Assignment 2 Guide
Argumentative Essay
This document contains everything you need to know for your second assignment. Please make sure to read this in full prior to asking any questions via email and during the workshops.
Below are the key things covered and the corresponding page numbers for easy access.
Assignment 2 Argumentative Essay 2
Step 1: Choose one of the following topics 2
Step 2: Gather suitable sources 4
Step 3: Write your essay 4
Marking Criteria 6
Assignment 2 Resources 7
FAQs 8
Assignment Template 10
Assignment 2 Argumentative Essay
This assignment is a 2500-word argumentative essay worth 40% of your final grade. Based on your Assignment 1: Oral Presentation of Essay Plan feedback, you will gather and examine further evidence to include in an essay to address your chosen topic.
Why is this assignment important?
Essays are an important way of developing and showing your critical thinking and research skills. This assignment is not only going to help you develop skills you need to complete your degree (psychology or otherwise), but will also help you to develop the tools you need to communicate effectively and think critically in future employment situations.
What is an argumentative essay?
Not unlike a traditional essay, an argumentative essay is a piece of writing that takes a stance on an issue. In a good argumentative essay, the writer attempts to persuade readers to understand and support their point of view by stating their reasons and providing scientific evidence to support these.
How do I complete the assignment?
Step 1: Choose one of the following topics:
Topic 1:
Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) are known to have difficulty with their working memory:
● Will taking Ritalin increase the performance of working memory in children with ADHD?
● What are the strengths and weaknesses of this assertion?
● Can you conclude whether the literature provides support for this assertion?
You may draw on any material from the topics of Memory and/or Psychological Disorders and Treatments in the prescribed reading textbook. See Chapter 9 (Memory) and Chapter 10 (Psychological Disorders and Treatments) for starting information.
Starting reference:
Gvirtsa, H. Z., Lewisb, Y. D., Dvorab, S., Fefferb, K., Nitzan, U., Carmelb, Z. Levkovitzb, Y. & Maozb, H. (2017). The effect of methylphenidate on decision making in patients with borderline
personality/disorder and attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. International Clinical
Psychopharmacology, 33, 233–237, doi: 10.1097/YIC.0000000000000219
Topic 2:
According to Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, the occurrence of an identity crisis occurs during the teenage years during which people struggle to find a sense of self and personal identity. Erikson assumed this crisis is usually resolved by the age of 18. Pick one example from the literature of an identity crisis that tests the theoretical and functional basis of this assertion that identity is formed by 18:
● What are the strengths and weaknesses of this assertion in relation to your example?
● Can you conclude whether the literature provides support for this assertion?
You may draw on any material from the topic of Developmental Psychology in the prescribed reading textbook. See Chapter 5 (Developmental Psychology) for starting information.
Starting reference:
Chuang, S. (2019). Generation Xers’ performance and development in midlife transition. Human Resource Development International 22(1), 101-112,
https://doi.org/10.1080/13678868.2018.1440130
Topic 3:
Studies have shown that cultural contact can bring about cultural change and enculturation.
However, some studies have also shown that this could lead to acculturative stress in the minority culture due to changes in their beliefs, values and identity in order to adapt to the host culture.
Pick one example from the literature that tests the theoretical basis of how acculturative stress can have a negative impact on a person's physical or mental wellbeing:
● What are the strengths and weaknesses of this assertion in relation to your example?
● Can you conclude whether the literature provides support for his assertion?
You may draw on any material from the topic of Culture and Psychology and Stress in the prescribed reading textbook. See Chapter 7 (Culture and Psychology) and Chapter 12 (Stress, Health and Coping) for starting information
Starting reference:
Hansen, H. R., Shneyderman, Y., McNamara, G. S., & Grace, L. (2018). Assessing Acculturative
Stress of International Students at a U.S. Community College. Journal of International Students, 8,(1), 215– 232. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.1134293
Step 2: Gather suitable sources
For this assignment you will need to provide evidence for your position on the topic from a multitude of sources (minimum of 7 sources).
The minimum number of references is 7. You will require 7 or more references from a diverse range of sources to demonstrate a deep understanding of the topic.
Sources can be: textbooks, newspaper articles, journal articles, and/or government and not-for-profit reports.
Recommendations:
Journal articles and reports are generally considered stronger sources of evidence so these are most recommended, however, the textbook and newspaper articles may also be used.
