English For Academic and Professional Purposes: Quarter 2 - Module 2: Writes Various Kinds of Position Papers

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English for Academic and


Professional Purposes
Quarter 2 - Module 2:
Writes Various Kinds of Position Papers
2
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
Self- Learning Modules
QUARTER 2: Module 2: Writing a Position Paper

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English for Academic and


Professional Purposes

Quarter 2 - Module 1:
Writes Various Kinds of Position Papers

2
What This Module is About

Anchored on the mission of leaving no learners behind in the “new normal” of education,
this learning material will help you enhance your competencies in English for Academic and
Professional Purposes through variety of purposeful discussion and activities designed for
distance learning.
Integrated with learning tasks that are contextualized and differentiated, this module will
cater to the varied needs of learners and provide them with worthwhile learning opportunities
despite being on a distance-learning setting.

For the facilitator:


This module is designed for self-paced learning. As a facilitator of learning however, you
have an important role to play. You are the learners’ most reliable reference, and you know
where and when to scaffold and provide further assistance to them. By frequently monitoring the
learners’ progress, you can provide the needed intervention.

For the learner:


Be sure to honestly and independently do the activities in this module. They are intended
to help you master the competency at your own pace. Answer keys are provided at the end to
help you self-check your own answers. Should you find that your answer is wrong, think
carefully and review. By doing so, your mistakes are not wasted because you will learn from
them. If you have other concerns, do not hesitate to ask help from your teacher. You can also
use other references to further enhance your learning. Moreover, do not forget to have fun while
learning.

For Parents/Guardians:
Your main role is to make sure your child has a conducive place and enough time to
work on this module at home. To maximize learning, you can also help your child if he/she
encounters some difficulties but make sure it is really your child who does all the required tasks.
Finally, just feel free to contact your child’s English for Academic and Professional Purposes
teacher if needed.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:


What I Need to Know This part contains learning objectives that
are set for you to learn as you go along the
module each day/lesson.

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What I Know This is a pretest assessment as to your
level of knowledge to the subject matter at
hand, meant specifically to gauge prior
related knowledge.

What’s New This is an introduction of the new lesson


through various activities, before it will be
presented to you.

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a


way to deepen your discovery and
understanding of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are


intended for you to practice further in order
to master the competencies.

What I Have Learned These are activities designed to process


what you have learned from the lesson

What I Can Do These are tasks that are designed to


showcase your skills and knowledge
gained, and applied into real-life concerns
and situations.

Assessment These are tasks which aims to evaluate


your level of mastery in achieving the
learning competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activities will be


given to you to enrich your knowledge or
skill of the lesson learned. This also tends
retention of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in


the module.

4
References This is a list of all sources used in
developing this module.

5
What I Need to Know

In the previous lesson, you were able to learn effective ways of making sound
arguments that will support your stand on a specific topic. Moreover, you were taught how to
organize your reasoning, as well as how to identify kinds of claims and assertions to support
your chosen point of view.

This time, you will learn how to effectively write a position paper that you can use in
completing your academic and organizational requirements. This module will also help you learn
how to make sound arguments and evaluate valid support and evidence.

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

- defend a stand on an issue by presenting reasonable arguments supported by


properly cited factual evidence; and

- write a position paper.

What I Know

This time, we will try to find out how


ready you are in writing a position
paper. Answer the Pre-Test Activities
as directed. Do your best.

Pre-Test
Activity 1: PROs vs. CON
Directions: Choose a topic which you think is timely and relevant to our current situation.
Following the table below, identify and list down as many Pros and Cons you can think about
your chosen topic. A sample is given below.

Topic: Face to face classes amid Covid-19 pandemic


Pros Cons
• Learning is more comfortable and familiar in • Teachers and students’ health and safety will
a traditional classroom setting. be at risk.
• Better concentration and focus are achieved • New adjustment for new school setup
in school because of less distraction in school • Higher chances of acquiring and transmitting
than learning at home the virus

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Activity 2: Ads Analysis
Directions: Choose one advertisement from any platform (TV, Radio, or Print) and explain why
it is appealing to you. Include a cutout or a screenshot of the advertisement and paste it on your
answer sheet.

Congratulations!!!

