ASSIGNMENT

________________________________________________________________________________
OUMH2103
ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL PURPOSES
JANUARY 2016 SEMESTER
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INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
1.

This assignment contains only ONE (1) question that is set in the language of the printed module for the
course.

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 myVLE 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 between 2500 to 3000 words 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 myVLE. 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 7th 20th March 2016. Submission after 20th March 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 40% 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

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
PART A (20 marks)
Recent research claims that, the modern lifestyles mean that many parents
have little time for their children. Many children suffer because they do
not get as much attention from their parents as children did in the
past.

Write a cause-and-effect essay based on the statement given.

1. Your essay should contain the following:
-

An introductory paragraph (some background information about the topic and a

thesis statement- an introductory sentence in the body of the essay).

Body of essay [Three body paragraphseach explaining the causes (reasons) and
effects (results) of modern lifestyles]. External reading is necessary to explain other
causes and effects of the modern lifestyle. All sources used must be properly
referenced).

Concluding paragraph (a restatement of the thesis/ prediction of future consequences).

2. Your paragraph will be evaluated using the rubric prepared.

PART B (20 marks)

The table below gives information about consumer spending on different items in five
different states in 2014.
In 300-400 words, summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features,
and make comparisons where relevant.
State

Food / Drinks

Clothing /
Footwear

Leisure /
Education

Sabah

28.9%

6.5%

3%

Sarawak

27%

9%

2%

Kelantan

30%

5.5%

1.9%

Johor

29%

6.9%

7%

Kedah

26.9%

7%

6%

[Total: 40 marks]

Assignment Rubrics (Part A & Part B)

OUMH2103 ENGLISH FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL PURPOSES
JANUARY 2016 SEMESTER

Criteria

Weight

Missing
Item
0

Low

Fair

Above average

Excellent

The introduction
states the main topic,
but does not
adequately preview
the structure of the
paper nor is it
particularly inviting
to the reader.
One of the
paragraphs has a
clear main idea. Only
some supporting
details are
appropriate and
relevant. Most
outside sources are
not cited/ referenced
properly.

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

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

The main ideas of

both paragraphs are
clear. Most
supporting details are
appropriate and
relevant. Most
outside sources are
properly cited/
referenced.

There is one clear,

well-focused topic.
Main idea stands
out and is supported
by detailed
information. All
outside sources are
properly cited/
referenced.

INTRODUCTION

0.5

No introduction.

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

BODY OF ESSAY/
REFERENCING

No main ideas.

The main ideas in all

paragraphs are not
clear. There is a strong
evidence of
plagiarism.

Max
Marks

Criteria

Weight

Missing
Item
0

Low

Fair

Above average

Excellent

Max
Marks

CONCLUSION

No conclusion.

There is no clear
conclusion, the paper
just ends.

The conclusion is
recognizable, but
does not effectively
close the essay.

The conclusion is
recognizable and
gives closure to the
essay.

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

COHERENCE

0.5

No coherence.

Writing contains
major mistakes in the
use of cohesive
devices that affected
general understanding.

There are attempts to

use cohesive devices,
but the writing lacks
direction that
affected readers
comprehension.

There are clear

attempts to use
cohesive devices to
link details, but in
one or two places,
writing appears
incoherent.

Details are placed

in a logical order
and the way they
are presented
effectively keeps
the interest of the
reader.

LANGUAGE/
GRAMMAR

The writer
makes a lot of
grammar and
spelling.

The writer makes a lot

of errors in grammar,
structure or spelling
that affects readers
comprehension.

The writer makes

some errors in
grammar, structure,
or spelling that
affects readers
understanding.

The writer makes

minimal errors in
grammar, structure
and spelling that do
not affect the readers
understanding.

The writer makes

no errors in
grammar or spelling
that distracts the
reader from the
content.

TOTAL MARKS

20