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English for Academic and

Professional Purposes
Quarter 2 – Module 4
Writing Position Paper

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

English for Academic and Professional Purposes - Grade 12
Quarter 2 - Module 4: Writing Position Paper

First Edition, 2020

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i
English for Academic and
Professional Purposes
Quarter 2 – Module 4
Writing Position Paper

For Senior High School

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and reviewed

by educators from public and private schools, colleges, and or/universities. We
encourage teachers and other education stakeholders to email their feedback,
comments, and recommendations to the Department of Education at action@
deped.gov.ph.

We value your feedback and recommendations.

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

FAIR USE AND CONTENT DISCLAIMER: This SLM (Self Learning Module) is for educational purposes only.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names, trademarks, etc.) included in
these modules are owned by their respective copyright holders. The publisher and authors do not represent nor
claim ownership over them. Sincerest appreciation to those who have made significant contributions to these
modules.

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 Table of Contents

What This Module is About iv

What I Need to Know v
How to Learn from this Module vi
Icons of this Module vii
What I Know viii

Lesson 1
The Nature of a Position Paper or Manifesto 1
What’s In 1
What’s New: Cross Word Puzzle 1
What is It: Discussion on Position Paper 3
What’s More: Answering Questions 5
What I Have Learned: Synthesizing Learnings 5
What I Can Do: Simulations 6
Lesson 2
What is it: Discussion on Writing a Position Paper and Defending a
7
Stand
What’s More: Your Claim, Defend It 8
What I Have Learned: Write My Thoughts 9
What I Can Do: Act It Out 11

Summary 11
Assessment (Post-Test) 12
Key to Answers 13
Reference 15

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What this Module is About
This module exposes you to the realm of position paper writing. As a future
professional in your own discipline, a thorough grasp on how to write an effective
position paper is deemed significant in future practice of your endeavor.
To develop this skill, you need to know what a position paper is, its structure and
format. As such, your functional knowledge in outlining will serve as working templates
in crafting viable position paper.
Following are the lessons contained in this module:
1. Characteristics of a Position Paper or a Manifesto
2. Structure and Formats in Crafting a Position Paper or a Manifesto

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 What I need to Know

Objectives: After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. Define what a position paper and a manifesto.
2. Gather manifestoes and analyze the arguments used by the writer.
3. Defend a stand on an issue by presenting reasonable arguments supported by
properly cited factual evidences.
4. Write various kinds of position paper.

General Instructions
To have a good grasp of this module, you should do the following:
1. Read carefully the selections provided in the lesson.
2. Understand the given issue and identify the arguments presented.
3. Write your own position paper, defend your stand by presenting reasonable
arguments.

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How to Learn from this Module
To achieve the given objectives, you are to do the following:
• Take your time reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.

Icons of this Module

What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that
Know are set for you to learn as you go along the
module.

What I know This is an assessment as to your level of

knowledge to the subject matter at hand,
meant specifically to gauge prior related
knowledge
What’s In This part connects previous lesson with that
of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be presented
to you

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a

way to deepen your discovery and under-
standing of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are in-

tended for you to practice further in order to
master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to show-

case your skills and knowledge gained, and
applied into real-life concerns and situations.

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vii
 What I Know Pretest

Prompts: Choose only the letter of the correct answer.

1. What type of academic writing that presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a
particular issue by outlining arguments and proposing the course of action?
a. Concept Paper c. Critique Paper
b. Position Paper d. Research Paper
2. It is a document or letter publicly declaring the position or program, a set of
ideas, opinions, or views and can also lay out a plan of action and is often
political in nature.
a. Research Paper c. Abstract
b. Book Review d. Manifesto
3. In which part of a manifesto or a position paper where the writer expresses
his/her stand about an issue which is strongly supported by evidence?
a. Introduction c. Body
b. Conclusion d. Reference
4. In which part of a manifesto or a position paper where the writer’s vision about
the issue are stated ending with a powerful call for action?
a. Introduction c. Body
b. Conclusion d. Reference
5. It represents the writer’s thoughts and opinions about an issue.
a. argument c. reason
b. stand/claim d. counterclaim
6. Which of the following can be used as supporting evidence?
a. factual knowledge c. personal opinion
b. hearsays d. suggestion
7. In which part of the position paper where the writer provides a general statement
through a thesis statement?
a. reference c. introduction
b. body d. conclusion
8. It is a kind of supporting evidence supported with personal experience related to a
knowledgeable party?
a. factual knowledge c. informed opinion
b. statistical inferences d. personal testimony
9. The following statements support writing a position paper, except:
a. Position paper presents an arguable opinion about an issue.
b. The writer’s goal is to convince the audience of his valid opinion/stand.
c. The writer supports opinion with valid evidence.
d. The writer’s opinion is personal and unquestionable.
10. The following is a part of the introduction of a position paper, except:
a. background of the issue c. introduction of the issue
b. thesis statement d. acknowledgement
11. Which of the following is a part of a conclusion?
a. supporting evidence c. thesis statement
b. plan of action d. counter argument
12. The following are important reminders in writing a position paper, except:
a. Cite valid and reliable source.
b. Choose an issue that is debatable.
c. Conduct an in depth research on the issue.
d. Maximize position paper unto 10 pages or more.

