11/12

English for Academic and

Professional Purposes
(EAPP)
Q1/Q3-Module 7
Writing Concept Paper
 What I Need To Know
Most Essential Learning Competency (MELC):
• Determines the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept by definition, explication and
clarification (CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Igj-20)
• Compare and contrast various kinds of concept papers: a. Art, b. Business, c. Law, d.
Philosophy, e. Politics, f. Religion, g. Science, h. Sports, i. TechVoc - Home Economics,
Agri-Fishery, IA, ICT
• Presents a novel concept or project with accompanying visuals/ graphic aids

Objectives:
At the end of this module, the students should be able to:
a. define concept paper;
b. identify the ways to elucidate a concept;
c. use any of the techniques to elucidate a concept; and
d. write a concept paper with accompanying visual/graphic aids.

What I Know
To check what you already know about our new topic/lesson, answer the pre-test below.

PRE-TEST
A. Directions: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of the correct answer on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Which of the following aims to clarify a concept which can be about any topic from any fields and tells
the reader what the project is, why it is important, and how it will be carried out?
a. concept paper b. reaction paper c. review d. research
2.Which is NOT a function of a concept paper?
a. It serves as a foundation of the full proposal.
b. It gives the opinion of the writer about a certain concept.
c. It helps determine whether a certain project is feasible or not.
d. It is used to pique the interest of potential funding agencies.
3. Which technique in defining terms uses a word or phrase that shares a meaning with the term being
defined? Example: Technology – Knowledge, Computers
a. negation b. function c. formal d. synonym
4.Which technique in defining terms is used in breaking down wholes into parts, aspects to levels and a
process into steps? Example: Technology is defined as the application of scientific knowledge for practical
purposes, especially in industry.
a. function b. analysis c. contrast d. formal
5. Which of the following is an analysis of an abstract concept through investigation of examples and the
identification of critical and less critical attributes?
a. writing b. explication c. clarification d. definition

For items 6-10. Write E if the statement shows an effective way of writing a concept paper, and N
if otherwise.
____6. Rina fails to indicate the page number in her concept paper.
____7. Xavier included a literature review for his term paper.
____8. Vaughn includes in the references all journals he used but excludes the books to various agencies.
____9. Maxie sticks to one format every time she submits concept paper to various agencies.
____10. Dolly uses different styles and approach in presenting the ideas in a concept paper which is fir to
the context of discipline.

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 1 of 11

 LESSON 7 WAYS TO ELUCIDATE A CONCEPT

What’s In
Directions: Arrange the jumbled letters to form a meaningful word. These words or terms represent
some of the disciplines in which concept papers are used. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. S O L P C I T I

2. S N S U E S B I

3. I L E R I N O G

4. Y F S I R E H

5. T U L G A R E R U I C

What’s New

Directions: Accomplish the concept map by writing words you think are associated with the word
written at the center. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

CONCEPT

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 2 of 11

What’s Is It
What is a Concept Paper?
A concept paper is a summary document of a project proposal that tells what the project
is all about, the reasons for conducting the project, and how it will be carried out. This paper also provides
an overview of the project, and help funding agencies eliminate proposals that are likely to be disapproved.

It has several uses:

• serves a foundation of the full proposal
• determines whether the project is feasible or not
• piques the interest of the potential funding agencies
• obtains informal feedback on the ideas before preparing the full proposal
• helps in addressing social issues that plague our society

THREE WAYS OF ELUCIDATING A CONCEPT

A concept paper aims to clarify a concept that can be about any topic from any field. It can also be
a summary that tells the reader what the project is, why it is important, and how it will be carried out. It
aims to capture the thoughts and ideas while the research proposal captures the ideas in a structured
manner for approval to research. It is not easy to write a concept paper but with careful study and research,
you can create one.
There are many ways a writer can expound on a concept. You can use definition, explication, and
clarification.
1. Definition identifies a term and sets it apart from all other terms that may be related to it. Often,
definitions begin by mentioning the general class to which a term belongs. Then they provide
specifics to distinguish the term from other members of that class. You can use these techniques:
a. Formal – follows a pattern or equation; term+genus+differentia (differentiating
characteristics) Example: Technology is the branch of knowledge dealing with engineering
or applied sciences.
b. By synonym – using a word or phrase that shares a meaning with the term being defined.
Example: Technology – Knowledge, Computers
c. By origin or semantic history Example: Technology comes from the Greek work
tekhnologia.
d. By illustration Example: Technology involves the use of machineries in every aspect of
work.
e. By function Example: Technology uses hi-tech machines to get the work done.
f. By analysis – breaking down wholes into parts, aspects to levels and a process into steps)
Example: Technology is defined as the application of scientific knowledge for practical
purposes, especially in industry.
g. By likeness of similarity Example: Technology is likened to modern living where robots
exist.
h. By analogy or metaphor Example: Technology is like a robot that makes life easier.
i. By contrast – use of opposites Example: Unlike manual work, technology makes work
efficient.
j. By negation – stating what the term is not Example: Technology is not harmful if used
properly.

