QUARTER 2 LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET NO: 3

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES (EAPP)

Module 3: Writes Various Kinds of Position Papers

[Link]
At the end of this lesson, you are expected to write various kinds of position papers.

II. INTRODUCTION
In this module, you will be guided on how to write a position paper. As a student, you are continuously
taking sides and forming opinions on anything that involves them. However, defending your point by simply
saying “because I think so”, won’t help you make a case. It is therefore important that you learn how to properly
outline your thoughts and make valid argument.

III. VOCABULARY LIST

Let’s enrich your vocabulary with these terms that you will encounter throughout this lesson:
• Position Paper: A formal, usually detailed written statement, especially regarding a single issue, that
articulates a position, view point, or policy, as of government, organization, or political candidate.
• Argument: A process of reasoning;; a statement, reason, or facts for or against a point.
• Opinion: A view or judgment formed about something, not necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
• Logical Appeal: Refers to a reasonable approach in developing an argument.
• Ethical Appeal: Refers to your credibility or believability and competence as a writer.
• Emotional Appeal: Uses arguments in a way that evokes or uncovers feelings.
• Fallacies: Errors in reasoning; a false or mistaken idea.

IV. ACTIVITIES/ LEARNING CONCEPT

PRE-TEST: Read the statement below. Write G if the practice is a good one. Write B if it’s not.
1. Anjo considers all possible views on the issue at hand.
2. Cristina boasts about her credentials to establish her credibility as a writer.
3. Glen primarily uses opinions and fallacies in supporting his arguments.
4. Dave uses emotional appeal in all his position paper because it is the best type of appeal.
5. Imee restates her position in the concluding paragraph.

LEARNING CONCEPTS

What is a Position Paper?

Presents an A stand • It presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a
opinion and
make a claim or supported by particular issue.
stand about an arguments and • It is a more complex version of a persuasive essay;
issue
evidence. however, a position paper is not an essay, but it has
Position a various part just like the concept paper. It can be
Paper likened with a debate, but the presentation of the
Expresses a arguments is in a written form. Presenting an
position, argument implies that you are favoring one side of the
conclusion or Its purpose is to
recommendation generate issue.
concerning a
contested issue or
support on an • The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a
undecided
issue. “position” on a certain matter or an issue. The goal of
questions a position is to convince the audience that your
opinion is valid and defensible.
• It is very important to ensure that you are addressing all sides of the issue and presenting it in a manner that
is easy for your audience to understand. Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade your
audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the topic being presented. It is important to support your
argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to refute the counterclaims to show
that you are well informed about both sides.

ACTIVITY 1: Write T If the statement is correct, otherwise write F.

1. A position paper presents two sides of an arguable opinion about an issue.

2. A position paper is a type of essay.
3. The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a “position” on a certain matter or an issue.
PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION

• Focus on three main points: • Summarize then conclude

• Start with a topic sentence 1. General statement of the your argument
that attracts attention and position
summarizes the issue. 2. Elaboration that references
• Inform the reader of your documents and source data
point of view. 1-2 PARAGRAPHS
3. Past experiences and
1 PARAGRAPH authoritative testimony
3 PARAGRAPHS

HOW TO WRITE A POSITION PAPER?

Here is a SAMPLE OUTLINE.

I. INTRODUCTION

A. Introduce the topic Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic
B. Provide background on the and your approach to it (your thesis statement), and to arouse
topic to explain why it is your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One effective
important way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a
C. Assert the thesis (your view of kind of backdrop that will put it in perspective. You should
the issue). More on thesis discuss the area into which your topic fits, and then gradually
statements can be found below. lead into your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis
statement).

II. BODY

1. Counter Argument 2. Your Argument

A. Summarize the counterclaims A. Assert point #1 of your claims
B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims a. Give your educated and informed
C. Refute the counterclaims opinion
D. Give evidence for argument b. Provide support/proof using more
than one source (preferably three)
You can generate counterarguments by asking B. Assert point #2 of your claims
yourself what someone who disagrees with you might a. Give your educated and informed
say about each of the points you've made or about opinion
your position. Once you have thought up some b. Provide support/proof using more
counterarguments, consider how you will respond to than one source (preferably three)
them--will you concede that your opponent has a C. Assert point #3 of your claims
point but explain why your audience should a. Give your educated and informed
nonetheless accept your argument? Will you reject opinion
the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken? b. Provide support/proof using more
than one source (preferably three)
Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a
sense that your argument is stronger than opposing You may have more than 3 overall
arguments. It is usually better to consider one or two points to your argument, but you should not
serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than have fewer.
to give a long but superficial list of many different
counterarguments and replies.

III. CONCLUSION
A. Restate your argument.
B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information.

The simplest and most basic conclusion is one that restates the thesis in different words and then discusses
its implications.

GUIDELINES ON WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Here are some key points to follow when writing a position paper:
1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following guidelines in mind.
• The issue should be debatable because you won’t be able to make a stand if the topic is not debatable.
• The issue should be written in a question form and answerable by yes or no.
• The issue should be current or relevant and narrow and manageable.
2. Begin the writing process by conducting in-depth research on the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and explain and analyze them objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources (3 or more) to establish the credibility of your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can present unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper in two pages.
9. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations.
10. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and use various evidence and data to refute them.
11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve dynamic and firm one.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach.
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning weaken your
argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal relates to your credibility and competence
as a writer; a logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an argument; while an emotional appeal
uses arguments in a way that evokes feelings.

