geography essay
GEO 3113 – A S S I G N M E N T – C O N T E M P O R A R Y G E O G R A P H I C IS S U E S ESSAY During the semester, you will research a contemporary geographic issue in one world region and
complete a three-page essay in which you will develop your own educated opinion about the issue.
This guide will help you complete this assignment.
Instructions for Paper – 100 points
1. Identify a Contemporary Geographic Issue in your selected world region. Conduct independent research to complete the essay, finding sources that allow you complete the
steps below:
2. Your three page essay must include the following elements: • A brief summary contemporary issue including a thesis statement that captures the
central tension in the geographic issue and its potential resolution(s). • A discussion of the historical background to the issue that connects decisions, trends, and
major actors in the past to present problems.
• A comparison and evaluation of the different perspectives or vantage points on the event/issue/problem.
• A conclusion where you express your educated opinion and suggestions for constructive ways to address the issue.
3. Your essay should be formatted as follows: • Name, date, and title of essay should be on the first page, single spaced, on the left hand
side.
• Lines are double spaced • Margins set to 1” – top, bottom, right, and left • Font type set to only Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman. Font size set to 12 pt. • Cite sources parenthetically using the Chicago (Turabian) style. Provide works cited on a
separate page.
Selected World Region: Europe
Exemplary Competent Developing
Paper Score
Pos Score
R e
q u
ir e
m e
n ts
The essay was turned in on time as indicated on this handout.
The essay uses standard formatting in regards to font type, font size, line spacing, and/or margins.
The essay includes identifying marks, but not as indicated.
The essay was turned in late.
The essay uses non-standard formatting in regards to font type, font size, line spacing, and/or margins.
The essay does not have proper identifying marks.
10
W ri
ti n
g Q
u al
it y
The introduction established the tone of the paper and contained a clear and focused thesis statement.
Grammar and style are used to effectively communicate the student’s thoughts.
The paper had a clear structure that effectively developed the main ideas through paragraphs that were logically sequenced with thoughtful transitions
There is a recognizable introduction, but the thesis is unclear and ambiguous.
Sentences are generally clear, with minimal spelling and grammatical errors.
Paragraphs are generally clear and/or focused, but not sequenced to build the analysis and/or transitioned to make connections between ideas and evidence.
There is no introduction that leads up to what follows and/or there is no clear thesis statement.
The essay contains numerous spelling and/or grammatical errors.
Some sentences were unclear, too long, or too short.
Paragraphs lack topic sentences, indentation, focus, and/or coherence.
30
C o
n te
n t
The essay clearly identifies contemporary issue in the region including the central tensions, primary actors, key ideas, and possible resolutions.
The essay provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context of the contemporary issues, connecting past decisions and trends to present problems.
The essay identifies and critically evaluates different vantage points of actors involved in the contemporary issue and possible resolutions.
The essay identifies the contemporary issues and the key components involved.
The essay provides an overview of the historical context of the contemporary issues without explicitly connecting the past to the present.
The essay identifies the different vantage points of actors involved in the contemporary issue.
The student states an educated opinion about the contemporary issue in the essay that flows for their analysis.
The essay identifies the contemporary issue without necessary detail.
The essay lists some relevant historical facts related to the contemporary issue.
The essay does not fully address all of the required steps in the summary, list/define, and/or analysis.
The student does/does not state an opinion about the contemporary issue.
60
The student formulated his/her own perspective on the issues in this essay.
TOTAL GRADE ON THIS ASSIGNEMENT 100