Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
1
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 – Module 3: Writing a Position Paper
First Edition, 2020
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or
office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit.
Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of
royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.
Development Team:
Chairperson: Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III
Regional Director
Members: Neil A. Improgo, PhD, EPS-LRMS; Bienvenido U. Tagolimot, Jr., PhD, EPS-ADM;
Erlinda G. Dael, PhD, CID Chief; Maria Teresa M. Absin, EPS (English); Celieto B.
Magsayo, LRMS Manager; Loucile L. Paclar, Librarian II; Kim Eric G. Lubguban,
PDO II
2
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
PAGE NO.
OVERVIEW 1
MODULE CONTENT 1
COMPETENCIES 1
LESSON 1
Objectives 2
Pre-assessment 3
Lesson Proper 4
Enrichment Activities 5
Generalization 7
Application 9
Post-assessment 12
Additional Activities 15
LESSON 2
Objectives 16
Pre-assessment 16
Lesson Proper 18
Enrichment Activities 20
Generalization 24
Application 25
Post-assessment 28
Additional Activities 30
ANSWER KEY 32
REFERENCES 32
5
For the Learners
Module Content:
In this part of the module, you will learn to critically evaluate issues, use
factual evidences and consequently pose convincing stand through a well-crafted
position paper. So, have fun and maximize your speaking potential.
Learning Competencies:
General Instructions:
1. Read texts carefully so that you can easily comprehend what you are
reading.
2. Cultivate unbiased judgement through keen evaluation of evidences on
6
issues that affect the community nowadays.
3. Ensure valid expression of stand and opinion through a position paper.
4. Follow instructions given and ask if there is something that you did not
understand.
5. Have fun as you learn. This course is very important no matter what your
strand is. When you have fun, you can easily learn the lessons.
LESSON 1
OBJECTIVES:
Pre-Assessment
Test I. IDENTIFICATION
Instructions: Identify the term being described from the statements below.
Write T if the statement is true and write F if otherwise. Write your answers in your
notebook.
________1. Position Paper reflects series of statements for or against something that
involves logic, research evidence and assertion to make persuasion.
_______2. As a type of paper, position paper should not only criticize but should also
express challenges.
7
_______3. A manifesto can be written by anybody regardless of status.
_______4. A social issue can be a good subject of an essay.
_______5. The body of an essay is where evidences are stated to prove a claim.
_______6. Conclusions in an essay are more detailed than the body.
_______7. Evidences in an argument add weight to a claim.
_______8. An emphatic statement at the end of an argument will influence
adjudicators / judges in a debate to merit the speaker’s claim.
_______9. Gathering of evidences need not be done as long as words are chosen
properly to express strong claim.
_______10. Thorough investigation about a subject must be observed in any essay.
Copy the puzzle below in your notebook and encircle the terms that pertains
to writing a Position Paper. You can go horizontal or diagonal.
A A R G U M E N T L
S M R F G U I L T Y Argument
F T I M M I N L E D
Stand
P L A I N N E D E I
H I N N D R N C K S Evidences
A L L I D C K W Z S
L C R U E L T Y P U Opinion
E V I D E N C E S E
Issues
D I S C U S S E S S
L O P I N I O N B R
D D W O R M E D E D
E G R E T T I E N L
8
How did you find the activity? Keep your focus. You will come across
those words in the next activities. Good Luck!
B. Body of the paper– this part illustrates the central argument which can be
presented through a brief description of the argument. Details, point of
view, evidences are used to support the claim. It can be divided into these
sections namely: background information, evidence supporting the
author’s position, and a discussion which addresses and refutes
arguments that present both sides of the issue.
C. Conclusion – this part restates the main points, then summarizes the
arguments made in the paper and then provides a call of action.
9
Position papers are utilized to present an issue and to generate a support on
the issue. Therefore, gathering factual information to support your argument would
be very essential.
How did you find the new information you have learned? I hope that you
now pay attention on the basic elements of a position paper. Prepare to
examine one in the next activities. Good Luck!
ACTIVITY 1. ENUMERATE
Read the essay that follows. Examine its basic elements. Tell whether the
parts were expressed according to the standards that you have just learned from the
discussion. Write your observations in your notebook.
