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Fiji National University

College of Humanities and Education
School of Communication, Languages and Literature

Department of Communications and Media

QUARTER 1/ 2020

COM 303 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION LITERACY

Certificate III Fabrication & Welding/Plant Maintenance Engineering, Certificate IV

Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Certificate III/IV Automotive Engineering/ Bodyworks,
Certificate III/ IV Carpentry, Certificate III/IV Carpentry Joinery & Cabinet Making, Certificate
III/IV Plumbing & Sheet Metal, Certificate III/IV Electrical Engineering, Cert IV Geology &
Mining Engineering, Certificate IV Biomedical, Certificate III/ IV Electronics Engineering,
Certificate IV Fitting & Machinery, Certificate III/IV Printing Technology and Certificate III in
Shipping

DATE: TIME: 2 Hours 10 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
1. You are allowed 10 minutes EXTRA reading time during which you are NOT allowed to
write.
2. Answer ALL Questions.
3. Write all your answers in the answer booklet provided.
4. Write the Campus where you attended all your classes on the top right hand cover of the
Answer booklet.
5. Begin each question on a fresh page and use both sides of the sheet.
6. Write your ID number at the top of each attached sheet.
7. Insert any foolscap that you might have used in their correct sequence and secure with a string.
8. Use only Blue or Black ink to write the exam. Do not use pencil.

Total number of pages: 10

SUMMARY OF QUESTIONS

QUESTIONS Particulars Suggested Time Marks

1 Literacy & Writing Skills 60 minutes 50

2 Directions 30 minutes 15

TOTAL 120 MINUTES 65

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QUESTION 1 READING LITERACY (25 Marks)

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow:

AUTOMATION

Automation is a system of manufacture designed to extend the capacity of machines to perform

certain tasks formerly done by human, and to control sequences of operations without human
intervention. The term automation has also been used to describe non-manufacturing systems in
which programmed or automatic devices can operate independently of human control. In the fields
of communication, aviation, and astronautics, for example, such devices as automatic telephone
switching equipment, automatic pilots, and automated guidance and control systems are used to
perform various operations much faster or better than could be accomplished by humans.

Automated manufacture arose out of the intimate relationship of such economic forces and technical
innovations as the division of labor, power transfer and the mechanization of the factory, and the
development of transfer machines and feedback systems as explained below.

The division of labor (that is, the reduction of a manufacturing or service process into its smallest
independent steps) developed in the latter half of the 18 th century and was first discussed by the
British economist Adam Smith,. In manufacturing the division of labor results in increased
production and a reduction in the level of skills required of workers.

Mechanization was the next step necessary in the development of automation. The simplification of
work made possible by the division of labor also made it possible to design and build machines that
duplicated the motions of the worker. As the technology of power transfer evolved, these specialized
machines were motorized and their production efficiency was improved. The development of power
technology also gave rise to the factory system of production, because all workers and machines had
to be located near the power house.

The transfer machine is a devise used to move a workplace from one specialised machine tool to
another, in such a manner as to properly position the work piece for the next machining operation.
Industrial robots, originally designed only to perform simple tasks in environments dangerous to
human workers, are now extremely dexterous and are being used to transfer, manipulate, and index
(that is, to position) both light and heavy work piece, thus performing all the functions of a transfer
machine. In actual practice, a number of separate machines are integrated into what may be thought
of as one large machine.

In the 1920’s the auto industry combined these concepts into an integrated system of production.
The goal of this assembly-line system was to make automobiles available to people who previously
could not afford them. This method of production was adopted by most automobile manufacturers
and rapidly became known as Detroit automation. Despite more recent advances, it is this system of
production that most people think of as automation.

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Part A Comprehension (5 marks)

Choose the best answer and write the letter beside the corresponding number in your
Answer Booklet.

1. Automation is defined as
A. A system of manufacturing and designing machine only
B. A system to design Robots only
C. A system of manufacture designed to extend the capacity of machine
D. An automated guidance and control system

2. In paragraph 4, line 4, “their” is referred to:-

A. technology
B. power
C. machines
D. production efficiency

3. What is a transfer machine?

A. Work piece
B. Specialised Machine
C. Device
D. Robot

4. The goal of the assembly line system is to:

A. perform simple tasks in environments that are dangerous to mankind
B. Make automobile to people who are not as rich as others
C. Make automobile affordable to those who can afford it
D. Make automobile to those who cannot afford it.

