Unit 2: Work, Ambition & Success

Writing: The Proposal

Task (Cambridge C1 Advanced, Part 2)

Topic: Professional Development and Employee Retention

Your company has noticed that many ambitious employees are leaving to seek promotions elsewhere. The Board of Directors has asked you to write a proposal outlining how the company could implement a new professional development programme to encourage staff to stay and grow within the organization.

In your proposal, you should: * Suggest specific ways employees can develop new skills. * Explain how these changes would benefit the company in the long term. * Propose a method for monitoring the success of the programme.

Write your proposal in 220-260 words in an appropriate style.

Tips (en español)

Para este tipo de tarea, sigue estas estrategias para asegurar una puntuación alta:

• Structure: Utiliza subtítulos claros para cada sección. Un proposal no es un ensayo; debe ser fácil de escanear visualmente. Divide el contenido según los puntos solicitados en el enunciado.
• Register: Mantén un tono formal y profesional. Evita contracciones (use do not instead of don't) y lenguaje coloquial. Dirígete a la junta directiva con respeto pero con autoridad.
• Linking: Usa conectores de transición para guiar al lector entre ideas (e.g., Furthermore, In light of this, Regarding). Esto mejora la cohesión.
• Hedging (Lenguaje cauteloso): En propuestas profesionales, no uses afirmaciones absolutas. En lugar de "This will work", usa "This is likely to result in..." o "It could be argued that...". Esto demuestra madurez lingüística.
• Evaluación de ideas: No te limites a listar ideas; evalúalas. Explica el porqué de tus sugerencias y cómo se conectan con los objetivos de la empresa.
• Time management: Dedica 5 minutos a planificar la estructura, 35 minutos a escribir y 10 minutos finales a la revisión (especialmente ortografía y gramática).

Useful language

Model answer

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Proposal for an Internal Professional Development Programme

Introduction The aim of this proposal is to outline a strategy to improve employee retention by fostering professional growth within the company. Currently, our firm faces a turnover rate of 15% among ambitious mid-level staff, primarily due to a perceived lack of advancement opportunities.

Skill Development Initiatives To address this, it is suggested that the company implements a dual-track development programme. Firstly, we could offer subsidised advanced certifications in leadership and technical specialisms. Secondly, a formal mentorship scheme should be established, pairing junior talent with senior executives. This would allow for the organic transfer of expertise and provide clear career pathways.

Benefits to the Organisation Implementing these changes would yield significant long-term advantages. By investing in our current workforce, we cultivate loyalty and reduce the high costs associated with external recruitment. Furthermore, a more highly skilled team will enhance our competitive edge in the market, ensuring that our internal talent is capable of meeting future industry challenges.

Monitoring Success To evaluate the effectiveness of this programme, it is recommended that we conduct bi-annual engagement surveys. Additionally, tracking the internal promotion rate and turnover statistics will provide quantitative data on whether staff are choosing to grow within the company rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

Conclusion In conclusion, while the initial investment may be substantial, the long-term benefits of retaining top-tier talent far outweigh the costs. It is highly recommended that the Board approves this initiative to secure the company's future success.

Marking checklist

• Content: ¿Has respondido a todos los puntos de la tarea? (Sugerencias, beneficios y método de evaluación).
• Communicative Achievement: ¿El tono es formal y profesional? ¿Has usado el formato de proposal (subtítulos)?
• Organisation: ¿Las ideas fluyen de forma lógica? ¿Has usado conectores para unir párrafos y secciones?
• Language: ¿Has usado vocabulario avanzado (e.g., yield, subsidised, turnover rate) y estructuras gramaticales complejas (e.g., passive voice, conditionals)?

Vocabulario para Writing & Speaking

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