English For Academic and Professional Purposes
English For Academic and Professional Purposes
English For Academic and Professional Purposes
Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.
Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators both
from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping
the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming
their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling. This learning resource
hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent learning activities at their
own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire the needed
21st century skills while taking into consideration their needs and circumstances.
In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:
As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to manage
their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the
learners as they do the tasks included in the module.
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For the learner:
The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a learner
is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant competencies and
skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in your own hands!
This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities for
guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be enabled to
process the contents of the learning resource while being an active learner.
What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in the
module.
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Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your
level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.
1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.
We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and
gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!
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What I Need to Know
What people think matters. By expressing our thoughts, we allow others the
opportunity to take a position on the ideas presented. As we exchange ideas with
others, we can broaden and defend our perspective on an issue. Thus, argument is
inevitable. Such an argument, when done orally, is helpful to those who are able to
participate in the exchange of ideas. Likewise, the presentation of arguments
becomes even more helpful when one put this into writing. Doing such allows those
who are simply interested enough in the issue to pay attention and give a chance to
scrutinize what others are saying about the issue. Most importantly, as different
opinions are raised and weighed in an argument, we can come up with ideas and
solutions that will be of the greatest benefit to the people, the community and the
country.
This module helps you appreciate the significance of taking and defending a
stand on an issue as you prepare for position paper writing.
After going through this module, you will be able to defend a stand on an issue
by presenting reasonable arguments supported by properly cited factual evidences.
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What I Know
Before we proceed to the lesson proper and activities provided in this module,
let us check first what you already know about the lesson to take. Write the letter of
your answer in the line provided before each number.
3. It is the proof from credible sources used to support the writer's claims.
a. Claim c. Counter Argument
b. Argument d. Evidence
4. Champorado or chocolate rice porridge is Filipino’s most favorite food for
breakfast. The statement is an example of…
a. Claim c. Counter Argument
b. Evidence d. Defense
5. According to the American Health Association, peanut butter is a great
source of protein. The statement is an example of…
a. Defense c. Claim
b. Evidence d. Counter Argument
6. The doctor told me to eat less sugar as it can cause health issues later in life.
What type of appeal is used in this statement?
a. Ethical c. Emotional
b. Logical d. Ethical
7. The temperatures in the summer, on average, are much warmer than any
other season. The statement is an example of…
a. Counter Argument c. Defense
b. Claim d. Evidence
8. It is the opposing claim; the other side.
a. Claim c. Counter Argument
b. Evidence d. Defense
_9. Which of the following is the best example of an argument?
a. How COVID Patients Survive: Five Surprising Facts
b. Video gamers should play Fortnite because it increases mental agility and you
can make new friends.
c. Have you ever wondered what makes Philippines susceptible to earthquake?
d. Milk is healthier than soda.
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10. Which of the arguments is logical appeal?
a. Everyone knows that bottled drinking water is healthy.
b. Water bottles can be recycled, but many don't get recycled.
c. Filipinos use 163 million plastic sachet packets daily.
d. Using refillable water bottles can help reduce the amount of trash in our
landfills.
11. The following situations allow the speaker to use ethical appeal, EXCEPT
a. A commercial for a certain detergent claims that you should use it because
studies have shown that it leaves colors 20 percent brighter than other
detergents and costs 25 percent less than other brands.
b. One of the contestants on The Voice argues that the judges should choose
her not because her voice sounds good, but because she has so much
experience singing and knows everything required of her to be a top-notch
rock star in today’s media.
c. In a campaign commercial, a politician cites promises he has made and
kept in previous offices and jobs, showing that he will make a reliable,
trustworthy leader.
d. Another commercial for a detergent has a well-known talk show host who
often has housekeeping tips on her show present the product as better than
the competition.
13. Which of the following is the best claim/stand for increasing legal driving
age?
a. No, the legal driving age should not increase.
b. The legal driving age should be increased to 20 so you have less accidents.
c. I believe the legal driving age should remain at eighteen.
d. The legal driving age is18.
15. Which piece of evidence could BEST be used to defend this claim:
The government SHOULD decide what students eat for lunch.
a. School lunches, on average have only about 550 calories; however, lunches
brought from home have about 850 calories.
b. Report said that students refused to eat school lunches for three weeks.
c. The rules make lunches cheap for students, but they cost schools money.
d. School canteen should prepare healthy lunch for students.
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Lesson Defending a Stand on an
2 Issue by Presenting
Reasonable Arguments
Are you the type of person who likes debating or
arguing with friends? Or, do you know someone who is like
that?
Whether you enjoy the challenge of getting into an
argument or not, argumentation is part of our day to day
living. We expect clashes of views and opinions because of
our individual differences. We encounter arguments
whether oral and written all the time, and sometimes we
are not aware of how much they influence us. So, this
might be a good time for you to set back and reflect for
a bit. Should I really believe these claims? Am I just
allowing myself to be taken in? Should I take views and opinions that are contrary
to my own? Am I going to stand on my own views and opinions?
