Communication

ASSIGNMENT 1.6: Write it Up

Learning Target(s):

  • Transform ideas and information to create original texts, using various genres, forms, structures, and styles
  • Use the conventions of Canadian spelling, grammar, and punctuation proficiently and as appropriate to the context   
  • Use acknowledgements and citations to recognize intellectual property rights


Lesson:

Writing an expository essay is a simple but important skill.  Being able to communicate a fact to another person is fundamental.  Creating a simple and concise paragraph that can easily be understood is a skill that is often underrated, but it is at the root of all our communication.  People can often explain a simple task like turning on a TV, but when we find larger issues, we sometimes have trouble finding the right words to express the facts clearly.  For this assignment we will not be simply writing a paragraph but will, instead, be writing an essay.  This essay will be similar to a traditional 5 - paragraph essay.  It will have an introductory paragraph, where you introduce your topic.  It should also have a body paragraph for each of your main points.  And finally, it will have a concluding paragraph.  The total number of paragraphs will depend on how many points you are explaining.  Your essay's body paragraphs can follow the 5-point paragraph structure, introduced at the beginning of the unit.

Task:

For this assignment we will take a look at a larger issue:  the twinning of an Alberta-BC pipeline.  Watch this video published my Maclean’s on March 23, 2018 “The Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline controversy, explained.”  This should give you some background on the issue that has been in the news for many years.  

 

The video alludes to a court decision that was rendered in August 2018.  Read this article from CBC.   It will be your job to first, pull out the facts from the article, and second, to re-represent those facts in your own expository essay. Your essay should inform your audience about the court verdict regarding the Trans Mountain pipeline. You will need to access other sources to find additional information on this issue, to make sure you are clear with your explanation, but be sure to reference all your sources correctly (including a works cited).  

Your essay should be 1 - 2 pages double spaced, times new roman font 12pt font.  You may use the provided article, but must also include other sources. You must include in-text citations, and a works cited page.  Remember to keep away from any bias, and only explain the facts.

 

Assessment: Below you will find the exemplary criteria used to assess the assignment.   

Learning Target(s):  Exemplary (6/6):  Effectively communicates all the important points that are presented in the provided video and article.  Ideas are communicated with clarity and maturity, using vocabulary and tone that are appropriate for the context.  Connections and content are clear and concise.  Accomplishes the purpose with originality, individuality, maturity, and sophistication. In-text citations and works cited follow MLA format, and quotes are integrated into the student's writing seamlessly. 

Written Expression Exemplary (6/6): Sentence structure and vocabulary are varied, skillfully written, and carefully chosen.  Work has been proofread and there are few or no errors in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar.  Content contributes to the central idea and makes insightful connections with logical organization. Responses are skillfully organized, edited and easy to read.

 

Submission:

Use the "1.6 Write it Up" link on the main page of this section of the course to upload your assignment to your teacher for marking.

Estimated Allotted Time: 40 min