7.5 WRITE: Instructions for Essay 03

Topic

In Essay 01, you wrote a report about a new technology in your industry. In Essay 02, you wrote a report about a problem that the technology solved or created, and you explained a solution to that problem. Now imagine that your editor wants you to extend your report to include additional discussion of the implications of this technology, problem, and solution. In other words: Why should this technology be used (or not used)? What are the results if this technology is used (or not used)? What are the consequences if the problem is solved (or not solved)? And more importantly, why does it matter?

Guidelines

NOTE: The new instructions are in bold.

• Write 2 to 3 pages double-spaced. The exact number of pages, paragraphs, or words is not important. The important thing is that your ideas are clear, complete, and compelling.
• Give your essay a title. Capitalize the first letter of each major word (do not capitalize conjunctions, prepositions, or articles unless they are the first word of the title). Use the CENTER button on the Google Docs or Word toolbar to center the title automatically and accurately.
• Use as many body paragraphs as necessary. Each body paragraph needs a clear topic sentence and supporting ideas. Use a variety of sentence types. Use your computer’s TAB key to indent the first line of each paragraph.
• Include an introduction with a thesis statement that contains a clear topic and claim followed by a preview of the main points.
• Support your ideas with specific details, descriptions, examples, and information from at least ONE NEW outside source. Use MLA style for both in-text citations and a Works Cited page. You must cite anything that is not common knowledge. Remember that a Works Cited page will begin a new page at the end of your document.
• The conclusion should restate the thesis (topic + claim) in light of the information you provided in the body.
• For academic writing, use a formal tone. Write in third person, not first or second person (don’t use I, we, or you).
• Use academic vocabulary. Use transition signals (first, next, also, however, etc.) to guide the reader.
• Remember to edit, proofread, and revise carefully, paying close attention to grammar and mechanics. Review the grading rubrics below and double check your essay for comma splices, subject-verb agreement, word forms, punctuation and spelling.
• Do your own work; do not plagiarize.

Formatting

All out-of-class writing assignments must be typed. Use a regular font (not too big or little or crazy — for example: Times Roman 12). Assignments must be double-spaced (skip a line). Use approximately one-inch margins on all sides. Include your name and date in the upper left-hand corner. Put the page number in the upper right-hand corner with your last name like this: Krause 1 [but you should use your own last name].

Grading

Each draft is worth 10 points, however each draft is graded differently. The grading rubric for the first draft awards more points for content and organization, while the grading rubric for the second draft awards more points for grammar and mechanics.

• Grading Rubric for Draft Essay – See Appendix B
• Grading Rubric for Revised Essay – See Appendix C

MODEL ESSAY

Look in Appendix B for an example of a finished essay.