12

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC

AND PROFESSIONAL
PURPOSES
Quarter 1 – Module 7:
Writing the Concept Paper
English for Academic and Professional Purposes – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 7: Writing the Concept Paper
First Edition, 2021

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/activity sheet
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.

Published by the Department of Education

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

Development Team of the Module

Writer: SABRINA ANN LAGUNA

Editors:
Reviewers:
Illustrator:
Layout Artist:
Management Team:

Marilyn B. Siao
Roberto N. Mangaliman
Ma. Luz I. Orbe
Cecilia A. Arga
Ma. John Ray Rosales

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Schools Division of Catbalogan City

Office Address: Purok 4, Barangay Payao, Catbalogan City
Facebook Page: fb.com/CatbaloganCityDivision
E-mail Address: [email protected]
 What I Need to Know

In the previous module, you were introduced to the writing of reaction paper and you
learned that it was not as easy as it seems to write your reaction paper. It is not just
a careless comment to a particular issue but rather it involves considerable thought
and deliberation. In this module, you will be introduced to writing the concept paper
and how it is similar or different with other academic writings.

The module gives you insights on the following:

• Definition of a Concept Paper
• Functions of a Concept Paper
• Structure of a Concept Paper
• Ways of Elucidating a Concept

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Define a concept paper;
2. Comprehend various kinds of concept paper;
3. Compare and contrast various kinds of concept paper;
4. Determine the ways a writer can elucidate on a concept by definition,
explication and clarification; and
5. Present a novel concept or project with accompanying visuals/graphic aids.

1
 What I Know

DIRECTIONS: Analyze the following statements. Write the word REACT if the
statement describes reaction paper; write the word REVIEW if it describes a review
paper; and write CRITIQUE if the statement describes a critique paper. Write your
answers on a separate sheet of paper.

__________ 1. This requires a careful evaluation of the experience and includes

sharing your feelings about it.

__________ 2. This paper expresses the opinion of the writer about an event, book,
restaurant, art, exhibit, movie, performance, or even the latest trends.

__________ 3. Of all types of academic writings, this is considered the most academic.

__________ 4. It is important to be concise in this paper, but not too concise that the
most important aspects of the book or event you are evaluating are missed out.

__________ 5. An intellectual discourse that involves one’s evaluation.

__________ 6. It is the more expanded version of a reaction paper.

__________ 7. This would not be complete without your assessment of your

experience.

__________ 8. This type of writing takes the form of blurbs, blogs and essays.

__________ 9. It is not just a summary but a commentary involving the writer’s

opinion.

__________ 10. With this paper, you can discuss whether the experience had a positive
or negative impact on you.

2
 What’s In

Directions: Think of a novel idea. If you were to write about it, what would you
include in your concept paper? Write your answers on a separate sheet of
paper.

My novel idea:_________________________________________________________

What I will include in my concept paper:

1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

Guide Questions:

1. How does a concept paper differ from other forms of academic writing?
2. How are novels ideas clarified through concept paper?

3
 What’s New

Directions: Read the sample concept paper below and note its parts and content.
Afterwards, answer the questions that follow. Write your answers on a separate sheet
of paper.

A SAMPLE CONCEPT PAPER for an ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Lorena A. Brillo, Ph. D.

UP Open University
December 1, 2017

Background

Instructional consultation is a basic service to students, and it is an important tool

in assessing the relevance of important basic institutional services. However, as
perceived by students, a substantial gap still exists between the need for
instructional consultation information and the current services being rendered by
the school.

The post-modernist, process-oriented concept of education has led to policies

requiring educators to take a more active role in the education process. The notion
of a dialogic and interactive curriculum where knowledge-creation and negotiation
are emphasized is a 21st century byword, making learning more authentic and
meaningful to students. The 21st century curriculum has been described as one that
is generative, outcome-based, and interactive, marked by a meaningful transaction
between teacher and student.

Project Description

Objectives
• To analyze the current instructional consultation program of the higher
education unit.
• To assess students’ perception and attitude towards the current instructional
consultation process

Expected Outcomes
• Improved student-teacher relationships, resulting in optimized institutional
goals
• Adoption of improved instructional consultation practices in support of the
institutional goals
• The study could influence policies for students across all disciplines
regardless of attitude towards instructional consultation. The study could also
change the way teachers regard their role in instructional consultation in the
context of a learning paradigm that insists on collaboration.

