11

ENGLISH FOR
ACADEMIC
AND
PROFESSIONAL
PURPOSES
QUARTER 1
Module 9: Writing a Concept Paper
English for Academic Purposes
Quarter 1: Module 9: Writing a Concept Paper

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 book 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.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Lyann N. Cielo

Editors: Reynaldo E. Cielo, HT I/ Reynaldo E. Cielo, HT I
Reviewers: Emma V. Dasco, EPS/ Darcy Guy Y. Mañebo, EPS
Illustrator: Lyann N. Cielo
Layout Artist: Sarah B. Nasol
English for Academic Purposes
Quarter 1: Module 9: Writing a Concept Paper

I. Introduction

Now that you have experienced a lot in your academic studies,

writing a concept paper is a great means of sharing what you have learned. It is a
start of getting more serious in the way you write your thoughts and understanding
on a specific topic.

II. Objectives
Compare and contrast various kinds of concept papers
(CS_EN11/12A- EAPP-Ig-j-23)

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

 identify the different types of concept papers according to context;

 analyse the features of a concept paper;
 list down similarities and differences of different types of concept
paper presented; and
 demonstrate ideas leading to writing a mini concept paper.

III. Vocabulary List

The words below are important to better understand ideas

and concepts in this module. So, you read and analyze them to enlighten you
first.

o proponent – one who argues in favour of something

o affiliation – the state or relation of being closely associated or

affiliated with a particular person, group, party, company, etc.
o methodology – a particular procedure or set of procedures

o theoretical framework - the structure that can hold or support a

theory of a research study; it introduces and describes the
theory that explains why the research problem under study
exists

o Gantt chart - a useful graphical tool which shows activities or tasks

performed against time

o statistics – a collection of quantitative data

o rationale – an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief,

practice or phenomena

o jargon – confused unintelligible language

o discipline – a field of study

o persona – a character assumed by an author in a written work

o tone - style or manner of expression in speaking or writing

o aesthetic – done or made to improve a person’s appearance or to

correct defects in a person’s appearance

IV. Pre-Test

The following statements tell something about the different parts of a concept
paper. Analyze and answer each of them by writing the letter only on your activity
notebook.

1. A summary document of a project is called ____.

a. position paper
b. concept paper
c. reaction paper
d. critique paper

2. This is a part of a concept paper that states the name of the

proponents and their affiliations.
a. cover page
b. introduction
c. rationale or background
d. project description

3. This is another part of a concept paper that explains how the problems
will be solved.
a. project description
b. project needs cost
c. cover page
d. rationale or background

4. This part of a concept paper provides theoretical framework, related

literature and related studies.
a. preliminary literature review
b. background of the study
c. abridged methodology
d. timeline

5. The following are guidelines in writing a concept paper except___.

a. not citing the references.
b. using less than 5 pages.
c. clearly aligning the budget, methodology, and timeline.
d. using page numbers.

V. Learning Activities

Parts of a Concept Paper

A concept paper usually ranges from 500 to 2000 words and is
usually divided into several parts. The following sections discussed in this
lesson are merely suggestions for the content of a paper; ultimately, the
project proponent needs to follow the format and design required by the
funding agency.

The parts of a concept paper may also vary depending on the nature of
the project/activity. Below are two outlines of a concept paper based on its
context.

A. Concept Paper for a Project

Use the following structure when you want to propose a certain

tangible project in your discipline.

1. Cover Page

 State the name of the proponents and their affiliations.

 State the addresses, contact numbers, and email addresses of the
proponents.
 State the head of the agency and his/her contact information.
 State the date of submission.

2. Introduction
 State the information about the funding agency to show that you
understand its mission.
 State the mission of the agency that the proponents represent
and align it to the funding agency’s mission. Also, state the year
the proponents’ agency was established, its major
accomplishments, and other details that demonstrate its
capability to undertake
the proposed project.
 Present and describe
other partner agencies
and why they are
qualified as such.
 Provide reasons why
the funding agency
should support the
project.

3. Rationale or Background

 State the gap in knowledge to be addressed by the project.

 State the problems to be solved.
 State the project’s significance.

4. Project Description

 State the goals and objectives of the project.

 Present the methodology (sometimes termed as Action Plan,
Project Activities, or Approach)
 Present the timeline expressed in months and year.
 State the benefits or anticipated outcomes.
 State how success of outcomes will be evaluated.

5. Project Needs Cost

 Outline the main budget; include the item description and

amount.
 Explain or justify how the budget will be used.
 List the personnel or equipment needed for the project.
B. Concept Paper for Academic Research
Paper

Use the following structure when you intend to present an idea

or concept for a research you would like to pursue.

1. Title Page

 State your research title.

 State your name and school.
 State the date of submission.

