ASSIGNMENT

________________________________________________________________________________
OUMH1203
ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
SEPTEMBER 2016 SEMESTER
_________________________________________________________________________________
INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
1.

This assignment contains seven (7) question that is set in the language of the printed module for the
course. Answer FIVE (5) only.

2.

Answer in English.

3.

Learners are to submit assignment only in MS-WORD format unless specified otherwise. Please refrain
from converting text/phrases into picture format such as .gif / .jpeg / print screen / etc.

4.

Download the language version of the assignment template concerned from the myINSPIRE for
preparation and submission of your assignment. Your assignment should be typed using 12 point Times
New Roman font and 1.5 line spacing.

5.

Your assignment should be 500 words each questions excluding references. Do not copy the assignment
question and instructions to your answer. Only assignment answer developed within the approximate
word limit will be assessed. The number of words should be shown at the end of your assignment.

6.

You must submit your assignment ONLINE via the myINSPIRE. Refer to the portal for instructions on
the procedures to submit your assignment online. You are advised to keep a copy of your submitted
assignment and proof of the submission for personal reference.

7.

You can submit your assignment ONCE only in a SINGLE file.

8.

Your assignment must be submitted between 31th October 13th November 2016. Submission after 13th
November 2016 will NOT be accepted.

9.

Your assignment should be prepared individually. You should not copy another persons assignment. You
should also not plagiarise another persons work as your own.

10. Please take note that PENALTY will be imposed on late submission of assignment as specified in the
Registrars Office circular 6/2012 (Refer to Registrars Announcement in myVLE).
11. Please ensure that you keep the RECEIPT issued upon submisson of your assignment as proof of
submission. Your assignment is considered as NOT submitted if you fail to produce the submission receipt
in any dispute arises concerning assignment submission.

EVALUATION
This assignment accounts for 50% of the total marks for the course and shall be assessed
based on the Rubrics or Answer Scheme attached.
You would be given feedback on the assignment before the Final Semester Examination
commences.
PLAGIARISM: MARKS DEDUCTION
Warning: The submitted assignment will automatically undergo a similarity check. If
plagiarism is detected, marks would be deducted as follows:
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Similarity Percentage (%)

0 30
30.01 50
50.01 70
70.01 - 100

Marks Deduction (%)

0
5
10
100

Assignments found to have similarities under any of the categories above; will not be entitled
to apply for appeal. For learners who fall into the 70.01-100 similarities group, the access
for online appeal for assignment remarking of the subject will be disabled from the appeal
options.

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Written assessment (there are seven questions in this assignment, answer FIVE questions
ONLY. 10 marks each. Each essay must contain approximately 500 words).
1. Online learning is not only convenient for learners and tutors but often more effective
than traditional classroom instruction.
Explain why do you agree or disagree with this observation.

2. As our access to technology increases worldwide, there is an increase in the need to learn
English. Now more and more people are taking to social media sites to do their research,
to answer their pertinent questions and to learn English.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of learning English on the Internet compared
with learning English in class?

3. Research has shown that a short afternoon nap can promote physical well-being and
improve mood and memory.
Explain why do you support or oppose a proposal to adjust schedules so that napping will
be encouraged at schools or workplaces, even if this means a longer work day.

4. Peer pressure can influence thoughts as well as actions.

Discuss the pros and cons of peer pressure in self-development.

5. Cigarettes kill more people than cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and all other illegal
drugs combined. When we analyse the harm from drugs, there is no doubt that cigarettes
are the worst. Therefore, cigarettes and other tobacco products should be outlawed.
Present your arguments.

6. For many individuals in this modern era, the obligations of work and managing a
household significantly limit the amount of time that can be spent caring for an elderly
parents. Caring for the elderly parents requires a great deal of time and energy. Therefore
care homes, nursing homes and old folks homes are the alternatives.
Is it ethical to put our elderly parent / parents in a nursing homes / old folks homes?
Discuss.

7. How has education contributed to what you are today?

Discuss and support your viewpoint with specific details from your knowledge and
experience.

[Total: 50 marks]

Assignment Rubrics
OUMH1203 ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
SEPTEMBER 2016 SEMESTER

Criteria

INTRODUCTION

CONTENT

CONCLUSION

Weight

Missing
Item
0

Low

Fair

Above average

Excellent

Max
Marks

0.5

No introduction.

There is no clear
introduction to the
main topic or
structure of the
paper/essay.

The introduction states

the main topic, but
does not adequately
preview the structure
of the paper/essay nor
is it particularly
inviting to the reader.

The introduction
clearly states the main
topic and previews the
structure of the
paper/essay, but is not
particularly inviting to
the reader.

The main idea is

not mentioned.

The main idea is not

clear. There is a
seemingly random
collection of
information.

The main idea is

somewhat clear, but
there is a need for
more supporting
information.

The main idea is clear There is one clear,

but the supporting
well-focused topic.
information is general. Main idea stands out
and is supported by
detailed information.

No conclusion.

There is no clear
conclusion, the
paper/essay just
ends.

The conclusion is
recognizable, but does
not tie up several loose
ends.

The conclusion is
recognizable and ties
up almost all the loose
ends.

0.5

The introduction is
inviting, states the
main topic and
previews the
structure of the
paper/essay.

The conclusion is
strong and leaves the
reader with a feeling
that they understand
what the writer is
"getting at."

Criteria

LANGUAGE /
GRAMMAR

Weight
0.5

Missing
Item
0

The writer
makes more than
5 errors in
grammar or
spelling that
distracts the
reader from the
content.

Low

Fair

Above average

Excellent

The writer makes

more than 4 errors in
grammar (sentence
structure) or spelling
that distract the
reader from the
content.

The writer makes 3-4

errors in grammar
(sentence structure) or
spelling that distract
the reader from the
content.

The writer makes 1-2

errors in grammar
(sentence structure) or
spelling that distract
the reader from the
content.

The writer makes no

errors in grammar
(sentence structure)
or spelling that
distract the reader
from the content.

TOTAL MARKS

Max
Marks

10