Centre for Modern Languages & Human Sciences

UHL 2422: ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

SEMESTER 2, 2015/2016
Assessment 4 (CO4, PO4)
Task 1 & 2: Recommendation Report (25%) & Oral Presentation (15%)
WEEK 14
MATRIC NO.

NAME

LECTURER

REPORT

ORAL
PRESENTATION

TOTAL
MARKS

/ 40

/ 60

/ 100

/ 40

/ 60

/ 100

/ 40

/ 60

/ 100

/ 40

/ 60

/ 100

SECTION

OBJECTIVES:
To write a recommendation report using a point-by-point approach
in a MEMO format.
To write a recommendation report using accurate language and
relevant content.
To assess students language, content and delivery strategies in a
group oral presentation.

VERIFIED BY:

(DR. AINI BINTI AHMAD)

DEPUTY DEAN (ACADEMIC)
CENTRE FOR MODERN LANGUAGES & HUMAN SCIENCES
Task 1: Recommendation Report (25% - Group)

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Work in groups of 4 students, or 3 if there are not enough students to form a group of 4.
2. Based on the scenarios given below, choose ONE and write a recommendation report of
between 5 and 7 pages (excluding cover page and references) using a point-by point
approach in a MEMO format.
3. Include a mininmum of 5 references.
4. Use Times New Roman, font size 12 and 1.5 spacing.
5. Plagiarism of any form will not be tolerated and be awarded ZERO marks.
6. Submit your topic for approval to your lecturer in Week 12.
SCENARIOS:
Below are four possible scenarios. Choose ONE to do your recommendation report on. Submit your
proposal (which includes the topic and FOUR chosen criteria) for approval to your lecturer in Week 12.
SCENARIO 1
UMP Pekan is going to hold its 15th Annual Intervarsity Games next year. It has been decided that a new
outdoor sport should be introduced to commemorate the event. As the committee member of the event, you
have been asked to think of two outdoor sports that you can recommend as an addition to the available list.
SCENARIO 2
UMP is going towards Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Your English for Technical Communication
lecturer has been assigned to come up with an open learning course for MOOC and has asked your class for
ideas on what to present in that course. Your lecturer wants to know what she or he should focus on from the
students point of view. Think of two possible topics that are taught in the course based on FOUR criteria and
recommend to your lecturer what she or he should present on the MOOC platform. Your report would help your
lecturer in his/her decision.
SCENARIO 3
Universiti Malaysia Pahang is offering a student mobility programme which is held to encourage the second
year UMP students to exchange knowledge and experience a field trip abroad. The programme is intended to be
held in October 2016. As the organising committee of this event, your advisor has asked you to recommend two
suitable universities to go to for the mobility programme.
SCENARIO 4
You are a Technical Consultant that provides professional technical consultation for various projects. Your
client has asked you to compare two available options based on FOUR chosen criteria. Write a point-by-point
recommendation report and recommend the better of the two options.

Task 2: Oral Presentation (15% - Individual)

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

In the same group, prepare a presentation based on your recommendation report.

Each student is given 3 minutes to present.
For groups with only 3 members, present only 2 of the 4 criteria.
Use PowerPoint or Prezi. There should not be more than 15 slides.
Slides should not have too much text or look too wordy.
You must also have a slide for your references.
Use the presentation format given below.
Do not READ from your SLIDES or NOTES. 50% will be deducted from students total
score if students are observed reading.

Role of
Group
Members

FORMAT 1
Group of Four

FORMAT 2
Group of Three

Student 1

Introduction
Introduction
Engages with audience
Engages with audience
State purpose of presentation,
State purpose of presentation,
background,
requirements,
background,
requirements,
alternatives and four chosen
alternatives and two chosen
criteria/points of comparison
criteria/points of comparison

Student 2

Body
Body
Engages with audience
Engages with audience
Criteria / Points of comparison
Criteria / Points of comparison
1&2
1&2
Supporting details
Supporting details

Student 3

Body
Conclusion
Engages with audience
Engages with audience
Criteria / Points of comparison
Summary and recommendation
3&4
Suitable closing
Supporting details

Student 4

Conclusion
Engages with audience
Summary and recommendation
Suitable closing

ASSESSMENT 4
RECOMMENDATION REPORT MARKING SHEET

Report Title:
Student 1:
Student 2:
Student 3:
Student 4:
Format:
Content:
Language
Total:
Name:
Content
Language
Delivery
Visual Aids
Others
TOTAL

