Expectations for Academic Essays (Heidi Blocker)

In this quiz, we will establish and review expectations for academic essays in this class. Please read the following before you take the quiz.  

You may quote your textbook or other academic articles.

• You must cite your sources (tell where you got the words you're quoting). For your textbook, the in-text citation will look like this: (Santrock, 2010, p#).  
• You may use quotes to define terms, to back up your point, and to provide evidence. 
• You must also express your own original thoughts and understanding.
• An essay made of copying from the book, the slides, or a website will result in a zero grade.
• No Wikipedia or dictionary. Use academic articles, the slides or textbook.  

Substance counts more than length. A good rule of thumb: it is your job to make me understand that you understand. 

• You do not have to write a long essay. The guideline is a 1.5-2 pages, double spaced. It can be shorter if it gives all the information asked for and expresses your understanding with an explanation. 
• Remember to answer the question(s) asked. If you just give irrelevant information, you won't get credit, no matter how much information there is.
• If your essay is just a long list of concepts without explaining how you understand them, you won't get credit. I'd rather have the questions answered in-depth than lists.  

College-level discourse

• If asked to provide reasons, please evaluate concepts and think critically, then explain why you think the way you do. You can give quotes from your book or academic articles to support your reasons.
• You may give examples from your life. However, just giving opinions, feelings and life stories, without thinking critically and providing evidence, will not get full credit.
• Keep your essays, assignments and examples related to course content. 

Style counts.

• Double space, 12 point Times New Roman font. 
• I am not a stickler for grammar, but I cannot give credit if I don't understand your writing.
• Keep it professional. No swearing etc. 
• Double check the APA Style Guide Handout when siting sources