What’s In
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What’s New
With your Module 1 learning journey, you have understood that you need to
go a step further in developing ideas and making reasonable arguments by
conducting research and gathering manifesto. Now, let us continue enriching your
knowledge and skills in developing argumentative texts.
We all use argumentation on a daily basis, right? You probably already have
some skills at crafting an argument to defend your stand. Don’t you know that the
more you improve your skills in this area, the better you will be at thinking critically,
reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidences? Module 2 has all these in store
for you. Let start then!
F D E C
R _ M
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What is It
We already have the natural inclination for argumentative skills. Think about
how you talked your parents into letting them buy a new phone. Did you present
them with lots of instances of your past trustworthiness? Did you make them feel
guilty because your friends’ parents all let them have a new phone? Did you look up
statistics on teens using phone to show how you fit to have one? These are all types
of argumentation to take and defend a stand, and they exist in academic writing in
similar forms. Now, let us learn how to present reasonable arguments supported by
properly-cited factual evidences to defend a stand on an issue.
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emotional appeals may be used as well. Your claim or position may be supported
through three major types of appeals:
a. Logical Appeals
This is the use of facts in order to support and defend a position. This means
reasoning with your audience, providing them with facts and statistics, or making
historical and literal analogies. It persuades the audience by targeting their
thinking.
Example:
More than one hundred peer-reviewed studies have been conducted over the
past decade, and none of them suggests that coconut milk is an effective treatment
for hair loss.
In this argument, the peer – reviewed studies are used as factual supports.
b. Emotional Appeals
This is the use of the audience’s feelings for the subject of the paper such as
anger, pity, and aversion in order to persuade. It may also refer to values that the
reader may identify with such as the importance of family ties, hospitality and the
bayanihan spirit.
Example:
How can you say that the government shouldn’t censor the internet? Think of
the poor children who might be exposed to inappropriate content.
This type of argument attempts to elicit a strong emotional response, since
people will generally want to protect children, and since no one wants to adopt a
stance that will purportedly harm them.
c. Ethical Appeals
This is the use of convincing an audience through the credibility of the
persuader, be it a notable or experienced figure in the field or even a popular
celebrity.
Example: As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely
generate the best results.
Here, people tend to believe the opinions of doctors in the matter of medical
treatments. The audience consider the argument because of the credibility of the
speaker.
Sample Outline
I. Introduction
A. Introduce the topic
B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue).
Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic and your
approach to it (your thesis statement), and to arouse your reader’s interest in what
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you have to say. One effective way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to
supply a kind of backdrop that will put it in perspective. You should discuss the area
into which your topic fits, and then gradually lead into your specific field of discussion
(re: your thesis statement).
You may have more than 1 overall points to your argument. Each argument
should be supported with properly - cited sources.
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate your argument
B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information
Now, you have known that when defending a stand on an issue it is very
important that you have to organize your arguments clearly. Then, let us analyze the
situation given and study how the writer defends his stand on an issue by presenting
reasonable arguments in the following sample.
Situation:
Issue: Technology is not good for children.
Stand on the Issue: Opposition
Writer’s Claim: Technology is good for children for it allows our children
to have an amount of knowledge at their fingertips.
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Presentation of Arguments
(This sample paper was modified and adapted from an original paper of a student
which was retrieved from Writing Center.)
Social media, apps, gaming, and television: youth are flooded with opportunities
to access information and entertainment, often at the touch of a fingertip. Although
many of these technological outlets have a negative
Here, in the connotation of “wasted brain space,” not all technology and
introduction, the
writer begins with screen time should be considered of little worth, or purely
a hook, then for mindless entertainment. In fact, because of technology’s
overall topic of widespread appeal and accessibility, it can be easily used
technology next,
to incorporate academic or educational purpose into a daily
narrows it to the
benefits of routine. Technology’s ability to captivate and engage a
technology use by targeted audience can be
adolescents. The thesis statement
harnessed and redirected begins with the
from mindless specific topic.
Next, the writes
entertainment into powerful tools which are not states her argument
limited to amusement alone. Games, television, (her position) on this
topic. The thesis ends
and apps can be used to appeal to a child’s intellect with the reasons
while developing technical skills; this creates a wealth of she/he feels this
way. These 2 reasons
opportunities to enhance the behavioral and scholastic will be the 2 major
development of an adolescent. The use of technology and points of discussion
within the paper.
screen time can be positive for children as it allows
children to excel academically by experiencing the expanding definitions of
classrooms and literacy as a whole, and improves low-performing developmental
skills.
Television, textbooks, and computer games are just a few technological
mediums in which information is presented and widely
accepted as a form of communication. This must be taken
We can see that this
paragraph focuses into account when determining what literacy means and
on the first point of how children receive information as well as how they
discussion from the
thesis statement. master the skill of developing their competencies. Where
The writer indicates reading and writing skills in the The writer
this with the use of integrates
topic sentences medium of spoken word or
his/her research
within her body paper and ink once strictly by citing an
paragraph author to explain
development. defined literacy, the
and support the
definition is widely changing to claim.
