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Eapp q2 Module 3
Eapp q2 Module 3
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English for Academic and Professional Purposes. -Grade 11- 12
Quarter 2 – Module 3: Writes various kinds of position papers.
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SHS
This instructional material was developed based from the Most Essential
Learning Competencies (MELC) in English for Academic and Professional
Purposes in response to the new normal scheme in learning delivery of the
Department of Education. This module was collaboratively reviewed by
educators and program specialists in the Regional Office V. We encourage
teachers and other educational stakeholders to email their feedback, comments,
and recommendations to the Department of Education at
____________________.
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Welcome to Module 3, Learner! After this module, you will only need to study six
more lessons and you’ll be soon done with this awesome subject! What an
amazing accomplishment! Congratulations in advance!
In this module, you will be guided on how to write a position paper. Several
learning concepts are prepared for you to have a clearer understanding of the
lesson.
Before you start browsing this module, may we please give you some reminders:
• Explore the module at your own pace. Allot considerable time so that you
will be able to cover the concepts included in this module.
• The lessons are self-taught. In case you find some of the concepts difficult
or confusing, you can do additional or supplemental readings using
whatever resources possible.
• To have a more reliable output, you are encouraged to cite, explore some
other resources available such as books, newspapers, articles, etc.
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Below are the words you will encounter in the discussion in the next
following pages. This section will help you unlock those words to better understand its context.
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Position
Learning
Concept 1 paper
Expresses a position,
conclusion, or
recommendation concerning
a contested issue or
undecided question.
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A position paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue. Writing
a position paper entails outlining arguments and proposing the course of action; by doing so,
you are already taking part in a large debate. It is a more complex version of a persuasive
essay, however, a position paper is not an essay, but it has a various parts just like the concept
paper. It can be likened with a debate but the presentation of the arguments is in a written
form. Presenting an argument implies that you are favoring one side of the issue.
Aside from this, you also have the power to change the opinions and attitude of others
when you write a position paper. Because of this, a position paper can be essential tool in
bringing about societal change. For example, if you do not agree with a certain issue or rule,
you can write a position paper to reflect your point of view.
Like a debate, a position paper presents one side of an arguable opinion about an
issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and
defensible. Ideas that you are considering need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic,
developing your argument, and organizing your paper. 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.
Issue Criteria
To take a side on a subject, you should first establish the arguability of a topic that interests
you. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you will be able to present a strong
argument:
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Let’s check how you understood the concepts in the previous page. You are not
allowed to go back on the previous page.
Learning Concept 2
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INTRODUCTION
a) Analyze the source/quote: pull it apart sentence by sentence and explain the
meaning of the source both in general terms and more specifically
b) Identify the perspective the source/quote reflects:
c) Explain your understanding of that ideology (discuss key underlying beliefs or
political principles or economic principles)
d) State your position. Do you agree with the ideological perspective or not?
NOTE:
If taking a qualified position, state it clearly and precisely.
II. BODY
a) Explain your first reason to support your position
b) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your first argument
c) Explain your second argument/reason
d) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your second argument
e) Explain your third argument/reason
f) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your last argument
NOTE:
In General, the strongest/best argument should be the last. Others would advise
the first argument by the strongest/best; never the middle argument.
III.CONCLUSION
(Summarize, restate in a forceful manner your position)
NOTE:
Please remember that the conclusion should not merely be a brief repetition of your
results – in that case your discussion would seem fairly pointless. Focus instead
on what your results may imply after careful consideration (consideration that you
have outlined in your discussion).
Sample Outline
I. Introduction
___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
___C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). More on thesis statements can be found
below.
Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic and your approach to it (your
thesis statement), and to arouse your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One effective
way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a kind of backdrop that will put it
in perspective. You should discuss the area into which your topic fits, and then gradually lead
into your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis statement).
You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself what someone who disagrees with
you might say about each of the points you've made or about your position as a whole. Once
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you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them--will you
concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless
accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken?
Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than
opposing arguments.
When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly
and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have
seriously considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not simply attacking or
mocking your opponents.
It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than
to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.
Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. If considering a
counterargument changes your position, you will need to go back and revise your original
argument accordingly.
You may have more than 3 overall points to your argument, but you should not have
fewer.
IV. 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.
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FIX ME!
Directions: Below is a selection not arranged accordingly. Your job is to fix the
Selection chronologically by putting numbers 1 to 4; 1 being the Introduction, 2
and 3 as the body and 4 as the Conclusion. Write your answers in your notebook.
