KHIM B. BORILLA and ALEX DANIEL M. MURCIA 9. Refrain from adding comments about the text.

Stick to the ideas presented in the text.

Writing an Abstract, Precis or Summary
10. Edit your draft abstract, precis or summary by
 Technically speaking, texts classified as either
eliminating redundant ideas and making sure it
abstract, precis or summary, and sometimes as
contains the properties of a well-written text.
synopsis, are all the same, whatever they may be
called, these texts aim to precisely condense a 11. Compare your output with the original text to
larger work to present only the key ideas. ensure accuracy.

Structure of an Abstract, a Precis or Summary WRITING A CONCEPT PAPER

Research Abstract:  A concept paper provides an overview of the

project and helps funding agencies eliminate
 In terms of structure, a research abstract
proposals that are likely to be disapprovedA
generally follows the given allocation of
concept paper has several uses:
words:
 It is a preliminary document for a proposal, it
- Rationale (20%)
shows a preview of the improvements that the
- Research problems (10%)
proponent would like to have implemented.
- Methodology (20%)
Three ways in explaining a concept paper:
- Major findings (40%)
- Definition
- Conclusions and implications (10%)
- Explication
Summary for expository texts - Clarification
1) DEFINITION
 A precis or summary for non-research - is the method of identifying a given
academic text generally condenses term and making its meaning clearer.
information into 15 to 30 percent of the - A definition can be presented in three
original text. ways:
 Informal – done through a
Guidelines in writing an Abstract, a Precis, or summary parenthetical or brief
explanation.
1. Read the text at least twice until you fully  Formal – explains a term by
understand its content. incorporating the term to be
2. Highlight the key ideas and phrases. defined (species), the general
category of term (genus) and
3. Annotate the text. the quality that makes them
different from other terms in
4. State the author’s name, the title of the passage,
the same category.
and the main idea at the beginning sentence.
 Extended – detailed way of
5. Use words or phrases indicating that you are defining a term and is usually
presenting and abstract, precis or summary. composed of at least one
Reporting verbs are most useful for this purpose. paragraph.
- To better present ideas, you should
6. Write the main idea of each paragraph using your
identify the important elements
own words. In some cases, you can write one main
contained in a definition.
idea for multiple paragraphs particularly for a
- SIGNAL WORDS FOR DEFINITION
research paper.

