q2 Shs Eapp Module 1 1
q2 Shs Eapp Module 1 1
q2 Shs Eapp Module 1 1
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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on Defending a Stand
Remind the learner that if there are things he/she doesn’t understand,
he/she must not hesitate to call for your help and assistance.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
We hope that you will find meaningful learning as you go through the
different activities in this module.
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Let Us Learn
This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to
help you master effective ways to present and defend your position on an issue
supporting it with reasonable arguments and sufficient evidences to fully
convince your readers. The scope of this module permits it to be used in many
different learning situations. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level of students. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard
sequence of the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed
to correspond with the textbook you are now using.
The module generally deals with the principles of writing a position paper and
specifically focuses on:
• Lesson 1 – Guidelines in Effectively Defending a Stand
Let Us Try
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_____5. What is the minimal number of supporting pieces needed to make
a position statement a strong one?
a. one c. three
b. two d. four
_____6. Which of the following is NOT an example of a credible of
information?
a. current issues c. scholarly articles
b. personal notes d. statistical data
_____7. How many sources must be provided when supporting
assertions?
a. one source c. three sources
b. two sources d. no need of any source
_____8. David spent two weeks preparing for his topic, and finding
evidences to support his stance against not allowing students to
use cellphones inside the classroom. What type of report will he
be writing?
a. Argumentative Paper c. Position Paper
b. Persuasive Paper d. Stance Paper
_____9. Which of the following statements is NOT true about writing
position papers?
a. Pick a side when writing a position statement.
b. Position statement can work without any alternatives.
c. Position statement can be based upon personal opinion.
d. Write a conclusion that sums up your stance on the topic.
_____10. Which of the following is NOT an example of supporting evidence?
a. factual knowledge c. numerous issue
b. informed opinion d. personal testimony
_____11. Why is a topic like “The Bad Effect of Pollution to the
Environment” not a good idea for a position statement?
a. It is highly controversial.
b. There is nothing to debate about.
c. It would take too long to research.
d. The topic requires experimental research.
_____12. How can you make a position paper strong?
a. Be sure to annotate your paper.
b. Apply citations and references in the introduction.
c. Include only your observation and personal opinion.
d. Give an educated opinion with supporting evidences.
_____13. Which of the following is NOT true when writing a position?
a. The issue should be controversial and arguable.
b. Present opinions that readers definitely agree with.
c. Opinion should be stated clearly in a thesis statement.
d. Objections should be anticipated for a reasonable tone.
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_____14. Which of the following questions doesn’t help in analyzing a
argument?
a. Can you identify two distinctive positions?
b. Does the opinion adhere to everyone’s point of view?
c. Is it the real issue, with genuine controversy and
uncertainty?
d. Are you personally interested in advocating one of the
positions?
_____15. Which of the following topics is NOT arguable?
a. Smoking deteriorates health.
b. Education should be free for everyone.
C. The most suitable age to have a right to vote
c. The extent by which electronic vehicles become a solution to
pollution
Lesson
1
Guidelines in Defending a
Stand Effectively
Sharing opinion on an issue does not end on stating it but making sure
that you take a stand and confidently defend them to convince others of the
soundness of your position. This is where you strive to convince readers to
accept your opinions as valid and reasonable. To achieve this, you need to
balance the use of emotional appeal and intellectual appeal to sway your
readers.
Let Us Study
We have learned that writing a position paper starts with presenting
an arguable opinion about an issue, then carefully presenting
arguments to further talk about your stand. Thus, you establish sense in
your paper. While doing this, we need to keep in mind the importance of
addressing all sides of the issue and presenting them in a manner that is easy
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to understand. This way, your readers could appreciate your considerations
in taking a side of an issue and eventually convince them that your argument
is more reasonable.
Directions: Find all the words hidden in the grid of letters on the word search
board. Challenge yourself by completing the task in lesser time.
CLAIM
REASONING CONVINCE
EVIDENCES
DEFEND POSITION
OPINION
FACTUAL ARGUMENT
THESIS
I M R E S S V I D A E R S I T I O N P A E R T G N E
G M N T G S E U R E I R O F S O O D R E A S T R E N
P O E S U I T C L A I M D R E N T H O I L I O A M D
A T V P M T C A U S E S Y T S U E V I D E V A C I E
D F I E E H W R T I N H P A R E N A C C I D O R I N
N S D L N E J H A F A C T U A L A L O G N E I S O E
N G E I Y S U A N A E N E D O E R I N R E V U T L M
T A N N T I S U C R E A A E I A L N V A M F R I I R
W P C G G S T L E M V T P N T S S T I C I R N P W L
E R E C U A I S U G I G E I Y G N I N O S A E R E D
L T S I A N Y G S U C A N N T O D N C P A E R T G N
V U C O R D R A T M D N O U I N E S E A R V U T R E
I G E T S A F C A L S D E F E N D E S P S I G O A M
D O R I P C A T N E E T C E A S E D T E E D O A C I
E I S O A O C O P I N I O N N A O A A I A E I O U S
N T T N W U E S A I D S E S R C D T N Y E O S I G E
C F I A R O S I T I O N D E T D E F L I S O E D O R
E C F R I I R E C N C A S O A D A E L O E N A E I S
S B R N P W L E D E G I N G U R E I S U A S P N T T
A H I G O D T I E T E O N A C E N E G S D U P C F I
The words you have looked for are not new to you. You have
encountered these helpful vocabularies in the previous lesson about writing
a position paper. It is not a surprise that you have eyed the words in a lesser
time expected. This activity is a great way to refresh your mind of the
principles of writing a position paper and get a hold of your urge to share your
opinion on issues we are about to come across as we go along with this
module.
