Essay Topic
Your task is to critically evaluate one of the strategies used to reduce tobacco related harms. This can include research on the effectiveness of taxation or other regulative initiatives, educational programs, treatment studies, or any type of intervention employed to reduce tobacco related harms.

For Part A, introduce the type of initiative and any underlying assumptions central to it. In this section it is appropriate to outline the factors that may have influenced the development of the initiative(s), including the historical, political and/or economic forces at play. The main idea is to introduce the group of strategies you wish to focus on in Part B and how they fit within a Harm Minimisation framework.

For Part B, build an argument for the effectiveness (or lack of effectiveness) for the group of strategies discussed in Part A. In addition to other scholarly sources you cite, you will need to discuss at least four pieces of recent scholarly research (i.e., studies from peer reviewed journals no more than seven years old). Consider the strengths and weakness of the research. If there are conflicting findings, consider why the difference(s) may occur (e.g., what are the differences between the studies that may account for the discrepancies – different techniques employed to deliver initiatives, sample characteristics, and so). Use the evidence cited to support your formal argument and make sure that your reader understands that what you are presenting is evidence-based, not simply opinion. Note: Although Part A and Part B are related, the assignments stand alone as two separate pieces of writing. For example, both Part A and Part B are to be structured as essays and submitted by the due date shown above.

How to prepare
1. Read the relevant sections from the set text (e.g., information contained in chapter 7 pp. 188-190 may be particularly helpful in providing an overview of tobacco-related Harm Reduction strategies). Also, some of the other readings provided in Topic 5 – Drugs in Detail may be helpful.

2. Then research the selected interventions. Search the CDU library data bases for recently published articles (no more than 7 years old). The Unit Information provides examples of journals that may contain information relevant to your topic. I suggest you complete this step prior to writing the Part A essay so you can ensure you have sufficient research to answer Part A and Part B. That is, you may need to broaden or narrow your focus depending on the amount of research available in the area you have chosen. For example, the area of e-cigarettes is a fairly new so you may need to broaden your search to include other nicotine replacement therapies or approaches  compatible with your thesis.
3. Ensure the essay addresses the assessment criteria provided.
4. Redraft your essay to ensure it flows smoothly and is within the word limit. Text over the word limit will not be read or marked (i.e., the marker will only read up to word limit and grade the content within this limit). The title page, in-text references, and reference list do not count in the word limit.

Note: An abstract is not required for the essays.

Presentation
Present each assignment as an essay (i.e., with a title, introduction, body and conclusion) and use scholarly referencing (in-text citations and a list of references at the end). Referencing is to comply with APA format. Although the essays invite critical comment, they should be written in a formal style. Please avoid using the first person in your essay writing for these assignments. Written expression should be clear, direct, concise and grammatical. It should also be free of spelling and typographical errors. As a general guide, keep your points concise and your sentences short and clear. Run grammar and spell check computer programs on your work before submitting it. Read your work aloud to check for logical flow and coherence. Also read your work through from the perspective of a critical or sceptical reader who
 needs to know what your points are and why you are making them;
 and is evaluating how compelling and how evidence-based your points/arguments are.

Part A: Assessment criteria
Note: More overall weight is given to those criteria which reflect higher-order skills: e.g. critical thinking, clear expression of ideas, and use of logic and evidence to build an argument

Structure

The introduction: Introduces the essay topic. Thesis statement is clearly established. Outlines key points of the essay which supports the thesis. Body: Each paragraph begins with a topic sentence. Following sentences within the paragraph support this. Every paragraph demonstrates a cohesive arrangement of ideas and supporting evidence, including in-text references to support ideas. Tone is consistent and suitable for an academic audience. The writing is clear and error-free contributing to enhanced readability. Conclusion: Concluding statement and summary of key points is clear. They follow logically from the body of the essay and the thesis statement. 25%

Relevance to Topic: Response to Question & Critical thinking

Appropriate and thoughtful critical discussion of the selected topic. Demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues associated with the topic. In-text references are used to support ideas (as opposed to offering unsubstantiated opinion). 65%

Format and Academic Conventions

The essay is formatted with 11⁄2 or 2 line-spacing, Times New Roman font and includes footers containing student name, unit code, and page number. In-text references follow accepted referencing conventions. Reference list includes all in-text references. Referencing is set out following the APA guidelines. 10%