You have completed the first two tasks. How do


you find them? Did you enjoy doing the tasks?

Now, it is time to learn about the position paper


and its parts, and how to write an effective one.

Lesson Proper
Writing a position paper is an example of an academic text. This kind of paper features
different claims and its arguments that are accurately constructed. Through this academic text,
students are equipped with skills in reasoning and building arguments that are grounded in
logic. This would also require research, gathering of proofs, and the creation of plausible
assertions that can be backed up with evidence (Saqueton, Uychoco, 2016).

Do you have other things


you wish to know about
writing an effective position
paper?

What’s New

Activity 1: Are You With Me?


Directions: Imagine that you are in the Senior High School Work Immersion Program. Read
each of the following points of view from different individuals. Which one do you agree or
disagree with? Encircle your answer and write a brief explanation on the next column.

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Views My Response Explanation
View A: “I will still be able to learn these skills
through the help of online and virtual AGREE DISAGREE
technologies.”
View B: “As a student who belongs to the
Academic Track, work immersion does not
effectively impact our learning since we are only AGREE DISAGREE
working on a limited environment with limited
educational and work resources.”
View C: “I am taking up Home Economics in the
TVL Track, and we don’t have the tools and
AGREE DISAGREE
equipment needed to learn bread and pastry
production.”
View D: “We have skilled and competent
teachers and trainers. I trust them.” AGREE DISAGREE

View E: “We are not even allowed to go out of


our house.” AGREE DISAGREE

What is It

A position paper is a type of academic writing in which the author presents his or her
position on a debatable issue and defends or supports it with evidence (Quipper, 2021).

The main purpose of a position paper is to persuade readers to take the position of the
writer. The position paper presents a unique approach to solve a problem based on what the
writer believes in and agrees with.

Because the position paper focuses on an issue that needs a stand from the writer, there
are certain criteria that you need to identify before writing your position paper:

a. Is the issue controversial?


b. Are there at least two distinct positions?
c. Are you personally interested in one of these positions?
d. Can you manage the scope effectively?

In order to achieve the purpose of a position paper, it is important for the writer to
address all sides of the issue. The audience or readers should see that the writer clearly
explains the issue at hand and has compelling evidence to support his or her stand.

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AUDIENCE

The audience is a very important consideration to take into account in writing a position
paper. The author should thus know the audience of his or her writing. Below are some guide
questions to ask.

a. Who is likely going to read the paper?


b. What are the general interests of the audience regarding the issue at hand?
c. What is the stand of most of the audience on the issue?
d. How does the issue affect the audience in general?
e. What kind of evidence would convince the audience to take the writer’s stand?

Structure of a Position Paper

contains the background and the writer's


stand on the issue.

arguments and evidence presented.

serves as a concluding paragraph which


includes the recommended solution of the
writer to the issue presented.

The Introduction

Write the specific issue, together with its importance and effect to the society. End the
introductory paragraph with your position statement or your stand on the issue. Keep in mind
that you could take only one side of the argument.

The Content/Body

The content may have several paragraphs. It may begin with short background
information or a discussion of arguments on both sides of the issue. In each paragraph, write an
explanation or observation to clarify the portion of the position statement, followed by the
supporting evidence.
Primary source quotation, interviews with field experts, a recommendation from scholarly
articles and position papers, historical dates or events, and statistical data can be used as
evidence.

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The End Statement or the Conclusion

On the last part of writing the paper, summarize and reinforce the concepts and facts
presented without repeating the introduction and its content. It is also optional to include the
procedure used to deal with the issue and your suggested possible solution or recommendation.

STAGES OF WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Pre-Writing Process

Before writing a position paper, you must (1) identify the issue to be discussed. The
issue must be interesting, valid, and specific. The issue must also have two identifiable positions
or sides – either in favor or against the claim or position statement. (2) Research both positions
and (3) collate the arguments, scholarly articles and in-depth studies from academic books and
journals.

After performing a thorough research on a certain issue and its arguments, you need to
(4) choose the position or side you want to support. Remember that this type of paper requires
you to take only one side of argument – either in favor or against the issue.

