Writing a Concept Paper
What is a Concept Paper?
Prior submission of a project proposal, proponents are requested to submit a summary of what the project is all about, the
reasons for conducting the project, and how it will be carried out. This summary document is called a concept paper.
A concept paper provides an overview of the project, and helps funding agencies eliminate proposals that are likely to be
disapproved. Hence, it helps save time and effort for both the proponents and the funding agencies.
A concept paper has several uses:
First, it serves as a foundation of the full proposal.
Second, it helps determine whether a certain project is feasible or not.
Third, it is used to pique the interest of the potential funding agencies.
Finally, it is used to obtain informal feedback on the ideas prior to preparing the full proposal.
Since a concept paper is a preliminary document for a proposal, it shows a preview of the improvements that the proponent
would like to have implemented.
Concept papers can be helpful in addressing social issues especially they aim to show solutions to tangible issues which plague
society.
Three Ways in Explaining a Concept
Before writing your concept paper, you have to learn how to explain your concept first. You can accomplish this using definition, explication,
or clarification.
1. Definition is 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 question, “What does it mean?” This mode of explanation contains the term to be
defined and the detailed exposition of the term through the use of illustrations, examples, and description.
A definition can be presented in three ways: informal, formal, or extended.
i. An informal definition is done through a parenthetical or brief explanation.
Example: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) is naturally found in vegetable oil, fish, and nuts.
ii. A 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 other terms in the same category (differentia).
Example: Vitamin E is a light yellow fat-soluble vitamin that acts as an anti-oxidant.
iii. An extended definition is a detailed way of defining a term and is usually composed of at least one paragraph. This
type of definition incorporates various patters of development (e.g., formal and informal definition, comparison and
contrast, narration, description, classification, functional analysis, process, analogy, and cause and effect) to explain
a given concept.
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 mre 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 macroskilss, and explicit
rubrics.
To better present ides, you should identify the important elements contained in a definition. These include the term
being defined, the detailed explanation, and the specific examples. The following signal words will also help you in
writing this kind of text.
Signal Words for Definition
As defined For instance Means To define
For example Is defined as Such as To illustrate
2. Explication
An 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.
When using this technique, you need to clearly present your thesis in the introduction and follow it up with a detailed analysis of
a passage or text. You may begin the body of the explication by analyzing and explaining how the text was constructed. Your
explication should end with a concise conclusion by restating your thesis and major arguments.
3. Clarification
Clarification is 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 throughout the paper. The following signal words will help in writing this kind of text.
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
Parts of a Concept Paper
A concept paper usually ranges from 500 to 2000 words and is usually divided into several parts. The following sections
discussed in this lesson are merely suggestions for the content of the paper; ultimately, the project proponent needs to follow
the format and design required by the funding agency.The parts of a concept paper may also vary depending on the nature of
the project/activity. Below are two outline of a concept paper based on the context.
Concept Paper for a Project.Use the following structure when you want to propose a certain tangible project in your discipline.
1. Cover Page
State the name of the proponents and their affiliations.
State the addresses, contact numbers, and email addresses of the proponents.
State the head of the agency and his/her contact information.
State the date pf 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. Also,
restate the year the proponents’ agency was established, its major accomplishments, and other details that
demonstrate its capability to undertake the proposed project.
Present and describe other partner and why they are qualified as such.
Provide reasons why the funding agency should support the project.
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 (sometimes termed as Action Plan, Project Activities, or Approach)
Present the 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.
Concept Paper for Academic Research. Use the following structure when you intend to present an idea or concept for a research you would
like to pursue.
1. Title Page
State your research title.
State your name and school.
State the date of submission.
2. Background of the study
Provide current state of the field you are researching on.
State the gap in knowledge and problems to be addresses 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.
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 that supports your topic.
Provide related studies that will help you in conducting the research or analyzing and discussing the data.
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 the instruments to be used
Provide the data collection procedure
Provide the data analysis scheme to be used
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.
