192.102
Instructions for Assignment 1
Academic Essay
Purpose
To show your ability to answer an assignment question by researching appropriate information from Massey University’s library or online sources, organise content into an essay structure, write coherent sentences and paragraphs using clear vocabulary and grammar, and format your writing to tertiary-level academic standards.
Assignment question
Choose an issue in New Zealand society that is under some prolonged public debate or controversy (i.e., a difference in informed opinion). See the next page for topic ideas.
Write an argumentative essay explaining why the issue is controversial and state your position or stance on the issue. Explain your reasons for supporting one side of the controversy over the other, using evidence and argument from your readings.
Find at least five (5) “academic” sources (i.e., scholarly readings written by experts or organisations) to support the statements in your essay. Please use English language sources only to ensure that you see how academic words and phrases are used in writing. Include a reference list at the end of your essay.
Word limit
Between 1200-1500 words (include a word count) (see the sample student essays at the end of this document)
Due date
See 192102 Stream assessments page
How do I format and submit my assignment?
- Submit as an MS Word docx file. Use the following link, https://cloudconvert.com/ to convert pdf or pages documents
- 12-point font (Arial, Times New Roman, etc.)
- Include page numbers and a word count
- Make sure that you include your full name and student ID number
For APA 7 formatting help, use the following link: https://owll.massey.ac.nz/referencing/apa-interactive.php
Topics for your essay assignment
Choose a topic that is current, controversial and affects a large part of New Zealand society. Browse websites from TV news stations (TV1, TV3), newspapers (NZ Herald, the Dominion Post), magazines (North & South, The Listener), for topic ideas, but do NOT use them as your primary sources.
Examples of “controversial” topics:
Should the legal age limit for driving be increased or kept the same?
Should the legal age limit for drinking be increased or kept the same?
Should the legal age limit for smoking be increased or kept the same?
Should marijuana be legalised?
Should the death penalty be introduced?
Should euthanasia be banned?
Should dairy farming be limited in New Zealand?
Should offshore seabed mining be allowed?
Should nuclear energy be prohibited in New Zealand?
Should investment in cryptocurrencies be banned?
Should only New Zealand residents be allowed to purchase property?
Should a capital gains tax be introduced?
Should construction on flood plains be banned?
Should all companies be forced to reduce their use of plastic?
Should online shoppers be taxed?
Should human gene editing (CRISPR technology) be banned?
Should fluoride be introduced into public water systems?
Should the government be responsible for funding meals in public schools?
Should caregivers be funded by the government?
Should the development of artificial intelligence be strictly regulated?
Should violent computer games be banned?
Should children’s access to screen time be limited?
Should children have access to social media?
Other topics? Please check with your instructor first before writing your essay!
Checklist for your essay assignment
o I have chosen a “controversial” topic, and I have argued for one side of the issue in my essay.
o I have used content from trustworthy academic sources.
o I have included content from New Zealand sources, provided examples that relate to the New Zealand context, or discussed the impact of the controversy on New Zealand.
o I have written a clear essay structure with easily identifiable introduction, body and conclusion sections.
o Each paragraph has a single and clear focus.
o I have written clear topic sentences and used appropriate transition words.
o I have submitted my own work. I have used my own words and have not copied the text from the original source(s).
o I have included my sources in the body of my essay (i.e., in-text references) and a reference list is added at the end of my assignment.
o I have formatted my source references following APA 7 (see https://owll.massey.ac.nz/referencing/apa-interactive.php for formatting help).
o I have proofread my writing to use more academic vocabulary and fixed any grammar mistakes.
o I have checked my assignment for spelling, punctuation, and capitalisation mistakes.
o I have included a word count.
o I have used 1.5 line spacing and used a consistent font style. and size.