English for Academic and Professional Purposes.

-Grade 11- 12
Quarter 2 – Module 3: Writes various kinds of position papers.

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: GIOVANI T. VARGAS

Editors: GINA B. PANTINO

SONIA V. PRENSADER
JOSALIE T. TONIO
LORAINE T. CHIONG

Reviewers: GINA B. PANTINO and

Masbate City Division headed by JEANETTE ROMBLON

Illustrator / Layout Artist: JOHN MICHAEL P. SARTE

 SHS

English for Academic

and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 2 – Module 3
WRITES VARIOUS KINDS OF POSITION PAPERS

This instructional material was developed based from the Most Essential
Learning Competencies (MELC) in English for Academic and Professional
Purposes in response to the new normal scheme in learning delivery of the
Department of Education. This module was collaboratively reviewed by
educators and program specialists in the Regional Office V. We encourage
teachers and other educational stakeholders to email their feedback, comments,
and recommendations to the Department of Education at
____________________.
 
We value your feedback and recommendations.

Department of Education Republic of the Philippines

1
Welcome to Module 3, Learner! After this module, you will only need to study six
more lessons and you’ll be soon done with this awesome subject! What an
amazing accomplishment! Congratulations in advance!
In this module, you will be guided on how to write a position paper. Several
learning concepts are prepared for you to have a clearer understanding of the
lesson.
Before you start browsing this module, may we please give you some
reminders:

 Explore the module at your own pace. Allot considerable time so that
you will be able to cover the concepts included in this module.

 The lessons are self-taught. In case you find some of the concepts
difficult or confusing, you can do additional or supplemental readings
using whatever resources possible.

 Do not hesitate to ask for help if the lessons appear to be complicated.

 There are checkpoints on each of the learning concepts. Those were

designed to ensure better understanding before proceeding to the next
lesson. We are expecting that you will take those short assessments
seriously. Be honest with your answers.

 Carefully read the directions to avoid confusion and repetition.

 To have a more reliable output, you are encouraged to cite, explore

some other resources available such as books, newspapers, articles,
etc.

 Most importantly, enjoy studying!

We are looking forward for your learnings on this module!

2
 By the end of this module, you should be able to:
Write various kinds of position papers.

Below are the words you will encounter in the discussion in the next
following pages. This section will help you unlock those words to better understand its
context.

 Position Paper: A formal, usually detailed written statement,

especially regarding a single issue, that articulates a position, view
point, or policy, as of government, organization, or political candidate.
 Argument: A process of reasoning; series of reasons; a statement,
reason, or facts for or against a point.
 Opinion: A view or judgment formed about something, not
necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
 Logical Appeal: Refers to a reasonable approach in developing an
argument.
 Ethical Appeal: Refers to your credibility or believability and
competence as a writer.
 Emotional Appeal: Uses arguments in a way that evokes or
uncovers feelings.
 Fallacies: Errors in reasoning; a false or mistaken idea.

GENERAL DIRECTIONS: Read the instructions for every activity. Write your answers on your
ANSWER SHEETS.

3
 Before we proceed to the main discussion, do you already know these
concepts? If not, do not worry as this test will not be recorded.

DIRECTIONS:
Write G, if the practice is a good one. Write B, if it is not.
_____1. Anjo considers all possible views on the issue at hand.
_____2. Cristina boasts about her credentials to establish her credibility as a writer.
_____3. Glen primarily uses opinions and fallacies in supporting his arguments.
_____4. Dave uses emotional appeal in all of his position paper because it is the best
type of appeal.
_____5. Lmee restates her position in the concluding paragraph.

Are you done with the pretest? How do you think

you fared? Again, if you did not get all the
answers correctly, do not worry! You will be able
to learn all of those as you go through this
module!
ARE YOU NOW READY?

4
 As a student, you are continuously taking
sides and forming opinions on anything that
involves them. However, defending your
point by simply saying
“because I think so”, won’t help you make a
case. It is therefore important that you learn
how to properly outline your thoughts and
make valid argument.

Definition and Purpose of a Position Paper

Presents an opinion and

make a claim or stand about
an issue. A stand supported by
arguments and
evidence.