_____Gandhi’s two most notable fasts were in September 1947 and January 1948. In the first,
shortly after India won its independence in august 1947, the governor of Calcutta spoke of him
not as “Mahatma” but as “the magician,” for he successfully ended a summer violence and
bloodshed in a vicious civil war between Muslim and Hindus that had left 4000 dead and
20,000 wounded. In the second, fasted to promote tolerance among Sikhs, Hindus and
Muslim. Because he was successful in achieving consensus among leaders of the various
groups, it is ironic that Gandhi was assassinated 10 days later by a fellow Hindu. The militant
could not tolerate his view that Muslim and Hindus were equal and no one religion was superior
to another.
_____Throughout his career, Gandhi staged a total of 17 hunger strikes. The first was in 1918
to express his solidarity with mill workers. They had lost their positions because of a labor
dispute and were unable to feed their families. To demonstrate his support for their cause and
for their suffering. He initiated a fast, which resulted in a quick settlement and increased wages
for the laborers. In 1932, he began a “fast until death” to protest discriminatory British laws.
_____Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), honored by his supporters with the name Mahatma or
“great soul” was a prominent twentieth-century Indian politician and spiritual leader. Through
his philosophy based on courage, truth, and non-violent resistence, he established a number
of economic and social reforms for India. Furthermore, he effectively led the nation to its
independence in1947. One of his most potent forms of protest was the hunger strikes or fast.
_____These were aimed at legalizing the caste system and segregating the dalits or
untouchable caste into a separate electoral body. In 1933, the respected leader began a three-
week hunger strike to protest British rule in the country. In 1939, he fasted for the same reason
and to promote the cause of independent and unified India. In august 1947, his dream was
realized, albeit with partitioning of greater India into the two separate nations of India and
Pakistan, with a majority of Hindus in the former and a predominance of Muslim in the latter.
If YES, you are absolutely awesome! It means that you are understanding
the concept discussed above.
If NO, do not despair. You can always try it again! I firmly believe that you
can do that!
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Guidelines on Writing a Position Paper
Learning Concept 23
Issue
argue
research
voice
Vocabulary
citation
Analyze
Guidelines
2 pages
Weakness
perspective
evidence appeal
logical fallacy
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 current or relevant.
• The issue should be written in a question from and answerable by yes or no.
• The issue should be narrow and manageable.
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Writing with style and clarity
Many students make the mistake of thinking that the content of their paper is all that
matters. Although the content is important, it will not mean much if the reader can’t understand
what you are trying to say. You may have some great ideas in your paper but if you cannot
effectively communicate them, you will not receive a very good mark. Keep the following in
mind when writing your paper:
Diction
Diction refers to the choice of words for the expression of ideas; the construction,
disposition, and application of words in your essay, with regard to clearness, accuracy, variety,
etc.; mode of expression; and language. There is often a tendency for students to use fancy
words and extravagant images in hopes that it will make them sound more intelligent when in
fact the result is a confusing mess. Although this approach can sometimes be effective, it is
advisable that you choose clear words and be as precise in the expression of your ideas as
possible.
Paragraphs
Creating clear paragraphs is essential. Paragraphs come in so many sizes and patterns
that no single formula could possibly cover them all. The two basic principles to remember are
these:
2) 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.
Transitions
In academic writing your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to
convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by
establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers.
In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present them.
Whether single words, quick phrases or full sentences, 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.
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LOGICAL TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
RELATIONSHIP
Similarity also, in the same way, just as ... so too, likewise, similarly
Exception/Contrast but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on
the contrary, still, yet
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Now that you are able to complete the
different learning concepts, let’s practice what
you have learned.
YOUR OPINION
ISSUE/PROBLEM Example: I am not in favor
Example: Passage of Anti-terror because it violates basic human
Law rights such as the right to free
speech, etc.
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
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2. In which part of the essay do we write the action plan or recommendation of the
position paper?
Title page
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
3. Which of the following does NOT include in the introduction of the position paper?
Counter-argument
Background of the topic
Importance of the topic
Thesis of the position paper
Introduction
Conclusion
Your argument
Counter argument
5. Which part of the position paper that you have to restate the main points and final
comment?
Introduction
Body: Counter Argument
Body: Your Argument
Conclusion
6. How many main points can be written in the body of the position paper?
7. How many sources will you have to provide in supporting your assertions?
One source
Two sources
Three sources
No need of any source
Two paragraphs
Three paragraphs
Four paragraphs
Five paragraphs
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9. How can you make your position paper strong?
