Task Details
The aim of this assignment is to choose a contentious issue that interests you and carry out detailed research. You will use your research to write an academic essay.
Task 1 – (Independent Study 1.1).
Select a subject in consultation with your tutor – the subject matter should be contentious and open to discussion. Write a 250 word paragraph where you explain why you chose your area of study.
Task 2: - (Developing your Research Skills – 2.3).
1. Complete the 13 tasks on the ‘Information Search’ document to identify useful sources of information.
2. Conclude your research by writing a piece of around 250 words that explains the advantages and disadvantages of accessing information from different sources.
Task 3: - (Developing your Research Skills – 1.1 and 1.2).
1. Appropriately complete the supplied action plan to enable you to meet the requirements of this assignment (1.1).
2. Complete the assignment by the specified deadline (1.2).
Task 4: (Academic Writing Skills 1.1 and Developing your Research Skills 2.1, 2.2, 3.1 & 5.1).
Create a portfolio that gathers and organises your research (Developing your Research Skills 2.1). Your research portfolio must contain the following sections:
A. Your completed Information Search document.
B. Highlighted & annotated copies of texts, journal, magazine or newspaper articles.
C. Evidence of various forms of note-taking. To include:
a. Notes which identify the key points contained in the sources that you have read (Academic Writing Skills 1.1).
b. Notes where you have paraphrased & summarised information from sources (Developing your Research Skills 2.2 & 5.1).
c. Accurate referencing using the Harvard system (Developing your Research Skills 3.1).
N.B: Use a minimum of three text books in addition to a range of other sources. As this is an academic piece of work you must use “academic” well researched texts and avoid using articles from popular “pulp” magazines and newspapers and other unreliable sources.
Task 5: (Academic Writing Skills – 2.1).
1. Produce an initial plan for your essay using a mindmap.
2. Extend this into a detailed plan (introduction, main body & conclusion) which will allow you to effectively organise the content of your essay.
Task 6: (Academic Writing Skills – 2.2).
Compose a draft copy of your essay which shows evidence of editing. Aim for about 800 words. Deadline...................................................
Task 7: (Academic Writing Skills 3.1, 3.2 & 3.3, 4.1, 4.2 &5.1. Developing your Research Skills 2.2 & 4.1. Independent Study 2.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2 & 5.1).
Using your portfolio, mindmap and draft plan write an academic essay on your chosen contentious topic. This should be word-processed comprising a minimum of 2,000 words (+/- 10%).
Your essay must include the following:
- Evidence that you have compared and contrasted arguments and can critically evaluate information (Independent study 3.2 and Developing your Research Skills 2.2).
- Evidence that you have analysed information from a range of resources (Independent Study 2.1).
Style & presentation:
Your report will also be assessed on its style and presentation. Show evidence of your ability to:
- Write in the third person and show awareness of your audience (Academic Writing 4.1 and 4.2).
- Write and convey your ideas with clarity and detail (Academic Writing 3.1).
- Write good English in terms of sentence structure, punctuation, paragraphing, spelling and grammar (Academic Writing 3.2).
- Present your essay clearly to include 12 point font, double-spacing, margins, page numbers, running header, title and author etc. (Academic Writing 3.3).
Accurately reference your sources both in the report and in a reference list using the Harvard System (Academic Writing 5.1, Independent Study 4.1).
Unit learning objectives and assessment criteria.
