Ecology: Writing Assessment
Biological Science ~ Due:
Prompt
After researching the effects of an
invasive species or the loss of a keystone
species on biodiversity, write a magazine
article in which you analyze and present data
on the effects. Propose a solution to mitigate
the impact of removing or introducing a
species into an ecosystem, providing evidence
to clarify your analysis.
Your Task
Students will:
1. Choose an environment they would like to
research in terms of impacts on biodiversity
in regards to loss of a keystone species or
presence of an invasive species.
2. Find at least two reliable sources of data
driven information on this topic (Wikipedia
is NOT a reliable source)
3. Complete one of the following: the
proposition support outline, thesis generator,
outline for a feature article, and/or QCEE
form.
4. Write a scientific article addressing the
prompt above.
Format Requirements
 Typed, double-spaced, 12 font, Times New
Roman font, 1” margins
 3 page minimum
 Title Page – Title of Paper, Name, Class,
Teacher name, Date
 Separate works cited
page – 2 source
minimum
 Minimum of 3 in-text
citations
Thesis Development
A thesis statement is a sentence or two in
your text that contains the focus of your essay
and tells your reader what the essay is going to be
about. Your thesis statement should state your
position on the question/problem that is posed
and the reasons behind your stance.
Example Thesis
In the Pacific Northwest, sea otters are a very important
keystone species that enables the organisms of the
environment to live harmoniously together. Removal of
the otter population in the area would result in various
negative environmental impacts including overpopulation
of sea urchins, a kelp shortage, and an overall disruption
of the ecosystem.
Works Cited/References
Your paper must have a works cited page.
It needs to be separate from your actual essay.
You are required to use at least 2 sources for this
essay and cite them in APA format.
In-Text Citations
As a writer, it is your job to make verification of
facts as easy as possible for your readers. A reader
should be able to quickly and easily verify
anything and everything in your paper.
Therefore, if you use a quote from an article,
book, etc. or provide a fact – make sure you use
an in-text citation to verify and give credit for
that information. APA format in-text citations
should be formatted as follows:
a. Book – (Author last name, page number)
 (Schwab, 234)
b. Internet article – Whatever directs the
reader to the appropriate source such as
author name, website name, etc.
Presentation Guidelines
Please see the National Geographic
letter for your presentation guidelines!
Works Cited Examples
Book with One Author:
 Name of author. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Location:
Publisher.
o Calfee, R. C., & Valencia, R. R. (1991). APA guide to preparing manuscripts for journal
publication. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Website:
 Name of author. (Year of publication). Title of Article. Publisher, Publication date. Retrieved
from <URL>
o Bernstein, M. (2002). 10 tips on writing the living Web. Retrieved from
http://www.alistapart.com/articles/writeliving

Newspaper Article (Print):

 Name of author. (Year of publication). Title of Article. Title of Newspaper, volume number
(issue number), pages.
o Schultz, S. (2005, December 28). Calls made to strengthen state energy policies. The
Country Today, pp. 1A, 2A.

Newspaper Article (Found on the Internet):

 Name of author. (Year of publication). Article Title. Name of Newspaper, volume (issue).
Retrieved from <URL>.