There will be three parts. You should spend about one hour on each part. You may use lecture notes, electric calculators, and dictionaries in the examination.
Answers must be written in the answer book provided. Answers must be written out in full; incomplete notes will not be regarded as satisfactory.
You may write on the question paper. This must be handed in at the end of the examination, but nothing written on the question paper will be used in grading your answers.
Some quantitative data will be given in a table or a figure. Two tasks will be set using the data.
Task 1: To process or analyse the data and present the results so as to reveal important features that are not easily seen in the original form.
Task 2: To write a report of about 100 words describing the data and stating with reasons conclusions that can be drawn from the results.
A text one printed page in length will be given. The text will contain tangible information and logical arguments, and may also contain illustrations.
Tasks: Four short-answer questions will test your ability to highlight important facts in the text and discuss issues raised.
You will be asked to write an essay of about 250 words on a specified topic. It may be based on material handed out before the date of the examination. The essay should be divided into sections. Guidance will be given on the appropriate contents of each section.
Examples of topics:
Grading will be based on: Task fulfilment, technical correctness, logical organization, quality of the English language used.
Grades will be assigned to each Part as follows:
A (4) = Fully acceptable as a research quality answer.
B (3) = Acceptable, but has omissions and/or defects.
C (2) = Incomplete or weak, but shows potential for research.
D (1) = Unacceptable, and does not show potential for research.
F (0) = No answer, or a completely wrong answer.
B+ (3.5), C+ (2.5), and D+ (1.5) grades may also be given.
The grade for the whole course will be based on the answers in a mid term and a final examination.
Satisfactory (S) and Unsatisfactory (U) grades are assigned as follows:
S = Grade C and above; shows ability or potential for research.
U = Grade D+ and below; does not show potential for research.
Homework exercises will be assigned each week. These assignments must be submitted at the following week's class. They will be reviewed, but not graded, and may be discussed in the classroom. At least five assignments before the mid term exam and five assignments after the mid term exam are required.
You will be required to prepare and deliver two short talks, one before the mid term examination and the other at the end of the term. Each presentation should take 3-4 minutes and should be supported by 2-3 pages for an overhead projector or 2-3 PowerPoint slides. Your presentation may be counted as one of your homework assignments.