Assignment 1 Essay
UNDERSTANDING THE ASSIGNMENT: ESSAY – EXPLORING ANCIENT MYSTERIES
Write a 3-4 paragraph essay (of at least 250-500 words) which adequately address the topic and requirements stated below.
Format your essay according to the Strayer University Writing Standards as detailed in the formatting instructions below.
STEP 1: TOPIC SELECTION
Select a topic from the list below and include this topic on your title page.
Pyramids at Giza
There have been many theories regarding how the pyramids at Giza were constructed. Most experts agree that they were constructed as burial monuments for pharaohs, but “how” these ancient people constructed monuments of such great size without modern machinery is a mystery which is still being debated.
STEP 2: MYSTERY & THEORIES
Describe the mystery as though someone is hearing it for the first time.
Provide a brief summary of at least 2 reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Because some theories may sound far-fetched, include the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc.
STEP 3: EXAMINING THE MOST PLAUSIBLE
Identify 1 of the theories that you summarized above as the most plausible.
Provide at least 2 convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery.
STEP 4: REFERENCES & CITATIONS
Include a reference page that identifies at least 3 references. The class text may be included in the list of 3 or more.
In-text citations are required when paraphrasing or quoting another source. (i.e., STEPS 2 and 3 above)
STEP 5: DOUBLE CHECK FORMATTING
Formatting and writing standards are part of your grade. Align your formatting to the Strayer University Writing Standards.
HELP & GRADING
If you need help, please contact me via email at: [email protected].
Your assignment is graded according to this assignment rubric.
For a little help with Week 4 assignment 1, view the following video
Grading for this assignment will be based on answer quality, logic / organization of the paper, and language and writing skills, using the following rubric.
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Points: 100 |
Assignment 1: Essay – Exploring Ancient Mysteries |
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Criteria |
Unacceptable 0% F |
Meets Minimum Expectations 65% D |
Fair 75% C |
Proficient 85% B |
Exemplary 100 A |
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1. Clearly state the “mystery” and provide a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Because some theories may sound far-fetched, include the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. Weight: 40% |
Did not submit or incompletely stated the “mystery”. Did not submit or incompletely provided a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Did not submit or incompletely included the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. |
Insufficiently stated the “mystery” and insufficiently provided a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Insufficiently included the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. |
Partially stated the “mystery” and partially provided a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Partially included the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. |
Satisfactorily stated the “mystery” and satisfactorily provided a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Satisfactorily included the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. |
Thoroughly stated the “mystery” and effectively provided a brief summary of at least two (2) reasonable and scholarly theories which could explain the mystery. Thoroughly included the source or promoter of each theory – such as a scientist, a historian, a theologian, etc. |
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2. Identify one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and provide at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. Weight: 35% |
Did not submit or incompletely identified one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and did not submit or incompletely provided at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. |
Insufficiently identified one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and insufficiently provided at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. |
Partially identified one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and partially provided at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. |
Satisfactorily identified one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and satisfactorily provided at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. |
Thoroughly identified one (1) of the theories as the most plausible and thoroughly provided at least two (2) convincing reasons why the theory you have chosen is the best one to explain the mystery. |
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3. Three (3) references minimum (including class text); Reference quality Weight: 5% |
No references provided |
Does not meet the required number of references; all references poor quality choices. |
Does not meet the required number of references; some references poor quality choices. |
Meets number of required references; some references poor quality choices. |
Meets or exceeds number of required references; all references high quality choices. |
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4. Follows writing standards. Weight: 20% |
Followed few to no writing standards. |
Followed few writing standards. |
Followed some writing standards. |
Followed most writing standards. |
Followed all writing standards. |
