Task:
Read the following text and fill in the gaps with the verb that best fits each space using the correct verb form of the verbs below. There are TWO extra verbs you will not need. The activity begins with an example (0).
Verbs: request, render, grow, take, struggle, adopt, provide, launch, give, achieve, note, enhance, jeopardise, outline.
Proposal task instructions:
The committee of your college's Arts Club, of which you are a member, has decided to publish a monthly arts magazine for students. The leader of the committee asks you to draft a proposal saying what should be included in the magazine, suggesting who could contribute to it, and outlining ways in which interest in the magazine could be generated.
Proposal for the Launch of a New Arts Magazine
INTRODUCTION
As (0) requested, I am submitting the following proposal with a view to (1) a strategic approach for the publication of a new arts magazine. The primary aim of this proposal is to present a series of recommendations designed to ensure the magazine attracts the widest possible readership among the student body, while simultaneously establishing a lasting cultural presence within the institution.
CURRENT SITUATION
It is clear from student feedback that there is a considerable appetite for a platform that celebrates local creativity; however, existing publications have consistently failed to bridge the gap between professional arts and the student experience. Had such a platform been introduced earlier, it is reasonable to assume that student engagement with the arts (2) considerably by now. In light of this year's experience with digital engagement, it is an undeniable fact that students are increasingly seeking multi-platform content, which strongly suggests that a traditional print-only approach would be insufficient at best, and outright counterproductive at worst.
RECOMMENDATIONS
To improve the situation and maximise engagement, I recommend (3) the following course of action:
- Diversifying Content through Reviews: I would strongly advocate including several reviews per issue, spanning a broad range of artistic disciplines. Were the magazine to attract a truly diverse audience, it would be vital to report consistently on local concerts and exhibitions, particularly those offering student concessions. Furthermore, by featuring events in which our own students are performing or exhibiting, the editorial team would inevitably foster a far stronger sense of community — something that no existing publication has yet managed (4).
- Professional Insight via Q&A Interviews: It would seem not only sensible but essential to feature in-depth interviews with graduates currently working across arts-related industries. There is little doubt that hearing first-hand accounts of the specific steps (5) after graduation will prove to be of considerable benefit to students who are hoping to establish themselves professionally. (6) themselves to navigate the transition from academia to industry, these graduates are uniquely placed to offer meaningful guidance.
- Integrating Digital Tutorials: Looking ahead, I would strongly urge the editorial board to consider (7) a fortnightly digital edition to complement the monthly print version, rather than treating digital content as an afterthought. Beyond enabling the inclusion of video tutorials, this approach would serve to position the magazine as a forward-thinking publication. For instance, students who have spent time mastering software such as Photoshop® would find step-by-step tutorials on advanced techniques — such as 3D effects — both immediately applicable and highly motivating.
PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY
The advantages of the approach proposed above would include a significant and sustained increase in visibility at minimal cost. I would therefore strongly recommend promoting the magazine across social networking platforms and the college website simultaneously, so as to maximise reach from the outset. In the first instance, this would entail (8) a dedicated promotional page no fewer than three weeks prior to the first issue — a step that would not only raise awareness but also allow the student body to contribute articles well in advance of the publication date. It is worth (9) that, were this strategy to be implemented effectively, organic growth through student sharing (10) paid advertising entirely unnecessary.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, the evidence points overwhelmingly towards a high level of interest in a student-centric arts publication, and the time to act is clearly now. I am firmly convinced that the measures proposed above will not only answer the needs of our creative community, but will also ensure the magazine's longevity and continued relevance. I trust that these recommendations (11) due consideration and that they will meet with your full approval.
KEY
1. outlining
2. would have grown
3. adopting
4. to achieve
5. taken
6. Having struggled
7. providing
8. launching
9. noting
10. could/would render
11. will be given
