QUARTER 2

Writing the Position Paper

What I know

Test I. Directions: Read the following statements and choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. A position paper is sometimes called_____________.
A. concept paper B. technical report
C. point of view paper D. critique paper
2. The following are essential in writing the position paper, except
A. Introduce the topic
B. provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
C. assert the thesis
D. provide explanation but not the evidence
3. It is a one- sentence statement about the topic.
A. thesis B. argument C. main idea D. introduction
4. What source to use if you are doing introductory information and overviews?
A. books, government reports B. academic journals
C. newspapers, magazines D. directories, encyclopedias, handbooks
5. The following are asked to present a strong argument, except
A. Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
B. Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?
C. Is this a lengthy issue?
D. Are you personally interested in advocating one of these positions?

What’s In

You have learned in the previous module on how to develop a concept paper. It guides you to
prepare a short summary that tells the reader about the project and its importance. It also prepares
you to shape your academic writing skills. Now you are ready to step up.

2
What’s New

Activity 1.1 Rearrange the letter to form words. Hint: problems and issues of today

1. P R E N S S I O D E

2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R

3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S

4.T A G E N E E YCNGANEPR

5. E S A M XSE EGMRRAIA

What is It

LESSON 1 WHAT IS A POSITION PAPER?

Key Points

A position paper is an essay that expresses a position on an issue. It gives arguments that
support the opinion of the writer based on the facts collected. Are you ready to express your opinion?
How to organize your position paper? Follow these easy steps to develop your position paper. This
outline helps you organize your paper as easy as 123.

Introduction

You have to introduce the topic, and then provide history or background of the issue. You
may also describe the issue on-hand so do your research.

Body
You have to state the opposing argument by briefly describing them. You may also include
details that support the opposing claim. Then, after writing the counter argument, now write your
argument and give your point of view. Provide evidence that support your claim. Now you state
3
 your second argument followed by your third argument. Make sure to provide details that support
the argument given.

Conclusion

Now, you can restate both sides of the argument, summarize the three arguments made in
your essay. Lastly, provide a call for action.

Smart Technology is Here

- Francis J. Kong (The Philippine Star) - June 24, 2018 - 12:00am

Technology is changing things. Sometimes, we are so enamored with all the new gadgets and
other shiny objects; we scrape up a lot of money from our hard-earned savings just to make sure we
have them lest we lag behind.
Technology does not only change things, it has transformed the way we lived and the rate of
change is accelerating. Consider the changes that have happened over the years. After the years
following the Civil War, there were a handful of technologies that reconfigured existence.
Thomas Edison’s light bulb extended the working day and may have created the workaholic.
The air-conditioner provided cool and comfort for hot and humid days and it pushed us indoors
all day, causing the reduction of our vitamin D levels.
The jet engine have shrunken distance but increased the scope of business as in warfare.
Radio and television spread information on massive scales which penetrated homes and
private spaces, and shaped culture.
Appliances sped up our tasks and chores, but reduced our physical strength.
Computers reduced outdoor activities but, in its stead, created an industry called fitness gyms.
Smart phones become the universal device for almost every technology application, and at the
same time have raised our stress and tension levels.
Social media has been able to bridge people from across the world, yet has isolated the
people nearest them.
This is strange but it seems like the more social media one uses, the less social he or she
becomes.
Technology has now created new businesses that the world has never seen before. Suddenly,
YouTube stars that would ever have had the slightest opportunity to flash their faces on the TV or
movie screens and become overnight stars, and earn millions to the consternation of their parents who
still believe that they should get a “real job.”
Even the way I go to sleep and the way I wake up from my sleep has been altered by
technology. For the past two to three years, I have not physically set my alarm clock to the time I need
to get up to start the day. I have always said, “Alexa, wake me up tomorrow morning at 6:15 a.m. to
the sound of classical music.” And then, my A.I.-enabled cylinder that I purchased from Amazon.com
will respond: “Alarm set tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock to classical focus on amazon music.” And it
does.
4
 Now, expect more of this to happen. More people will be talking to their devices. Google home
products, Apple’s Home pod, and Amazon’s Echo are all competing in this field. This might pose as a
challenge for people to be reminded that when they talk to humans, they should still communicate with
grace and respect. With machines, one can be rude, impatient and be ill-mannered wanting to get the
information we want but humans are not machines. I can be awakened by Alexa with its classical
music playing and in my still foggy mind and half-wakefulness say, “Alexa, shut up: and it does stop.
But can you imagine me talking this way to my clients or my family?
Smart technology is now similar to media in its ability to shape our lives in a thousand ways
and in even more pervasive means. We have even witnessed the rise of fake news and false content,
and have seen how many young people have become bashers and bullies, cussing and cursing in loud
voices instead of improving their arguments through intelligent conversations to the benefit of no one
but perhaps, to a handful of marketing people whose sole mission in life is to create noise, traffic, and
click counts to raise up ad revenues for their sites. Technology can diminish emotional intelligence as
those who are immersed in it become socially and emotionally lazy, thanks to all the screens in our
lives.
Geoffrey Fowler already has a sinister name for this fake news and false contents in social
media as he calls it: “counterfeit reality.” I guess what has happened over the years is that civilization
driven by mass media and technology has replaced our preference from a culture of character to a
culture of personality.
Technology will not go away. It is not a passing fad. Businesses will be challenged, jobs will
possibly be replaced, and so we should learn it, know more about it and most importantly use it for
good and not as a means to justify the means and in many case….the “mean-ness.”
Famous book author and professor Adam Grant whom I had the privilege of meeting and
interviewing years ago says this beautifully:
“We could” – refers to the creativity we can employ through smart technology.
“We should” – refers to the ethical and moral decisions we need to consider in its usage.
I am interested in technology developments. I am sure it will improve many people’s lives, but
the same materials can also be used to advance evil and harm. Therefore, we need to be reminded
that technology is moral-neutral. It is still the heart of the person using it that matters. Use technology
for what matters most and that is for the good — for everyone’s sake.