Indicators of achievement
• Increased number of students availing of their instructional consultation
privileges

4
 • Improved consultation rooms
• Increased number of teachers rendering consultation beyond their required
consultation hours

Main Activities
• Writing letters
• Drafting questionnaires
• Consulting with experts on the matter
• Distributing questionnaires and collating data
• Interpreting results
• Consulting with statistician
• Interviewing respondents
• Organizing intra-school visit to learn best practices from peers

Project Needs and Cost (P17, 000)

Communication (P12, 000)

Travel to and from interview sites
Token for the respondents and consultant/s
Other incidental expenses
Professional fee for statistician

Supplies (P7, 000)

Books and other learning resources
Photocopying expenses
Library fee

Duration and Target Date of Completion

January 1 – June 30, 2018

Answer the following questions:

1. How do indicators of achievement help writers of concept papers envision the

successful outcome of their writing project?

2. Why does the timeline have to be specific? If you were the research adviser or
the head of the funding agency, would you put emphasis on this information

5
 What is It

Definition of a Concept Paper

A concept paper is an academic written discourse that explains a concept,

often about something that the writer is thoroughly familiar with and
passionate about. As you will note in the given example, it is a summary
structured to highlight the significant parts of a more comprehensive
research. Usually, a concept paper is the preliminary part of an academic
research, written to obtain permission to undertake the research project, or
to obtain funding for it. In senior high school and in college, chances are, you
will be required to submit a concept paper before being allowed to proceed
with your research assignment. This is to ensure that you know the scope
and demands of your writing assignment.

Functions of a Concept Paper

In addition to being an “accompaniment” to a full-blown research, the concept

paper explains what the project is about. It also explains the reason for
conducting the project and how it will be carried out. Perhaps because it
contains some parts found in a research paper, it is sometimes mistaken for
a full-length research paper. However, you should be careful to make the
distinction between the two. A concept paper is merely a “prelude” to the
research you intend to carry. In explaining the what, why and how of your
intended project, you are defining your concept. Think of it as your plan of
action, your vision, the preliminary phase of your research project. As the
preliminary version of your research project, your concept paper’s aim should
be clear: to gain the approval of important stakeholders so you can proceed
and carry out your research project.

In the sample concept paper, the concept was introduced by giving

background information about the topic. The introductory idea also took the
form of the topic’s significance and the perceived need for it. The sample
concept paper also includes information about the aims of the project and
why it is important to conduct it. This information is contained in the expected
outcomes. This part is meant to convince the research adviser or the head of
the funding agency to approve it.

Another basic information that you should include in the concept paper is the
manner of implementation, or how you will carry out the project. Readers of
your research – including your research adviser and possibly the head of the
funding agency – need to be convinced of the viability of your project or the
likelihood that your project will meet the expected outcome/s at the designed
time. The information you will include in this section is just as important as
the Introduction and Objectives section because this is where you convince

6
your reader that you have planned out your project so well that you can
envision when you will start and complete it.

Structure of a Concept Paper

There are conventional ways to structure your concept paper. However, you
may vary the heading, subheading and their content and arrangement
depending on the nature of your project.
• For a Funding Agency. If you want to obtain funding for your project
and you are submitting your concept paper to a funding agency, you
may outline your concept paper this way:

Parts of a Concept Paper for a Funding Agency/Organization

Cover Page
• name of the proponents and the organization to which they
belong
• contact information
• date of submission

Introduction
• reasons why the funding agency should fund your project

Rationale or Background
• the need that will be addressed by your project
• the project’s significance

Project Description
• goals and objectives of your project; benefits and methodology
• evaluation of success of outcomes; indicators of achievement

Project Needs and Cost

• main budget (with item description and amount)
• personnel or equipment needed

• For an Academic Research. The following basic information should

comprise the content of your concept paper if your concept paper is a
prelude to your academic research:

7
 Parts of a Concept Paper for an Academic Research

Title Page
• research title
• name and school
• date of submission

Background of the Study

• current state of the field you are researching on
• reasons why you want to undertake your research topic
• practical implications of your proposed research

Preliminary Literature Review

• theoretical framework
• related studies
• brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies

Statement of the Problem/Objectives

• general problem
• specific research questions or objectives

Abridged Methodology
• contexts and participants
• instruments, data collection, data analysis

Timeline
• time frame (set in months and year)

References
• list of all books, journals, and other learning resources

Ways of Elucidating a Concept

To elucidate a concept, a writer can resort to any of the following ways:
1. Definition. This is a method of describing a given concept and making
its meaning clear by means of giving a description, examples, and
illustrations.