10
Importance of Education? Essay on Education
By: Priyanka Nagrale
Further, education is the sole basis on which future of the human race
depends. Our quest for knowledge is unending and will continue till planet Earth
exists.
https://surejob.in/importance-of-education.html
11
ACTIVITY 2. ENUMERATE
Copy and answer the following sample manifestos made by students. Read
and analyze what argument/s are posted by the writers. List it on the blank lines
beside the boxed items. Use your notebook in answering this activity.
__________________________
_____________________
Katie Sipiora
__________________________
I believe that every child has potential.
__________________________
Regardless of race, socioeconomic
class, or IQ, every child has the ability to __________________________
contribute to our world. It can be
intellectual-- the next brilliant math or
physics theorem, the next great poem of
____________________________________________________
our time-- it can be athletic-- __________________________
representing fair play and competition-- __________________________
it can be artistic-- a song, a dance, a
play. Every child has potential. No child __________________________
is confined by where they live, who their
parents are, what society expects of __________________________
them. Every child can contribute
__________________________
something beautiful to our world. It can
be a smile, a laugh, one good thought. __________________________
That is all it takes to change someone's
life. __________________________
2. Now that you have learned how to put basic items into its part, what do you
think should you develop more to be able to write a position paper well in the
future?
13
Remember these key points:
Three elements
o Introduction
o Body
o Conclusion
➢ Manifesto - a document publicly declaring the position or program of its
issuer.
➢ Learning these, will guide a writer on what to include in each basic part of
the essay.
Copy the table below in your notebook and list at least 5 issues that you can
identify that the society, your community is facing right now. Identify particular
information that you would like to deal with in your paper.
14
➢ What should the government do to
address cybercrimes?
From the issues you have listed in activity 3. Make a manifesto of your own. A
sample is shown below. For your output, you can use a blank page so that you can
be as creative as you like. You can send your output via email (teacher’s email).
15
Retrieved from https://soasunion.org/pageassets/elections/manifestoegs/MANIFESTO-2014.pdf
EVALUATING MANIFESTO
(Rubrics Scoring Guide)
16
Criteria 5 4 3 2
The manifesto The manifesto The facts There are
contains many, contains used are only few facts
Content
ample facts. several facts. limited. used.
The The
There is logical The ideas are
presentation of presentation
presentation of not well-
Organization ideas is of ideas is not
ideas. presented.
smooth. so logical.
The language The language
The language
The language is informal is very
used is formal.
used is formal and some informal and
Vocabulary is
and there is no words are not several words
Language appropriate for
jargon or slang appropriate are difficult
the target
indicated. for the target for the target
audience.
audience. audience.
There is no
error in terms of
There is no There are few There are
grammar,
error in terms errors in several errors
spelling, and
of grammar, grammar, in grammar,
Mechanics punctuation.
spelling, and spelling, and spelling and
The sentences
punctuation. punctuation. punctuation.
make clear
sense.
Manifesto is Manifesto is
Manifesto is Manifesto is
creatively creatively
creatively creatively
presented presented but
presented but presented but
which makes it important
Presentation some details many details
catchy, details are
are not are not
attractive and not
prominent. presented.
interesting presented.
Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it in your notebook.
2. Which of the following sections of a position paper needs ample time to collect
information?
A. Introduction C. Conclusion
B. Body D. All of the above
3. Which sections of a position paper restate the main point and final comment?
A. Introduction
B. body
C. conclusion
D. All of the above
Self-Check!
Great job! You have completed Lesson 1 successfully! Before going to the
next lesson, check the icon that best shows your learning experience.
I have understood the lesson well and I can even teach what I
learned to others.
I have understood the lesson but there are still other things
that I need to review and relearn.
19
I need to do additional work to be able to master the lesson. I
need help in some tasks.
If you checked the first icon, you are ready for lesson 2. If you have
checked the second icon, you need to review the things that you need to
relearn. If you have checked the third icon, it would be best if you read more
and ask help from your teacher, parents or peers in clarifying the lessons that
you find difficult. Be honest so that you will truly improve.