SECTION:
Matric No.:
Matric No.:
Matric No.:
Matric No.:
Recommendation Report Score (Group Score)
/5
/15
/20
/40
Oral Presentation Score (Individual Score)
S1:
S2:
S3:
S4:
/10
/10
/10
/10
/15
/15
/15
/15
/24
/24
/24
/24
/9
/9
/9
/9
/2
/2
/2
/2
/60
/60
/60
/60
ASSESSMENT 4
TASK 1 (WRITING) : RECOMMENDATION REPORT
MARKING SCHEME : 40 Marks (25% Group Assessment)

RECOMMENDATION REPORT
A. Format (5 marks)
Descriptors
Marks
Uses a point-by-point approach. (Award 0 mark if whole-to-whole approach is used.)
/1
References (Award 1 mark as long as they have references.)
/1
Memo
Memo
To:
Name (Position) (1/2 mark)
format
(1/2
From:
Name (Position) (1/2 mark)
mark
(1/2 mark)
for each Date:
Subject:
Title (1/2 mark)
item)
/2
Correct headings and sub-headings (Award 0 for any mismatch and wrong sequence)

/1
TOTAL
/5

Components
B. Content
(15 Marks)

Response to the
topic/scenario:

Descriptors
Excellent

Competent

Developing

Novice

Unacceptable

Addresses the
topic clearly and
responds
effectively to all
aspects of the
task.
Recommendation
and conclusion
are built on high
quality research
and demonstrated
excellence in
logic.

Addresses the
topic clearly, but
may respond to
some aspects of
the task more
effectively than
others.
Recommendation
and conclusion
are built on solid
research and
compelling
judgment/logic.
4

Addresses the
topic but may
neglect some
aspects of the
task.
Recommendation
and conclusion
are built on some
solid research and
logic but
improvement is
necessary.

Distorts or
neglects aspects
of the task.
Recommendation
and conclusion
lack sufficient
research and
compelling
judgment/logic

Provides little
evidence of the
ability to develop
a position in
response to the
task.
Recommendation
and conclusion
are questionable
and lack
credibility.

Evidence of
plagiarism.
Did not attempt.

Shows
some
depth
and
complexity
of
thought. Meaning
of
technical
terms, if any, are
defined.

May treat topic

simplistically or
repetitively.
Meaning
of
technical terms, if
any,
are
sometimes
defined.

Shows signs of
confusion
and
misunderstanding
of
the
task.
Meaning
of
technical terms, if
any, may not be
defined

Lacks focus or
demonstrates
confused
or
simplistic
thinking.
Meaning
of
technical terms, if
any, are poorly
defined
2

Is
coherently
organized
and
developed, each
criteria
is
supported by apt
reasons and wellchosen examples.
5

Is well organized
and
developed.
Each criteria is
supported
by
appropriate
reasons
and
examples.
4

Quality &
Clarity of
Thought:
4 criteria

Organisation &
Development of
Ideas and
Support

Explores
the
criteria in-depth,
thoughtfully and
with originality.
Meaning
of
technical terms,
if any, are clearly
defined.

TOTAL

Components
C. Language
(20 Marks)
Sentence
Structure/Gramma
r

Able

Is
adequately Is poorly
organized
and organized,
developed,
presenting
generally
generalisations
supporting ideas with simplistic or
with reasons and inadequate
examples.
support.
3
2
/15

Evidence of
plagiarism.
Did not attempt.

Little or no
organization,
presenting
irrelevant ideas
and examples and
no links between
the two.
1

Evidence of
plagiarism.
Did not attempt.

Descriptors
Excellent

Competent

Able

Developing

Novice

Each sentence
is structured
effectively,
accurately and
in a variety of
sentence styles
and lengths.
No grammar
errors.

Effective and
varied
sentences; 1-5
grammar
errors are due
to
carelessness,
syntax errors,
and reflect use
of
colloquialisms
.

Formulaic
sentence
patterns. 6-10
grammar errors
are due to errors
in sentence
construction,
tenses and non
standard syntax
usage

Sentences show
errors in
structure and
tenses. 11-15
grammar errors.

Unable to write
simple sentences
(fragments, runons). More than
15 grammar
errors, such as
usually due to
inconsistent use
of tenses, or lack
of subject verb
agreement.

Mechanics

5
Free of
punctuation,
spelling,
capitalization
errors.

Vocabulary

Register

4
Contains 1-5
errors on
punctuation,
spelling or
capitalization
due to
carelessness.
4

3
Contain 6-10
common
punctuation,
spelling, and/ or
capitalization
errors. Errors
may interfere
with meaning.
3

2
Contains 11-15
errors on
punctuation,
spelling, and/ or
capitalization.
Errors may
interfere with
meaning.
2

1
More than 15
errors
punctuation,
spelling, and/ or
capitalization.
Errors severely
interfere with
meaning.
1

Ordinary
vocabualary
range, 6-10
errors include
use of
vernacular
terms.

