Centre for Modern Languages

UHL 2422: ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL COMMUNICATION

SEMESTER II 2019/2020

Assessment 3 (CO2, CO4, PO4)

Task 1 & 2: Recommendation Report (20%) & Digital Recommendation Presentation (15%)

WEEK 14

ORAL
REPORT
PRESENTATION
50 marks
MATRIC 35 marks
NAME TOTAL
NO. Q1: Q2: Q1: Q2: Q3:
Cont Lang Del Cont Lang
25m 25m 20m 6m 9m
/ 85

/ 85

/ 85

/ 85

LECTURER SECTION

OBJECTIVES:
● To write a recommendation report based on the memorandum format using specific
technical language and relevant content.
● To demonstrate delivery strategies and relevant content in a group presentation.

VERIFIED BY:

DR FATIMAH BINTI ALI

HEAD OF PROGRAMME (ENGLISH LANGUAGE)
CENTRE FOR MODERN LANGUAGES
GENERAL INFORMATION

This assessment requires you to work in groups of 3 – 4. It consists of TWO tasks: Task 1
(Recommendation Report: 20%) and Task 2 (Recommendation Presentation: 15%). Choose one
of the given scenarios and submit your topic for your lecturer’s approval in Week 11 (2nd
class/meeting).

SCENARIO

1. You are a technical consultant for your company. Recently, an equipment at your
construction site has malfunctioned. Your manager has requested you to recommend
a better equipment to be used. Compare two new equipment and recommend the
better one.

2. You are a technical consultant for your company. Recently, you have received
complaints from the users regarding one of the PPEs currently used. Your manager
has requested you to purchase a new PPE. Compare two new suitable products and
recommend the better one to purchase.

3. You are a technical consultant for your company. Recently, an issue has occurred in
one of your company’s project. Your manager has requested you to think of a proper
solution to solve the issue by comparing two suitable procedures and recommend
the better one.

4. You are a project manager for your company. Recently, one of your sub-contractors
has withdrawn from participating in the project you are working on. As Project
Manager, you must find a replacement to ensure the project can complete within the
stipulated time. Compare comprehensively two technical service companies and
recommend the better one for the project.

5. You are a Human Resource Executive in your company. Recently, the top
management has decided to organize a healthy lifestyle course for their staff. Your
manager has requested you to compare comprehensively two healthy lifestyle
courses and recommend the better one for the company.

6. You are a technical consultant in your company. Recently, your company has done
a massive office renovation towards a modern and connected environment. Your
manager has requested you to recommend a smart office system to be installed.
Compare two smart office systems and recommend the better one.

1
 TASK 1: WRITING (20%)
RECOMMENDATION REPORT (GROUP ASSESSMENT)

Instruction
Based on your chosen scenario, you are required to produce a point-by-point recommendation
report using the memorandum format. Provide FOUR points of comparison/criteria. The report
must be between 5 and 7 pages (excluding cover page, references and appendices), using Times
New Roman font, font size 12, 1.5 spacing and include in-text citations using at least 3
references in APA format.

Plagiarism of any form will not be tolerated. ZERO mark will be given for report that contains
more than 15% of plagiarism (Turnitin). The memorandum format is provided below.

TECHNICAL MEMORANDUM

To: Name, designation

From: Name, designation
Date:
Subject:

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of current situation

1.2 Statement of problem
1.3 Purpose of report, options and points of comparison/criteria

2.0 STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS

3.0 DISCUSSION

3.1 Discussion of criteria/point of comparison 1

3.2 Discussion of criteria/point of comparison 2
3.3 Discussion of criteria/point of comparison 3
3.4 Discussion of criteria/point of comparison 4

4.0 RECOMMENDATION

4.1 Summary
4.2 Recommendation

2
 TASK 2: ORAL PRESENTATION (15%)
DIGITAL RECOMMENDATION PRESENTATION (INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT)

Instruction
Your oral presentation will be in digital format (recorded video presentation). This presentation
is based on your recommendation report. Based on your chosen scenario, you MUST situate
your presentation in the appropriate context (i.e., please specify who you are, who your
audience is, and the objective of your presentation). Use not more than TEN PowerPoint or
Prezi slides and it is suggested that you use not more than TEN words per slide. The
presentation format is provided below.