I noticed
_________________________________________________
A question I have is
_________________________________________________
20
I’m not sure
_________________________________________________
Visit these links for more information about position paper and manifesto writing:
https://soasunion.org/elections/manifestoegs/
manifesto accessed May 24, 2020
https://www.slideshare.net/ariandeisecalalang/position-paper-73298714
position paper writing accessed May 24, 2020
https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5c6e81f17d7453001a11c7b9/parts-of-
position-paper
position paper writing accessed May 24, 2020
https://www.swarthmore.edu/arts-social-change/sample-manifestos-
swarthmore-students
manifesto accessed May 24, 2020
LESSON 2
OBJECTIVES:
21
Pre-Assessment
Test I. IDENTIFICATION
Instructions: Identify the term being described from the statements below. Write T
if the statement is true and write F if otherwise. Write your answers in your notebook.
_______1. Persuasion writing appeals to the reader’s emotion.
_______3. Using persuasion will ask someone to take action after believing what the
speaker has said.
Identify what are the items being described in the sentences below. These
words are important in presenting arguments. Write your answer on the space
provided for. Choose from the words inside the box. So, be ready for vocabulary
work.
22
3. It is restricted and is based on facts.
4. It is the point at which an unsettled matter is ready for a decision
5. An action or words to resist an attack.
6. It is to cause someone to believe about something through consistent effort of
convincing.
7. These are facts or information as proof whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.
8. This view or judgment about something is formed not necessarily based on fact or
knowledge.
9. This is purposely made to rebut a previous claim.
10. An assertion of the truth of something, typically one that is disputed or in doubt.
How did you find the activity? Keep your focus because you will come
across those words in the next activities. Good Luck!
There are two basic of writing which specialized at convincing. These are:
23
4. Restate your opinion and your suggested solution.
Example:
Parents’ love which is illustrated with their sacrifices is worth recognition.
They send their children to school even if they have not gone to school
themselves, even if their own wants are sacrificed just to fund students’ needs.
You, dear students must recognize this immeasurable love of your parents by
being good in your studies.
2. Argumentation relies on logic and evidence to build a case for a specific claim.
Argumentation de-emphasizes appeals to emotion.
Many students ignore the significance of doing well in their studies. They
often neglect their parents’ sacrifices by getting low grades or worst yet
getting a failing marks. On the other hand, psychologists say performance in
school is influenced by many factors which include peers. However, to fair
well in school is not only about influence but also about being exposed to
social realities such as difficulties of getting decent job. Thus, funding
students to school becomes a big sacrifice among parents.
This table below will help you differentiate Persuasive writing from
Argumentative writing.
CHARACTERISTIC
PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTATIVE
S
Claim is based on Claim is based on
CLAIM
opinion factual evidence
Asks audience to do Proves a point to the
PURPOSE
something. audience.
Based on character and Based on stabilised
BASIS
emotion. position and logic.
How did you find the new information you24 have learned? I hope it could help you
as you accomplish the exercises that follow. Good Luck!
ACTIVITY 1. MARK IT!
Copy the table below in your notebook. Read the descriptions below and
identify whether it is a form of persuasion or reason. Put an X on the appropriate
box.
PERSUASIVE ARGUMENTATIVE
DESCRIPTION
WRITING WRITING
1. Writer starts with a strong opinion and
researches reasons to support it
2. Writer starts with a topic, researches and
discusses all sides of the issue, and
chooses one side to support
3. Appeals to readers with logic
4. Appeals to readers with evidence
5. Appeals to readers with emotion
25
ACTIVITY 2. MY COMMUNITY
Copy the table below in your notebook and list at least three (3)
issues/situations in the society and state your opinion, stand about these issues by
providing evidences/reasons.
Drug testing is a way to evaluate the type and the possibly the amount
of legal and especially for illegal drugs substances taken by a person.
Drug testing can be performed from small samples taken of your
The writer fingernails, saliva, or more commonly, your blood, urine, or hair.
sets up the Almost 10 percent of the nation’s teens report the use of illicit drugs
within the last month. The drug testing in high school and college The writer
issue students is an important and ultimately one of the best solutions made
by the government officials to reduce and stop the increasing amount his/her opinion
of young drug users in schools, universities, and state colleges.
