Producing a Well-Written, Well-Researched, and Well-Referenced Academic Essay

All elements are required

For this assignment, you are required to produce a 500-word essay on a current ‘hot topic’ within health and wellbeing.  Examples include: Obesity, Smoking, Dementia, etc.  Think about one in which you have a particular interest – perhaps one that has motivated you to pursue a career in health and wellbeing.  The focus of this assignment is to demonstrate your ability to produce a well-written, well-researched and well-referenced academic essay.  This is based on the following three elements that you have been introduced to during the module.  You should take note of the grading criteria below for details of the marks awarded for each element of the assignment. 

1.    ‘Well-Written’: Academic Writing:
Your work should follow the correct academic format for an academic essay, ensuring that you have also considered the need for correct presentation, punctuation and grammar.  Write in paragraphs and split your work into sections including an introduction, main body and conclusion. 

2.    Well-Researched’: Research Methods:
Your essay should demonstrate your ability to use appropriate sources for this level of study.  You should focus on books, journal articles, government reports and government websites.  Try to avoid unpublished work and web sources where the validity of the content could be called into question.  

3.    ‘Well-Referenced’: Referencing and the Harvard Referencing System / Format:
You are required to evidence your ability to correctly reference an academic essay.  You are required to utilise the Harvard referencing format as discussed during the module and as laid out in the referencing guide provided for you.  A minimum of  8 references is required for this assignment.

Your assignment should also be:
•    Word-processed (handwritten assignments are not accepted); font Arial size 12, double line spaced and right justified text (where appropriate).
•    Your student number should be shown in the header, and page numbers shown in footer.
•    Please note that student names should not appear anywhere on the assignment.
•    Your assignment should be submitted online via the Turnitin link by the date and time specified. 
•    Please refer to your Student Handbook for additional advice.  

Supplementary Guidance                            
The word count excludes the referencing list at the end of the assignment. Any appendices will not be assessed as part of the content of the assignment; therefore will not contribute to the grade awarded.  Assignments that are lengthier than the specified word count will not be read beyond the plus 10% point and will be marked according to the material already read.  

•    Remember to utilise associated learning materials on Blackboard.
•    Additional explanation of assignment requirements will be provided during lectures;
•    Consult the marking criteria to help you construct your response;
•    All links to literature should be referenced appropriately using the University Harvard referencing system;
•    A variety of academic sources should be used (i.e. books, edited books, journals, articles and on-line resources).
•    Total word count should be shown at end of your assignment;
•    Page numbers to be shown in footer. 

Learning Outcomes to be assessed:

1.    Identify and demonstrate appropriate learning strategies/ styles for effective academic development to include planning, reflection and problem solving in the academic environment.
2.    Be able to create and submit academic work in a range of styles appropriate to the assignment task.