Activity Sheet

in
English for Academic
and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 2:
Writes various kinds of position papers

CS_EN11/12A-EAPPIIa-d-5
LET US KNOW

In the previous learning activity sheet, we discussed how to defend a stand.

This time you will learn how to write a position paper. Do not forget to honestly
answer the activities that follow on blank sheets of paper.

Getting Ready Activity

Answer the following:
Pretend that there’s a town which requires all men to be clean-shaven.
This town has only one barber—a man who must follow strict rules. The
rules are as follows. (1) Barber must shave all men who do not shave
themselves. (2) Barber must not shave any man who does not shave
himself. The question now is: Does the barber shave himself? Explain
your answer in one paragraph. Do this in a clean sheet of paper.

LET US REVIEW
What are logical fallacies? Can you give some examples and some sample
sentences from those examples?

LET US STUDY
The following is how a position paper would look like:
I. INTRODUCTION
A. Introduction to the Topic
B. Background of the Topic
C. Thesis Statement
A and B of the introduction is similar to what we can call “FRAMING.”
What does it include?
-Definition of Terms
-Events that are relevant to the issue
-Standards for judging something

II. BODY
A. Counterclaim
• Summary of the Counterclaim
• Supporting Information for the Counterclaim
• Refuting of the Counterclaim
• Giving Evidences for the Argument
B. Arguments (At least three)
- Idea
a. Analysis
b. Evidence
Tip: The structure of the counterclaim is very similar to the structure of your own
arguments. The refutation or rebuttal of the counterclaim is similar to the
structure of an argument as well.

III. CONCLUSION
A. Restating of Arguments
B. Providing Plan of Action/Call to Action
SAMPLE CONCLUSION:
The right of a person against torture has to be respected, protected and fulfilled
at all times. This is a human right that cannot be curtailed, diminished or taken
away even in times of conflict. It is one of the eight non-derogable rights.
The respect, protection, and fulfillment of the right to be free from torture is a
challenge for public officials and personnel, human rights advocates, health
professionals and peace-loving people. More than ever, everybody has to join
hands in eradicating the evils of torture. This is our contribution to the building of
a humane society.
The Commission on Human Rights fully endorses the passage of law addressing
the issue of torture. However, the above recommendations are respectfully
submitted for the consideration of the Committee.
Issued on June 2, 2008, at Quezon City Philippines.

LET US PRACTICE
Answer the following:
1. What should be at the very end of the position paper?
2. At least how many arguments should be in a position paper for it to be
convincing?
3. After the introduction, what should be emphasized first?
4– 6. The three parts of an argument
7. The least important part of an argument.
8. The most important part of an argument
9. The last statement of the introduction.
10. How many paragraphs would an ideal position paper have?
LET US APPRECIATE
What is the relevance of making position papers for societal progress?
What would happen if people did not make position papers?

LET US REMEMBER
- The position paper has three parts: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.
- The Introduction consists of Background Information and a Thesis
Statement.
- The Body consists of the Counterclaim and the rebuttal for it, followed by
the arguments for the position.
- The Conclusion consists of a restatement of the important points in the
paper as well as a strong finishing statement such as a call to action.

LET US PRACTICE MORE

Component

1. Position
- Is the position clearly taking a side?
- Does the position seem relevant towards the issue?
2. Idea (per argument)
- Does the idea clearly support the position?
- Does the idea clearly represent the rest of the argument?
- Is the idea summed up in one sentence?

3. Analysis (per argument)

Does the analysis answer all hows and whys necessary?
Does the analysis have connected logical points?
Does the analysis answer the “so what” question?

4. Evidence (optional)
Does the evidence support the analysis?
Does the evidence support the idea?
Is the evidence valid?

EVALUATION
The student will write a position paper about any of the following issues:

1. Black Lives Matter Movement

2. The State of the Feminist Movement in the Philippines
3. Face to Face Classes in 2021
4. The State of Philippine Democracy
5. Political Dynasties

POSITION PAPERS RUBRIC

 Criteria 5 4 3
Organization The position paper has The position paper The paper has no thesis
clear thesis, topic has a thesis statement. Some parts of the
sentences, and all statement, and all essay are missing.
parts are in the correct parts are in the
position correct position.
Content The position paper has The position paper The position paper has 3 or
no logical fallacies in has 1 or 2 logical more logical fallacies in its
its arguments, has fallacies in its arguments, has not debunked
debunked an opposing arguments, has an opposing claim, and has no
claim, and has debunked an analysis and evidence.
provided sound opposing claim,
analysis and evidence and has provided
analysis and
evidence
Mechanics The paper has no The paper has 1 or The paper has 3 or more
grammatical errors. All 2 grammatical and punctuation and grammatical
punctuations are punctuation errors.
proper. errors.

Prepared by:

John Lester A. Zamora

Teacher II
MHPNHS-SHS