LCS1087

English for Academic Studies I

Denise Cheung
[email protected]
FG311, PolyU
3400 8349
Lesson 7 Rundown
19:00 - Details of Task 1A Reading Test
19:00. - Revisit grammar
19:00 - Practise Task 1A Sample Read
19:00. - Test Paper Parts 1 & 2
19:00 -

21:30. - Q&A
19:00 - Final revision of Draft
21:30 - Academic Paper (Task 1B)
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 Assessment Outline
Task 1 Mid-Term Test (35%) Due Date

15 July (Mon) 19:00-20:30, Lesson 8

1A: On-Campus Reading Test 19%
S201, WK Campus
15/17 July (Mon/Wed) 23:00
1B: Academic Essay (Draft Paper) 16%
Lesson 8/9
Task 2 Oral Presentation (30%) Group
Video: 24 hrs before Lesson 12
2A: Oral Presentation + Q&A 25% Q&A: 29 July (Mon) 19:00

2B: Self-reflection 5% 31 July (Wed) 23:59, Lesson 13

Task 3 Academic Essay (Final
(30%) 4 August (Sun) 09:30
Paper)
Class Participation (5%) Throughout the whole semester

To pass this subject, you are required to obtain Grade C or above on all assessments.
 What’s coming next ...
Lesson 7 1) Practise Reading Test (Task 1A)
2) Write the introduction + 1st body paragraph for the draft
2) academic essay (Task 1B)
Lesson 8 1) Reading Test (Task 1A) at S201 WK Campus 19:00
15 Jul (Mon) 2) Review draft academic paper (Task 1B)
3) Introduce academic presentation
Lesson 9 1) Submit draft academic essay (Task 1B) 23:00
2) Academic presentation
Lesson 10 Academic presentation
Lesson 11 1) Practise a mini academic presentation
2) Write a reflection (Task 2B) for your academic presentation
3) Write 2nd body paragraph + conclusion for final academic
2) essay (Task 3)
Lesson 12 Academic presentation: Live Q&A (Task 2A)
Lesson 13 Review final academic essay (Task 3)
4 Aug (Sun) Submit final academic essay (Task 3) 09:30
Details of Task 1A Reading Test
Part 1: Text 1
Reading Comprehension (focus: writer’s
stance) 3 marks@
Q.1-10: Decide whether statement reflect the
Q.1-10: writer’s claim in the text
Q.1-10: Yes/ No/ Not given
Q.10-14: Fill in the blanks with the most
Q.10-14: appropriate vocabulary provided
Part 2: Text 2
Reading Comprehension (focus: coherence and
cohesion) 3 marks@
Q.15-20: Fill in the blanks with the most
Q.15-20: appropriate sentences/phrases provided

Part 3: Text 3
Common Errors (focus: grammar, in-text citation,
linking words, academic language) 2 marks@
Q.21-44: Fill in the blanks with the most
Q.10-14: appropriate sentences/phrases Q.15-Q.
Q.21-44: provided
Grammar
1. Parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective
1. and adverb)
2. Nouns: singular vs plural, countable vs
2. uncountable
3. Tenses, active/passive voice
4. Subject-verb agreement
5. Prepositions
6. Articles: a/ an/ the/ X
7. Verb forms: (verb)+ing, (verb)+ed, to (verb),
7. (verb)
8. Pronouns
9. Conjunctions
 Try to identify the areas of the
grammar each colour represents:

He succeeds in completing the job.

His success in completing the job ...
He is successful in completing the job.
He completed the job successfully.

I like eating apples, but I was given an

orange. This makes me feel disappointed.
Use of “Lack”
1) Lack (n) (a) lack + of
e.g Despite his lack of experience, he got the job…
There is a lack of housing for young adults.
2) Lack (v) not followed by “of”
e.g He lacks the experience for the post of CEO.
Lacking housing is a challenging problem
facing Hong Kong.
3) Lack (adj) lacking + in
e.g. Hong Kong is lacking in housing.
She felt lacking in confidence about herself.
Use of “Concern”
1) Concern (n)
e.g A lack of housing is a matter of public concern.
Students have expressed concern about the passing rate.
2) Concern (v) means “affect/involve”
e.g A lack of housing concerns (worries) the public.
This report concerns (is about) a complaint …
3) Concern (adj) concerned + about = worried about
e.g. The public are concerned about a shortage of housing.
Concerned students are enquiring about their results.
4) Concerning (prep) means “about”
e.g. I am writing concerning a complaint…
Concerning housing shortage, the government should…
 Unit 7 Task 4 (p.15-17)
Common Errors
A. This seems to be the most obviously solution.
A. This seems to be the most obviously solution.