Writing Process

During this stage, the author writes the introduction, the body, and the conclusion of the
position paper.

a. Introduction – The writer defines the issue using the information that he or she
gathered from research and states his or her main position.

b. Body – The writer presents the main claims using a logical pattern. He or she uses
either inductive or deductive reasoning to present the evidence that supports each claim.
Also, he presents and disproves counterclaims.

c. Conclusion – The writer restates his or her position and claims and urges the readers
to take his or her side.

Revising

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Revision is important because it is necessary for the author to go over his or her work
and spot the mistakes and take the chance to improve his or her paper. In this stage, the author
develops his or her ideas further and ensures the mistakes and fallacies have been attended to.
Below are considerations the author should look into during this stage:

a. Content – Is the author able to support the position fully? Should he or sheprovide
more information?

b. Language – Has the author used formal language? Is the language biased? Does
he or she use the right words?

c. Organization – Do the ideas flow smoothly from one sentence to another or from
one paragraph to another? Are there any transitional devices used in order to make
sure that the paragraphs are coherent and cohesive?

d. Mechanics – Are there any grammar or spelling errors? Are there words that should
be capitalized?

Why is K-12 necessary?


The purpose of writing the
introduction is to give the
The implementation of the K-12 program this year has a reader an overview of the
tremendous effect on the Philippines’ education system. The issue and to arouse their
implementation by the Department of Education is in compliance interest to read your paper.
with the Republic Act 10533 Enhanced Basic Education Act of In this example, the writer
states a brief background
2012 mandating the ten-year to an additional two years, making
on the position statement or
it a twelve-year span of education for all. This paper will solely claims that will be the focus
focus on its claim that an additional two years is necessary to of this position paper.
improve the quality of education in the country.

The quality of education reflects on the achievement scores of The writer presents that the
the Filipino students. To note, the Philippines ranked twenty-third basis of the position
statement is the scores of
(23rd) out of twenty-five (25) countries that participated in the
the Filipino students. The
international test - the "Trends in International Mathematics and examination performance
Science Study" (TIMMS). The mathematics and science test shows a low quality of
were taken by grade four students in 2003. DepEd itself pointed education and it must be
out that the decline in quality of education is partly attributed to improved immediately.
the ten-year basic education cycle. Notice that the data was
taken from TIMMS and
must be cited in a footnote.

The paper still stands on the claim that the additional school years
are needed by our educational system. Based on the evidence
presented including the low-test scores in mathematics and sciences
by grade four Filipino students, it shows that the additional two years
will aid the student in gaining mastery of school subjects. Since our In this end statement,
country has one of the highest numbers of 6labor workforce in the the writer summarizes
world, focusing on both on enhancing knowledge and skills are and reinforces the
applicable to strengthen our workforce.  evidence. The
recommendation is
also provided at the
should focus on teacher training and development, for the law and
its implementation will not fully succeed without these teachers that
are fully equipped and highly skilled.
Source: https://link.quipper.com/en/organizations/5468b9d32294ee085c000042/
curriculum#curriculum

How To Build A Position?

1. EXPLORE. Read wisely about the topic. To succeed in building a position, you must
read what other people have written about it first.

2. BRAINSTORM. Consult with a friend or colleague. Remember, “two heads are better
than one.”

3. CREATE ASSERTIONS. Include assertions to create arguments that are strong and
convincing to readers.

4. GATHER THE EVIDENCE. Prove the points provided by presenting substantial and
relevant evidence. It is not appropriate to use moral or religious truths as these differ
from person to person, and one cannot assume that the person reading has the same
religious background.

5. HAVE CREDIBLE RESOURCES. Do not just rely on your knowledge. Research and
identify credible resources through journals, laws, and many more.

6. REFINE THE ARGUMENT. Further explanation is needed between the link of the
assertion and evidence, the use of further examples and situations, and the explanation
and contextualization of the evidence and its importance.

7. PREPARE FOR THE OPPOSITION/COUNTERCLAIM. When doing research, it is


imperative to read what the opposition has to say to refute them in your position paper.
How to refute? Find flaws in their arguments, check the quality of their sources (if biased
or not credible).

What’s More

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Enrichment Activities
Activity 1: I Am With You.
Directions: From your answers in Activity 1 (Are You With Me?), choose from among the views
that you agreed with and write your own stand about it. Use your answer sheet and copy the
format below. A sample is given to you.

