This document provides information about writing research reports, project proposals, and position papers. It discusses the key components and requirements for each type of writing. Research reports involve formulating a research problem and questions, reviewing literature, gathering and analyzing data, and discussing results. Project proposals outline a general plan, include a background, objectives, outcomes, risks, staffing, budget, and signatories. Position papers take a one-sided stance on an issue, include a thesis, counterarguments, evidence to support the position, and a conclusion reinforcing the stance.

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Grade 11 – Reading and Writing Skills (RWS)
Competency: Identifying the Unique Features of and Requirements in Writing
Research Report, Project Proposal, and
Position Paper
Prepared by: Mr. Edmar B. Barrido
11
Reading and Writing
Skills
Quarter 4 – MELC 5:
Identifying the Unique Features of
and Requirements in Writing Research
Report, Project Proposal, and
Position Paper

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Learning Activity Sheet (LAS) for Reading and Writing
READING AND WRITING LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET
Identifying the Unique Features of and Requirements in Writing Research Report, Project
Proposal, and Position Paper
I. Learning Competency (MELC)
Identify the unique features of and requirements in composing texts that are useful
across disciplines
a. Research Report
b. Project Proposal
c. Position Paper
II. Background Information for Learners
Research is one of the skills that students can master as it requires writing skills, obtaining
information, and posing convincing arguments. Moreover, knowledge on project proposals benefits
students like you to conceptualize and bring ideas to action which will be of help to your school and
community. On the other hand, a position paper will help us communicate our argument(s)
effectively by providing concrete evidences to stand our point. To know better about these three
compositions, let us continue reading the following information:
What is a Research Report?
Research is the “process of posing a research problem, gathering information, determining
relationships, and writing the paper.” After completing the process, it is usually disseminated through
publication or presentation or what we call as a research report.
The Research Problem and Reviewing Related Literature
The research problem and the questions that one produces are the heart of the research
report. The research questions embody the main problem of the research that will be answered later
on. The first thing that one should do is to have a topic in mind and know what he/she is interested
in. Take note that the research questions should not be simply answerable by “yes” or “no”. After
formulating the research questions, relevant sources for the research paper should be found. In
some instances, research questions are not stated – a research problem is shown instead.
Materials and Method
There are several ways to gather data. In the sciences, experiments are used to test the
hypothesis. In other fields such as the social sciences and business, survey questionnaires and
interviews are utilized to obtain the necessary information.
The questionnaire is the instrument that will be distributed to the respondents. It contains
questions that would prompt answers from the survey population. The answer provided by the
respondents will assist in answering the research questions or problem. Ultimately, the data from
this part of the research process will enrich the research report in totality. Before, creating the
questionnaire, one has to determine his/her purpose. Furthermore, all the questions that will be
formulated should be aligned with the research problem or questions.
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Assuming that the data gathering stage is completed, it is then followed by the methodology
for the research report. It is important that the following items will be stated:
• The respondents of the research
• The data gathering procedure
• How the data is analyzed
Results and Discussion
The results contain graphic representation of that data processed in the course of the
research. The results of the data analysis are provided but the implications are yet to be discussed.
A table may be used to summarize the data analysis. On the other hand, figures may also be
used such a chart.
Moreover, the discussion presents answer to the research questions created in the
introduction. One should relate the data analysis to the questions and discuss the studies that
support or contradict the findings.
In the conclusion, inferences made should be cited. This can be done in bullet form or in
prose form. Consequently, the recommendation provides possible tasks to those who will benefit
from the research report.
What is a Project Proposal?
A Project Proposal sometimes referred to as ‘Terms of Reference’, is a document used to
present the general plan and justification to pursue a project. It is usually two to four pages in
length.
The purpose of writing a project proposal is to serve as a guide, get funding, convince people
to participate, and serve as a reference for evaluating the project.
Types of Proposal
There are three types of proposals which include solicited proposal, unsolicited proposal,
and grants. Solicited proposal is a type of proposal requested by businesses and government
agencies. Unsolicited Proposal is a type of work proposal submitted voluntarily. It can either be a
research or academic program proposal. Grant is a type of proposal asking for financial
solicitation that is related to business and not work.
Writing a Project Proposal
A project proposal is usually composed of the different parts but it does not necessarily mean
all parts must be included in the project proposal. A cover letter can also be attached to the project
proposal.
Project Description
Project Description contains necessary information such as project title, type of project,
project proponents, number of beneficiaries, location of beneficiaries, date of implementation, area
of project implementation, budget requirement and budget requested.
Parts of a Project Proposal:
I. Background/Situational Analysis
It includes the brief history of the proposal and the immediate need or potential problem that
will be addressed. The major goal of the project may be included at the end of the background.
II. Project Objectives
It consists of short-term objectives needed to achieve a major goal. It also includes strategies
to be done to make the project successful.

