• Assessment item 3: Essay
Value: 30%
Due date: 10-May-2015
Return date: 31-May-2015
Length: 1500-2000 words (approximately)
Submission method options
Alternative submission method
• Task
‘Developing good note-taking and paraphrasing strategies, to effectively summarise academic resources, is a difficult process for students to learn.’
You are required to write an essay, based on valid academic literature, as to why this statement is, or is not the case, and discuss your findings.
Your analysis must be linked to relevant academic literature. Therefore, you must include references to at least five (5) academic references. You are encouraged to include additional sources, such as more than five academic references, which can include journal articles, book chapters, newspaper articles and practitioner-focused articles. Note that Wikipedia and similar websites are NOT acceptable sources for this assignment. Remember to properly cite all sources, both in the text of your essay and in the References section.
Ensure you become fully aware and familiar with all required criteria within the Marking criteria and standards of performance information provided below.

Rationale
Students should demonstrate knowledge and understanding of some of the content and processes needed to succeed at university and particularly, in regards to written communication. Communicating effectively through academic writing necessitates a number of skills that are referred to throughout your textbook and study guide/readings material. You will need to synthesise these, organise them and apply them to the assessment task provided below.
Students should be able to locate, paraphrase, summarise and comprehend simple to complex English texts; develop an effective academic argument based on information gained from a range of sources be able to write in a range of academic formats, following English writing mechanics and appropriate academic referencing styles.

Marking criteria
Marking criteria and standards of performance

Criteria High Distinction (85-100%) Distinction (75-84%) Credit (65-74%) Pass (50-64%) Fail (0-49%)
Content and development (25%)
Demonstrates an understanding and appropriate use of critical concepts used in the subject. with four key points having been analysed and discussed. All four key points have been analysed and skillfully integrated into the essay. A high level of understanding is clearly evident. At least three critical concepts are explained with some ideas analysed and integrated into a coherent discussion. At least two critical concepts are explained; although ideas are treated discretely, rather than analysed and integrated into a coherent discussion. At least two critical concepts are explained; although ideas are not fully explained; although evidence of analyse and integration in a coherent manner is demonstrated within discussion. Critical concepts are not described, or are discussed in superficial ways. There remains a lack of evidence of understanding.
Organisation and structure (15%)
Essay is organised in a logical structure, which includes an Introduction, Body and Conclusion that demonstrates an understanding of key topic issues and concepts, with formal academic language correctly used. Thorough and well-stated Introduction, Body and Conclusion provided. Content has been logically structured with formal academic language used to clearly communicate meaning. Detailed and well-stated Introduction, Body and Conclusion provided. Content has been well structured with formal academic language used to clearly communicate meaning. Good Introduction, Body and Conclusion provided, which have been well stated. Content is well structured and presented in formal academic language that adequately communicates meaning. Introduction, Body and Conclusion provided; although not clearly stated. Content is loosely structured; although formal academic language to communicate meaning is observable. Introduction, Body and Conclusion are not clearly provided. Content is poorly structured and presented in an informal academic language that does not clearly communicate meaning.
Research and critical thinking (25%)
Demonstrates appropriate use of prescribed subject reading materials to support ideas, with citations and relevant quotations clearly displayed. Demonstrates evidence of critical thinking, through analysis and discussion, concerning key issues and concepts. Content is accurate, focused and exhibits a high level of knowledge concerning researched topic, which is fully supported through the use of subject reading material, which includes the prescribed textbook and two subject readings, supported with externally obtained academically valid sources.. Critical thinking against researched topic is clearly obvious. Content exhibits a good level of knowledge concerning researched topic, which is well supported through the use of prescribed textbook and one subject reading, supported with externally obtained academically valid sources. Critical thinking against researched topic is obvious. Content exhibits a competent level of knowledge concerning researched topic, which is supported through the use of prescribed textbook and one subject reading, supported with externally obtained academically valid sources. Critical thinking against researched topic is evident. Content exhibits a minimum level of knowledge concerning researched topic, which is supported through the use of prescribed textbook and one subject reading, supported with externally obtained academically valid sources. Critical thinking against researched topic is vague. Content exhibits a negligible level of knowledge concerning researched topic, which is not supported through the use of prescribed textbook or subject reading material. Externally obtained sources are not academically valid. Critical thinking against researched topic is not evident.
Writing mechanics, grammar and proofreading (15%)
Clear writing consistent with academic style. Well laid out structure with a convincing summary. Student has demonstrated tertiary standards of academic literacy (written text is cohesive, uses correct sentence structure, paragraphing, punctuation and spelling). Essay is cohesive and well laid out and has no spelling/ typographical and/or grammatical errors and is essentially error free. Essay is cohesive and well laid out; although a few spelling/ typographical and/or grammatical errors are apparent. Essay is cohesive and presented neatly; although some spelling/ typographical and/or grammatical errors. Essay is presented neatly, but has several spelling/ typographical and/or grammatical errors Essay is untidy and disorganised; lacks clarity and has numerous spelling/ typographical and/or grammatical errors consistently throughout student work.
Referencing (10%)
Student work demonstrates accurate use of APA referencing formats for in-text citations and final Reference List with a minimum of five (5) academically reputable references having been cited. An extensive range of relevant sources from scholarly sources have been evaluated and synthesized that substantially support arguments made.
A minimum of five (5) academically reputable references have been cited and presented in accordance with APA referencing conventions, both in-text and in the form of a Reference List, which have been accurately and consistently applied. A broad range of relevant sources from scholarly sources have been evaluated and synthesized that largely support arguments made.
A minimum of five (5) academically reputable references have been cited and presented in accordance with APA referencing conventions, both in-text and in the form of a Reference List have been applied; although some errors remain evident. A good range of relevant sources from scholarly sources have been evaluated and synthesized; although arguments are not fully supported.
A minimum of five (5) academically reputable references have been cited and presented in accordance with APA referencing conventions, both in-text and in the form of a Reference List have been applied; although errors remain evident. An adequate range of relevant sources from scholarly sources have been evaluated and synthesized; although arguments are not fully supported.
A minimum of five (5) academically reputable references have been cited and presented in accordance with APA referencing conventions, both in-text and in the form of a Reference List have been applied; although errors are clearly evident. An limited range of relevant sources from scholarly sources have been provided with limited evaluation and synthesis of arguments having been made.
Less than five (5) references have been cited, which are not academically reputable, with submitted work not presented in accordance with APA referencing conventions. Reference List is minimal or non-existent.
Overall presentation (10%)
Essay follows standard academic convention (e.g. Introduction, Body and Conclusion), as well as adhering to the word limit (i.e. 1,500 to 2,000 words approx). Essay adheres to the word limit (i.e. 1,500 to 2,000 words approx). Well-developed Introduction that engages the reader and creates interest. Body is well developed and clearly states a significant and compelling position. Conclusion effectively wraps up and goes beyond restating essay topic.
Essay adheres to the word limit and is neatly formatted and presented with introduction clearly
Introduction creates interest and clearly states the topic/s being discussed. Body is well developed and includes author’s position evident through detail provided. Conclusion effectively summarises topics.
Essay adheres to the word limit. Introduction creates interest and states the topic/s being discussed. Body includes author’s position with detail provided. Conclusion summarises topics and ties up loose ends.
Essay adheres to the word limit. Introduction adequately explains the topic. Body includes author’s position, but may lack detail. Conclusion is recognisable and ties up almost all loose ends.
Essay adheres to the word limit. Introduction is undeveloped and not explained. Body includes a random collection of information, unclear, or not related to the topic. Conclusion does not summarize main points.
Essay is substantially below the required word limit.

