St. Mary’s College of Marinduque
Boac, Marinduque
Integrated Basic Education Department
SY 2020 – 2021
I. Title
Subject
Level
Topic:
English for Academic and
Quarter
Professional Purposes
Grade 12 ABM
Duration
 Writing a Position Paper
Fourth
Module #
3
2 weeks
Day
Code
1-14
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIa-d-1
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIat-d-2
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIa-d-3
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIa-d-4
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIa-d-5
II. Objectives
Define what is a position paper
Identify situations in which a position paper may be effectively used in the present
society
Gather manifestos and analyze the arguments used by the writer/s
Defend a stand on an issue by presenting reasonable arguments supported by
properly cited evidences
Write various kinds of position paper
II. Discussion/ Broadening of Concept
Position paper- is an essay that expresses a position about an issue. It gives
arguments that support the opinion of the writer based on the facts collected. Its goal is to
convince an audience that the opinion raised underwent thorough investigation and data
collection and that it is therefore valid.
Elements of a Position Paper
A. Introduction – this part of the paper identifies an issue that is being discussed by the author
emphasizing his position about the issue. Here, the topic is introduced
background and history of the issue shall also be discussed.
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. It can be divided into these sections namely: background
information, evidence supporting the author’s position, and a discussion which
addresses and refutes arguments that present both sides of the issue.
C. Conclusion – this part restates the main points, then summarizes the arguments made in the
paper and then provides a call of action.
Position papers are utilized to present an issue and to generate a support on the issue.
Therefore, gathering factual information to support your argument would be very essential.
MRS. JELLIE O. ANAYA
EAPPABM12-Q4-M3
Page 1 of 6
What about Manifesto as a form of writing?
Manifesto is a document publicly declaring the position or program of its issuer. A
manifesto advances a set of ideas, opinions, or views, but it can also lay out a plan of action.
While it can address any topic, it most often concerns art, literature, or politics. Manifestos are
generally written in the name of a group sharing a common perspective, ideology, or purpose
rather than in the name
of a single individual.
It combines a sometimes violent societal critique with an inaugural and inspirational
declaration of change. Although manifestos can claim to speak for the majority, they are often
authored by social activists and usually linked to new ideas.
WRITING A POSITION PAPER
There are two basic of writing which specialized at convincing.
1. Persuasion appeals to readers’ emotions to make them believe something or take specific
action.
Persuasion can also use logic and evidence.
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:
1 Parents’ love which is illustrated with their sacrifices is worth recognition. 2 They send
their children to school even if they have not gone to school themselves, 3 even if their own
wants are sacrificed just to fund students’ needs. 4 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 case for a specific claim.
Argumentation de-emphasizes appeals to emotion.
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:
1 Many students ignore the significance of doing well in their studies. 2 They often
neglect their parents’ sacrifices by getting low grades or worst yet getting a failing marks. 3 On
the other hand, psychologists say performance in school is influenced by many factors which
include peers.4 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. 5 Thus, funding students to
school becomes a big sacrifice among parents.
MRS. JELLIE O. ANAYA
EAPPABM12-Q4-M3
Page 2 of 6
Persuasive versus Argumentative
This table below will help you differentiate Persuasive writing from Argumentative writing.
CHARACTERISTICS
CLAIM
PURPOSE
BASIS
PERSUASIVE
Claim is based on opinion
Asks audience to do
something.
ARGUMENTATIVE
Claim is based on factual
evidence
Proves a point to the
audience.
Based on character and
emotion.
Based on stabilized position
and logic.
References
 Saqueton G, Uychoco M .2016. English for Academic and Professional Purposes.1977
CM Recto Avenue, Manila: Rex Bookstore.
 Wyson, John Daryl B. 2016. English for Academic and Professional Purposes,Quezon
City:Vibal Group Inc.
