NORTH SOUTH UNIVERSITY

ENG 103
FINAL ASSIGNMENT: SPRING 2020
Instructions for students:

 You MUST write your essays in the given file, as directed in the question paper. IF you do not
have access to a computer/laptop, only then are you allowed to submit a scanned copy/a picture
of the written version of your assignment. Also, you MUST submit the written version of the
cover page.
 You MUST write BOTH the essays.
 You MUST maintain the same formatting of the file.
 You must NOT plagiarise- any such act will have severe consequences and might result in the
cancellation of your Final Assessment.
 You MUST submit your work by 4th June, 12AM.
 Late submissions will NOT be accepted.

Please fill out the following:

Name:Farah Tabassum
ID:2012957630
Section:4
Instructor:Saira Nazneen Ahsan(SNA2)

PLAGIARISM STATEMENT:I certify that this assignment/report is my own work, based on my

personal study and/or research and that I have acknowledged all material and sources used in its
preparation, whether they be books, articles, reports, lecture notes, and any other kind of document,
electronic or personal communication. I also certify that this assignment/report has not previously
been submitted for assessment in any other unit. I have not copied in part or whole or otherwise
plagiarised the work of other students and/or persons. I understand that submission of plagiarised
work, regardless of it being partial or complete, can result to significant mark reduction or even
cancellation of my paper.

[Full name here] [Write date here]

Farah Tabassum June 3,2020

Name (Write your full name) Date(Date of submission)

Farah Tabassum June 3,2020

Signature (You can use electronic signature, if possible. Otherwise, just rewrite your full name here)
Farah Tabassum

MARKS DISTRIBUTION
PART A /25
PART B /25
TOTAL /50
Part A: Compare AND Contrast Essay

Write a compare and contrast essay on studying at NSU campus and studying at your home.
Marks: 25
Word limit: 1000-1200 words

Special instructions:

Category Marks Details

Transitions 5 Students are expected to use relevant transitions in their
writing. Essays should include various instances of
appropriate transition usage.
Grammar 5 As always, students should use grammatically correct
sentences in their writing. Along with observing the
correctness of grammatical components, prominent
emphasis will be placed on Parallelism, Dangling and
Misplaced modifiers since these chapters are included in
the syllabus. Therefore, students should be particularly
careful of these.

Structure 5 Students should write an eight-paragraph essay for this

section. The first paragraph will be the Introduction, which
must contain the thesis statement. The thesis statement
should include main points of discussion. The first three
body paragraphs should discuss the points of comparison,
and the remaining three paragraphs should discuss points
of contrast. The final paragraph will be the Conclusion and
must repeat the points mentioned in thesis.
Content 10 Students must use original ideas in their writing. The more
unique the idea is, the higher the chances of receiving
better marks. Exclusively original ideas shall receive
higher marks, whereas repetitive/conventional content will
receive lower marks.

ANSWER TO PART (A)