2. Background of
the Study

 Provide the current

state of the field
you are researching
on.
 State the gap in
knowledge and
problems to be addressed by the research. Provide statistics
and previous studies to prove your claims.
 State the reasons why you want to investigate your chosen
topic.
 State the theoretical and practical implications of your proposed
research

3. Preliminary
Literature
Review

 Provide a theoretical framework. The theoretical framework

includes the theory that will guide you in the conduct of your
research.
 Provide related literature that supports your topic.
 Provide related studies that will help you in conducting the
research or analyzing and discussing the data.
 Provide a brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies.
4. Statement of the
Problem/
Objective

 State your general problem in one sentence.

 State your specific research questions or objectives.

5. Abridged
Methodology

 Provide the context and participants of the study.

 Provide the instrument to be used.
 Provide the data collection procedure.
 Provide the data analysis scheme to be used.
6. Timeline

 Provide a timeline (e.g. Gantt chart) set in months and year.

7. References

 Provide a list of all books, journals, and other resources cited in

your paper.

Guidelines in Writing a Concept Paper

Follow the guidelines below to come up with a well-written concept

paper.
1. Cost and methodology should be reasonable.
2. The budget, methodology, and timeline should be clearly aligned.
3. Use statistics and figures when discussing the rationale for the project.
4. Use not less than five pages (single-spaced) excluding the cover page.
Do not overwhelm the readers
with details.
5. Never request funding for
planning the proposal.
6. Adjust your language to the
intended readers. You may use
technical terms if readers are
scholars and scientists.
However, refrain from using
jargon when your target readers are lay persons.
7. Include the overview of the budget if it is required.
8. Be sure that basic format details, such as page numbers, are
incorporated.
9. Cite your references.
VI. Practice Tasks

Practice Task 1. Is it Appropriate?

Below are scenarios on how you are going to write a concept paper. Now,
understand each of them to figure out which is appropriate and which is not. Write E
if it shows appropriateness and N if it does not. Use your activity notebook when
answering.

______ 1. Rino fails to indicate the page number in his concept paper.

______ 2. Andrew included a literature review for the concept paper he made
for his term paper.

______ 3. Geryl includes in the references all journals he used but excludes
the books he cited.

______ 4. Thea made her timeline independent from the details in the
methodology.

______ 5. Yana requested a budget from the funding agency on the

preparation of her concept paper.

______ 6. Sharee states her objectives in the methodology section.

______ 7. Maxine sticks to one format every time she submits a concept paper
to various funding agencies.

______ 8. Ellie uses data from government agencies to prove the existence of
a problem that she and her team would like to address.

______ 9. Irish clarified the working definition of the concept she

is preparing to ensure that the reader understood it
properly.

______ 10. When Theresa knew that her target readers

are lay persons, she defined the technical
terms that she used in the concept paper.
Practice Task 2. Compare Me!

Using Venn diagram below, write on your activity notebook the similarities and
differences of a concept paper for a project and an academic research.
Academic
Project
Research
Similarities
Sample ouput of a Project research Sample output of an Academic research

PracticeTask 3. Complete the Elements

Now that you are familiar with the features of a concept paper, assume the
persona of a lead researcher for a non-government organization who intends to
submit a proposal for a project funded by the Asian Development Bank. Use your
activity notebook when answering.

Here are the elements to be provided:

Purpose : ________________________________________
________________________________________

Target Output : ________________________________________

________________________________________

Audience : ________________________________________
________________________________________

Writer’s Persona: ________________________________________

________________________________________

Tone/ Formality : ________________________________________

________________________________________

VII. Post Test

Advertisements are good examples of showing the aesthetic elements of a
particular product. In this activity you are going to evaluate TV commercials using the
pictures in this module to construct the idea of a “beautiful” woman.

After evaluating the advertisements, write your mini concept paper on the idea
of a “beautiful “woman in your own perspective or as portrayed by media. Make sure
to follow the content and structure of a good concept paper. Refer to the guidelines
in evaluating the concept paper presented in this module for accurateness of your
content. Use your activity notebook for your output.
Use this rubric to guide your writing for your concept paper.

Guidelines in Evaluating the Concept Paper

Content
 Is the thesis of the essay clear?
 Is the topic significant or sufficiently researched?
 Are the details relevant to the thesis? 40%
 Does the writer exhibit a thorough knowledge of his/her
topic as shown in the presentation of ideas?
Organization
 Is the lead interesting?
 Are the major points clear?
 Is there a coherent and logical sequence of ideas? 40%
 Is the conclusion appropriate and satisfying?
 Is the focus clearly defined?
Language and Style
 Is the language consistent with the content of the essay?
 Is the language consistent throughout?
 Who is the author: Can you “see” him/her? Can you “hear”
his or her voice as a writer?
 Are the sentences well-constructed?
 Are words appropriately used? 20%
 Is grammar – agreement, tense, articles, pronouns,
prepositions – correct?
Total Score 100%

VIII. Assignment/ Additional Activities

A. Think-to-Share

Think of a household problem in your family. Using a minimum of

500 words and a maximum of 700 words, make a short concept paper to
present your solution. The budget section is optional.

