Overview
STEM280 B004 Summer 2026
Assignment Objective: Write an informative essay/paper based on the research you have conducted about your chosen topic.
Assignment Instructions: You will develop your paper based on the work you submitted for previous Assignments as well as the feedback you were given.
To prepare for this assignment, I recommend that you do the following:
- Read these directions carefully.
- Review the grading rubric below. The grading rubric is a detailed evaluation that I will use to assess your performance. It also will help you understand what is expected of you as you prepare your assignment.
- Email me with any questions!
Paper requirements:
The required elements: Your paper should contain the following elements. Specific content for each section was outlined BY YOU in Assignment 3: The Outline. Be sure to incorporate any feedback I gave you on the outline in particular.
- Format the essay using MLA Manuscript Formatting.
- 750-1000 words.
- An MLA formatted Works Cited page with at least three credible research sources. No more than one website is permitted. Use the APUS Library research databases for academic articles on your topic.
- Start with an introduction: this should be 5-7 sentences that summarize the main idea behind your essay. Include a clear thesis. I recommend a three point thesis. However, the thesis must make a claim. You will identify which topic you selected and make your main point.
- Next you move into the body of your essay. Here you will write 4-5 paragraphs that outline specific evidence supporting your main point/thesis. You need at least one paragraph on each of the content sections you identified in your outline. Sources should used as direct quotes, identified with in-text citations. Do NOT rely just on paraphrase and summary.
- Finally, wrap it all up in a nice conclusion. This will be 5-7 sentences that summarizes your main point and evidence. Do not just repeat your introduction or use exact sentences from your body paragraphs.
- Finish with references in MLA formatting. Refer to feedback on your Assignment 2: Annotated Bibliography for any helpful advice on MLA formatting.
Evaluation: Please review the Final Paper Grading Rubric that describes how your presentation will be graded.
Submission Instructions:
- You must submit your Final Paper as a "Microsoft Word" document (rather than a Word Pad, Works, etc. document) AND title your file name as Lastname_Final Paper.doc.
- Upload your assignment for grading by clicking on the "Add Attachment" button at the bottom of the page.
- The new screen will prompt you to click the "Browse" button so you can locate the MS Word document of your Final Paper on your computer.
- Find the file and double-click on it.
- Click "Continue".
- Double check to ensure that your outline was successfully uploaded as an attachment.
- When you have completed this assignment, type "Completed" in the rich text editor box below.
- Click the "Submit" button.
- To support academic integrity and writing development, this assignment will be reviewed using the university’s approved academic integrity support tool. The tool provides originality and similarity feedback, including potential Gen‑AI indicators, and may provide writing mechanics feedback to help students review source use, citation, and writing clarity.