Name =

Date =

WRITING ABOUT ENERGY

SYSTEMS
Essay Prompt
Throughout the unit, we have explored energy sources and systems that
have improved the life of humans on the planet but, at times, undermined
the equilibrium of our natural habitats. As a scientist, write an essay to
attempt to persuade the human population of the planet to discontinue the
use of a source of energy that you consider detrimental to the natural
environment.
1. Choose a source of energy you consider bad for the existence of
humankind and animal kingdom.
2. Inform your audience of non-scientists, everyday-folks (people that
have not necessarily studied science) what is so bad about this type
of energy and what alternative source of energy would you replace it
with.
3. Include possible pros and cons of the alternative source you would
use and explain how both types of energy sources transform energy.
4. Discuss the steps we can take for the spread of the beneficial source
of energy.
5. The use of the scientific vocabulary you learned in this unit is
essential to receive high marks but keep your audience in mind and
understand that sometimes there are language barriers. Please use
APA format for your reference list and citations. 800 words with at
least four sources excluding Wikipedia and the textbook but dont
hesitate to start there. Happy Writing!!
Category
Support
for Topic

5
Based on the
sources
used, all
arguments
for and
against the

Essay Rubric
4-3
2-1
Based on the
sources
used, most
arguments
for and
against the

Based on the
sources
used, few
arguments
for and
against the

0
No sources
were cited to
support
arguments
for and
against the

Score

sources of
energy are
persuasive
and the
scientific
language is
explained in
detail to the
audience.

Evidence
and
Examples

Sequencin
g and
Format

Two sources
of energy
are
discussed,
pros and
cons for
alternative
energy
source are
explained.
Essay
meets/excee
ds word
count
requirement,
is well
organized,
no
grammatical
errors, and
APA format is
followed.

sources of
energy are
persuasive
and the
scientific
language is
mostly
explained to
the
audience.
Two sources
of energy
are listed
and only
pros of
alternative
energy
source are
discussed.

sources of
energy are
persuasive
and the
scientific
language is
listed to the
audience.

sources of
energy and
the scientific
language is
not used.

One source
of energy is
listed and
only pros for
alternative
energy
source are
discussed.

One source
of energy is
discussed,
pros and
cons for
alternative
energy
source are
missing.

Essay is
within 100
words of
count
requirement,
is somewhat
organized,
some
grammatical
errors, and
APA format
has some
errors.

Essay is
within 200
words of
count
requirement,
is poorly
organized,
many
grammatical
errors, and
APA format
has many
errors.

Essay is
within 300
words of
count
requirement,
is not
organized,
many
grammatical
errors, and
APA format
was not
followed.

TOTAL SCORE = _______ / 15