Computer College

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

Name: ______________________________ Section: STEM1-11 Score: ________________

Subject: English for Academic and Professional Purposes Teacher: Ms. Lore

Activity Title

WRITING A CONCEPT
PAPER

Learning Targets

 Explain what a concept paper is;

 Identify the features of an effective paper;
 Explain a various fields through definition, application, and clarification;
 Identify the situations in which a concept paper may be effectively used in the present society
 Identify the different types of concept papers according to context;
 Define the context for a concept paper
 Write an effective concept paper;

Learning Concepts

What is a Concept Paper?

Another way to evaluate your idea is to write a concept paper: a 2- to 5-page

overview of the problem you want to address, the solution you are proposing, and the
rationale for choosing both the problem and solution

 The paper can be used as a starting point for discussions about the topic, serve as the basis for a source
search of potential funding agencies, or be included in a query letter to a foundation to create interest
in your proposal.
 Concept paper is only four or five pages long and focuses on the visualization and expression of the
basic ideas that should drive the project.
 It serves as a prelude to a full paper. The full paper may be a thesis, a program, a project, or anything
that will require a longer time to prepare. It is an embodiment of your ideas on a certain topic or item
of interest.
How to write a Concept Paper?

 Elements of a concept Paper:

1. A Rationale

1. What prompted you to prepare the concept paper?

2. Why is the issue of such importance?
3. What should you be able to produce out of your intended study?

2. A Conceptual Framework
 It is simply your guide in working on your idea. It is like a map that you need to follow to arrive at your
destination.

 A mind map is simply a list of keywords that you can connect to make clear an individual issue. It is our
subconscious way of analyzing things. This relates to how we recall past experiences.
 Mind mapping have to come up with a word, for example, that will help you start off. You can begin
with an issue on computers and from there, generate other ideas that connect with the previous one.

3. Your Hypothesis
 A hypothesis is just your expected output in the course of conducting your study. it arises from the
conceptual framework that you have prepared.
 Ask the following questions:
◦ How are the variables related?
◦ Does one variable affect another?
◦ Are they related at all?
 A quick review of relevant and updated literature will help you identify which variables really matter.
 Computer College

Considerations in selecting a topic:

 Personal interest/ passion
 Importance/ contribution to the field
 Newness/ relevance
 Feasibility: time constraints, availability of subject, ethical constraints, organizational support

Instruction for writing a Concept Paper

1. Write a clear and succinct purpose statement.
Your purpose statement should be direct, clear and detailed. What problem you are attempting to
solve and what benefits you expect.
2. Show your knowledge of the funding organization in the introduction.
Let the agency know that you understand the types of project they fund and their overall mission. Then
tell them why your particular project is a good match with their vision.
3. Illustrate the need for solving this problem.
In this section of your paper, provide information about what has been done in the past to try to correct
the problem or address the issue.
4. Describe exactly your procedures for accomplishing the task.
If your project is a study, include methods of research and gathering data.
5. Explain what you need from the organization and why.
 Including anticipated budgets, estimated costs of operation and upstart, equipment, supplies and
training will demonstrate that you are knowledgeable in all aspects of the potential project and its
implementation.
6. Link your theory to practice.
Relate to your audience the connections between your ideas, your plans and your expected
outcomes.
7. Emphasize the benefits of the project.
End your proposal by revisiting the benefits to the organization

Three ways in explaining a concept paper

1. Definition
2. Explication
3. Clarification

PARTS OF A CONCEPT PAPER

Concept paper for a project
1. Cover page
2. Introduction
3. Rationale or background
4. Project description
5. Project needs and cost

Concept paper for Academic Research

1. Title page
2. Background of the study
3. Preliminary literature review
4. Statement of the problem/objectives
5. Abridged methodology
6. Timeline
7. References

GROUP ACTIVITY:
Write a concept paper. Think of the concept related to any of the following fields: Arts, Business, Law, Philosophy,
Politics, Religion, Science, Sports, and Home economics, Agriculture, Fishery, Industrial Arts, Information and
Communication Technology.