Introductory Online Writing

Assignment
Introduction
The expository essay is an essay that requires students to explore an idea,
investigate or research to find evidence on that idea and then present the idea or
an argument concerning the idea in a clear and concise manner. Presenting the idea
or argument can be accomplished through comparison and contrast, definition,
example, and the analysis of cause and effect.

Assignment
Social media is used worldwide. Think about some of the ways you use social media
and see social media being used. In a 1000 word essay (minimum), describe some
of the pros and cons of the creation of social media.
Follow current MLA guidelines. Guidelines can be found here: http://mlaformat.org/
Post a draft of your essay and final essay to Blackboard by the due dates below.
Once you have posted your final essay to Blackboard, read three (3) of your
classmates essays and respond to the following: What pro/con (just one) do you
agree or disagree with? Why?
Plagiarism and/or academic dishonesty in any form will not be tolerated. Please cite
all sources correctly. For more information on plagiarism visit
http://www.plagiarism.org/

Relevance
In this assignment you will practice writing skills by expanding upon a familiar topic.
You will read and respond to classmates essays in order to interact with each other
as well as provide a critical thinking opportunity.

What it is not
The expository essay is commonly used to evaluate writing. This essay will allow
me to evaluate your thought processes in regards to producing an essay. My main
focus will be how well you can articulate a particular idea.

Audience
The audience is your fellow classmates and instructor. Peer reviews and instructor
feedback is helpful and important. Consider the words and phrases you use in

course emails, messaging and documents. Consider how your reader will likely
receive the text when you take part in discussions and when providing and receiving
feedback.

Learning Outcomes
The students will be able to:
Use composing processes and tools as a means to discover and reconsider ideas
Experience the collaborative and social aspects of writing processes
Learn to give and to act on productive feedback to works in progress

Real World Technology Tools You Will Use

Google Docs for word processing, storing and sharing files
Microsoft Word for word processing, storing and sharing files
Blackboard for course content and collaboration

Criteria/Timeline
In order to complete this assignment successfully you will be given one full week to
compose your essay. Submit a draft of your essay on Wednesday by 11:59p.m. in a
Blackboard discussion to receive feedback from myself and classmates before your
final essay submission. Comments and feedback on three (3) other individual
essays should be given by Thursday at 12 midnight. A suggested schedule is
below.
Monday-assignment given--brainstorm ideas for essay
Tuesday-start writing rough draft
Wednesday-continue working on draft and submit for peer review due by midnight
Thursday- continue working on draft, log into Blackboard to post your
reviews/comments to three classmates, review any posted comments
Friday- review all comments from Blackboard and take suggestions into
consideration
Saturday- continue working on essay
Sunday- continue working and/or submit essay
Monday- submit essay by 11:59p.m.

Resources
For more information and help follow the links to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/02/
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/685/02/

Assessment
Grading Rubric
Your essay will be graded based on how well your writing follows basic essay
structure. A chart is given below for you to use as a guide.

Areas of
Assessment

Ideas

Presents ideas in an
original manner

Presents ideas in a
consistent manner

Ideas are too general

Ideas are vague or

unclear

Organization

Strong and organized

beg/mid/end

Organized
beg/mid/end

Some organization;
attempt at a
beg/mid/end

No organization; lack
beg/mid/end

Understanding

Writing shows strong

understanding

Writing shows clear

understanding

Writing shows
adequate
understanding

Writing shows little

understanding

Word Choice

Sophisticated use of
nouns and verbs
make essay very
informative

Nouns and verbs

make essay
informative

Needs more nouns

and verbs

Little or no use of
nouns and verbs

Sentence
Structure

Sentence structure
enhances meaning;
flows throughout
piece

Sentence structure is
evident; sentences
mostly flow

Sentence structure is
limited; sentences
need to flow

No sense of sentence
structure or flow

Mechanics

Few (if any) errors

Few errors

Several errors

Numerous errors