5. Which of the following sentences gives the main idea of the reading passage?
A. The passage presents the importance of automation in manufacturing processes.
B. The passage explains how automation works and presents its developments and
applications.
C. The passages tells the history of automation and computers.
D. The passage highlights the elements of automation.

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Part B Reading and Diagram Labelling.

Read the text below and answer the questions that follow.

An electric circuit or network is a pathway through which the electric current can
flow. A simple circuit consists of a power source, two conducting wires, each one
attached to a terminal of the source and a device through which electricity can flow.
This device is called a load and it is attached to the wires. If all the parts are
properly connected, the current flows and the lamp lights up. This kind of circuit is
called ‘closed’.
On the contrary, if the wires are disconnected the circuit is called ‘open’ or ‘broken’.
The circuit can be opened and closed by a device called a switch.

Loads can turn electrical energy into a more useful form. Some examples are:-
 Light bulbs, which change electrical energy into light energy.
 Electric motors, which change electrical energy into light energy
 Speakers, which change energy into sound.

The source provides the electrical energy used by the load. It can be a storage
battery or a generator. The switch interrupts the current delivered to the load by the
source and allows us to control the flow.

When an abnormally high amount of current passes through a network, you get a
short circuit. This may occur when there is a drop in the resistance or a broken
insulation. In order to prevent short circuits, it is best to use fuses, which melt when
too much current flows through them, interrupting in this way the circuit.

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(i) Write the name of each part that is labelled as 1 to 5 in the Answer Book.
(5 marks)

(ii) Matching (6 marks)

Write number 1 to 6 in the Answer Book and match the words from 1 – 6 with
their definitions in a – f based on the reading in ‘Part B’ above.

1. Load a. a device which interrupts the circuit

2. Switch b. a circuit in which wires are disconnected
3. Source c. a device which provides power
4. Fuse d. a complete circuit with no breaks at all
5. Closed circuit e. a device which consumes electric power
6. Broken circuit f. a protective device

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(iii) Writing and Diagram Interpretation

( 8marks)

Source: Oxford English for Electronics by Glendlinning E.H and MacEwan John

With the help of the diagram above, write the best word that is the most appropriate to fill
in the blanks below. Write 1 to 8 in the Answer Book and provide the answer accordingly
to number 1 to 8.

This is a block diagram of an amplitude-modulated (AM) radio transmitter. It (1)____________

of a radio frequency (RF) oscillator, a (2) __________________ , an audio frequency (AF)
amplifier, and an RF power amplifier. The RF (3) ______________ generates an
RF(4) _____________ wave which is fed into the modulator.

The microphone converts sounds into audio frequency signals which are amplified by the AF (5)
__________________. The modulator then uses the amplified AF (6) _________________ to
modulate the RF carrier wave.

The power of modulated carrier wave is increased by the RF (7) amplifier. The strong modulated
out put signals are fed to the (8) __________________ which enables them to be transmitted
over long distances.

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(iii) Language Skills (6 marks)

Study the Painting process below and answer the questions that follow:

Source: Understanding Technical English

(a) State two examples of verbs. (1 mark)

(b) Quote a question in Present Simple Tense. (1 mark)
(c) What would be the adjective in the sentence, “Remove the old caulk as needed.” (1
mark)
(d) Give two examples of preposition used in the diagram above. (1
mark)
(e) Quote two examples of nouns. (2
marks)

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Part C Fill in the blanks (8 marks)

Read the passage below and complete the explanations using the words in the box. Write 1
– 8 in the Answer Book and write your answer beside each number accordingly.

average constant consumption duration capacity consume rate

An Engineer is talking to a colleague about the design of a fuel tank for a water pump.

Fuel (1) _____________ for this engine is about 1.5 litres per hour. Of course, sometimes it will
(2) _____________ a bit more, sometimes a bit less, depending on the workload. But 1.5 is an
(3) ______________ figure. And let’s say the (4) _______________of a work shift is 8 hours.
The pump will have to be stopped occasionally to clean the intake filter, so it won’t be 8 hours of
(5) _______ running. But we’ll say 8 hours, to be on the safe side. So 8 hours of running at a (6)
______________ of 1.5 litres per hour gives twelve litres of (7) _____________ consumption
over a shift. So if we want the pump to have sufficient fuel autonomy for an 8 hour shift , the (8)
_________of the fuel tank needs to be 12 litres, minimum.

