English for Academic and

Professional Purposes
Peer Evaluation Activity for Concept Paper

SUBMITTED TO:
Ms. Danica Villarey

SUBMITTED BY:
Azarcon, Raine Aisleen S.
Cayabyab, Kyla Zyrin
Dacanay, Simonne Gale
La Rosa, Gianny Piercee
Remedio, Felton Jofel
Vinarao, Sabrina
11 – St. Francis
I. Part One

1. What is the concept being defined? What is the initial definition given?
The concept being defined is the role of being a wife, and the beneits that come along
with having one. There are many perks of having a dutiful wife, especially those that are
hardworking.
2. How did the writer develop the definition? What different techniques of defining
were used?
The writer gave her insights of what makes a good wife by providing concrete
examples.

3. Is the definition both sufficient inclusive and sufficiently exclusive? In what way?
Does the development of the definition emphasize only relevant aspects, classes,
application, etc?
The writer expressed her opinion in a sufficiently inclusive way since there are
actual people (wives) that fall under the descriptions that she stated, which makes it easy
for the readers to associate real-life people and experiences to the text.

4. Is the concept defined, described and analyzed in clear language and syntax? Is the
concept discussed clearly and in specific terms that it can be easily related to
experience?
Yes, because the ideals listed by the writer are credible. It does not use unusual
words, and anyone with any level of literacy can understand the text.
5. What did you like most about the essay? How did that idea help in the development
of the thesis of the essay?
Her writing is straight-to-the-point and her opinions are stated in a way that
respects other peoples' beliefs.
6. What confused, bothered, or unsettled you about the essay? How can it be
improved?
The essay is good as it is, however, some readers may confuse the roles of the
characters in the story. Only after reading the selection once more did we understood who
was talking. If the writer aims to have the text be understood by all, clarity is
recommended.

7. What part of the essay needs to be developed? What needs to be added?

The essay would be better if their roles are expressed with clarity; it will be more
understandable.
 8. Where does it need to be cut? Can the focus of the essay be sharpened by deleting
some segments, repetition of ideas, or irrelevant ideas? Which parts can be
dropped?
The essay is grounded in its examples to justify the writer's idea of wanting a
wife. All of the information is essential to fully express the point of the author.

II. Comprehension Questions (Why I Want a Wife)

1. What is Judy Brady's main thesis in the essay?

It is unfair for wives are required to do too much work compared to their
husbands who just go to their offices and entertain themselves.
2. What is the concept being defined in the essay?
The concept being defined is the role of women, specifically, wives to their
husbands and children.
3. Why does she want a wife?
It is for the reason that she wants to have the benefits of someone taking care of
her too, and not being the one caring for her husband and children all the time. She is
tired of the alleged role of wives that is been constantly been associated with women by
the world. She wants to have equality for both genders and not let most of the work be
done by women.
4. How was the concept developed? What techniques of defining were used?
The concept was developed by mentioning the concept which is wives. Then,
using the technique of defining examples by mentioning concrete situations of the role
that wives must fulfill based on society’s standards.
5. What is her definition of a wife or of being a wife?
A wife must be perfectly capable of caring for his husband and children and at
the same time, go to work.
6. Does the essay have a clear structure? Is there a clear introduction, body, and
conclusion?
The essay did have a clear structure since you can pinpoint where exactly is the
introduction, body, and conclusion.
7. What is the purpose of the writer in defining the concept?
The purpose of the writer in defining the concept is to fight for women’s role in
the society, especially wives. It is to let everyone be informed of the standard that society
has enforced upon women, and hopefully empower people to make a change.
 8. Is there a significant difference between the role of a wife and of a mother?
There is not much of a difference between the role of a wife and a mother. It is for
the reason that both have roles to tend to their loved ones which are their husband and
children.
9. Is the essay a good sample of concept paper? Why?
It is a good example of a concept paper since it clearly defines what the perks of
having a wife. It also started with a concrete explanation of wife, then broadened the
concept by giving different situations and examples of what a dutiful wife would do.

10. Do you now have a much clearer understanding of what a concept paper is through
this sample essay? How would you define a concept paper now?
Yes, I had a clearer understanding of concept paper through the essay “Why I Want a
Wife”. It made me understand that a concept paper is a piece of literature that discusses a
specific concept. It starts with a simple definition of the said concept then expanding it
with supporting details to let the readers further understand the topic.

III. Comprehension Questions (Being A Man)

A. About the Structure

1. What is the essay about? What is its thesis?

The essay is the argument that being a man is a discriminatory process of
pursuing the masculine ideal.

2. How did Paul Theroux develop the essay's thesis?

The thesis was developed by citing examples of the struggles of a male to become
a man from his childhood until his adulthood. He also gave names of people that became
writers, which he claims as an unmanly profession that still exhibits masculinity by
hunting, drinking, wrestling etc.