Chosen viewpoint: “I will still be able to learn these skills through the help of online and
virtual technologies.”

Your Stand: Work Immersion for Senior High School students are possible, even in this
pandemic, through virtual demonstrations and other online platforms.

Assessment 1: True or False?


Directions: Read the statements below. In your answer sheet, write TRUE if the statement is
correct, and FALSE if it is not.

1. The main purpose of a position paper is to persuade readers to take the position of the
writer.
2. You can establish your paper’s credibility by presenting your claim based on relevant
research about your topic.
3. An effective position paper addresses all side of the issue.
4. The audience is not an important factor in writing a position paper.
5. Moral and religious truths are credible source of evidence.
6. Biases are necessary in position paper writing.
7. Overly opinionated stands are considered effective as the main point in your paper.
8. Disproving counterclaims reinforces your arguments that support your stand.
9. Research on both positions on the topic.
10. Informal language is accepted in position paper writing.

Activity 2: Analyzing Claims


Directions: Read and understand the text below. Identify the main claim, evidence, and
counterclaims presented using the given format below.

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WHY I HATE FACEBOOK

The use of social networking sites, in particular Facebook, can not only skew your
understanding of reality, but it can also cause you actual, physical harm. According to Jean
Conklin, a clinical psychiatrist at University of Maryland Hospital, in Baltimore, “Facebook is
to your mind what sugar is to your body – bad all around.”

The main reason we all ought to stop looking at Facebook is because it makes us
think that the people in our lives (or virtually in our lives, anyway) are happier, more fulfilled,
and more successful than they probably are - which makes us feel more depressed,
frustrated, and unfulfilled than we probably are.

Why? Think about it. How quickly do people post good news to Facebook? Exotic
vacations: engagements, anniversary parties, raises, promotions. . . when was the last time
you read that the devastatingly handsome new boyfriend of your college roommate is a
recovering alcoholic, or that the new six‐figure job that your old friend got two months ago did
not last two weeks because it turns out she did not have the people skills required to make it
work? “Thinking that everyone else is doing better in life than you are isn’t motivating,” says
Clint White, career counselor with My New Job, Inc. “It’s depressing, and can be debilitating
for some people, who think there’s something wrong with them because they have problems
in their life that no one else seems to have.” Mr. White cited fifty ‐ four clients in the past year
alone whom he has seen who were seeking a career change for no reason other than that
they did not believe that they are measuring up to their Facebook peers.

As if the psychological problems were not enough, Facebook triggers a stress


response in the body, even if you do not think or realized that you are stressed out. Studies
have shown that reading new information on Facebook triggers the release of glucocorticoid
(cortisol), your body’s stress hormone.

This messes with your immune system, and prevents the release of growth
hormones, and all these things keep your body in a state of chronic stress. If you have
digestive problems; if your hair or nails grow very slowly and it takes forever for cuts and
scrapes to heal; if you feel irritable and nervous or are susceptible to every virus and bacteria
that cruises through town, you may not need a trip to the doctor―you many just need to
delete your Facebook page. People survived for hundreds of years in an industrial society
without the necessity of blasting out every intimate detail of their lives to everyone with whom
they have ever crossed paths, or with whom that person has ever crossed paths. . . a real
relationship encompasses the good and the bad and includes genuine human to human
interaction. So, shut down the computer. Go out to lunch with a friend. Call your mother. Take
your kid to the zoo. And for goodness sake, do not post anything on Facebook about it when
you get!

Source: https://www.englishworksheetsland.com/grade7/readinginfo/7/3facebook.pdf

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Assessment 2: Come, find me.
Directions: Match the terms with their appropriate descriptions by writing the letter in the space
provided.

