The rounded world is fair to see,
Nine times folded in mystery.
- Emerson
What is an education
Verbal and writing skillsYes, these skills are best developed by writing assignments
Other aspects of a professional demeanor
Thinking skills
Problem solving
Assimilating information to answer a question
Assignment
Length should be adequate to cover the topic
to keep length to 7-10 pages or so, topic should be focused
paper should be dispassionate - not advocating a particular agenda
Length should be “adequate” to cover the topic
There should be at least six (and preferably more than ten) sources of information.
At least half of sources should be from “hardcopy” (not internet).
Sources can include personal communications with knowledgeable professionals
All sources of information should be listed in “references cited” list at end of paper.
paper should be in writer's own words.
will not be a series of cited quotes strung together.
Plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment, with no second chance.
Citation style and citation list should be as shown in article handouts (McCartney, 1992).
Cited Reference:
McCartney, K. (1992): Preparing a term paper for a Physical Geology course. Journal of Geological Education 40:62-65.
Useful links: