Writing Prompt:
Ecosystems- Healthy ecosystems are essential for the survival and success of countless species on Earth. Scientists are studying the dynamics of these natural systems to assess the benefits of protecting existing ecosystems or restoring those that have been disrupted by human activities or invasive species. What else can be done to preserve these delicate, critical ecosystems?
Include one of the Sub-Topics: Biodiversity, Endangered Species Act, Invasive Species, Ecosystem Services and Management, Fisheries and Fishing
Writing Assignment Guidelines/Resources
General Writing Assignment Guidelines/Resources
Be sure to note the specific requirements for length and sources stated in the specific writing assignment.
Required Components for all assignments.
Times New Roman font, size 12,
double spaced
Cover Page – include the following information, centered
Title of Assignment
Student Name
Course Name
Essay – follow structure/sample outline explained below
References – written on separate page after the essay using APA Format
____________________________________________________________________________________________
In-text Citations/APA Reference Page
When quoting or paraphrasing, in-text citations are formatted in the body of your essay as follows:
(Author, date).
if no author is provided
(Title, date).
Paraphrase example:
Excel High School writing assignments have specific length and source requirements (General Writing Assignment Guidelines/Resources, 2020).
Direct quote examples:
“Be sure to note the specific requirements for length and sources stated in the specific writing assignment” (General Writing Assignment Guidelines/Resources, 2020).
or
General Writing Assignment Guidelines/Resources states, “Be sure to note the specific requirements for length and sources stated in the specific writing assignment.”
References – need to be retrieved from public websites (do not use websites that require usernames/passwords). Wikipedia cannot be listed as one of the sources. Always list the course textbook as a source.
Use the following citation generator for help formatting your textbook or outside sources.
click Citation Tools, then choose APA Citation Generator from the drop-down menu
Basic APA Website Format: Author Last Name, First Initial. (Date). Title of the Article/Page. web address
If no author is listed, begin with the title and format
Sample Essay Outline
I. Introduction; Paragraph 1: What is the essay about? (approx. 5 sentences)
First point/idea overview
Second point/idea overview
Third point/idea overview (if necessary)
II. Body Paragraph 2: Topic sentence for first point/idea
Supporting detail #1
Supporting detail #2
Supporting detail #3
III. Body Paragraph 3: Topic sentence transitioning to second point/idea
Supporting detail #1
Supporting detail #2
Supporting detail #3
IV. Body Paragraph 4: Topic sentence transitioning to third point/idea (if necessary)
Supporting detail #1
Supporting detail #2
Supporting detail #3
V. Concluding Paragraph 5: Analysis/What was the point of the essay? What does the information reveal?
Summary of first point/idea
Summary of second point/idea
Summary of third point/idea
*** in-text citations must be implemented throughout the essay***