Schools have made the policy of random drug testing on students to The writer
serves as a warning to not get into peer pressure. Because I believe provides little
“a friend in deed won’t make you smoke that weed.”
background
Drug testing in school has resulted in accurate, powerful and a
positive outcome in attempting to reduce the amount of young drug
users in school. The purpose of drug testing is not to catch whose
The writer using an illegal drug, but to prevent them from using it in the first
presents place. Surely, there should be action taken to punish those criminals.
The current method to attack drugs is at the source, by imprisoning The writer gives
opposing dealers and breaking the supply chain is not so succeeding. Why drug explanation
points testing is so important and necessary to be implemented, because it is
important to protect teenagers at the age were, they’re easily get about his/ her
influenced by the peers and at the time when their attitude to opinion
education greatly affects their entire lives.
Read this essay and identify the stand/ reasons of the writer. Use your
learned skill in annotating a text. Follow the steps given for you. Write your answers
in your notebook.
Step 1. Identify the parts and write your comments of each on the sides of the article.
Step 2. Box in the main points/ claims that you can find.
Step 3. Underline the reasons/ evidences that support the claim.
As online learning becomes more common and more and more resources are converted to
digital form, some people have suggested that public libraries should be shut down and, in
their place, everyone should be given an iPad with an e-reader subscription.
Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries
are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because
they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to
read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because
libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital
copies as they need.
However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books
and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A
study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain
20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who
read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown
to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes,
headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who
use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious
health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and
muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to
feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people,
especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.
Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book
lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has
a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving
people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics,
providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One
neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times
for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over
a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew
survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds
27 of American adults feel that closing
their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a
way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer
nearly as well or as easily.
Reflective Questions:
1. Why do you think it is important to learn the various types of speech context?
2. Now that you have learned about speech context, what do think should a
speaker do to be able to make appropriate speeches in particular situations?
Remember!
The activities that are important to make a convincing stand.
28
Body - Description of the argument
Presentation of facts and evidences
Taking a stand about an issue will empower someone to change the opinions
and attitudes of others. Thus, in bringing about societal change the challenge is to be
firm in making a stand.
ACTIVITY 4. USE IT
Read this sample position paper and identify the stand/ reasons of the writer.
Use the reading guide provided for to facilitate better understanding of the paper.
Use the template below to make your own position paper.
READING GUIDE
Please identify the following:
Evidences/ Reasons:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
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.
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
29
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-grasp-the-idea/ )
ACTIVITY 2.3
From the issues listed below, choose one (1) to work on to develop into a
position paper. Second, do some researching/reading to gather information. Third,
defend your stand by writing a position paper with the intention of convincing your
reader to support your stand. Refer to the rubric on page 37. Write your position
paper on a sheet of paper.
List of Issues:
30
(Write your position paper here on the issue of your choice.)
Introduction ____________________________________________________________
A. Catchy ____________________________________________________________
Topic ____________________________________________________________
sentence ____________________________________________________________
B. Your
____________________________________________________________
Position
about the ____________________________________________________________
issue ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Body ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
C. Posit
ion ____________________________________________________________
D. Evid ____________________________________________________________
ences ____________________________________________________________
E. Personal
experience ____________________________________________________________
s relative ____________________________________________________________
to the
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Conclusion ____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
F. Summary,
Conclusion ____________________________________________________________
G. Actio ____________________________________________________________
n
____________________________________________________________
31
RUBRIC IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER:
S
C
EXCELLENT GOOD FAIR POOR
CRITERION O
4 3 2 1
R
E
Content and Takes a strong, Clear Position not No clear position
Development well-defined position clearly stated; taken; reasons
(50%) position; uses at taken and development is underdeveloped;
least three defined; brief, unrelated, no supporting facts
appropriate some unsupported used.
reasons with at reasons general
least two and some statements,
supporting details details reasons, and
for each reason. present, but details, minimal
Counter arguments not fully facts used.
effectively developed. Counter
addressed, without Counter arguments not
undercutting arguments acknowledged.
position. addressed.