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Activity 2 Identifying an Issue
We all have seen those scary ads that warn people about the
horrible consequences smoking can bring. However, according
to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, more than
fifteen of every one hundred 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?
What is the
What is the What is your
possible position
issue? position?
of the writer?
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Many may agree that writing is not everybody’s cup of tea but with the activity
you have just completed, you may reconsider your position on this and start to
appreciate how easy it was for you to interact with the text and present your
analysis through writing. You may think that for someone to produce a
comprehensive written report, a degree in written courses should be earned.
This module will help you develop that persuasive skill in writing and guide
you in understanding the do’s and don’ts of presenting argument and defending
your position with reasonable evidences.
Make sure that the issue is of genuine controversy and uncertainty. Then
start conceptualizing at least two distinct positions. Decide which side are you
personally interested in. Lastly, see to it that the scope of the issue is narrow
enough to be manageable.
Once you have finally established your stance on an issue, the challenge
of presenting a strong argument is just beginning to heat up. This time you
need to tap on your innate ability to reason out and defend your side. You can
do this with the help of comprehensible researches and factual evidences that
would strengthen your claim. Ensure that your position is well supported.
Listing the pro and con sides of the topic will help you examine your ability to
support your counterclaims along with the list of supporting evidences for
both sides. Generally, supporting evidence includes the following:
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Type of Type of Source How to find these sources
Information
Introductory directories, Use the Library catalogue
information and encyclopedias,
overviews handbooks
In-depth Studies books, government Library Catalogue, Research
reports Index, Government web sites
Scholarly articles academic journals Article Indexes
Current Issues newspapers, Article Indexes
magazines
Statistics Government Statistical Researches,
agencies and Research Index, Journal
associations articles
Position papers Association and Library catalogue,
and Analysis Institute reports
Considering your readers in presenting your view point also plays a vital
role in convincing them that your argument is valid and defensible. This
simply means that you have to know their way of thinking. Understand their
background including their beliefs and interests. With this, you can make
specific decisions on presenting your arguments. As a result, you could
employ appropriate word choice and explain terms accordingly. This will also
help you identify effective supporting details you need to convince your
readers.
In doing so, these guide questions will help you discover information that
you can use to build common ground between you and your readers.
Moreover, it would be easier for you to narrow your arguments on points of
their interest and will surely convince them to be on your side.
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Writing an Argument
Introduction
•Then, start stating your claim or the thesis for your essay.
Always use clear and precise language. Your reader needs to
understand exactly where you stand on the issue.
Body
•Form a common ground with the readers. There are always two
sides to every argument and not everyone will agree with your
viewpoint.
Conclusion
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You can also follow this outline to comprehensively present the
arguments of your claim:
Your Argument
A. Assert your point #1 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably 3)
B. Assert your point #2 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably 3)
C. Assert your point #3 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably 3)
Note: You may have more than 3 overall points to your argument, but you should not
have fewer.
The mistake of thinking that the content of the paper matters most –
thus, the need to present it in a scholarly manner feeds pressure on your
skill and may hinder you from creating a good report. Although the
importance of content in any written report is not arguable, it may not mean
much if the reader would have a hard time understanding the complexity of
it. As a result, you may have great ideas in your paper but you are not able
to effectively communicate them consequently not receiving a very good
remark.
In writing, you always need to consider your readers and how they
would analyze and interact with your work. Similar to a debate, writing a
position paper means presenting your side of an arguable opinion about an
issue. The goal is to convince your readers that your opinion is valid and
defensible.
Once you have decided your position on an issue, relying solely on your
opinion is not enough to support your claim. You need to read reliable
sources and thoroughly research on the possible arguments you will
present. This way, your position appears valid. Moreover, you don’t need to
present all arguments you can think of. Decide which among your
arguments are the strongest and most logical. Then, look for credible
sources to support your argument. Be sure to present arguments on both
sides of the issue fairly and objectively. Show that you have seriously
considered the many sides of the issue and that you are not simply attacking
an opponent.
