Section outline
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Assignment: Academic Essay — First Draft Write a short academic essay of 350–400 words on ONE of the following topics: 1. The most significant challenge first-year university students face 2. The impact of technology on how students learn 3. Why academic communication skills are essential for professional life
Your essay must include: • An introduction with a hook, background, and a clear thesis statement • Two body paragraphs, each with a topic sentence, evidence/explanation, and a link back to the thesis • A conclusion that synthesizes your argument (do not simply repeat the introduction) • At least five words from the Academic Word List (highlight or bold them in your submission)
This draft will be reviewed by peers in Week 5 using the Essay Writing Rubric. Your revised version (also Week 5) counts toward your final grade. |
Essay Writing Rubric
|
Criterion |
Excellent (90–100%) |
Good (75–89%) |
Developing (60–74%) |
Needs Work (<60%) |
|
Thesis Statement |
Clear, specific, debatable thesis that directly addresses the topic and previews main arguments |
Thesis is clear and relevant; some preview of arguments |
Thesis is present but vague or too general |
No thesis or it is a statement of fact rather than an argument |
|
Introduction |
Engaging hook, relevant background, and smooth transition to thesis |
Introduction has all three parts; hook could be stronger |
Introduction is present but mechanical or underdeveloped |
Introduction is missing or only one element is present |
|
Body Paragraphs |
Each paragraph has a clear topic sentence, well-developed evidence, and a link back to thesis |
Two paragraphs; evidence is present and mostly developed |
Body paragraphs are present but underdeveloped or poorly linked |
Body paragraphs are missing or are just lists of facts |
|
Conclusion |
Synthesizes main argument; leaves reader with a broader insight or implication |
Conclusion restates thesis and main points effectively |
Conclusion is present but only paraphrases the introduction |
No conclusion or it introduces new, undeveloped ideas |
|
Academic Vocabulary |
Five or more Academic Word List words used accurately and naturally in context |
Four to five AWL words used; mostly in context |
Two to three AWL words; occasional misuse |
Fewer than two AWL words; vocabulary is informal throughout |
|
Structure & Coherence |
Essay flows logically; transitions connect paragraphs and ideas seamlessly |
Good overall structure; transitions used but could be smoother |
Some structure; transitions are limited or mechanical |
Essay lacks structure; ideas are disconnected |
|
Language & Accuracy |
Very few grammatical or punctuation errors; formal academic register maintained |
Minor errors; register is mostly appropriate |
Some errors affect clarity; informal language present |
Frequent errors significantly impede understanding |
Completion requirements:
- Make forum posts: 1
- Receive a grade
- Receive a passing grade
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