your offer'. The 2025 scheme adds that it 'need not end with We propose / We hope'. One sentence is enough; a second paragraph of benefits is not wanted (some candidates lost marks by adding 'Benefits' as a sub-heading).

Worked example

Write a one-line conclusion for the peer tutoring proposal.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. One sentence.
2. Polite request; formal.

Answer: We request you to kindly approve this proposal so that the programme can begin this term.

Word count, sentences and linguistic ability

About 150 words: roughly title 6, introduction 25, objectives 35, measures 70 (four or five bullets of about 15 words), conclusion 15. 'The candidates will also be marked on linguistic ability' (syllabus), so complete, correct sentences matter as much as the structure. Do not add sub-headings such as 'Headers' or 'Benefits'; the 2024 and 2025 examiners reported candidates who followed 'an entirely different format' in that way.

Worked example

A candidate's proposal has the right parts but is 260 words long, with seven objectives and nine measures. What is wrong?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

1. The task asks for about 150 words.
2. The format asks for at least 2 objectives and at least 4 measures, not as many as possible.
3. Extra length costs time and adds errors.

Answer: It ignores the length and over-fills the sections. Two or three well-chosen objectives and four or five clear measures within about 150 words is what the format rewards.

Proposal Writing in real life

Each concept, met in an everyday situation. Read the situation, answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Topics in this chapter

• The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal

How the board asks Proposal Writing

The question patterns to expect, and the method that works for each.

Tricks to remember Proposal Writing

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

• T-I-O-M-C

  Title, Introduction, Objectives, Measures, Conclusion: 'This Is Our Master Copy'.

  Use it when: Write the five labels down the page before you start.

• 2-2-4-1

  Introduction: up to 2 sentences. Objectives: at least 2 reasons. Measures: at least 4 bullets. Conclusion: 1 line.

  Use it when: Quick check of every section against the CISCE format.

• Why vs How

  Objectives answer WHY (paragraph). Measures answer HOW (bullets).

  Use it when: Stops the commonest loss of marks.

Proposal Writing: board-level solved questions

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Cover the solution, write your own, then compare step by step.

Where the marks are

How a typical answer is marked: the value points the examiner looks for and the marks each earns.

Where students lose marks in Proposal Writing

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

• ✗Mistake: Interchanging objectives and measures

  Both sections are about the plan, so students mix why and how. The examiners in 2024 and 2025 reported candidates who confused or interchanged them, 'losing marks in both sections' (CISCE examiners' comments, 2024 and 2025).

  Wrong working

  Objectives: 'Saplings will be bought. Students will plant them.'

  Right working

  Objectives: 'The programme aims to raise awareness of the value of trees and to give students a sense of responsibility for the campus.'

  ✓Do this: Test each sentence: if it answers WHY, it is an objective; if HOW, it is a measure.

  Usually costs: Marks for both sections.

• ✗Mistake: Only one point in the introduction

  Students write a vague opening. The 2025 examiners expected two key points in the Introduction and deducted marks when candidates included only one point from the question; the 2024 report notes the same fault.

  Wrong working

  'We want to plant trees.'

  Right working

  'The Nature Club proposes to organise a Tree Plantation Day to celebrate its tenth anniversary. The event will add lasting greenery to our campus.'

  ✓Do this: Lift two key points from the question into the introduction, in at most two sentences.

  Usually costs: Part of the introduction mark.

• ✗Mistake: Using a different format (Headers, Benefits)

  Students carry over formats from other boards or business writing. The examiners reported candidates who used 'Headers and Benefits as subheadings' (2025), and the 2024 report notes a different format with headers and benefits.

  ✓Do this: Use only: Title, Heading/Introduction, Objectives, List of measures, Conclusion. Follow the format on the CISCE website.

  Usually costs: Format marks and, often, the objectives or conclusion mark.

• ✗Mistake: Phrases instead of complete sentences in the measures

  Bullets look like notes, so students write notes. The examiners penalised 'incomplete sentences, single words, or phrases instead of well-structured points'.

  Wrong working

  • Saturday • Auditorium • Teachers • Prizes

  Right working

  • The quiz may be held on Saturday, 9 August, in the auditorium.

  ✓Do this: Each bullet is a full sentence with a subject and a verb, preferably with 'may'.

  Usually costs: Measures and linguistic-ability marks.

• ✗Mistake: Writing objectives as bullet points

  Students assume every section is a list. The specimen key says objectives 'should be written in the form of a paragraph, not point-wise'.

  ✓Do this: Write the objectives as two or three connected sentences in one paragraph.

  Usually costs: Format within the objectives section.

Practice questions on Proposal Writing

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

1. Q1 · 10 marks · Long answerBoard level

   As the Secretary of the Science Club, you want to organise an inter-school science quiz in your school. Write a proposal in about 150 words stating the steps you would take to make it a success.