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 3 of 11

 2. Explication is the process by which concepts are defined for scientific purposes. "To explicate"
something is, in the most general sense of the term, to spell out its implications. Thus, it is the
process of spelling out the implications of something, and derived from this, in turn, is the sense of
"explication" that refers to the product of this process: some account of what the implications of
something are. Explication, in other words, is a kind of explanation.

In the final stanza of his poem The Road Not Taken, Frost talks about his dilemma of
coming upon two diverging paths, and not knowing which one to choose. The third line is very
important, as it delivers an idea of choosing between the two divergent paths.

The tone in this stanza shifts from regretful to optimistic. The two roads symbolically
represent individual choices. The mood is neither depressed nor unhappy, but the poet sighs
because he knows what the complexities our life may have for him. Whether he has chosen a
right or a wrong path, it has a compelling impact on his life. The phrase “less traveled” suggests
the theme of individualism. From: The Road Not Taken (by Robert Frost

3. Clarification is a method of explanation in which the points are organized from a general abstract
idea to specific and concrete examples. The analysis of the concept is done by looking at the
examples and specifying their characteristics.

Signal Words for Clarification

After all for instance namely that is

As an example in other words put another way to be specific
Consider the following example in particular specifically
To clarify for example in short stated differently

Justice is a broad concept which encompasses a wide set of ideas, most of which also
branch out into smaller notions. For instance, it can refer to the sentencing of a criminal based on
due process. When an individual gets what he deserves, even outside the hands of the law, it is
also considered justice in some context. This may come in the form of vigilante justice, in which
a person dissatisfied with the system doles out punishing to wrong-doers. Poetic justice is also
another related concept which is used in literature to show how the good is always rewarded while
bad forces always meet a grim end. In the context of this paper, justice will be clearly delineated
into any instance in which the law is successfully and fairly applied to an individual, resulting in
either an arrest or a release. To illustrate, if a theft is caught and tried in court through due process,
and is found to be guilty and then sentenced accordingly, it can be said that justice was served.
However, if the same thief is caught in the act by a band of villagers and was beaten right then
and there, it will be considered justice in the context of the paper, as the process has not
undergone due process.
Source: English for Academic & Professional Purposes for SHS page
VARIOUS KINDS OF CONCEPT PAPER

The parts of a concept paper vary depending on the nature of the project/activity when it is used in
a specific discipline. Below are the two outlines of a concept paper based on the context.
1. Concept Paper for a Project
Use the structure below when you want to propose a certain tangible project in your discipline.
• Cover Page contains
✓ Proponent’s name
✓ Proponent’s contact number, email address
✓ Proponent’s agency
✓ Date of submission

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 4 of 11

 • Introduction contains
✓ Short description of proponent’s agency, major accomplishments and capability to
undertake the proposed project
✓ Reasons why the funding agency should support the project.
• Rationale or Background contains
✓ State the problem to be solved.
✓ State the project’s significance
• Project Description contains
✓ Objective of the project
✓ Methodology (Action Plan)
✓ Timeline
✓ Anticipated outcome
✓ How the outcome will be evaluated
• Project Needs and Cost contains
✓ Budget, item description and amount
✓ Personnel or equipment needed

2. Concept Paper for Academic Research

Use the structure below when you intend to present an idea or concept for a research you want to
pursue.
• Title page contains
✓ Research title
✓ Name and school
✓ Date of Submission
• Background of the Study contains
✓ State the field you are researching on
✓ State the problems to be addressed by the research, provide statistics and previous
studies to prove your claim
✓ Reasons in concluding the research
✓ Theoretical and practical implications
• Preliminary Literature Review contains
✓ Provide theoretical framework
✓ Provide major related literature review at least 5
✓ Provide brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies
• Statement of the Problem/Objective contains
✓ State the general problem in one sentence
✓ State your specific research questions of objectives
• Methodology contains
✓ Context and participants of the study
✓ Instruments to be used
✓ Data collection procedures
✓ Data analysis scheme to be used
• Timeline contains
✓ Duration of the research (Gantt chart)
• Reference contains

✓ List of books, journals, and other resources cite in your paper

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 5 of 11

 Example of Concept Paper (Modified for educational purposes only)

Author: Dr. Bernard Lango

Original source: How to write a concept paper with practical sample by Dr Lango

Title: Leveraging on Mobile Payment Methods to gain Competitive Advantage by Locally-based

Businesses
Introduction:
Mobile payment methods have popularity with big businesses operating in large towns and cities
across the world. These payment methods enable business customers to access their cash at the point of
sale and do not need to have physical money to complete their transactions. This study will therefore help
in understanding the mobile payment methods preferences for the local based business and how and why
these preferences have failed to prevail. The research will therefore address that gap that is viewed as the
low uptake of mobile payment methods by the locally based businesses which are essentially operating in
remote areas. This concept builds upon the various insights that have been undertaken by various
researchers in the business and information technology field to bridge the gap of strategic implementation
of information technology systems in business to gain competitive advantage.