Academic Writing Skills
Learning Outcomes (L2) | Assessment Criteria (L2) |
1. Record information from a range of sources. | 1.1. Apply note taking skills to record key information from a range of sources. |
2. Structure information and opinion effectively. | 2.1. Use a plan to organise the content of a piece of writing 2.2. Produce a draft which shows evidence of editing 2.3. Use a structured framework for extended writing, which conveys ideas and meaning. |
3. Present information and opinion in a written format. | 3.1. Communicate with clarity to convey meaning 3.2. Follow conventions of sentence structure, punctuation, paragraphing, spelling and grammar 3.3. Present assignments in an appropriate format. |
4. Use language, style and conventions appropriate to academic writing. | 4.1. Use a style and register which is appropriate. 4.2. Use first, second and third person as appropriate. |
5. Understand a standard form of referencing | 5.1. Use a standard form of referencing. |
Developing Your Research Skills
Learning Outcomes L2 | Assessment Criteria L2 |
1. Manage own time to complete given task within defined time scales. | 1.1. Devise an action plan that allocates time to the main requirements of the task 1.2. Complete the given task within the defined time-scale. |
2. Know the various resources available to obtain the required information. | 2.1. Gather evidence, outlining different perspectives and/or arguments for the given task 2.2. Select relevant information from a range of sources 2.3. Outline the advantages and disadvantages of accessing information from different sources according to the given task. |
3. Record all sources of information gathered. | 1.1. Appropriately reference all information gathered from the research for the given task. |
4. Understand the specific terminology relating to the task. | 4.1. Demonstrate the use of the specific terminology in the correct context. |
5. Conduct research into the subject. | 5.1. Record and combine information, incorporating paraphrasing and summarising techniques. |
Independent Study
Learning Outcomes (L2) | Assessment Criteria (L2) |
1. Design a small scale independent study | 1.1. Identify an area for study |
2. Draw together material from a range of sources. | 2.1. Identify information from a range of sources. |
3. Use data to substantiate an argument. | 3.1. Outline an answer to the question formulated 3.2. Provide data which addresses the question |
4. Record sources of information | 4.1. Use a standard form of referencing 4.2. Use a range of terminology and/or techniques to present data |
5. Present a written analysis of the study | 5.1. Provide a descriptive summary of the findings of the study. |
Academic Writing Skills
Learning Outcomes (L3) | Assessment Criteria (L3) |
1. Record information from a range of sources. | 1.1. Use note taking skills to prioritise key points from a range of sources. |
2. Record information from a range of sources. | 2.1. Develop a detailed plan to organise the content of extended writing 2.2. Produce a draft which shows evidence of appropriate editing 2.3. Develop a coherent and structured framework for extended writing, which conveys ideas and meaning effectively. |
3. Present information and opinion in a written format. | 3.1. Communicate with clarity and detail to convey meaning 3.2. Write with accuracy, following conventions of sentence structure, punctuation, paragraphing, spelling and grammar 3.3. Present assignments in an appropriate format. |
4. Use language, style and conventions appropriate to academic writing. | 4.1. Use appropriate style and register which shows an awareness of audience 4.2. Use first, second and third person appropriately and consistently. |
5. Understand a standard form of referencing | 5.1. Use accurately a standard form of referencing that reflects a range of sources. |
Developing Your Research Skills
Learning Outcomes L3 | Assessment Criteria L3 |
4. Manage own time to complete given task within defined time scales. | 1.1. Prepare and explain an action plan that allocates time to the main requirements of the task 1.2. Complete the given task within the defined time-scale. |
5. Know the various resources available to obtain the required information. | 2.1. Gather and organise evidence, explaining different perspectives and/or arguments for the given task 2.2. Select and critically evaluate relevant information from a range of sources 2.3. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of accessing information from different sources according to the given task. |
6. Record all sources of information gathered. | 3.1. Clearly and appropriately reference all information gathered from the research for the given task. |
7. Understand the specific terminology relating to the task. | 4.1. Demonstrate the use of the specific terminology in the correct context consistently. |
8. Conduct research into the subject. | 5.1. Record and combine information independently and with discrimination, incorporating paraphrasing and summarising techniques. |
Independent Study
Learning Outcomes (L3) | Assessment Criteria (L3) |
1. Design a small scale independent study. | 1.1. Identify and explain the rationale for a clearly focused area of study. |
2. Draw together material from a range of sources. | 2.1. Analyse information from a wide range of sources. |
3. Use data to substantiate an argument. | 3.1. Summarise a relevant and analytical argument 3.2. Critically compare the importance of data which is relevant to the argument. |
4. Record sources of information. | 4.1. Use a standard form of referencing 4.2. Use a range of terminology and /or techniques to present data. |
5. Present a written analysis of the study. | 5.1. Draw conclusions from the data and present the findings of the study. |
Grading descriptors.
Grade Descriptor | Developing Your Research Skills | Academic Writing Skills | Independent Study | |
1 | Understanding of the subject | |||
2 | Application of knowledge | |||
3 | Application of skills | |||
4 | Use of information | |||
5 | Communication and Presentation | |||
6 | Autonomy/ | |||
7 | Quality |
