Writing the concept paper English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Concept Paper The concept paper defines an idea or a concept and explains its essence in order to clarify the “whatness” of that idea or concept. It answers the questions: what is it and about it (Dadufalza, 1996). A concept paper starts with a definition, either formal or informal, of the term or the concept and proceeds with an expanded definition and an analytic description of the aspects of the concept.
Three Ways to Elucidate a Concept 1. Definition 2. Explication 3. Clarification
Three Ways to Elucidate a Concept 1. Definition It is a logical technique by which the meaning of a term is revealed. Definition is important because it clarifies the meaning of a word or a concept and it also limits the scope of that particular word or concept. Limiting the scope controls and avoids misinterpretations, argue notions, and/or broad ideas.
Definition Techniques Technique Description Example 1. Formal It explains a term to be defined, category and details. Vitamin E is a light yellow fat-soluble vitamins that acts as an anti-oxidant. 2. Informal It is done through a parenthetical or brief explanation. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is naturally found in vegetable oil, fish and nuts. 3. Extended It is detailed way of defining a term and usually composed of at least one paragraph (formal and informal, comparison and contrast, narration, description, etc.) Learning materials refer to both printed and non-printed objects or items that teachers use to facilitate language learning. Nowadays, materials are becoming more and more sophisticated, incorporating authentic language…
Definition Techniques Technique Description Example 4. By synonym It refers to the use of a word or phrase that shares a meaning with the term being defined. Hashish – marijuana 5. By origin or semantic history Origin refers to the point where something is derived. Semantic history refers to the meaning of a word and how it has changed overtime. Yoga comes from the Sanskrit “to join”. 6. By illustration It is used to explain or make (something) clear by using examples, charts, pictures, etc Known for shedding their leaves in the fall, deciduous trees include oaks, maples, and beeches.
Definition Techniques Technique Description Example 7. By function It refers to stating the use or purpose of a term. A thermometer measures temperature change. 8. By analysis It refers to breaking down wholes into parts, aspects into levels, and a process into steps. The republican form of government has three branches: the executive, the legislative, and the judiciary. 9. By contrast It refers to the use of opposites. Unlike those of gas, the particles of plasma are electrically charged. 10. By negation It is done by stating what a term is not. Wild rice, an American delicacy, is not rice at all but the seed of a tall aquatic grass.
Three Ways to Elucidate a Concept 2. Explication Explication is a method of explanation in which sentences, verses, quotes or passages are taken from a literary or academic work and then interpreted and explained in a detailed way.
Three Ways to Elucidate a Concept 2. Explication Example: The poem titled “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost is about a man reflecting on a choice he had once made. While the outcome of his choice is not implied to be positive or negative the speaker notes that the choice in itself and the consequences of that choice have made a huge difference in a way his life is unfolded…
Three Ways to Elucidate a Concept 3. Clarification It is a method of explanation in which the points are organized from a general abstract idea to specific and concrete examples.
Three Ways to Elucidate a Concept 3. Clarification Example: Justice is a broad concept which encompasses a wide set of ideas, most of which also branch out into similar notions. For instance, it can refer to the sentencing of criminal based on due process. When an individual gets what he deserves outside the hands of the law, it is also considered justice in some contexts…
Activity 1 Guide Questions: 1. What is the paragraph all about? 2. How is the term social business defined? 3. What characteristics of social business are given in the paragraph? What examples are given to show its qualities?
Features of the Concept Paper 1. The introduction covers the background for the concept and the thesis statement. 2. The paragraphs of the body explain, explicate, or define the concepts. 3. Each paragraph uses at least two supporting details to clarify the concept. 4. The conclusion presents the summary of the concept paper and restates the thesis.
Features of the Concept Paper 5. Adequate transitions make sure that paragraphs and ideas in the sentences are connected and organized. 6. The language used in the piece can be easily understood by the intended audience of the work. 7. The essay is free of grammatical errors and all sources were listed in the reference list.
Parts of the Concept Paper Parts Question to Consider Example 1. Citing the concept being defined/ described What is being defined or described? Who is/are the author or authors that claim this definition? Pegina’s definition of the 21 st century Filipino woman is not confined to merely describe what a Filipina is or does but she cleverly relates the woman in relation to her role in contemporary society.
Parts of the Concept Paper Parts Question to Consider Example 2. Relating the concept to other concepts What other things are used to describe the concept? Are there images or familiar experiences which may help in the definition? Through the distinction of the madwoman in and from the attic, the author shows that the woman is not merely confined anymore with domesticated roles which have conveniently marginalized them. In fact, several descriptions are mentioned which show the woman’s multifaceted roles in society. Further, she uses the metaphor ‘madwoman from the attic‘ because she believes that the Filipina woman has extended her role in different aspects of social life.
Parts of the Concept Paper Parts Question to Consider Example 3. Problematizing the concept Are there conflicting definitions or descriptions of the concept? How are these seen in the work? Why did the author use this technique? However the use of “madwoman” reveals that despite the liberation of women, they remain marginalized.
Parts of the Concept Paper Parts Question to Consider Example 4. Providing examples to clarify the concept What examples are used to illustrate the description/definition of the concept? For instance, the rise of Filipino women working abroad but are delegated in roles caring for others (nurses, domestic helpers/maids, caregivers) shows marginalization of women in a globalized setting.