I face many problems when dealing with english language as my fundamentals are weak. As a result, i have difficulty writing in University Classes. The problems I have during the writing process occur during the planning stage which involves generating ideas.
Planning stage is an important process in writing as this directly tells the reader the content about your essay. During the planning stage, I tend to have problems generating ideas. I spend quite a considerable amount of time trying to list down the points that is relevant to the essay question. Even after I have listed down all the points, I need to spend some time linking and organising the points together to ensure that I do not stray away from the essay question. But usually my ideas are weak and it does not have alot to write on. This pre-writing process worries me because in the examinations, I cannot afford to waste too much time in planning my essay.
In order to overcome these problems, I will probably need to underline relevant keywords in the essay question. The underlining of the keywords allows me to understand better and keep in mind of what the essay question is asking. This would also allow me to generate ideas related to the topic of the essay question without getting out of point. Perhaps during the planning process, I should change the method in which I plan my essay. The most preferred method for me is listing. However, I discovered that listing has a major disadvantage. It is not an effective method in helping me visualising the order or sequence of my essay. Listing is merely just writing down whatever ideas that I can think of at that point of time. As a result, after I have sufficient points for my essay, these points listed are all disorganised and extra time is needed to sort out the points in a logical sequence. Therefore, I should switch to mind mapping instead as it is a much more organised way of planning essays. Mind mapping is a more efficient method in helping me plan my essay in the shortest time possible.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
ePortfolio 6
3 of the common grammar mistakes I always made are subject verb agreement, preposition and article.
One of the most common grammar mistakes I commit is the use of prepositions. Prepositions are used in sentences to describe relationship between other words. The general categories of words commonly used together with prepositions are time, location, objects and events. It is difficult to use the correct preposition all the time as most of the prepositions can be used with specific words or sentences. For example, the word “proud” can only be used with the preposition “of”. However, words such as “hope” can be used with more than one preposition such as “for” and “in”. If the incorrect preposition is used, the meaning of the word or sentence might change and this might cause the readers to misinterpret what you are trying to portray.
The next mistake is with pronoun reference. Mistakes in pronoun references are due to the assumption made that the reader understood the implied references. Pronouns usually refer to the other words, called their antecedent. A pronoun’s antecedent may be a noun or another pronoun. Hence, in both cases, it must be clear what the antecedent is. For example, in a mistake made in my recent assignment, “These changes are met with resistance as it may vary with each individual”. The antecedent in the preceding sentence, in this case, is changes. However, the reference is not clear and requires elaboration. Thus, it should be written as the following; “These changes in technology are met with resistance as the degree of adjustment to these changes may vary with each individual”.
The last common mistake I always commit is the subject verb agreement (SVA). I am weak at spotting countable or uncountable noun and this always causes me to use the wrong SVA. Besides having to spot the noun, sometimes mistakes I commit may be due to modal, gerunds or auxiliary verbs. For example, “The objection is from a group of people who thinks that the creation of human embryos is a violation of a human life.” In this sentence, the head noun is the people instead of the objection.
One of the most common grammar mistakes I commit is the use of prepositions. Prepositions are used in sentences to describe relationship between other words. The general categories of words commonly used together with prepositions are time, location, objects and events. It is difficult to use the correct preposition all the time as most of the prepositions can be used with specific words or sentences. For example, the word “proud” can only be used with the preposition “of”. However, words such as “hope” can be used with more than one preposition such as “for” and “in”. If the incorrect preposition is used, the meaning of the word or sentence might change and this might cause the readers to misinterpret what you are trying to portray.
The next mistake is with pronoun reference. Mistakes in pronoun references are due to the assumption made that the reader understood the implied references. Pronouns usually refer to the other words, called their antecedent. A pronoun’s antecedent may be a noun or another pronoun. Hence, in both cases, it must be clear what the antecedent is. For example, in a mistake made in my recent assignment, “These changes are met with resistance as it may vary with each individual”. The antecedent in the preceding sentence, in this case, is changes. However, the reference is not clear and requires elaboration. Thus, it should be written as the following; “These changes in technology are met with resistance as the degree of adjustment to these changes may vary with each individual”.
