Exemplars

Ontario College Writing Exemplars 143

Level 4 Research Essay Sample 2

Task

Students were asked to prepare a formal research essay on a general, applied, or academic subject following standard documentation methods. This complex activity required students to apply a number of key skills, including reframing information and ideas; collecting, analyzing, and organizing information from different sources; evaluating the validity of others’ arguments and their own thinking; and writing clearly, concisely, and correctly.

Assignment: to write an essay on a topic of general social concern, summarizing key aspects of the topic.

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Comments Introduction uses attention-getting techniques

Introduction contains clear thesis statement, which is well supported in body

Uses MLA documentation effectively

Uses precise diction

Has attention-getting introduction

Uses expository style

Contains relevant material

Has few grammatical errors (one comma splice)

Exemplars

144 Ontario College Writing Exemplars

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148 Ontario College Writing Exemplars

Level 4 Research Essay Sample 3

Task

Students were asked to prepare a formal research essay on a general, applied, or academic subject following standard documentation methods. This complex activity required students to apply a number of key skills, including reframing information and ideas; collecting, analyzing, and organizing information from different sources; evaluating the validity of others’ arguments and their own thinking; and writing clearly, concisely, and correctly.

Assignment: to write an essay presenting an academic analysis of literary and theoretical issues, related to specific texts and concepts, and including an annotated bibliography for the reader’s reference.

Page 1

Comments Uses a weak “dawn of time” opening

Is written for a Pre-University program or elective course

Uses MLA documentation

Deals with an academic rather than applied topic

Contains an excellent example of an Annotated Bibliography

Contains long paragraphs (reflection of academic stance)

Exemplars

Ontario College Writing Exemplars 149

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Exemplars

154 Ontario College Writing Exemplars

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