Contains 11-15
errors in
vocabulary
range and
accuracy of
usage.

Very limited
vocabulary.
Usage is mostly
inaccurate.
Makes more than
15 errors.

Execptional
vocabulary
range, accurate
and
appropriate
and effective
word choice
and usage.
5

1-5 errors in
vocabulary
range and
accuracy of
usage.

Register, tone
and style are
customised to
fit the text type
and intended
audience

Register, tone
and style are
appropriate to
the text type
and the
intended
audience.

Register, tone
and style are
sometimes
inconsistent to
the text type and
the intended
audience

There are many

inconsistencies
in the use of
register, tone
and style
appropriate to
the text type.

Lack of
awareness that
register, tone and
style should be
appropriate to the
text type and the
intended
audience.
1

TOTAL

/20

Penalise misspelling of the same word once.

ASSESSMENT 4
TASK 2: ORAL PRESENTATION
MARKING SCHEME : 60 Marks (15% Individual Assessment)
COMPONENTS

PRESENTERS
S1:
S2:
S3:
Content (10 marks)

Task Fulfillment

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Quality and Clarity

1 2 3 4 5

Effective transition signals

S4:

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

Language (15 marks)

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Appropriate choice of words
Grammatically correct language use
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Powerpoint/Visual Aids (9 marks)

1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5

Use

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Language

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Appearance & Appeal

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

Delivery (24 marks)

Voice projection
Speed/Rate of Speech
Engagement/ connection with the
audience
Eye contact
Pronunciation
Appropriate posture & gestures
Time management: Adhere to time
limit
Teamwork:

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3
1 2 3

1 2 3
1 2 3

1 2 3
1 2 3

1 2 3
1 2 3

Minutes

<1.30

Marks

1 2 3

1.302.29
2

2.303.30
3

3.314.30
2

>4.30
1

1 2 3

1 2 3

1 2 3

0 1
0 1

0 1
0 1

0 1
0 1

0 1
0 1

/60

/60

/60

/60

Others (2 marks)
References
Appearance
TOTAL

ASSESSMENT 4
TASK 2: ORAL PRESENTATION
MARKING SCHEME : 60 Marks (15% Individual)
Novice

Developing

Able

Content

Task
Fulfillment

Provides little
evidence of
the ability to
develop a
position in
response to
the task.

Rating/
Component

Distorts or
neglects most
aspects of the
task.

Addresses the topic

but may neglect
some aspects of the
task.

Compete
nt
4
Addresses the
topic clearly,
but may
respond to
some aspects
of the task
more
effectively
than others.

Excellent
5
Addresses topic
clearly and in
depth with
compelling
arguments and
strong criteria

 Quality and
Clarity

Provides little
evidence of the
ability to
communicate
and elaborate
points well

Language

Effective
transition
signals

1
Presentation
was poorly
executed.
Audience was
left to guess
where one
point ended
and another
began.
Basic
vocabulary
and numerous
inappropriate
usage of some
words and
phrases.
Meaning of
technical
terms, if any,
may not be
defined.

Appropriate
choice of
words

Grammatically
correct
language
use

Has numerous
errors in
grammar that
severely
interfere with
meaning. It is
a struggle to
understand.

Communication
and/or
elaboration of
points lack
development
and could be
improved.
2
Execution of
the
presentation
need to be
much more
professional in
places. Some
ideas were
chaotically
organized.
Limited
vocabulary and
some instances
of
inappropriate
usage of some
words and
phrases.
Meaning of
technical
terms, if any,
are not really
defined.

Has numerous
errors that
sometimes
interfere with
meaning and
smoothness of
the
presentation

Some points were

undeveloped and
communicated or
elaborated well

Clear
communicate
and elaborated
points

Well
communicated
and excellently
elaborated
points

3
Execution of the
presentation could
have been more
professional in
places. Some
transitions could
have been clearer.

4
Professional
execution of
the entire
presentation
with clear
signposting
and transition
from one point
to the next..

Generally has a
good command of
the language and
vocabulary range
with suitable tone
and register that suit
the purpose, subject
and intended
audience but
contains one or
more instances of
inappropriate usage
of some words and
phrases. Meaning of
technical terms, if
any, are sometimes
defined.
Has some errors but
generally
demonstrates control
of language.