The last common mistake I always commit is the subject verb agreement (SVA). I am weak at spotting countable or uncountable noun and this always causes me to use the wrong SVA. Besides having to spot the noun, sometimes mistakes I commit may be due to modal, gerunds or auxiliary verbs. For example, “The objection is from a group of people who thinks that the creation of human embryos is a violation of a human life.” In this sentence, the head noun is the people instead of the objection.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
ePortfolio 5
For our roundtable discussions, we were separated into 4 different groups to tackle on 4 different topics. The topics covered are hybrid vehicles, green chemistry, brain scans and stem cell research.
The first group presented on the feasibility of hybrid car for the mitigation on global warming. The group debated on the usage, cost and feasibility. They list the advantages and disadvantages of an electric car. The advantages of electric cars are 100% emission-free, having no polluting byproducts, therefore they are cleaner than conventional automobiles. They secure their power from batteries and, more fuel-efficient, get better mileage and have less moving parts to wear out. However, it is rebutted with the disadvantages of all electric cars have been their limited range, long recharge time and they are still dependent on batteries.
The second group presented on the topic of brain scan. Supporters claimed that the usage of brain scan can help to solve crimes, interview and character analysis. For example, they can help in investigation by picturing the scene of the crime. However brain scan invades the privacy of a person and thus they suggested that the brain scan should be regulated.
The third group debated on the topic green chemistry. The group claim that Singapore should lead its region by adopting green chemistry as Singapore has the technology and the capability. On the other hand, the opposition argued due to the economic crisis, Singapore is unwilling to adopt on green chemistry. As Singapore often follows the footstep of other countries, Singapore should study and consult user countries in order to success in green chemistry.
The last group had debated on the usage of human stem cells in medical research. The supporters claimed that the resulting benefits will outweigh the cost in human material. It could also provide cures for terminal diseases in the future. However the opposition claimed that it has no moral guidance and they cannot tolerate the use of human embryos as the success rate is very low which means lives would be destroyed. In conclusion, the group claimed that moral ethnics is based on different people perspective and this technology should be adopted for the benefits of mankind.
The first group presented on the feasibility of hybrid car for the mitigation on global warming. The group debated on the usage, cost and feasibility. They list the advantages and disadvantages of an electric car. The advantages of electric cars are 100% emission-free, having no polluting byproducts, therefore they are cleaner than conventional automobiles. They secure their power from batteries and, more fuel-efficient, get better mileage and have less moving parts to wear out. However, it is rebutted with the disadvantages of all electric cars have been their limited range, long recharge time and they are still dependent on batteries.
The second group presented on the topic of brain scan. Supporters claimed that the usage of brain scan can help to solve crimes, interview and character analysis. For example, they can help in investigation by picturing the scene of the crime. However brain scan invades the privacy of a person and thus they suggested that the brain scan should be regulated.
The third group debated on the topic green chemistry. The group claim that Singapore should lead its region by adopting green chemistry as Singapore has the technology and the capability. On the other hand, the opposition argued due to the economic crisis, Singapore is unwilling to adopt on green chemistry. As Singapore often follows the footstep of other countries, Singapore should study and consult user countries in order to success in green chemistry.
The last group had debated on the usage of human stem cells in medical research. The supporters claimed that the resulting benefits will outweigh the cost in human material. It could also provide cures for terminal diseases in the future. However the opposition claimed that it has no moral guidance and they cannot tolerate the use of human embryos as the success rate is very low which means lives would be destroyed. In conclusion, the group claimed that moral ethnics is based on different people perspective and this technology should be adopted for the benefits of mankind.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
ePortfolio 4
For my roundtable discussion, we have chosen the topic on the genetic technology. As genetic technology is a wide issue, we have focused it down to Stem Cell Research/ Therapeutic cloning. I have come across numerous articles and I would like to summarize 2 of the articles that I find it interesting.
First Article
Hirschler.B(2009, March 1). Researchers find safer ways to make stem cells. Retrieved March 6th, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssBiotechnology/idUSLR89990220090301?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
This article is about a group of researchers who found a way to transform ordinary skin cells into powerful stem cells without the use of human embryos. It is done so by turning skin cells into pluripotent stem cells which acts like embryonic stem cells. We know that stem cells are able to produce all the body’s tissue and organs. Thus with the advance research on making stem cells, we could forgo the use of human embryonic cell which has since been a debating issue.
