HOLY NAME UNIVERSITY

Basic Education Department

Senior High School

Teaching Guide in English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Topic: Writing a Position Paper and a Debate

Content Standard
The learner understands the principles and uses of a position paper.
Performance Standard
The learner presents a convincing position paper based on properly cited factual evidence.
The learner delivers a position paper in a debate.
Learning Competency
The learner
1. Defines the purpose of a position paper;
2. Identifies issues necessary to be presented in a position paper;
3. Deliver a position paper in the form of a debate; and
4. Exchange arguments during a debate.
Specific Learning Outcomes / Objectives
By the end of the lesson, the learner will have been able to:
1. Define a position paper;
2. Identify the features of an effective position paper;
3. Identify the situations in which a position paper may be effectively used in present society;
4. Use reasonable arguments and factual evidence to defend a stand;
5. Determine the purpose of a position paper;
6. Define the context of a position paper;
7. Analyze the features of a position paper;
8. Use transitions to connect ideas;
9. Write an effective position paper; and
10. Deliver a position paper in the context of a debate.

Time Allotment: 5 meetings

Materials/ Resources
Textbook, pages 184-191, Additional Notes provided by the subject teacher
Teaching Guide Outline

Introduction
1. Prayer
2. Attendance
3. Goal Setting – The teacher presents the objectives of the discussion.
Motivation
The class is going to be divided into six groups. Groups will be paired, and each pair of groups is going to
debate informally on a given topic. The topics are as follows:
1. Should girls ask guys out?
2. Is fashion important?

Senior High School Basic Education Department Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol Page 1
 3. Does age matter in relationships?
Each group will be given a maximum of 10 minutes to deliver all the necessary arguments that they can come
up with in an attempt to defend its side. Questions can be raised to the group within the 10-minute period.
Instruction Delivery
Students will be given a discussion on the elements of a position paper. They will be told that a position paper
presents the writer’s point of view or stand on a given issue.
They will also be told that arguments in a position paper should be backed by evidence or facts and not by
unsubstantiated opinions.
The students will also be given a discussion which talks about a position paper requiring an objective
appreciation of facts and arguments for and against one’s position.
The class will also hold a discussion on debate under the Modified Oregon-Oxford Format. The rules of the
debate format are going to be informed to the students. The different roles of the speakers are going to be
presented as well. The discussion on debate ends with the possible fallacies that debaters can commit in the long
exchange of arguments ideas.
Practice
The students will answer the activity on page 188.
Enrichment
The students are going to be given by the teacher a copy of position paper which is from an online source. The
students are going to examine it in terms of its elements. The rubric on pages 189-191 is going to be used.
Evaluation
The students will take an objective exam about debate and the making of a position paper.
The students will deliver their respective position papers in a debate.
Valuing
In everyday life, people continuously take sides and form opinions on anything that involves them. However,
defending your point by simple saying, “Because I think so” won’t help you make a case. It is therefore
important that you learn how to properly outline your thoughts and make valid arguments.

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Mr. Simplicio Gadugdug V Dr. Maria Liesle Dopeño
Faculty ILA Coordinator

Date: Date:

Noted by: Approved by:

Mrs. Gladys Flora Floreta, MA Dr. Prisciano Legitimas

Assistant to the Principal Principal - SHS Principal

Date: ________________ Date: ________________

Senior High School Basic Education Department Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City, Bohol Page 2