Description
Plan, research, and write a 4 to 5-page paper (body pages of text) on seismology or any engineering-related topic. The inclusion of graphical elements to support your text is recommended and will increase the page count, which is acceptable. The suggested field of seismology covers a broad range of topics, which should allow you to find a wide variety of sources related to your specific topic (see suggestions below). However, you may optionally choose any other engineering-related topic for your paper. As an example, if you are currently conducting mentored research or are working on some type of engineering project in another class, you may write about that topic instead. Some suggested topics for seismology are as follows: explain the basics of how and why earthquakes occur (plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, etc.) describe/discuss the various proposed/tested earthquake prediction schemes describe a specific earthquake (e.g., 1906 San Francisco earthquake, 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, etc.) and its effects on the environment, economy, and/or society describe/compare the methods used for structural assessment and retrofitting of older buildings for seismic safety discuss some recommended earthquake preparedness plans (residential/business environments) provide an overview of plate tectonics and seafloor spreading theories describe the evolution of seismographs and how they are used to measure earthquakes describe the various types of electromechanical devices used for monitoring geological faults describe the types of seismic-resistant foundations designed for use in high-rise buildings The paper should contain the following sections: 1. Cover page – (descriptive title, your name, student ID number, and class time) 2. Abstract – (written as a stand-alone document on a separate page – double-spaced text) 3. Table of Contents – (optional – NOT required for this writing assignment) 4. Body – (should contain an introductory paragraph followed by the main body of text, which should be appropriately subdivided using descriptive first and second-level headings as needed to indicate your chosen hierarchy of information (avoid stacked headings), and end with a brief conclusion that ties the paper together and brings closure to your selected topic) 5. List of References (IEEE citation format) – (should include a minimum of five sources, preferably not all web pages – not to be confused with online sources such as electronic copies of books, journals, or conference proceedings) Peer Audience Considerations Sufficient technical detail should be included in your paper to meet the expectations of your engineering based peer audience. Be careful not to overgeneralize or oversimplify the information presented in your paper, making it more suited to a generalist (non-technical) audience. Considering the intended scope of your paper, it would be better to provide greater technical detail on fewer points in your paper than to provide overgeneralized or oversimplified information on several points in your paper. Depending on your chosen topic and rhetorical mode, you could, for example, introduce your topic by providing a general introduction or overview (background and/or historical information to provide context for the reader) and then go into technical detail on selected points/components/characteristics of your topic, followed by a conclusion (restating your main points or conclusions, or restating the significance of your findings, or providing some forward-looking statements) to bring closure to your paper. If using an argumentative rhetorical mode, your paper should begin with a strong thesis statement tailored to the interests or possible concerns of your target (peer) audience. The body of the paper should be used to develop your argument. Organize your points of discussion to create a logical flow of factual evidence. Rhetorical Mode Selection You may use any rhetorical mode of writing (argumentative, classification, descriptive, cause and effect, comparison/contrast, exemplification, etc.) appropriate for your particular topic and purpose.Assignment Description – Midterm Research Paper
Assignment Deadline and Topic Selection
The midterm research paper is due in the Canvas drop box by 6:00 PM on Monday (11-2-20). The
revised requirements for the midterm assignment are as follows. Plan, research, and write a 4 to 5-page
paper (body pages of text) on seismology or any engineering-related topic. The inclusion of graphical
elements to support your text is recommended and will increase the page count, which is acceptable.
Sample midterm research papers are shown in the Sample Assignments module in Canvas.
The suggested field of seismology covers a broad range of topics, which should allow you to find a wide
variety of sources related to your specific topic (see suggestions below). However, you may optionally
choose any other engineering-related topic for your paper. As an example, if you are currently
conducting mentored research or are working on some type of engineering project in another class, you
may write about that topic instead. Some suggested topics for seismology are as follows:
explain the basics of how and why earthquakes occur (plate tectonics, seafloor spreading, etc.)
describe/discuss the various proposed/tested earthquake prediction schemes
describe a specific earthquake (e.g., 1906 San Francisco earthquake, 1989 Loma Prieta
earthquake, etc.) and its effects on the environment, economy, and/or society
describe/compare the methods used for structural assessment and retrofitting of older buildings
for seismic safety
discuss some recommended earthquake preparedness plans (residential/business environments)
provide an overview of plate tectonics and seafloor spreading theories
describe the evolution of seismographs and how they are used to measure earthquakes
describe the various types of electromechanical devices used for monitoring geological faults
describe the types of seismic-resistant foundations designed for use in high-rise buildings
Completing Your Midterm Writing Assignment
Use the following steps to complete your midterm writing assignment:
