Spring 2015
Writing Assignment #1 (Compare and Contrast)
Weight on Grade:
Rough Drafts Due:
Final Draft Due Date:
Word Length:
Formatting:
William Murray
10 percent
1/25/15 11:59 p.m. (Assignments Folder)
2/8/15 11:59 p.m. (Assignments Folder)
1,000-1,200 words
APA Style (Times New Roman 12 point font, paragraph first sentence indented five to seven spaces, cover page)
Students have six options in writing this compare-and-contrast essay:
The first option is to write a comparison-contrast essay on Karen Head and Thomas Friedman’s perspectives on the topic of MOOCs and their ability to deliver writing instruction online.
The second option is to write an essay in which you take the role of Karen Head and respond to Thomas
Friedman and David Brooks on the topic of MOOCs and their ability to deliver writing instruction online.
The third option is to write a comparison-contrast essay on Neil Postman and Thomas Friedman’s viewpoints on the topic of MOOCs and their ability to deliver writing instruction online.
The fourth option is to write an essay in which you take the role of Neil Postman and respond to Thomas
Friedman and David Brooks on the topic of MOOCs and their ability to deliver writing instruction online.
The fifth option is to write an essay in which you take the role of Kate Keifer and respond to Thomas
Friedman and David Brooks on the topic of online writing instruction in general and on whether MOOCs are able to deliver writing instruction online.
The sixth option is to write a comparison-contrast essay on the ideas of parenting of Amy Chua and of
Hanna Rosin. This option does not involve analyzing MOOCs or online education at all. It might be a nice option if you do not prefer to write on the topic of MOOCs or online education.
Please consult http://info.umuc.edu/academicwrtg/WRTG101_101S/wa1_WRTG101_101S_options_.html for more details, including the essays and articles you should write about.
Grading Rubric:
Introduction and thesis: Topic is introduced in an engaging way and essay has a clear and effective thesis statement. (10 points)
Body content: Essay supports the thesis statement with strong, well-reasoned support. (30 points) Body organization: Body Organization: Essay is logically organized into focused paragraphs. (15 points) Conclusion: Essay has an effective concluding paragraph that reflects and/or looks forward. (10 points) Sources: Essay gives credit to the source authors by citing the authors' names in parentheses for all quotes and paraphrases. (5 points)
Mechanics: Essay uses standard English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and diction. (25 points)
Essay length and format: Essay is 1000-1200 words (5 points)
Help/Question: Please contact me at william.murray@faculty.umuc.edu or 240-418-5427.
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