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13. Which is not true about the position paper?
a. It explains the issue objectively.
b. It discourages counterclaims of the issue.
c. It uses active voice to achieve dynamic tone and voice.
d.It aligns arguments to audience belief ,needs and interest.
14. Which statement identifies the main objective in writing a position paper?
a. To take part into an argument.
b. To revive an old and unresolved issue.
c. To propose a course of action.
d. To conduct a research.
15. A position paper needs a conclusion at the end. The following are suggestions
on how to end a conclusion, except?
a. a quotation c. a question
b. a challenge d. a thesis statement

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 THE NATURE OF A POSITION PAPER OR
Lesson A MANIFESTO

1
Grade 12, First Semester, Quarter 2– Week 1

What’s In

You have already learned in the previous module on how to develop a concept
paper in three ways-- which guided you to prepare an effective concept paper of your
project or academic research in the future. Now, you are ready to move forward and
learn how to craft an effective position paper or a manifesto.

What’s New

Activity 1. Look for the hidden words inside the puzzle. Write the word in your
paper. Hint: societal problems of today.

p d e f c h t o p a l l g
o b e s i t y b u g g n s
v a b c d h j i m x i n o
e g s d v k r w y y p o O
r H d f g k b c l d g j k
t S z w r t i l o u y p d
y a b c d r u g s h v d t
a z v b w b g h l a t u o
c l i m a t e c h a n g e

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2
 What is It

A Position Paper or a Manifesto Defined

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.
In the same manner, Munro (2019) defines manifesto as a document or letter publicly
declaring the position or program of its issuer. It advances, but it a set of ideas,
opinions, or views can also lay out a plan of action. It is posted or distributed to the
public that announces information such as the motive, reasoning, or demands of a
person or group. Topics of position papers or manifestoes are: political, artistic,
scientific and educational, professional, and technology. The main objective of writing
a position paper is to take part in a larger debate by stating your arguments and
proposed course of action.
A position paper has the following parts:

Introduction
 Introduce the issue, provide history or background of the issue on hand.
 Provide general statement of your stand through a thesis statement.

Body

 State your arguments on your stand about the issue.

 Provide strong evidence (statistics, interviews with experts, testimonies).
 Provide counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your
arguments.

Conclusion
 Restate your claim or stand of an issue.
 Suggest a course of action.
 End with a powerful call for action (quotation, challenge or question).

Read the sample article below.

Smart Technology is Here

- Francis J. Kong 
(The Philippine Star) - June 24, 2018 - 12:00am

Technology is changing things. Sometimes, we are so enamored with all the new
gadgets and other shiny objects; we scrape up a lot of money from our hard-earned
savings just to make sure we have them lest we lag behind.

Technology does not only change things, it has transformed the way we lived
and the rate of change is accelerating. Consider the changes that have happened over
the years. After the years following the Civil War, there were a handful of technologies
that reconfigured existence.

Thomas Edison’s light bulb extended the working day and may have created the
workaholic.

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 The air-conditioner provided cool and comfort for hot and humid days and it
pushed us indoors all day, causing the reduction of our vitamin D levels.

The jet engine have shrunken distance but increased the scope of business as in
warfare.

Radio and television spread information on massive scales which penetrated

homes and private spaces, and shaped culture.

Appliances sped up our tasks and chores, but reduced our physical strength.