I think that this article is quite useful for our roundtable discussion as the issue for cloning has been mainly about the moral ethnic. With this advancement in technology, there is hope that the promise of regenerative medicine can be used and it could use to treat terminal diseases such as cancer or spinal cord injuries.
Second Article
Alexander.D && Fox.M(2009, March 6). Obama to sign stem cells order. Retrieved March 6th, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52569U20090306?sp=true
This article is about the newly elected President Obama who is lifting the limits on an 8 year limitation on funding on human embryonic stem cell research which was imposed by predecessor President George Bush. The issue is controversial because people believe the destruction of human embryo is wrong. The eight years limitation placed by President Bush has held up research as scientist try to find an alternative way to do research without the use of human embryos. Although a DICKEY AMENDMENT was set up to forbid the use of federal funds for the creation and destruction of human embryos for research, President Bush vetoed to override this decision.
I find this article interesting and useful as I myself support the use of human embryonic cell. Moral ethnic is based on different perspective and research to benefit mankind should not be affected by it. The advantages of stem cell research generally outweigh the disadvantages.
Vocabulary
1) Human pluripotent stem cell
One of the cells that are self-replicating, are derived from human embryos or human fetal tissue. It is known to develop into cells and tissues of the three primary germ layers.
2) Therapeutic cloning
A type of cloning with the goal of harvesting embryonic stem cells from the resulting blastula to grow tissues and other biological products with therapeutic value.
3) Dirkey Amendment
The Dickey Amendment is the name of an appropriations bill rider attached to a bill passed by United States Congress in 1995, and signed by former President Bill Clinton which prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using appropriated funds for the creation of human embryos for research purposes or for research in which human embryos are destroyed.
First Article
Hirschler.B(2009, March 1). Researchers find safer ways to make stem cells. Retrieved March 6th, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssBiotechnology/idUSLR89990220090301?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0&sp=true
This article is about a group of researchers who found a way to transform ordinary skin cells into powerful stem cells without the use of human embryos. It is done so by turning skin cells into pluripotent stem cells which acts like embryonic stem cells. We know that stem cells are able to produce all the body’s tissue and organs. Thus with the advance research on making stem cells, we could forgo the use of human embryonic cell which has since been a debating issue.
I think that this article is quite useful for our roundtable discussion as the issue for cloning has been mainly about the moral ethnic. With this advancement in technology, there is hope that the promise of regenerative medicine can be used and it could use to treat terminal diseases such as cancer or spinal cord injuries.
Second Article
Alexander.D && Fox.M(2009, March 6). Obama to sign stem cells order. Retrieved March 6th, 2009, http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE52569U20090306?sp=true
This article is about the newly elected President Obama who is lifting the limits on an 8 year limitation on funding on human embryonic stem cell research which was imposed by predecessor President George Bush. The issue is controversial because people believe the destruction of human embryo is wrong. The eight years limitation placed by President Bush has held up research as scientist try to find an alternative way to do research without the use of human embryos. Although a DICKEY AMENDMENT was set up to forbid the use of federal funds for the creation and destruction of human embryos for research, President Bush vetoed to override this decision.
I find this article interesting and useful as I myself support the use of human embryonic cell. Moral ethnic is based on different perspective and research to benefit mankind should not be affected by it. The advantages of stem cell research generally outweigh the disadvantages.
Vocabulary
1) Human pluripotent stem cell
One of the cells that are self-replicating, are derived from human embryos or human fetal tissue. It is known to develop into cells and tissues of the three primary germ layers.
2) Therapeutic cloning
A type of cloning with the goal of harvesting embryonic stem cells from the resulting blastula to grow tissues and other biological products with therapeutic value.
3) Dirkey Amendment
The Dickey Amendment is the name of an appropriations bill rider attached to a bill passed by United States Congress in 1995, and signed by former President Bill Clinton which prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from using appropriated funds for the creation of human embryos for research purposes or for research in which human embryos are destroyed.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Portfolio Task 3
Professor Andrew Palmer, Benjamin K.Savacool and Professor Bala are invited to give a speech on topics related to global warming. After the lecture, I got a deeper understanding of the impact and causes of global warming, and what contributions can the global do in helping to reduce global warming.