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Skeptical readers will have their own beliefs and points of view and you
need to be prepared to counter those ideas. Make sure to review the
opposing side of the argument in conducting your research. Remember that
for opposing readers to give up their position, they must see how your
position is more reasonable than their own. Addressing the opposing point
of view and demonstrating how your own claim is stronger will neutralize
their argument. While failing to address a non-coinciding view weakens the
persuasive power of your paper and leaves a reason for your readers to
disagree with you.
Avoid using fancy words and extravagant images thinking that your
paper would sound more intelligent. In fact, this could create confusion to
your readers. It is advisable that you use choose clear words and be precise
in the expression of your ideas as possible. Establish logical connections
between arguments. The use of transitional devices helps convey
information clearly and concisely. The following are some of the many
transitional devices to help you organize your arguments:
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Finally, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in
Conclusion/Summary the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to
summarize, in summary
Let Us Practice
Activity 3 Identifying Arguments
Directions: Read the text below. Then, complete the chart which follows
by writing the issue on the circle and the supporting arguments on the
squares.
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.
First, students 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. There
is a great need to go out with friends and socialize. Do other physical activities
like walking, riding bicycle, or engaging to various sports. Otherwise, they may 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 ten to ask their parents or siblings
for help whenever facing difficulties. Busy parents spend extra time explaining
school materials or solving problems themselves aiming to have more time for
family, not lessons. As a result, the child will have the homework done but that’s
not really his work. So, the whole idea of dedication time to self-education is lost
here.
Finally, knowing that after classes you would still have to work at home makes
students less concentrated at school. This result in short attention spans and
difficulty to concentrate on something for too long.
-Cheiefessays.net-
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Activity 4 Evaluating the Text
Directions: Briefly reread the given text and analyze it by answering the
following questions. State your answer in not more than 5 sentences.
2. How would you describe the style and approach in presenting the
ideas?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
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Let Us Remember
Activity 6 Fill in the Blanks
Directions: The following are the general guidelines in defending an
argument in writing a position paper. Based on what you have just learned,
supply the missing words to complete the given guidelines. Choose the words
from the box below.
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Let Us Assess
Activity 7 Identifying Good Practices in Taking a Stand
Direction: Put check (√ ) if the practice is good and ( x ) if not.
Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on
the space provided.
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_____6. Which of the following is NOT an example of a credible of
information?
a. current issues c. scholarly articles
b. personal notes d. statistical data
_____7. How many sources must be provided when supporting
assertions?
a. one source c. three sources
b. two sources d. no need of any source
_____8. David spent two weeks preparing for his topic, and finding
evidences to support his stance against not allowing students to
use cellphones inside the classroom. What type of report will he
be writing?
a. Argumentative Paper c. Position Paper
b. Persuasive Paper d. Stance Paper
_____9. Which of the following statements is NOT true about writing
position papers?
a. Pick a side when writing a position statement.
b. Position statement can work without any alternatives.
c. Position statement can be based upon personal opinion.
d. Write a conclusion that sums up your stance on the topic.
_____10. Which of the following is NOT an example of supporting evidence?
a. factual knowledge c. numerous issue
b. informed opinion d. personal testimony
_____11. Why is a topic like “The Bad Effect of Pollution to the
Environment” not a good idea for a position statement?
a. It is highly controversial.
b. There is nothing to debate about.
c. It would take too long to research.
d. The topic requires experimental research.
_____12. Which of the following makes a position paper strong?
a. Be sure to annotate your paper.
b. Apply citations and references in the introduction.
c. Include only your observation and personal opinion.
d. Give an educated opinion with supporting evidences.
_____13. Which of the following is NOT true when writing a position?
a. The issue should be controversial and arguable.
b. Present opinions that readers definitely agree with.
c. Opinion should be stated clearly in a thesis statement.
d. Objections should be anticipated for a reasonable tone.
_____14. Which of the following questions doesn’t help in analyzing an
argument?
a. Can you identify two distinctive positions?
b. Does the opinion adhere to everyone’s point of view?
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c. Is it the real issue, with genuine controversy and
uncertainty?
d. Are you personally interested in advocating one of the
positions?
_____15. Which of the following topics is NOT arguable?
a. Smoking deteriorates health.
b. Education should be free for everyone.
c. The most suitable age to have a right to vote
d. The extent by which electronic vehicles become a solution to
pollution
Let Us Enhance
Activity 9 Writing Arguments
Directions: Read the following issues below. Pick one and decide
which position will you stand. Cite at least three (3) arguments and defend
them with valid and reliable evidences. Follow the outline you have learned
from this module.
Let Us Reflect
Writing, in its nature, can be interestingly intimidating; more so, when
writing to defend a position. Your mind may start to entertain reasons or
excuses for you to consider that you are not an effective writer and that
primarily you do not know how to write. However, this module has proven to
you that writing is a skill that can be learned and practiced. And, it does not
solely focus on the imaginative literary side but also present logical reasoning.
Thus, the competencies you learned, and the skills you acquired from this
module help you venture on the importance of taking a stand and keenly
searching for evidences to support your claim.
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