IDENTIFYING

SIGNIFICANT ISSUES IN
SOCIETY
 Similar to the use of other developing countries,
industries in the Philippines have devoted resources to
high-rise buildings for residences-condominiums.
Condominiums represent a cosmopolitan lifestyle that
reflects the effects of globalization. Although,
condominiums do not only provide positive effects for
people but may become problematic as well.
Answer the following questions. Write your answers in
½ crosswise.
1. Are you in favor of stablishing more condominiums
to address the growing population of the country?
2. What are the positive effects of condo living?
3. What problems could be brought about when there
are too many condominiums in the country?
 The position paper is devoted on one side of an issue.
While other essays are devoted to presenting
information, the position paper tackles one significant
issue of a community on which the author takes a stand.
What makes the position paper challenging is that since
the work aims at convincing reader’s to take the
author’s position, credible evidence needs to be
presented.
 The position paper has several parts that are
different from the other essays you have previously
encountered. Specifically, the position paper has
essential parts such as the issue, the argumentative
thesis, the claims, and the evidence.
 The issue of the position paper is similar to the topic
sentence. It is the central concept up for contention.
Specifically, an issue would have supporters for both
negative and positive sides and the author chooses one
for the position paper.
EXAMPLE:
TOPIC- DRESS CODE
ISSUE- IMPLEMENTING A DRESS CODE IN SCHOOL

 The above mentioned example shows the differences

between a topic and an issue. While the topic is
broad and can be explored from different
perspectives, the issue compels readers to take a
stand.
TASK 1
FROM THE FOLLOWING LIST OF TOPICS, THINK OF ISSUES
THAT CAN BE THE SUBJECT OF A POSITION PAPER.

TOPIC ISSUE
Recyclable bags
Tablets and smartphones
Biofuel
Freedom of information
Local tourism
AN ISSUE IS DEVELOPED INTO AN
ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS THAT STATES THE
STAND OF THE AUTHOR ON THE ISSUE.

Example:
The establishment of condominiums near
universities should be prohibited because of the risks it
poses to public safety and the environment.
 Claims- These are statements that support the author’s stand. In the
previous example, the author cites risks to public safety and the
environment as points that strengthen his/her stand.
 Evidence- These are proofs to strengthen the author’s claims.
1. Evidence from surveys, library research, and experiments
2. Evidence from informant interviews (those who have direct
experience related to the problem/issue)
3. Evidence from expert interviews
 TASK 2
GIVEN THE ISSUE, STAND,AND CLAIMS,
WRITE A THESIS STATEMENT.

Example:
Issue: Cycling to commute to work or school
Stand: In favor
Claims: Health Benefits, saves money, environment friendly
Thesis statement: Cycling as a mode of transport should be promoted since it
has several health benefits. It can help save non-renewable resources and can
be financially rewarding.
1. Issue: Implementing K to 12 education system in the
Philippines
Stand: Against
Claims: Lack of facilities, inadequacy of teacher training,
increased expenses of parents
Thesis statement: _______________________________

________________________________________________
2. Issue: Political dynasties
Stand: Against
Claims: Monopolized power in public office, possibility
of corruption, crowding of democratic choices
Thesis statement: _____________________________
______________________________________________
3. Issue: Use of social media Web sites in school
Stand: In favor
Claims: Speed in spreading news/ announcements, possible
venue to air concerns, classroom applications
Thesis statement: ________________________________
_________________________________________________
 In developing a position paper, remember that these are
four essential parts: introduction, summary of counterclaims,
arguments, and conclusion.
The introduction contains background information
concerning the issue (the who, what, where, when, and why),
a yes or no question containing the issue, and the
argumentative thesis.
 EXAMPLE:
ESSAY
BY ANNA MIKAELA LAPUS
Background Information
Taft Avenue is a very busy part of Metro Manila. Because of the fast-
paced living in the area, it is possible that condominium living has been the
trend for many due to the convenience it provides to inhabitants in going to
business and education districts such as Manila, Quezon City, and Makati.
The increase in condominiums around the area could also be a result of the
density of people, predominantly students, given that De La Salle
University, one of the countries top universities,
is located along Taft Avenue. It is probable that most of these students
would prefer condominium living rather than traveling from home to
school and vice versa which, for the case of some, can be costly. In
addition, not only students but also other individuals might consider it
favorable to live in an area where everything they could possibly need is
easily accessible.
TASK 3
WITH THE EXAMPLE ABOVE, ANSWER THE
FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

1. What is the topic of the paragraph?

2. Why are condominium units built in the area?
3. What do condominiums provide for its tenants?
TASK 4
WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION, WRITE A
PARAGRAPH OF 250-300 WORDS THAT SERVES AS
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE ISSUE
“IMPLEMENTING A NO PRIVATE TRANSPORT POLICY FOR
TWO DAYS A WEEK ALONG MAJOR HIGHWAYS IN METRO
MANILA.”
1. Eighty percent of vehicles in major highways are private
modes of transport.
2. The volume of traffic is heavy from Mondays to
Saturdays.
3. There are several public works projects in these
major highways.