B. This essay will discuss about the issue up.

B. This essay will discuss about the issue up.

C. The Hong Kong will certainly have the difficulties in

C. coping with this in future.
C. The Hong Kong will certainly would have the
C. difficulties in coping with this these in future.
D. It seems obvious that particular solution to this
D. issue is difficult to find.
D. It seems obvious that a particular solution to this
D. issue is difficult to find.

E. Both solution have positive and negative aspect.

E. Both solutions have positive and negative aspects.

F. The English standards are high in Singapore. It is

F. because different communities use English to
F. communicate.
F. The English standards are standard is high in
F. Singapore. It This is because different
F. communities use English to communicate.
G. It is apparent that there is little researches in this
G. area.
G. It is apparent that there is little researches
G. research in this area.

H. Information on this subject are hard to find in the H.

H. academic literature.
H. Information on this subject are is hard to find in the
H. academic literature.
I. One hundred undergraduates from HKCC and
I. SPEED are selected to participate in the study.

I. One hundred undergraduates from the HKCC and

I. SPEED are selected to participate in the study.
J. I believe this solution should applied to Hong Kong
J. by the relevant Hong Kong government department.

J. I It is believed that this solution should be applied to

J. Hong Kong by the relevant Hong Kong government
J. department.
1) Revise Reading Test Practice Paper Part 3 and the
extra practice on Part 1
2) Bring along a paper dictionary (not a mini one) for
Reading on 15 July (Mon) 18:45 at S201 WK Campus
3) Continue to work on the draft academic paper (Task
1B). Do send me the outline if you want me to check
it for you.
Review: Academic Essay (Task 1B&3)
Instructions:
Write an academic essay using a problem-solution structure. In
your paper, you should include the following:
• An appropriate title
• A description of the problem and explanation of why it needs
solving
• A clear thesis statement (i.e. What do you believe is the best
solution?)
• A critical discussion of two possible ways to solve the problem.
This includes the strengths and weaknesses of both solutions
• An appropriate concluding statement
Review: Structure of arguments
Review: within the text (main body)
Step 1: STANCE + The writer introduces a clear argument near
JUSTIFICATIONS the beginning of the text, i.e., “This is how I
propose to solve the problem.”

Step 2: COUNTER- The writer introduces one or more counter-

Step 2: ARGUMENT arguments against this stance, i.e., “Here is
another way to solve the problem.”

Step 3: REBUTTAL The writer explains why the counter-

argument is weak or wrong.
Review: Essay Titles
1) What is the question about?
TOPIC
2) What specific aspect of the topic is
2). important in this case?
FOCUS
3) How should you approach the question?
INSTRUCTIONS
4) Should you narrow the scope of your paper
4). to certain areas?
LIMITATIONS
Example Title
Topic Area: Waste disposal problem in Hong Kong
Focus: Saturation of landfills
Solutions: (1) Incineration
Solutions: (2) Expansion of landfills
Possible Title:
Is incineration a better solution than landfill
expansion to address the problem of landfills’
saturation in Hong Kong?
Review: Thesis Statement
• highlight the central focus of your essay
• usually found in the end of the
introduction
• state your position/stance
• give an outline of your essay’s structure
• reiterate in the conclusion
• avoid using “I”
Example Thesis Statement
Topic Area: Waste disposal problem in Hong Kong
Focus: Saturation of landfills
Solutions: (1) Incineration
Solutions: (2) Expansion of landfills
Possible Title:
Is incineration a better solution than landfill expansion to
address the problem of landfills’ saturation in Hong Kong?
Thesis Statement:
This essay will discuss whether incineration or landfill expansion
is a better solution to addressing the problem of landfills’
saturation in Hong Kong. It will conclude that incineration is a
more desirable solution compared with landfill expansion,
provided that the incineration procedures strictly comply
designated standards. Landfill expansion should be used as a last
resort.
 Week 6.3 (p.9-10)

