LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET IN READING AND WRITING

Worksheet No. 2, Quarter 4

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL– Reading and Writing Skills

Student’s Name: ________________________________ Grade: ____________________________

Teacher: ______________________________________ Date Submitted: _____________________

I. LEARNING SKILLS

A. Most Essential Learning Competency:

Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing a position paper
B. Objectives
After going through this Learner’s Packet, you are expected to:
✔ be familiar the features and parts of position paper
✔ identify the issue, stand and factual evidences in a position paper
✔ write a three-paragraph position paper about a timely and relevant topic

II. INTRODUCTORY CONCEPT

What is a position paper?

A position paper is a type of academic writing that presents one’s viewpoint on a particular issue. The main
objective of writing a position paper is to take part in a larger debate by stating your arguments and proposed
course of action. (Sandagan, 2016)
A position paper is an essay that presents an opinion about an issue, typically that of the author or another
specified entity; such as political party. Position papers are published in academe, politics, law and other
domains. (Sandagan, 2016)
A position paper ranges from the simplest format of a letter to the editor to the most complex in the forms of
an academic position paper. It is also used by large organizations to make public the official beliefs and
recommendations of the group.

Parts of a Position Paper

1. Introduction
✧ Use a lead that grabs the attention of readers.
✧Define the issue and provide a thorough background.
✧ Provide a general statement of the position through a thesis statement.
2. Body
✧ State the main arguments and provide sufficient evidence (e.g. statistics, interviews with experts, and
testimonies) for each argument.
✧ Provide counterarguments against possible weaknesses of the arguments.
3. Conclusion
✧ Restate the position and main arguments.
✧ Suggest a course of action.
✧ Explain why the position is better than any other positions.
✧ End with a powerful closing statement (e.g. a quotation, a challenge, or a question).

Ten Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

1. Select a timely, relevant topic with two clear opposing sides.
2. Conduct thorough preliminary research, collecting evidence supporting arguments for and against your
position.
3. Identify your intended audience. You should tailor your tone depending on who the paper is written for (the
public, other scientists, policymakers, etc.).
4. Clearly state your position on the topic.
5. List and refute the counter-arguments to your position.
6. Include supporting data and evidence to back up your argument.
7. Properly attribute your sources using correct citation.
8. Keep it simple! Position papers don’t need to go into excessive detail. Present your points clearly and briefly.
9. Each paragraph in the paper should discuss a single idea.
10. Have someone proofread your paper to ensure it reads well and looks professional.

Practice Task 1: Read and Answer Me!

Directions: Below is an example of a position paper. Read it analytically and answer the questions that follow.
EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
(Pia Samaniego)
A study conducted by students in California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona (NunezGarcia, 2016) stated that
43.2% of students spend two or more hours on social media, while 29.5% in one to two hours and 27.3% in 30
minutes to an hour. On the other hand, about 50% of students use more than three social networking sites,
mainly Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, and Snapchat. Knowing that, it showcases how technology takes up so
much time from students and distracts them from focusing and finishing their school work. Furthermore, it
affected the performance of most high school students from accomplishing their task because the occurrences
to slack off are possible. However, the use of social media also helps students explore and educate themselves
through the information they get. But with improper use it can cause danger, like losing track of the time lead
the students to not totally give their best in studying. The generation of today greatly influences the youth to
be active in using social media, it encourages us to “fit in” with what is trendy now. Social media greatly affects
the students’ performance not only because it distracts them but it also makes the students depend more and
use social media on a daily basis, which makes them rely more on the internet than what is in the real world
and with the capacity of their intelligence. The attitude of the youth changes from generation to generation.
The number of users increase each day due to the influences brought by different individuals. Technology is
expanding and developing faster than normal nowadays and continuously produces new advancements which
catches the attention of most people. Students should be more aware and smart when using social media.
They should learn how to prioritize their time and how to balance schoolwork from other things that keeps
them from being distracted. It is not a bad thing to use social media. It only becomes a bad thing when you are
unconscious with your actions.
Source: POSITION PAPER: EFFECTS OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE PERFORMANCE OF HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS – Pia Samaniego (wordpress.com)

1. What issue is presented in the position paper?

___________________________________________________________________
2. What is the stand of the writer on the issue?
___________________________________________________________________
3. What evidences are presented to support her stand/position?
___________________________________________________________________

Practice Task 2: My Stand!

Directions: Select a timely and relevant topic with two clear opposing sides. Research about the topic. Then,
write a three (3) paragraph position paper with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Write your answer
on a separate sheet of paper.