Source: https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/06/24/1827252/smart-
technologyhere#7dKHY4z5uOELgVFO.99

What’s More

Activity 1.2

1. What is the opinion of the writer about technology?

(State the writer‘s position)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. Do you agree with the writer? Why? Why not?

(Helpful Tip: Useful Expression in agreeing or disagreeing with the views of others.

5
I agree with the writer’s claim that… I don’t agree with the author’s ideas/ thoughts…because…)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. State the first argument of the writer? The first argument of the writer is
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

4. What is the conclusion of the writer?

(Helpful Tip: Useful Expression in Drawing Conclusion Using the Work of Others
Based on the writer, a connection can be made between…or As a conclusion…)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

5. If you were to write a position paper what will be your stance about technology? (Helpful Tip :
Useful Expression in presenting your own point of view… I strongly believe that... I think/contend
that…)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

The position paper is an academic writing in which viewpoints are expressed. The goal
of writing a position paper is to convince the audience, and that the arguments are
valid, and substantial.

GETTING DEEPER!
Lesson:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I want to say about the lesson:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I found out:

_________________________________________________________________________

6
 _________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do

Activity 1.4 Stating your Claims. Do you agree or disagree legalizing same sex marriages in our
country? Why? Why not?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Activity 1.5 Point your Reasons. What is your stand on the increasing rates of
T E E N A G E P R E G N A N C Y? State your main idea or claim and supporting arguments on the
table provided.
Main Idea/Claim: (A claim is an idea or arguable opinion that you have come up with on a
given issue)

Reason/Evidence: (Your reasons should support your claim and opinion based on facts)

Activity 1.6 Know your Stand. Write a three- paragraph essay stating your position on the use of
social media, will you consider it as a boon or bane?

7
 __________________________
(Write your own title)

Introduction: (In the introduction part you should capture the reader’s attention, define the
issue given and state your claim.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Body: (State three arguments then cite the evidence supporting your arguments
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion: (This part includes restating your claim, summarizing reasons and explaining why
your stand/ claim is worthy to read)
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

8
Source:https://eng.ucmerced.edu/people/awesterling/SPR2014.ESS141/Assignment s/rubric2.pdf

What’s New

What are the different issues in your school, community and country? And what is your stand
about it?

9
 SOCIAL MEDIA SMOKING

LEGALIZATION BULLYING
OF

DIVORCE

GIVING OF
HOMEWORK TO
STUDENTS

What is It

LESSON 2: DEFENDING A STAND ON AN ISSUE AND WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Your claim is your position/stand on a particular issue, which is what you are going to
defend in your position paper. You should base your claim on what you can prove on your evidences.

LET’S CLAIM IT!

The table below shows example of issues and its possible claims/stand or position.
ISSUES CLAIM/STAND/POSITION
SOCIAL MEDIA - Social media gives negative effect on
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 students’ academic performance.
- Social media is helpful to students.
- Divorce should not be legalized in the
Philippines
LEGALIZATION OF DIVORCE - Divorce will help unhappy couples to
give themselves chance to love
again.
- Bullying affect students’ behaviour in
school.
BULLYING
- Bullying will not affect students’
behaviour in school.
- Smoking should be banned in public
places
SMOKING - Smoking is a choice and people
should have freedom to do whatever
makes them happy.
- Homework should be mandatory to
students.
HOMEWORK
- Homework gives students less time
for recreation and family time.

TAKE NOTE!