7. Never copy in verbatim a single sentence from the

original text. 2) EXPLICATION
- is a method of explanation in which
8. Combine the main ideas to form one paragraph. sentences, verses, quotes, or passages
Use appropriate transitional devices to improve are taken from a literary or academic
cohesion. work and then interpreted and
explained in a detailed way.
 - When using this technique:
 Clearly present your thesis in
the introduction;
 Follow it up with a detailed
analysis of a passage or text.
- You may begin the body of the
explication by analyzing and
explaining how the text was
constructed.
- Your explication should end with a
concise conclusion by restating your
thesis and major arguments.
3) CLARIFICATION
- is a method of explanation in which
the points are organized from a
general abstract idea to specific and
concrete examples.
- It entails the analysis of the concept by
looking at the examples and specifying
some of its characteristics to arrive at
one working definition which can be
used throughout the paper.
SIGNAL WORDS FOR CLARIFICATION
Parts of a Concept Paper
• A concept paper usually ranges from 500 to 2000
words and is usually divided into several parts.
• The following sections discussed in this lesson are
merely suggestions for the content of the paper;
ultimately, the project proponent needs to follow
the format and design required by the funding
agency. The parts of a concept paper may also
vary depending on the nature of the
project/activity. Below are two outlines of a
concept paper based on the context:
- Concept paper for a project
- Concept paper for academic research
CONCEPT PAPER FOR A PROJECT
 Use the following structure when you want to
propose a certain tangible project in your
discipline.
1) Cover page
 State the name of the proponents and
their affiliations.
 State the addresses, contact numbers, and
email addresses of the proponents.
 State the head of the agency and his/her
contact information.
 State the date of submission
2) Introduction
 State the information about the funding
agency to show that you understand its
mission
 undertake the proposed project.
 Present and describe other partner
agencies and why they are qualified as
such.
 Provide reasons why the funding agency
should support the project.
3) Rationale or Background
 State the gap in knowledge to be
addressed by the project
 State the problems to be solved
 State the project’s significance.
4) Project Description
 State the goals and objectives of the
project
 Present the methodology (sometimes
termed as Action Plan, Project Activities or
Approach)
 Present the timeline expressed in months
and year.
 State the benefits or anticipated
outcomes.
 State how success of outcomes will be
evaluated
5) Project Needs and Cost
 Outline the main budget; include the item
description and amount.
 Explain or justify how budget will be used.
 List the personnel or equipment needed
for the project
CONCEPT PAPER FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH
Use the following structure when you intend to present
and idea or concept for a research you would like to
pursue.
1) Title Page
 State your research title
 State your name and school
 State the date of submissions
2) Background of the Study
 Provide the current state of the field you are
researching on.
 State the gap in knowledge and problems to
be addressed by the research. Provide
statistics and previous studies to prove your
claims.
  State the reasons why you want to investigate
on the chosen topic.
 State the theoretical and practical implications
for your proposed research
3) Preliminary Literature Review
 Provide a theoretical Framework. It includes
the theory that will guide you in the conduct
of your research.
 Provide related literature that supports your
topic
 Provide related studies that will help you in
conducting the research or analyzing and
discussing the data.
 Provide a brief synthesis of the reviewed
literature and studies.
4) Statement of the Problem/Objectives
 State your general problem in one sentences.
 State your specific research questions or
objectives
5) Abridged Methodology
 Provide the context and participants of the
study
 Provide the instruments to be used
 Provide the data collection procedure
 Provide the data analysis scheme to be used
6) Timeline
 Provide a timeline set in months and year
7) References
 Provide a list of all books, journals, and other
resources cited in your paper.
Guidelines in Writing a Concept Paper
1. Cost and methodology should be reasonable.
2. The budget, methodology, and timeline should be
clearly aligned.
3. Use statistics and figures when discussing the
rationale for the project.
4. Use no more than five pages (single-spaced)
excluding the cover page.
5.
6. Never request funding for planning the proposal
7. Adjust your language to the intended readers. You
may use technical terms if the readers are scholars
and scientists. However, refrain from using jargon
when your target readers are lay persons.
8. Include the overview of the budget if it is required.
9. Be sure that basic format details, such as page
numbers, are incorporated.
10. Cite your references.
Writing A Position Paper
 A position paper presents the writer’s stand or
viewpoint on an issue
 You have the power to change opinions and
attitudes of others when you write a position
paper.
 A position paper can be an essential tool in
bringing about social change.
Parts of a position paper
INTRODUCTION
• Presents the issue while grabbing the attention of
the readers.
• Defines the issue and discuss its background.
• Provide a general statement of you position via
your thesis statement.
BODY
• State your main argument.
• Provide sufficient evidence for each argument
such as statistical data, interviews with experts
and testimonies.
• Provide counterarguments against the possible
weaknesses of your argument.
CONCLUSION
• Restate your position and main arguments.
• Suggest a course of action.
• State what makes your position superior and more
acceptable.
• End with a powerful closing statement such as
quotation, a challenge, or a question.
Guidelines in writing s position paper
1. Choose an issue.
 the issue should be debatable.
 the issue should be current & relevant.
 the issue should be written in a question
form & answerable by yes or no.
 the issue should be narrow and
manageable.
2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-
depth research on the issue.
 3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you
mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue
and explain & analyze them objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its
weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources to establish the
credibility of your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you
can present in a unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper to two pages.
9. Analyze your target readers & align your
arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and
motivations.
10. Summarize the other side’s arguments and use
various evidence and data to refute them.
11. Use an effective voice as much as possible to
achieve a dynamic and firm tone.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive
or deductive approach.
a) Inductive approach
o it entails a flow from specific to
general ideas.
b) Deductive approach
o the flow discussion starts with a
general theory and moves to a
specific hypothesis.
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate
them. It weakens your argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal.
i. Ethical Appeal – Relates to your
credibility & competence as a
writer.
ii. Logical Appeal – refers to a
rational approach in
developing the argument.
iii. Emotional Appeal – uses feelings
in a way that evokes
feelings.
Preparing and Implementing Research Instruments
A research instruments is a tool used to gather data on a
specific topic of interest. An instrument is VALID when it