Computers reduced outdoor activities but, in instead, created an industry called

fitness gyms.

Smart phones become the universal device for almost every technology
application, and at the same time have raised our stress and tension levels.

Social media has been able to bridge people from across the world, yet has
isolated the people nearest them.

This is strange but it seems like the more social media one uses, the less social
he or she becomes.

Technology has now created new businesses that the world has never seen
before. Suddenly, YouTube stars that would ever have had the slightest opportunity to
flash their faces on the TV or movie screens and become overnight stars, and earn
millions to the consternation of their parents who still believe that they should get a “real
job.”

Even the way I go to sleep and the way I wake up from my sleep has been
altered by technology. For the past two to three years, I have not physically set my
alarm clock to the time I need to get up to start the day. I have always said, “Alexa,
wake me up tomorrow morning at 6:15 a.m. to the sound of classical music.” And then,
my A.I.-enabled cylinder that I purchased from Amazon.com will respond: “Alarm set
tomorrow morning at 8 o’clock to classical focus on amazon music.” And it does.

Now, expect more of this to happen. More people will be talking to their devices.
Google home products, Apple’s Home pod, and Amazon’s Echo are all competing in
this field. This might pose as a challenge for people to be reminded that when they talk
to humans, they should still communicate with grace and respect. With machines, one
can be rude, impatient and be ill-mannered wanting to get the information we want but
humans are not machines. I can be awakened by Alexa with its classical music playing
and in my still foggy mind and half-wakefulness say, “Alexa, shut up: and it does stop.
But can you imagine me talking this way to my clients or my family?

Smart technology is now similar to media in its ability to shape our lives in a
thousand ways and in even more pervasive means. We have even witnessed the rise of
fake news and false content, and have seen how many young people have become
bashers and bullies, cussing and cursing in loud voices instead of improving their
arguments through intelligent conversations to the benefit of no one but perhaps, to a

4
handful of marketing people whose sole mission in life is to create noise, traffic, and
click counts to raise up ad revenues for their sites. Technology can diminish emotional
intelligence as those who are immersed in it become socially and emotionally lazy,
thanks to all the screens in our lives.

Geoffrey Fowler already has a sinister name for this fake news and false
contents in social media as he calls it: “counterfeit reality.” I guess what has happened
over the years is that civilization driven by mass media and technology has replaced our
preference from a culture of character to a culture of personality.

Technology will not go away. It is not a passing fad. Businesses will be

challenged, jobs will possibly be replaced, and so we should learn it, know more about it
and most importantly use it for good and not as a means to justify the means and in
many case….the “mean-ness.”

Famous book author and Professor Adam Grant whom I had the privilege of
meeting and interviewing years ago says this beautifully:

“We could” – refers to the creativity we can employ through smart technology.

“We should” – refers to the ethical and moral decisions we need to consider in its
usage.

I am interested in technology developments. I am sure it will improve many

people’s lives, but the same materials can also be used to advance evil and harm.
Therefore, we need to be reminded that technology is moral-neutral. It is still the heart
of the person using it that matters. Use technology for what matters most and that is for
the good — for everyone’s sake.

Source:
https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/06/24/1827252/smart-technology-
here#7dKHY4z5uOELgVFO.99

What’s More

Activity 2. Briefly answer the following questions:

1. What does the issue talk about? What is the writer’s stand about the issue?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

2. What are the writer’s arguments? Mention and analyze each argument.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

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5
 3. What evidences are cited to support his claim?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

4. How is the conclusion stated?

________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Activity 3. Reflect on the learning that you have gained after taking up this lesson by
completing the given chart.

What were your misconceptions about What new or additional learning have you
position paper prior to taking up this lesson? had after taking up this lesson in terms of
skills, content, and attitude?

