ASSESSMENT AND INTERNAL VERIFICATION FRONT SHEET (Individual Criteria) Course Title Advanced Diploma in IT Lecturer Name & Surname Unit Number & Title Assignment Number, Title / Type 2: Analytical Essay; home assignment Date Set Deadline Date Student Name ID Number Class / Group Assessment Criteria Maximum Mark Criterion 3.2: Apply a valid and coherent argument in a contextual application. /7 Criterion 3.4: Express formal logic, conditionals, and argument construction in a written format. /5 Criterion 4.1: Prepare a written paper using academic sources of information. /7 Criterion 4.2: Compose a well-researched and well-referenced argument on a vocational topic. /10 Criterion 4.3: Demonstrate both valid and invalid types of argument in a written format. /7 Criterion 4.4: Apply critical thinking in a vocational application. /7 Total Mark: /43 Notes to Students: Assignment Guidelines • Prepare a research-based essay plan for this assignment and produce a persuasive analytical essay. • This assignment assesses criteria from Learning Outcomes 3 and 4. The criteria evaluated are listed on the front sheet and carry 43 marks. • The marking rubric at the end of this assignment indicates the marks distribution. • The analytical essay is a home-based assignment. • Use the Harvard Style Guide for your references and in-text citations. Your work must be typed in Calibri size 12 and 1.5 line spacing. Do not forget your name, ID number, and class group on the front sheet. In all tasks, use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Learning objectives: Learning Outcome 3: Present valid and coherent arguments within a contextual framework. Learning Outcome 4: Construct objective, analytical arguments and conclusions that are well supported by relevant use of information, evidence, and data, in written form. Assignment Guidelines for Task 1: The Essay Plan (7 marks) Choose an essay question from the list provided and conduct academic research to plan and write a persuasive analytical essay between 1200 – 1500 words. If you want to create your own title, discuss it with your lecturer for its approval. Before you compose the final essay, you must submit an essay plan. An essay plan presents a logical overview of your arguments, counterarguments, refutations, and evidence. Include all eight academic references in the essay plan. You need to refer to a minimum of eight sources of information to support your claims. You are to use the essay plan template provided by your lecturer and type your plan in your own words and bullet-point format. Complete each section, and write down the authors’ last names, year of publication and the URL link or publication details. Assignment Guidelines for Task 2: The Persuasive Analytical Essay (36 marks) Using the points listed in your essay plan, argue your position (opinion) on the issue. Support your idea with three relevant arguments and three counterarguments to demonstrate your critical thinking skills. You are to follow the persuasive analytical essay structure (as suggested on the next page) and write in an academic style. Also, use accurate grammar, spelling and punctuation. To support your position and present a convincing argument, conduct academic research using reliable sources such as journal databases. Paraphrase in-text citations in your own words, although you may include direct quotes; keep these to a minimum. In addition to supporting your position, research three counterarguments to present valid opposing arguments. Accurate referencing is required. Your essay should include a minimum of 8 references cited within your essay and listed in your Reference List according to the Harvard Style Guide. Essays under the word limit by 10% will be penalised. Use either Calibri or Times New Roman, font size 12, and 1.5 cm spacing for your essay. Essay Topics 1. Should information technologies and Internet availability make work from home the norm? Discuss. Essay plan template Title of Essay: Introduction: • Some background info. about the subject • Your essay’s thesis statement References used for your introduction Body: • Info. to include in your body which you found from several sources, e.g., articles, websites, online newspapers, academic articles • Arguments, counterarguments, rebuttals References used for your body Conclusion: • Summary of main ideas of your essay • A recommendation for the way forward regarding what you discussed in your essay References used for your conclusion Essay structure: Persuasive Analytical Essay Introduction: Introduction Background information (general sentence/s about subject) Background information (specific sentence on the topic). Thesis statement (your position/opinion) Outline (three arguments that support your thesis). Body Paragraph 1: Argument 1 (topic sentence). Firstly, … Supporting sentences (evidence, examples & in-text citations). For example, … Counter argument. However, some may argue that … Refutation (rebuts the counterargument, then emphasises why the main argument is more substantial). Although this may be true, … Concluding sentence: Thus, … Paragraph 2: Argument 2 (topic sentence). Secondly…. Supporting sentences (evidence, examples & in-text citations). For example, … Counter argument. On the other hand, some may argue that… Refutation (rebuts the counterargument, then emphasises why the main argument is more substantial). Although this may be true, … Concluding sentence: Thus, … Paragraph 3: Argument 3 (topic sentence). Thirdly…. Supporting sentences (evidence, examples & in-text citations). For example, … Counter argument. In contrast, some may argue that… Refutation (rebuts the counterargument, then emphasises why the main argument is more substantial). Although this may be true, … Concluding sentence: Thus, … Conclusion: Summary of main ideas (outline). In conclusion, … The thesis statement re-stated. Thus, … Recommendation (optional). Therefore, …
