English Language Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 1
Assessment 2: Writing a problem-solution essay
Task
– Write a problem-solution essay (900-1000 words) based on the education or workplace topic in your Assessment 1
proposal.
Include the following:
a narrowed essay title
an introduction paragraph and a conclusion paragraph
body paragraphs covering problems and proposed solutions
an end-of-text reference list in the appropriate referencing style for your discipline
a minimum of four in-text citations from a minimum of four English language academic source texts using
appropriate citing techniques
a minimum of two in-text citations from a minimum of two English language news sources using appropriate
citing techniques
the reference list should include a DOI, permalink or URL for each source.
The amount of direct quotation should NOT exceed 5% of the word count in the essay.
Procedure
Step 1: Develop the proposed ideas from Assessment 1
You need to write 900-1000 words for this essay. Assessment 2 should include an introduction, body paragraphs with
solutions addressing the identified problems, a conclusion, and an end-of-text reference list.
Step 2: Get feedback from your teacher
Your teacher will give you feedback about Assessment 1 essay proposal before the Assessment 2 deadline. Use this
feedback to develop your Assessment 2 essay. Use this consultation to ask your teacher questions.
Step 3: Access further ELC support
Join CILL Workshops to get more input on how to continue writing your essay. Join a WAP session or seek help from
the CILL helpdesk teacher to get further feedback and advice. Submit a draft version to Turnitin via Blackboard so
that you can revise your essay before the final submission of Assessment 2.
Step 4: Submit your assessment
i. Submit the final version of your essay before the deadline of Assessment 2.
ii. Ensure that you click ‘Submit’ after you have uploaded your essay.
iii. Select the option to download the digital receipt. Retain the digital receipt.
Extra guidance notes
Content and organisation
Make sure you answer your essay question. For each problem identified, a solution should be given.
Make sure that each body paragraph has supporting evidence. Ensure that your references are from academic
and reliable news sources in order to strengthen the credibility of your writing.
The introduction should address these elements: what the issue involves; why the issue is important; and how
the essay will answer the question.
Ensure that your essay has a logical structure. Make sure that there is one main point per body paragraph.
Aim for clear linking between paragraphs. Show the connection with the previous paragraph.
Finish a paragraph with a concluding sentence to link back to the topic sentence and introduction.
The conclusion should be short and include the following: a short summary of the main points, your opinion and
/or recommendations.
English for University Studies Assessment 2 Guide
English Language Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University 2
Referencing
Include a minimum of four in-text citations from a minimum of four English language academic source texts.
Include a minimum of two in-text citations from a minimum of two English language news sources using
appropriate citing techniques
Demonstrate in-text citation skills. Effective use of integral and non-integral citations is expected.
The total word count for direct quotation should not exceed 5% of the essay word count.
Downgrades will be applied if material is copied without citing and referencing sources, or if there are other
breaches of academic integrity. Use your own words when summarising and paraphrasing material from sources.
Include an end-of-text reference list using the appropriate referencing style for your discipline.
Academic style
You should use a formal written style.
You should use appropriate vocabulary.
Aim to use single-word verbs rather than less formal phrasal verbs.
Use hedging language. Avoid making overly assertive claims unless you can justify a strong assertion with equally
strong supporting evidence.
Assessment criteria
Analysis and application (40%): evidence quality and relevance; evidence analysis; application of knowledge
Clarity of structure and language (25%): logical sequence (coherence); connection of ideas (cohesion); language
accuracy (grammar and vocabulary)
Appropriacy (35%): appropriate tone and formality; appropriate reporting of evidence; appropriate use of citation
style; task requirement fulfilment
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