Presentation
Your assignment must be typed, double-spaced, using standard fonts and have standard margins on all sides (i.e., 12-point, Times New Roman, 2.54cm margins) and presented in an essay format.
It is essential that you check your writing for accuracy in spelling, grammar, etc. Convey your ideas in a clear, concise manner, use appropriate transitions between ideas and sections. You may use headings and sub headings, if appropriate.
Hints on writing this essay
• Brainstorm ideas from your textbook and readings; acknowledge them; organise them in an order or sequence that you choose; know why you choose this order of presenting them; consider how each idea could be related to student learning (this is the focus of the question).
• Introduction: 10%. The broad introduction will aim to focus the reader and to paint a general picture of the topic; the specific introduction will tell the reader WHAT (content) will be covered in this essay and HOW (the process) it will be delivered (e.g. discussed; explained; analysed etc.).
• Body: 80%. The body could be divided into four (4) main ideas, having 100 words each. Approximately 800 words could be from authors and 600 words inserting your interpretation of how these ideas might be related to student learning and why these ideas are important. Note: this breakdown of words is only an example. You decide according to your plan, ideas writing style, etc.
• Conclusion: 10%. Remind the reader of the depth travelled in the body by revisiting and recapping the main points.
• Reference list. Present your reference list in author alphabetical order in accordance with the APA referencing style. All resources and authors referred to in-text must appear in your references list.
• Cite a minimum of five (5) academically reputable references, including one taken from your Bretag, et al. (2009) textbook.
Note: Please ensure you become fully aware and familiar with all required criteria within the Marking criteria and standards of performance information provided below.

Requirements
This assessment item needs to be submitted via Turnitin.