10. What part of the essay do we restate the argument of the paper?
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
DIRECTIONS. Read and comprehend the following outline of a position paper. Then,
decide what issue you are going to write. After that, fill up the parts of a position paper
using the template below. Your reasons or opinions should be supported by facts. In a
separate sheet of paper, write your answers with a minimum of five paragraphs.
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DIRECTIONS: From the list of issues/topics enumerated below, compose ONE position
paper by taking a stand. You are given the privilege to choose the position on the issue,
whichever is closer to your heart. In a separate sheet of paper, write your position paper.
Your position paper will be rated based on the rubrics that we use on the “Optional
Task.” Please remember the guidelines that we discussed in the previous pages.
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DIRECTIONS: From the list of Topics listed in the Post-Test section, write
theses statements showing your position on the other three issues that you did
not select. Write your answers in your notebook.
Assignment
TOPIC 1: ___________________________________________________
Issue: ___________________________________________________
Problem: __________________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
TOPIC 2: ___________________________________________________
Issue: ___________________________________________________
Problem: __________________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement:
_________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.
TOPIC 3: ___________________________________________________
Issue: ___________________________________________________
Problem:__________________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement:
_________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.
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References:
Barrot, J., Sipacio, P. (n.d.). English for Academic and Professional Purposes for Senior High
School. Pp 186-187
Listmann, E. (2019, March 29). How to Write a Position Paper. Https://Www.Wikihow.Com/.
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Position-Paper
Valdez, P. (2016). English for Globalized Classroom Series: English for Academic &
Professional Purposes. Phoenix Publishing House.
Valdez, P. N. (n.d.). English for Academic and Professional Purposes for Senior High School.
Phoenix Publishing House pp. 66-71
Writing Position Paper. (2015, September 30). Http://Www.Sfu.ca/Cmns/.
https://www.sfu.ca/cmns/130d1/WritingaPositionPaper.htm
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ANSWER KEY
A. PRE-TEST
1. G
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. G
B. KNOWLEDGE CHECK (Learning Concept 1)
1. F
2. F
3. T
C. KNOWLEDGE CHECK (Learning Concept 2)
(1) Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), honored by his supporters with the name
Mahatma or “great soul” was a prominent twentieth-century Indian politician and
spiritual leader. Through his philosophy based on courage, truth, and non-violent
resistence, he established a number of economic and social reforms for India.
Furthermore, he effectively led the nation to its independence in1947. One of his
most potent forms of protest was the hunger strikes or fast.
(2) Throughout his career, Gandhi staged a total of 17 hunger strikes. The first was
in 1918 to express his solidarity with mill workers. They had lost their positions
because of a labor dispute and were unable to feed their families. To demonstrate
his support for their cause and for their suffering. He initiated a fast, which resulted
in a quick settlement and increased wages for the laborers. In 1932, he began a
“fast until death” to protest discriminatory British laws.
(3) These were aimed at legalizing the caste system and segregating the dalits or
untouchable caste into a separate electoral body. In 1933, the respected leader
began a three-week hunger strike to protest British rule in the country. In 1939, he
fasted for the same reason and to promote the cause of independent and unified
India. In august 1947, his dream was realized, albeit with partitioning of greater
India into the two separate nations of India and Pakistan, with a majority of Hindus
in the former and a predominance of Muslim in the latter.
(4) Gandhi’s two most notable fasts were in September 1947 and January 1948.
In the first, shortly after India won its independence in august 1947, the governor
of Calcutta spoke of him not as “Mahatma” but as “the magician,” for he
successfully ended a summer violence and bloodshed in a vicious civil war
between Muslim and Hindus that had left 4000 dead and 20,000 wounded. In the
second, fasted to promote tolerance among Sikhs, Hindus and Muslim. Because
he was successful in achieving consensus among leaders of the various groups, it
is ironic that Gandhi was assassinated 10 days later by a fellow Hindu. The militant
could not tolerate his view that Muslim and Hindus were equal and no one religion
was superior to another.
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D. PRACTICE TASK 2
VGE GE SE LE N
(5) (4) (3) (2) (
0
)
Content 35%
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VGE GE SE LE N
(5) (4) (3) (2) (
0
)
Organization 25%
Style 20%
Grammar is accurate.
Total
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