GROUP OF 4 (12 minutes) GROUP OF 3 (9 minutes)

Introduction
● Engage the audience
● State the purpose of
presentation, background,
Student 1
requirements, alternatives and
four chosen criteria/points of
comparison
Introduction
● Engage the audience
● State the purpose of
presentation, background,
requirements, alternatives and
two chosen criteria/points of
comparison

Body Body
● Engage the audience ● Engage the audience
● Present criteria/points of ● Present criteria/points of
Student 2
comparison 1 & 2 comparison 1 & 2
● Provide supporting details ● Provide supporting details

Body Conclusion
● Engage the audience ● Engage the audience
● Present criteria/points of ● Present summary and
Student 3
comparison 3 & 4 recommendation
● Provide supporting details ● Close with impact

Conclusion
● Engage with audience
● Provide summary and NOT APPLICABLE
Student 4
recommendation
● Close with impact

3
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

1. Make sure to submit your Recommendation Report assessment on Turnitin. Attach the
Turnitin Similarity Report in your Appendices. ZERO mark will be given for report that
contains more than 15% of plagiarism.

2. Upload the Recommendation Report (Memorandum Format) and the Oral Presentation
Video to the agreed platform earliest on 27 July, and latest 29 July. Any late submission
will not be evaluated. File should be saved according to the file name format below.

a) For Recommendation Report (.docx)

Section number _Group Number [Leader Name & Matric ID] _Recommendation
Report (Scenario Number)
e.g., 01G_Group 3 [Siti Raihana AB12345] _ Recommendation Report (Scenario 4)

b) For Video
Section number _Group Number [Leader Name & Matric ID] _ Video Scenario
Number
e.g., 01G_Group 3 [Siti Raihana AB12345] _Video Scenario 4

4
 ASSESSMENT 3
TASK 1: WRITING (20%)
RECOMMENDATION REPORT (GROUP ASSESSMENT)

MARKING SCHEME: 50 Marks

A. Format (5 marks) Q1
Descriptors Marks
Point-by-point approach (Award 0 mark if whole-to-whole approach is used) /1
Memo format (1/2 mark for each item written in the correct format) /2
Correct headings and sub-headings (Award 0 mark for any mismatch and wrong sequence) /1
Appendices: 3 references using APA format & Turnitin report /1
TOTAL /5

B. Content (20 Marks) Q1

Descriptors
Components
Excellent Competent Able Developing Novice Unacceptable
Response to the
5 4 3 2 1 0
topic/scenario

Quality of Thought 5 4 3 2 1 0

Clarity of Thought 5 4 3 2 1 0

Organisation &
Development of 5 4 3 2 1 0
Ideas and Support
TOTAL /20

C. Language (25 Marks) Q2

Excellent Competent Able Developing Novice Unacceptable
Sentence Structure 5 4 3 2 1 0
Grammar 5 4 3 2 1 0
Mechanics 5 4 3 2 1 0
Vocabulary 5 4 3 2 1 0
Register 5 4 3 2 1 0
TOTAL /25
REMARKS:

5
 ASSESSMENT 3
TASK 2: ORAL PRESENTATION (15%)
DIGITAL RECOMMENDATION PRESENTATION (INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT)

MARKING SCHEME: 35 Marks

Presentation Context: ____________________________________
Target Audience: ________________________________________
Time starts: _______ Time ends: ________ Duration: _________

PRESENTERS
S1: S2: S3: S4:
COMPONENTS

A. Delivery (15 marks) Q1

Eye Contact 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Composure & Gestures 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Video creativity, organisation and 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
transition
Audience Engagement 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Voice Volume 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2
Intonation & Enthusiasm 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2 0 1 2
B. Visual (3 marks) Q1
Visual Aids (Aesthetics) 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
Visual Aids (Language) 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
Visual Aids (Effectiveness) 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
C. Professionalism (2 marks) Q1
Appearance 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1
Teamwork & Time Management 0 1
Total Q1 /20 /20 /20 /20
D. Content (6 marks) Q2
Task Fulfillment 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Quality and Clarity 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Total Q2 /6 /6 /6 /6
E. Language (9 marks) Q3
Effective Transitions 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Appropriate Choice of Words 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Grammatically Correct Language 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Use
Total Q3 /9 /9 /9 /9