Read the text on p.9-10. Identify the

purpose of each paragraph and the
structure of the two solution
paragraphs.
Introduction
Aging populations are a common problem throughout the
developed world. By 2050, the number of older persons in the
world will exceed the number of young for the first time in
history (United Nations, 2002). Hong Kong is no exception to this
global issue (Government of the HKSAR, 2013). Hong Kong’s
current population of 7.3m is forecast to increase to 8.5 million
in 2041 (Government of the HKSAR, 2014). Yet by 2041 the
working population is forecast to decline, while the number of
people aged 65 or above will increase to 2.6m, accounting for
one-third of the population (Chou, 2015). Unless action is taken
to reduce the number of people dependent on the working
population, Hong Kong will face serious economic and social
challenges.
Introduction What is the problem?
Aging populations are a common problem throughout the
developed world. By 2050, the number of older persons in the
world will exceed the number of young for the first time in
history (United Nations, 2002). Hong Kong is no exception to this
global issue (Government of the HKSAR, 2013). Hong Kong’s
current population of 7.3m is forecast to increase to 8.5 million
in 2041 (Government of the HKSAR, 2014). Yet by 2041 the
working population is forecast to decline, while the number of
people aged 65 or above will increase to 2.6m, accounting for
one-third of the population (Chou, 2015). Unless action is taken
to reduce the number of people dependent on the working
population, Hong Kong will face serious economic and social
challenges. Why is it important?
Thesis Statement
This essay will assess two possible solutions to population
aging in Hong Kong. The first is to increase the birth rate by
persuading women to have more children. The other is to
increase the size of the working population by attracting
working-age people from overseas to Hong Kong. Although
increasing the birth rate could solve the aging problem, it
would need to occur hand-in-hand with other policies that
are not easy to implement in the Hong Kong environment.
Therefore, attracting more working-age people from
overseas is a more appropriate solution, particularly in the
short term.
Thesis Statement Two possible solutions
This essay will assess two possible solutions to population
aging in Hong Kong. The first is to increase the birth rate by
persuading women to have more children. The other is to
increase the size of the working population by attracting
working-age people from overseas to Hong Kong. Although
increasing the birth rate could solve the aging problem, it
would need to occur hand-in-hand with other policies that
are not easy to implement in the Hong Kong environment.
Therefore, attracting more working-age people from
overseas is a more appropriate solution, particularly in the
short term.
Your stance
Solution 1 = counter-argument/ non-preferred solution

One possible solution to Hong Kong’s aging population problem is to encourage

women to have more children. While this solution initially seems to have some
merit, it has several weaknesses. The first concerns living space. In 2015, the per
capita living area in Hong Kong was approximately 150 square feet (Hong Kong
Housing Authority, 2015), which is the lowest in East Asia (Ming Pao, 2014). It is
widely believed that such limited living space discourages families from having
children. The second concerns affordability. The average monthly household
expenditure of a family of three is $27,627 (Hong Kong Government, 2016), yet
about 58% of households have a monthly household income below $30,000
(Hong Kong Government, 2015). This suggests that many families cannot cope
with the cost of raising even one child. A policy to increase the birth rate must
therefore be coordinated with other policies such as providing larger living
spaces, housing subsidies and other financial aid. Otherwise, an increased birth
rate is unfeasible.
Solution 1 = counter-argument/ non-preferred solution
Topic sentence Rebuttal 2 reasons
One possible solution to Hong Kong’s aging population problem is to encourage
women to have more children. While this solution initially seems to have some
merit, it has several weaknesses. The first concerns living space. In 2015, the per
capita living area in Hong Kong was approximately 150 square feet (Hong Kong
Housing Authority, 2015), which is the lowest in East Asia (Ming Pao, 2014). It is
widely believed that such limited living space discourages families from having
children. The second concerns affordability. The average monthly household
expenditure of a family of three is $27,627 (Hong Kong Government, 2016), yet
about 58% of households have a monthly household income below $30,000
(Hong Kong Government, 2015). This suggests that many families cannot cope
with the cost of raising even one child. A policy to increase the birth rate must
therefore be coordinated with other policies such as providing larger living
spaces, housing subsidies and other financial aid. Otherwise, an increased birth
rate is unfeasible. elaboration of
concluding sentence
in-text citation
Solution 2 = preferred solution
Another possible solution is to import more labour from overseas. Proponents of
this solution emphasise that cities across the developed world are striving to
attract skilled workers in order to remain economically competitive as their
populations age, and Hong Kong must not lag behind (Hong Kong Government,
2014). However, opponents argue that importing foreign labour would harm the
employment opportunities of local workers, especially those in low-skilled jobs
(for example, Jiang, 2006). Although it is reasonable to consider the possible
threat to local workers, this claim is not justified because satisfactory safeguards
already exist. For example, current Labour Department policy states that
employers may only import workers when they are unable to fill vacancies with
local workers (Labour Department, 2013). What’s more, some industries are
already facing labour shortages (Hong Kong Government, 2014). This indicates
that a limited amount of imported labour will not affect local workers’ jobs.
 Solution 2 = preferred solution Counter-
Topic Sentence Explanation/ Justification argument
Another possible solution is to import more labour from overseas. Proponents of
this solution emphasise that cities across the developed world are striving to
attract skilled workers in order to remain economically competitive as their
populations age, and Hong Kong must not lag behind (Hong Kong Government,
2014). However, opponents argue that importing foreign labour would harm the
employment opportunities of local workers, especially those in low-skilled jobs
(for example, Jiang, 2006). Although it is reasonable to consider the possible
threat to local workers, this claim is not justified because satisfactory safeguards
already exist. For example, current Labour Department policy states that
employers may only import workers when they are unable to fill vacancies with
local workers (Labour Department, 2013). What’s more, some industries are
already facing labour shortages (Hong Kong Government, 2014). This indicates
that a limited amount of imported labour will not affect local workers’ jobs.

