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UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 1 Assignment

Brainstorming and Beginning Research Worksheet

Access and complete the “Brainstorming and Beginning Research Worksheet” assignment.

To assist you with this assignment, be sure to review the “The Writing Process” media; this is a great resource for you to use as you create your essay throughout the course.

Access and complete the “Brainstorming and Beginning Research” worksheet. This assignment will walk you through the writing process steps of choosing a topic, brainstorming techniques, research strategies, and research.

Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 1 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).

Name:

Course:

Date:

Instructor:

Expository Essay: Brainstorming and Beginning Research

Before you begin any writing assignment, it is often necessary to complete several “pre-writing” activities necessary for completing your expository essay including selecting a topic, brainstorming, research strategies, and research. Follow the instructions to complete these pre-writing activities. Make sure you complete all sections of this worksheet.

Part 1: Select a Topic – Pick One

Below are lists of essay topics to use for the expository essay please highlight/bold your topic choice so your instructor will know your selection.

1. Three services Veterans need to successfully return to civilian life

2. Three characteristics of good leaders

3. Three ways bullying can negatively impact children

4. Three ways technology can impact communication

5. Three issues found in a large classroom

6. Three services the Christian church can provide the community

Part 2: Brainstorming Strategies

Read: Topic 1 Lecture.

Review: “Invention: Finding Your Ideas” section of “The Writing Process” media piece:

https://lc.gcumedia.com/unv104/the-writing-process/index.html

Complete: In box 1, use the brainstorming method of “Free Writing”.

Brainstorm Method: Free Writing:

Set a timer for 10 minutes and complete your free write brainstorm activity in this box to show your work.

Part 3: Research Strategies – Key Words & Phrases

Step 1: Pull keywords that were generated from your brainstorming activity in part 2. These keywords need to pertain to the topic selected from part 1.

Step 2: Combine keywords to come up with Boolean search terms. Boolean Search Possibilities: Boolean search terms utilize AND phrases and is covered on page 15 of the course eBook.

An example table is provided below to demonstrate how you should complete this. Please do not use any part of the example as part of your own table.

Example Tables

Keywords pulled from brainstorming Boolean: Phrases from Keywords

1. Online Learning 1. Online Learning AND Education

2. Student Success 2. Online Learning AND Student Success

Keywords pulled from brainstorming

Boolean: Phrases with Keywords – Boolean search terms utilize AND phrases. This is covered on page 15 of the course eBook

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Part 4: Define Sub-topics

State three potential sub-topics you want to write about based on the topic you selected in Part 1. Subtopics are the main ideas you plan to use to explain your chosen topic.

1. Sub-topic 1:

2. Sub-topic 2:

3. Sub-topic 3:

Part 5: Navigating the GCU Online Library

Overview: The GCU Library will be a vital resource for you during your academic career. The Library contains a wealth of resources that will help you find, research, and broaden your understanding on any given topic. Learning to correctly use resources to support your writing is an essential component of your academic success.

Before starting this section, review the short walk-through tutorial on the GCU Library. http://tutorials.gcumedia.com/mediaElement/library-walk-through-tutorial/library-walk-through-tutorial-v1.1.php

Step 1: How to Access the Library

There are a number of ways to access the library’s website; here is one path to reach the Library Research & Resources page:

Please click on the following link: http://library.gcu.edu/

Question 1: On the Library Research & Resources Page, list three ways in which you can contact the library for assistance if needed. If at any point, you find yourself searching more than 15 minutes with no results: STOP and contact a librarian.

1.

2.

3.

Step 2: Finding Journal Articles

For this section, you will be searching using LopeSEARCH. LopeSEARCH is a federated search that allows you to search many databases across many subjects with one search. Follow the instructions below to access and begin searching in LopeSEARCH.

1. On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link Find Journal Articles.

2. Under the LopeSEARCH type in your first Boolean Search Phrase. This should include your main topic and one of the subtopics you created in Part 4. Check the box beside Peer Reviewed and click SEARCH

3. Sign in if prompted, using your GCU Username and password.

Question 2: Provide the title of the first journal article that is listed in the results.

Step 3: Article Details

In addition to the actual full text of the article, the databases will provide valuable information about an article. You will see things such as authors, source, subject terms, and abstract. The abstract is a brief summary of the article you found.

