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ISC Class 12 Proposal Writing: Format and Model

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English LanguageISC Class 12 · Proposal Writing

The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal (ISC Class 12 English Language)

Updated 18 October 2026 · Fact-checked

A proposal is Question 2(ii): about 150 words, 10 marks. Use a centred title of about 5-6 words, an introduction of at most two sentences, at least two distinct objectives written as a paragraph, at least four measures as bulleted complete sentences using 'may', and a one-line conclusion requesting acceptance. An objective answers why; a measure answers how.

Check each part: objectives answer WHY in a paragraph, measures answer HOW in bullets using 'may', and the conclusion is one polite line.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal

1. Task. Write a proposal based on a given situation. The syllabus requires an introduction or heading, objectives, a list of measures and a concluding statement; the format prescribed by CISCE must be followed and linguistic ability is marked. Length is about 150 words. Allow about 20 minutes.

2. The format, part by part

  • Title: centre-aligned, around 5-6 words; it names the plan, not the writer.
  • Introduction (heading): at most 2 sentences; introduce the plan and a glimpse of its benefit. Cover the two key points in the question, for example who proposes and the occasion.
  • Objectives: at least 2 distinct reasons, written as a paragraph, not point-wise; different from the heading; no measures here.
  • List of measures: at least four, in bullet points and complete sentences, forming a coherent plan of action (where, when, what, who and how). Use 'may', because the final decision rests with the head of the institution; the tone is formal and polite.
  • Conclusion: a one-line statement politely requesting acceptance.

3. Why versus how. An objective answers WHY; a measure answers HOW. Interchanging them loses marks in both sections.

4. A model proposal (about 140 words) for the situation: 'You are the secretary of the Library Committee. Propose a Book Swap Corner for Classes IX to XII.'

*Proposal for a Book Swap Corner* (centred)

The Library Committee proposes a Book Swap Corner for Classes IX to XII. It will make the library more lively and useful for every student.

The corner aims to build a reading habit among students by making fresh titles easily available. It also seeks to teach sharing and the care of books, and to reduce the amount families spend on reading material.

  • A shelf near the library entrance may be reserved for the corner.
  • Students may bring clean, used books and exchange them on Fridays during the lunch break.
  • Two library prefects may record every exchange in a register.
  • The librarian may check that donated books are suitable and in good condition.
  • A short note on the notice board may announce the first swap day.

We request that the proposal may kindly be approved.

5. Checking the model. Title: 6 words, centred. Introduction: 2 sentences. Objectives: one paragraph with 3 reasons and no measures; they do not repeat the introduction. Measures: 5 bullets, complete sentences, 'may' used. Conclusion: one line.

The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal: key facts

Proposal parts
  • Title
  • Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Measures
  • Conclusion
In this order.
Minimums
  • Title 5 to 6 words
  • Introduction at most 2 sentences
  • Objectives at least 2
  • Measures at least 4
Objectives as a paragraph; measures as bullets.
Why and how
Objective answers why | Measure answers how
Do not interchange.

How to answer The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal questions

Follow this routine for any proposal.

  1. 1Read the situation and note the two key points for the introduction.
  2. 2Write a centred title of 5 to 6 words.
  3. 3Write two sentences of introduction, then a paragraph of at least two objectives (why).
  4. 4List at least four measures (where, when, what, who, how) as complete bullet sentences with 'may'.
  5. 5End with a one-line request for acceptance and check the word count.

The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model 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 versus how

Suppose a Club plans a Rainwater Harvesting Day. Two statements are drafted: 'to teach students to conserve water' and 'a demonstration may be held in the school garden at noon'.

Which is an objective and which is a measure?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The first tells why: objective.
  2. The second tells how, when and where: measure.

Answer: First: objective; second: measure.

Memory hook: Why is the aim; how is the action.

Using may

Imagine a student writes 'We will hold the camp on 5 May' in a proposal to the Principal.

Why is this wording unsuitable, and how should it be written?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The head of the institution decides, so the tone should be polite and not a demand.
  2. Use 'may'.

Answer: Write 'The camp may be held on 5 May.'

Memory hook: May the Principal approve.

Tricks to remember The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal

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.

    Use it when: Order of the proposal.

  • 2-2-4

    Introduction at most 2 sentences, at least 2 objectives, at least 4 measures.

    Use it when: Minimum counts.

The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Objective or measure · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

In a proposal for a Reading Week, which of these is a measure?
(a) to promote the reading habit
(b) a quiz may be held on the last day
(c) to improve vocabulary
(d) to develop imagination

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. (a), (c) and (d) say why; (b) says what and when.

Answer: (b)

Example 2: Write the introduction · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level

Write the introduction for: 'You are the Head Boy. Propose a Clean Campus Week to mark the school's founding day.'

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Point 1: the Head Boy proposes a Clean Campus Week.
  2. Point 2: to mark the founding day.

Answer: The Head Boy proposes a Clean Campus Week to mark the school's founding day. It will make our surroundings tidy and involve every class.

Example 3: Count the words · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

A proposal has a title of 6 words, an introduction of 24 words, an objectives paragraph of 38 words, five measures of 12 words each and a conclusion of 9 words. Calculate the total words and say whether it suits 'about 150 words'.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Measures = 5 x 12 = 60 words.
  2. Total = 6 + 24 + 38 + 60 + 9 = 137 words.
  3. 137 is a little below 150; adding one more measure of 12 words gives 149, closer to 'about 150'.
  4. The total must stay near 150 and never greatly exceed it.

