Geology of Galveston
GEOL 1445-IN01 Writing Assignment – Spring 2022
Deadline: no later than 11:59pm Saturday, March 5
(Total 35 pts.)
Data and information for the paper (do not use any other references):
Four pdf files attached
Assignment: Write an essay that describes the geology of Galveston Island, what influences are changing the shoreline, and how Galveston Island might look in the future if all of these influences continue.
Your essay should be a minimum of 1000 words. [This does not include the title page and the reference page].
Your paper should have the following:
1) Title page – Write your name and course: LASTNAME.FIRSTINITIAL_GEOL1445.IN
Title of the paper: Geology of Galveston Island
Date of your submission.
2) The body of the paper will be structured in this format:
- a) Introduction – Write at least one paragraph that has a thesis statement to introduce Galveston Island as well as how and when it formed. Ideally, you should give both historical and geological background of Galveston Island, including things like location, size, population, etc. Discuss formation of Galveston Island as a Barrier Island. Include a map of Texas with the location of Galveston Island.
- b) Discussion – Your discussion MUST include these three 3 points –
– Explain the different influences resulting in shoreline changes along Galveston Island over time (mention / discuss at least 3-4 influences).
– Discuss the effects of past hurricanes on Galveston Island with extra emphasis on recent Hurricanes like Harvey and Ike.
– Finally, based on your readings, formulate a prediction (and provide supporting evidence) of how Galveston’s shoreline will change in the next 100 years due to the various influences mentioned above and the effects of hurricanes (i.e. will Galveston Island stay the same as today, migrate landward, or migrate seaward).
- d) Conclusion – This is a summary of the introduction and discussion. Provide a concise summary of your discussion above.
3) References Cited: This page is where you cite the specific pdf files that you are allowed to use and must use. *Also, don’t forget to cite your sources within the text of the report if you are quoting material or using someone else’s’ ideas. See examples below.
Important!!!: The report should be prepared using Word format. However, I recommend you use PDF format if using Mac or some other versions of Word that may not upload correctly in blackboard. Issues have occurred in the past where submissions did not load correctly for viewing / grading in blackboard because some other versions of Word format were used. Again, if unsure, write your essay in word format, then save it as a PDF file and submit the PDF file in blackboard.
Carefully proofread your report to catch errors that the software will not; especially with technical terms as the software often does not recognize these words. Use either Times New Roman or Arial font size 11-12. Your report should be space- and- a- half or double-spaced.
- If you need help writing your paper visit with writing tutors in the Learning Lab. These tutors are very effective at helping you to polish your writing style. You need to ensure that the tone of your writing is scientific, not jovial or wishful. In order words, be objective in your writing (by using scientific data), knowing that you will not score high or low based on which way you predict Galveston’s shoreline will move.
Report Grading Rubric
Mechanics: Needs improvement (0 pts. Some grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors, does not follow instructions, and/or shows poor use of references and citations)
Meets expectations (3.5 pts. A few grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors; follows most instructions; and cites references adequately.)
Exceptional (5 points – No more than 3 grammatical, spelling, or punctuation errors; follows instructions; and does a good job citing references within
the text as well as at the end of the paper.)
Organization: Needs improvement (0 points – the lab report rambles and the ideas are disorganized)
Meets expectation (7 points – main ideas are identified and stated, but there is no clear organizational structure)
Exceptional (10 points – the report is well-organized and flows smoothly)
Data: Needs improvement (0 points – incomplete use of scientific data)
Meets expectation (14.5 points – used adequate scientific data)
Exceptional (20 points – displayed excellent understanding, description, and integration of the scientific data)
NOTE: Any cheating (i.e. copying and pasting of information from any source) or plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment, an academic dishonesty sanction, and the possibility of failing the course.
Extra Instructions:
- How to submit the report:
Go to left side of the screen of our course home page to submit your report in Assignments.
The instructions below are taken from the MyBlackboard Help.
To learn more, see Submitting Assignments and watch the following movie.
Submitting an Assignment (Flash movie | 2m 43s)
Frequently Asked Questions
2. How do I know whether my assignment has been graded?
The My Grades tool displays all your grades. My Grades is often located on the course menu. The course menu appears on the left side of the course window. If My Grades is not on the course menu, click Tools, and then click My Grades. If your assignment has been submitted, but not graded, you will see an exclamation mark next to the assignment’s title.
- How to Cite References
You can use the CSE method of citing references. Find the attached style guide from the referenced website below in your assignment folder.
Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors and Publishers This page follows the Scientific Style and Format: The CSE Manual for Authors, Editors, and Publishers, 8th edition, ©2014.
Or use
http://www.physics.ohio-state.edu/~wilkins/writing/Handouts/references.html