1. Click on the title of the first article you found in Step 2.

2. Scroll down this page and find the Article Abstract.

Question 3: Copy and paste the abstract from the article you have found in the space below AND explain how an abstract is valuable to your research process and how it will save you time.

Step 4: Permanent and Persistent Links

Databases are designed as powerful searching tools; unfortunately, this means the website link located at the top of any page in a database is temporary and is based on your search at the time. Should you try to save that link as a bookmark or copy and paste it to use at a later time, it will not work. However, the databases have links that are tied directly to the articles you find. Follow the steps below to find the permalink (persistent, durable link, or document URL) to the article you accessed in Step 2.

1. On the same page where you found the abstract, look to the right for the Tools column.

2. Click on the link that says Permalink.

3. A box will pop up above the article title with a permanent link.

Question 4: Copy and paste the permalink to the article you have found in the space below AND explain why a permalink could be an important item to copy.

Step 5: Using Library Databases to Cite Articles

Another important option under the tool bar is the Cite button. In academic writing, citing your sources is very important. It will tell your reader that the information that you are using is the property of someone else. It will also show your reader exactly where you found this information and how to access this information again. This is a necessary step in avoiding academic dishonesty issues like plagiarism.

Note: Remember, GCU Style required for your undergraduate coursework is a simplified version of APA. It is possible for there to be errors in the reference citations available in the GCU Library database, so check the GCU style manual located in the Student Success Center: The Writing Center to ensure your reference is properly formatted.

1. On the same page where you found the abstract look to the right for the Tools column.

2. Click on the link that says Cite.

3. A box will pop up above the article title with different citation styles.

Question 5: Copy and paste the APA reference you have found from the article in the space below. According to the GCU Style Guide, where should you include this information in your essay?

Part 6: Gather Resources

Step 1: Go to the GCU Library website and start a search for peer-reviewed journal articles.

• On the Library Research & Resources page, click the link Find Journal Articles.

• Under the LopeSEARCH type in your first Boolean Search Phrase. This should include your main topic and one of the subtopics you created in Part 4. Check the box beside Peer Reviewed and click SEARCH

• Sign in if prompted, using your GCU Username and password.

Step 2: Complete the table below using the 3 most relevant peer-reviewed journal articles you found on the topic chosen from part 1.

An example table is provided below to demonstrate how you should complete this portion. Please do not use any part of the example as part of your own table.

Example

Peer-reviewed article 1 Title of Resource: Factors influencing adult learners’ decision to drop out or persist in online learning. Boolean terms/ Keywords Used: Online Learning AND Student Success

Permalink http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=44785109&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Abstract The number of adult learners who participate in online learning has rapidly grown in the last two decades due to online learning’s many advantages. In spite of the growth, the high dropout rate in online learning has been of concern to many higher education institutions and organizations. The purpose of this study was to determine whether persistent learners and dropouts are different in individual characteristics (i.e., age, gender, and educational level), external factors (i.e., family and organizational supports), and internal factors (i.e., satisfaction and relevance as sub-dimensions of motivation). Quantitative data were collected from 147 learners who had dropped out of or finished one of the online courses offered from a large Midwestern university. Dropouts and persistent learners showed statistical differences in perceptions of family and organizational support, and satisfaction and relevance. It was also shown that the theoretical framework, which includes family support, organizational support, satisfaction, and relevance in addition to individual characteristics, is able to predict learners’ decision to drop out or persist. Organizational support and relevance were shown to be particularly predictive. The results imply that lower dropout rates can be achieved if online program developers or instructors find ways to enhance the relevance of the course. It also implies that adult learners need to be supported by their organizations in order for them to finish online courses that they register for. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

APA Reference Park, J., & Hee Jun, C. (2009). Factors influencing adult learners’ decision to drop out or persist in online learning. Journal Of Educational Technology & Society, 12(4), 207-217.

