THE CONCEPT PAPER AS EXTENDED DEFINITION

A concept paper can be purely an explanation of an idea or concept or as an initial

outline of a project proposal.
THE DUAL NATURE OF A CONCEPT PAPER
 A concept paper is an in-depth analysis of any idea, situation, or practice. It can be on
anything that you find significant.
 A concept paper examines the ‘what-ness’ or nature of something.
 A concept paper is fundamentally different from a concept paper/project proposal in
terms of its ultimate objective.
 A concept paper/project proposal seeks to present an idea for consideration by others,
possibly for funding or support.
 Hence, a concept paper also entails a persuasive intent.
 A concept paper goes beyond definition to convince the reader to implement or support
the proposed concept or project.
THE CONCEPT PAPER AS EXTENDED DEFINITION
 A combination of several rhetorical strategies is used to extend a definition.
 The following strategies can be done:
Comparison and Contrast can also be done. This is advisable when the term is not too familiar
or popular with the audience. What you can do is compare and contrast with something
popular or familiar
Giving details through description is another strategy: you can physically describe something by
giving its dimensions, parts, and functions, as in defining what an ATM is. Nonphysical
description can be done by giving characteristics to define something.
to your audience.
Giving historical background may also enlighten the audience about the meaning of a concept.
This strategy is particularly useful when a concept’s definition has gone through changes in
time.
Analysis to extend a definition can be done by discussing the idea’s components and/or its
implications. Implications are the far-reaching consequences of a concept.
In terms of style, a definition may be formal or informal, or technical or popular.
 In a formal definition, a concept is defined by first giving the class to which the term
belongs and then proceeding to a discussion of the characteristics that make the term
different from other related terms. In science, this approach is called genus et
differentia.
- uses research-based information.
 In contrast, an informal definition may be just based on a person’s personal views.
 A technical definition, as term says, makes use of technical language or specialized
vocabulary of a field, which is why it is not easily understood by a person who lacks the
necessary background or training.
- often a formal definition.
 A popular definition, in contrast, makes use of layman’s language and is thus easy to
understand.
In terms of organization, an extended definition may follow a deductive order:
 A general statement that defines the term, followed by sentences that develop and
detail that general statement. For instance, the first sentence of each paragraph
mentions an attribute or characteristics of the term being defined, followed by details to
explain the said attribute/characteristic.
- a formal definition often follows this structure.
 Another way of structuring a definition paper is by saying what it is not and then saying
what it is.
- this style leans toward creative writing.
  A chronological structure is appropriate for topics whose definition has changed through
time.
PARTS OF A CONCEPT PAPER
1. Name or title of the concept – Give your concept a catchy or interesting name.
2. Introduction – Introduce the concept briefly. Tell the reader what the project, research,
or feasibility study is all about.
3. Statement of purpose – In on sentence, write what the purpose is.
4. Objectives – In bulleted or numbered statements, write what about your objectives are.
Remember to observe the principle of parallelism here.
5. Questions – Write at least three questions (not too narrow and not too broad) that your
idea, if carried out, will answer.
6. Stakeholders/Beneficiaries – List who will be involved in the whole process and who will
benefit from it later on.
7. Short description - Write a short description of your concept. This can be written in
several paragraphs, but try to limit yours into three or five paragraphs.
8. Methodology – What process are you going to follow to carry out your concept or idea
into complete reality?
9. Timetable – You can create an illustration, a graph, or a table that will show the dates or
time that you expect a certain task to be done.
10. Conclusion – Write a short paragraph and conclude your concept paper. Your conclusion
should emphasize the purpose and the importance or significance of your big idea in the
paper.
FORMAT
Paper size: 8.5” × 11”
Spacing: Double-spaced
Font: Times New Roman
Font size: 12
Margins: 1 inch on all sides
Footer: Page number (Page _____ of _____)
Header: School logo (left side), your name (right side)
COVER PAGE
The cover page should contain the title of your paper, your name, the name of your teacher,
the date you have submitted the paper, your section/year, and the name of your school. (Your
teacher may also opt to require you to use the APA recommended format. Please refer to OWL
Purdue online for the APA cover page format).
HOW TO WRITE A CONCEPT PAPER
 Establishing the purpose
i. Grab your reader’s attention
ii. Explain why you are approaching this Sponsor
iii. Describe the problem your project addresses
iv. Put the problem in context to explain why it matters
 Explaining how your concept works
i. Share the basics of your methods
ii. Emphasize what makes your methods unique
iii. Include a timeline
iv. Give concrete examples of how you will assess your project
v. Provide a preliminary budget
vi. End with a project summary
 Reviewing the draft
i. Keep it short and clean
ii. Check that the language of your concept paper is action-oriented
 iii. Use vocabulary that your reader will understand
iv. Include contact info
v. Proofread your final draft
THE CONCEPT PAPER AS OUTLINE OF A PROJECT PROPOSAL
The concept paper is not only an academic paper written for theoretical purposes; it can
also serve as the initial stage in the process of preparing a project proposal. In the latter, the
concept paper is a part of a longer professional report. This is often the case when you seek a
grant or support for a project that you wish to undertake.
THE SECTIONS OF A PROJECT CONCEPT PAPER
The project concept paper is a summary of your proposed project and writing it entails not only
information but also persuasion to convince the reader – a representative of the funding
agency – to see the value of supporting your proposal. It serves as the initial outline of your
proposed project and may be from 1 to 3 pages.
To serve the twin purposes of informing and persuading, the project concept paper can
have the following sections, although some agencies may prefer a modified format:
Introduction: Arouse the interest of the reader/target sponsor by showing your
understanding of their mission. Identify your (organization’s) mission and show how your
mission dovetails with the reader’s priorities.
Purpose: Identify a problem or need of the reader that you wish to address and justify
the need for your proposed project.
Project Description: Describe the activities that your project will undertake to address
the problem/need. Point out the strengths of your approach. Discuss the general impact of your
proposed project: what will be the outcome, who will be affected?
Objectives: State the specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound
(SMART) objectives of the project.
Methodology/Project Design: Enumerate the steps/procedures to implement the
project.
Project Needs: Make a list of materials, personnel, equipment, and space that will be
needed to carry out the project. Include a cost estimate.
Timetable: Make an estimate of the time it will take for the completion of the project.

Take note: To be clear and convincing, a project concept paper must use strong and definite
language, avoid modal expressions (such as might, may, and would) and weak verbs for this
weakens the certainty of the project proposal.