A formal definition explains the concept using general classifications

and differentiating characteristics of that concept. The dictionary uses
formal definitions. On the other hand, an informal definition, as the
term implies, uses more familiar words and examples to define a
concept.

8
 2. Explication. Another way of writing your concept paper is through
explication. It is the method of explaining a concept or issue by
borrowing sentences, verses, or passages from an academic or literary
work and explaining these thoroughly in relation to the concept being
explained.

Another way of using this technique is by clarifying a concept or issue

through the thesis statement explained in a detained way.

3. Clarification. Clarification is another technique that involves

organizing ideas from abstract, or those not readily understood, to
concrete examples, or those easily understood. This technique involves
analyzing the concept looking at the examples and then drawing out a
definition based on this information.

Guidelines for Writing a Concept Paper

1. Do a thorough research on your chosen topic. Read more than just one
learning resource and explores as many articles about the topic as you
possibly can to make sure you have a thorough understanding of your
research project.
2. Outline important ideas to make sure you have included the significant
details, including target date of completion and estimated cost.
Outlining is an important prewriting activity that can guide you in
formulating important aspects of your topic. From the outline, you can
decide how to proceed with your writing task.
3. Write each part at a time, based on your outline. Think of your writing
assignment as one big chunk that you have to divide into separate
parts. Approach the task as you would normally approach any chore –
focusing on one difficult task first without losing sight of the less
important tasks.
4. Be realistic when you set your goals and timeline. Calendar your
activities and anticipate possible setbacks. You might wish to set your
timeline by estimating exactly how many months you are away from
your target date of completion. From there, you can plan your activities
in view of the remaining weeks left before the deadline.
5. Capitalize on the obvious advantages of your project description, for
this is the part that will determine the merit of your project. Justify the
reasons why you are undertaking the research project and make this
clear to the stakeholders. Discuss what makes your research project
different from those that have been undertaken before and explain the
benefits of your research project not only to your particular discipline
but to the greater majority.

9
 What’s More

Activity 1.1
Directions: Write at least five concepts that can be elucidated under the following
fields or discipline. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Art ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

2. Business ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

3. Sports ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

4. General Academic ________________________________________

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

5. Religion ______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________

10
 What I Have Learned

Directions: Write a short reflection by answering the question below. Write your
short reflection on a separate sheet of paper.

“Is writing a concept paper a necessary skill a young academic or professional

should have? Why or why not?”

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

11
 What I Can Do

Directions: Read the following concepts listed under your field or discipline below.
Then, Write a five-page concept paper that thoroughly elucidates your chosen
concept. Your concept paper will be evaluated based on the rubric that follows. Be
ready to present your concept paper in class with accompanying visual or graphic
aids.

1. Art Post-modernism, artistic license, pornography

2. Business Dollar-salting, micro-business financing, pushcart

business

3. Education Values integration, millennial student, distance education

4. Sports Triathlon, hoverboard, , five-peat champion

5. Science Cosmological evolution, genetic adaptation, tapestry

principle

6. Technology Selfie or groupie, standee, stem cell, solar cell, anti-

snore gadget

7. Tourism/HRM Ecotourism, Medicotourism, national heritage site

8. ICT Videoblog, videoconferencing, webisode, twitiquette

12
Criterion Poor (1pt) Fair (2pts)Good (3pts) Excellent (4pts)
Content & • Content is • Content is• Content is • Content is
Developm incomplete. not comprehens thorough,
ent • Major points comprehens ive, accurate,
are unclear ive and/or accurate, persuasive and
and/or not persuasive. and relates to a
persuasive. • Major persuasive. specific purpose.
points are• Major • Major points are
addressed, points are specific, stated
but not wellstated clearly and are
supported. clearly and well supported.
• Research is are well • Research is
inadequate supported. primary.
• Research is
or does not • Course concepts
address adequate, are focused with
course timely and clear succinct
concepts. addresses writing.
• Content is course
inconsistentconcepts.
• Content
with regard
to purpose and
and clarity purpose of
of thought. the writing
are clear.
Organizat • Organization • Structure of • Concepts • Concepts of
ion & and structure the paragraph of the paragraphs are
Structure detract from the is not easy to paragraphs filled with
concepts of the follow. are clear supporting
paper. • Paragraph and easy to details for
• Concepts are transitions follow. thesis and
disjointed and need topic
lack transition improvement. sentences.
of thought. Concepts are • Paragraphs
disconnected. flow into each
other with
connective
concepts.
Format • Paper lacks • Paper follows • Paper • Paper follows
many elements most follows designated
of correct guidelines. designated guidelines.
formatting. • Paper is guidelines. • Paper is
• Paragraphs are over/under • Paper has appropriate in
inadequate/exce word length. the length.
ssive in length. • Contains appropriate Succinct and
some length as scholarly
padding of described presentation
paragraph. for the
assignment
.

