Assignment 4: Evidence-based policy recommendation

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  1. Read

Review arguments for and against such a move, building in economic and environmental perspectives.

In other words, if you have not already done so, read the two required texts for next week: 1) IUCN (2018) Palm Oil and Biodiversity Issues Brief, and 2) Fitch (2018) Essential Oil?

  1. Analyze evidence

Based on your reading, identify the aspect of the oil palm and biodiversity debate that you find most compelling and want to learn more about.

Then consult the full IUCN (2018) Palm Oil and Biodiversity report as a resource to find, analyze, and cite specific data that will back up your recommendation.

Quick tip: refer to the report’s Table of Contents section to locate and quickly zoom in on relevant data.

You will receive a failing grade if you do not meet this requirement.

In other words, I do not expect you to read the full report, but to use it as a reference for finding relevant data.

  1. Write a 400-600 word essay that persuades the Prime Minister to adopt your evidence-based policy recommendation.

The first paragraph should introduce the oil palm debate and focus the reader’s attention on a key economic and/or environmental issue.

But most of your essay should analyze the issues at hand. Take a step back from the resources we’ve provided you and assess what you think is best.

Craft your recommendation as you wish, but consider the following optional questions*:

  • What are the main advantages of your recommendation?
  • Why have you rejected alternative ideas or proposals?
  • What are the short-, medium-, and long-term implications of your proposal?
  • Recognize groups or individuals who may not be happy with your proposal
  • Suggest ways of appeasing them

*These questions are inspired by Leeder, A. (2006), 100 Ideas for Teaching Geography, Continuum International Publishing Group: London.

  1. Cite your sources!

By now you are likely a whiz at this. Remember to cite the sources provided as well as any additional sources you might use.

Format:

  • Font: Times New Roman, 11 or 12 point font
  • Line spacing: double-spaced, 1-inch margins
  • Number of words: 400-600
  • Please structure your essay (introduction, development, conclusion & paragraphs!)

Rubric

Assignment 4 Rubric

Assignment 4 Rubric

Criteria Ratings Pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUnderstanding

10.0 to >8.5 pts

A range

Essay demonstrates detailed and succinct understanding of the palm oil and biodiversity debate, from environmental and economic perspectives. The first paragraph introduces the debate, and focuses the reader’s attention on a key economic and/or environmental issue. This overview or synthesis does not take up more than 1/3 of text.

8.5 to >7.5 pts

B range

Essay demonstrates fundamental understanding of the palm oil and biodiversity debate, from environmental and economic perspectives, but without much detail (‘analysis’ is thus not empirically informed). The first paragraph shows a general awareness of the debate, but without a sharp focus on a given issue. Synthesis makes up between 1/3 and ½ of text.

7.5 to >7.0 pts

C range

Essay demonstrates a vague understanding of the palm oil and biodiversity debate, from an environmental or economic perspective. The first paragraph may distort important aspects of the debate, or discuss the focus of the essay very minimally. Synthesis makes up 2/3 of the text, or more.

7.0 to >0 pts

Below C

Essay is either plagiarized* or synthesis is not in student’s own words. And/or the essay demonstrates no to very little understanding of the debate. The first paragraph does not introduce the debate. Neither does it focus in on a key issue. *A plagiarized assignment will receive a total grade of a 0.

10.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeData & analysis

30.0 to >26.5 pts

A range

Essay clearly states a policy recommendation that conveys nuanced understanding of the debate in context. Essay retrieves, organizes, and analyzes pertinent data from the IUCN (2018) Palm Oil and Biodiversity full report, which clearly strengthens the policy recommendation. Analysis uses course material (e.g., reading, lecture example, or concept) in innovative ways. Essay has a solid ‘sense of voice.’ Analysis is 2/3 or more of the text.

26.5 to >23.5 pts

B range

Essay states a policy recommendation that conveys fundamental understanding of the debate in context. Essay retrieves, organizes, and analyzes pertinent data from the IUCN (2018) full report, which supports the policy recommendation. Analysis uses course material (e.g., reading, lecture example, or concept), but in a way that may be implicit or vague. Essay somewhat lacks a ‘sense of voice’. Analysis is between ½ and 2/3 of the text.

23.5 to >20.0 pts

C range

Essay states a vague policy recommendation that conveys a somewhat lacking understanding of the debate in context. The data that is retrieved from the IUCN (2018) full report is not directly connected to the policy recommendation. Analysis only implicitly refers to course material. Essay lacks a ‘sense of voice.’ Analysis makes up between 1/3 and ½ of the text.

20.0 to >0 pts

Below C

No part of the essay can be identified as analysis, or the essay is plagiarized*. Essay does not use data from the IUCN (2018) report to support the policy recommendation. Analysis does not relate to course material. *A plagiarized assignment will receive a total grade of a 0.

30.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting Clarity

5.0 to >4.0 pts

A range

Essay is clearly written, flows well, and effectively communicates the author’s point

4.0 to >3.0 pts

B range

Essay has problems with logical flow and sentence structure, or does not have a clear intro, body and conclusion.

3.0 to >2.5 pts

Below C

Essay has a combination of errors involving logical flow and overall structure.

2.5 to >0 pts

C range

Essay exhibits a need for student to visit the Temple writing center. This could be due to any number of issues, including basic comprehension at the sentence level, major problems with grammar, or a demonstrated lack of understanding of the standards of college-level writing.

5.0 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat, citations & bib.

5.0 to >4.0 pts

A range

Format instructions are followed correctly (TNR 11 or 12-pt font; double-spaced, 1 inch margins, 400-600 words; intro/development/conclusion/ paragraphs). There are in-text citations that introduce the articles by name and author and thereafter use footnotes of AUTHOR (YEAR) format to refer to readings when appropriate. There is also a works cited section that follows MLA, APA, or Chicago Style format. Readings are effectively introduced, quotes, statistics, and figures are cited.

4.0 to >3.0 pts

B range

There is at least one error in terms of format or bibliographic instructions, or quotes or statistics are not cited in text.

3.0 to >1.0 pts

C range

A combination of two or three mistakes listed to the left.

1.0 to >0 pts

Below C

There are no in-text citations/ no bib. The possibility of 1 point depends on whether the student mentioned the authors and article title in text.

5.0 pts

Total Points: 50.0

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