Writing Assignment 1

• In this essay you will identify and explain 3-5 of your core values.
• You will also discuss the origins of these core values.

Organization

• Include an introductory paragraph, where you grab the reader’s attention, provide a transitional statement, give a clear thesis statement, and map out the 3-5 key points that will support your thesis. (review elements of an introduction)
• Include 3-5 body paragraphs where you include details and examples to help you develop and support your key points. (review body paragraph structure)
• End your essay with a concluding paragraph where you restate your thesis, summarize your key points, and leave the reader with the “so what?” (review successful concluding paragraphs)

Grammar and Mechanics

• Your paper should be written according to the standards for academic writing, with attention to the following:
  • punctuation: this includes things such as recommended use of commas, colons, and apostrophes.
  • word-level accuracy: this includes things such as capitalization, spelling, word-tense, and usage.
  • sentence-level accuracy: this includes things such as sentence boundaries, subject-verb agreement, and pronoun-antecedent agreement.
• Take time to proofread after you’ve written your essay. Think about the kinds of writing mistakes you tend to make (like using “text-speak” or sentence fragments) and watch out for those. Reading your paper aloud is a good way to catch any mistakes.

Sources and Documentation

You are not required to use sources for this assignment.

Format and Length

• Your paper should include a header consisting of your name and the assignment name and a title that reflects your specific essay focus. (See example below.)
• Your paper should be typed, double-spaced and in 11 or 12-point font.
• Your final product should be a minimum of five paragraphs (about 700-1000 words) in length. However, the quality of the content of this essay is most important. Be sure to fully answer the prompt.