Peer-reviewed Article 1

Title of Resource: Boolean terms/ Keywords Used:

Permalink

Abstract

APA Reference

Peer-reviewed Article 2

Title of Resource:

Boolean terms/ Keywords Used:

Permalink

Abstract

APA Reference

Peer-reviewed Article 3

Title of Resource:

Boolean terms/ Keywords Used:

Permalink

Abstract

APA Reference

UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 2 Assignment

Reading Strategies and Annotated Reference List Assignment

Using your preferred reading strategy, read through three articles you plan to use as references in your Expository Essay. You will then complete the assignment, which in return, will also help you prepare citations for you to include within your essay.

Review the Topic 2 readings and resources.

Access and complete the “Annotated Reference List” worksheet.

Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 2 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).

Name:

Course:

Date:

Instructor:

Annotated Reference List

Directions:

Refer back to your Topic 1 Brainstorming and Beginning Research worksheet for your peer-reviewed articles to complete this worksheet (unless you have found more relevant articles, then use those that are the most relevant for your topic).

From the Topic 1 Brainstorming and Beginning Research worksheet choose three of the peer-reviewed articles that you think will best support the topic chosen from the Brainstorming Worksheet. You may also choose to find three new articles that are more relevant to your topic.

Read the articles, and in your own words fill in each table below by answering the following questions for each different article:

• What was the main point/argument of this article?

• What did the author(s) conclude?

• How did this article support your topic?

• What questions or new ideas did this article leave you with?

Each summary should be 100-150 words in length; making a total word count of 300-450 words in length for this assignment.

Helpful Tip: Review the reading strategies on pages 70-73 in the textbook to aid in reading peer-reviewed journal articles.

Note: The box area can be manipulated as you type your summaries.

What is your Topic (chosen from the Brainstorming Worksheet):

APA Reference:

Provide a 100-150 word summary of your article by answering the following questions:

• What was the main point/argument of this article?

• What did the author(s) conclude?

• How did this article support your subtopic?

• What questions or new ideas did this article leave you with?

APA Reference:

Provide a 100-150 word summary of your article by answering the following questions:

• What was the main point/argument of this article?

• What did the author(s) conclude?

• How did this article support your subtopic?

• What questions or new ideas did this article leave you with?

APA Reference:

Provide a 100-150 word summary of your article by answering the following questions:

• What was the main point/argument of this article?

• What did the author(s) conclude?

• How did this article support your subtopic?

• What questions or new ideas did this article leave you with?

UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 3 Assignment

Expository Essay Outline

So far, you have chosen a topic and located resources for your Expository Essay. Continue developing your essay by developing a mapped thesis statement and creating an outline.

Review the media piece “The Writing Process” to help you develop your thesis statement and create your essay outline.

Use the attached template “Expository Essay Outline” to create your outline.

Incorporate any feedback you received on your thesis statement in the discussion this week.

Use a minimum of three peer-reviewed resources to support your subtopics. (one resource per supporting paragraph).

Avoid using quotes in your outline. Instead, paraphrase your information.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 3 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).

Name:

Course:

Date:

Instructor:

Expository Essay: Outline

Directions:

1. Please review your Topic 3 readings and the “Planning and Getting Started” section of “The Writing Process” media piece.

2. Fill in the outline and references sections below. Use a minimum of three peer reviewed resources to support your subtopics (one resource per supporting paragraph). Make sure to use complete sentences when completing the outline.

Expository Essay Topic:

Essay Title:

I. Introduction: (Begin with a hook sentence to capture your audience’s attention, then provide a brief background of the topic and end with your thesis statement.)

a. Hook:

b. Additional background information:

c. Mapped Thesis statement (review Topic 3DQ1 for feedback from instructor):

II. Support

Supporting Point #1 (subtopic 1): ____________________

a. Topic sentence for this first sub-topic:

b. Two to three paraphrased supporting details from your research with in-text citations

• Supporting paraphrase 1:

• Supporting paraphrase 2:

Supporting Point #2 (subtopic 2): ____________________

a. Topic sentence for this second sub-topic:

b. Two to three paraphrased supporting details from your research with in-text citations

• Supporting paraphrase 1:

• Supporting paraphrase 2:

Supporting Point #3 (subtopic 3): ____________________

a. Topic sentence for this third sub-topic:

b. Two to three paraphrased supporting details from your research with in-text citations

• Supporting paraphrase 1:

• Supporting paraphrase 2:

III. Conclusion: (Paraphrase your thesis statement, summarize main points, and make final remarks.)

a. Paraphrase thesis statement:

b. Summarize main points:

References

Organize all references you will use in the essay and list them in the space below in alphabetical order based on author’s last name. Be sure the reference page is double-spaced and formatted to have hanging indents by ½ an inch, with the first line hanging and all others indented. See the GCU Style Guide for help with formatting references and citations. Within the essay, this reference page will be on its own page at the bottom of your essay.

UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 4 Assignment

First Draft: Expository Essay

Now that you have written the outline for your essay, it is time to write the first draft. Please access your resources by clicking the drop-down menu, selecting path, and then click course materials.

Review the attached “Writing a Five-Paragraph Essay” resource to help guide you through the structure of a five-paragraph essay.

Review the media piece The Writing Process to help you prepare your first draft.

Review your outline feedback from your instructor to help you prepare your first draft.

Write the first draft of your five-paragraph expository essay, which should be 750-1,000 words.

Review the First Draft Rubric to help you make sure all elements are present in your essay. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Review the attached “Essay Checklist” to help you review and make sure your essay includes the following:

An introductory paragraph with a thesis statement.

Three body or supporting paragraphs.

A concluding paragraph.

In-text citations and a reference page. (Remember to reference and cite any supporting information you are taking from your articles-if it is not your original thought, there needs to be a citation and reference.)

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Submit the completed First Draft to LopesWrite and review your report BEFORE submitting to your instructor. Access the additional instructions on how to understand your report in your resources.

Once you know your first draft is ready to submit to your instructor, submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 4 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).

Writing a Five-Paragraph Essay Resource

Format & Organization:

• Use a Times New Roman font, unless given permission from instructor to use another font choice.

• ALL lettering should be sized at 12 point; the title included

• Do NOT use bold in any wording.

Heading and Title:

• Make sure you have the proper heading in the upper-left-hand corner; you should have the following and in the order: name, course, date, and instructor.

• If you use APA, make sure your cover page is in proper format; you may wish to discuss with your instructor if they would prefer this or the heading as mentioned in the above bullet point.

• Your title should be centered and capitalized appropriately per GCU Style Guide or APA format.

Introduction Paragraph:

• The first paragraph of your essay is the introductory paragraph.

• In this first paragraph of your essay, you should review your topic in a general fashion. You should also tell the reader why they might care to read more.

• The final sentence of your introductory paragraph will be your thesis statement. Your thesis statement will guide the reader as to what will follow.

Body Paragraphs: (Middle Paragraphs of the Essay)

• Each paragraph should be limited to one idea.

• Each paragraph should be connected in some way to your thesis statement.

• Within your body paragraphs, include the information from the resources you found.

• Do not forget to cite information from outside sources.

• Your final body paragraph may look at opposing views. For a well-rounded point of view, it is important to consider multiple perspectives.

• The body of your essay should include detailed, accurate, and relevant information that aims to support your thesis statement.

Concluding Paragraph:

• Your last paragraph is your conclusion. Rather than simply restating your introduction, try and brand your reader with your closing statements.

• Tell the reader again about your topic, thesis, and main point(s) of your essay.

• End with a strong stance on the topic to make the reader think about what they just read; leave an impact.

Using Transitions:

• Transitions are very important to your essay. Transitions are the glue that holds the paragraphs of your paper together.

• Examples of transitions are: next, furthermore, moreover, however, on the other hand, no doubt, and finally.

• You should be using these from transitions in thought and in ending and/or beginning new paragraphs.

Using Citations:

• Citations are used to reference material from another source.

• Using citations to give credit to others whose ideas or words you have used is an essential requirement to avoid issues of plagiarism.

• To avoid potential problems, always be sure to cite your sources by referring to the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the sentence, such as (Johnson, 2008) and page or paragraph numbers if you are using word-for-word materials, such as “ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country” (Kennedy, 1960, p. 34).

Reference Page:

• The reference list should appear at the end of a paper.

• It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the body of the paper.

• Each source you cite in the paper must appear in your reference list; likewise, each entry in the reference list must be cited in your text.

• For examples of references, please refer to the GCU Style Guide, located in the Writing Center portion of the Student Success Center.

