The Fermi Paradox
Two-Sentence Summary
This assignment asks you to create an essay that argues for a specific interpretation of data in the natural sciences. It should be at least three pages, should use resources provided by the library, should be in APA format, and should summarize and argue about an assigned topic.
Purpose
The purpose of this assignment is to extend upon the work completed in 6.2 Assignment to select a topic and develop it into an essay of the work. This assignment is designed for students to display their ability to construct a valid and researched analysis of their chosen viewpoint in a previously-selected area of the natural sciences.
Skills
Computer skills, including the use of Canvas
Critical thinking and reflection
Formal Tone in written assignments (see Instructor’s Specific Instructions for usage of first person pronouns)
Research skills using scholarly sources (see video on Navigating Scholarly Sources)
Writing an abstract
Knowledge
Canvas LMS (learning management system)
APA Formatting
Finding and using scholarly (peer-reviewed) sources
Basic understanding of research and interpretation of scientific studies and data
Ability to develop an informed opinion rooted in scholarly research
Ability to read the information available on a selected topic and determine its academic worthiness by determining its level of objectivity and purpose for publication
Ability to critically evaluate the data collection methods
Instructions
Read Module 6.0 and They Say, I Say pages 101-146 and 205-223 to gather information about reading and writing in natural sciences. Review the template summary we provided you in the course.
Make sure to also watch the video Fact vs. Theory vs. Hypothesis vs. Law in order to understand the basic terminology that you will likely find in the articles you are reading.
Read this sample essay to help you visualize an end-product for this assignment.
Look back at the 6.2 discussion. You summarized this topic and got feedback from your peers. This is the topic you will be discussing in this essay.
Open a new Word document and format it for APA guidelines since this is a Natural Sciences essay.
After the title page of your work, include a page break. Title page 2 “Abstract”. We will finish this portion of the paper last, so insert another page break and title your work on page 3.
You may use first-person point of view in this essay, but stay away from word choices such as “I believe,” or “I feel,” and use word choices such as “I think,” or “I conclude.”
In a new Word document file, plan the introduction of your essay:
What will your hook be? Consider using your Google search results to develop your hook and captures your reader’s attention.
How will you bridge from the hook to your thesis statement/main points?
What is your thesis statement? (Note: If you answer “no” to any of the following questions, then you do NOT have a thesis statement. Reach out to your instructor if you need help with this critical piece of your paper.)
Is it arguable?
Is it specific?
Is it clear and direct?
Does it provide a roadmap for your essay?
Do you have evidence to prove your claims?
Use the “Chosen Viewpoint” section from the 6.2 Template to inform your main points and thesis statement.
Write your introduction paragraph on your formatted paper, beginning on page 3.
Plan and write your body paragraphs to flesh out the main points of the thesis statement. In each of your body paragraphs, be sure you answer affirmatively to the following questions:
Is there a clear topic sentence utilizing transition words and phrases?
Is your point you are backing up stated in the topic sentence?
How is this main point important enough to land its own paragraph in your essay? Discuss its importance with your reader immediately following the topic sentence.
What examples and/or data from your scholarly sources do you have to support your main point?
Have you provided proper APA formatted in-text citations for your research material that is used?
After each example and/or data point, have you linked that information back to your thesis statement? Spend some time (1-2 sentences) connecting this information to your overall claim.
Do you have a brief concluding statement for your paragraph before moving into the next?
Repeat these questions for each main point you intend to prove in your work.
Plan and write the conclusion of your work. As you conclude, please review the following questions:
Have you re-worded the thesis statement so that it is not identical to your introduction?
Did you leave the reader with a parting idea or thought that completes your topic?
Do you feel inclined to introduce new information? Please stop now. Refrain from using that in your conclusion. No new data should be presented in the conclusion. Save yourself.
Include a page break. Title the next page “References” and cite the works you used in your essay using APA formatting. You may use the “Scholarly Source List” section from the 6.2 Template, but only cite those sources you used in your final essay.
Go back to page 2 and write a brief (150-word) summary of your paper. What is your purpose? What are your main points? List any key terms at the bottom of the abstract that may pertain to your paper. (See example, if necessary)
Proofread, edit, and revise your document using the essay checklist. Try to give yourself some time between finishing and proofreading your work. You may also find it beneficial to read your paper out loud. Be sure to search for the following common errors:
Second person pronouns (‘you’)
Missing commas
Contractions
Run-ons
Fragments
Comma splices
Download and save your document as a .doc, .docx, or .rtf. (Note: please review syllabus for file types.)