Position
Learning
Concept 1 paper

Expresses a position, conclusion, se

rpo
or recommendation concerning pu to te
a contested issue or undecided Its is era on
n rt .
question. ge po sue
p
su n is
a

5
 A position paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.
Writing a position paper entails outlining arguments and proposing the course of action; by
doing so, you are already taking part in a large debate. It is a more complex version of a
persuasive essay, however, a position paper is not an essay, but it has a various parts just
like the concept paper. It can be likened with a debate but the presentation of the arguments
is in a written form. Presenting an argument implies that you are favoring one side of the
issue.

The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a “position” on a certain matter or

an issue. Its secondary goal is to convince or persuade others to take that side of an issue or
matter.

Aside from this, you also have the power to change the opinions and attitude of
others when you write a position paper. Because of this, a position paper can be essential
tool in bringing about societal change. For example, if you do not agree with a certain issue
or rule, you can write a position paper to reflect your point of view.

Like a debate, a position paper presents one side of an arguable opinion about an
issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and
defensible. Ideas that you are considering need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic,
developing your argument, and organizing your paper. It is very important to ensure that you
are addressing all sides of the issue and presenting it in a manner that is easy for your
audience to understand. Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade your
audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the topic being presented. It is important
to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to
refute the counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both sides.

Issue Criteria

To take a side on a subject, you should first establish the arguability of a topic that interests
you. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you will be able to present a strong
argument:

  Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?

  Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?

  Are you personally interested in advocating one of these positions?

  Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be manageable?

6
 Let’s check how you understood the concepts in the previous page. You are not
allowed to go back on the previous page.

DIRECTIONS: Write T if the statement is correct, otherwise write F.

_____1. A position paper presents two sides of an arguable opinion about an issue.
_____2. A position paper is a type of essay.
_____3. The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a “position” on a certain
matter or an issue.

Learning Concept 2

Parts of a Position Paper

7
INTRODUCTION
a) Analyze the source/quote: pull it apart sentence by sentence and explain the
meaning of the source both in general terms and more specifically
b) Identify the perspective the source/quote reflects:
c) Explain your understanding of that ideology (discuss key underlying beliefs or
political principles or economic principles)
d) State your position. Do you agree with the ideological perspective or not?
NOTE:
If taking a qualified position, state it clearly and precisely.
II. BODY
a) Explain your first reason to support your position
b) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your first argument
c) Explain your second argument/reason
d) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your second argument
e) Explain your third argument/reason
f) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your last argument
NOTE:
In General, the strongest/best argument should be the last. Others would advise
the first argument by the strongest/best; never the middle argument.

III.CONCLUSION
(Summarize, restate in a forceful manner your position)
NOTE:
Please remember that the conclusion should not merely be a brief repetition of
your results – in that case your discussion would seem fairly pointless. Focus
instead on what your results may imply after careful consideration (consideration
that you have outlined in your discussion).

Sample Outline

I. Introduction
___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
___C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). More on thesis statements can be found
below.

Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic and your approach to it (your
thesis statement), and to arouse your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One
effective way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a kind of backdrop that
will put it in perspective. You should discuss the area into which your topic fits, and then
gradually lead into your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis statement).

II. Counter Argument

___A. Summarize the counterclaims
___B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
___C. Refute the counterclaims
___D. Give evidence for argument

You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself what someone who disagrees with
you might say about each of the points you've made or about your position as a whole. Once

8
you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them--will
you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should
nonetheless accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it
is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument
is stronger than opposing arguments.

When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument
fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you
have seriously considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not simply attacking
or mocking your opponents.

It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather
than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. If considering a
counterargument changes your position, you will need to go back and revise your original
argument accordingly.

III. Your Argument

___A. Assert point #1 of your claims
_____1. Give your educated and informed opinion
_____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)
___B. Assert point #2 of your claims
_____1. Give your educated and informed opinion
_____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)
___C. Assert point #3 of your claims
_____1. Give your educated and informed opinion
_____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)

You may have more than 3 overall points to your argument, but you should not have
fewer.

IV. Conclusion
___A. Restate your argument
___B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information

The simplest and most basic conclusion is one that restates the thesis in different words and
then discusses its implications.

9
 FIX ME!
Directions: Below is a selection not arranged accordingly. Your job is to fix the
Selection chronologically by putting numbers 1 to 4; 1 being the Introduction, 2
and 3 as the body and 4 as the Conclusion.