Essay Checklist

____Organization: Proper heading in the upper left hand corner, five separated paragraphs, Reference Page

____ Research: Proper Topic that is supported with a peer reviewed article (research is included through in-text citations/paraphrased information from article(s).

____ Conventions/Mechanics: Proof-read entire paper, no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors; double-spaced throughout entire paper; paragraphs indented; references are listed correctly on reference page; minimum word count has been met and maximum word count has not been exceeded.

____ Ideas/Content: Your topic and three main arguments are clear to the reader; there is a structured idea behind your essay; your arguments and research are aligned to one another; your essay meets the Turnitin (TII) requirements for submission.

____ Word Choice: Academic writing is met, correct words used in context; essay contains a variety of sentence structures and uses complete, detailed expressions within the writing. *No incomplete, incoherent, or fragment sentences are found.

____ Voice/Tone: Essay is written in 3rd Person Point of View (there is no “I” statements in the writing); message is clear and original in thought from the writer’s perspective on the topic and arguments (research is only there to support these claims).

____ Sentence/Paragraph Fluency: There is a smooth transitioning between paragraphs; sentences within the body paragraphs flow and are easy to read and follow; there is an unison of the topic chosen and the arguments presented in the essay; research enhances the paragraphs, and does not take the majority of the paragraph itself-again, research is to support, not create the essay.

UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 5 Assignment

First Draft Self-Evaluation and Reflection

Part of the writing process is reviewing, revising, and editing your work. While your instructor is grading your essay this week, you will also review and reflect on your writing.

Review the “Revising and Editing your Paper” section of “The Writing Process” media piece.

Access and complete the “First Draft Self-Evaluation and Reflection” worksheet. This assignment will walk you through the writing process steps of self-evaluation and reflection.

Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 5 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).

Name:

Course:

Date:

Instructor:

Topic 5: First Draft Self-Evaluation and Reflection

Part 1: Revising and Editing

Directions:

1. Go through each section below and self-evaluate your first draft by checking if you did or did not complete the task. You do not need instructor feedback from your first draft to complete this worksheet.

2. If you did not complete the task, give a brief explanation of why.

Revising and Editing Overall Tips

? Is your paper double spaced?

• Yes or No:

? Have you printed out a copy to read over?

• Yes or No:

? Did you visually scan your paper for paragraph length? Paragraphs that are either too long or shorter than the others may need some revision.

• Yes or No:

? Have you read your paper aloud to catch errors?

• Yes or No:

? Have you given your paper to a friend/instructor/CLA tutor to review?

• Yes or No:

Revising

? Did you reread the assignment details?

• Yes or No:

? Now that you have a draft, is your thesis statement clear, limited, and interesting, and is it supported in your draft?

• Yes or No:

? Does your thesis statement contain a main point and three subtopics?

• Yes or No:

? Are all your sources cited correctly? Does each parenthetical citation have a matching entry on the Reference page?

• Yes or No:

? Does every entry on the Reference page have matching parenthetical references?

• Yes or No:

? Review your introduction. Do you have a strong hook that engages the reader?

• Yes or No:

? Review the conclusion. Does it sum up your main points and restate the thesis?

• Yes or No:

Paragraph Revisions

? Does each paragraph have a strong topic sentence?

• Yes or No:

? Do all sentences support the topic sentence?

• Yes or No:

? Is the paragraph organized logically?

• Yes or No:

? Do the sentences transition smoothly and logically?

• Yes or No:

? Is each paragraph supported with sufficient details, examples, statistics, facts, research?

• Yes or No:

Editing

? Did you correct suggestions made by your word processing program’s spell check and grammar check?

• Yes or No:

? What errors have teachers most corrected on your past papers? Did you check for those same errors on this paper?

• Yes or No:

Did you check for some of the most common errors in your paper? Answer Yes or No:

Comma splices/Run-ons:

Sentence Fragments:

Subject/verb agreement:

Faulty parallelism:

Misplaced commas:

Misused colons, semicolons:

Commonly confused words (for example- there, their):

Are there any words that you use repeatedly in your paper?

Consider word choice. Can you identify any sentences/phrases which are awkward and need to be rephrased?

Could your sentence structure use more variety?

Part 2: Strengths and Weaknesses

Directions: Go through each component description below. Then give a brief explanation of what you did well, what you can improve upon, and your reasoning why – all boxes must be complete.

