Assignment
Write a 1000- to 1,500-word essay (not counting title or reference page material) about the topic you have been working with over the last several weeks.
? Childhood Obesity - How can child obesity rates best be reduced?
Explain why you have selected this topic? What interests you academically or personally about your topic?
What do you already know about the topic?
What questions about this topic would you like to investigate? What challenges do you anticipate as you develop your essay throughout the writing process?
• Incorporate at least two research (college library) sources.
Use the APA Sample Paper Template to help format your final paper in APA format. You will combine your body paragraphs, introduction, conclusion, and references into the provided template.
The final essay must contain the following:
• APA title page
• An introductory paragraph
• Three to four main body paragraphs that include topic sentences and transitional sentences
• A conclusion paragraph
• At least one direct quote of fewer than 50 words
• At least one paraphrased source
• In text citations
• APA reference page at the end of the paper including at least two sources
• Paper must be written in third person academic voice.
Refer to the Checklist for additional help with your final revisions below.
Submit
The Big Picture
1. Is the topic fully researched, using credible sources without plagiarism?
• Look for: Correctly cited research and more than one source used.
• Avoid: Wikipedia or stores you have heard from people.
2. Does the essay use exact language appropriate for the audience?
• For academic papers, keep in mind the following:
o Avoid slang.
o Avoid overly casual language.
o Avoid contractions.
o Avoid "text message" style abbreviations.
o Avoid clichés.
o Be careful with words that sound alike but have different meanings.
o Be sure to choose words with the connotations you want; for example:
• Incorrect: vanity
• Correct: pride
o Use specific words rather than overly general words:
• Incorrect: The big company made a lot of bad waste.
• Correct: The global company spewed expansive amounts of toxic waste.
3. Does the essay have at least five paragraphs: an introductory paragraph, at least three body paragraphs that are logically arranged, and a conclusion paragraph?
4. Do the paragraphs and sentences move smoothly and logically from one to the next, using transitions as needed?
5. Does the essay avoid unnecessary words or repetition?
The Thesis Statement
1. Is the thesis statement-the main point of the essay-clearly recognizable in the introductory paragraph? Remember: The thesis statement is usually placed at the end of the introduction.
2. Does the thesis statement have a topic and three distinct supporting points? Remember: Each supporting point should be its own thought-they should not overlap.
The Introduction
1. Does the introduction convey the essay's subject?
2. Does the introduction use one of the following hooks to grab the reader's attention?
• Does it include something they do not already know, such as a revealing fact, statistic, or definition?
• Does it tell a story?
• Does it ask a question?
• Does it include an interesting comparison?
• Does it use a quotation?
3. Does the introduction avoid flat statements of intention, such as "The purpose of this essay is..."?
Body Paragraphs
1. Do the body paragraphs directly relate to the thesis statement?
2. Does each body paragraph have a distinct topic sentence that is supported in the paragraph?
Conclusion
1. Is the conclusion a short summary of the essay with no new information?
2. Does the conclusion end in an interesting way by using one of the following techniques?
• Does it ask a question that provokes thought?
• Does it predict the future?
• Does it offer a solution to a problem?
• Does it call the reader to action?
• Does it include a quotation?
• Is it a full-circle conclusion-does it reference a theme from the introduction?
Title
1. Does each body paragraph have a distinct topic sentence that is supported in the paragraph?
2. Does the title make the reader want to read the essay?