Ways to find suitable sources for the assignment will be modelled in tutorials. You can access the Monash College Library collections via the Current Students Library page. The key databases for this assignment are:
● EBSCO: for academic journal articles search within the CINAHL and MEDLINE
collections. These collections have more resources relevant to psychology than others
available through EBSCO.
● Proquest Central: for academic journal articles, reports and newspaper articles.
● Newsbank: for newspaper articles.
● Proquest eBooks: for textbooks and chapters from edited books.
For search tips, troubleshooting and database guides, refer to the Library Moodle page (you may need to self-enrol by selecting the blue ‘enrol me’ button).
Step 3: Write your essay
Your essay should include an introduction, 4-5 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Introduction:
The introduction should follow a logical sequence and:
● clearly introduce the topic (including key definitions and concepts);
● discuss the rationale for the essay (the purpose and possible translational impact of findings from the essay);
● summarise the key arguments for the position taken in the major argumentative essay.
Body paragraphs:
Your body paragraphs should present and explore the evidence for 4-5 key, distinct points.
These paragraphs should clearly answer/address the topic.
The key points should be clear themes that your essay can be easily separated into, for example, different parts of a theory, different populations, evidence for vs against, strengths and weaknesses.
All body paragraphs should follow the TEECL method for writing as outlined below:
|
T |
Topic sentence |
The first sentence in a body paragraph that tells the reader what the main idea or claim of the paragraph will be. |
|
E |
Explanation |
Explain what you mean in greater detail. |
|
E |
Evidence |
Provide evidence to support your idea or claim. To do this, refer to your research. This may include: newspaper articles, government and not-for-profit reports, academic books, or journal articles. Remember that all evidence will require appropriate citation.
|
|
C |
Comment |
Consider the strengths and limitations of the evidence and examples that you have presented. Explain how your evidence supports your claim (i.e. how does it ‘prove’ your topic sentence?). |
|
L |
Link |
Summarise the main idea of the paragraph, and make clear how this paragraph supports your overall argument. |
Conclusion:
Your conclusion should also follow a logical sequence and:
● recap the importance of the essay topic;
● clearly state your essay findings (summarise key points, including limitations);
● conclude the validity of your position on the topic given the current evidence.
You will also need to discuss the potential implications of your findings toward support for the theory and real world/translational/societal impact.
Marking Criteria
|
Criteria |
% |
Description |
Mark |
|
Introduction |
15 |
Introduction clearly introduces the topic (including key definitions and concepts), discusses the rationale for the essay (the purpose and possible translational impact of findings from the essay), and summarises the key arguments for the position taken. |
|
|
Conceptual and theoretical knowledge |
20 |
Displays knowledge and understanding of the important concepts and theories relevant to the topic based on the evidence used. |
|
|
Use of evidence and structure |
15 |
Evidence presented provides convincing detail directly related to the overall topic. A wide-range of sources (minimum of 7) are used which provide appropriate evidential support for claims made. Evidence is logically structured into key points that address the topic. |
|
|
Critical thinking |
20 |
Critical thinking is used throughout the essay and there is a clear acknowledgement of the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence provided and discussion of how these impact the overall interpretation of the evidence.
|
|
|
Conclusion
|
|
Conclusion recaps the importance of the essay topic, clearly states the main essay findings (including limitations), and concludes position on the topic given the current evidence. Potential implications of the findings are also discussed.
|
|
|
APA referencing & general presentation |
15 |
Reference list and document structure and format adheres to APA 7th format (e.g., headings, spacing, margins, page numbering etc.). Writing is clear, concise, easy to read and understand. Essay has a clear and logical flow. Proper spelling and grammar are used. Minimum of 7 sources required. |
|
|
Penalties: -5% for over 2500 words |
Assignment 2 Resources
The following are some key resources to help you complete this assignment:
Searching for sources and evaluating evidence:
● Search for sources of information on the Monash College Library Guide.
● How to search for sources of information and how to evaluate evidence from sources (These resources will provide ways to effectively research, however you must still use the Monash College Library database to search for your sources.)
Academic writing:
● What is critical thinking?; how to incorporate more critical thinking
● Features of academic writing; how your writing should be structured and the type of tone that you should use when doing academic writing
● How to summarise and paraphrase information; this will be helpful for summarising your three sources without plagiarising (or directly copying) them.
General Resources and APA 7th Citing and Referencing:
● APA 7th Citing and referencing
● Sample Annotated Student Paper in APA Style (Note: This is an essay writing guide for APA formatting and scientific writing and not a template for an argumentative essay.)