Answer: 137 words; adding a sixth measure gives 149.

Example 4: Sort and correct · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

A student writes this objectives paragraph: 'We will collect Rs 50 from each student on 3 March, buy 100 saplings, and plant them near the gate.' Explain what is wrong and rewrite it as proper objectives, and give the content that belongs in the measures.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. These are measures (how, when, who): they belong in the list of measures, not in the objectives.
  2. Objectives must give at least two reasons why, as a paragraph.
  3. Rewrite: The drive aims to make the campus greener and to teach students responsibility towards the environment.
  4. Measures: a contribution of Rs 50 may be collected on 3 March; saplings may be bought; they may be planted near the gate.

Answer: Move the actions to measures; write two reasons as the objectives.

Example 5: Write a full proposal · 10 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency

You are the cultural secretary. Write a proposal of about 150 words to the Principal for a Handwriting Day for Classes VI to VIII to revive neat handwriting.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Title centred: 'Proposal for a Handwriting Day' (5 words).
  2. Introduction (2 sentences): the Cultural Committee proposes a Handwriting Day for Classes VI to VIII; it will restore pride in neat writing.
  3. Objectives paragraph: to revive neat handwriting in a time of screens, and to build patience and concentration.
  4. Measures (at least four, with may): sessions may be held in the first two periods; teachers may demonstrate letter formation; students may copy a passage in their best hand; the best pages may be displayed.
  5. Conclusion: a one-line request that the proposal may kindly be approved.
  6. Check about 150 words and the use of may.

Answer: Proposal for a Handwriting Day

The Cultural Committee proposes a Handwriting Day for Classes VI to VIII. It will restore pride in neat writing among our young students.

The day aims to revive neat handwriting at a time when students use screens more than pens. It also seeks to build patience and concentration, and to help students present their answers clearly and legibly in examinations.

- The sessions may be held in the first two periods on a Saturday in the school hall.
- English and Hindi teachers may demonstrate correct letter formation on the board.
- Students may copy a short passage in their best handwriting.
- Class teachers may select the neatest pages and display them on the notice board.
- Certificates may be given to the best writers in each class.

We request that the proposal may kindly be approved.

Where students lose marks in The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal

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

  • Mistake: Interchanging objectives and measures

    Marks are awarded separately for objectives and for measures, so content placed in the wrong section earns nothing in either.

    Wrong working

    Objectives: a quiz may be held on Friday.

    Right working

    Objectives: to stimulate reading. Measures: a quiz may be held on Friday.

    Do this: Why versus how.

    Usually costs: Marks in two sections.

  • Mistake: Measures as phrases

    The format requires complete sentences, so phrases lose language and content marks.

    Wrong working

    Notice board; Friday; library.

    Right working

    A notice may be put on the board; the event may be held on Friday in the library.

    Do this: Complete sentences.

    Usually costs: Marks for measures.

  • Mistake: An introduction with only one key point

    Two key points from the question are expected.

    Wrong working

    The Club proposes a Tree Plantation Day.

    Right working

    The Club proposes a Tree Plantation Day to celebrate its anniversary.

    Do this: Include both points.

    Usually costs: Introduction marks.

Exam tips

  • Use the format prescribed by CISCE exactly.
  • Write objectives as a paragraph and measures as bullets.
  • Cover where, when, what, who and how in the measures.
  • Keep the tone formal and polite, with may.

Practice questions on The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal

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

  1. Q1 · 1 mark · Very short answerBoard level

    How many marks does the proposal carry?

    Hint

    Question 2(ii).

    Answer

    10 marks.

  2. Q2 · 1 mark · Very short answerBoard level

    State the minimum number of measures required in a proposal.

    Hint

    Four.

    Answer

    At least four.

  3. Q3 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    Why should the word 'may' be used in the measures?

    Hint

    Who decides?

    Answer

    The final decision rests with the head of the institution, so the measures are suggested politely, not stated as orders.

  4. Q4 · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    A proposal's title is 'Request to the Principal to kindly allow a debate competition in school'. Evaluate the title and rewrite it. Count the words in your rewrite.

    Hint

    5 to 6 words, names the plan.

    Answer

    The title is too long, since it runs to 12 words, and it describes a request instead of naming the plan. Rewrite: 'Proposal for an Inter-House Debate' which has 5 words, centred.

  5. Q5 · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

    A student writes the objectives as five bullet points, and includes 'a notice may be put up' among them. Evaluate against the CISCE format and correct the section.

    Hint

    Paragraph and why.

    Answer

    Objectives must be a paragraph, not point-wise, and must give at least two reasons why; a notice is a measure and belongs in the list of measures. Rewrite objectives as one paragraph of two or three reasons and move the notice into the bulleted measures.

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 should the title be?Show answer

    Around 5 to 6 words, centred.

  2. 2.In what form are objectives written?Show answer

    As a paragraph.

  3. 3.How should measures be written?Show answer

    As bullet points in complete sentences.

  4. 4.How should the proposal end?Show answer

    With a one-line statement requesting acceptance.

The CISCE Proposal Format and a Model Proposal: frequently asked questions

Is the word limit strict?

Aim for about 150 words and do not greatly exceed it; check the wording of the question paper.

Can I add a signature?

The chapter does not list one; follow the five parts of the format.

Is money allowed in measures?

Yes, a measure may mention a contribution or budget if the situation suggests it, written as a complete sentence with may.