_____Gandhi’s two most notable fasts were in September 1947 and January 1948. In the
first, shortly after India won its independence in august 1947, the governor of Calcutta spoke
of him not as “Mahatma” but as “the magician,” for he successfully ended a summer violence
and bloodshed in a vicious civil war between Muslim and Hindus that had left 4000 dead and
20,000 wounded. In the second, fasted to promote tolerance among Sikhs, Hindus and
Muslim. Because he was successful in achieving consensus among leaders of the various
groups, it is ironic that Gandhi was assassinated 10 days later by a fellow Hindu. The militant
could not tolerate his view that Muslim and Hindus were equal and no one religion was
superior to another.
_____Throughout his career, Gandhi staged a total of 17 hunger strikes. The first was in
1918 to express his solidarity with mill workers. They had lost their positions because of a
labor dispute and were unable to feed their families. To demonstrate his support for their
cause and for their suffering. He initiated a fast, which resulted in a quick settlement and
increased wages for the laborers. In 1932, he began a “fast until death” to protest
discriminatory British laws.
_____Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), honored by his supporters with the name Mahatma or
“great soul” was a prominent twentieth-century Indian politician and spiritual leader. Through
his philosophy based on courage, truth, and non-violent resistence, he established a number
of economic and social reforms for India. Furthermore, he effectively led the nation to its
independence in1947. One of his most potent forms of protest was the hunger strikes or fast.

_____These were aimed at legalizing the caste system and segregating the dalits or
untouchable caste into a separate electoral body. In 1933, the respected leader began a
three-week hunger strike to protest British rule in the country. In 1939, he fasted for the
same reason and to promote the cause of independent and unified India. In august 1947, his
dream was realized, albeit with partitioning of greater India into the two separate nations of
India and Pakistan, with a majority of Hindus in the former and a predominance of Muslim in
the latter.
Were you able to fix the selection?

If YES, you are absolutely awesome! It means that you are understanding
the concept discussed above.

If NO, do not despair. You can always try it again! I firmly believe that you
can do that!

10
 Guidelines on Writing a
Position Paper
Learning Concept 23

Issue
argue
research
voice
Vocabulary

citation
Analyze
Guidelines
2 pages
Weakness

perspective
evidence appeal
logical fallacy

1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following guidelines in mind.
 The issue should be debatable because you won’t be able to make a stand if the
topic is not debatable.
 The issue should be current or relevant.
 The issue should be written in a question from and answerable by yes or no.
 The issue should be narrow and manageable.

2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth research on the issue.

3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and explain and analyze them
objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources (3 or more) to establish the credibility of your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can present unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper in two pages.
9. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests,
and motivations.
10. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and use various evidence and data to
refute them.
11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve dynamic and firm one.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach.

11
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning
weaken your argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal relates to your credibility
and competence as a writer; a logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an
argument; while an emotional appeal uses arguments in a way that evokes feelings.

Writing with style and clarity

Many students make the mistake of thinking that the content of their paper is all that
matters. Although the content is important, it will not mean much if the reader can’t
understand what you are trying to say. You may have some great ideas in your paper but if
you cannot effectively communicate them, you will not receive a very good mark. Keep the
following in mind when writing your paper:

Diction
Diction refers to the choice of words for the expression of ideas; the construction,
disposition, and application of words in your essay, with regard to clearness, accuracy,
variety, etc.; mode of expression; and language. There is often a tendency for students to
use fancy words and extravagant images in hopes that it will make them sound more
intelligent when in fact the result is a confusing mess. Although this approach can
sometimes be effective, it is advisable that you choose clear words and be as precise in the
expression of your ideas as possible.

Paragraphs
Creating clear paragraphs is essential. Paragraphs come in so many sizes and patterns
that no single formula could possibly cover them all. The two basic principles to remember
are these:

1)   A paragraph is a means of developing and framing an idea or impression. As a

general rule, you should address only one major idea per paragraph.

2)   The divisions between paragraphs aren’t random, but indicate a shift in focus. In
other words you must carefully and clearly organize the order of your paragraphs so
that they are logically positioned throughout your paper. Transitions will help you with
this.  

