ASSIGNMENT

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HBET1203
ENGLISH PHONETICS AND PHONOLOGY
MAY 2015 SEMESTER
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INSTRUCTIONS TO STUDENTS
1.

This assignment contains only ONE (1) question that is set in the language of the printed module for the
course.

2.

Answer in English.

3.

Learners are to submit assignment only in MsWord format unless specified otherwise. Please refrain from
converting text/phrases into picture format such as .gif / .jpeg / print screen / etc.

4.

Download the language version of the assignment template concerned from the MyVLE for preparation
and submission of your assignment. Your assignment should be typed using 12 point Times New Roman
font and 1.5 line spacing.

5.

Your assignment should be between 2500 to 3000 words excluding references. Do not copy the
assignment question and instructions to your answer. Only assignment answer developed within the
approximate word limit will be assessed. The number of words should be shown at the end of your
assignment.

6.

You must submit your assignment ONLINE via the MyVLE. Refer to the portal for instructions on the
procedures to submit your assignment online. You are advised to keep a copy of your submitted
assignment and proof of the submission for personal reference.

7.

You can submit your assignment ONCE only in a SINGLE file. The file must be in MS-WORD format.
Please ensure that you submit the CORRECT and latest version of file. File which is wrongly submitted
must be re-submitted online before the deadline.

8.

Your assignment must be submitted between 6th 26th July 2015. Submission after 26th July 2015 will
NOT be accepted.

9.

Your assignment should be prepared individually. You should not copy another persons assignment. You
should also not plagiarise another persons work as your own.

10. Please take note that PENALTY will be imposed on late submission of assignment as specified in the
Registrars Office circular 6/2012 (Refer to Registrars Announcement in myVLE).
11. Please ensure that you keep the RECEIPT issued upon submisson of your assignment as proof of
submission. Your assignment is considered as NOT submitted if you fail to produce the submission receipt
in any dispute arises concerning assignment submission.

EVALUATION
This assignment accounts for 40% of the total marks for the course and shall be assessed
based on the Rubrics or Answer Scheme attached.
You would be given feedback on the assignment before the Final Semester Examination
commences.
PLAGIARISM: MARKS DEDUCTION
Warning: The submitted assignment will automatically undergo a similarity check. If
plagiarism is detected, marks would be deducted as follows:
No.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Similarity Percentage
0 30
30.01 50
50.01 70
70.01 - 100

Marks Deduction
0
5
10
100

ASSIGNMENT QUESTION
Sound segments in the English language do not exist in isolation. Very often, they are
stringed together. This stringing of sound is done through three segmental features.
(a) Name the THREE segmental features and explain in detail with clear examples the
THREE segmental features. Provide at least THREE examples for each feature.
(b) Explain why it is important for you as a second language speaker to have the
knowledge of segmental features of the English language.
Note: Begin your paper with an introduction, the body of the essay elaborating the above and
a conclusion. Use the assignment rubrics as a guide to achieve cohesion and coherence.

[Total: 40 marks]

Assignment Rubrics
CATEGORY

WEIGHT

Introduction

1.5

Body of
essay/
referencing

Conclusion

1.5

Coherence

Missing Items

LOW

0
There is no
introduction.

1
There is no clear
introduction of the
main topic or
structure of the
paper.

Main ideas in all

paragraph is
inappropriate and
relevant.
Writing is
generally
plagiarized.

The main ideas in

all paragraphs are
not clear. There is a
strong evidence of
plagiarism.

There is no
conclusion.

There is no clear
conclusion, the
paper just ends.

Writing is
confusing and has
a lot of gaps. No
or limited number
of cohesive
devices used to
assist
comprehension

Writing contains
major mistakes in
the use of cohesive
devices that
affected general
understanding.

FAIR

ABOVE AVERAGE

EXECELLENT

MARKS

2
The introduction states
the main topic, but
does not adequately
preview the structure
of the paper nor is it
particularly inviting to
the reader.
One of the paragraphs
has a clear main idea.
Only some supporting
details are appropriate
and relevant. Most
outside sources are not
cited/ referenced
properly.

3
The introduction clearly
states the main topic and
previews the structure of
the paper, but is not
particularly inviting to
the reader.

4
The introduction is
inviting, states the
main topic and
previews the
structure of the
paper.

Main ideas of both

paragraphs are clear.
Most supporting details
are appropriate and
relevant. Most outside
sources are properly
cited/ referenced.

There is one clear,

well-focused topic.
Main idea stands out
and is supported by
detailed information.
All outside sources
are properly cited/
referenced.

12

The conclusion is
recognizable, but does
not effectively close
the essay.

The conclusion is
recognizable and gives
closure to the essay.

The conclusion is
strong and leaves the
reader with a feeling
that they understand
what the writer is
"getting at."

There are clear attempts

to use cohesive devices
to link details but in one
or two places, writing
appears incoherent.

Details are placed in

a logical order and
the way they are
presented effectively
keeps the interest of
the reader.

There are attempts to use

cohesive devices but
writing lacks direction
that affected readers
comprehension.

Language/
Grammar

1.5

Writing is
generally
incomprehensible
due to grammar,
structures and
spelling mistakes.

Writer makes a lot

of errors in
grammar, structure
or spelling that
affect readers
comprehension.

Writer makes some errors

in grammar, structure, or
spelling that affect
readers understanding.

Writer makes minimal

errors in grammar,
structure and spelling
that does not affect
readers understanding.

Writer makes no
errors in grammar or
spelling that
distracts the reader
from the content.

TOTAL

40