Follow the format below when writing your paper:

 short bond paper

 Times New Roman, 12
 1.5 spacing
 1” margin on all sides

(You may use online platforms like email, facebook, and messenger
to submit your output.)
Below is a sample concept paper that you may use as your guide for your
assignment.

Project Overview
Second language pedagogy and research have considerably
experienced shifts that continue to bring about new and perennial
concerns, the first of which is the divergence between practitioners and
theorizers. This problem resulted in the struggle of teachers in
accommodating and integrating technical knowledge to their own
embedded teaching framework, hence, they employ various methods and
approaches which they feel are more practical and effective based on
their own teaching experience and classroom realities. Also, teachers
employ eclectism which seemed to be unsystematic, uncritical, and
unprincipled as it reaches classroom level (Kumaravadivelu, 1994)
because “it offers no criteria according to which we can determine which is
the best theory, nor does it provide any principles by which to include or
exclude features form part of existing theories or practices “ (Stern, 1992,
p.11). Another issue directly linked to the divergence between the
theorizers and practitioners is the lack of models consolidating the recent
theoretical and empirical research findings which will guide the teachers in
employing sound practices (Brandl, 2002). The lack of such model may be
the factor that prompted language teachers to practice teaching without
due regard to current beliefs in language teaching and learning for the
reason that they teach the way they were taught (Borg, 2003).
Teachers’ skills are also on issue. Though teachers are capable of
crafting curriculum, learning experiences, and assessment to diagnose the
needs, weaknesses, and strengths of the students (Wiggins & McTighe,
With the introduction of new pedagogical concepts, learning
processes, and information and communication technology, it is
imperative to develop a teaching framework that would reflect the most
current and generally accepted L2 learning principles and integrate them
with practical knowledge. Since currents trends in language teaching and
materials are evolutionary rather than revolutionary (Nunan, 1999), this
paper does not intend to reject previously-held tried and tested practices
but to add value to what is already existing by consolidating the most
recent and established principles and communicate them clearly for
practical use, particularly in materials preparation. As Omaggio-Hadley
(1993) has pointed out, the mere proliferation of L2 research which is
sometimes contradictory would just lead to confusion unless the results
are integrated and well communicated.
And since the study will be conducted in the context of a developing
country, the findings of this study will potentially contribute to the field of
language teaching in the Southeast Asian region by offering a framework
that integrates both the socio-cognitive and transformative aspects of
language teaching and learning. This paper, through the developed
framework, will help teachers expand their repertoire of techniques and
best practices to effectively deal with the learners’ individual differences;
consequently, re-skilling them.
Design and Methodology
This study will primarily use qualitative research combined with
some quantitative measures (Tashakkori & Teddli, 2002). Such method
will provide the best opportunities for generating new and creative ideas
(Jaccard and Jacoby, 2010). Specifically, the development of the teaching
Draft Budget
Materials, Reproduction, Data Collection Php 100, 000.00
 Digital Recorder w/ rechargeable battery
 Bond paper (short)
 Bond paper (long)
 Computer ink (BCI 830, black)
 Miscellaneous (pens, pencil, folder, CDs rewritable)
 USB flash drive

Validator’s Token (in kind) Php 50, 000.00

Transcriber’s fee Php 50, 000.00
Personnel
This paper will only involve one research proponent who will
undertake the project. However, other personnel will be involved not as
researchers but as framework validators, instrument validators, and
transcribers.
Timetable for Completion
Date Activities
2013 Surveying and analysis
2013 Preparing research instruments
Validating research instruments
2013 Pilot testing of interview guide
Revising research instruments
IX. Answer Key

Pre-Test

1. B
2. A
3. D
4. A
5. A

Practice Task 1
1. N
2. E
3. N
4. E
5. N
6. N
7. N
8. E
9. E
10. E

Practice Task 2
Similarities
Both project and academic research seek approval of the examiners.

Differences
o Project proposal is written with an intention to get support in the
form of budget sanctions.
o Project proposal aims at getting comparatively smaller scientific
venture or scheme approved.
o Academic research addresses a specific stream of scientific
study.
o Academic research conducts literature reviews and provides
readers with substantial evidence and facts.
o Academic research differs from a project proposal in terms of
format, length, and content.

Practice Task 3

Purpose : Promote cleanliness and awareness of the students

about 3Rs: Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle

Target Output : Raise fund and support Supreme Student Government

(SSG) project

Audience : students

Writer’s Persona : Supreme Student Government (SSG)

Tone/ Formality : Academic/ Formal

REFERENCES

Barrot, J. and Sipacio, P.J. (2016) English for Academic and Professional Purposes for SHS.
C & E Publishing , Inc.pp. 159-163.