I thought… I learned that…

What I Can Do

Activity 4. Interview at least 3 residents in your barangay. Ask them to enumerate

3 issues prevailing nowadays which can be effectively addressed
through a position paper. For each issue, analyze their arguments and
their proposed solutions. Use the template below.
Person Interviewed Issue His/her Arguments Proposed
 address Solution
 no. of years
living in that area
 name is optional

4
 6

Writing a Position Paper and

Lesson Defending a Stance on an Issue

2
Grade 12, First Semester, Quarter 2 – Week 2

What is It

Writing a Position Paper and Defending a Stance on an Issue

You have learned that a position paper presents an arguable opinion about an
issue. Your goal as the writer is to convince the audience that your opinion or stand or
claim is valid and worth listening to. It is essential to support your argument or reason
with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims. The best way to defend your stand is
to provide supporting evidence which includes the following:
 Factual Knowledge – information that is verifiable and agreed upon by
almost everyone
 Statistical Inferences – interpretation and examples of an accumulation of
facts
 Informed Opinion – opinion developed through research and/or expertise of
the claim
 Personal Testimony – personal experience related by a knowledgeable
party.
In every claim, there is always a counterclaim, which is just the opposite of a
claim. When your claim says, “I want a new cellphone.” But then your Mother said,
“'No, you don't.” This is your mom's counterclaim. Counterclaims are also provable
and supportable by reasons and evidence. Just when your Mother proves by saying,
’Your current situation does not require a new cell phone.’
All of these vital parts play an important role in writing a position paper. The
outline below will help you to organize your ideas in one coherent composition.

Position Paper Outline

I. Introduction
A. Introduce the issue.
B. Provide background on the issue.
C. Provide thesis statement on your stand of the issue.
II. Body (the arguments/reasons)
A. Argument #1 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide supporting evidence

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 B. Argument #2 of your claims
1. Give your opinion.
2. Provide support evidence.

C. Argument #3 of your claims 7

1. Give your opinion.
2. Provide support evidence.
D. Provide counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your
arguments.
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate your argument.
B. Provide a plan of action.

A few reminders before writing a position paper!

 Choose an issue that is debatable, current and relevant.
 Conduct an in-depth research on the issue.
 Explain the issue and analyze it objectively.
 Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
 Cite valid and reliable source.
 Limit your position paper to 2 pages.
 Analyze your target audience and align your arguments to their beliefs,
needs, interest and motivation.
 Use active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm tone.

What’s More

Activity 1. Your Claim, Defend It!. The table below lists the current prevalent
issues that we are facing today. Practice citing your claim or stand on
each issue. Then, defend your stand by citing supporting evidence the
best way you can.
Issue Your Claim/Stand Supporting Evidence

Has COVID-19 pandemic

changed the world for its
best or for its worst?
Is online learning effective
or not?
Do you think our
government’s economy
can sustain our country’s
needs during this uncertain
times of pandemic?

4
8
 What I Have Learned

Activity 2. Write My Thoughts! Choose one issue from Activity 1. Expound your
stand and give reasons using the supporting evidence you have provided.
Then, develop these facts into a coherent position paper, following the
outline given in the previous page. Let’s start!

___________________________
Title Introduction

_____________________________________________________ *state
background of
___________________________________________________________ the issue

___________________________________________________________ *thesis
statement
______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________ Body

____________________________________________________________
*your
____________________________________________________________ argument

____________________________________________________________ *supporting

____________________________________________________________ Evidence

*counterar
____________________________________________________________
guments
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Conclusion
____________________________________________________________
*restate
____________________________________________________________ your stand

*provide
____________________________________________________________
course of
action

* strong
statement
for a call
to action

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4
Your written output is graded using the rubrics below.

Source:
https://eng.ucmerced.edu/people/awesterling/SPR2014.ESS141/Assignments/rubr
ic2.pdf

4
10
 What I Can Do

Activity 3. Write a position paper based on the scenario given. Follow the format
designed for a position paper. Your written output is rated using the
rubrics in Activity 2.

The student council is petitioning to prepare an art festival in your school, but the
administration is reluctant to agree with the plan because it involves taking two days off
the students’ normal classes. As one of the organizers, you are tasked to write a
position paper which argues your stand for the establishment of the activity by the
administration.

Summary
To summarize, the entire Module 4 has taught you to understand the nature and
purpose of a position paper. Moreover, you have also learned on how to defend your
stand in your position paper. You are also provided with the outline as template to follow
in your writing activity. After all, you were able to write your own position paper as your
final output in this module. Congratulations for finishing the task!