Professor Palmer is from the Department of Civil Engineering, NUS and he has been working in the centre for offshore Research & Engineering. In his presentation, he talked about the increasing trend of emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is due to the increasing coal consumption by countries such as China and USA and the developed countries reluctant to take action as they worry economy more than environmental issue. He also went to talk about the actions to be taken by individual, government and global as a whole. From his presentation, I learnt some new technology with the fight on global warming and that is to store CO2 in depleted oil or gas field. Another option is to store liquid CO2 in ocean by creating a membrane. Both options have its disadvantages as CO2 will diffuse into the ocean or field, making it acidic. Another knowledge that I have gained is that to inject sulphur the air or mirrors on atmosphere to shade the Earth but both required a huge amount of resources.
Benjamin is from the Science & Technology Studies and his job is to understand and influence how society shapes science and technology, and how in turn science and technology shape society and the environment. He presented 2 case studies on the Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles. What give me a surprise is that before the 1920s, electric vehicles are in fact a more popular choice. The trend changes gradually and people preferred fuel vehicles due to challenges from the economic, political and technical. The conclusion is that no technology is self sustaining and it is part of social system. In order for new technology to be used, it must gain the support from the government and the people.
Professor Bala is from the Department of Environmental Engineering, NUS and his presentation is about the climate change and mitigation. In his presentation, he presented graphs on the rising trend temperature due to CO2 emission and pictures on how countries have been seriously affected by it such as drought and floods. There also a list of actions that an individual can do to combat global warming. An interesting fact in his presentation is that scientists are able to extract an ice core and studies on the amount of CO2 are trapped inside.
Generally as a future environment engineer, I feel that the today’s lecture has given me an extra knowledge on the current situation. Global warming is a long term issue and it requires the cooperation from all the countries to reduce the impact of global warming as it can disrupt the lifestyles and economy of the future generation.
Professor Palmer is from the Department of Civil Engineering, NUS and he has been working in the centre for offshore Research & Engineering. In his presentation, he talked about the increasing trend of emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is due to the increasing coal consumption by countries such as China and USA and the developed countries reluctant to take action as they worry economy more than environmental issue. He also went to talk about the actions to be taken by individual, government and global as a whole. From his presentation, I learnt some new technology with the fight on global warming and that is to store CO2 in depleted oil or gas field. Another option is to store liquid CO2 in ocean by creating a membrane. Both options have its disadvantages as CO2 will diffuse into the ocean or field, making it acidic. Another knowledge that I have gained is that to inject sulphur the air or mirrors on atmosphere to shade the Earth but both required a huge amount of resources.
Benjamin is from the Science & Technology Studies and his job is to understand and influence how society shapes science and technology, and how in turn science and technology shape society and the environment. He presented 2 case studies on the Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles. What give me a surprise is that before the 1920s, electric vehicles are in fact a more popular choice. The trend changes gradually and people preferred fuel vehicles due to challenges from the economic, political and technical. The conclusion is that no technology is self sustaining and it is part of social system. In order for new technology to be used, it must gain the support from the government and the people.
Professor Bala is from the Department of Environmental Engineering, NUS and his presentation is about the climate change and mitigation. In his presentation, he presented graphs on the rising trend temperature due to CO2 emission and pictures on how countries have been seriously affected by it such as drought and floods. There also a list of actions that an individual can do to combat global warming. An interesting fact in his presentation is that scientists are able to extract an ice core and studies on the amount of CO2 are trapped inside.
Generally as a future environment engineer, I feel that the today’s lecture has given me an extra knowledge on the current situation. Global warming is a long term issue and it requires the cooperation from all the countries to reduce the impact of global warming as it can disrupt the lifestyles and economy of the future generation.
Portfolio Task 2
Al Gore who starred in the documentary ‘An Inconvenient Truth’ has made a tremendous effort by educating people on the current climate crisis. Mr Gore was an American Environmental Activist who served as the 45th Vice President of the United States. After watching the documentary, I just realize that countries need to work together and make an effort to protect the world or else we would face the consequences. The impact of global warming is a global issue and it already had resulted in countries suffering from Environmental and Ecological problems.
