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Reading and Writing Skills

Quarter 4: Module 11
Writing a Position Paper

NegOr_Q4_RWS_Module11_v2
Reading and Writing Skills – Grade 11
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 11: Writing a Position Paper
Second Edition, 2021

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any
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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Grace A. Cimafranca and Ellen E. Edrial, EdD
Editor: Esteria J. Macajelos
Reviewer: Esteria J. Macajelos
Illustrator: None
Layout Artist/Typesetter: Josephine V. Austero
Management Team: Senen Priscillo P. Paulin, CESO V

Joelyza M. Arcilla,EdD Rosela R. Abiera

Marcelo K. Palispis,EdD Maricel S. Rasid
Nilita L. Ragay EdD Elmar L. Cabrera
Anna Lee A. Amores EdD

Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education –Region VII Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Office Address: Kagawasan, Ave., Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tele #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117
E-mail Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
 Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners, can continue your
studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are
carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-step as you discover
and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each SLM. This will tell
you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your
teacher’s assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need
to answer the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity
and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also provided to our
facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can best help you on your
home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part of this SLM. Use a
separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully
before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module,
do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGES

WHAT I KNOW --------------------------- 1

Task 1 -------------------------- 1

WHAT’S IN --------------------------- 1

Task 2 --------------------------- 1

WHAT’S NEW --------------------------- 2

Task 3 --------------------------- 2

WHAT IS IT -------------------------- 3

WHAT’S MORE ------------------------------ 6

Task 4 ----------------------------- 6

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED --------------- 5

Task 5 ------------------------------ 5

WHAT I CAN DO ----------------------- 8

Task 6 8

ASSESSMENT -------------------------------- 10

Task 7 -------------------------------- 10

ANSWER KEY ----------------------------------- 11

REFERENCE LIST -------------------------------- 12

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Task 1
Directions: Identify the following. The first and last letters will serve as
clues. Answers will be written on your notebook.

1. It is a detailed report that recommends a course of action on a

particular issue.
P N P R
2. It is a position about an issue.
C M
3. A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others
that an action or idea is right or wrong.
A _____________________ T
4. It is the basis in making the claim.
E __________________E
5. Part of the essay where the action plan or recommendation is written.
C _____________________ N

WHAT’S IN

Task 2

Directions: Explain your stand about COVID-19

vaccine.

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 WHAT’S NEW

Task 3

Directions: Analyze the text very carefully. Then, answer the questions
below the text.

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 workday 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.
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
solves the problems themselves aiming to have more time for family, not
lessons. As a result, the child will have the homework done. But that is 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-graspthe-idea/

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Guide Questions:
1. What is the text about?
2. What is the claim of the writer?
3. If you were the writer, what will be your stand on this? Defend your
answer.

Very cW
areH
fullA
y T IS IT

When we face an issue and are challenged to make a stand, it is

necessary for us to support it with logical arguments.
What is a position paper?

According to Fleming (2018), a position paper is one where an author

chooses a side on a particular topic and builds up a case for your opinion or
position. Building up your case will entail the use of facts and statistics to
convince the readers that the author’s position on the matter is the best one.
As defined by Merriam- Webster, a position paper is a detailed report
that recommends a course of action on a particular issue.

Why are position papers written?

Position papers are written for the purpose of generating support
regarding a particular stand/ idea (Xavier.edu.2020)
The fundamental goal of a position paper is not only to present your
stand on an issue/idea but also to determine how your stance is related to the
arguments of others. (CSU, 2020)

Parts of a Position Paper

Introduction
a. Start with an introduction which presents the issue while grabbing the
attention of readers.
b. Define the issues and discuss its background.
c. Provide a general statement of your position via your thesis statement.
Body
a. State your main arguments.
b. Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical data,
interviews with experts, and testimonies.
c. Provide counterarguments against the possible weaknesses of your
arguments.

