Unit Outline Diploma of Arts
ABN: 064 031 714
CRICOS: Monash College Pty Ltd 01857J
monashcollege.edu.au
18
MCD1570: Introduction to Academic Writing
Assessment 4: Academic Essay
Status: Individual
Weighting: 35%
Word limit: 1200 words
Due date: Week 12
Presentation: Upload to Turnitin (Assessment 3)
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Students have already chosen one topic in their critical review exercise. Now you are required to write an
academic essay on one of the following questions:
1. Can climate change can be effectively prevented?
2. Can poverty be eliminated in the developing world? Choose one developing country to focus
on.
3. Does an increase in migration to Australia benefit the nation’s development?
4. Does globalisation promote both cultural diversity and cultural unification?
Write your academic essay as per guideline given below.
1. Research a minimum of five academic articles to write the essay. You will undertake an initial
identification of the articles based on author, title of article, title of journal, year of publication, and
other details that seem important.
2. Provide correct referencing details both in-text and end of text as per MU Harvard referencing
style.
3. The essay will be uploaded to Turnitin to help you in matching text to avoid plagiarism.
Unit Outline Diploma of Arts
ABN: 064 031 714
CRICOS: Monash College Pty Ltd 01857J
monashcollege.edu.au
19
Please Note: This is an example only to guide you.
The early 20th century was important for causing global warming. Do you agree or disagree?
This essay question assumes that the 20th century was very important causing global warming and is asking
you to explain why it was so important, and to give your reasons for each of the points made or issues raised
in your essay.
This requires an argument where you are asked to take a position, such as (a) it was very important or (b) it
was not very important or (c) it was very important in some ways and not in other ways.
The structure of the essay should be similar to this:
Introduction: State topic, give background information to topic, develop a thesis statement and essay
scope/plan
A thesis statement consists of one sentence, that state your overall position or argument, and an essay
scope or plan, briefly states what your main body paragraphs will be about i.e. the abbreviated topic sentences
Body Paragraphs: Each body paragraph should be linked to your argument and have the following structure:
T – Topic Sentence
E – Evidence from Texts
E – Explanation and Example
C – Comment/Analysis
L – Linking/Concluding Sentence
Conclusion: Restate your thesis (paraphrased), summarise the main ideas (from the body paragraphs), make
recommendations/suggestions
The focus of the question
It is important when you are answering the question to make sure that you address all aspects of the topic
clearly. You can brainstorm or make a mind map before attempting to write it.
Unit Outline Diploma of Arts
ABN: 064 031 714
CRICOS: Monash College Pty Ltd 01857J
monashcollege.edu.au
20
MCD1570: Introduction to Academic Writing
Assessment 4: Academic Essay Marking Guide
Criteria Descriptors
HD
8-10
D
7-8
C
6-7
P
5-6
N
<5
Content
&
Analysis
70 marks
• Clear thesis and scope
• Thorough research with appropriate
and relevant sources chosen
(minimum of 5)
• Use of sources for supporting
evidence and examples
• Critical analysis
• Clearly structured introduction
• Clearly structured conclusion with re-
statement and summary
• Logically sequenced argument which
meets minimum word length (1200
words +/- 10%)
Language
&
Referencing
30 marks
• Correctly formatted Harvard style
referencing both in-text and end of text
• Use of formal, objective academic
writing style and vocabulary
• Correct grammar, punctuation,
spelling and expression