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4
 Post Assessment

Prompts: A. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and write FALSE if the
statement is wrong.
_________ 1. It is a good practice to consider all possible views on the issue at hand.
_________ 2. The issue is a crucial component of a position paper.
_________ 3. Choose an issue that is debatable, current and relevant.
_________ 4. Audience analysis is also important to consider in order to write a more
persuasive position paper.
_________ 5. In writing a position paper, the writer’s credentials is an important factor
to establish credibility.
_________ 6. Any opinions can be used to support an argument.
_________ 7. Providing a background of the issue is not necessary in writing the
introduction.
_________ 8. The main goal of a position paper is to inform the readers.
_________ 9. A position paper is also called a point of view paper.
_________ 10. The conclusion of a position paper must end with a strong call for action.

B. Answer the following questions briefly:

1. In your own words, state what a position paper is.
__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

2. In what ways can you develop your arguments?

__________________________________________________________________

4
12
 Key to Answers

Module 4 Writing a Position Paper

Lesson 1
What I Know
1. b
2. d
3. c
4. b
5. b
6. a
What’s New
Activity 1.1
Poverty
Obesity
Climate change
Drugs
Bullying

What’s More
Activity 1.2
1. The issue is about how technology has changed people’s lives, behavior and
moral outlook.
The writer’s stand: He is not against technological developments in fact it
improves man’s way of living, but he also reminds us that same technology will
advance evil and harm. Therefore, use technology wisely for the common good.
2. At the comfort of technological products man has found his comfort zone to
dwell and slowly forgetting the value of real human interactions that eventually
changes man’s mind, culture and outlook in life.
3. Personal experience
Real-life scenario happening around
4. The author reiterates his stand about the issue and leave a strong statement for
a call to action.
What I Have Learned
Activity 1.3 Answers vary

What I Can Do
Activity 1.4 – answers vary

134
Lesson 2

What’s More
Activity 2.1 – Answers vary

Issue Your Claim/Stand Supporting Evidence

Has COVID-19 pandemic COVID -19 changes the

changed the world for its world for its best. Supporting evidences vary
best or for its worst? Or in order to support ones
COVID-19 changes the stand.
world for its worst.
Is online learning effective Yes. Online learning is Supporting evidences vary
or not? effective. in order to support ones
Or stand.
No. Online learning is not
effective.
Do you think our Yes, our government’s
government’s economy economy can still sustain. Supporting evidences vary
can sustain our country’s Or in order to support ones
needs during this uncertain No, our government stand.
times of pandemic? ‘s economy can no longer
sustain.

What I Have Learned

Activity 2.2 – Answers vary

What I Can Do
Activity 2.3 – Answers vary

Post Assessment
Test I-A
1. True
2. True
3. True
4. True
5. False
6. False
7. False
8. False
9. True
10. True
Test I-B – Answers vary

14
4
References

Books
Barrot, Jessie. Academic Reading and Writing for Senior High School. Quezon City:
C & E Publishing, Inc., 2016.

Barrot, Jessie and Sipacio, Philippe John. Communicate Today English for Academic &
Professional Purposes for Senior High School. Quezon City: C & E Publishing,
Inc., 2016.

Cruz, Rosalina, Laurel, Ma. Milagros, and Lucero, Adelaida. English for Academic and
Professional Purposes Reader Learner’s Material. Quezon City. Department of
Education. 2016

Cruz, Rosalina, Laurel, Ma. Milagros, and Lucero, Adelaida. English for Academic and
Professional Purposes Reader Teacher’s Guide. Quezon City. Department of
Education. 2016

Gabelo, Nerissa, and Geron, Cristina. Reading-Writing Connection for the 21st Century
Learners for Senior High School. Malabon City. Mutya Publishing House, Inc. 2016

Website Content
Google. “Writing a Position Paper”. Accessed June 17, 2020
https://mcckc.edu/tutoring/docs/br/english/Writing_a_Position_Paper.pdf

Google. “Writing a Position Paper” Accessed June 17, 2020

https://www.cs.rutgers.edu/~rmartin/teaching/fall17/Writing_a_Position_Paper.pdf

Google. “Rubric in Assessing Position Paper” Accessed June 18, 2020

https://eng.ucmerced.edu/people/awesterling/SPR2014.ESS141/Assignments/ru
bric2.pdf

Kong, Francis. “Smart Technology is Here.” Accessed June 10, 2020

https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/06/24/1827252/smart-technology-
here#7dKHY4z5uOELgVFO.99

Mundro, Andre. “Manifesto: Declarative Document.” Accessed June 20, 2020

https://www.britannica.com/topic/manifesto

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