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 Conclusion
a. Restate your position and main arguments.
b. Suggest a course of action.
c. State what makes your position paper superior and more acceptable,
d. End with a powerful closing statement such as quotation, a challenge, or
a question.
https://www.google.com/search?q=video+on+EAPP+position+paper&oq=video+on+EAPP+position+
paper&aqs=chrome.69i57j33i22i29i30l3.16155j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie= UTF-8

Structure of a Position Paper

The structure of a position paper is flexible, but it should generally follow

a simple flow that clearly conveys the problem and the position of the author(s).
A position paper should begin by clearly stating the problem and its
relevance to the scientific community or even to the society as a whole. It
should then address the main position of the author. For example:
1. Background: For decades, the WHO has urged the adoption of a tax on
unhealthy foods to discourage the consumption of products that are
harmful to our health.
2. Relevance: Sugar has been shown to have a negative impact on health
and play a major role in the rising obesity rates in America.
3. Position: The United States should adopt a tax on drinks with added
sugar, to reduce the consumption of sugar, and promote healthier eating
habits.
The author should clearly list the common arguments and possible
objections against this position. To continue with our example:
1. Argument 1: A sugary drink tax that focuses on soda may not impact
other products that have an equally negative health impact such as fruit
juice or candy.
2. Argument 2: A sugary drink tax is regressive and places a financial
burden on the poorest consumers.
A strong position paper acknowledges the validity of the counter-
arguments and then puts forth reasons why the author’s position is still the
correct one. In our example paper, the author can address the
counterarguments in the next section like so:

1. Counterargument 1: It is true that a sugary drink tax would not impact

all sources of added sugar in the average American diet. However, it
would still have a significant impact on a major source of added sugar to
achieve its goal of reducing overall sugar consumption.
2. Counterargument 2: All consumption taxes are regressive. A sugary
drink tax would be most effective accompanied by subsidies for healthy
foods such as fruit and vegetables.

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 Finally, summarize your main points and re-state your position in your
conclusion. All arguments in the paper should be backed up by facts, data, and
evidence, with proper citation attributed to your sources. In this way, a
position paper is no different from an ordinary research paper. If you wish,
you can include a brief literature review in your discussion of the background
of the issue. While such a literature review is not essential, it can make your
paper stronger.

Choosing an Issue

1. The issue should be debatable. You cannot take any position if the topic is
not debatable.
2. The issue should be current and relevant.
3. The issue should be written in a question form and answerable by yes or no.
4. The issue should be specific and manageable.
Source: Jessie S. Barrot, P. (2016). Academic Reading & Writng For Senior High School. Quezon
City: C&E Publishing, Inc.

Ten Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

Now that we know what a position paper is, let us review some tips to
write a great position paper.

1. Select a timely, relevant topic with two clear opposing sides.

2. Conduct thorough preliminary research and collect evidence to support
arguments for and against your position.
3. Identify your intended audience. You should tailor your tone depending
on who the paper is written for (the public, other scientists, policy
makers, etc.).
4. Clearly state your position on the topic.
5. List and refute the counter-arguments to your position.
6. Include supporting data and evidence to back up your argument.
7. Properly attribute your sources using correct citation.
8. Keep it simple! Position papers don’t need to go into excessive detail.
Present your points clearly and briefly.
9. Each paragraph in the paper should discuss a single idea.
10. Have someone proofread your paper to ensure it reads well and
looks professional.

A position paper can be a great way to expand your horizons and write a
new type of research paper. While position papers are unlike ordinary research
papers, they still contribute valuable perspectives to the scientific community.
Use these ten tips to write an effective position paper!
Source:https://www.enago.com/academy/top-tips-writing-position-paper/

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 WHAT'S MORE

Task 4

Directions: Read and analyze very carefully this sample position paper. Then,
accomplish the table by doing what are asked.

DO ANTI-SMOKING AD CAMPAIGNS REALLY HELP?

Yes, we have all seen those scary ads that warn people about horrible
consequences smoking can bring. However, according to the official sources,
more than fifteen of every 100 people in the United States aged 18 and older
smoke today.
They, too, see those ads. But they simply do not stop them from this
dreadful habit. Or do they?
Many politicians and public activists state that anti-smoking ads are
effective. And I believe so too. And here is why.
First of all, according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention,
the number of smokers dropped significantly in the recent years. “Current
smoking has declined from 20.9% (nearly 21 of every 100 adults) in 2005 to
15.5% (more than 15 of every 100 adults) in 2016,” they report. And these
figures are vivid enough for us to believe that antismoking campaigns really
work. Active work in this area has helped many people quit this habit and go
back to life with no smoking-related diseases.
A lot of smokers oppose such claims and state that ad campaigns against
smoking are inefficient. All they do, in their opinion, is scare both smokers and
non-smokers and persuade only a small percentage of people with this habit to
quit. Is it really worth all the money and time invested in them?
I believe so. If even a small number of people can be cured of this habit
by trivial ads showing the real consequences of this choice), then it is worth
every penny.
Another reason why I believe that antismoking ads are effective is that a
lot of people did not start smoking despite the peer pressure, stress (which
allegedly is relieved by smoking) or any other aspects.
When we look at the numbers dropping, we only think of people that
quit, and we often forget to take into account those who never started smoking.
Seeing ads showing the reality of smoking with the all the negative effect it can
have on the body of the one smoking is a powerful tool that can motivate a lot
of people to think twice before taking their first puff.