Organization: Proper heading in the upper left hand corner, five separated paragraphs, Reference Page What was done well: What can be improved upon:

Reasons why: Reasons why:

Research: Proper topic that is supported with a peer reviewed article (research is included through in-text citations/paraphrased information from article(s) What was done well: What can be improved upon:

Reasons why: Reasons why:

Conventions/Mechanics: Proof-read entire paper, no spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors; double-spaced throughout entire paper; paragraphs indented; references are listed correctly on reference page; minimum word count has been met and maximum word count has not been exceeded What was done well: What can be improved upon:

Reasons why: Reasons why:

Word Choice: Academic writing is met, correct words used in context; essay contains a variety of sentence structures and uses complete, detailed expressions within the writing. *No incomplete, incoherent, or fragment sentences are found. What was done well: What can be improved upon:

Reasons why: Reasons why:

Voice/Tone: Essay is written in 3rd Person Point of View (there is no “I” statements in the writing); message is clear and original in thought from the writer’s perspective on the topic and arguments (research is only there to support these claims). What was done well: What can be improved upon:

Reasons why: Reasons why:

Sentence/Paragraph Fluency: There is a smooth transitioning between paragraphs; sentences within the body paragraphs flow and are easy to read and follow; there is an unison of the topic chosen and the arguments presented in the essay; research enhances the paragraphs, and does not take the majority of the paragraph itself-again, research is to support, not create the essay. What was done well: What can be improved upon:

Reasons why: Reasons why:

Part 3: Summary and Reflection

Directions: Please write a summary based on the guidelines given below; write your summary in the space provided.

In 250-300 words answer the following:

• After reviewing your strengths and weaknesses, what will you do the same and what will you do differently when completing your next college essay?

• What are some resources that you can use to help improve your areas of weakness?

• What advice would you give a new student to help with writing their first college essay?

Summary:

UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 6 Assignment

Final Draft: Expository Essay

Please do the following in completing the final draft of your essay:

Revise your expository essay using the feedback received from your instructor on your outline and first draft.

Review the media piece The Writing Process to help you refine and finalize your essay.

Review the rubric for this assignment to ensure you have completed all necessary components of your essay.

Your final draft should be at least 750-1,000 words.

Complete the following before submitting your final essay:

Read your paper aloud (to yourself or someone else) to “hear” issues with your grammar and sentence structure.

Polish the issues found by smoothing out your language.

Run spellcheck and grammar check (as a backup) before submitting the final draft. Make any necessary changes to address spelling or grammar issues.

Properly cite your sources both in-text and in the References section at the end of your paper. (The Reference Page is the last page of your paper and should ONLY contain references. If you cited the work in the paper; the reference needs to be included. If you did not use the reference in your paper, then do not include the reference.)

Make sure that the final draft does not contain any of the instructors embedded feedback from your first draft. These comments should have been corrected and the comment should be deleted. Please contact your instructor if you have questions.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Review the Final Draft Rubric to help you make sure all elements is present in your essay; this is NOT the same rubric that was used in the First Draft. This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Submit the completed Final Draft to LopesWrite and review your report BEFORE submitting to your instructor. Make sure your LopesWrite score and essay are ready to be submitted BEFORE you select the “Final Submit” option.

Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 6 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).

UNV104 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy

Week 7 Assignment

Self-Reflection Essay

Create a five-paragraph self-reflection research essay of 500-750-words that includes: an introduction with a mapped thesis statement, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The following sub-topics should be the basis of your thesis statement and three body paragraphs:

Explain how you can apply the knowledge learned in this course towards effective communication within your field of study.

Explain areas of strengths in communication you feel you will bring to your field of study.

Explain areas of opportunity that you can work on in regards to communication within your field of study and why developing these communication skills will be important to you personally.

You may use First Person point of view in the writing, as it is a personal reflection.

You are required to use at least one source for supporting your essay; the textbook for this course may be used as a source. Don’t forget in-text citations and a References list.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center at

http://www.gcumedia.com/lms-resources/student-success-center/v2.1/#/tools .

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.

Submit the completed assignment to the final assignment drop box by the end of Topic 7 (Sunday, by 11:59pm, Arizona Time).