This document provides instructions for an essay assignment for an English course. Students must write a 5-paragraph essay of 600-800 words answering one of three prompts. They must cite sources in APA style and include pre-writing, in-text citations, and a reference list. The essay will be assessed based on understanding the prompt, idea organization and development, use of evidence, coherence, and writing mechanics. A grading rubric is provided assessing these areas on a scale of 1-5. Suggested references and a sample cover page format are also included.

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Foundation in Natural and Built Environment (FNBE)
English 1 [ENGL0105 / ELG 30505]
Assignment: Essay Question
Assignment Individual work.
LO
As per
stated in the
module
25%
Essay
Week 9
29th September,2014
INTRODUCTION
This assignment evaluates academic writing skills for a basic 5-paragraph expository or
argumentative essay. It also evaluates the student’s ability to research information to support the
arguments proposed in the essay, to cite the sources of information and also to provide a list of
references.
Referencing:
All persons, books and other sources of information are to be referenced in accordance with the
APA Style.
OBJECTIVES OF ESSAY WRITING
The objectives of this project are as follows:
1. Provide practice in basic 5-paragraph essay writing.
2. Provide instructions in basic referencing skills.
3. Provide basic analytical skills for contemporary essays and reading texts.
LEARNING OUTCOMES OF THIS REPORT
The learning outcomes of this assignment are:
1. Write a well-developed and well-organised 5-paragraph expository and argumentative
essay.
2. Apply correct APA style referencing techniques.
3. Analyse contemporary essays and reading texts critically.
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2. TASKS – METHODOLOGY
Your tasks are as follows:
1. Children over 15 should be allowed to make decisions about their lives without the inference of
their parents. Society should accept that children mature at a younger age these days and should
adjust the law accordingly. What do you think are the causes and effects of this condition? Plan
your response, and then write a cause or effect essay.
2. Write a compare or contrast essay about any two unique buildings of your choice. You need to
choose existing buildings and state their locations.
3. Identify the steps involved in producing an attractive art piece. Then, write a process essay to
describe this process.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENT
1. You are required to answer only ONE question.
2. The word limit for this assignment is 600 to 800 words only.
3. You must research the topic that you choose and write an essay that is informed by
authority.
4. Submissions after 29th September, 2014 will not be entertained.
5. The essay must be typed on A4 paper using font style ARIAL point size 12 with double
spacing.
6. Your essay must be submitted with the following:
i. pre-writing
ii. citations within the text supporting your argument (APA referencing format)
iii. a list of references (Works Cited in APA format) attached at the end of your
essay
iv. cover page (follow the attached format)
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The assessment for this assignment will be based on:
 Your demonstrated understanding of the brief.
 The content of the write-up—strength of central idea and relevance to the question.
 Clear and coherent organization of ideas and argument.
 Ability to use scholarly references to support arguments and ideas.
 Grammar and mechanics.
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3. MARKING CRITERIA
Descriptors Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Total
Percentage 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80% & above Marks
Prewriting - 10
(per paragraph)
Lack
supporting
details or
examples
One
supporting
detail or
example
Two
supporting
details or
examples
3 supporting
details or
examples
Good and
sequentially
developed
Unity – 10
(Structure)
Intro/Supporting
Paragraphs/
Conclusion
Essay is not
assigned
with the
topic with
general
introduction
and
conclusion
2 main
ideas
provided
with general
supporting
ideas with
general
introduction
and
conclusion.
3 main
ideas
provided
but they
are loosely
connected.
Introduction
with a
thesis
statement
and a
general
conclusion.
Provided a
thesis statement
with 3 topic
sentences but
each paragraph
contains 2 or
less specific
details. No
recommendation
for the
conclusion.
Well developed
introduction with
a thesis
statement, 3 topic
sentences and 3
specific details
for each
paragraphs and
has
recommendations
for the
conclusion.
Support – 30 Provides
general
ideas with
one specific
detail.
Provides
two specific
details.
Logical
progression
in ideas. 3-
4specific
details
included.
Logical
progression in
ideas. 5-7
specific details
included.
Ideas are clear
and logical.
Provides 8 or
more specific
details with
resource
information.
Coherence – 30 Essays
show little
development
or
relationship
among
ideas.
Uses 2 or
less
transitional
words or
other word
connectors.
Lack of
logical
progression.
Uses 3
word
connectors.
Sequence
of idea is
evident.
Uses 4 word
connectors.
Logical
progression of
ideas.
Shows an in-depth
understanding of
topic and
provides
independent
thought.
Sentence skills
20
Compose
simple and
monotonous
sentences.
Serious
errors in
choice of
words and
mechanics.
Compose
simple
sentences
with
numerous
errors in
mechanics.
Appropriate
choice of
words.
Compound
sentences
with fewer
errors in
mechanics.
Ability to
use precise
choice of
words.
Complex
sentence
structure and
consistent use
of mechanics.
Free from errors
in sentence
structure, choice
of words and
grammar.
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4. SUGGESTED REFERENCES
1. Langan, J. (2008). College Writing Skills with Readings. (7th Ed.)New York: McGraw Hill.
2. Terry, M. & Wilson, J. (n.d.) Focus on Academic Skills for IELTS. Longman.
SUGGESTED COVER PAGE / AUTHORSHIP
Should be well designed with the necessary information;
[Name / all in group]
[Id]
[Module]
[Session] August, 2014
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