It contains the background and the writer's stand on


the issue. End Statement
The part of a position paper where arguments and
Content
evidence are presented.
These are statement that reflects the writer’s position Claims
about a topic.
Serves as a concluding paragraph which includes Assertions
the recommended solution of the writer to the issue
presented. Introduction
Declarative sentences that claim something is true
Position Paper
about something else.
The author’s main goal and strategy in writing a Audience
position paper.
Author’s position on a specific issue. Persuasion
A type of reasoning that starts with general
statements/idea before presenting examples and Deductive
What
other specific I Have Learned
information.
Stand
Target readers of a specific text
An academic paper that talks about one stand of the
topics
Keep these in mind:
a position paper takes only one side of
the argument.
If the paper represents a group of
people (e.g. committee or organization),
refrain from using first person singular
pronouns such as I, my, and mine; instead,
use first person plural pronouns like we, us,
our, and ours.
Cite the book or website where the
evidence including the statistical data and
facts. If unfamiliar with the bibliographic

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What I Can Do

WRITE. WRITE. WRITE.


Directions: Choose one from the given topics below. Write your own position paper in a short
bond paper. Be sure to include all the necessary elements of an effective position paper. Use
the rubric and template below as your guide.
Lowering the Age of Enhanced Community
Death Penalty: Agree or Disagree? Criminal Liability Lockdown in 2021:
Stop or Go?
Smartphones as major tool in SOGIE
Face-to-Face learning modality
learning Bill
Format:
INTRODUCTION (Include your position and your thesis)
BODY, PARAGRAPH 1 (First argument, claim, supporting details, evidence)
BODY, PARAGRAPH 2 (First argument, claim, supporting details, evidence)
BODY, PARAGRAPH 3 (First argument, claim, supporting details, evidence)
END STATEMENT/CONCLUSION (Thesis restatement and body summation)

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Assessment

Multiple Choice
Directions: Read the questions carefully. In your answer sheet, write the letter of the best
answer.

1. What is the main purpose of a position paper?


A. To inform B. To persuade C. To entertain D. To assume

2. Which of the following is the author’s main goal in writing a position paper?
A. Present and defend position with evidence.
B. Research on topic
C. Make claims
D. Entertain the readers

3. Which of the following must be avoided in position paper writing?


A. Formal language C. Choosing one side of the topic.
B. Supporting evidence D. Contractions

4. The following are the importance of counterclaims except:


A. A position paper should present counterclaims to show that other people may
take the opposing side.
B. Stating counterclaims lets the readers know that you have considered the
different sides of the issue.
C. Counterclaims add to the length of the paper and makes an impression on the
readers.
D. Counterclaims disprove and weaken your claims in the position paper.

5. The revision stage of a position paper is done through ______________________.


A. checking the organization of the paper
B. choosing a good topic
C. making a stand on a topic
D. research about the paper

6. This is the stage where the writer chooses the topic for the position paper.
A. Post writing B. Revision C. Prewriting D. Proofreading

7. Which action is done during the revising stage of writing a position paper?
A. writing the body of the paper C. choosing a topic
B. summarizing arguments D. checking the organization of the paper

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8. Which of the following is TRUE about counterclaims?
A. Counterclaims disprove and weaken your claims in the position paper.
B. Counterclaims add to the length of the paper and makes an impression on the
readers.
C. Counterclaims add to the length of the paper and makes an impression on the
readers.
D. A position paper should present counterclaims to show that other people may
take the opposing side.

9. The following are evidence that would convince the readers to take the writer’s stand,
except:
A. Personal experiences B. Opinions C. Statistics D. Facts

10. Suppose you defend the stand that animals should not be kept in zoos. You can use any
of the following in your position paper to defend the stand except:
A. statistics showing that keeping animals in zoos prevents them from becoming
endangered.
B. statistics stating that the life expectancy of animals in zoos is lower than that of
animals in the wild
C. descriptions of the environment in zoos and how inadequate the facilities are for
animals.
D. the inhumane practices in some zoos

Additional Activities

Activity 1: Let’s Debate.


Directions: Look for a pair – he/she can be a classmate, a friend, or a family member. Choose
one from any of the given topics below. Perform a simple debate with your pair as each of you
defends your chosen stand. Make sure to have a video or audio recording of your debate.
Review your recording and list all the identified claims, arguments, and evidence from both
sides.

Lowering the Age of Enhanced Community


Death Penalty: Agree or Disagree? Criminal Liability Lockdown in 2021:
Stop or Go?
Smartphones as major tool in SOGIE Bill
Face-to-Face learning modality
learning

13
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