Journal Article Review Assignment Instructions
Overview
The topic of origins, as researched by historical science methods, has resulted in two basic views of earth history: 1. the naturalistic, old-Earth view and, 2. the young-Earth view. The two views differ significantly in answer to the questions of when and how the evidence is interpreted. You will review a journal article that challenges the old-Earth view.   
Instructions
Write an essay reviewing a young-Earth journal article by Steve Austin. APA formatting should be followed. The student is expected to accurately summarize the article’s contents and assess the young-Earth impact. The length should be at least 800words but no more than 1,100 words.
Content and Headings
Use the following outline (not to be included in the essay) when writing your paper. Each point on the outline below must be a separate section (with the section heading, as indicated) within your paper.  
I. Cover page 
a. paper title (The topic you chose should be evident in your title)  
b. your name
c. instructor’s name
d. course number, section number and course name (Ex.PHSC 210 B09, Elements of Earth Science)
e. date
II. Introduction (2-4 sentences)
a. Write a strong opening sentence capturing readers’ attention.
b. Tell readers about the article topic.
c. Forecast the impact of the article. 
d. Required: introduce the author and title of article.
(Required in one of the next 2 sections: reference and discuss at least one Figure in the article that is either an article strength or weakness.)
III. Strengths of the Article (2-3 paragraphs)
a. Were any points made exceptionally clear?  
b. Was the author convincing? 
c. Was the topic significant or impacting?
d. Was there a figure used that supports the article’s strengths?
IV. Weaknesses of the Article: (1-3 paragraphs)
a. What assumptions does the author make, if any?  
b. Are there any factual errors?  
c. Could the author have stated the case better?
d. Was there a figure used that contributes to the article’s weaknesses? 
V. Conclusion (3-5 sentences) 
a. Rate the article on a scale of 1-5 and provide a brief rationale for your rating. 
b. Do not introduce new material in your conclusion.  
c. Required: choose a passage from the Bible that includes a reference to “creation”.
VI. Reference page  Only cite the article. Do not include any other source material unless the Bible is quoted. 
Length
This paper must be 750–1,000 words. Do not exceed this word limit. The title page and reference page do not count toward this word total.
Format
You must use current APA formatting. Papers must be double-spaced with 1-inch margins. 
There is no need to include an abstract in your paper. 
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is an academic infringement and a violation of Liberty’s Honor Code. To learn more about plagiarism and how to avoid it, please view the video from the Jerry Falwell Library which is linked as a resource on the assignment page. All submitted essays are subject to a Turnitin review. 
Submission
Submit your work as a Microsoft Word document. Do not submit as .pdf file. 
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.