Purpose of the Study:

It is estimated that more than 5 billion people have access to mobile phone devices and that out of
this figure about a third of the population is based in local areas. Further, the village-based businesses do
not have immediate access to the physical money banking system as they are located kilometers away.
Porter (2011) notes that in order for businesses to achieve and sustain superior performance, they must
be able to implement systems that are competitively superior. Budree and Williams (2013, September)
and Namada (2018) established that the areas with a large number of low-income earners experienced
low uptake technological advancements, and businesses in these locations are not keen on leveraging on
technology. The concept will therefore be intended to identify the salient factors that local businesses can
apply in leveraging mobile payment methods to gain competitive advantage.

Preliminary Literature Review:

Several studies have concluded that mobile payment methods are one of the major factors put in
place by businesses in gaining a competitive advantage. However, this has also, not been achieved in
remote areas. As a result, Onyango et al. (2014) in their study on mobile phone technology and the evident
performance of micro and small enterprises, concludes that there is an impact on the use and
implementation of mobile phone technology to achieve the full business performance. In order, therefore
to achieve a competitive advantage, Porter (2011) advises that the strategy implemented should be geared
towards achieving full potential competitively. Many scholars also agree that there is a significant
relationship between mobile payment methods and gaining a competitive advantage to sustain improved
performance. Most also argue that the mobile payment method of use will be dependent on the location
and nature of the need. The handbook by Namada (2018) notes that the concept of organizational learning
must be down-trotted to the local businesses to learn which mobile technology suits their operations and
how this technology can be leveraged to achieve competitive advantage. The literature and conclusions
from the scholars, however, fail to answer specific questions related to leveraging mobile payment
methods to gain a competitive advantage for locally-based businesses. Most of the studies were focused
on businesses and companies in towns and cities with the area of interest majoring on performance
whether competitively or not. This study will therefore be focused on the factors of consideration for
leveraging on mobile payment methods to gain competitive advantage by locally based businesses.

Objectives of the Study:

The research paper seeks to achieve its general objective of leveraging on mobile payment
methods to gain a competitive advantage by focusing on the following specific objectives:
1. To determine the influence of perceived risks on the use of mobile payment methods to gain competitive
advantage by locally based businesses.
2. To determine the influence of M-Payment characteristics (mobility, reachability, convenience, and
compatibility) on the use of mobile payment methods to gain competitive advantage by locally based
businesses.

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 6 of 11

3. To assess the influence of personal innovativeness on the use of mobile payment methods to gain
competitive advantage by locally based businesses.

Research questions and hypotheses:

1. Do perceived risks influence the use of mobile payment methods to gain competitive advantage
by local-based businesses?
2. Do M-Payment characteristics (mobility, reachability, convenience, and compatibility) influence
the use of mobile payment methods to gain competitive advantage by locallybased businesses?
3. Does personal innovativeness influence the use of mobile payment methods to gain competitive
advantage by locally-based businesses?

Proposed Methodology:
The study intends to use a cross-sectional survey design in determining the leverage on mobile
payment methods to gain competitive advantage by locally-based businesses. The study will sample 478
locally-based businesses registered in Kenya out of a population of 4 thousand which are mainly registered
and operated in village area settings. The study will collect both primary and secondary data, and the
quantitative data generated will be analyzed using descriptive statistics which will include percentage
distribution, mean, and frequency counts. The qualitative data from the study will undergo transcription
and reported in themes and subthemes. The relationship between the independent and dependent
variables will be explained through multiple regression.

Proposed Research Timeline:

The project is expected to be completed in 17 weeks with the following indicated as the activity’s
durations for every section of the research project:
Research Section Duration
1. Title 1 week
2. Introduction 1 week
3. Purpose of the Study 2 weeks
4. Preliminary Literature Review 3 weeks
5. Objectives of the Study 1 week
6. research Questions and Hypotheses 1 week
7. Methodology 2 weeks
8. Data analysis, interpretations, and discussions 3 weeks
9. Summary, conclusions, and recommendations 3 weeks
10. Reviewing work for final submission 1 week

What’s More
Directions: Write a formal definition of the following terms. Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Sports
___________________________________________________________________________________
2. Cookery
___________________________________________________________________________________
3. Business
___________________________________________________________________________________
4. Humanity
___________________________________________________________________________________
5. Engineering
___________________________________________________________________________________