directly answers of addresses your research question.
 It is RELIABLE when it provides you consistent and
stable of data over a period of time.
8 General Guidelines in Preparing an Instrument
1. Do a preliminary research by visiting your library
or checking online courses.
2. Talk to a person who is knowledgeable in
preparing research instruments.
3. Master the guidelines in preparing and
administering each type of instrument.
4. Clarify your research question. Be sure that your
instrument will directly address your specific
question.
5. Based on the data you need, decide on the number
of people whom you want as respondents or
participants.
6. Prepare the instrument using the appropriate
format. Get model instruments, if necessary. You
may visit Google Scholar to get samples of your
intended instrument.
7. Edit your instrument.
8. Pilot your instrument to further improve its
quality. After receiving the feedback from your
pilot, make the necessary revisions.
TYPES OF INSTRUMENT
There are different types of instrument that you can
use depending on type of research and amount of data
you need
SURVEY
 A survey contains planned question which are
used to measure attitudes, perceptions and
contains.
 It contains responses directly related to each
specific research questions. It can wither be in a
form of an interview or a questionnaire.
 There three types of question that you can use
when conducting a survey: RECALL, RECOGNITION
and OPEN- ENDED.
 The RECALL type of question asks for specific
information such as years of service, age and
address.
 The RECOGNITION types of question, on the other
hand, ask for a response to a specific question
where options are given such as in the case of
multiple choice, dichotomous (yes/no), and rating
scale format.
 The OPEN- ENDED type of question elicits brief
explanations or impressions from the respondent.
o INTERVIEW
 An INTERVIEW is an instrument that’s allows the
researcher to qualitatively gather data. Responses
during an interview are usually open-ended.
 An Interview consists of different stages:
 PRE-INTERVIEW STAGE- it is when an
interview guide is prepared, and
respondents are identified and
contracted.
 WARM UP STAGE- it is the initial part of
the interview when questions that will
make respondents more at ease are
asked.
 MAIN INTERVIEW STAGE- it is when the
main questions directly related to the
research questions are asked.
 CLOSING STAGE- it is when the questions
are asked to wind down the interview and
respondents are acknowledged and
thanked.
 Guidelines when conducting an interview
 Before the interview, arrange your questions
logically to make the flow of the interview
smoother
 Begin by introducing yourself and the purpose
for the interview.
 Tell the respondents that you will handle the
information with utmost confidentiality and
care.
 Have a warm-up stage to make the
respondents more comfortable. Question
such as “How was your day” can be asked for
this purpose.
 Adjust your language to that respondents
 Make the length of the interview reasonable.
 Record the interview because you may need to
transcribe the gathered data. Always thank
the respondents for their time.
o PARTS OF A QUESTIONNAIRE
1. PERSONAL INFORMATION SECTION- Includes the
name (optional), age, date of birth, address,
educational background and other personal
information about the respondent, note that only
personal information relevant to the research
study should be asked.
2. BASIC QUESTIONS SECTION- Serves two purposes.
The first one is to establish that the person you are
asking is the right person for the study.
3. MAIN QUESTIONS SECTION- contains questions
that are directly related to your research
4. OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS SECTION- Ask for a brief
explanation or response to an open-ended
question
Observation
 Observation allows the description of behavior in
naturalistic or laboratory setting. Usually, this
instrument us used to cross-validate the results on
other instruments.
 Types of Observation
 Participant and Non-Participant Observation
- A non-participant type of observation
allows the researcher to observe the
subjects without interacting with them.
- This type of observation is usually
employed by psychologists when
observing animals and children.
 A participant observation, on the other hand,
allows the researcher to interact actively with
the subjects. In some cases, researchers
immerse themselves in a group or community
for a longer period.
 Structured and Unstructured Observation
 Structured observation occurs when the
researcher has a list of behaviors that he/she
wants to observe.
 Unstructured observation, on the other hand,
occurs when the researcher allows behaviors
to emerge. These behaviors are then
documented through an in-depth narrative
account.
 Covert and Overt Observation
 Covert Observation occurs when the subjects
are not aware that they are being observed.
 Overt observation occurs when the subjects
are aware that they are being observed.
 Guidelines in Conducting an Observation
 Develop an observation guide or checklist
which identifies the phenomenon you want to
understand.
 Decide on the type of observation that you will
use.
 Know your limitations as an observer.
 Use a recording device when appropriate.
 Always bring paper and pen with you to record
other details which cannot be recorded by a
video or audio recorder.
 Never attempt to influence the behavior of
your subjects. Always observe ethics when
implementing an observation instrument.
Experiment
An Experiment is a procedure undertaken scientifically and
systematically to make a discovery and to test hypothesis.
An experiment can be performed in a laboratory or in
natural settings following steps:
1. Make observations.
2. Develop the hypothesis.
3. Design the experiment.
4. Conduct the experiment. Replicate the experiment
to ensure the reliability if the results.
5. Analyze the results.
6. Decide on whether to accept or reject the
hypothesis based on the results.
Preparing and Interpreting Tables, Graphs and Figures
General steps in Interpreting Visuals
1. Read the title and subtitle.
2. Read the captions, keys and labels.
3. Determine the purpose of the material.
4. Identify the organization of information.
5. Analyze the relationship of details such as changes
and trends.
6. Make a conclusion about the data, if necessary.
Charts
A chart is a graphical representation of data using symbols
that are usually boxes, lines, and arrows. Its general
purpose is to show rank, levels, procedures, and
classification.
Strategies in Reading a Chart
1. Study each step or grouping presented in the
chart.
2. Pay attention to the arrows or lines that indicate
the flow, relationship, steps, and sequence.
3. To ensure you understood the chart, summarize
each step or component in your own words and
make your own chart in your mind.
4. Compare your mental chart to the description in
the text to check how accurate you are.
Organization Chart
 It presents rankings, classification, and levels
of ideas
Flow Chart
 Flow Chart illustrates a process or direction of
steps.
You can be creative in designing the flowchart but do not
over do.
Tables
 A table is useful in displaying numbers in
columns. It condenses and classifies
information to make comparisons between
and among data and helps the readers gasp
relationship that might be invisible in prose.
Graphs
 A graph is graphical representation of data
using bars for bar graphs, lines for line graph,
circles for pie graph, and pictures for
pictographs. Each type of graph has specific
function and purpose.
Bar Graph
 A bar graph uses vertical and horizontal bars
that compare amounts and quantities.
Line Graph
 A line graph shows trends and changes in data,
Usually, the button grid scale represents time.
Pie Graph
 A pie graph (or circle graph), which uses pie-
shaped sections, shows the relationship of the
parts to the whole in percentages and
proportions.