Rebuttal + Examples Concluding sentence

 Your Own Title
Para. 1: Introduction Draft Term Paper (Task 1B)
(Background: Problem + Effects [Importance] + Thesis
Statement: Introduce 2 Solutions + Your stance + Overview)

Para. 2: Solution 1 Draft Term Paper (Task 1B)

(Preferred/ Non-preferred Solution + Justifications [evidence]

+ Counter-arguments + Rebuttals) (Draft term paper:
Paragraphs 1&2 =
250-300 words)
Para. 3: Solution 2 Final Term Paper (Task 3)
(Non-Preferred/ Preferred Solution + Justifications [evidence]
+ Counter-arguments + Rebuttals)

Para. 4: Conclusion Final Term Paper (Task 3)

(Summary of Problem + Effects + Stance + (Final term paper:
Justifications + Counter-arguments + Rebuttals) Paragraphs 1-4 =
550-650 words)
Summary of problem & why it is important
Your stance + Justification
There seems to be no doubt that population aging is a
serious long-term issue facing Hong Kong. The problem will
worsen unless corrective action is taken soon. Importing
overseas labour to address the skills shortage caused by an
aging population is a realistic option because it can be
implemented quickly and has a greater chance of success.
Although some argue that this will threaten the livelihoods
of local workers, enough safeguards exist to ensure that this
can be avoided.
Counter-argument + Rebuttal
Useful Expressions for Signposting Arguments

INTRODUCING A SOLUTION
• Perhaps the most commonly suggested solution is to …
• One possible solution / Another possible solution is to …
• One solution / Another solution that has been proposed is to ...
• One way to solve this problem is to …
• To solve this problem, one option is to …
• A second possible solution is to …

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR A SOLUTION

• One argument in favour of this solution is that ...
• Proponents of this solution argue that …
• The strength of this solution is that …
• This appears to be an ideal solution.
TRANSITIONING FROM SUPPORT TO CRITIQUE
• While this solution is certainly inclusive, its critics argue that …
• While this argument initially seems to have some merit, it has
• several weaknesses.
• Although this is seen by some as resolving the problem, it is
• problematic for several reasons.
• Although …, this claim is not justified because ...

CRITIQUING AN ARGUMENT
• Critics of this solution argue that …
• Opponents of this solution believe that …
• A further criticism is that …
• Yet another objection is that …
• This solution is not justified because ….
• However, ….
• In fact, …
• Nevertheless, …
(a) Mid-term test (Writing): Assessment Criteria Note: All criteria are equally weighted.

Ability to write grammatically

Ability to organise a problem- Ability to express Ability to cite and
accurately with accurate use of
solution academic text academic arguments reference accurately
vocabulary
Up to this point: Up to this point: Up to this point: Up to this point:
Your draft contains all the following You demonstrate a clear ability to Your text is mostly grammatically You have cited credible sources for
4 key features of critical writing in a present and develop a thesis accurate and many sentences are all ideas and information when
problem-solution academic paper, according to academic conventions: error-free. appropriate.
i.e.: • There is a clear thesis statement.
• An appropriate title • Everything in your text There may be occasional systematic Your citations follow APA
• A description of the problem (including the title) is relevant to errors in complex grammatical conventions although there may be
and why it needs solving your thesis statement. structures but you use simple one or two lapses.
• A thesis statement • Your stance is supported by structures with a high level of
A-/A/A+

• A critical discussion of one appropriate evidence from accuracy. There is no evidence of sustained
possible solution, i.e., its more than one source. word for word copying from your
strengths and weaknesses • Your text develops logically and You use an appropriately wide range sources but you may have once or
coherently both at text level and of vocabulary accurately throughout twice copied a clause.
You handle all these features very at paragraph level. your paper.
well.
Errors in grammar and vocabulary
do not impede the understanding of
an academic audience.

