W13 Discussion: Revising the Introduction & Conclusion11 unread reply.88 replies.Task: Clarify and strengthen the introduction and conclusion of your paper.Purpose: To help one another write effective introductions and conclusions. 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. OverviewOne of the most important places to be careful of hedges and boosters is in the introduction (especially the thesis statement) and the conclusion of your paper. Using what you learned about hedges and boosters from the quiz, you'll work on revising your introduction and conclusion.First, watch these two videos on writing effective introductions and conclusions. The videos will give you several ideas for new approaches to an introduction and conclusion. While you don't have to completely change your current introduction or conclusion, you should consider whether or not some of these strategies could help you create a stronger first and last impression in your paper.Video 1: IntroductionsLinks to an external site. (12:36 mins, "Introductions" TranscriptLinks to an external site.) ("Introductions" Captioned VideoLinks to an external site.)Video 2: ConclusionsLinks to an external site. (06:18 mins, "Conclusions" TranscriptLinks to an external site.) ("Conclusions" Captioned VideoLinks to an external site.)You can also refer to the PowerPoint for Introductions and Conclusions Download PowerPoint for Introductions and Conclusionsif you'd like more time to look at the examples.InstructionsBe sure to take the quiz on Hedges and Boosters before posting in this discussion.Look at your introduction and try making it better. Even if you already feel your original introduction is strong, you can probably find at least one thing to improve. Look for the following:hedges (do you have too many, and are they weakening your ideas?)boosters (do you have too many, and are they creating over-generalizations or making you sound over zealous?)clear and interesting "hook"clear and direct thesis statementLook at your conclusion and try making it better. Even if you already feel your current conclusion is strong, you can probably find at least one thing to improve. Look for the following:hedges (do you have too many, and are they weakening your ideas?)boosters (do you have too many, and are they creating over-generalizations or making you sound over zealous?)connection back to the thesis statementconnection back to the interesting "hook" that you started withCompose an initial post in the discussion with your revised introduction and conclusion for the Explanatory Synthesis.Submit your initial post by the due date.

W13 Discussion: Revising the Introduction & Conclusion11 unread reply.88 replies.Task: Clarify and strengthen the introduction and conclusion of your paper.Purpose: To help one another write effective introductions and conclusions. 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. OverviewOne of the most important places to be careful of hedges and boosters is in the introduction (especially the thesis statement) and the conclusion of your paper. Using what you learned about hedges and boosters from the quiz, you'll work on revising your introduction and conclusion.First, watch these two videos on writing effective introductions and conclusions. The videos will give you several ideas for new approaches to an introduction and conclusion. While you don't have to completely change your current introduction or conclusion, you should consider whether or not some of these strategies could help you create a stronger first and last impression in your paper.Video 1: IntroductionsLinks to an external site. (12:36 mins, "Introductions" TranscriptLinks to an external site.) ("Introductions" Captioned VideoLinks to an external site.)Video 2: ConclusionsLinks to an external site. (06:18 mins, "Conclusions" TranscriptLinks to an external site.) ("Conclusions" Captioned VideoLinks to an external site.)You can also refer to the PowerPoint for Introductions and Conclusions Download PowerPoint for Introductions and Conclusionsif you'd like more time to look at the examples.InstructionsBe sure to take the quiz on Hedges and Boosters before posting in this discussion.Look at your introduction and try making it better. Even if you already feel your original introduction is strong, you can probably find at least one thing to improve. Look for the following:hedges (do you have too many, and are they weakening your ideas?)boosters (do you have too many, and are they creating over-generalizations or making you sound over zealous?)clear and interesting "hook"clear and direct thesis statementLook at your conclusion and try making it better. Even if you already feel your current conclusion is strong, you can probably find at least one thing to improve. Look for the following:hedges (do you have too many, and are they weakening your ideas?)boosters (do you have too many, and are they creating over-generalizations or making you sound over zealous?)connection back to the thesis statementconnection back to the interesting "hook" that you started withCompose an initial post in the discussion with your revised introduction and conclusion for the Explanatory Synthesis.Submit your initial post by the due date.

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

W12 Quiz: Integrating Sources, Strong Paragraphs, & TransitionsDue Nov 30 at 9:59am Points 12 Questions 7 Available Nov 12 at 10am - Dec 10 at 9:59am Time Limit None Allowed Attempts UnlimitedInstructionsTask: Complete a quiz on effectively integrating sources, creating strong paragraphs, and using transitions.Purpose: To help you integrate sources effectively, create strong paragraphs, and avoid plagiarism.InstructionsStudy the following content. Much of it is similar to content you've learned previously in the course, but since it's essential to have strong paragraphs in your essay, it is wise to review this material carefully.Integrating Evidence AppropriatelyDownload Integrating Evidence AppropriatelyTEES Paragraph StructureDownload TEES Paragraph StructureAPA Transitions GuideDownload APA Transitions GuideComplete the quiz by the due date.This quiz is open-book.You may take this quiz as many times as necessary. Canvas will keep the average of all your scores. Take the QuizPreviousNext

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

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