Heroin in Afghanistan Research Essay

MUF0012 English Unit 2

Research Paper

Essay using the SPSE structure This task follows on from Assessment 2 – Research Paper Outline. Using the information that you have gathered

form your research and the work you have done for your outline, you will now be required to write your research

paper. You are required to keep all notes and drafts as you work, as part of the MC Academic Integrity procedures.

You may be required to produce these at any time.

The process described below will help you to write this essay.

1. Read the feedback that your teacher provided on your outline. If you do not understand any elements of

the feedback you receive, it is your responsibility to ask for clarification.

2. Using your outline, and the feedback that has been provided, begin drafting your research paper.

3. Make sure that you are using the SPSE essay structure as you draft your paper.

4. If needed, complete additional research to fill any gaps that you or your teacher may have identified.

5. Once the first draft is written, you should spend time proof-reading and editing your work. Remember to

check your use of citations, paraphrasing and your reference list.

6. Once you have made revisions to your first draft, your teacher may ask you to partner with another

classmate so that they can read your research and provide feedback. You will do the same for them.

7. During the drafting period, your teacher will provide opportunities for you to receive feedback. This

feedback may be written and/or verbal. If you do not understand any of the feedback you receive, it is

your responsibility to ask for clarification.

8. Before submitting your research paper, you should read over it and make amendments based on any relevant peer feedback or teacher feedback that has been provided.

Conditions

• You will be given time in class to work on your research paper. You will also be expected to work on the

task in your own time.

• You will be responsible for uploading the completed research paper to Turn It In by the due date. Make

sure you have a copy saved in multiple places, including online.

• The rubric that will be used to assess this piece is very similar to the rubric that will be used for Section B

of the examination.

• There is a criteria in the marking rubric that will assess how well you have used the drafting process – this includes how you have managed your time and how you have responded to and/or implemented the

feedback that was provided during the drafting process.

Word Limit 1,500 -1,800 words

(+/- 10%)

Due Date Week 10

Weighting 30%

Time In class and own time

MUF0012 English Unit 2

MUF0012: Research Paper Rubric

Criteria/ Descriptors

Very High Level 5 marks

High Level 4 marks

Medium Level 3 marks

Low Level 2 marks

Very Low Level 1 mark

Not demonstrated 0 marks

Content/Task Achievement

Highly relevant and detailed content forms a controlled and logical

discussion in response to a clear and precise thesis statement; the essay

critically engages with the complexities of the topic; the

discussion is sophisticated and well- supported.

Relevant and appropriate content forms a controlled and logical

discussion in response to a clear and precise thesis statement; the essay strongly engages with the topic; the discussion is thorough and generally

well-supported.

An attempt is made to form a logical discussion, in response to

a clear thesis statement, using relevant and appropriate

content; the essay engages with the topic; the discussion is

adequate and generally supported.

Some inappropriate or irrelevant content is included; the thesis statement is unclear and/or

ambiguous; an attempt is made to engage with the topic but this may be unsuccessful, attempts to support the discussion are

inconsistent.

Content is often inappropriate or irrelevant; the discussion is

poorly controlled and does not engage with the topic; a thesis statement is attempted but is unsuccessful; an attempt is

made to support the discussion.

Not demonstrated.

Evidence

Makes very effective and discerning use of a wide variety of highly

appropriate and relevant resources; evidence is highly relevant and

skilfully and appropriately integrated to advance the discussion.

Makes effective use of a variety of appropriate and relevant resources;

evidence is relevant and appropriately integrated to advance

the discussion.

Makes adequate use of a variety of appropriate resources;

evidence is mostly relevant and adds to the discussion, but is not

skilfully integrated.

Attempts to use appropriate resources but may be

inconsistent and/or unsuccessful; an attempt is

made to refer to some relevant evidence, though evidence may

be incomplete.

Makes limited and/or basic use of resources; little attempt is made to refer to evidence;

evidence may be irrelevant, incomplete or inappropriate.

Not demonstrated.

Structure

Exhibits a consistent and cohesive structure using the conventions of the SPSE essay; conveying a sense of completion; a very well organised

and clearly planned structure ensures smooth progression of ideas; there

are strong and consistent links between and within paragraphs

Exhibits a cohesive structure using the conventions of the SPSE essay;

a well organised and planned structure ensures generally smooth progression of ideas; there are links

between and within paragraphs

Exhibits a generally cohesive structure using the conventions of the SPSE essay; a generally

organised and planned structure communicates a progression of

ideas; there are some links between and within paragraphs

Inconsistent application of conventions of the SPSE essay; imprecise structure may result in

awkward, weak and/or inconsistent progression of

ideas; inconsistent links between paragraphs

Structure lacks cohesion and shows inconsistent application of conventions of the SPSE essay; lack of organisation and planning in structure may impede the flow of ideas; there is little connection

between paragraphs

Not demonstrated.

Language

Demonstrates concise and accurate use of varied language (including grammar, syntax and vocabulary)

which enhances the purpose; some minor errors do not detract from the overall fluency and effectiveness of

the essay.

Demonstrates accurate use of varied language (including grammar, syntax and vocabulary) which is appropriate for the purpose; errors are noticeable

but do not detract from the overall fluency and effectiveness of the

essay.

Demonstrates generally accurate language which is generally appropriate for the purpose; occasional errors

detract from the fluency and effectiveness of the essay.

Demonstrates an attempt to control language which is at times inappropriate for the

purpose; errors occasionally interfere with meaning.

Demonstrates an attempt to control language which may be inappropriate or inconsistent; persistent errors interfere with

meaning.

Not demonstrated.

Conventions

Demonstrates correct and well- integrated APA citations; attributions are accurate, varied and effective; the reference list is complete and

accurate; paraphrasing is consistent and effective.

Demonstrates correct and integrated APA citations; attributions are

accurate but may lack variety; the reference list is complete but includes

occasional minor lapses; paraphrasing is consistent.

Use of APA citations is demonstrated but are not consistently integrated;

attributions are usually accurate; the reference list is complete but

includes noticeable errors; paraphrasing is regularly

attempted but may not always be effective.

Use of APA citations are attempted but are not consistent;

attributions are attempted but may include obvious errors and/or be inconsistent; the

reference list is attempted but may be incomplete and/or does not follow the APA conventions;

use of paraphrasing is inconsistent and/or ineffective.

Use of citations and attributions are limited and/or do not follow

the APA conventions; a reference list is included but is

superficial; attempts at paraphrasing are limited.

Not demonstrated.

Use of drafting process

Demonstrates a proactive approach to the drafting process, while also demonstrating an ability to work

independently; makes excellent use of the feedback that is provided throughout the drafting process.

Demonstrates a good understanding of the drafting process and is

beginning to demonstrate an ability to work independently; makes good use

of the feedback this is provided during the drafting process.

Makes satisfactory use of the drafting process but is encouraged to be more

independent during the process; makes satisfactory use of the

feedback that is provided during the drafting process.

Demonstrates an inconsistent approach to the drafting process

and/or struggles to work independently; makes some use of the feedback that is provided

during the drafting process.

Use of the drafting process is limited and/or resists working

independently; makes superficial use of the feedback that is provided during the drafting

process.

Not demonstrated.

MUF0012 English Unit 2