● How to write an essay; a broad information source for writing essays, which will be helpful for learning what you are aiming for towards Assignment 2.
Additional support
You can also:
1. Attend a Library/Learning Skills drop-in session
2. Book an appointment with the College Librarian or a Learning Skills Advisor.
The Librarian can help you with:
● Finding resources
● Evaluating information
● Citing and referencing
A Learning Skills Advisor can help you with:
● Academic writing
● Structuring your assignment
● Understanding your assignment
Times and availability can be found on College Connect.
FAQs
Help, I need an extension for my assignment!
If you need more time to complete and submit your assessment task due to being affected by a serious illness or other exceptional causes, you will need to apply for special consideration. If you do not submit an item of assessment by the due date and do not have an approved extension of time, you will incur a penalty.
In Psychology, extensions can only be obtained through a ‘special consideration’ request. This cannot be done by tutors or coordinators and needs to be applied for through the special considerations team at Monash College. Please refer to Moodle Applying for Special
Consideration for more details about this. You will need to complete the Special Consideration Application Form which is available on the Monash College website.
Do I need to be strict about adhering to the topic I’ve chosen?
Yes, please stick to the topic that you have chosen. Marks will be deducted if you stray away from the original topic. Make sure to address all marking criteria and all key points outlined in the
instructions.
How many words is the assignment?
The word limit is a maximum of 2500 words. This includes everything except the Title Page and the Reference list. In-text references will count toward the word limit.
Is there a 10% leeway on the word count?
No. You will be penalised 5% for going over the word limit. In addition, tutors will stop reading at 2500 words.
How many references/sources do I need for the assignment? What type can I use?
You need at least seven sources (these can be from any of the four types of sources allowed in Assignment 1: textbooks, journal articles, government / not-for-profit reports, or newspaper articles). This is a minimum to pass, so ideally aim for more than 7 sources.
How do I reference my sources?
Please ensure that you are using in-text APA 7th referencing throughout your essay.
All referenced sources should also appear in the reference list in APA 7th format.
Will I be penalised for going under the word limit?
No, there is no penalty for being under the word count. However, by using fewer words, you may miss out on valuable information needed to address the marking criteria. Ensure you are adequately addressing all marking criteria.
Can I use direct quotes if I use quotation marks?
Direct quotations may be used however must not be overused. We encourage you to mostly paraphrase to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding rather than quoting authors directly. For further guidance ask your teachers during the workshops or consultation.
When will I get my assignment marks back?
Teachers will advise you during the workshop.
How will I know that my assignment has been marked?
We will post an announcement on Moodle once all the marks are finalised.
Do I need to attach a cover sheet to my assignment?
No, there is no need to add a cover sheet. When uploading your assignment online you will be presented with a ‘Student Statement’ before you submit. Once you click on ‘I Agree’, you have agreed to the plagiarism and collusion policy of Monash University. This is your electronic cover sheet.
Do I need to attach a cover sheet to my assignment?
No, there is no need to add a cover sheet. When uploading your assignment online you will be presented with a ‘Student Statement’ before you submit. Once you select “I Agree”, you have agreed to the plagiarism and collusion policy of Monash University. This is your electronic cover sheet.
How do I submit my assignment?
1. Go to the section Assignment 2 – Argumentative Essay in the Assessment tile on your Moodle course.
2. Select the Turnitin submission link below Assignment 2: Submission Dropbox to submit your essay file (.doc or .docx. files).
3. Upload your essay document:
a. Select ‘Submit Paper’ and add submission title.
b. Drag & drop or add your essay Word document file into the submission box.
Files should only be in a “.doc” or “.docx” format.
c. Check the box to accept the student agreement and select ‘Add Submission’.
Note: You will receive a Digital Receipt and an email notification to acknowledge and confirm successful submission
I have forgotten to select SUBMIT. What should I do now?
Please contact the unit coordinator as selecting submit after the due date and time will change the submission date thus making it late. We will email you a copy of the plagiarism and collusion statement that you will need to accept and email it back to us.
Assignment Template
Please download and use the Assignment 2 Template - Argumentative Essay provided on Moodle.
On the title page remember to add the essay title, your name and the date in the format provided.
Remember:
● The template is for demonstration purposes, you must replace all parts of the template and make it your own with your essay and the references you used in your essays.
● Rename the document with the assessment tile and your name.