Control No: ___________

SKL 2 for ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL

PURPOSES
GRADE 12
QUARTER 2 WEEK 1

I. Preliminaries
Competencies Analyzes the arguments used by the writer/s in manifestoes
(CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-11a-d-3)
Objectives At the end of this module, you shall be able to:
• define what's a position paper;
• analyze the arguments used by the writer/s in manifestoes; and
• create an effective position paper.
Topic The learner understands the principles and uses of a position paper
Textbook Barrot, J. S., & Sipacio, P. F. (2016). Communication Today English for
Academic and Professional Puposes for Senior High School.
Quezon: C & E Publishing, Inc.

Materials Activity sheets, Personal planner (notebook), Ballpen

Copyrights DepEd Talisay City
Total Points 175
Date January 4-8, 2021

II. CONTENT MAP

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 III. CONTENT NOTES

This module discusses the:

• definition of a position paper
• parts of the position paper
• guidelines in creating a position paper

What is a position paper?

According to Barrot & Sipacio (2016), 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 larger debate.
It is an essay that expresses a claim/stand on a particular issue and provides arguments
that support the point of the writer based on facts collected.

How to organize your position paper?

(Barrot & Sipacio, 2016) states the functions of the 3 parts of a position paper as shown in the
figure below.
Figure 1. Parts of a Position Paper

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Like a debate, a position paper presents one side of an arguable opinion about an issue. The
main objective of a position paper is to persuade 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.

Below are the guidelines for writing a position paper suggested by Barrot & Sipacio (2016).

Guidelines in creating a Position Paper

1.Select an issue. Keep the following guidelines in selecting an issue:

• It should be debatable- If the topic is not debatable, you won't be able to take a stand.
• It should be relevant and current.
• It should be answerable by yes or no and in a question form.
• It should be manageable and narrow.

1. Conduct in-depth research on the issue to begin the writing process.

2. Define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
3. Be mindful of the different stand/claim about the issue. Explain and analyze it
objectively.
4. Identify its weakness and reflect on your position.
5. To establish the credibility of your arguments, cite valid and reliable sources.
6. Present a unique approach by viewing the issue from a different perspective.
7. Limit it to two pages.
8. Analyze and align your arguments to your target reader’s belief, needs, interests,
and motivation.
9. Sum up the opposing arguments and use various evidence and data to refute them.
10. To achieve a dynamic and firm-tone, use an active voice.
11. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive and deductive approach.
• Inductive Approach-discuss specific information to create a general
conclusion. (Specific to general ideas)
• Deductive Approach- You take the general idea then branch out to specific
things that could apply to it. (General to specific)

12. Check your argument for errors in reasoning. Fallacies weaken your argument.
13. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal relates your credibility
as a writer, a logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing argument and
emotional appeal uses argument in a way that evokes feelings and emotions.

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Sample Position Paper

Smart Technology is Here

(Kong, 2018)

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. 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 its stead, 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.

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 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 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.

Exercise: Analyze the text using the table below.

Purpose of the
document
Writer’s Persona
Intended Reader
Strengths
Weaknesses
Revision needed

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 IV. ACTIVITIES

Activity 1
Date: ____________ HPS: 5
Direction: Answer the question below.

In your own words, what is a position paper?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2 (Competency: Analyzes the arguments used by the writer/s in manifestoes)

Date: _________ HPS: 50

Directions: Using the position paper below. Read the manifesto carefully and analyze the
argument used by the writer/s. You may utilize the guide below in writing your analysis.

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.
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.
Source: https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-help-you-grasp-the-idea/

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This defense analysis examines the article titled (title of the article) written by (author/s).
This article is about (briefly summarize the content of the article in 3-5 sentences).
Specifically, this analysis identifies the position of the author/s, their main argument
and the evidence supporting these arguments. (Writer/s) makes (number of claims) and
support them with factual evidence.

The first main argument is (state the argument in your own words). To support this
argument, the author uses (number of evidences presented). (State all the pieces of evidence
presented by the author to support the first argument). (State your analysis of the argument
and evidence presented. When presenting your anaylsis, you may use phrases such as “first
of all”, “the author assumes” and “the author fails to consider”).