Our government has already started to take measures to fight global warming such as using less electricity, promoting using of less cars and take public transport. They also have increased the public awareness on the importance of 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) through advertisement and education talks. I think that our government could further contribute to reduce the problem of global warming by implementing policies. They could come up with policy such as taxing on companies producing huge amount of CO2 emission. The cause of global warming is due to the emission of greenhouse gases which traps the sun rays and thus warming up the earth. Another policy is to provide incentives so that companies are willing to adopt on new technology such as carbon capture devices and power supply efficiency.
Although Singapore government has played its part, it will not make much impact as Asia only make up a small percentage of the global CO2 emission. From the documentary, it shows that United States are the major contributor for CO2 emission with 30% globally.
Special Interest Groups could follow the footstep of Al Gore who has travelled to hundreds of countries giving talks on global warming. They should speak up in community or write newspaper to join international effort to stop global warming. They could also educate the farmers on the seriousness of forest burning or plant lots of trees. As an individual, we should also play our parts by taking public transport and using power efficiency devices. A major step in the recent years is the Kyoto Protocol which was a joint effort of hundreds of countries to reduce CO2 emission.
Climate change is largely irreversible even if emission of CO2 is stop abruptly. It would take years for CO2 to disappear in the atmosphere so countries need to start working together and implement policy to reduce the emission. Save the world you live in or future generation would be affected.
Our government has already started to take measures to fight global warming such as using less electricity, promoting using of less cars and take public transport. They also have increased the public awareness on the importance of 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) through advertisement and education talks. I think that our government could further contribute to reduce the problem of global warming by implementing policies. They could come up with policy such as taxing on companies producing huge amount of CO2 emission. The cause of global warming is due to the emission of greenhouse gases which traps the sun rays and thus warming up the earth. Another policy is to provide incentives so that companies are willing to adopt on new technology such as carbon capture devices and power supply efficiency.
Although Singapore government has played its part, it will not make much impact as Asia only make up a small percentage of the global CO2 emission. From the documentary, it shows that United States are the major contributor for CO2 emission with 30% globally.
Special Interest Groups could follow the footstep of Al Gore who has travelled to hundreds of countries giving talks on global warming. They should speak up in community or write newspaper to join international effort to stop global warming. They could also educate the farmers on the seriousness of forest burning or plant lots of trees. As an individual, we should also play our parts by taking public transport and using power efficiency devices. A major step in the recent years is the Kyoto Protocol which was a joint effort of hundreds of countries to reduce CO2 emission.
Climate change is largely irreversible even if emission of CO2 is stop abruptly. It would take years for CO2 to disappear in the atmosphere so countries need to start working together and implement policy to reduce the emission. Save the world you live in or future generation would be affected.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Portfolio Task 1
Engineers have made our daily life more efficient and enjoyable through innovation and technology in engineering such as electricity to the internet. In the past engineers are high wanted in the manufacturing sector. Time has changed and engineers are now employed in all sector such as healthcare and service sector due to the ever changing economy. All these achievements are made available due to the education provided. Under the influence of the government and the school, tertiary education has been evolving as it faces new challenges each year.
In Singapore context, the government has been injecting cash into some projects in order to drive the economy. The most recent case is the $60 million Seletar Aerospace Park and it creates a handful of jobs in the economy. The result is that people are rushing to take up engineering courses as it has a better prospect in the future. This increases the number of engineers stepping into the workforce each year.
Schools also reviewed their courses regularly and introduce new programs to meet the needs of the changing economy. For example, students in tertiary education are required to study few courses related to Business and Science. Now an engineer education is so flexible and diversified that many companies are accepting engineers in all sectors. Through its curriculum design and pedagogical approach, trains the mind to systematically analyze complex sets of information and to apply systems thinking in designing solutions. The introduction of internship or overseas exchange programme helps to broaden the thinking of future engineers as they are faced with challenges ahead such as global warming and depleting oil reserves.
In conclusion, the on-going training in the tertiary education is important to engineer as it can make one constantly ready for new challenges and engineers will continue to play an important role in contributing to the growth of all sectors.
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