x.50
Organization Structure of paper Structure is Structure of the Organization and
and Structure is clear and easy to mostly clear paper is not structure detract
(20%) follow. Paragraph and easy to easy to follow. the message of
transitions are follow. Paragraph the writer.
logical and Paragraph transitions need Paragraphs are
maintained the flow transitions improvement. disjointed and lack
of thought are present. Conclusion is transition of
throughout the Conclusion not logical. thoughts.
paper. Conclusion is logical.
is logical and flows
from the body of
the paper.
x.20
Format Paper follows Paper Paper follows Paper lacks more
(10%) guidelines. Paper follows most of the elements of
has appropriate guidelines. guidelines. correct formatting.
length as described Paper has Paper is Paper is
for the assignment. appropriate over/under word inadequate/
Format enhances length for length. excessive in
readability of the the length.
paper. assignment.
Format is
good.
x.10
Grammar, Rules of grammar, Rules of Paper contains Paper contains
Punctuation & usage, punctuation grammar, few grammatical,
Spelling are followed; usage, grammatical, punctuation and
(20%) spelling is correct. punctuation punctuation and spelling errors.
Language is clear are followed spelling errors. Language uses
32
and precise; with minor Language lacks jargon or
sentences display errors. Few/ clarity or conversational
consistently strong, no spelling includes the use tone
varied structure. errors. of some jargon
or
conversational
tone.
x.20
OVERALL
SCORE
Source:https://eng.ucmerced.edu/people/awesterling/SPR2014.ESS141/Assignments/rubric2.pdf
Congratulations! The weeks you spent to ensure that you can express
well in writing in various situations was worth it! Pat your back! You’ve made It!
You now have a position paper of your own.
Column A Column B
33
Self-Check!
Great job! You have completed Lesson 1 successfully! Before going to the
next lesson, check the icon that best shows your learning experience.
I have understood the lesson well and I can even teach what I
learned to others.
I have understood the lesson but there are still other things
that I need to review and relearn.
If you checked the first icon, you are ready for lesson 2. If you have
checked the second icon, you need to review the things that you need to
relearn. If you have checked the third icon, it would be best if you read more
and ask help from your teacher, parents or peers in clarifying the lessons that
you find difficult. Be honest so that you will truly improve
34
Use the FOUR-SQUARE Writing Template below to draft your learning about
writing a position paper. Write your answer in your notebook.
Topic
Realizations Conclusion
(Short Description)
35
Links for Enrichment:
https://soasunion.org/elections/manifestoegs/
manifesto accessed May 24, 2020
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEMD4rEudzI
position paper accessed May 24, 2020
https://www.slideshare.net/ariandeisecalalang/position-paper-73298714
position paper accessed May 24, 2020
https://www.swarthmore.edu/arts-social-change/sample-manifestos-swarthmore-
students
manifesto accessed May 24, 2020
https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5c6e81f17d7453001a11c7b9/parts-of-position-paper
position paper accessed May 24, 2020
https://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-write-a-great-argument.html
argumentative writing accessed May 24, 2020
https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/argument/
argumentative writing accessed May 24, 2020
https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/minilesson/distinguishing-argumentation-
persuasion
persuasive versus argumentative writing accessed May 24, 2020
https://bid4papers.com/blog/persuasive-essay/persuasive-article
persuasive accessed May 24, 2020
Congratulations! Lesson 2 was a bit hard right? But I am sure you were able
to apply your learning from the discussions which enable you to write your
paper. Continue and persevere to learn more as we accomplish the next
lesson. Keep up the good work!
36
ANSWER KEY
Lesson 1
1. T 1. B 1. D
2. T 2. B 2. C
3. T 3. C 3. D
4. T 4. D 4. D
5. T 5. D 5. B
6. F 6. B 6. E
7. T 7. C 7. A
8. T 8. D 8. C
9. F 9. C 9. C
10. T 10. A 10. B
Lesson 2
37
REFERENCES
Wyson, John Daryl B. 2016. English for Academic and Professional Purposes,
Quezon City:Vibal Group Inc.
English for Academic Purposes Learner’s Material and Teacher’s Guide. Department
of Education, First Edition, 2016.
(Office Address)
Telefax:
Email Address:
39