The document provides two sample research essays that demonstrate a Level 4 skill level. The first essay summarizes a topic of general social concern and uses attention-grabbing techniques, a clear thesis, precise diction, and MLA documentation to support its arguments. The second essay presents an academic analysis of literary and theoretical issues, including an annotated bibliography. Both essays required collecting information from multiple sources and evaluating arguments to write clearly and concisely on an applied or academic topic using standard documentation methods.

1. Exemplars
Level 4 Research Essay Sample 2
Task
Students were asked to prepare a formal research essay on a general, applied, or academic subject following standard
documentation methods. This complex activity required students to apply a number of key skills, including reframing
information and ideas; collecting, analyzing, and organizing information from different sources; evaluating the validity of
others’ arguments and their own thinking; and writing clearly, concisely, and correctly.
Assignment: to write an essay on a topic of general social concern, summarizing key aspects of the topic.
Page 1
Comments
Introduction uses
attention-getting
techniques
Introduction contains
clear thesis statement,
which is well supported
in body
Uses MLA
documentation
effectively
Uses precise diction
Has attention-getting
introduction
Uses expository style
Contains relevant
material
Has few grammatical
errors (one comma
splice)
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2. Exemplars
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3. Exemplars
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4. Exemplars
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5. Exemplars
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6. Exemplars
Level 4 Research Essay Sample 3
Task
Students were asked to prepare a formal research essay on a general, applied, or academic subject following standard
documentation methods. This complex activity required students to apply a number of key skills, including reframing
information and ideas; collecting, analyzing, and organizing information from different sources; evaluating the validity of
others’ arguments and their own thinking; and writing clearly, concisely, and correctly.
Assignment: to write an essay presenting an academic analysis of literary and theoretical issues, related to specific texts and
concepts, and including an annotated bibliography for the reader’s reference.
Page 1
Comments
Uses a weak “dawn of
time” opening
Is written for a Pre-
University program or
elective course
Uses MLA
documentation
Deals with an academic
rather than applied topic
Contains an excellent
example of an
Annotated Bibliography
Contains long
paragraphs (reflection
of academic stance)
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7. Exemplars
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8. Exemplars
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9. Exemplars
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10. Exemplars
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11. Exemplars
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12. Exemplars
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13. Exemplars
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14. Exemplars
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