PHYS 280 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

2026 Extra Credit Essay Opportunity

You will receive extra credit for attending an online event or for watching a complete online video and then writing a short report about the experience that meets the stated guidelines for content and style. You will submit only one version of the report (extra credit essays can not be revised after submission).

Your report must be 0.75–1.0 page in length, single-spaced.

Structure

1. Brief introductory paragraph explaining what the event was about. What was the context? What was the main question/issue/concern/thesis?
2. One or two paragraphs that summarize the information and arguments presented.
3. One or two paragraphs that critically evaluate the information and arguments presented. What data or arguments were particularly persuasive or unpersuasive to you and why? 
4. Closing paragraph that summarizes your main conclusion. What was the take-away? What should your readers remember?

You are required to sign in with the Phys280 TA who is present during this session.

Please include an AI disclosure statement.

Assume your audience is made up of typical UIUC students, but not students enrolled in Physics 280. Begin each paragraph with a strong topic sentence and omit any information that is not essential for addressing the points listed above. Make your paragraphs clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid repetition and unnecessary words. 

Please follow all specifications describe in the Phys 280 Style and Format Guide and review the writing strategy discussed in the ECEO overview.