W13 Assignment: Explanatory Synthesis Essay (worth 35% of your grade)Start AssignmentDue Sunday by 9:59am Points 100 Submitting a file upload Available Nov 19 at 10am - Dec 17 at 9:59amTask: Revise your draft and submit a final version of your Explanatory Synthesis Essay.Purpose: Demonstrate analytical ability and rational explanation in writing.InstructionsReview the following resources to ensure you understand assignment expectations receive the best score possible.W11 - W13 Unit Overview: Explanatory SynthesisAssignment Rubric.Revise your Explanatory Synthesis Essay Draft based on the knowledge you have gained and feedback you have received.Check your final revision using the Explanatory Synthesis Checklist and Reflection worksheet and revise as appropriate.You will submit this worksheet in a separate assignment but should use it prior to submitting your final draft to ensure you have fulfilled all of the assignment requirements.Submit your completed Explanatory Synthesis Essay by the due date (in a Word or a PDF file only).RubricExplanatory Synthesis Essay RubricExplanatory Synthesis Essay RubricCriteria Ratings PtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntroduction &ThesisIs there a good hook? Enough context? Good set up for the thesis and a clear direction for the paper (pro/con, problem/solution, misconception, etc.)?5 to >4.5 ptsExcellent4.5 to >4.0 ptsGood4 to >3.5 ptsSatisfactory3.5 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete5 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSynthesisIs this a synthesis of sources and not just a summary of sources related to a topic? Are multiple sources used to support key points? Does the student provide their own analysis based on multiple sources?20 to >18.0 ptsExcellent18 to >16.0 ptsGood16 to >14.0 ptsSatisfactory14 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete20 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganizationDoes the flow of the essay make sense? Does each paragraph have a clear topic and good development?20 to >18.0 ptsExcellent18 to >16.0 ptsGood16 to >14.0 ptsSatisfactory14 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete20 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormattingDoes the writer use APA style to format the paper, including a cover page, title, page numbers, references page, etc.?10 to >9.0 ptsExcellent9 to >8.0 ptsGood8 to >7.0 ptsSatisfactory7 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete10 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSourcesDoes the student include at least 6 good sources, including two scholarly sources? Does the writer introduce, integrate, and interpret sources?20 to >18.0 ptsExcellent18 to >16.0 ptsGood16 to >14.0 ptsSatisfactory14 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete20 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitationDoes the writer cite sources in the essay and on the References page correctly?10 to >9.0 ptsExcellent9 to >8.0 ptsGood8 to >7.0 ptsSatisfactory7 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete10 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar and MechanicsDoes the writer have clear sentences, correct spelling/punctuation, etc.?15 to >13.5 ptsExcellent13.5 to >12.0 ptsGood12 to >10.5 ptsSatisfactory10.5 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete15 ptsTotal Points: 100PreviousNext

W11 Assignment: Analysis of Model Essays and VideosStart AssignmentDue Nov 23 by 9:59am Points 20 Submitting a file upload Available Nov 5 at 9am - Dec 3 at 9:59amTask: Complete a worksheet to analyze the structure of a sample Explanatory Synthesis of your choosing.Purpose: Demonstrate comprehension of how to create structure in an essay.InstructionsThe sample in each packet is a final draft of an Explanatory Synthesis Essay written by an ENG 150 student. It is a high-quality draft, but it is not perfect. As you read it, you will find strengths and weaknesses. You will also reflect on how reading this sample can help you write your own Explanatory Synthesis Essay.Remember which essay approach you chose for your Explanatory Synthesis.Pro/ConMisconceptionProblem/SolutionsDownload both documents linked under your chosen approach:Pro/Con:Pro/Con Sample EssayDownload Pro/Con Sample EssayPro/Con WorksheetDownload Pro/Con Worksheet("Ice Baths for Athletes" Captioned VersionLinks to an external site.)(08:17 mins, "Ice Baths for Athletes" TranscriptLinks to an external site.)("The COVID Vaccine" Captioned VersionLinks to an external site.)(03:32 mins, "The COVID Vaccine" TranscriptLinks to an external site.)Misconception:Misconception Sample EssayDownload Misconception Sample EssayMisconception WorksheetDownload Misconception Worksheet("The Hot Coffee Case" Captioned VersionLinks to an external site.)(10:56 mins, "The Hot Coffee Case" TranscriptLinks to an external site.)("Dungeons & Dragons" Captioned VersionLinks to an external site.)(13:13 mins, "Dungeons & Dragons" TranscriptLinks to an external site.)Problem/Solutions:Problem/Solutions Sample EssayDownload Problem/Solutions Sample EssayProblem/Solutions WorksheetDownload Problem/Solutions Worksheet("Vaccines: An Unhealthy Skepticism" Captioned VersionLinks to an external site.)(12:22 mins, "Vaccines: An Unhealthy Skepticism" TranscriptLinks to an external site.)("Helping a Grieving Friend" Captioned VersionLinks to an external site.)(03:59 mins, "Helping a Grieving Friend" TranscriptLinks to an external site.)Complete the worksheet.You will be watching a video and reading a sample essay as part of the worksheet.Submit your completed worksheet by the due date.RubricEssay and Video Structure Analysis RubricEssay and Video Structure Analysis RubricCriteria Ratings PtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeVideo AnalysisStudent thoughtfully answers each of the four questions about the structure of the video.8 to >7.5 ptsExcellent7.5 to >6.5 ptsGood6.5 to >5.5 ptsSatisfactory5.5 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete8 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEssay Analysis: Introduction & ThesisStudent thoughtfully answers each the questions and paraphrases or quotes the thesis of the essay.2 to >1.8 ptsExcellent1.8 to >1.6 ptsGood1.6 to >1.4 ptsSatisfactory1.4 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete2 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEssay Analysis: BodyStudent summarizes the main idea of each paragraph in the essay in 1-2 sentences.6 to >5.5 ptsExcellent5.5 to >4.5 ptsGood4.5 to >4.0 ptsSatisfactory4 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete6 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEssay Analysis: Conclusion & Connection to ThesisStudent thoughtfully answers each the questions about the conclusion and the overall essay's coherence (i.e. connection back to the thesis).2 to >1.8 ptsExcellent1.8 to >1.6 ptsGood1.6 to >1.4 ptsSatisfactory1.4 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete2 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeEssay Analysis: ReflectionStudent thoughtfully reflects on how they can apply what they learned from the essay in their own writing.2 to >1.8 ptsExcellent1.8 to >1.6 ptsGood1.6 to >1.4 ptsSatisfactory1.4 to >0.0 ptsNeeds Improvement0 ptsIncomplete

