You are required to write a research essay of 800-1000 words, excluding the title and reference list. Your instructor will provide you with a topic or selection of topics. You will then write one of the following types of essay: argumentative, comparative, problem-solution, or cause and effect. You will familiarize yourself with your selected essay type through guided self-study. Your instructor will provide answer keys to the relevant chapters in the textbook. You will cover the following stages of the writing process in class and for homework:
• research the topic
• prepare an outline
• in-class writing stage(s)
• in-class peer review stages
The research essay should have a clear introduction, main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You should use APA citation style and include in-text citations and a complete reference list for this assignment.

Attendance is compulsory for the in-class writing stages. Students who miss these classes will lose grades.

You will sign a declaration sheet confirming that the essay is your own work. If you have been assisted, you are required to state by whom. If there is a notable difference in level between your in-class writing and the final submitted Research Essay, which may indicate that not all of the work has been done by you, your instructor may base your final grade on your in-class writing only.

The grade for the Assessed Research Essay will be marked according to the following criteria:

Criteria for Assessed Research Essay (25%) Grade Comments
1. Organization and cohesion (20%):
• Essay sections (introduction, paragraphs, conclusion)
• Cohesion in and between paragraphs and sentences
2. Content and coherence (30%):
• Quality and clarity of information and ideas
• Logical ordering of ideas
• Critical engagement with ideas
• Reliability of the sources selected
3. Language & Style (30%)
• Appropriate formality
• Effective and accurate incorporation of sources using APA citation style: reporting verbs, attribution, citations, reference list
• Accuracy and range of vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation
4. Writing Process (20%)
• Attendance at, and completion of all in-class writing stages
• Attendance at, and completion of peer review
• Completion of first draft
• Improvement through the writing process