Assignment 3

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Assignment 3
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“Every parent or person in place of a parent of a child is justified in using force by way of correction towards a child if that force is reasonable in the circumstances.” (s59, Crimes Act)
In 2007, the Crimes Act was re-written to remove this “reasonable force” defence of violence against children, resulting in a recent referendum about physical discipline of children. Write an argument essay (800-900 words) in which you either argue for or against this change to the Crimes Act.
Special requirements:
1. You must define any key terms you use.

2. You must include at least 1 quotation, 1 paraphrase, and 1 summary. (Please write Q, P, and S  in the margin next to them for clear identification.)  Each one must come from a different source and each must be properly referenced in APA or MLA style.

3. Your assignment must include a correctly presented bibliography of at least 5 sources, with a maximum of 1 book, 1 newspaper and 1 magazine article (ie. aim for a variety of sources). 

Assignment 3 distributed:   August 26

Peer review of Assignment 3:  Week of September 21-25. Arrange a time with your peer reviewer.

Due Date:    Friday, October 2,  4pm.
Submit at Level 8, Fisher Bldg, Waterloo Quadrant. Include cover sheet, first draft, completed Student Reader Report, and labelled final draft.

 

Remember: Your tone should be formal, even if your sources are not, and your arguments
should be well grounded, even if you think your sources are not.

 

Assignment 3 - Assessment Guidelines

1.  CONTENT
 Good understanding of subject, main issues effectively summarised
Clear thesis statement, purpose of essay clear to reader
 Definitions included, where necessary
Strong, well-structured arguments
 Main ideas well supported with evidence, examples etc.
 Writer shows awareness of other positions (counter-arguments)
 Counter-arguments well refuted 

2.  ORGANISATION
 Effective introduction
Paragraphs well ordered
 Topic sentences used effectively
 Transitions and links well managed
 Clearly stated, relevant conclusion
 No unnecessary repetition or irrelevant information

3.  MECHANICS
 Sentences clearly & efficiently constructed,
 Spelling, punctuation, word use correct
 At least 3 sources effectively incorporated into essay
 In-text citations correct
 Bibliography entries correct

4.  STYLE
 Tone appropriate to formal academic writing
 Writer appears interested in and committed to topic (strong “voice”)

5.  PRESENTATION
On time, complete with cover sheet, early drafts, completed Student Reader Report and labelled “Final Draft”, word count given.   

 

Assignment 3: Student Reader Report

Assignment Author:                                                     Reader:
Submit this form (completed by your peer reviewer) together with Assignment 3.
1.  Sum up the main idea of the essay here, then check this with the writer.

 

2.  Which of the following qualities does this writing have most of? Choose at least 3:

• Thorough research 
• Good understanding of issues 
•  Sources used really add something to essay
• Convincing – good arguments, good evidence, sense of balance
• Originality
• Interest
• Organisation – very clear and easy to follow
• Effectively written
• Good mechanics – writing is always correct (grammar, spelling, punctuation)

3.  Comment on the introduction:
Does it make a contract with the reader? Does it state the topic, the main idea, and indicate the structure of the essay? Does it draw you into the topic?

 
4.  Comment on topic sentences:
Do they directly support the thesis statement? Are they clearly worded, and succinct? Do they contain 1 main idea? Any problems? 

5.  Comment on supporting evidence, examples, detail
What kind of evidence is used? Is more needed? Where? Are main ideas clearly supported and explained? Is the relevance and source of the evidence provided?   

 

6. Comment on the counter-arguments & refutations:
Has the writer chosen the strongest counter-arguments? Have they refuted them effectively - ie. shown why they are irrelevant / logically weak etc. Are there other points the writer should consider?       

 
7.  Comment on the conclusion:
Does it do what a good conclusion should? 

 

8.  Is the referencing (in-text, and bibliography) done correctly?
Has the writer clearly referenced sources in the text? Are there at least 5 entries in the bibliography? Is all necessary information included, in the correct order and format?

 
9.  Anything missing? Doubts? Unanswered questions? Other comments:

 
10.   Has the writer included a word count, 800-900 words?