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Part D Picture Interpretation and Sentence Construction (5 marks)

The men in the picture below are building a house. They are using many machines.

For example:- One of the men is lifting a lorry. He is using a screw

jack.

Source: Understanding Technical English by D.D. Waters and K.Methold

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(i) Write 5 sentences based on the picture above following the example given to
explain 5 activities that are carried out in the picture. Use Present continuous
tense. (Do NOT use the example given above.)

Part E Safety Instructions (2 Marks)

Read the Safety precautions given below and write (i) and (ii) and beside each number in
you r Answer Book, draw a sign/symbol that suit the Safety Precaution below.

(a) Draw your sign/symbol beside (i) and (ii) in the Answer Book.

(i)
WARNING Fuels are combustible.
Risk of fire and explosion!
• Avoid open flames, electrical sparks and ignition sources.
• Do not smoke.
CAUTION Removal of all injectors.
Damage to component!

(ii)•
Ensure that the high-pressure fuel accumulator is secured on the engine through two HP lines.
CAUTION Cable damage during operation.
Fire hazard!
• Twist cables when installing.
• Ensure that cables do not touch components.

(b) Sentence Re-writing: Safety Precautions (5 marks)

Every single it’s crucial it’s vital it’s essential under no circumstances at all times

Example: The fire exit should always be kept clear.

The fire exit should be kept clear at all times.

Write 1 to 5 in the Answer Book and rewrite the following precautions using the phrases in
the box to add emphasis appropriately.

1. It is a good idea to check that the cable is not damaged.

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2. It is recommended that you should only sore non-flammable materials in this zone.
3. Nobody should enter the restricted area without permission.
4. Before pressuring they system, make sure all the connections are tight.
5. You should reset the alarm routinely when you start the system.

QUESTION 2 DIRECTIONS
(15 marks)

Part A. Fill in the blanks (8marks)

Study the direction map and the sentences provided under each number to help you choose the
right answer to fill in the blanks.
Write the numbers 1 – 8 on your Answer Book and write your answers only.

Source: www.mapsonline.us/

1. Excuse me, how can I go to the ___________?

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Walk along the Violet Street. Take the first turning on the right. Go straight on.
It’s on your left between the restaurant and the hospital.

2. Sir, can you tell me the way to the ____________?

Of course! Walk along the Lily Street. Turn left into Daisy Street. Go straight on.
Take the second turning on the left. It’s on your left between the amusement
park and the greengrocer.

3. Can you help me, please? I want to go to the ____________?

Certainly! Walk along the Violet Street. Take the first turning on the left. It’s on
your right opposite the park.

4. Excuse me; is there a _________ near here?

Yes, Walk along the Lily Street. Take the first turning on the left. It’s on your
right next to the bank.

5. Excuse me, how can I go to the _____________?

Walk along the Violet Street. Take the second turning on the left. It’s on your left.

6. Sir, can you tell me the way to the ___________?

Of course! Walk along the Lily Street. Turn left into Daisy Street. Go straight on.
Take the first running on the left. It’s on your left between the bookshop and café.

7. Can you help me, please? I want to go to the ____________?

Certainly! Walk along the Violet Street. Take the first turning on the right. Walk
along the Rose Street. Turn left into Daisy Street. It’s on your right opposite the
amusement park.

8. Excuse me; is there a __________ near here?

Yes, Walk along the Violet Street. Take the first turning on the right. It’s on your
left opposite the bookshop.

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Part B True and False (7 marks)

Look at the direction map below and write true or false for questions 1 – 7. In your answer
book write the numbers 1-7 and the answer.

Source: www.mapsonline.us/
Questions

1.  The jewelry store is behind the Italian restaurant. (True or False)
2.  The bar is on Second Avenue. (True or False)
3.  The police station is on the left from Fire Department. (True or False)
4.  The toy store is across from the Chinese restaurant. (True or False)
5.  The movie theatre is opposite the Book store. (True or False)
6.  The sporting goods store is behind the Furniture store. (True or False)

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7.  The bar is next to the Chinese restaurant. (True or False)

The End

COM 303 Introduction to Communication Literacy Quarter 1, 2020