SOME KEY POINTS

1. Writing with style and clarity

Although the content is important, it will not mean much if the reader can’t understand
what you are trying to say
2. Diction
It refers to the choice of words for the expression of ideas; the construction, disposition, and application of words
in your essay, about clearness, accuracy, variety, etc.; mode of expression; and language. There is a tendency
to use fancy words and extravagant images in hopes that it will make them sound more intelligent. However, it
is advisable to choose clear words and be as precise in expressing your ideas as possible.

3. Paragraphs
Here are two basic principles to remember:
a. A paragraph should address only one major idea per paragraph.
b. The divisions between paragraphs aren’t random but indicate a shift in focus. In other words you must
carefully and clearly organize the order of your paragraphs so that they are logically positioned throughout
your paper. Transitions will help you with this.

4. Transitions
Transitions are used to convey information clearly and concisely by establishing logical connections between
sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. They function as signs for readers that tell them how
to think about, organize and react to old and new ideas as they read through what you have written.

5. Grammar and Spelling

Mechanical errors such as grammar and spelling mistakes are usually the main reason from lack of clarity in
essays so be sure to thoroughly proofread your paper before handing it in. You may use [Link] for
help with common errors.

6. Plagiarism and Academic Honesty

Plagiarism is a form of stealing; as with other offences against the law, ignorance is no excuse. The way to
avoid plagiarism is to give credit where credit is due. If you are using someone else’s idea, acknowledge it,
even if you have changed the wording or just summarized the main points.
To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use
• another person's idea, opinion, or theory.
• any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings--any pieces of information--that are not common knowledge.
• quotations of another person's actual spoken or written words; or
• paraphrase of another person's spoken or written words.

ACTIVITY 2: Think of a problem that surround your community today. Indicate this
problem in first box provided on the left side of the chart below and provide your opinion
at least three about the issue.

ISSUE/ PROBLEM YOUR OPINION

Example: Passage of Anti-terror Law Example: I am not in favor because it
violates basic human rights such as the
Your Issue: right to free speech, etc.
_____________________________ 1._________________________________
_____________________________ 2._________________________________
_____________________________ 3. .________________________________
_____________________________
.
ACTIVITY 3: Read and comprehend the following outline of a position paper. Then, from the given issue below,
compose one position paper by following the given outline. Your position paper should be in a paragraph/s form.
You are given the privilege to choose the position on the issue, whichever is closer to your heart. Afterwards,
choose a partner/ a classmate to work with and write your position paper about the issue. This will serve as one
of your performance tasks/projects. Please follow the given format.
Bond Paper Size: Long Bond Paper No. of Pages: Two
Font Type and Size: Arial, 12 Deadline of Submission: January 25, 2022
Margins: 1 inch all sides

OUTLINE IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER CRITERIA %

1. Content
I. Introduction- One Paragraph Clear statement of the position;
A. Background and relevance of the issue Higher level of arguments; Effective 35%
B. Thesis statement (Use prior knowledge on opening statement; Debatable issue,
how to write thesis statement) Provision of counterarguments;
C. Reasons you believe what you do Method of presenting arguments;
II. Body- Three paragraphs Absence of logical fallacies; Good
A. explanation of reasons you believe what you conclusion
do and its opposing viewpoints. 2. Organization
III. Conclusion: One Paragraph Use of cohesive devices; Proper 25%
A. Restate your thesis in different words organization of ideas
B. Provide a suggestion or a call to action. 3. Style 20%
Voice; Variety of Sentence Structures;
Issue: DepEd’s Readiness for School Year 2021- Appropriate use of language
2022. 4. Grammar and Mechanics
Problem: Based on your perception, are DepEd Accuracy; Word Choice; Sentence 10%
and the students ready to facilitate the face-to- Structures; Spelling, capitalization and
face classes this year amidst pandemic? Punctuations
5. Documentation and Sources 10%
Do you agree or not? Whichever your stand, write Use of citation and reference format;
your argument through a position paper by Use of reliable and relevant sources
following the outline in writing one. TOTAL 100%

POST-TEST: Choose the letter of the correct answer from the choices.

1. What structure of academic text do we 6. How many main points can be written in the body of
follow in writing a position paper? the position paper?
a. One-paragraph structure essay a. One main point
b. Two-paragraph structure essay b. Two main points
c. Three-paragraph structure c. Three main points
d. IMRaD d. Four main points
2. In which part of the essay do we write the 7. How many sources will you have to provide in
action plan or recommendation of the position supporting your assertions?
paper? a. One source
a. Title page b. Two sources
b. Introduction c. Three sources
c. Body d. No need of any source
d. Conclusion 8. What is the ideal minimum number of paragraphs in
3. Which of the following does NOT include in a position paper?
the introduction of the position paper? a. Two paragraphs
a. Counterargument b. Three paragraphs
b. Background of the topic c. Four paragraphs
c. Importance of the topic d. Five paragraphs
d. Thesis of the position paper 9. How can you make your position paper strong?
4. Which part of the position paper you "refute" a. Be sure to annotate your paper
the counterclaim? b. Give an educated and informed opinion with
a. Introduction supporting evidence
b. Conclusion c. Apply citations and references in the introductory
c. Your argument part of the paper
d. Counter argument d. Record your observations and post them on
5. Which part of the position paper that you YouTube.
must restate the main points and final 10. What part of the essay do we restate the argument
comment? of the paper?
a. Introduction a. Introduction
b. Body: Counter Argument b. Body
c. Body: Your Argument c. Conclusion
d. Conclusion