6
 ASSESSMENT 3
TASK 1: WRITING (20%)
RECOMMENDATION REPORT (GROUP ASSESSMENT)
A. Format (5 marks)
Descriptors Marks
Point-by-point approach (Award 0 mark if whole-to-whole approach is used) /1
Memo format (1/2 mark for each item written in the correct format) /2
Correct headings and sub-headings (Award 0 for any mismatch and wrong sequence) /1
Appendices: 3 references using APA format & Turnitin report /1
TOTAL /5

B. Content (20 marks)

Descriptors
Components
Excellent Competent Able Developing Novice Unacceptable
Can address the Can address the topic Can address the Can address the topic Provides little Evidence of
topic clearly and clearly, but may topic but may but some aspects of evidence of the plagiarism.
Response to responds effectively respond to some neglect some the task are distorted. ability to develop
Did not
a Did not attempt.
the Topic/ to all aspects of the aspects of the task aspects of the task. position in response
Scenario task. more effectively than to the task.
others.
5 4 3 2 1 0
Can synthesise ideas Can synthesise ideas Can synthesise Shows insufficient Shows questionable Evidence of
with evidences of with evidences of ideas with some research and content due to lack plagiarism due
original and original and evidences of compelling of credibility. to no in-text
excellent compelling original thoughts judgment/ logic in Display very limited citation.
judgment/logic in judgment/logic in and logic but the content. Display use of in-text Did not attempt.
which content is which content is built improvement is limited use of in-text citations.
Quality of built on high quality on solid research. necessary in which citations.
Thought research. Can Can display good use content is built on
display excellent use of in-text citations. some solid research.
of in-text citations Can display
moderate use of in-
text citations.
5 4 3 2 1 0
Can explore the Shows some depth Addresses topic Has lack of focus or Shows signs of Evidence of
criteria in-depth and and complexity of simplistically or demonstrates confusion and plagiarism.
thoughtfully. Can thought. Can define repetitively. Can confused or misunderstanding of Did not attempt.
clearly define meaning of technical sometimes define simplistic thinking. the task. Display no
Clarity of meaning of technical terms, if any. meaning of Display poorly definition of
Thought terms, if any. technical terms, if defined meaning of technical terms.
any. technical terms, if
any.
5 4 3 2 1 0
Can organise and Can organise and Can organise and Has poor Has little or no Evidence of
develop ideas develop ideas well. develop ideas organisation of ideas. organisation of plagiarism.
coherently. Can Can support each adequately. Can Can support each ideas. Presents Did not attempt.
Organisation
support each criteria criteria with support each criteria criteria generally irrelevant ideas and
&
with apt reasons and appropriate reasons generally with with simplistic or examples.
Development
well-chosen and examples. reasons and inadequate support.
of Ideas and
examples. examples.
Support

5 4 3 2 1 0

TOTAL /20

7
C. Language (25 marks)
Penalise misspelling of the same word once.

Descriptors
Components
Excellent Competent Able Developing Novice
Can structure each Uses effective and Uses formulaic Uses only simple Unable to write simple
sentence effectively, varied sentences. sentence patterns. sentences. sentences (fragments,
accurately in a variety run-ons).
of sentence styles and
lengths.

