English for Academic and

Professional Purposes
Second Quarter
Let's learn and have fun!
Ms. Maria Cristina P. Buencido
 Lesson 1 -
Position Paper
Position Paper - is an
essay that expresses a
position about an issue.
 Introduction
Elements of a
Body of the paper
Position Paper
Conclusion
A. Introduction
this part of the paper identifies
an issue that is being discussed
by the author emphasizing his
position about the issue.
Sample - Introduction
Should Homework be Mandatory
I can almost see many students nodding
along with me as I ask this question. Younger
generations overloaded with home tasks and
numerous assignments have already raised this
issue many times.
Yet, homework remains mandatory. 1/2
Sample - Introduction

Should Homework be Mandatory

Is it fair or should it be canceled?
I believe that homework should not be
viewed as a mandatory part of education for
several reasons.
2/2
 B. Body of the paper
this part illustrates the central
argument which can be presented
through a brief description of the
argument. Details, point of view,
evidences are used to support the claim.
Sample - Body of the Paper

Should Homework be Mandatory

First, children spend seven hours every single
work day at school. That is a huge chunk of life,
and with homework added on top of these hours,
a child is left with no time to live his life to the
fullest, socialize, or grow in other areas.
1/4
Sample - Body of the Paper

Should Homework be Mandatory

Second, sitting at your desk solving problems
does no good to your health. Kids need time to get
outside and have some fun, join a football league,
or ride their bikes with friends around the block.
Otherwise, children will be very smart but
surprisingly weak physically. 2/4
Sample - Body of the Paper

Should Homework be Mandatory

Another argument against this position is that homework is not
always the best way to obtain knowledge quality-wise. Students tend to
ask their parents or siblings for help whenever facing difficulties. Busy
parents are not always willing to spend extra time explaining school
material to their little one solves the problems themselves aiming to
have more time for family, not lessons. As a result, the child will have
the homework done. But that’s really not his work. So, the whole idea of
dedicating time to self-education is lost here. 3/4
Sample - Body of the Paper

Should Homework be Mandatory

Finally, knowing that after classes you would
still have to work at home makes a kid less
concentrated at school. This results in short
attention spans and difficulty to concentrate on
something for too long. 4/4
 C. Conclusion

this part restates the main points, then

summarizes the arguments made in the
paper and then provides a call of action.
Sample - Conclusion

Should Homework be Mandatory

All in all, homework should rather be an option.
Students understanding that they are left behind
at some subjects will take their time to go over the
material at home. However, in other cases, they
should have time after school for other activities.
 What about
Manifesto as a form
of writing?
 Manifesto

is a document publicly declaring

the position or program of its
issuer.
 Manifesto

A manifesto is a statement
published by a person or group of
people, especially a political party,
or a government, in which they say
what their aims and policies are.
 ACTIVITY
Let us evaluate this
manifesto through
rubrics.
 ny q ue st ion
A
this fa r?
Let's have
a break!
 Reflective Questions
How well did you understand the first part of our lesson?
Can you answer the following simple questions?
Do it individually and don't cheat!

1. What are the elements
of a Position Paper?
2. Why do you think it is
important to familiarize the
basic parts of an essay?
3. Now that you have learned how to
put basic items into its part, what
do you think should you develop
more to be able to write a position
paper well in the future?
 Lesson 2
Writing a Position
Paper
 1. Persuasion
appeals to readers’ emotions to
There are two make them believe something or take
basic forms of specific action. Persuasion can also
writing which use logic and evidence.
specialize at
convincing.
These are:
 Steps in Persuasive Writing
1. State your opinion and introduce your argument.
2. Give your reasons for your opinion.
3. Illustrate with examples to support your opinion.
4. Restate your opinion and your suggested solution.
Example: Parents’ love which is illustrated with their
sacrifices is worth recognition. They send their
children to school even if they have not gone to
school themselves, even if their own wants are
sacrificed just to fund students’ needs. You, dear
students must recognize this immeasurable love of
your parents by being good in your studies.
 2. Argumentation
relies on logic and evidence to build a
There are two case for a specific claim.
basic forms of Argumentation de-emphasizes
writing which appeals to emotion.
specialize at
convincing.
These are:
 Steps in Argumentative Writing
1. Make a claim
2. Support your claim with reasons/evidence
3. Acknowledge the counterclaim
4. Refute the counterclaim
5. Conclude with strong statement
Example: Many students ignore the significance of doing well in
their studies. They often neglect their parents’ sacrifices by getting
low grades or worst yet getting a failing marks. On the other
hand, psychologists say performance in school is influenced by
many factors which include peers. However, to fair well in school
is not only about influence but also about being exposed to social
realities such as difficulties of getting decent job. Thus, funding
students to school becomes a big sacrifice among parents.
 ACTIVITY 1: MY COMMUNITY
Copy the table below in your notebook and list at least three (3) issues/situations in the
society and state your opinion, stand about these issues by providing evidences/reasons.
Evaluating a Position
Paper Sample
 Remember!
The activities that are important to make a convincing
stand.
A. Identify the issue
Lesson B. Make a stand
C. Formulate your thesis statement about your stand on
Summar the issue you have identified.
y D. Do research and readings to gather information that will
be used as evidences.
E. Present an effective argument
The basic parts of a position paper are as follows:
Introduction - Identification of the issue and background
and the statement of the position. Body - Description of the
argument Presentation of facts and evidences
Conclusion - Restatement of main points and summarizes
arguments, suggestion of the course of action or possible
solutions
Thank you, class!
Join for another class and
let's have fun again together!