XAB011
Assessment Task 3 – Expository Essay
Task Description
For this assessment task you will write an expository essay on one of the following topics below.
Writing an effective essay includes a range of tasks including analysing the question, researching supporting evidence and information, taking notes, and creating an essay plan. There is a provided essay plan in Student Resources for students to use to offer structure to the essay writing process.
Write your essay using standard essay structure (including an introduction with a clear thesis (argument) statement, body paragraphs and a conclusion), and construct your essay by writing academic paragraphs. You need to make sure you include the following parts in each academic paragraph that you write:
1. Topic Sentence
2. Supporting Points (including use of Evidence/Examples)
3. Concluding Sentence
Information from the sources must be referenced using in-text citations, and a complete and accurate Harvard style reference list must be provided at the end of your essay. You must reference at least TWO resources to a maximum of FOUR.
Researching via Internet: https://utas.shorthandstories.com/PP_Researching_via_Internet/index.html
Harvard Referencing Examples: https://utas.shorthandstories.com/EE_Referencing_Harvard_srt09/index.html
Essay Topics
1. Explain the outcomes of the adoption of a vegetarian lifestyle on society and the environment.
2. What is the biggest challenge facing young Australians? What are some possible solutions to this problem?
3. Technology has brought many advantages to all areas of life. What are some of the broader advantages that technology delivers?
4. Discuss the influence of education on society. Outline three examples where education has contributed to changes in society.
5. Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences suggest there are multi types of human intelligence. Discuss the theory, how it could be practically applied, and the benefits to the individual and society.
Task Length
Essay: 800-1000 words
The essay word length applies to the essay only. The word length does not include in-text citations or the reference list. It is standard at UTAS to have a 10% leeway on the word length. That means the word length of 800-1000 words can range from minus (–) 10% of words to plus (+) 10% of words. Eg. 720 – 1100 words.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment Criteria allows students to understand the requirements and outcomes they will be assessed against.
1. Use academic research methods
2. Use academic standards to communicate ideas and information
3. Organise and communicate ideas and information
4. Use ideas, terms, and concepts
You should refer to the Assessment Task Rubric to make sure that you are addressing the criteria that you will be marked against.
Assessment Submission
Please submit a Word Document, titled with assessment task, student name and student number.
Please ensure you correctly name your document “Assessment Task 3 – Expository Essay”
Submit in myLO under ‘Expository Essay’
1. Select ‘Assessments’ from the menu across the top of the unit
2. Select ‘Assignments’
3. Select correct assessment task
4. Read through rubric
5. Select ‘Add a file’ then click Submit
6. You will receive an email to confirm you have submitted your assessment.
Due Date: Monday 3 May, 2021 by 11:59 pm
If an extension is needed, please contact your workshop facilitator or unit coordinator before the due date with information and/or medical certificate if needed.
Late submissions with a penalty of 2% per day is accepted up to 5 day after the original due date. If you have an approved extension due date, there is no late submission period allowed.
Essay Checklist
Please see the Essay checklist below to help you plan your essay writing process. A copy can be found in student resources if you’d like to download and print off to use.
Essay Writing Checklist Tick when done
1. Analyse the question/Brainstorm the question
• Read through the overview carefully. Be clear what the task is.
• Read through the assessment criteria – what will you be marked on?
• Choose your topic (you can always change!)
• Jot down some preliminary ideas in a mind map.
• Use time management techniques to plan your time.
2. Start your research
• Develop a strategy for researching your assignment. How many sources do you need?
• Take notes as you read, including page numbers for referencing.
• Check the Library guide on Harvard referencing.
• Don’t make your ideas fit the research, the research should support your ideas.
3. Plan a preliminary structure
• Follow the appropriate structure for your assignment type.
• Use your mind map and preliminary research to create a linear plan.
4. First draft
• Use your detailed plan to write complete paragraphs in an academic style. Don’t forget topic sentences and concluding statements.
• Paraphrase and reference what you use from other texts. Don’t plagiarise.
• Get feedback on your draft in the workshop or via Studiosity.
5. Review the Sources
• Make sure you have enough ideas and evidence from the assigned sources.
• Ensure the sources support your ideas. Don’t be afraid to do more research and see what else is out there.
• Adjust your plan and draft to reflect new ideas from your research.
6. Redraft
• Revise your draft, paying attention to structure and content.
• Make sure your information is logically presented.
• Use the rubric to revise your work.
7. Edit Logical Flow
• Edit for completeness, structure and meaning.
• Check your paragraphs are well-formed and flow.
• Have you used an academic style in your writing?
8. Proofread and format
• Check your referencing is correct.
• Use a spell checker and grammar checker.
• Check your punctuation.
• Check the formatting and submission requirements.
9. Submit
• Don’t leave it to the last minute! Ask for an extension if you need one.