PLEASE WRITE YOUR ANSWER BENEATH THIS LINE. YOU CAN USE AS MANY PAGES AS
REQUIRED.
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Title: Studying at NSU campus in compare to studying at home
The novel corona virus has impacted the lives of people around the globe in previously unimaginable ways.
The world has not experienced a pandemic of this magnitude in the last one hundred years. People from all
walks of life have been affected not just physically and emotionally, but socio-economically as well. The
global economy has been brought to a standstill and more than a third of the world’s countries have been
mandated into lockdown. Human beings have been forced to engage in unprecedented experiences, and new
trends have surfaced to adapt to the current circumstances. Due to the enforcement of home quarantine, the
majority of the educational institutions have taken the executive decision to continue the ongoing semesters
online in an attempt to minimize disruption. Many parallels can be drawn between online learning and
traditional learning, such as the importance placed on assignments and the necessity of efficient time
management. However, some stark differences, in aspects regarding the need for technological integration
and communication, both inside and outside of the classroom, should be acknowledged as well.
Assignments are of paramount importance in both areas of learning. Similar to traditional classes,
assignments are used as a tool of assessment in online classes. Instructions on how to complete each
assignment, which is tailored to fit the course contents, is provided by the respective faculty. Despite the
change in circumstances, this ensures engagement on the part of students. The results of these assignments
also act as feedback, identifying areas of potential shortcomings so that corrective measures can be taken.
Completion of these assignments also ascertains students have a clear understanding of the subject matter,
which might be otherwise difficult to judge on an online platform.
North South University allows students the luxury of having control over their routines and course schedules
to a large extent. Nonetheless, punctuality has always been relentlessly emphasized. I have witnessed, in
more instances than one, students being turned away having arrived a mere ten minutes after the
premeditated timing of a class. Similarly, even on an online platform, North South has been successful in
scheduling and structuring the classes being provided in a manner that makes it more accessible, quite like
the pattern followed by traditional classes. This has greatly facilitated the transition from physical classes to
online classes, which were unfamiliar grounds for a large portion of the student body. The routine does not
only act as a disciplinary measure for the students, but also enables them to prepare for the classes
accordingly. Attendance and punctuality, however, in online classes show signs of vast improvement in
comparison to traditional classes. This can be attributed to the lack of impacts external factors such as
congestion typically has.
In order to complete the assignments and balance their academic workload, students must manage time
efficiently and possess a comprehensive understanding of the course materials. The only way to do this,
similar to traditional classes, is exertion of effort and practice of the course contents by students. The
lectures, in complement to the reference books, in online classes must be followed attentively just like
traditional classes, and while lecturers might assign less class work students must accept personal
accountability and practice the materials available as per the instructions of the faculty in order to do well on
assessments.
In contrast to physical classes, online classes require a significantly higher level of technological adaption
and integration. Firstly, a stable internet connection is a prerequisite to attending these classes. Social
problems such as load shedding can pose unbidden disruptions, which can act as a major obstacle in the
learning curve of students. Moreover, while physical classes entailed majority of the coursework to be done
on pen and paper, submission of assignments and open-book quizzes on online classes require a proficiency
in various software such as Word or Excel for quantitative classes. Students lacking such skills are thus at a
major disadvantage and might struggle with the timely completion of coursework.
Unlike physical classes, lecturers cannot gauge the attentiveness of students in the class by observing their
body language. It is near impossible to establish whether or not every student was active during the entire
duration of the class. It is also considerably more difficult to engage students without physically being
present, as most methods of inducing class participation are not applicable or, at least, more difficult to
implement on an online platform. Answering questions posed by the instructor are more complex online and
a time lag might occur, dissimilar to simply raising one’s hand and being called on as in physical
classrooms. Thus, class participation, which is commonly used rubric in assessment of students in traditional
classes cannot be assigned the same level of importance as issues such as unavailability of microphone
integration on the devices used or unstable internet connections must be acknowledged.
Moreover, networking between students is also vastly different on online classes in comparison to traditional
classes. Communication, both inside and outside of the classroom, adds substantial value to the academic
experience of students. Not only that, it also allows the nurturing of communication skills in individuals.
Huddling of groups of friends in the library or student common room is a common sight at North South
University. Ready-help, in regard to academics or otherwise, is also a common culture between students.
However, the transitions to online classes have deprived students from these experiences. It is next to
impossible to communicate with peers on the platform used for the execution of online classes, which might
potentially make the learning atmosphere less motivating and engaging.
In conclusion, while online classes have addressed the problem imposed by the current pandemic of students
being unable to physically attend classes, it is less than a fully comprehensive solution. While online classes
and traditional classes share a fair amount of similarities such as dictation of a routine for students,
assignment of course work, and importance of reiteration of class contents by students, they differ in various
aspects. Online classes can potentially be significantly less engaging than traditional classes. The level of
class participation and communication in-between students as well as between students and faculty members
might be reasonably lower.
Part B: Cause AND Effect Analysis Essay

Write a cause and effect analysis essay on the reasons for which you chose to enroll in North South
University. In the essay, also discuss the effects of getting admitted to this university.
Marks: 25
Word limit: 1000-1200 words

Special instructions:

Category Marks Details

Transitions 5 Students are expected to use relevant transitions in their
writing. Essays should include various instances of
appropriate transition usage.
Grammar 5 As always, students should use grammatically correct
sentences in their writing. Along with observing the
correctness of grammatical components, prominent
emphasis will be placed on Transition, Parallelism,
Dangling and Misplaced modifiers since these chapters are
included in the syllabus. Therefore, students should be
particularly careful of these.

Structure 5 Students should write an eight-paragraph essay for this

section. The first paragraph will be the Introduction, which
must contain the thesis statement. The thesis statement
should include main points of discussion. The six body
paragraphs should discuss three causes in three separate
paragraphs, and three effects in the remaining three body
paragraphs. The final paragraph will be the Conclusion and
must repeat the points mentioned in thesis.
Content 10 Students must use original ideas in their writing. The more
unique the idea is, the higher the chances of receiving
better marks. Exclusively original ideas shall receive
higher marks, whereas repetitive/conventional stories will
receive lower marks.