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III. Expected Output or Outcome of the Project
It refers to the specific and long term effect of the project in relation to the economic, social,
institutional, or environmental factors. It includes an indicator (e.g. 90%) that is used to measure the
success of the project.
IV. Risk Management Plan
It includes the steps needed to be done to prevent the risks that could hinder a person from
achieving his/her objectives.
V. Project Organization and Staffing
It includes information about the staff assigned as well as his/her responsibilities. One can
also indicate the name of the contact person and his/her mobile number to ensure commitment to
the project.
VI. Project Work Plan
Detailed activities for every phase of the project are discussed in this part of the proposal.
VII. Detailed Budget Requirement
Itemized expenses on the project duration are written in this part of the proposal.
VIII. Signatories
The last part of the project proposal where names of people involved are written.
What is a Position Paper?
A position paper, also known as point of view paper, is used to claim a one-sided position on
a specific issue. This type of paper is used in academics, law, and politics and is usually one to one-
and-a-half pages in length. It contains factual arguments to support the one-sided claim or
position statement, but this will not limit the paper to present just only the strength but also the
weakness of the position statement.
Pre-Writing
Before writing a position paper, the issue to be discussed should be identified. The issue
must be interesting, valid, and specific. The issue must also have two identifiable positions or
sides – either in favor or against the claim or positionstatement. Research both positions and collate
the arguments, scholarly articles, and in-depth studies from academic books and journals.
After performing thorough research on a certain issue and its arguments, one must choose
the position or side he/she wants to support. Remember that this type of paper requires taking only
one side of argument – either in favor or against the issue.

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Writing a Position Paper
The Introduction
Write the specific issue, together with its
importance and effect to the society. End the
introductory paragraph with a position statement
or a stand on the issue. Keep in mind that one
could take only one side of the argument.
The Content
The content may have several paragraphs.
It may begin with a short background information
or a discussion of arguments on both sides of the
issue. In each paragraph, an explanation or
observation to clarify the portion of the position
statement must be written and then followed by
the supporting evidence. The evidences that can
be used are the primary source quotation,
interviews with field experts, recommendation
from scholarly articles and existing position
papers, historical dates or events, and statistical
data.
The End Statement
On the last part of writing the paper,
summarize and reinforce the concepts and
facts presented without repeating the introduction
and its content. It is also optional to include the
procedure used to deal with the issue and your
suggested possible solution or recommendation
III. Accompanying DepEd Textbook and Educational Sites
Background
research report QuexBook for Teachers and Students
project proposal QuexBook for Teachers and Students
position paper QuexBook for Teachers and Students
outline of a position paper http://homepages.uhwo.hawaii.edu/~writing/posit
IV. Activity Proper
Exercise 1
Write TRUE if the statement is true and FALSE if otherwise. Write your answer on a ¼ sheet of
paper.
________1. A position paper is used to claim a one-sided position on a specific issue.
Sample Outline for a Position Paper
I. Introduction
A. Introduce the topic
B. Provide background on the topic
C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue)
II. Counter Argument
A. Summarize the counterclaims
B. Provide supporting information for
counterclaims
C. Refute the counterclaims
D. Give evidence for argument
III. Your Argument
A. Assert point #1 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide support
B. Assert point #2 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide support
C. Assert point #3 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide support
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate your argument
B. Provide a plan of action (optional)

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________2. A questionnaire is an essential tool in writing a project proposal.
________3. A project proposal has four different types.
________4. In a position paper the inclusion of evidences is considered optional.
________5. All parts of a project proposal must be included.
________6. A cover letter can also be attached to the project proposal.
________7. One should discuss the studies that support or contradict the findings when writing a
research report.
________8. The purpose of writing a project proposal is to serve as a guide, to get funding, to
convince people to participate, and to serve as a reference for evaluating the project.
________9. Scholarly articles are good sources of evidences to support a position.
________10. Project objectives include steps needed to be done to prevent risk occurrence.
Exercise 2
Identify the unique features necessary in writing each composition. Complete the matrix below on
a long bond paper.
Research Report Project Proposal Position Paper
Example:
● research problem &
questions
What are the important requirements/ features in writing the following?
Remember:
When writing any academic paper, be familiar with its structure and purpose in order to
create a quality output. Be open to feedback of your teachers, professors, and other people
expert in the field on how you could improve your paper. Above all, writing skills are not
improved overnight. It requires constant practice and learning.