3. What do you think is the purpose of the writer?

The purpose of the essay was to shed light on the reality that men also experience
social discrimination among his fellow males.

4. Go back to your annotation. What are the words that you found difficult to
understand?
 I had trouble in understanding words like subverted because it is only in this essay
that I first encounter them. But using context clues, I only consider it as a step-back during
reading.

5. Are there concepts and/ or references mentioned in the text that you are not familiar
with? What are those?
I'm very familiar with School Sports as a basis for the manliness of young adults.
Also, the standards of being outgoing and brave are more favored for men instead of
pursuing academic success.
6. Based on the language and style of the writer, who do you think is the target
audience of this essay? About the content
Based on the style and delivery, it is intended for all the males that had experienced
the struggles of being masculine he has pointed out in the essay.

B. About the Content

7. Why does Theroux dislike being a man?

Theroux disliked being a man because he believes that there are is discrimination and
set standards of being masculine. Being a writer, he stated that no amount of intellectual
ability will prove him as a man unless he is engaged in any physical or dangerous activity to
show his alpha traits.

8. Based on his different definitions, what is his concept of being a man?

From his definitions, a man is someone that proves himself to be physically fit and
aggressive. And his fellow men uphold these standards and ensures that any type of strength
will not be considered as “manlier” than wrestling or hunting.

9. Does your concept of manhood/ manliness discussed in the warm-up activity match
to Theroux's concept of manhood? What accounts for the similarities or
differences? What/who has influenced your definition of the concept?
In my opinion, a man is someone that upholds chivalry and bravery even if it is not
necessary. In terms of treating women, an aggressive husband does not compare to a
respectful one. I already agree with some of the points Theroux has made, especially to the
sport being a young adult's way to prove his masculinity. My opinion is from my past
experience in being one of the awkward kids in Grade school. Respect is the key to be
understood as someone that should be admired, and to me, which is what it means to be a
man.
 10. What do you think are the issues in Theroux's definition of manhood?
I think the only issue I have with Theroux's essay is that he is too blunt about his
problems with the way society sees masculinity. Sometimes, I perceived him as a whining
baby rather than a collective and calm writer. There are instances that it is obvious that the
examples he gave clearly were taken from his experience. And the phrase "Dislike being a
man", is an overstatement. In my opinion, he does not dislike being a man, instead, he is not
in favor with the way men treat manliness. Because to be fair, both genders are the same
(which he stated in his essay).

IV. Page 88, After-Reading Activity

Were you able to identify the different techniques of defining as used in the essay? What
are the techniques in defining that the writer used? Write in the table below the
definitions and the corresponding techniques of defining tat Theroux used.

Definitions Techniques used

Femininity: being lady like—implies needing a
Description
man as witness and seducer

Fetishists are nearly always men; and their

Examples
commonest fetish is a woman's shoe.

Being a man means—be stupid, be unfeeling,

Comma usage
obedient, soldierly, and stop thinking

Masculinity is like having to wear an ill-fitting

coat for one’s entire life (by contrast, I imagine
Contrast
femininity as an oppressive sense of
nakedness)

This version of masculinity is a little like

having to wear an ill-fitting coat for one's Examples
entire life
 V. Page 90

1. Thesis Statement: Our modern society’s views on masculinity is socially, psychologically,

and emotionally damaging to men.

I. The concept of masculinity limits the man’s personal development.

A. Because of male stereotype, their decisions in life become grounded on what
society perceives as appropriate, and not what they personally want or believe
(e.g. career choices, education)
B. Stereotyping males prevent them from thinking and acting for themselves; they
may act a certain way because they believe that the male stereotypes are what is
considered normal. For example: A man should be assertive and strong.

II. Males are treated unfairly compared to females, and it negatively changes the way
they think and behave.
A. Males are often given more physically challenging tasks than women, and it
reinforces gender inequality.
1. Most occupations that require physical strength are entrusted to men, such
as military positions, construction, plumbing, and etcetera.
2. They are expected to be good in combat, sports, and any physical activity.
B. Men are expected to be dominant over women when it comes to physical strength
as stated above, thus it is widely believed that they should be the breadwinner of
the family.
C. Punishment tend to be more extensive to men, because it is believed that men has
more capacity and pain tolerance due to their physical composition.

III. We should not stereotype males because there are numerous negative outcomes from
doing so.

2. What is your idea of a concept paper? Based on Theroux’s essay, infer what a concept paper
is- its nature, purpose, and characteristics. Write your initial observations on the table.
Purpose Content Qualities
It clarifies and changes the
The topic is clearly defined in
readers' view about a certain It defines the concept.
proper grammar.
topic.

It lets relevant issues be known
to the readers.
It informs readers about a certain
topic by giving evidence through
personal experience or other
sources.
It cites books that are related to
the topic.
It shows the author’s view about
the topic.
The concept emphasizes topics
that are relevant to society.
The concept must be
understandable by the reader
upon reading the whole concept
paper.