W12 Assignment: Explanatory Synthesis Draft (and Peer Reviews)Start AssignmentDue Sunday by 9:59am Points 30 Submitting a file upload Available Nov 12 at 10am - Dec 10 at 9:59amTask: Compose a first draft of your Explanatory Synthesis Essay, review it, and submit a revised draft.Purpose: Ensure timely progress towards the final draft.InstructionsPlease remember this is a time-sensitive assignment. Rough drafts that are not submitted on time may forfeit the opportunity to receive peer reviews. Because of the way Canvas assigns peer reviews, there are no exceptions to this rule.Compose an initial draft of your Explanatory Synthesis Essay of your chosen topic that meets the following criteria:Audience: You are writing this essay for your instructor and classmates.Purpose: You are writing the essay to show you can choose a topic, find research, and synthesize ideas.Tone: Your writing for this essay should be objective and balanced (mostly informative, but can include some persuasion).Genre: This is a research paper.Content:A strong thesis that includes your purpose and outlines how you will organize your paper to suit that purpose.Body paragraphs that fit the scope of your essay approach and provide quotes and examples from your research to support the claim of the thesis.A conclusion summarizing your paper.Formatting:At least four full pages of writing (this does not include the title page or the references page)Uses APA formatLinks to an external site.. Use the APA Template Download APA Templatefor more guidance in formatting.We do require a title page for this essay. Please use the template provided in the Unit Introduction to ensure you have formatted this page correctly. You can also review APA title page guidelines here: Purdue OWL APA.References must be listed in alphabetical order.Review your draft.Downloadthe Explanatory Synthesis Essay Draft Worksheet Download Explanatory Synthesis Essay Draft Worksheet.Review your draft by completing the worksheet.Do not submit this worksheet. It is for your personal use only. It will help you to do your best work on the Explanatory Synthesis Essay (worth 35% of your grade).Submit your draft by the due date (in a Word or a PDF file only).As long as you submit on time, you will be assigned two classmates' papers to review, and two of your classmates will review your draft. Canvas will automatically assign you two essays to review once the due date passes.By the middle of next week, you will submit a worksheet with your feedback to your assigned classmates.You will need to submit the worksheet twice: first to your classmates (through this assignment) and second to your instructor (in the peer review assignment). For more information on how to do this, see the W13 Peer Review of the Explanatory Synthesis assignment.A note on rough drafts: Feedback on rough drafts comes from the peer review process only. Your instructor will complete a rubric to indicate whether you have completed the draft, but your instructor will not leave written feedback on your draft. The focus is on peer review. You will receive feedback from your instructor on your final draft.RubricExplanatory Synthesis Draft RubricExplanatory Synthesis Draft RubricCriteria Ratings PtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLengthThe draft fits the length requirements of this assignment.25 to >24.0 ptsFull Marks24 to >0.0 ptsPartially fulfilled0 ptsNo Marks25 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContentThe draft's content fits the assignment description.5 to >4.0 ptsFull Marks4 to >0.0 ptsPartially fulfilled0 ptsNo Marks5 ptsTotal Points: 30PreviousNextCOPYRIGHT 2023 BRIGHAM YOUNG UNIVERSITY-IDAHO