Transitions
In academic writing your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to
convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by
establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your
papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present
them. Whether single words, quick phrases or full sentences, they function as signs for
readers that tell them how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they
read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas. Basically, transitions provide the

reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent
argument. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a

12
particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions
help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

LOGICAL RELATIONSHIP TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION

Similarity also, in the same way, just as ... so too, likewise, similarly
Exception/Contrast but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other
hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in
contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
Sequence/Order first, second, third, ... next, then, finally
Time after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier,
immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously,
subsequently, then
Example for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
Place/Position above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back,
nearby, there
Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
Additional Support or additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally
Evidence important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
Conclusion/Summary finally, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in the final
analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in
sum, in summary 

Grammar and Spelling

You must make certain that your paper is free from grammar and spelling mistakes.
Mechanical errors are usually the main reason for lack of clarity in essays, so be sure to
thoroughly proofread your paper before handing it in. For help with common errors in
grammar and usage consult the following websites:  

Plagiarism and academic honesty

Plagiarism is a form of stealing; as with other offences against the law, ignorance is
no excuse. The way to avoid plagiarism is to give credit where credit is due. If you are using
someone else’s idea, acknowledge it, even if you have changed the wording or just
summarized the main points.

To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use

 another person's idea, opinion, or theory;

 any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings--any pieces of information--that are not
common knowledge;
 quotations of another person's actual spoken or written words; or

13
  paraphrase of another person's spoken or written words.

Now that you are able to complete the

different learning concepts, let’s practice what
you have learned.

Directions. Think of three problems that surround the Philippines’

society today. Enumerate these problems on the space provided on
the left side of the chart below. And then, write your opinion about
each of them.

YOUR OPINION
ISSUE/PROBLEM Example: I am not in favor
Example: Passage of Anti-terror because it violates basic human
Law rights such as the right to free
speech, etc.
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Directions: Identify the correct answer from the

choices given to answer the following questions.

1. What structure of academic text do we follow in writing a position paper?

One-paragraph structure essay

Two-paragraph structure essay
Three-paragraph structure
IMRaD

14
2. In which part of the essay do we write the action plan or recommendation of the
position paper?

Title page
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
 
3. Which of the following does NOT include in the introduction of the position paper?

Counter-argument
Background of the topic
Importance of the topic
Thesis of the position paper

4. Which part of the position paper you "refute" the counterclaim?

Introduction
Conclusion
Your argument
Counter argument

5. Which part of the position paper that you have to restate the main points and final
comment?

Introduction
Body: Counter Argument
Body: Your Argument
Conclusion

6. How many main points can be written in the body of the position paper?

One main point

Two main points
Three main points
Four main points

7. How many sources will you have to provide in supporting your assertions?

One source
Two sources
Three sources
No need of any source

8. What is the ideal minimum number of paragraphs in a position paper?

Two paragraphs
Three paragraphs
Four paragraphs
Five paragraphs

15
 9. How can you make your position paper strong?

Be sure to annotate your paper

Give an educated and informed opinion with supporting evidences
Apply citations and references in the introductory part of the paper
Record your observations and post them on YouTube.

10. What part of the essay do we restate the argument of the paper?

Introduction
Body
Conclusion

DIRECTIONS. Read and comprehend the following outline of a position paper. Then,
decide what issue you are going to write. After that, fill up the parts of a position paper
using the template below. Your reasons or opinions should be supported by facts. Write
your answers with a minimum of five paragraphs.

I. Introduction- One Paragraph

A. Background and relevance of the issue
B. Thesis statement (Use prior knowledge on how to write thesis
statement)
C. Reasons you believe what you do
II. Body- Three paragraphs
A. explanation of reasons you believe what you do and its opposing
viewpoints.
III. Conclusion: One Paragraph
A. Restate your thesis in different words
Provide a suggestion or a call to action.

Make sure to follow the guidelines discussed above.

16
 DIRECTIONS: From the list of issues/topics enumerated below, compose ONE position
paper by taking a stand. You are given the privilege to choose the position on the issue,
whichever is closer to your heart. In a separate sheet of paper, write your position paper.
Your position paper will be rated based on the rubrics that we use on the “Optional Task.”
Please remember the guidelines that we discussed in the previous pages.