1. Plan your research (develop an outline)
2. Gather your data (select relevant and credible source material)
3. Organize your data (develop a logical hierarchy based on your outline)
4. Write the draft (visit the UCI Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication)
5. Add headings and subheadings as needed to show your chosen hierarchy of information
6. Review and revise your final copy (check syntax, word choice, spelling, grammar, etc.)
7. Proofread your final copy and inspect the final formatting for balance and consistency
8. Upload an electronic copy (native file and PDF file) of your finished paper to the Canvas drop box
Assignment Specifications
The midterm paper should conform to the following specifications:
FORM (organization and hierarchy of the information presented in your paper)
The paper should contain the following sections:
Cover page – (descriptive title, your name, student ID number, and class time)
Abstract – (written as a stand-alone document on a separate page – double-spaced text)
Table of Contents – (optional – NOT required for this writing assignment)
UCI School of Engineering ENGR 190W
Midterm Research Paper – Fall 2020 Page 2 of 4
Body – (should contain an introductory paragraph followed by the main body of text, which
should be appropriately subdivided using descriptive first and second-level headings as needed
to indicate your chosen hierarchy of information (avoid stacked headings), and end with a brief
conclusion that ties the paper together and brings closure to your selected topic)
List of References (IEEE citation format) – (should include a minimum of five sources, preferably
not all web pages – not to be confused with online sources such as electronic copies of books,
journals, or conference proceedings)
FORMAT (visual cues and aesthetic appeal)
The paper must be set up with the following formatting parameters:
Body text must be double-spaced and left-justified (not full-justified)
Font size should be approximately 12-point (depending on the font style used)
Margins should be approximately one inch (top, bottom, left and right-hand margins)
Headings should be appropriately sized to indicate first and second-level status
Pages must be numbered (page one begins on the first page of body text – not the cover page)
STYLE (tone and formality of the writing)
The paper should reflect a formal scientific tone (avoiding unnecessary use of first-person pronouns
when possible – I, me, my, we, ours, us) and be written to an audience of your peers. To maintain a
formal tone, avoid colloquial expressions, conversational idioms, and metaphorical phrases.
Peer Audience Considerations
Sufficient technical detail should be included in your paper to meet the expectations of your engineeringbased peer audience. Be careful not to overgeneralize or oversimplify the information presented in your
paper, making it more suited to a generalist (non-technical) audience. Considering the intended scope of
your paper, it would be better to provide greater technical detail on fewer points in your paper than to
provide overgeneralized or oversimplified information on several points in your paper.
Depending on your chosen topic and rhetorical mode, you could, for example, introduce your topic by
providing a general introduction or overview (background and/or historical information to provide context
for the reader) and then go into technical detail on selected points/components/characteristics of your
topic, followed by a conclusion (restating your main points or conclusions, or restating the significance of
your findings, or providing some forward-looking statements) to bring closure to your paper. If using an
argumentative rhetorical mode, your paper should begin with a strong thesis statement tailored to the
interests or possible concerns of your target (peer) audience. The body of the paper should be used to
develop your argument. Organize your points of discussion to create a logical flow of factual evidence.
Rhetorical Mode Selection
You may use any rhetorical mode of writing (argumentative, classification, descriptive, cause and effect,
comparison/contrast, exemplification, etc.) appropriate for your particular topic and purpose.
Assignment Review and Submission
It is recommended that you visit the UCI Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication at least
once to have a writing specialist review a draft or final copy of your paper. Although the writing center
accepts walk-in appointments, it is recommended that you make your appointment several days in
advance to ensure you can meet with a writing specialist before your paper is due. After making the
necessary final revisions to your paper, upload an electronic copy of the paper (both the native
application file and a PDF file for printing) by clicking on the Submit Assignment button for this
assignment by the published due date. Before submitting your paper, ensure the pagination is correct
(page one begins on the first page of body text – not the cover page, abstract, or table of contents).
Please name your uploaded file using your first and last name (e.g., John Smith.docx).