 33English for Academic Purposes Learner’s Material and Teacher’s Guide. Department
of Education, First Edition, 2016.
 https://www.britannica.com/topic/manifesto
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MRS. JELLIE O. ANAYA
EAPPABM12-Q4-M3
Page 3 of 6
ACTIVITY SHEETS
Name: ___________________________
Grade/Level: ______________________
Subject: _______________________
Teacher: _______________________
I. Directions: List at least 5 issues that you can identify that the society, your community is
facing right now. Identify particular information that you would like to deal with in
your paper. Follow the table below.
ISSUES
Example: Cyberbullying


WHAT I WANT TO FOCUS ON
Effects among young people
What should the government do to
address cybercrimes?
II. Directions: Read this sample position paper and identify the stand/ reasons of the writer.
Use the reading guide provided for to facilitate better understanding of the
paper.Use the template below to make your own position paper. Use separate
paper for your answer.
READING GUIDE
Please identify the following:
Position Paper’s Topic/Issue:
_________________________________________________________
Evidences/Reasons:
Sample Position Paper
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.
Is it fair or should it be cancelled?
I believe that homework should not be viewed as a mandatory part of education for
several reasons.
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.
MRS. JELLIE O. ANAYA
EAPPABM12-Q4-M3
Page 4 of 6
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.
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 not always willing to spend extra time explaining school
material to their little one solve 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.
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.
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.
Accessed from: (https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-help-you-grasp-the-idea/)
PROJECT OUTPUT
Directions: From the issues listed below, choose one (1) to work on to develop into a position
paper. Second, do some researching/reading to gather information. Third, defend
your stand by writing a position paper with the intention of convincing your reader to
support your stand.Write your position paper on a sheet of paper.
List of Issues:
Online Classes Among Public Schools Students
Curfew Among Minors
Community Lockdown
Government Funds Distribution
Cyber Bullying
________________________________ (topic of your choice)
MRS. JELLIE O. ANAYA
EAPPABM12-Q4-M3
Page 5 of 6
Rubric for Writing a Position Paper
Criteria
Excellent
10-9
Content and Takes a strong,
Development well-defined
position; uses at
least nine appropriate
reasons with at
least two
supporting details
for each reason.
Counter arguments
effectively
addressed, without
undercutting
position.
Organization Structure of paper
and
is clear and easy to
Structure
follow. Paragraph
transitions are
logical and
maintained the flow
of thought
throughout the
paper. Conclusion
is logical and flows
from the body of
the paper.
Format
Paper follows
guidelines. Paper
has appropriate
length as described
for the assignment.
Format enhances
readability of the
paper.
Grammar,
Rules of grammar,
Punctuation usage, punctuation
& Spelling
are followed;
spelling is correct.
Language is clear
and precise;
sentences display
consistently strong,
varied structure.
MRS. JELLIE O. ANAYA
Good
8-7
Clear position
taken and
defined;
Some reasons
and some
details present,
but
not fully
developed.
Counter
arguments
addressed.
Fair
6-4
Position not
clearly stated;
development is
brief, unrelated,
unsupported
general
statements,
reasons, and
details, minimal
facts used.
Counter
arguments not
acknowledged.
Structure of the
paper is not easy
to follow.
Paragraph
transitions need
improvement.
Conclusion is not
logical.
Poor
3-1
No clear position
taken; reasons
underdeveloped;
no supporting
facts
used.
Paper follows
guidelines.
Paper has
Appropriate length
for the
assignment.
Format is good.
Paper follows
most of the
guidelines.
Paper is
over/under word
length.
Paper lacks more
elements of
correct
formatting. Paper
is inadequate/
excessive in
length.
Rules of
grammar,
usage,
punctuation
are followed with
minor errors. Few/
no spelling errors.
Paper contains
Few grammatical,
punctuation and
spelling errors.
Language lacks
clarity or includes
the use of some
jargon or
conversational
tone.
Paper contains
grammatical,
punctuation and
spelling errors.
Language uses
jargon or
conversational
tone.
Structure is
mostly clear and
easy to
follow.
Paragraph
transitions
are present.
Conclusion is
logical.
EAPPABM12-Q4-M3
Organization and
structure detract
the message of
the
writer. Paragraphs
are disjointed and
lack transition of
thoughts.
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