13
Grammar, • Paper contains • Paper • Rules of • Correct
Punctuati numerous contains few grammar, grammatical
on & grammatical, grammatical usage and construction.
Spelling punctuation, , punctuatio • Free of typos
and spelling punctuation n are • Compound/co
errors. and spelling followed; mplex
• Language uses errors. spelling is sentences
jargon or • Language correct. • Clear, correct
conversational lacks clarity • Language is technical
tone. or includes clear; vocabulary
• Language is the use of sentences • Strong use of
unprofessional. some jargon display correct
or consistentl language
conversatio y varied structure.
nal tone; structures. • Correct
lacks punctuation
professional
ism.
Reference • No references • Most of the • Most of the • All references
s • None of the references references are from
references are are not from are from relevant, peer-
from peer- peer- peer- reviewed
reviewed sources reviewed reviewed sources.
• None of the sources. sources • All sources are
references are • Most of the • Most of the current (within
current (within 5 references references 5 years) or
years) or classic are not are current classic
references current (within 5 references.
(within 5 years) or
years) or classic
classic references.
references.

14
 Assessment

I. Directions: Identify the part of the concept paper (for an

academic research) that contains the items described on the right.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

a. Title Page _____1. list of all the learning

b. Background of the resources you have used
Study _____2. the research context and the
c. Preliminary participants
Literature Review _____3. the research questions and
d. Statement of the objectives
Problem/Objectives _____4. answers why you have decided
e. Abridged to conduct that particular research
Methodology _____5. the name of the school and the
f. Timeline date of submission
g. References _____6. the practical implications of
your research
_____7. the estimated duration of your
research
_____8. a brief summary of all the
resources used in your research
_____9. information about the
instruments and method of data
collection
_____10. information about the
current state of the field that you are
researching on

II. Directions: Identify what is stated in each statement. Write your

answers on a separate sheet of paper.

_______________ 11. It is the preliminary part of an academic

research which is written to obtain permission to undertake the
research project.
_______________ 12. This is one of the ways or techniques of the writer
to elucidate a concept in which the writer gives the meaning of a
certain concept.
_______________ 13. This technique of elucidating a concept involves
organizing ideas from abstract to concrete examples.
_______________ 14. It is the method of explaining a concept by
borrowing sentences, verses or passages from an academic or
literary work in relation to the concept being explained.

15
 _______________ 15. This is merely a “prelude” to the research you
intend to conduct.

Additional Activities

Directions: Look for two concept paper from different fields below. Compare and
contrast the two concept paper in terms of its CONTENT, STRUCTURE, FORMAT
and WAYS OF ELUCIDATING A CONCEPT USED. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper. Be ready to present your output in class.

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

16
 17
What I Know What's More Assessment
1. REACT Students’ answers may 1. G
2. REVIEW vary. 2. E
3. CRITIQUE 3. D
4. REVIEW 4. B
5. CRITIQUE 5. A
6. CRITIQUE
6. B
7. REACT
8. REVIEW 7. F
9. REVIEW 8. G
10.REACT 9. E
10. B
11. Concept Paper
12. Definition
13. Clarification
14. Explication
15. Concept Paper
Answer Key
References

Billanes, Lorna A. (2019). English for Academic and Professional Purposes

Skills and Strategies for Academic Discourse (1st edition). Quezon City:
TechFactors Inc. Pages 105 - 113.

Menoy, Jesus Z. (2016). English for Academic and Professional Purposes: A

Multidisciplinary Approach. Mandaluyong City: Books Atbp. Publishing Corp.
Pages 105 – 123.

Marcial, Ana Katrina & et.al. (2018). English for Academic and Professional
Purposes. Quezon City: IBON Foundation Inc. Pages 35 – 50.

18