Saqueton, G. & Uychoco, M. T.. (2016) English for Academic and Professional Purposes.
REX Book Store, Manila Phils..pp 94-95.
Alkiñaizwriters, “Parts of a Concept Paper for Academic Research”, May 14, 2018,
https://education264921663.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/parts-of-a-concept-paper-
for-academic-research-by-michelle-c-manalili/

https://www.google.com/search?
q=book&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi7rOb8j8_qAhVKG6YKHY1j
DtcQ_AUoAXoECA8QAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=Erl2qkv9gH2ukM

https://www.freeimages.com/premium/expense-budget-and-cost-cubes-over-white-
background-1602248

https://www.google.com/search?
q=background+of+the+study&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjRrfqRl
c_qAhVWx4sBHfIrAo0Q_AUoAXoECA0QAw#imgrc=Og1YuSxJhgzJ8M

https://www.google.com/search?
q=google&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKl6rDls_qAhWGEqYKHaL
HCN4Q_AUoAnoECBoQBA&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=9PV3L-J_NulWTM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=books&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKh5Psls_qAhWPxYsBHWh
eA3wQ_AUoAXoECBAQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=Hk44dQ0MsnyYSM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=journals&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwiwzreRl8_qAhXcx4sBHWlHCMAQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=journals&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQARgAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIADI
CCAAyAggAMgIIADICCAAyAggAMgIIAFCGaViGaWDLgAFoAHAAeACAAXGIAXG
SAQMwLjGYAQCgAQGqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZw&sclient=img&ei=GuwOX7DZONyPr
7wP6Y6hgAw&bih=657&biw=1366#imgrc=0UZuPNYtiMHglM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=group+discussion+filipinos&tbm=isch&ved=2ahUKEwjd4Lu_mc_qAhUGa5QKHX
G5ALcQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=group+discussion+filipinos&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQAzoECAAQQzoC
CAA6BggAEAUQHlChH1jPMGDFMmgAcAB4AIABaYgB6AaSAQM5LjGYAQCgAQ
GqAQtnd3Mtd2l6LWltZw&sclient=img&ei=lO4OX93GFIbW0QTx8oK4Cw&bih=657&
biw=1366#imgrc=CmpTqVdA5kLpwM&imgdii=9E6f_e5muvM-JM
https://www.google.com/search?
q=guidelines&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-
1Pi0m8_qAhVxNKYKHaAzBlsQ_AUoAXoECBQQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=Fq
cRYiuI8rXf-M

https://www.google.com/search?
q=venn+diagram+template&sxsrf=ALeKk0200JfxPOuQg2cyqiL_1GTCiDuNqQ:1592
822452711&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=tWvsnU7hyCXeMM%253A
%252CgfIvOArB_l9bVM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kThGp4HVJtw4TvZ4Itv-
t9eiYfKRA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwixou-
DnpXqAhWY7GEKHU_pCtAQ9QEwA3oECAoQCg&biw=1093&bih=486#imgrc=raA
6m4WGvwustM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=covered+court&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjd3PTgm8_qAhWx
yIsBHU3AB8YQ_AUoAXoECA8QAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=D4L5P5LdrM3JrM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=binded+research&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwikpOT8m8_qAhV
LzIsBHXrOB50Q_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=x4BjbmMpTdSLE
M

https://www.google.com/search?
q=anne+curtis+century+tuna&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi23-
yUnM_qAhUOBZQKHaoqDAAQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=jp
QmYYYF6BXH5M

https://www.google.com/search?
q=maine+mendoza+bench+perfume&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEw
idtcSlnM_qAhU6yosBHc2GAQgQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=
ywiDpLQZjPdxQM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=juicy+cologne&tbm=isch&chips=q:juicy+cologne,g_1:kathryn+bernardo:YlYnjiASN
ps%3D&usg=AI4_-
kTHNMNhbqAYbO31fRmkY_TOMnrh1Q&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjqmry7nM_qAhUBG
aYKHZLMDbIQgIoDKAB6BAgFEAM&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=6gCy74jNcIehpM
https://www.google.com/search?
q=heart+evangelista+advertisement+on+cherry+mobile&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa
=X&ved=2ahUKEwjQi4mAnc_qAhUCGqYKHU1VDzcQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1
366&bih=657#imgrc=FcS5mkCkqsFHOM

https://www.google.com/search?
q=liza+soberano+palmolive&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj0h9eRn
c_qAhWOwZQKHXoMA_IQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=nPI0Ej
9kQlnU3M

https://www.google.com/search?
q=judy+ann+santos+green+cross&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiw
pJmknc_qAhXTKqYKHVigAnAQ_AUoAXoECAsQAw&biw=1366&bih=657#imgrc=d
G8p6ZCqI0DvbM