English for Academic and Professional Purposes

1
Writing a Concept Paper

Week 0018: Writing a Concept Paper

Developing a concept paper follows after conceptualizing a product
or a project . These two stages are part of the process of planning
and of research. Knowing how to write a well -organized and
persuasive concept paper can convince a receiver to act on a
proposal. The goal of writing a concept paper is to explain a particular
idea to the audience objectively. If your audience doesn’t have the
knowledge about the issue, your job should be to inform them. If your
audience has some knowledge, your job is to add new things into the
discussion. Usually, a concept paper discusses a controversial topic
which could be interpreted in various ways. Many private foundations
have always required a concept paper be submitted for review prior to
the submission of a full proposal. A concept paper serves as a bid to
provide goods or services to an organization; or seeks approval for a
new method of doing something. Also called a proposal or a
prospectus, it is a short summary that tells the reader what the project
is, why it is important, and how it will be carried out.

In lesson 2, you will learn the use of gerunds and infinitives, including
how they can function as nouns and how the use of one or another
can change the meaning of the sentence.

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

a. determine the components of a concept paper;
b. recognize the uses of a concept paper;
b. identify the functions of gerunds and infinitives;
d. use gerund and infinitive in the sentences.

The Concept Paper

Definition

o A concept paper is a persuasive report written to convince

potential funders to sponsor a product, program, project or
services.
o The terms "concept paper" and "proposal" are often used
interchangeably as they can be used for the same function. It
contains in-depth information about how long a project may
take, how much money it may cost and how its completion may
benefit all parties.

Course Module
 o In the field of research , the concept paper is prepared as a
guide for the implementation of a program. It discusses best
practices, philosophies and other related issues that the writer
believes action should be taken on in the near future.

Uses of a Concept Paper:

 to obtain fund from donors

 to develop potential solutions or investigations into project
ideas
 to determine whether a project idea is fundable
 to serve as the foundation for a full proposal

Format of a Concept Paper:

I – Introduction
 Begins with your purpose statement.
 Should be clear, direct and detailed.
 Include information on how your project may contribute to the
mission and vision of the funding agency, and that your company
matches with their goals and ideals.

II – Rationale

 State the problem that your project will address or the need that
your project will fulfill.
 Explain the benefit of your project.
 Include supporting documentation like statistical data, facts,
historical data or ongoing issues surrounding the problem.
III- Project Description
 project's goals and objectives
 overview of the project's Methodology (also called Project
Activities or Action Plan).
 Timeline of the project
 The goals, objectives, and activities need to align closely
with each other and be accomplished within the proposed
timeline.
IV - Evaluation: Briefly state your intended outcomes and how you will measure
success.
V - Budget : state the resources you will need to carry out the project.
 Appearance is important. Use appropriate font and margins; check
tor spelling; number the pages; and, provide your contact
information.
 English for Academic and Professional Purposes
3
Writing a Concept Paper

Gerunds and Infinitives

A – Forms and Functions of Gerunds

GERUND – is a verb form ending with –ing and functions as a noun.

Functions Examples
object of a verb I enjoy reading.
Subject Reading is my favorite.
Gerund Complement My favorite pastime is reading.
Object of a preposition. By reading a lot, I learn about the world.
Thanks for performing for us.

B – Forms and Functions of Infinitives

The Infinitive is formed by using TO + simple form of a verb. Like the Gerund, it is a verb
form that can replace a noun.

Functions Examples

Object of a verb I would like to buy a new cellphone.

Subject To choose the right one takes a little time.

complement It is fun to try out all the models at a stereo store.

Glossary
Concept paper – is a document written to convince potential funders to sponsor a
product, program or services.
Formal report – refers to a complex situation or project. Includes report parts
and components, and typically is written in formal language.

Prospectus – is a preliminary written statement describing an enterprise, a

product, a project that is distributed to potential funders.
Rationale – an explanation stating the problem, reasons and benefit of a
project or product.
Report – is a planned, organized, factual presentation of information prepared for
a specific purpose and for a specific audience.

Course Module
References and Supplementary Materials
Books
Aquino, et al. (2013) Cross – Currents: English for the Professions. Quezon City. C
& E Publishing.
Brantley, C. and Miller, M. ( 2007) Effective Communication for Colleges.
Singapore. Thomson South Western
Dapat, J.R, O( 2013) Applied English for Academic and Professional Services.
Manila , Philippines. JFS Publishing
Werner, Patricia, k. (2007) Mosaic I Grammar. London. McGraw-Hill Education

Online Supplementary Reading Materials

Writing Concept Papers
https://custompapers.com/essays-articles/thesis-paper-writing/Retrieved May
21, 2017

How to Write a Concept Paper

http://www.wright.edu/leader/pdf/HG%20Brief%20-
%20How%20to%20Write%20a%20Concept%20Paper.pdf . Retrieved on 24 April
2017

Online Instructional Video

Writing Proposals Flashcards : Video and transcript.
study.com/academy/flashcards/writing-proposals- flashcards.html .Retrieved
on 24 July 2017

Ethical Issues in Formal Report Writing: Video and transcript

study.com/academy/ethical-issues-in-formal-report-writing.html. Retrieved on
24 July 2017