ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES (EAPP)| MODULE 4

LESSON 4: Writing a Position Paper 2. Main argument of the author

3. Evidence used by the author to support his/her
Most Essential Learning Competencies: arguments
● Analyzes the arguments used by the writer/s in
manifestoes CS_EN11/12A-EAPPIIa-d-3 Part B. As a group, take a stand on the issue
● Defends a stand on an issue by presenting presented. Write your answer on the space
reasonable arguments supported by properly cited provided.
factual evidences; CS_EN11/12A-EAPPIIa-d-4 ___________________________________________
● Writes various kinds of position papers ___________________________________________
CS_EN11/12A-EAPPIIa-d-5 ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Objectives: ___________________________________________
At the end of the lesson, students are expected to:
● Identify the features of an effective position paper; Unlocking of Difficulties: (Academic Vocabulary)
● Determine the purpose of a position paper; Position paper-- a position paper presents one side of
● Define the context for a position paper; an arguable opinion about an issue. The goal of a
● Analyse the features of a position paper; position paper is to convince the audience that your
● Use transitions to connect ideas; and opinion is valid and defensible.
● Write an effective position paper. Imperative sentence – issues a command or a
request
Pretest: Argumentation – involves the use of facts, opinions,
Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer. and rhetorical devices in defending a stand
1. It presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a motion – the proposition raised to be defended or
certain topic critiqued
A. Concept paper fallacy- an error in reasoning
B. Position paper
C. Editorial writing Discussion:
D. Argumentative essay Getting Started
2. It is the part where the issue is defined and Think of at least three (3) problems that beleaguer the
background is discussed. Philippine society today. Enumerate these problems
A. introduction on the space provided on the left side of the chart
B. body below. And then, write your opinion about each of them
C. conclusion on the right side of the chart. You may compare your
D. bibliography answers with those of your classmates afterwards.
3. It is the part where the writer’s position and
arguments are restated. It is also where the writer Issue Your Opinion
suggests a course of action.
A. introduction
B. body
C. conclusion
D. bibliography
4. It is the part where the writer’s position and
arguments are restated. Getting Deeper
A. introduction Although you and your classmates may have probably
B. body shared different issues in the activity (or even differing
C. conclusion opinions about a single issue), you must have all come
D. bibliography up with a particular stance or opinion about them with
5. The subject performs the action denoted by the verb. the view of building a better society in mind. Somehow
A. Active voice there is a part of you that believes that by instituting the
B. Passive voice
solution or move you are thinking of a particular
C. Present tense
problem or even several problems can be solved.
D. Past tense
Nonetheless, even if you have a brilliant idea, the
society will not be able to get to know them since they
Warm-up:
do not have access to your thoughts unless you
Part A. Watch a documentary on any current social
publish them.
issue. You may view some of the suggested videos in
the following links.
Reading Tip:
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hV5Xra6
Using imperative sentences when prescribing a course
f0s (Dynasties in Democracies)
of action creates a sense of urgency and shares the
● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J=RB6AD
burden of responsibility to the readers. Thus, doing so
udjL9c (Why Poverty Philippines)
makes the entire piece more meaningful for the
community.
Then, discuss the following information with your
group mates.
1. Topic