Good
command of
the language
and good
vocabulary
range with
suitable tone
and register
that suit the
purpose,
subject and
intended
audience.
Meaning of
technical, if
any, terms are
defined.
Has a few
errors in
grammar, but
the errors are
mostly
corrected on
the spot.

5
Highly
professional
execution of
entire
presentation
with excellent
signposting and
clear transition
from one point
to the next.
Clear command
of the language
and exceptional
vocabulary
range with
suitable tone
and register that
suit the purpose,
subject and
intended
audience.
Meaning of
technical terms,
if any, are
clearly defined.

Meets Expectations
Exceeds Exp
2
3
Component
Descriptors
Visual Aids (9 marks)
Award 0 if no visual aids whatsoever were used (e.g presenters experienced technology failure such as presentation slides could not load
hand outs, videos, and objects.
Visual aids were used as the
Aided and enhanced presentation, used
Aided and enhanced present
presentation itself rather than effectively to reinforce points in the
to reinforce points in the pre
Effective Use
to aid the presentation.
presentation but some parts were out of
boost audience attention.
place.
Had numerous and consistent Presentation was easily understood but
Spelling, grammar, capitaliza
Language
Rating

Needs Improvement
1

Is generally free
from errors in
grammar.

Appearance

errors in spelling, grammar,

capitalization, punctuation
that are distracting and/ or
sometimes interfere with
meaning.
Presentation slides were too
wordy and busy and/or most
slides were unattractive and
unappealing to the audience.
Inconsistent use of font and
font size that did not assist
readability.

had several errors in spelling, grammar,

capitalization, punctuation that may
distract or interfere with meaning.

usage are accurate. Presentat

understood.

Presentation slides are attractive and

appealing to the audience. Consistent use
of font type and adequate size to enhance
readability

Presentation look very profe

very appealing to the audien
font type and adequate size t

Delivery (24 marks)

Volume
Tone and Rate of Speech

Audience Engagement

Eye contact

Pronunciation

Appropriate posture &

gestures

Time management

Teamwork

Soft voiced and/or presented

with little confidence
Presenter demonstrated little
or no variation of pace or
tone and had little regard for
the audience's ability to
comprehend it. Either
presenter was too hesitant or
too fast.
There was little engagement
with audience, or attempts
were made but were feeble or
unsuitable. Audience paid
little attention. Presentation
seemed memorized.
Eye contact was minimal or
eye contact was a faade,
(i.e., looking but not seeing)
and /or the presenter faced
the slides during the
presentation.
Presenter made numerous
mistakes in pronunciation or
presenter has an accent or
way of talking that hinders
comprehension, or
affects/interferes with
understanding of the
presentation
Gestures reflect nerves, lack
of confidence and
inadequacy. Gestures used
were distracting.
Presentation was too short or
ran too long and had to be cut
off.

Loud and Clear

Loud, confident and enthusia

Presenter demonstrated some ability to

mix and match volume, pace, pitch and
tone appropriately with speech content
and the audience's ability to comprehend
it.

Presenter demonstrated exce

and match volume, pace, pitc
appropriately and effortlessly
and the audience's ability to
Presenter paused at all the ri

There were many moments of

engagement but sometimes the audience
appeared to be not paying attention to the
presenter. Or some parts of the
presentation seemed memorized.

The presenter presented in a

interacted with the audience
engaged and captivated

There was eye contact but the focus was

on one person, (e.g the lecturer, a friend)
or on one side of the audience

The presenter used eye conta

to create and maintain rappo
and gauge audience attention

Deduct 50% of TOTAL marks if presenter is found reading from notes

Presenter makes occasional pronunciation Presenter has a clear and und
mistakes, some of which are rectified
pronunciation.
during the presentation.

Presenter appeared uncomfortable in

places during the presentation and/or
some gestures used were distracting.

Posture and gestures effectiv

presenters message. Present
confident and relaxed.

Presentation ran too long or too short by 1

minute.

Presentation observed time a

Minutes

Teamwork was hardly

demonstrated. There was no

10

<1.30

1.302.30-3.30
3.31>4.30
2.29
4.30
Marks
1
2
3
2
1
Some teamwork was demonstrated
Excellent teamwork demons
throughout the presentation through team presentation through team sy

acknowledgement of other
members and/ or Presentation
lacked synchronization.
Others (2marks)
References
Appearance

synchronization and acknowledgement of

each other.

acknowledgement of each ot

Award 1 mark for references

Award 1 mark if presenter made extra effort to dress smart and formally for the presentation

11