This document provides instructions for an essay assignment for an English course. Students must write a 600-800 word essay answering one of three prompts. They must plan their response, write the essay in five paragraphs, and cite sources in APA format. Essays will be assessed based on demonstrated understanding, content, organization, use of references, grammar, and mechanics. Students must submit their pre-writing, in-text citations, references list, and a cover page by March 21st for grading. Suggested references and a sample cover page format are also provided.

1. SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN
Foundation in Natural and Built Environment (FNBE)
English 1 [ENGL0105]
Assignment: Essay Question
Assignment Individual work.
LO
As per
stated in the
module
25% Essay
Week 7
21st
March,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.
Taylor’s University FNBE - English 2 (ENGL
0205)
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2. TASKS – METHODOLOGY
Your tasks are as follows:
1. In some countries young people have little leisure time and are under a lot of pressure to work
hard in their studies. 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 traditional houses of your choice.
3. Identify the steps involved in producing an attractive sketch. 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 21st
March, 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.
Taylor’s University FNBE - English 2 (ENGL
0205)
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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
Compose
simple
sentences
with
numerous
errors in
mechanics.
Appropriate
Compound
sentences
with fewer
errors in
mechanics.
Ability to
use precise
choice of
Complex
sentence
structure and
consistent use
of mechanics.
Free from errors
in sentence
structure, choice
of words and
grammar.
Taylor’s University FNBE - English 2 (ENGL
0205)
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4. mechanics. choice of
words.
words.
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] January, 2014
Taylor’s University FNBE - English 2 (ENGL
0205)
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