The Three Waters bill making its way through Parliament has provoked a strong reaction in some people. Will the legislation be a positive change for New Zealand?

2. Your arguments should be logical, clear and well-supported. 

3. Include at least 1 quotation, 2 paraphrases, and 1 summary as source support. Write (Q), (P), and (S) next to them for clear identification. Each should come from a different source and be properly referenced. You can include more than 4, but don’t let sources dominate your essay.

4. Indicate where your supporting arguments, counter-arguments and refutations begin with clear signals introducing them. And to make things super clear for you and your marker (and only for this assignment), ALSO label these supporting arguments, counter-arguments and refutations with: Arg 1, Arg 2, C-Arg 1, Ref 1 etc. for clear identification.

5. Include a correctly presented bibliography of at least 5 sources, using a variety of types of trustworthy sources (ie. mainly academic journal articles, but you could also use government reports, reliable non-governmental organisation websites, an online book etc). Avoid relying on weaker sources, such as social media posts or political party publications. At the top of your reference list, indicate which referencing style you are using.

6. Your expression and style should be academic, even if a source uses a non-academic style.

1. CONTENT

Good understanding of subject, main issues effectively explained

Clear position on topic established in Introduction, purpose of essay clear to reader

Definitions included where necessary

Strong, well-structured arguments; main ideas well supported with evidence, examples etc.

Writer shows awareness of other positions (counter-arguments)

Counter-arguments effectively refuted

1. ORGANISATION

Effective introduction: contextual information, thesis statement, preview of essay Body

Paragraphs well ordered & topic sentences used effectively

Transitions and links well managed. Signals indicating counters and refutations clear

Clearly stated, relevant, concise conclusion

No unnecessary repetition or irrelevant information

1. STYLE

Clear, concise expression; tone appropriate for academic writing

Writer appears interested in and committed to topic – strong writer “voice”

Sources do not dominate essay

1. MECHANICS

Spelling, punctuation, word use correct. A spell checker has been used before submission.

At least 4 sources effectively incorporated into essay as summary, paraphrase, quote, and labelled

In-text citations and bibliography entries correct

Arguments, counter-arguments & refutations labelled with Arg 1, C-Arg 1, Ref 1 etc.