CONFIDENTIAL LG/DEC 2020/ELC231/230 (SET3)

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

COURSE : INTEGRATED LANGUAGE SKILLS III /

INTEGRATED LANGUAGE SKILLS: WRITING
COURSE CODE : ELC231/ELC230
ASSESSMENT : MID-SEMESTER TEST

TIME : 2 HOURS

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. This question paper consists of one (1) part: PART A (10 Questions)

2. Answer ALL questions.

3. Fill in the details below:

UiTM STUDENT CARD NO. : __________________________________

PROGRAMME / CODE : __________________________________

PART : __________________________________

ENGLISH LANGUAGE GROUP : __________________________________

NAME OF LECTURER : __________________________________

4. You are allowed to refer to a print English-English dictionary.

5. Please check to make sure that this test pack consists of:

i) the Question Paper

DO NOT TURN THIS PAGE UNTIL YOU ARE TOLD TO DO SO

This examination paper consists of 7 printed pages

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PART A: (25 MARKS)

Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.

Using Computers in Developing Language Skills

I Teaching students to be literate is an educational priority throughout the world.

Though it is one of our greatest priorities, it is also one of our utmost challenges
as the classroom environment has changed due to the development of computers.
Students learning a new language need as much language support as possible to
help their language acquisition. They need to hear the language, write it, speak it, 5
and read it. A couple hours of English lesson is barely enough to give them the
chance to acquire the language. However, there are many language learning tools
that can aid the learning process including computers. Therefore, computers play
an integral part in providing the students with valuable language support as they
learn a new language. 10

II Teachers nowadays are facing the challenge of having a large population of

students who do not speak in English due to their limited vocabulary mastery. One
way to encourage them to learn English is by using computers when teaching
vocabulary. Tools found in the computers can enhance their vocabulary
proficiency. Students are able to learn vocabulary better in context and with visual 15
clues to help them understand certain vocabulary. This is because computers can
incorporate rich contextual environment using visual clues in various reading
materials that can be read online or offline. They also allow students to become
active learners in a one-on-one environment.

III Other than that, the interactive features of computer applications used in the 20
lesson can improve the students’ speaking skill. In a study conducted by Liaw
(1997), computer books which are interactive stories that appear on the computer
screen as actual books with texts and illustrations were used to investigate the
verbal interaction between students. The study was conducted by videotaping
student interactions while using the computer books. It was found that even 25
though the children had limited English language proficiency, the interactive
feature of the computer books allowed them to engage in various modes of verbal

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interactions to accomplish their reading of the computer books. Besides sharing

opinions and making suggestions, they asked a lot of questions to their partners
and were given responses. There are also a variety of interactive choices students 30
can use to read the story, including real voices that read aloud, music, and sound
effects. The text is also highlighted so readers can follow along with the stories.

IV There are also several ways in which computers can be used to improve reading
ability. Most simple reading texts are primary in content. Older children may
consider themselves too old to be reading such primary content books. 35
Computers, however, can increase the interest level for older students while
keeping the text simple and easy to read. Another benefit of using computers for
reading instruction is that the computer offers immediate feedback on
performance. It can also provide added practice when necessary. Computer-
based reading instruction also allows for increased interaction with texts, attention 40
to individual needs, and increased independence through an ability to read texts
they would not be able to read.

V Technology can also be used to enhance parents’ involvement in their child’s

education while improving the parents’ literacy as well. In Landerholm, Karr and
Mushi (2000), students created book reports with their parents on their computers. 45
This project was as beneficial for the parents as it was for the children. The
computers were the drawing factor for the parents to become involved in the book
project, though they were not used to it initially. The project began by using other
forms of technology such as photographs; photos were taken at field trips and
during special activities. Parents and children then created a type of memory book 50
using the photos and written text about the pictures. This eventually evolved into
scanning the photos and typing the text onto the pages. Indirectly, parents’
technology literacy can also be improved when they are involved in their child’s
education.

VI Computers can also help the students to develop their writing skills. Writing 55
paragraphs in a language that is still somewhat unfamiliar can be difficult.
However, when using a computer, the use of graphics can make this much more
enjoyable. For example, using clip art can also help students to convey their
thoughts more clearly. Using electronic mail as a supplement to the classroom

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curriculum can also be effective. The scrolling feature in the e-mail allows students 60
to view incoming message and use its structure as a model for creating, editing
and revising a response. The major benefit of using e-mail as a language learning
activity is the fact that students are using meaningful language and authentic text.
Grammar skills can also be demonstrated and reinforced using computers. The
teacher can direct students to highlight a specific part of speech in their writing to 65
enhance their grammar skills. Students have a lot of techniques to highlight, such
as underlining and italicising, or changing the font size, colour or type. Using a
computer as a medium for studying grammar is much more motivating for a
student as opposed to writing with a pencil.

VII Computers can be used as an aid in teaching English academic subjects such as 70
reading and writing. Computers also aid in vocabulary development as well as
verbal language development. Ultimately, however, it is important to recognise
that computers are not a substitute for effective teaching. Computers are mainly
tools; they are simply one type of supplement to the regular curriculum in teaching
English Language learners as they develop their English language skills.

Adapted from: http://iteslj.org/Articles/Ybarra-Technology.html

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QUESTION 1

State whether the following statements are TRUE (T) or FALSE (F).

i) Most students are not proficient in learning a new language because it is a

difficult transition for them.

ii) Computers can provide vast contextual environment for learning vocabulary.

iii) Most older learners are motivated to read simple reading texts.

iv) Using electronic mail is the only effective way to teach writing using
computer-assisted instruction.

(4 marks)
QUESTION 2

What do the following words mean as used in the passage?

a) incorporate (line 17) : ___________________________________________

b) accomplish (line 28) : ___________________________________________

c) drawing (line 47) : ___________________________________________

d) authentic (line 63) : ___________________________________________

(4 marks)
QUESTION 3
The followings are TRUE about the use of computers in learning except
(choose two (2) answers)

i) computers can provide rich contextual environment using visual clues in various
reading materials that can be read online or offline.
ii) they also allow students to become active learners in a one-on-one environment ..

iii) computer limits children with lower English language proficiency to accomplish
reading task
iv) computer makes studying grammar easier as compared to traditional approach

(2 marks)

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QUESTION 4

What are the interactive elements that can be found in computer books?
_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(2 marks)
QUESTION 5

How does technology help improve one’s reading ability?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(2 marks)
QUESTION 6

‘It can also provide added practice when necessary.’ (line 39)
What can you infer from the statement?
_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(2 marks)
QUESTION 7
How can parents get involved in their children’s education using technology?

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

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QUESTION 8

Explain how students are able to learn grammar through computer.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(2 marks)

QUESTION 9

What does the author mean by this statement?

“Ultimately, however, it is important to recognize that computers are not a substitute for
effective teaching”. (lines 72-73)

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(2 marks)
QUESTION 10

In your opinion, should teachers use mostly computer-assisted instructions in the classroom
to facilitate language learning?
Please provide two (2) reasons to justify your answer.

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

(3 marks)

END OF QUESTION PAPER

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