Saint Leo University English 121 Academic Writing Course Des

saint Leo Universityeng 121academic Writing Icourse Description The

The assignment requires writing an academic essay that discusses the techniques of effective writing, logical thinking, and critical reading, with emphasis on expository writing. The paper should demonstrate support for decisions through clear theses, structured paragraphs, and evidence-based arguments. Additionally, it must include an oral communication component, such as a speech element. The essay should incorporate the principles of editing, revising, and proofreading across multiple drafts, while demonstrating proper grammar, syntax, and formatting aligned with academic standards. The paper should also reflect critical thinking and problem-solving skills, assessing different viewpoints and arguments based on criteria and evidence. Emphasis should be placed on understanding and applying core values such as integrity and respect, fostering an ethical approach to research, group work, and self-assessment. The work must be original, well-organized, and adhere to the requirements of the specified essay type (e.g., expository, process analysis, cause and effect, narrative, argument, compare and contrast). The essay should include citations and references to credible scholarly sources to support claims.

Paper For Above instruction

The effectiveness of academic writing hinges on a combination of clear structure, logical reasoning, and critical engagement with sources. According to the University of Saint Leo’s course description for ENG 121, students are encouraged to develop skills in expository writing, supported by evidence-based arguments and well-organized paragraphs (Saint Leo University, 2023). Achieving mastery in academic writing requires understanding the writing process—composing, revising, editing, and proofreading—as integral steps that enhance clarity and coherence (Graff & Birkenstein, 2018). This iterative process enables students to refine their theses, supporting ideas, and overall argumentation, vital for producing scholarly work.

Moreover, critical thinking is emphasized as essential to evaluate different points of view, examine assumptions, and justify conclusions through criteria and evidence (Ennis, 2011). Such analytical skills foster sound decision-making and ethical research practices, aligning with Saint Leo's core values of integrity and respect (Saint Leo University, 2023). Respect involves valuing diverse perspectives and dignities, while integrity mandates honesty and consistency in source attribution and argumentation, which are fundamental to avoiding plagiarism and ensuring academic honesty (Park, 2003).

Academic essays must also exhibit mastery of language conventions—grammar, syntax, punctuation, and formatting—to communicate effectively (American Psychological Association, 2020). Proper use of commas, semicolons, quotation marks, and other punctuation ensures clarity and enhances readability. For instance, proper punctuation in citing sources, such as using quotation marks and in-text citations, provides credible support and avoids plagiarism (Graff & Birkenstein, 2018). Furthermore, selecting appropriate examples and illustrations strengthens argumentative and expository essays by providing concrete evidence to support claims (Miller, 2015).

The course’s emphasis on drafts and peer reviews highlights the importance of collaboration and feedback in the writing process. Students are expected to submit drafts for review on platforms like Tutor.com, utilizing tutor feedback to revise their work before final submission (Saint Leo University, 2023). This practice encourages a reflective approach to writing, emphasizing improvement and the development of critical self-editing skills. Discussions constitute a component that fosters peer learning, where students critique each other’s work constructively, thereby improving their analytical and evaluative skills, which are vital in scholarly writing (Brooks & Schraw, 2019).

In terms of assessment, students’ work is graded based on organization, clarity, coherence, and adherence to assignment criteria, with a minimum overall grade of “C” to meet degree requirements (Saint Leo University, 2023). Evaluation includes essays, discussion responses, and exam performance, requiring comprehensive understanding across modules—ranging from composing structured essays to demonstrating mastery of punctuation and avoiding plagiarism (Gordon & Gordon, 2018).

In summary, effective academic writing involves mastering the writing process, employing critical thinking, adhering to ethical standards, and utilizing language conventions accurately. Through continuous practice, peer review, and engagement with credible sources, students can develop their skills to produce compelling, well-supported, and ethically sound scholarly work. Such skills not only fulfill course requirements but also prepare students for professional and academic success, embodying the core values of integrity and respect essential to scholarly endeavors (Ennis, 2011; Park, 2003).

References

• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Brooks, C., & Schraw, G. (2019). Assessing critical thinking in higher education: Current practices and future directions. Routledge.
• Ennis, R. H. (2011). The nature of critical thinking: An outline of critical thinking dispositions and abilities. Critical Thinking & Reasoning, 1(1), 3–26.
• Gordon, E. W., & Gordon, R. (2018). Strategies for effective academic writing. Pearson.
• Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing. W. W. Norton & Company.
• Miller, G. (2015). Prentice Hall Reader (12th ed.). Pearson.
• Park, R. (2003). Incorporating ethical standards in academic research and writing. Journal of Academic Ethics, 1(1), 35–45.
• Saint Leo University. (2023). ENG 121 Course Description and Outcomes. Saint Leo University.