Academic writing / Writing key points / Sample Essay Task Sheet(Com Skills)

The process of writing an essay will help you develop strong written communication skills that are essential not only in university, but in many careers. Essay writing will also help to strengthen your library research skills and to hone your reasoning skills. An essay writer is required to argue, defend or justify a point of view with respect to a particular topic or question. For this assignment, you need to write an argumentative essay that is supported with accurate and relevant evidence.

For an essay to be effective, ideas must be communicated clearly. If you are having trouble with communication, you should seek help from Student Learning Support (www.bond.edu.au/SLS).

Assessment To-Do List:

Review your essay outline and consider your tutor’s feedback.

Continue your research, as you will need a minimum of seven references (minimum three peer-reviewed journals).

Learn a standard referencing format (APA) and use it correctly and consistently.

Expand on your main points, striking a balance between fact and opinion.

Consider opposing points of view.

Write an introduction and conclusion.

Proofread.

Review the criteria sheet carefully.

Submit your assignment to iLearn.

Complete a title page (sample on iLearn).

Complete a cover sheet and put your tutor’s name on it (copies available in the HSS office).

Submit a hard copy to the HSS office.

See criteria sheet on next page. →

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CORE11-100 Assessment Guide for Academic Essay

Relates clearly to one of the set topics.

Approaches the topic in an original, creative or innovative way.

Defines and explains key terms and concepts clearly, as needed.

Recognises and explains the significance of the topic to its broader field—shows a full understanding of the key issues.

Focuses on key ideas and discusses them coherently.

Analyses the issues in depth—avoids over-simplification and generalisation.

Builds logical, concise argument focused around the thesis statement.

Focuses on the key line of argument—avoids diversions and irrelevant issues.

Substantiates argument with accurate and relevant evidence from credible academic sources.

Engages the sources comprehensively—level of detail indicates sufficient research on the topic.

Compares, contrasts, explains, and exemplifies issues—level of analysis indicates understanding of the topic’s complexity.

Considers alternatives, provides balanced, critical evaluation and avoids personal prejudices (supports counter-argument with evidence).

Integrates quotes effectively and does not over-rely on them to carry the discussion.

Includes specific in-text discussion with any figures and tables used.

Title, abstract, keywords

Uses an effective, pithy title that captures attention and reflects the content and approach of the essay.

Includes separate, concise, abstract that summarises the essay’s key argument (about 100-150 words).

Lists keywords and uses them in title and abstract.

Introduction

States a clear thesis (argument) or task objective, preferably in one concise sentence.

Launches the argument—provides a clear orientation to the topic and defines related issues.

Previews the essay’s agenda, indicating background, focus and direction.

Body and development

Establishes and expands on key terms, concepts or background framework, as required.

Analyses issues and progresses argument or discussion according to the agenda set out in the introduction.

Segments material logically with appropriate section headings.

Focuses the discussion on material relevant to that section.

Sequences discussion of relevant issues, with hierarchical relationships made clear before details.

Uses clear signposts and transitions to link sections throughout the essay.

Conclusion

 Reviews the main argument—effectively synthesises or resolves issues drawn from preceding discussion.

 Concludes emphatically and concisely— restates paper’s thesis & delivers on the task it sets out in the introduction

 Does not introduce new material to the argument.

 Acknowledges sources of quotes, paraphrases, ideas throughout the essay.  Uses quotation marks accurately for partial and full quotes.

 Integrates quotes effectively—does not over-rely on them to carry the discussion; does not ‘string’ quotes together without discussion.

 Uses at least 7 relevant academic and/or quality professional sources. At least 3 of these are relevant academic or quality professional journals.  Does not over-rely on web sources (apart from relevant electronic journals or databases).

 Avoids popular sources (web, media, how-to books), unless relevant to task.  Uses a standard and correct format consistently for in-text citations.

 Uses a standard and correct format consistently for reference list.

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Achieves an appropriate formal tone, using Australian English effectively for academic purposes.

Chooses effective words and phrases to achieve a consistent academic style.

Avoids unnecessary jargon, excessive self-reference.

Avoids abbreviations, contractions, clichés, immature or naïve wording, colloquialisms, slang.

Uses strong verbs—avoids excessive use of nouns ending in –ment, –tion & –al.

Writes concisely—avoids unnecessary repetition, fillers, verbosity.

Writes tight, fluent sentences—avoids awkward wording or phrasing.

If needed, uses limited, concise, parallel bullet points, with effective projecting sentences. (Bullet points are rarely used in essays and must not be used to carry the argument.)

Writes in unified, coherent paragraphs with clear topic sentences.

Provides clear signposts and transitions to achieve coherent flow through the document’s sections, sentences and paragraphs.

Checks for

Coherent paragraphs, clear topic sentences and linkages.

Standard academic English—complete grammatical sentences, with:

Correct spelling (Use spellchecker and a dictionary).

Standard punctuation, especially correct uses of capitalisation, commas, semicolons, colons, full stops, inverted commas, brackets.

(You will lose marks if you do not use ‘house’ style.)

Title page contains full, relevant information, including accurate word count from first word of introduction to last word of conclusion.

Abstract and keyword list located on title page, or separate page, or boxed before introduction.

Informative, consistent section headings and subheadings in Bold.

Correctly numbered pages. (Page 1 begins with the Introduction).

Figures, tables & appendices correctly numbered and labelled (if used).

Consistent font style and size (12 point).

Consistent page layout, with 2cm margins, left justified and balanced use of white space.

Extra space between paragraphs.

Correct spacing between words and items of punctuation.

Professional presentation quality: Clean, efficient format stapled neatly in top left-hand corner. No binding or plastic sleeves.

Adheres to word limit (1200-1500 words from intro to conclusion).

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