   Hint

   Introduction with two points; two distinct objectives in a paragraph; four or more measures with 'may' (invitations, date and venue, quizmaster and rounds, prizes and funding).

   Answer

   Model outline: Title 'Proposal for an Inter-School Science Quiz'. Introduction: the Science Club proposes to host a quiz for schools of the city; it will promote scientific curiosity. Objectives (paragraph): to encourage students to read beyond the syllabus; to build links with neighbouring schools. Measures: invitations may be sent to ten schools a month in advance; the quiz may be held in the auditorium on a Saturday; a science teacher may act as quizmaster with five rounds; prizes may be sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Association. Conclusion: a one-line request for approval.

2. Q2 · 10 marks · Long answerHarder board level

   As a member of the Student Council, write a proposal in about 150 words to make your school a single-use-plastic-free campus within three months.

   Hint

   Measures must be a coherent plan with a time frame: canteen, awareness, alternatives, monitoring.

   Answer

   Expected: a centred title; a two-sentence introduction (the Council's proposal; three-month time frame or benefit); objectives (protect the local environment; build lifelong habits) as a paragraph; at least four measures: the canteen may switch to steel plates and paper bags; an awareness week with posters and an assembly; students may be encouraged to carry bottles and tiffin boxes; eco-monitors in each class may report progress monthly. One-line conclusion.

3. Q3 · 10 marks · Long answerHarder board level

   You are the Head Boy of your school. Write a proposal in about 150 words to start a weekend coaching programme in which senior students teach English and Mathematics to children of the school's support staff.

   Hint

   Think about permission, timing, volunteers, materials and safety; objectives should benefit both the children and the volunteers.

   Answer

   Expected: introduction naming the Head Boy's plan and the beneficiaries; objectives (help the children with foundational skills; give seniors a sense of service and teaching experience) as a paragraph; measures: classes may be held on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 noon in two classrooms; volunteers from Classes 11 and 12 may register and be paired; a teacher may supervise; books and stationery may be provided from a donation drive; progress may be reviewed each month. One-line request.

4. Q4 · 10 marks · Long answerBoard level

   Write a proposal in about 150 words, as Captain of the school's sports house, to organise a 'Fit India Week' with daily activities for all students.

   Hint

   The week's activities are measures, not objectives.

   Answer

   Expected: title; two-sentence introduction (the house captain's proposal for a Fit India Week; its benefit); objectives (promote daily physical activity; reduce screen time and stress) as a paragraph; at least four measures (a morning yoga session, an inter-class relay, a healthy tiffin day, a fitness talk by a doctor, the PE department to coordinate); a one-line request.

5. Q5 · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

   A proposal's conclusion reads: 'Benefits: Students will become healthy. They will be happy. The school will get awards. We hope this proposal is accepted and we propose that it will be a big success.' What is wrong with it according to the CISCE format? Rewrite it.

   Hint

   What did the examiners say about 'Benefits' sub-headings? How long should the conclusion be?

   Answer

   It adds a 'Benefits' section, which the 2024 and 2025 examiners named as a departure from the format, and the conclusion runs to more than one line. Rewrite: 'We request you to kindly approve this proposal so that the programme can begin next month.'

6. Q6 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level

   Classify each as introduction, objective or measure for a Debating Society proposal: (a) I, as the Vice-Captain, propose to start a Debating Society; (b) to develop students' ability to argue logically and respectfully; (c) debates may be held on the first Monday of every month; (d) to prepare students for inter-school competitions; (e) a panel of two teachers may judge the debates.

   Hint

   Who proposes what = introduction; why = objective; how = measure.

   Answer

   (a) introduction; (b) and (d) objectives (to be written together as a paragraph); (c) and (e) measures (bullets, with at least two more needed).

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. 1.How long is an ISC proposal and how many marks does it carry?Show answer

   About 150 words, 10 marks (Question 2(ii)).

2. 2.What are the parts of the CISCE proposal format?Show answer

   Title, Heading/Introduction, Objectives, List of measures, Conclusion.

3. 3.How many sentences may the introduction have?Show answer

   A maximum of two.

4. 4.How should objectives be written?Show answer

   As a paragraph with at least two distinct reasons, different from the heading, with no measures.

5. 5.How many measures are required, and in what form?Show answer

   At least four, as bullet points in complete sentences, ideally using 'may'.

6. 6.What should the conclusion do?Show answer

   In one line, politely request the head of the institution to accept the proposal.

Quick revision checklist

The night before the exam: can you do each of these without looking?

• ☐Can you write the five section labels of the CISCE proposal from memory?
• ☐Can you write a two-sentence introduction that carries two points from the question?
• ☐Can you tell an objective from a measure at a glance?
• ☐Can you turn notes into four complete 'may' sentences?
• ☐Can you finish within about 150 words and 20 minutes?

Proposal Writing: frequently asked questions