To be able to defend your own stand on an issue, you have to take note of the following:
 Clearly identify the issue that you believe is affecting you and your community. You can
have 2 or more issues.
 From the issues that you identified, take on a side that you can defend.
 Given the issues that you chose, identify other concepts or ideas that you can associate
with the issues.
 Formulate statements that will express your stand towards the issues. These statements
may convey the message that the issues are having negative effects on people and the
community.
 Gather factual evidences to support your arguments regarding the issue. This evidence
may be taken from official statement of the government agencies, political leaders and
academic authorities.
 Make sure that your statements are strong enough to convince or persuade your readers
into action to address the issue.

What’s More

Activity 2 - READING

Should Homework be Mandatory?

11
I can almost see many students nodding along with me as I ask this question. Younger generations
overloaded with home tasks and numerous assignments have already raised this issue many times.

Yet, homework remains mandatory.

Is it fair or should it be cancelled?

I believe that homework should not be viewed as a mandatory part of education for several reasons.

First, children spend seven hours every single work day at school. That is a huge chunk of life, and
with homework added on top of these hours, a child is left with no time to live his life to the fullest,
socialize, or grow in other areas.

Second, sitting at your desk solving problems does no good to your health. Kids need time to get
outside and have some fun, join a football league, or ride their bikes with friends around the block.
Otherwise, children will be very smart but surprisingly weak physically.

Another argument against this position is that homework is not always the best way to obtain
knowledge quality-wise. Students tend to ask their parents or siblings for help whenever facing
difficulties. Busy parents not always willing to spend extra time explaining school material to their little
one solve the problems themselves aiming to have more time for family, not lessons. As a result, the
child will have the homework done. But that’s really not his work. So, the whole idea of dedicating time
to self education is lost here.

Finally, knowing that after classes you would still have to work at home makes a kid less concentrated
at school. This results in short attention spans and difficulty to concentrate on something for too long.

All in all, homework should rather be an option. Students understanding that they are left behind at
some subjects will take their time to go over the material at home. However, in other cases, they
should have time after school for other activities.

Accessed from: (https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-help-you-graspthe-idea/)

Guide Questions:

1. What is the position paper about?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is/are the claim/s of the writer?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. If you were the writer, what will be your stand? Defend your answer.
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

In writing a position paper, you should take note of the following:

consider issue/topic that is truly controversial at present and that it is worth
discussing.
know where you stand on a particular issue is essential in writing a position paper.

12
 base your stand on what you can prove on your evidences.

GETTING DEEPER!
Lesson:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I want to say about the lesson:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I found out:

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do
Activity 2.3

From the issues in the chart below, defend your stand by writing a position paper with
the intention of convincing your reader to support your stand. Write your position paper on the
space provided for.
ISSUES STAND/CLAIM/POSITION
Poverty
Legalization of Marijuana
Dating/PDA Among Students in School
Abortion
School Uniform

(Write your position paper here on the issue of your choice.)

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Assessment
Test I. Directions: Read the following statements and answer the following questions.
1. A position paper is sometimes called_____________.
A. concept paper B. technical report
C. point of view paper D. critique paper
13
 2. The following are essential in writing the position paper, except
A. Introduce the topic
B. provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
C. assert the thesis
D. provide explanation but not the evidence
3. It is a one- sentence statement about the topic.
A. thesis B. argument C. main idea D. introduction
4. What source to use if you are doing introductory information and overviews?
A. books, government reports B. academic journals
C. newspapers, magazines D. directories, encyclopedias, handbooks
5. The following are asked to present a strong argument, except
A. Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
B. Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?
C. Is this a lengthy issue?
D. Are you personally interested in advocating one of these positions?

Test II.

1.In your own words, what is a position paper?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

2. List all possible issues/concerns that the country is facing today.

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

3. In what ways you can develop your arguments?

_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

14
 MODULE 4

What I Know
Test I.
1.B
2.D
3.A
4.D
5.C

What’s New
Activity 1.1
1. DEPRESSION
2. CYBERBULLYING
3. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
4. TEENAGE PREGNANCY
5. SAME SEX MARRIAGE

What’s More
Activity 1.2
1. Answers may vary 2. Answers may vary 3. Answers may vary 4. Answers may vary 5.
Answers may vary

Activity 1.3 Getting Deeper Answers may vary

Activity 1.4 Answers may vary
Activity 1.5 Answers may vary
Activity 1.6 Answers may vary

Module 4 Lesson 2
Activity 2.1 Answers may vary
Activity 2.2 Getting Deeper Answers may vary
Activity 2.3 Answers may vary

Assessment
Test I.
1. B
2.D
3.A
4.D
5.C

Test II.
1. The position paper is an academic writing in which viewpoints are explained and justified with
valid arguments
2. Answers may vary
3. Answers may vary