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 7 of 11

 What I Have Learned
Directions: Complete the statements below by providing correct information based on what you have
learned from this module. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Concept paper is _____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
The three ways to elucidate a concept are _________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

Concept paper is important because ______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do
Directions: Choose one concept that is related to your track and write a mini-concept paper with 500-
800 words. Use the techniques in elucidating a concept. Be guided with the criteria that is presented
below.
a. Sinigang as Philippines’ National Dish
b. “Ukay-ukay” Bargains
c. Ancient Cave Arts
d. Asian Martial Arts
e. “Beauty” in the 21st Century

Rubric in Scoring a Mini-concept Paper

Content: (50)
Is the thesis of the essay clear? Is the topic sufficiently researcher?
Are the details relevant to the thesis?
Does the writer exhibit a thorough knowledge of his/her topic as shown in the presentation of ideas?

Organization: (30)
Is there a coherent and logical sequencing of ideas?
Are the major points clear? Is the conclusion appropriate and satisfying?

Language and Style: (20)

Are the sentences well-constructed?
Are words appropriately used?
Is grammar—agreement, tense, articles, pronouns, preposition—correct?

Assessment
Directions: Read each question carefully then write the letter of the best answer on a separate sheet of
paper.
1. Which technique of definition follows a pattern or equation: term+genus+differentia?
a. formal b. by synonym c. by illustration d. by function
2. Which technique of definition makes use of breaking down wholes into parts, aspects into levels, and a
process into steps?
a. formal b. by synonym c. by illustration d. by analysis

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 8 of 11

3. Which technique in defining terms uses a word or phrase that shares a meaning with the term being
defined? Example: Technology- Knowledge, Computers
a. formal b. by synonym c. by illustration d. by analysis
4. Which of the following aims to clarify a concept which can be about any topic from any fields and tells
the reader what the project is, why it is important, and how it will be carried out?
a. concept paper b. reaction paper c. review d. research
5. Which is NOT a function of concept paper?
a. It gives the opinion of the writer about a certain concept.
b. It serves as a foundation of the full proposal.
c. It is used to pique the interest of potential funding agencies.
d. It helps determine whether a certain project is feasible or not.
6. Which of the following is an analysis of an abstract concept through investigation pf examples and the
identification of critical and less critical attributes?
a. writing b. clarification c. definition d. explication
For items 7-10. Directions: Read each question carefully and identify the parts of concept paper both for
a project and for academic research that the statements describe.
7. Which part of concept paper for academic research contains the theoretical framework?
a. title page b. methodology c. timeline d. preliminary literature review
8. Which part of concept paper for academic research contains the instruments to be used?
a. title page b. methodology c. timeline d. reference
9. Which part of concept paper for a project contains the objective of the project?
a. cover page b. methodology c. introduction d. project description
10. Which part of concept paper for a project contains the personnel or equipment needed?
a. project needs and cost b. title page c. introduction d. reference

Additional Activities
Directions: Imagine that you are the SK Chairman or one of the leaders in your barangay during this
time of COVID-19 pandemic. Think of a project which can help your kabarangays to prevent the virus.
However, the SK funds this year cannot suffice the project’s completion. Present a short description of
this project to a private institution in order to obtain funds for this noble cause. You may print out your
outputs or you may also present it through Powerpoint. Be guided with the criteria that is presented
below.
____________________________
Project Title

Short Description:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Cost Estimates:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

Picture of the proposed project:

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 9 of 11

 Rubric in Scoring Concept Paper

Content: (50)
Is the thesis of the essay clear? Is the topic sufficiently researcher?
Are the details relevant to the thesis?
Does the writer exhibit a thorough knowledge of his/her topic as shown in the presentation of ideas?

Organization: (30)
Is there a coherent and logical sequencing of ideas?
Are the major points clear? Is the conclusion appropriate and satisfying?

Language and Style: (20)

Are the sentences well-constructed?

Answer Key

WHAT I KNOW WHAT’S MORE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

1. A 6. B Answers may vary. Answers may vary.

2. B 7. N
3. D 8. E WHAT I CAN DO
4. B 9. N
5. C 10. E Answers may vary.

WHAT’S IN
1. experiment ASSESSMENT
2. study 1. a
3. questions 2. d
4. interview 3. b
4. a
5. a
WHAT’S NEW 6. b
7. d
Answers may vary. 8. b
9. d
10. a

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Answers may vary.

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 10 of 11

References

Online:
https://www.scribd.com/doc/478643783

Sample-Concept-Paper.pdf (filipiknow.net)

Porter, M. E. (2011). Competitive Advantage of Nations: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance.
Simon and Schuster

EAPP Module 7 – Quarter I/III, Page 11 of 11