WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT GUIDELINES
This coursework requires you to write a 1,250 word extended argument essay on a topic connected
to your intended degree course. For example: Oil and Gas Management; Business Management;
Accounting and Finance; HR Management; Events Management; Computer Science; Law etc.
You are responsible for choosing the topic and title for your essay which must be submitted to your
lecturer along with a plan for your essay by: Monday 2nd November (week 5). You must make sure
your essay title has been approved before proceeding, and you will be given support with this
during class.
In order to write your essay you will need to do reading and research. You should familiarise
yourself with the online library system and GSM’s online library early on in the course, and start
reading articles and researching into common themes within your degree subject. This will help you
to find a title you are interested in, and you can begin to collect sources (e.g. journal articles) to
integrate into your writing. You will need your ‘MyAthens’ password to access material online which
the library has emailed to you. Contact the library if you have problems with this.
The essay is an argument essay. This means you are expected to include the following:
Introduction needs to include: background information; more specific information (what is
the issue) and a clear thesis statement which clearly identifies your position.
Body paragraph 1 needs to include: counter-argument; rebuttal; argument; evidence
Body paragraph 2 needs to include: counter-argument; rebuttal; argument; evidence
Body paragraph 3 needs to include: counter-argument; rebuttal; argument; evidence
Body paragraph 4 needs to include: counter-argument; rebuttal; argument; evidence
Conclusion needs to include a short summary of body paragraphs 1-4 and recommendations
for resolving the issue
Bibliography (in Harvard style)
*please note: there is video support available on the ACW page on GSM Learn*
Throughout your essay you need to show evidence that you have researched and evaluated other
opinions on the subject. This is a key feature of an argument essay which helps to strengthen your
position, for example:
“According to Smith (2014) ……” or “It is argued that ………………….. (Irving, 2012)”