UCI School of Engineering ENGR 190W
Midterm Research Paper – Fall 2020 Page 3 of 4
Applicable Rhetorical Goals
The genre of technical/scientific writing uses discipline-specific rhetorical conventions as a formalized
means of conveying technical information to a specific audience. In addition to using proper grammar,
spelling, punctuation, and formatting, ensure your technical synopsis meets the following rhetorical goals:
• Written to your peer audience (e.g., avoid overgeneralized descriptions/explanations, use
applicable scientific/technical terminology, define/explain any specialized terms and/or concepts)
• Provides quantified information (avoid vague, subjective, or non-quantified descriptions such
as “The results of the study showed a significant increase in mechanical stability” – “significant” is
a vague and subjective measure of increase)
• Uses concrete language (provide sufficient detail to convey abstract terms/concepts concretely)
• Uses formal word choice (e.g., replace “about 15 degrees of arc” with “approximately 15
degrees of arc”; replace “allowing scientists to figure out a method” with “allowing scientists to
determine a method”; replace “get rid of the excess material” with “discard the excess material”)
• Avoids delayed clarification of facts (e.g., “The process is based on two technologies” – state
the specific two technologies within the sentence, and then provide the supporting details in the
sentences that follow – “The process is based on fiberoptic and electromagnetic technologies”)
• Avoids figurative language (metaphorical phrases, conversational idioms, oxymorons, slang,
hyperbole, understatements, and unnecessary use of first person – I, me, my, we, ours, us)
• Uses a logical hierarchy of information (uses written cues (transition statements, descriptive
headings) and visual cues (stylized first and second-level headings and other formatting cues))
Grading Criteria
You will receive two grades for this dual writing assignment, one grade for the abstract based on the
criteria shown below, and one grade for the midterm research paper based on its form, format, style, and
content (shown on the midterm research paper evaluation rubric posted in the Assessment Rubrics
module on the Canvas course space). Improperly applied and/or incorrectly formatted in-text citations or
bibliographic entries will incur a half-grade reduction of the midterm paper grade (e.g., A- to B+). As
stated in the course syllabus, the midterm research paper represents 20% of your course grade. Your
writing should reflect the writing concepts represented by the “4Cs” (clear, concise, complete, correct).
Creating a Concise Abstract
Your abstract should be a condensed version of your finished work that highlights the major points
covered in your document and concisely describes the content and scope of your writing. Therefore, the
abstract can only be written after you complete your midterm research paper. As a general guideline for
this assignment, an abstract consisting of only two or three sentences is most likely missing pertinent
information contained in your paper. Conversely, an abstract that fills an entire page (using doublespaced text) most likely contains too much detail and should be further revised and reduced.
An abstract is presented first in your paper but is written last (after you finish your paper). In general, the
qualities of a well-written abstract can be characterized as follows:
Designed as a unified, coherent, concise, stand-alone document
Uses Introduction/Body/Conclusion structure
Follows the chronology of your paper
Provides logical transitions between the main points of information provided in the abstract
Adds no new information (information not covered in your paper)
Maintains the same level of technical language used in your paper (written to the same audience
as your paper)
UCI School of Engineering ENGR 190W
Midterm Research Paper – Fall 2020 Page 4 of 4
Consider the following suggestions when writing your abstract:
Keep your abstract as short as possible by avoiding lengthy, complex sentences. However, be
careful not to focus too narrowly, which may lead to inadvertent omission of important
information.
Ensure your abstract contains key words (especially important if you plan to post your abstract on
the web).
Avoid abbreviations (acronyms and initializations), jargon (specialized vocabulary used in a
particular discipline) and mathematical expressions.
Do not include any tables or graphics (diagrams, photographs, line drawings, etc.).
Do not include any in-text citations (all references to your sources are assumed to appear in the
body of your research paper)
Avoid referencing other works in your abstract
Do not comment, evaluate, or otherwise editorialize in your abstract.
Avoid stating the obvious (e.g., “This paper will discuss…” or “The paper begins with…”)
Write an interesting abstract that entices your reader to read your paper (the abstract is an
advertisement for your intellectual product).
Writing an abstract can be accomplished most efficiently if you use a system or method to capture the
essential elements of your paper and then revise, reduce, and refine these elements into a concise
encapsulation of your paper. Try using one of the methods outlined below to create your abstract.
The Copy and Paste Method
1. Read through your paper and highlight (or electronically copy and paste the text into a new blank
page) the sentences that best summarize the main points of your paper.
2. Write additional summary statements or create transitional statements (as needed) to fill in between
the statements obtained in Step 1 to create a smooth and cohesive abstract.
3. Look through your paper and collect any key words, key findings, major supporting points, or major
conclusions that were not captured in Step 1 to ensure your abstract accurately conveys all pertinent
information.
4. Revise and reduce the abstract to be precise, concise, and coherent.
The Backward Outline Method
1. Read through each paragraph in your paper and then write one phrase or sentence that summarizes
the paragraph (similar to creating an outline from your finished paper).
2. Review your list of phrases/sentences and look for connections/similarities that would help you make
logical transitions between summary statements and eliminate any redundancy.
3. Reduce your outline to reflect only the essential generalizations (main points) represented in your
paper.
4. Look through your paper and collect any key words, key findings, major supporting points, or major
conclusions that were not captured in Step 1 to ensure your abstract accurately conveys all pertinent
information.
5. Revise the text for continuity (smooth transitions between each stated generalization) so that your
finished abstract is precise, concise, and coherent.
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