TOPIC ISSUE PROBLEM

ABS-CBN Franchise Franchise Denial of ABS- Are you in favor of the
Application CBN Network decision of the 70
Congressmen to deny ABS-
CBN’s application for
franchise?
ROTC in the K-12 Inclusion of ROTC as one of Is there a need for the
Curriculum the subjects for Senior High inclusion of ROTC in the
School Students curriculum of Senior High
School Program?
COVID-19 Pandemic Government’s response to Are you satisfied with the way
COVID-19 Pandemic the government responded to
the health crisis brought upon
by the highly contagious
COVID-19?
Opening of Classes DepEd’s Readiness for Based on your own
School Year 2020-2021 perception, is the Department
of Education ready to
facilitate the opening of
classes for School Year
2020-2021?

DIRECTIONS: From the list of Topics listed in the Post-Test section, write a
thesis statement showing your position on this issue.

TOPIC 1: _________________________________________________________________
Issue: ____________________________________________________________________
Problem: __________________________________________________________________
Thesis Statement:
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

17
References:
Barrot, J., Sipacio, P. (n.d.). English for Academic and Professional Purposes for Senior
High School. Pp 186-187
Listmann, E. (2019, March 29). How to Write a Position Paper. Https://Www.Wikihow.Com/.
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Position-Paper
Valdez, P. (2016). English for Globalized Classroom Series: English for Academic &
Professional Purposes. Phoenix Publishing House.
Valdez, P. N. (n.d.). English for Academic and Professional Purposes for Senior High
School. Phoenix Publishing House pp. 66-71
Writing Position Paper. (2015, September 30). Http://Www.Sfu.ca/Cmns/.
https://www.sfu.ca/cmns/130d1/WritingaPositionPaper.htm

18
ANSWER KEY
A. PRE-TEST
1. G
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. G
B. KNOWLEDGE CHECK (Learning Concept 1)
1. F
2. F
3. T
C. KNOWLEDGE CHECK (Learning Concept 2)

“ Mahatma Gandhi’s Hunger Strikes “

(1) Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), honored by his supporters with the name
Mahatma or “great soul” was a prominent twentieth-century Indian politician and
spiritual leader. Through his philosophy based on courage, truth, and non-violent
resistence, he established a number of economic and social reforms for India.
Furthermore, he effectively led the nation to its independence in1947. One of his
most potent forms of protest was the hunger strikes or fast.

(2) Throughout his career, Gandhi staged a total of 17 hunger strikes. The first
was in 1918 to express his solidarity with mill workers. They had lost their
positions because of a labor dispute and were unable to feed their families. To
demonstrate his support for their cause and for their suffering. He initiated a fast,
which resulted in a quick settlement and increased wages for the laborers. In
1932, he began a “fast until death” to protest discriminatory British laws.

(3) These were aimed at legalizing the caste system and segregating the dalits or
untouchable caste into a separate electoral body. In 1933, the respected leader
began a three-week hunger strike to protest British rule in the country. In 1939,
he fasted for the same reason and to promote the cause of independent and
unified India. In august 1947, his dream was realized, albeit with partitioning of
greater India into the two separate nations of India and Pakistan, with a majority
of Hindus in the former and a predominance of Muslim in the latter.

(4) Gandhi’s two most notable fasts were in September 1947 and January 1948.
In the first, shortly after India won its independence in august 1947, the governor
of Calcutta spoke of him not as “Mahatma” but as “the magician,” for he
successfully ended a summer violence and bloodshed in a vicious civil war
between Muslim and Hindus that had left 4000 dead and 20,000 wounded. In the
second, fasted to promote tolerance among Sikhs, Hindus and Muslim. Because
he was successful in achieving consensus among leaders of the various groups,

19
 it is ironic that Gandhi was assassinated 10 days later by a fellow Hindu. The
militant could not tolerate his view that Muslim and Hindus were equal and no
one religion was superior to another.

D. PRACTICE TASK 2

1. Three- paragraph structure

2. Conclusion
3. Counter-argument
4. Counter-argument
5. Conclusion
6. Three main points
7. Five paragraphs
8. Three sources
9. Give an educated and informed opinion with supporting evidence
10. Conclusion
E. POST- TEST
Answers vary.

20