In conclusion, the author (state the author’s purpose). I agree that (state the arguments of
the author with which you agree). However, (state your major arguments). (Insert your
strong closing statement).

Activity 3
Date: _______ HPS: 100

Directions: Write an essay about your position on the use of social media for education.
Do you consider it beneficial or not?

_________________
(Write your title)

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

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

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

V. EVALUATION:
Date: ________

Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on your answer sheet.
Score: ______
HPS: __10__

1. What are the 3 parts of position paper?

A. Introduction, body and conclusion
B. Concept paper, reaction paper and position paper
C. Stand, claim and position
D. Organization, content and conclusion.
2. The following are essential in writing a position paper, except:
A. Choose an issue C. Do not define unfamiliar terms
B. Cite valid and reliable sources D. Use an active voice as much as possible.
3. ______ is your stand/position on a particular issue.
A. Position paper B. Claim C. Thesis D. Statement
4. Which part of your position paper you define the issue and discuss its background.
a. Conclusion
b. Introduction and Body
c. Both a & b
d. Introduction
5. Brenda conducts an audience analysis to help her write a more persuasive position
paper. Do you consider this as a good practice?
A. Yes B. No C. Maybe D. Both
6. You have to consider the following in choosing your topic in writing a position paper,
except:
A. The issue should be current and relevant
B. The issue should be datable
C. The issue should be narrow and manageable
D. None of the above
7. Which of the following you consider as a good practice in writing a position paper?
A. Jack primarily uses opinions in supporting his argument
B. Katy boasts about her credentials to establish her credibility as a writer
C. Math restates his position in the concluding paragraph
D. None of the above.
8. Which part in the position paper you state your main argument.
A. Introduction B. Body C. Conclusion D. Body and Conclusion

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 9. Which part of the position paper you suggest a course of action.
A. Introduction B. Body C. Conclusion D. Body and Conclusion
10. What is a position paper?
A. It is an essay that presents the writer’s stand or position on a particular issue.
B. It is a paper use to explain a certain topic.
C. It is an essay to express your feelings
D. None of the above

VI. ADDITIONAL READING HPS: 10

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.

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/

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 What is the opinion of the writer about Anti-Smoking add campaign?

Do you agree with the writer? Why? Why not?

State the first argument of the writer?

What is the conclusion of the writer?

If you were to write a position paper what will be your stance about anti-
smoking add campaign?

VII. ANSWER KEY / RUBRICS

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VII. REFERENCES
Barrot, J. S. (2016). Communication Today English for Academic and Professional Puposes
for Senior High School. Quezon: C & E Publishing, Inc.
Kong, F. J. (n.d.). https://www.philstar.com/business/2018/06/24/1827252/smart-
technologyhere#7dKHY4z5uOELgVFO.99.
(n.d.). Retrieved from ChiefEssays: https://chiefessays.net/position-essay-examples-to-help-
you-grasp-the-idea/
(n.d.). Retrieved from
https://eng.ucmerced.edu/people/awesterling/SPR2016.ESS141/Assignments/rubric2.
pdf

Subject Teacher: Jay Ghar C. Igloria

School: Talisay City National High School
Contact Number: 09153272055

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VIII. FEEDBACK NOTE: Grade 12 EAPP Week 1
Control No: __________________
Name: __________________________________________Grade & Sec.: ______________
Contact No: _________________
School: ___________________________Subject Teacher: ____________________

LEARNER’S FEEDBACK

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PARENTS/GUARDIAN FEEDBACK

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 IX. ANSWER SHEETS for the ACTIVITES and ASSESSMENT
Grade 12 EAPP Week 1
Activity 1

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2

This defense analysis examines the article titled __________________________________

written by _____________________________. This article is about__________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________. Specifically, this
analysis identifies the position of the author/s, their main argument and the evidence
supporting these arguments. ______________ makes _______ and support them with
factual evidence.

The first main argument is

___________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________. To
support this argument, the author uses_________________________. ________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________.

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In conclusion, the author _____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_________________. I agree that ______________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______________________.However,___________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
________.__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
_______.

Activity 3

_________________
(Write your title)

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

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

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___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

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

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