Can display a Can display a Can display an Shows heavy Shows more or less a
Sustained attempt to noticeable attempt intelligent and lifting/copying and transcript of the text.
Sentence rephrase the text to rephrase the text selective lifting but pasting but not a Originality is barely
Structure language. Allows words language. Free from limited attempts to complete transcript noticeable. Has random
and/or phrases from the stretches of rephrases. of the original. and incomplete sections.
text which are difficult concentrated lifting. Attempts to use own
to substitute. language will be
limited to single
word expression.
Has irrelevant
sections.
5 4 3 2 1
Has no grammar errors. Has 1-5 grammar Has 6-10 grammar Has 11-15 grammar Has more than 15
errors are due to errors are due to errors. grammar errors, such as
carelessness, syntax errors in sentence usually due to
Grammar errors, and reflect construction, tenses inconsistent use of
use of and non-standard tenses, or lack of subject
colloquialisms. syntax usage verb agreement.
5 4 3 2 1
Has no punctuation, Has 1-5 errors on Has 6-10 common Has 11-15 errors on Has more than 15 errors
spelling and punctuation, punctuation, punctuation, on punctuation, spelling,
capitalisation errors. spelling or spelling, and/ or spelling, and/ or and/ or capitalisation.
capitalisation due to capitalisation capitalisation. Has Has errors that severely
Mechanics carelessness. errors. Has errors errors that may interfere with meaning.
that may not interfere with
interfere with meaning.
meaning.
5 4 3 2 1
Has exceptional Has 1-5 errors in Has ordinary Has 11-15 errors in Has very limited
vocabulary range, vocabulary range vocabulary range, vocabulary range vocabulary. Uses mostly
accurate and appropriate and accuracy of 6-10 errors include and accuracy of inaccurate vocabulary.
Vocabulary and effective word use of vernacular usage. Has more than 15 errors.
usage.
choice and usage. terms.
5 4 3 2 1

Uses register, tone and Uses register, tone Uses register, tone Has many Shows lack of awareness
style that are and style that are and style that are inconsistencies in in the use of appropriate
customised to fit the appropriate to the sometimes the use of register, register, tone and style
Register text type and intended text type and the inconsistent to the tone and style to fit to fit the text type and
audience. intended audience. text type and the the text type and the the intended audience.
intended audience. intended audience.
5 4 3 2 1

TOTAL /25

8
 ASSESSMENT 3
TASK 2: ORAL PRESENTATION (15%)
DIGITAL RECOMMENDATION PRESENTATION (INDIVIDUAL ASSESSMENT)

A. Delivery
0 1 2 3
B. (15 marks)
The content of the Volume was erratic, Projected voice at an
presentation was mostly from loud to low or effective volume that
inaudible. vice versa. The content audience could clearly
Voice volume
of the presentation was hear at all times; spoke
sometimes inaudible. clearly and
understandably.
Established Attempted eye contact Maintained appropriate
inappropriate eye with members of the eye contact with
contact with members audience, but not from members of the
of the audience. The all sections of the room. audience from all
presenter faced the The presenter sections of the room.
Eye contact slides during the occasionally faced the The presenter used eye
presentation. No slides during the contact effectively as a
attempt of eye contact presentation. tool to create and
was made. maintain rapport with
the audience and gauge
audience attention.
Displayed an apparent Displayed few Exuded confidence.
degree of nervousness distracting mannerisms Presenter appeared
by having unconfident and sometimes relaxed as there were no
facial expressions and presenter appeared distracting mannerisms.
distracting gestures and uncomfortable at Appropriate use of hand
Composure & body movement, as certain times during the gestures, facial
Gestures well as some presentation. expressions and body
inappropriate use of Satisfactory use of hand movements to enhanced
space. gestures, facial presenter’s message
expressions, body during the presentation.
movements and space
during the presentation.
Presenter Presenter demonstrated Presenter demonstrated
demonstrated no some ability to use excellent ability to use
variation of intonation. variety of intonation variety of intonation
Audience hardly appropriately. Audience appropriately and
comprehends the can comprehend the effortlessly. Audience
Intonation & presentation. Showed presentation. can easily comprehend
Enthusiasm no interest on the topic Demonstrated interest the presentation.
presented. on the topic presented, Demonstrated strong
however lack of enthusiasm and passion
enthusiasm during the during the entire
presentation. presentation.