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include proficiency in modern technology such as computers and other digital
sources of information of this changing standard in academia, children must be
allowed to explore information in ways that challenge previous methods. For
example, children can access digital applications and according to Keben (2006) that
digital play with carefully selected apps can provide active, hands-on engaging and
empowering learning opportunities and facilitate versatility in children’s literacy
experience by providing opportunities for reading and writing, and to listen and
communicate through a range of scenarios and activities.
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(Kirkorian, et al., 2008, p. 8). Although there is validity to the presented argument,
this theory excludes educationally driven programming, some of which is specifically
designed to educate children beyond what they might experience by age-appropriate
schooling alone. There is incredible value in formal education and the public school
system; however, classroom modalities are not the only way children learn about the
world around them.
When the tool of technology is used to supplement
Here in the
formal education, it can be important in aiding the positive
conclusion, the
writer summarizes development of a student’s growing mind. Television
the main points
programs can introduce new ideas or reinforce those which
made in the paper
and explains the have already been presented, making concepts more familiar
importance of the
and contextual. Social skills can be learned by low-
topic.
performing children via tablet apps or videos, which allows
for developmental growth in a convenient and easily accessible
way. The definition of a classroom itself has changed, and online learning is a space
in which high-performing students can flourish.
At this stage, you should have several ideas on how to defend a stand on an
issue by presenting reasonable arguments. Also, you have learned that using properly
cited – sources makes your claim stronger. Having been said, let us explore the next
part of this module to strengthen your understanding and skills.
What’s More
Eventually, you are ready to prove your understanding about the topic and this
can be realized by getting involved in the following activities.
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Your task in the exercise that follows is to identify the main appeal being used
in each situation. Write check (/) in the box that corresponds with your answer.
1. At a school board meeting, one of the members argues against the change to a
longer school day. She cites facts about the number of students involved in after-
school activities and estimates how many hours of work it would require to adjust
schedules.
Ethical Emotional Logical
2. A friend of yours tells her story: She works hard to keep up her grades and also
puts in long hours at home taking care of her younger siblings. She says her opinion
on the longer school day is important because she is a hard-working individual who
knows it would mean trouble for many students like her.
Ethical Emotional Logical
3. Your social studies teacher gets into the fray. He cites case studies about schools
that have tried a longer day without seeing a rise in test scores. He is against the
extension.
Ethical Emotional Logical
4. You have dinner with a friend whose parent is a teacher. The parent is in favor of
the longer day and says you should agree with her. Her experience teaching,
administering, and counseling at schools all over the country means that she really
knows her stuff on this issue.
Ethical Emotional Logical
5. As a member of the newspaper staff, you are charged with researching information
that will help students decide whether a longer school day will be helpful to them.
You give them examples of the research you have conducted as you have reached
your conclusion.
Ethical Emotional Logical
1. As online learning becomes more common and more resources are converted to
digital form, public libraries should be shut down.
Stand on the Issue: I don’t agree with the proposition of shutting down public
libraries.
Evidences: It would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. Definitely,
digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more
problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading
found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less
information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to
people who read the same information in print. Additionally, I know that
whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired
and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people,
especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.
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2. Face to face classes should resume by 2021.
Stand on the Issue:
Evidence/s:
Evidence/s:
You are doing a great job! Now, answer few questions below to check whether
you have learned the essential ideas about defending a stand on an issue.
5. This is part which the writer summarizes the main points made
in the paper and explains the importance of the topic.
What I Can Do
You have just learned about defending a stand on issue, and that makes you
ready for more learning activities.
Participant 2
Based on the appeals and evidences presented, who among the participants
convinces you to take his/her side? Why?
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Assessment
WORD BANK
Additional Activities
You have come this far. Well done! To enrich your knowledge and skills of the
concepts learned, do this final activity.
Evidently, you have actively engaged in various tasks that help you improve your
understanding of the target concepts, and at the same time, develop your skills in
defending a stand on issue. Definitely, you are now ready to embrace your next
learning journey. Congratulations!
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Answer Key
References
Otero, Rowel Ll. (2016), English for Academic and Professional Purposes Worktext
Writing Center
https://content.bridgepointeducation.com/curriculum/file/ec1a76e3-4965-
4f8d-a845-06501f4317b3/1/Argumentative%20Paper%20Sample.pdf
https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/page.cfm?pageid=1123&guideid=54
https://quizizz.com/admin/quiz/5ce43ed0f4e808001a2bc4d7/arguments-and-
claims
https://texasgateway.org/resource/revising-persuasive-essay-appropriate-
appeals-eg-descriptions-anecdotes-case-studies
DISCLAIMER
This Self-learning Module (SLM) was developed by DepEd SOCCSKSARGEN with
the primary objective of preparing for and addressing the new normal. Contents of
this module were based on DepEd’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC).
This is a supplementary material to be used by all learners of Region XII in all public
schools beginning SY 2020-2021. The process of LR development was observed in
the production of this module. This is version 1.0. We highly encourage feedback,
comments, and recommendations