This is a graded discussion: 16 points possibledue Nov 30 at 9:59amW12 Discussion: Tentative Introduction and Thesis Statement1515 unread replies.1515 replies.Task: Analyze other writers' introductions and thesis statements.Purpose: Learn proficiency in writing a thesis for the Explanatory Synthesis paper. The discussion boards are a place for you to experiment with your new learning. Don't be afraid to make mistakes as you experiment with different writing skills. You will receive formative feedback from your instructor to help you improve. OverviewFor most undergraduate research papers like the Explanatory Synthesis, the introduction will be one strong paragraph (or sometimes two paragraphs) at the beginning of your paper, and the thesis will be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph. There are great sample introductions and thesis statements in these Explanatory Synthesis Introduction Download Explanatory Synthesis Introductionexamples.Keep in mind that as you write your thesis statement, it should reflect the overall structure of the paper you are writing. For some sample thesis templates, see the table below.Pro/Con Problem & Solutions MisconceptionThesis Template While                  offers many exciting opportunities, it also has the potential to cause some serious problems. That is why it is essential to understand both the benefits and drawbacks of                 .Many people wonder what to do about                 . There are both benefits and drawbacks to               , and it's important to consider both before making a final decision. Many people wonder "What can be done about                  ? In order to answer this question, it's important to first define what                  is, how it works, why it is a problem, and what can be done about it.Clearly,                  is a major problem in our world today. But like many problems, it is complicated, and it's important to look at many possible solutions for addressing                 .Many people believe                 , but it's important to challenge this assumption. This paper will explain why and how we can gain new perspective on                 .While many people have good reasons for thinking                 , it's important to recognize other ways to view this important issue. This paper will cover what                 means, why it matters, and what we can do to change perceptions of                 .InstructionsWrite a draft for an introduction and thesis statement for your Explanatory Synthesis. Remember that this is just a draft! your classmates' feedback should help you know how to revise and improve it. As you write remember thatYour introduction should be one paragraph (or perhaps two) that introduces your topic in an interesting way.The thesis should be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph(s).

W12: Writing PracticeStart AssignmentDue Saturday by 9:59am Points 15 Submitting a file upload Available after Nov 18 at 10amScientific MethodOverviewTask: Review the material and write a response to the writing prompt.Purpose: Practice and improve your professional writing skills.Instructor: Is available to answer any questions you may have. This Week: Commitment to Scientific TruthListen to this podcast episode titled “The Basement TapesLinks to an external site.” from Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell.   TaskUsing your best writing, write a few paragraphs in response to this question, "Why is humility required when conducting scientific research?".RubricWriting Practice (1)Writing Practice (1)Criteria Ratings PtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMaterial responds to prompt appropriately.8 ptsFull Marks0 ptsNo Marks8 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting demonstrates the student practiced the week's skill.7 ptsFull Marks0 ptsNo Marks7 ptsTotal Points: 15

W12 ReflectionStart AssignmentDue Sunday by 9:59am Points 15 Submitting a website url or a file uploadOverviewTask: Write a well-written, professional entry in a reflective journal. Purpose: Reflect on learning.Instructor: Your instructor will grade your entry based on the rubric.InstructionsYour entry should include three paragraphs formatted as described below.Summary of the main ideas and topics of the week.A response to a specific reading, video, or activity. For instance, did something spark interest, surprise, anger, inspiration, or confusion? Reference the specific reading, video, or activity. Add your thoughts, and explain your reaction.Respond to the Week 12 prompt:Reflect on your own personal development in regards to self-reliance.Submit your reflection to this assignment.RubricReflection Journal Rubric (10)Reflection Journal Rubric (10)Criteria Ratings PtsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent10 ptsStrongThe reflection is personal. It includes thoughtful applications and examples from this week's content. The responses to the three reflection questions are complete and thorough. There is a clear presence of reflection. This usually comes in the form of goals, questions, and applications to personal development.9 ptsVery GoodThe reflection is personal. It includes applications and examples from this week's content. The responses to the three reflection questions are complete. There is a clear presence of reflection.8 ptsGoodThe reflection includes some personal thought. Applications and examples from this week's content are included. Responses to the three reflection questions are included and each is understandable. Some reflection is evident.7 ptsAcceptableThe reflection includes some applications and examples from this week's content. The responses to the three reflection questions need more detail or thought.6 ptsPoorWriting demonstrates a shallow attempt at reflections. Examples and applications of content from this week are vague and/or absent. Responses are too short to provide substantial reflection.0 ptsUnsatisfactoryLittle to no effort is evident in the journal reflection.10 ptsThis criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCollege-level writing5 ptsStrongThe writing is very clear and well organized. The reflection is logically organized into three sections, one for each question. Writing is free of grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.4.5 ptsVery GoodThe writing is clear and organized. The reflection is organized into three sections, one for each question. Writing has very few grammar, spelling, and /or punctuation errors.4 ptsGoodThe writing is organized and contains a coherent answer for each question. Writing has few grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation errors.3.5 ptsAcceptableThe writing could be on a higher level, but is somewhat organized and contains an understandable answer for each question. Writing has some grammar, spelling, and/or punctuation errors.3 ptsPoorWriting level is low and unprofessional. Thoughts are unclear and unorganized. The required format was not followed. Writing contains numerous grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.2 ptsInadequateThe writing level is very poor. The answers are difficult to understand or are not included.5 pts