ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

LESSON 2:

Defending a Stand on the

Issue and Writing a
Position Paper
Most Essential Learning Objective

Defend a stand on an issue by presenting

reasonable arguments supported by properly
cited factual evidence.
 Learning objectives:
1.Define what a position paper
is.
2. Identify situation in which a position
paper may be effectively used in the
present society.
 Learning objectives:
3. Defend a stand on an issue by
presenting reasonable arguments
supported by properly cited factual
evidence through written task.

4. Write various kinds of position

paper.
List all possible issues/concerns
that the country is facing today.
What is your stand on this issue?

LEGALIZATION OF
DIVORCE
The table below shows example of issues
and its possible claims/stand or position.
ISSUES CLAIM/STAND/POSITION
LEGALIZATION - Divorce should not be
OF DIVORCE legalized in the
Philippines.
- Divorce will help unhappy
couples to give themselves
chance to love again.
What is your stand on this issue?

SMOKING
The table below shows example of issues
and its possible claims/stand or position.
ISSUES CLAIM/STAND/POSITION
SMOKING -Smoking should be banned
in public places
- Smoking is a choice and
people should have
freedom to do whatever
makes them happy.
Recitation
Let’s analyze! Stating your claims. Do
you agree or disagree on the
following statements? Explain your
answers.
*Stating your claims

1. In running for a Presidential

Candidacy, which do you think is
more important, good
communication skills or good
family background. Why? Why not?
 *Stating your claims

2. Online class should be

1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R
5. E S A M X S E E G M R R A I A

prohibited this pandemic.

 *Stating your claims

3. Reading English is more

1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R
5. E S A M X S E E G M R R A I A

difficult than writing English.

 *Stating your claims

4. Everyone has the right to have

1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R
5. E S A M X S E E G M R R A I A

an opinion even if the opinion is

false or not true.
How to write a Position Paper?

1. Choose a topic and make sure it is arguable.

2. Research your topic and the alternative sides.

3. Make a list of the pros and cons of your topic.

How to write a Position Paper?

4. Think about your views on the issue

and decide what is your side.

5. Consider your audience’s views on

the topic.
 REFERENCE LIST
6. Include all resources cited in your paper. Usually,
American Psychological Association (APA) style is used in
referencing.

7. Remember to summarize/paraphrase the

statements/ideas you’re about to borrow from other
people.

8. Use quotation marks if you want to retain the exact

statement of the author.
Group Activity

Position Paper
Summarize the text by pointing out
the important details and the major
points raised by the author that
clearly reflect his/her stand.
 In what ways you can
develop your
1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E
Y C N G A N E P R 5. E S A M X S E E G M R R A I A

arguments?
 Identify the statement
which supports the
1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.

following claims.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA
 Pollution is seen as a major
world problem.
1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA
 A. Some of the lands disappearing
beneath rising seas.

1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA

B. The earth is considered the only planet

in the universe that supports life.
 C. The word Environment is derived from
the French word “Environ” which means
surrounding.
1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA

D. People get water, power, and oxygen

from the environment.
 Reforestation is a long ranges
answer to massive flooding.
1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA
 A. The effects of tropical cycles include
heavy rain, strong wind and large storm
surges.
1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA

B. Strong typhoons can disrupt power

supply.
 C. Forest serves to keep the water in the
mountains.

1. P R E N S S I O D E 2. I N G Y U L L B Y C B E R 3. N E I R O V M N T L A E N I S U E S S 4.T A G E N E E Y C N G A N E P R 5.
ESAMXSEEGMRRAIA
D. Health facilities have been damaged due
to heavy flooding.
Thank you for
listening!