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What is a Concept Paper?

A concept paper provides the reader with a summary of the proposed project or
research with the aim of obtaining funding to execute. It provides an overview of
the project, and helps funding agencies eliminate proposals that are likely to be
disapproved.
Uses of a Concept Paper
 It serves as a foundation of the full proposal.
 It helps determine whether a certain project is feasible or
not.
 It is used to pique the interest of the potential funding
agencies.
 It is used to obtain informal feedback on the ideas prior
to preparing the full proposal.
 Three Ways in Explaining a Concept

DEFINITION

The method of identifying a given term and making its meaning clearer. Its main
purpose is to clarify and explain concepts, ideas, and issues by answering the
questions, “What does it mean?”
 Three Ways in Explaining a Concept
Three ways to present a definition:
1. Informal definition – is done through a parenthetical or brief explanation.
Example: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is naturally found in vegetable oil, fish, and nuts.
2. Formal definition – explains a term by incorporating the term to be defined (species), the general
category of the term (genus), and the quality that makes the term different from the other terms in
the same category (differential).
Example: Vitamin E is a light yellow fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an anti-oxidant.
3. Extended definition – is a detailed way of defining term and is usually composed of at least one
paragraph.
Example:

Subsequent to materials design is the preparation of learning materials. Learning materials refer
to both printed and non-printed objects or items that teachers and learners use to facilitate language
learning. Nowadays, materials are becoming more and more sophisticated, incorporating authentic
language samples and realias that help make a connection between classrooms and real-life activities.
They also incorporate information and communication technology (ICT), role-plays, information-gap
activities, songs, taped transcripts, integrated macroskills, and explicit rubrics.

Signal Words for Definition

as defined for instance means to define

for example is defined as such as to illustrate
 Three Ways in Explaining a Concept

EXPLICATION

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 in Explaining a Concept
Explication of "The Road Not Taken."

      The poem titled "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost is about a man reflecting on a choice he once made.
While the outcome of this 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 the way his life has unfolded.

       The poem is about the importance of choices. The poem begins with the speaker regretting that he could not
have been two people so he could have at some point in his life taken two roads instead of being confined to one. He
looked as far as he could to see what was ahead on one of the roads he could have taken, but he was limited to seeing
only as far as where it turned and disappeared in the bushes. In the second stanza he says he took the other road
because it was grassy and was possibly better because it was less traveled, though not much more than the other
road. The third stanza says both roads were covered in leaves that had been walked on infrequently, to the extent that
the leaves covering them had not been made black from tramping feet. He also says he continued on the road he
chose, and because he knew that one thing leads to another ("way leads on to way") he doubted he would ever return
to this part of the road. Finally, he says he will tell the story when he is much older ("Somewhere ages and ages
hence") that he had the choice of taking one road over another, and having taken the one he did made a big difference
in his life.
 Three Ways in Explaining a Concept
CLARIFICATION

A method of explanation in which the points are organized from a general abstract idea to
specific and concrete examples. It entails the analysis of the concept by looking at the
examples and specifying some of its characteristics to arrive at one working definition which
can be used through out the paper.

Signal Words for Clarification

after all for instance namely that is

as an example in other words put another way to be specific
consider the in particular specifically to clarify
following in short stated differently to illustrate
for example
Example:

Justice is a broad concept which encompasses a wide set of ideas, most of which also branch
out into smaller notions. For instance, it can refer to the sentencing of a criminal based on due
process. When an individual gets what he deserves, even outside the hands of the law, it is also
considered justice in some context. This may come in the form of vigilante justice, in which a person
dissatisfied with the system doles out punishing to wrong-doers.Poetic Justice is also another related
concept which is used in literature to show how the good is always rewarded while bad forces always
meet a grim end. In the context of this paper, justice will be clearly delineated into any instance in
which the law is successfully and fairly applied to an individual, resulting in either an arrest or
release. To illustrate, if a thief is caught and tried in court through due process, and is found to be
guilty and then sentenced accordingly, it can be said that justice was beaten right then and there, it
will not be considered justice in the context of the paper, as due process was not afforded to the
criminal.
 Parts of Concept Paper

A concept paper usually ranges from 500 to 2000 words and is usually divided into
several parts.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 context.
 Parts of Concept Paper
Concept Paper for a Project

1.Cover page
⮚ State the name of the proponents and their affiliations
⮚ State the address, contact numbers, and email addresses
⮚ State the head of the agency and his/her contact information
⮚ State the date 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.
⮚ Present and describe other partner agencies and why they are qualified as such.
⮚ Provide reasons why the funding agency should support the project
Parts of Concept Paper
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.
⮚ Present timeline expressed in months and year.
⮚ State the benefits or anticipated outcomes.
⮚ State how success of outcomes will be evaluated.

5.Project Needs and 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.
Parts of Concept Paper
Concept Paper for Academic Research

1.Title Page
⮚ State your research title, 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 on the chosen topic.
⮚ State the theoretical and practical implications of your proposed research.
Parts of Concept Paper
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 and related studies that supports your topic.
⮚ Provide a brief synthesis of the reviewed literature and studies.

4.Statement of the problem/Objectives

⮚ 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 instruments to be used.
⮚ Provide the data collection procedure.
⮚ Provide the data analysis scheme to be used.
Parts of Concept Paper

6.Timeline
⮚ Provide a timeline 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
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 no more 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. If not, then skip the budget section. In place of this you
may simply include the type of support you may need such as personnel, travel and communication, and
equipment.
8. Be sure that basic format details, such as page numbers, are incorporated.
9. Cite your references.