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 Finally, parents that see such ads get to quit to realizing how dangerous
passive smoking is for their kids. And this is a real victory, I believe. Growing
up in families with smokers not only gives you the idea that smoking is totally
normal but also exposes you to the hazardous effects of smoking at a very
young age.
To save younger generations from that, antismoking activists create a
special sort of campaigns to target this layer of society. And it does work given
the dropping numbers of smokers out there.
As you see such ads indeed are effective. And even though there still are
people who oppose the ideas described in them willing to keep their dangerous
habit, I hope that the meaning and hazards of smoking will one day become
more obvious to them too.
Source: https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-help-you-grasp-the-idea/

Answers

INTRODUCTION
• What is the issue about?
• Background
• Relevance
• Thesis statement

BODY
• Argument
• Counter-argument
• Evidences presented

CONCLUSION
• Restated position
• Course of action presented

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 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

Task 5
Directions: Write your reflection in your notebook by completing the
unfinished statements below.

I have learned that .

I have realized that .

I will apply .

WHAT I CAN DO

Task 6
Directions: What are the different issues in your school, community and
country? Choose one issue that you are interested in and choose your position.
Write a one-to two-page position paper. Make sure to follow the guidelines in
making it.

(Write your own title)

Introduction: (In the introduction part you should capture the reader’s
attention, define the issue given and state your claim.)

Body: (State three arguments then cite the evidence supporting your
arguments)

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 Conclusion: (This part includes restating your claim, summarizing reasons
and explaining why your stand/ claim is worthy to read)

_ _
_ _

The rubrics in the evaluation of your position paper is as follows:

Argumentation (quality of logic, evidence, and explanation) = 25%
Persuasion= 25%
Language= 20%
Organization= 20%
Mechanics (spelling, grammar and punctuation) =10%

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 ASSESSMENT

Task 7
Directions: Write T if the statement is true and F if false. Use your activity
notebook to write your answers.

1. A good position paper considers all possible views on the issue at hand.

2. Personal testimony is an example of a supporting evidence.

3. An issue is debatable if it cannot be answered by yes or no.
4. Audience analysis will help you write a more persuasive position paper.
5. Suggested action should be written in the body of a position paper.

6. Opinions are better than facts in supporting arguments.

7. Statistics can be used as evidence to support an argument.
8. The main goal of a position paper is to inform readers.
9. The strongest type of appeal in a position paper is logical appeal.
10. Your position should be restated in the concluding paragraph.

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Answer Key

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 REFERENCES

n.d. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://chiefessays.net/position.essay-examples-to-help-you-groupthe-idea/.

n.d. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://www.slideshare.net/rheiheartYOU/identifying-assumptions.

n.d. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://www.google.com/search?q=claim+in+position+paper&oq=Claim+in+

pos&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0i22i30l8.18952j1j15&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF.

n.d. Accessed April 19, 2021. https://www.google.com/search?q=argument+in+position+paper+meaning&

oq=argument+in+position+paper+meaning&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i22i30j0i39
0l3.13455j1j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.

n.d. Accessed April 19, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/manifesto.

n.d. Accessed April 19, 2021. Retrieved from https://www.enago.com/academy/top-tips- writing-position-

paper/.

n.d. Accessed April 15, 2021. https://www.google.com/search?q=video+on+EAPP+position+paper&oq=vide

o+on+EAPP+position+paper&aqs=chrome..69i57j33i22i29i30l3.16155j0j7&s
ourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.

Barrot Jessie S., P. 2016. Academic Reading & Writng For Senior High School. Quezon City: C & E Publishing,
Inc.

Uychoco, G. M. n.d. English for Academic and Professional Purposes. Rex Book Store Pubishing Company.

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Department of Education – Schools Division of Negros Oriental

Kagawasan, Avenue, Daro, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental

Tel #: (035) 225 2376 / 541 1117

Email Address: negros.oriental@deped.gov.ph
Website: lrmds.depednodis.net