Geoscience-Continental Drift

In 1912, Alfred Wegener, a German meteorologist and geophysicist, outlined his hypothesis for “continental drift.” This hypothesis challenged a long-held assumption that the continents and ocean basins had fixed geographic positions (i.e., they didn’t move). Explain the continental drift hypothesis. Describe two lines of evidence Wegener used to support his continental drift hypothesis. What was the main flaw with Wegener’s continental drift hypothesis? Your essay must be in your own words.

Instructions and guidelines:

You can do research outside of class, write/prepare notes and/or a draft to bring to class 16 Feb. ABSOLUTELY NO ELECTRONICS CAN BE USED DURING THIS! Writing will happen in class 21st September – you cannot turn the writing in before or after 21st September in class. You cannot email it to me.

During in class writing you will get a piece of paper on which to complete your writing. Writing must fit on the front of the page – anything on the back will not be read.

Write in complete sentences. Answer all parts of the question (this one has three questions you need to answer – read the prompt carefully. Use enough examples).

Use standard essay format (topic sentence, supporting information, conclusion).

It should be about 140-200 words – roughly one page (front only) hand written.

You will be graded on content, grammar, punctuation, and flow. Read your draft out loud to yourself – does it make sense? It should sound like a written document, not like a conversation.

Grades are out of 10 pts. You will automatically get half credit (5 pts) if you come to class and participate in the writing, provided you write something that is related to the topic. Grades go up from there based on quality of the writing and accuracy of the content. 6 pts = D, 7 pts = C, 8 pts = B, 9 pts = A, 10 pts = PERFECT! See posted rubric for more specifics about grading. If we cannot read your handwriting you will automatically get a 5 (no higher).

We will spot check for cheating – we are really good at spotting material that has simply been copied from the web. If we catch you turning in plagiarized material we will report it to the Dean of students office as cheating and you will receive a 0 on the writing.

Feel free to draft your answer outside of class and bring it with you to class on writing day. You will not be allowed to turn in your draft, but can “transfer” it to the paper we hand out.

We encourage you to make an appointment via email to bring your draft to Dr. P or a TA for feedback prior to writing day. You cannot email your draft to us for feedback – you must meet with someone for feedback. The only way to ensure a good score is to get feedback on your draft PRIOR to turning in your final version. Please don’t wait until the Wednesday before the writing is due to make an appointment. Chances are you will not get one.