ANSWER TO PART (B)

PLEASE WRITE YOUR ANSWER BENEATH THIS LINE. YOU CAN USE AS MANY PAGES AS
REQUIRED.
Title: Why I chose to enroll in North South University
At present, the number of public and private universities in Bangladesh stands at 129. The admission season
is arguably one of the most stressful times in the life of a student, and a considerable amount of deliberation
is put into finding the ‘right’ university. The decision of which university to attend is multi-faceted, both in
terms of the deciding causes behind it as well as the far-reaching effects. The choice of university is
determined on the basis of numerous factors, such as quality of faculty members, alumni network, research
facilities, and availability of financial aid, market and industry linkages and global accreditation. The
relative importance allocated to each factor considered is subjective. North South University, since its
establishment in 1992, has claimed the title of the best private university in Bangladesh and continues to
operate as a center of excellence in higher education. North South University not only fulfilled but exceeded
all of my criteria of consideration.
The faculty is a deciding factor in the quality of education provided at any institution. North South
University boasts one of the well-decorated panels of faculty across the entire nation, and this allows North
South to maximize the learning experience of students. Faculty members are responsible for not only
imparting basic and applied knowledge, but also assisting students in their learning. The faculties of North
South University are all extremely qualified in their own disciplines, equipped with degrees from esteemed
academic institutions from all over the world as well as respective industry knowledge. The active and
collaborative learning techniques employed by the faculty members not only add value to the academic
experiences, but also enhance the engagement of students.
In addition, the enriched alumni association of North South University is one of the main reasons behind my
enrollment. NSU functions with a mission of producing competent graduates, which is why the percentage
of employment among fresh graduates is considerably high. The current corporate scene of Bangladesh is
dominated by North South University graduates in the highest positions. This allows current students a very
high exposure to the industry and an expansive network of professional contacts. The principal strength of
the NSU community lies in the ready help juniors receive whenever seniors are approached. The benefits
derived from the alumni network extends from career services to mentorship.
Furthermore, North South University allows students the luxury of tailoring their educational experiences as
per their preferences. I am involved in a startup company, which requires a significant time commitment.
Therefore, efficient management of academic as well as professional workload is crucial. NSU does not only
offer the opportunity to choose the number of courses taken in a particular semester, but also provides an
extent of control over the scheduling of classes. This has facilitated the maintenance of a stable work-life
balance. It also forces me to prioritize areas of urgency or importance, and allocate my time and effort
accordingly.
The effects of being a student at North South University on my life are unprecedented. While the network of
students is amiable, the overall environment is extremely competitive. The exposure to the best minds of the
country in the form of both faculty members and peers results in a high degree of mental stimulation.
Networking, both inside and outside of the classroom, is an essential part of student life and it has allowed
me to hone my communication skills. Furthermore, the group projects which are obligatory for specific
courses instigate the emergence of leadership skills among participants, in addition to subtly preaching
lessons in collective co-ordination. The fast-paced nature encourages exertion by the students, and acts as a
catalyst to overall self-development and growth. The lessons imparted onto me by my faculty have been
utilized through application in my professional life. I have, additionally, adopted the ethics and values
championed by my institution such as embracing diversity and accepting social responsibility.
Moreover, the structure of my life has completely changed. The strictness exercised by North South
University in regard to academics is a fact well-known. Thus, a large portion of my time is contributed to
my course work. This makes juggling academics and other aspects of my life quite difficult. Additionally,
each day of attending routine classes has an underlying cost of 3 hours in travel time. Time management is a
skill often deemed a pillar of success. This often hectic routine has not only highlighted the importance of
efficient time management in my life, but forced me to master it in order to ensure the completion of all of
my tasks. On more than one occasion, I have completed an assignment while stuck in traffic on my way
home, or replied to important emails while grabbing a quick bite to eat at the canteen in-between classes.
This lesson on how to fully utilize time is of paramount importance. The habit of procrastination I once used
to struggle which is now all but a distant memory.
My enrollment at North South University has also provided me with a direction in life, and refueled my
drive. I have always been someone with clear-cut objectives and a tenacity to achieve them. Interactions and
exchanges with the like-minded individuals I have found in my peers have reinstated my belief in myself
and motivated myself to push myself further. NSU also offers an array of clubs and societies that students
can engage in. My membership at the NSU YES! Club has invigorated my entrepreneurial zest in addition to
providing market linkage and perspective. I have also become a member of the NSU Debating Club, which
has helped me to enhance my public speaking skills. Club work often entails participation in different events
and coordinating with various sponsors, thus providing students with a platform to nurture their skills and
pursue their passions.
In conclusion, there is a wide assortment of reasons why students choose to study at North South University
which is translated into the fact that NSU has garnered wide acclaim and accolades for delivering quality
education better than any other private university in Bangladesh. For me personally, the enriched faculty, the
exceptional alumni network and the customizable academic calendar are the primary reasons behind my
enrollment. The effects that this decision has had can be seen in the personal development and skill
acquisition experiences I have undergone, under the mentorship of my faculty members, peers, and seniors.