Section outline
Assignment: Essay + Presentation on the Same Topic
Choose ONE of the following topics for both your essay and your presentation:
1. How studying academic communication has changed the way I approach university work
2. The most important skill a student needs to succeed in academic life
3. A topic relevant to your field of study that allows you to demonstrate argument, evidence, and analysis
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Essay requirements:
•    500 words (not including references)
•    Full essay structure: introduction with thesis, two or three body paragraphs, and conclusion
•    Minimum five Academic Word List words (highlighted in your submission)
•    At least two references from credible academic or professional sources, cited appropriately
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Final Project Rubric — Essay
|
Criterion |
Excellent (90–100%) |
Good (75–89%) |
Developing (60–74%) |
Needs Work (<60%) |
|
Thesis & Argument |
Compelling, nuanced thesis; argument is fully sustained and logically developed |
Clear thesis; argument is mostly consistent and developed |
Thesis is present but argument shifts or is inconsistently supported |
No clear thesis; argument is absent or incoherent |
|
Essay Structure |
Introduction, body, and conclusion are all strong and work together |
All three parts present; one section could be developed further |
Structure is present but one part is significantly weak |
Essay lacks clear structure throughout |
|
Evidence & Support |
Evidence from two or more sources is integrated and analyzed, not just quoted |
Evidence used; integration could be smoother or analysis deeper |
Evidence present but limited or not well-connected to argument |
No use of sources or evidence |
|
Academic Vocabulary |
Five or more AWL words used accurately; formal register is consistent throughout |
Four to five AWL words; register is mostly formal |
Two to three AWL words; some informal language |
Minimal academic vocabulary; informal register throughout |
|
Language & Grammar |
Very few or no errors; writing is fluent and professional |
Minor errors that do not affect readability |
Errors sometimes affect clarity |
Frequent errors significantly impede understanding |
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Final Project Rubric — Presentation
|
Criterion |
Excellent (90–100%) |
Good (75–89%) |
Developing (60–74%) |
Needs Work (<60%) |
|
Content & Argument |
Main argument is clear, well-developed, and directly matches the essay topic |
Argument is clear; some points could be developed further |
Main argument is partially clear; points are underdeveloped |
No clear argument; presentation lacks substance |
|
Structure |
Clear three-part structure with introduction, main points, and strong conclusion |
All three parts present; conclusion or intro could be stronger |
Structure is present but uneven |
No clear structure |
|
Signposting Language |
Four or more signposting phrases used naturally and at appropriate moments |
Three to four signposting phrases used |
One to two signposting phrases; flow is choppy |
No signposting language |
|
Delivery |
Confident, fluent, natural delivery; clear pronunciation; minimal reading from notes |
Generally confident; occasional reliance on notes |
Frequent hesitation; reads from script for much of presentation |
Delivery is very difficult to follow; significantly impedes communication |
|
Time Management |
3:45–4:15 (within 15 seconds of target) |
3:30–4:30 (within 30 seconds) |
3:00–5:00 |
Under 3 minutes or over 5 minutes |
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Presentation requirements:
•    4 minutes recorded (you may use slides, but they are not required)
•    Clear introduction, two or three main points, and conclusion
•    At least four signposting phrases
•    Confident delivery: appropriate pace, clear pronunciation, audience awareness
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The essay and presentation should complement each other but do not need to be identical. Submit both via the Showcase and Reflect Moodle assignment link.
Completion requirements:
- Make forum posts: 1
- Receive a grade
- Receive a passing grade
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