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ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES (EAPP)| MODULE 4
When we face an issue and are challenged to make a 13. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeals. Ethical
stand, it is necessary for us to support it with logical appeals relate to your credibility and competence
arguments. as a writer; logical appeal refers to the rational
approach in developing an argument; emotional
What is a Position Paper? appeals pertain to feelings evoked during
A position paper is a type of academic writing that arguments. Make sure to check your appeals to
presents one’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue. ensure that they are not fallacious.
The main objective of writing a position paper is to take
part in a larger debate by stating your arguments and Exercises:
proposed course of action. 1. What is a position paper? What is its main
function?
Parts of a Position Paper 2. Describe the structure of an effective position
paper
1. Introduction 3. Why should position paper use attention-
● Uses a lead that grabs the attention of readers. grabbing leads?
● Defines the issue and provides a thorough 4. What techniques can a writer use to make his
background. or her position paper more effective?
● Provides a general statement of your position
through a thesis statement. Generalization:
2. Body A position paper is an academic writing paper that
● States your main arguments and provide presents one’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.
sufficient evidence (e.g., statistics, interviews It aims to take part in a larger debate by stating your
with experts, and testimonies) for each arguments and proposed course of action. Similar to
argument. the concept paper, it has introduction, body and
● Provides counterarguments against possible conclusion. When choosing an issue to discuss,
weakness of your arguments. always remember that it should be debatable, current,
3. Conclusion relevant, specific, and manageable and should be
● Restates your position and main arguments. written in a question form that is answerable with yes
● Suggests a course of action. or no.
● Explains why your position is better than any
other position. Ends with a powerful closing Challenge
statement (e.g., a quotation, a challenge, or a Search for other position paper (e.g. editorials) from
question). either printed or online newspapers. Examine their
structure and the writing techniques used by their
Choosing an Issue respective authors. Do you find this position paper
1. The issue should be debatable. You cannot effective? Why or why not? Paste a copy of the chosen
take any position if the topic is not debatable. position paper on the given space below. On the next
2. The issue should be current and relevant. page, write your view about it.
3. The issue should be written in a question form
and answerable by yes or no. ___________________________________________
4. The issue should be specific and manageable. ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
1. Begin the writing process with an in-depth research ___________________________________________
about the issue at hand. ___________________________________________
2. Be aware of the various positions about the issue ___________________________________________
and explain and analyse them objectively. ___________________________________________
3. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses. ___________________________________________
4. Establish your credibility by citing reliable sources. Posttest: Individual Activity
5. Present a unique way of approaching the issue. Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct
6. Limit your position paper to two pages. answer.
7. Analyze your target readers and align your 1. Why is a topic like 'Pollution is bad for the
arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and environment' not a good idea for a position
motivations. statement?
8. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and a. It's too controversial
refute them with evidence. b. There is nothing to debate, everyone knows that
9. Define unfamiliar terms at first mention. pollution is bad for the environment
10. Use an active voice as much as possible. This will c. It would take too long to research
make your tone dynamic and firm. d. You would need a PhD to adequately gather all the
11. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive information
or deductive approach. e. It's actually a good topic for a position statement. It
12. Check your paper for fallacies and revise is one good example of a credible source.
accordingly.

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ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES (EAPP)| MODULE 4
2. What is the minimal number of supporting pieces
you will need to make your position statement a strong
one?
a. 1 b. 2 c. 3 d. 4
e. 5
3. Which of the following statements is false?

a. A position statement can be based upon your

personal opinion

b. You will need to pick a side when writing a

position statement

c. You don't need to offer any alternatives when

writing a position statement

d. You should always write a conclusion that

sums up your stance on the topic

e. Position statement essays can be about

controversial topics
4. In which part of the essay do we write the action
plan or recommendation of the position paper?
a. Title page

b. Introduction

c. Body

d. Conclusion References:
Wyson, John Daryl B., (2016) English for Academic
e. Bibliography Purposes by Vibal Group Inc., Araneta Ave., QC,
Philippines
5. Which part of the position paper you "refute"
the counterclaim? https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-
a. Introduction plans/teaching-content/writing-your-position-papers-
introduction/
b. Conclusion https://quizlet.com/259483869/eapp-position-paper-
flash-cards/
c. Your argument https://www.sfu.ca/cmns/130d1/WritingaPositionPape
r.htm
d. Counter argument
https://www.geneseo.edu/~bennett/EdWrite.htm
e. Body https://study.com/academy/practice/quiz-worksheet-
position-statements.html

Prepared by:

Cynthia A. Racimo
Teacher III-SHS