Your draft contains all of the above You demonstrate a clear ability to Your text is mostly accurate despite You have cited credible sources for
features of a problem-solution present and develop a thesis a few systematic errors in simple all ideas and information when
academic paper. according to academic conventions: and complex grammatical structures. appropriate
• There is a clear thesis statement.
There are one or two examples • Almost everything in your text You mostly use an appropriately Your citations mostly follow APA
where you have not handled these is relevant to your thesis wide range of vocabulary accurately. conventions despite a few lapses.
B-/B/B+

features very well. statement.

• Your stance is supported by Errors in grammar and vocabulary There is no evidence of sustained
appropriate evidence from are very unlikely to impede the word for word copying from your
more than one source. understanding of an academic sources but you may have copied
• Your text mostly develops audience. clauses in several places.
logically and coherently both at
text level and at paragraph level.
 Ability to write grammatically
Ability to organise a problem- Ability to express Ability to cite and
accurately with accurate use of
solution academic text academic arguments reference accurately
vocabulary
Up to this point: Up to this point: Up to this point: Up to this point:
One or two of the above features of a You demonstrate some ability to Your text is generally accurate. You have cited most ideas and
problem-solution academic paper present and develop a thesis There is evidence that you can use information when appropriate, but
may be missing from your draft. according to academic conventions: simple grammar accurately although some may be missing OR may be
• There is a thesis statement but it this is not sustained throughout the from uncredible sources.
Where you have included these could perhaps be more clearly whole draft. You attempt more
features, they are generally well expressed. complex structures, but with limited Your citations generally follow
handled. • Your text is mostly relevant to accuracy. APA conventions.
your thesis statement but there
may be occasional irrelevancies You generally use vocabulary There is no evidence of sustained
C-/C/C+

or overgeneralisations. accurately although your range is word for word copying from your
• Your stance is usually rather limited and sometimes restricts sources but you may have copied
supported by appropriate your ability to express yourself word for word at sentence level in
evidence, possibly from only precisely. You may be less accurate one or two places.
one source. when you attempt to use low
• More logical, coherent frequency vocabulary. You may have mis-represented one
development of ideas at Errors in grammar and vocabulary or more sources.
paragraph level and/or at text may impede the understanding of an
level is needed. academic audience.in one or two
places.
Two or more of the above features You demonstrate a very limited There are frequent errors in complex Your text consistently lacks citation
of a problem-solution academic ability to present and develop a thesis and simple grammatical structures of ideas and information OR may
paper are missing from your draft. according to academic conventions: throughout your text. rely extensively on uncredible
• Your thesis statement may be sources.
Where you have included these missing. Errors in grammar and vocabulary
features, they are generally not • Your text may often lack regularly impede the understanding Your citations frequently do not
well handled. relevance in relation to the of an academic audience. follow APA conventions.
D/D+

title/thesis statement.
• Your stance is only occasionally You use a limited range of There may be evidence of sustained
supported by appropriate vocabulary, although there is some word for word copying from your
evidence. evidence that you can use high and sources at sentence level in several
• Ideas appear to be present but low frequency vocabulary correctly. places.
there is little evidence of logical
flow. The text causes confusion You may have mis-represented two
for the reader, who may need to or more sources.
infer the meaning.
 Ability to write grammatically
Ability to organise a problem- Ability to express Ability to cite and
accurately with accurate use of
solution academic text academic arguments reference accurately
vocabulary
Up to this point: Up to this point: Up to this point: Up to this point:
Most of the above features of a You demonstrate little or no ability Errors in complex and simple There is either no citation OR the
problem-solution academic paper are to present and develop a thesis structures are so frequent that they sources you have cited consistently
missing from your draft. according to academic conventions: cause sustained confusion for an lack academic credibility.
• Your thesis statement may be academic audience.
missing. There may be evidence of sustained
• Ideas appear to be almost or Your range of grammar and word for word copying from your
entirely absent so that no vocabulary is so limited that you sources at paragraph level or
relevant meaning is conveyed. are unable to express a simple beyond.
• Widespread and sustained position.
F

irrelevancies cause confusion for You may have mis-represented two

the reader. . or more sources.
• Your draft might be
significantly under length. As
a result, you are unable to
express a position.
• Your draft may be completely
off topic.