The video lacks effort, The video presentation The video is attractive,
originality and could be improved in original, and creative. It
creativity (e.g. the terms of originality, is executed with an
Video creativity,
background is creativity and design. excellent sense of
organisation and
unsuitable to the Audio and other design (placement of
transition
presentation context). enhancement were text and graphics), with
The video lacked utilised but not for audio and other
editing or was not maximum effect. The enhancements utilised

9
 edited at all, making it video could be for maximum effect.
fragmented and choppy. improved with better The video is well edited
There were no audio editing. and has smooth
reinforcements or the transitions and effective
audio reinforcements camera techniques/
were unsuitable. digital effects.
Audience Audience was partly engaged. Presenter made Audience was fully engaged. Presenter effectively
Engagement some effort to make the material relevant to made the material very appropriate to the audience
Audience audience needs and interests. Presenter could with relevant examples and clarification with
analysis (suitable invoke a very short discussion. At least one effective delivery style. Presenter was able to
attention-getter question or opinion was given. invoke a useful discussion. Audience was excited
and examples) to ask questions and give feedback.

Visual
0 1
(3 marks)
Slides generally lack visual appeal and are text- Slides are visually well designed, aesthetically
heavy with little or no visuals and/or exhibit an pleasing with appropriate use of visuals and
Visual aids overuse of color or animations. No theme is minimal text on each slide. Color and animations
(aesthetics) evident and the presentation appears disjointed are used judiciously. Theme (e.g., template) is
rather than unified. evident throughout to produce a highly cohesive
presentation.
Visual aids consist of many errors in spelling, Visual aids are basically free from errors in
Visual aids grammar and punctuation. Too much information spelling, grammar and punctuation. Presentation
(language) was contained on most of the slides. was easily understood.

Visual aids do not particularly support the
communication of the presenter’s ideas and
Visual aids
purpose; they are insufficient to be of much use as
(effectiveness)
they do little to elevate understanding.
Visual aids effectively support the communication
of purposes and ideas; aids are integrated into the
presentation seamlessly, thus fostering a full
understanding of the content.

Professionalism
0 1
(2 marks)
Dressed inappropriately or made minimal effort to Dressed appropriately and deemed professional for
Appearance
dress for the presentation event. the event, dress choice was accurate and spot-on.
Poor time management is evident by either not The presentation was appropriately paced (neither
using the time available to develop main points rushed nor slow) with plenty of allocation of time
(presentation was very short or too long). Some for development of points. Excellent teamwork
Teamwork &
synchronization as a team. Appeared quite demonstrated throughout the presentation through
Time
prepared but with some dependence on the slides. team synchronization and connection of ideas and
management
all presenters knew the information, participated
equally, and helped each other as needed.
Extremely prepared and rehearsed.
Content
(6 marks) 1 2 3

Did not specify presentation
context e.g., presenter position
and target audience.
Distorted or neglected most
aspects of the task; additional
Task Fulfillment
content is needed to support task
objective
Lack of detailed identification of
presenter position and target
audience.
Fulfilled the task objective quite
clearly for targeted audience but
responded to some aspects of the
task more effectively than
others; some additional content
is needed to support task
objective.
Clearly specified the
presentation context e.g
presenter position, target
audience, and the task objective
with compelling arguments and
strong criteria and the content,
structure, and language of
presentation designed for
intended audience.

10
 Communication and/or
elaboration of points lacked
Quality and development and could be
Clarity improved. Some ideas were
chaotically organized.
C. Language
D. (9 marks) 1 2
Execution of the presentation
needs to be much more
Effective professional. In many parts of
transition signals the presentation, transitions were
unclear.
Limited and repetitive
vocabulary and some instances
of inappropriate usage of some
words and phrases. Meaning of
Appropriate technical terms, if any, were not
language use really defined (i.e., unfamiliar or
too much jargon).
Has numerous errors that
Grammatically sometimes interfere with
correct language meaning and smoothness of the
use presentation.
Clearly communicated and
elaborated points, but some parts
were more elaborated than
others.
Execution of the presentation
could have been more
professional in places. Some
transitions could have been
clearer.
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, was sometimes defined.
Has a few errors in grammar, but
the errors are mostly corrected
on the spot.
11
Well communicated and
excellently elaborated points.
Organization of ideas was very
cohesive.
3
Professional execution of entire
presentation with excellent
signposting and clear transition
from one point to the next.
Excellent 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.
Presentation was generally free
from errors in grammar.