EAP 1 Portfolio (EAPA3004): Academic Writing and Summarizing Skills

This EAP 1 portfolio, designed for an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course, showcases a student's development of key academic skills. The portfolio includes self-evaluation checklists, summarizing exercises comparing university fees in England and Australia, an essay outline, a paragraph stru...Read More

Autumn 17
English for Academic Purposes 1 (EAP 1) Portfolio (EAPA3004)
Name:
Student Number:
Tutor name:
This is your EAP 1Portfolio. Please save a copy on your computer and back it up regularly (e.g. by saving it on
your computer / in the cloud (e.g. Google Drive) / emailing it to yourself. You will receive a printed copy which
you should bring to all lectures and tutorials. However, at the end of the course, you need to submit a
completed electronic copy. Please refer to suggested word counts for each task included within this portfolio.
Assessed Learning Outcomes (LOs):
1. Produce cohesive and coherent elements of academic writing.
2. Read, compare and summarise written academic texts.
Week Contents Page Learning
Outcome
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence

(These tasks will often be drafted in class and are designed to inform the written task in section 2.
Suggested word counts are included are in brackets.)
1 Portfolio evidence I: Self-evaluation checklist 3 LO 1 & 2
4 Portfolio evidence II: Summarising
(recommended word count: 100)
4 LO 1 & 2
4-5 Portfolio evidence III: Outline
(recommended word count: 100)
6 LO 2
6 Portfolio evidence IV: Paragraph structure
(recommended word count: 250)
7 LO 2
9 Portfolio evidence V: Self-assessment
(recommended word count: at least 100)
8 LO 1 & 2
Section 2: Written Task
(The written task should be developed throughout the semester but completed in weeks 7-10.)
1 - 10 Academic writing [compare and contrast essay relevant to higher
education]
(word count: 750 words)
10 LO 1 & 2
Total word count: Written Task (750 words) + Evidence (Approx. 850 words)
(+/- 10%)
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence I
Self-evaluation checklist
Below is a list of the skills you will need when working on extended pieces of writing during your
university career. The work you do on the EAP 1 course will help you develop these skills.
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Tick the appropriate box for each skill, according to how well you think you can do this
at the beginning of this course. Look again at the checklist throughout the course in order
to identify areas for independent study.
Skills Do not know
about this
Find this
difficult/ can’t
do this
Can partially
do this
Can do this
well
Looking for information
Identify which books/journals/websites to use ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Select relevant parts of a text ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Using sources
Acknowledge sources of information ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Avoid plagiarism ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Planning/ writing
Brainstorm ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Plan written work ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Link ideas effectively ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Paraphrase & summarise ideas ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Write an introduction ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Write a conclusion ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Personal study
Work independently ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Manage my time ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Oral presentation
Discuss written work in a tutorial ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
IT
Access the internet ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Use search engines ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Create word documents ☐ ☐ ☐ ☑
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence II
Summarising (recommended word count: 100)
1. Find a text on university fees in the country of your choice (around 200 words) and paste it below, in part
1. Then, read the two texts and highlight the main points.
PART 1:
Text 1:
University fees in England
Text 2:
University fees in Australia
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“University tuition fees in England will rise to £9,250 per
year from 2017 and the increase could apply to students
who have already started courses. The inflation-linked
rise represents a 2.8% increase and if that continued
would mean fees rising above £10,000 in the next few
years. Universities face the dilemma that under
consumer protection requirements they will need to
announce the £9,250 fee before the beginning of the next
application cycle in early September. However, until
formally changed by Parliament, universities are not
allowed to charge a fee higher than £9,000, which is the
current limit.
The government says the increase can apply to students who
have already begun courses - but this will depend on the terms
of student contracts in individual universities. The fees will
increase in subsequent years. Royal Holloway and the
University of Kent have to still to decide on whether to charge
higher fees for current students, but expect to apply them to
new students starting in 2017, if the fee limit increase goes
ahead. The University of Surrey will not increase fees for its
current undergraduates, but fees will increase each year for
students starting in 2017.
Universities minister Jo Johnson has published a statement
setting out plans to link higher fees to better teaching. Liberal
Democrat university spokeswoman Baroness Lorely Burt said:
"Linking fees to teaching quality in this way is unacceptable.
Enabling any university that scrapes a 'meet expectations'
rating to increase fees by 2.8% shows that this isn't about
teaching quality at all. If universities need further support then
let's have a proper discussion about where that money comes
from, rather than pretending that this is somehow a quid pro
quo for providing the quality of teaching students should
already be able to expect". Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the
Sutton Trust education charity, said the fee increase will add to
student debts that we have shown to be by far the highest in
the English-speaking world. A real concern is that the removal
of maintenance grants will almost certainly deter poorer
students, who now face debts of over £50,000 on graduation”.
From: Coughlan, S. (2017). University tuition fees rise to £9,250
for current students –BBC News. [online] BBC News. Available
at:http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-36856026 [Accessed
19 Jan. 2017].
Australia has around 40 public universities, two
international and one private university, providing any type
of study degree one can imagine, from business and
engineering to history and arts. Tuition fees vary depending
on the discipline you choose to study, degree level and
university. Australia is one of the most expensive countries
when it comes to university costs, as the average tuition fee
for one year is 33,400 AUD. Average tuition based on
degree level:
Bachelor’s degree: between 15,000 and 33,000 AUD/year
Master’s and PhD degree: between 14,000 – 37,000
AUD/year ( Costs and Lungu 2017).
Those who successfully apply for a Commonwealth
supported place, which means study costs are largely
subsidized by the government. Commonwealth supported
places are available at all public universities in Australia.
Majority of the expenditures includes apartment rentals
and other utilities as the cost of living is too high. An
important solution would be to acquire financial aid
otherwise covering up expenses would be a critical
problem.
.From:
Costs, S. and Lungu, M. 2017. Study abroad in Australia:
Tuition Fees and Living Costs - MastersPortal.eu. [online]
Mastersportal.eu. Available at:
http://www.mastersportal.eu/articles/1589/study-abroad-
in-australia-tuition-fees-and-living-costs.html [Accessed 13
Nov. 2017].
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2.Make some notes of the most important points, using your own words, in part 2 below.
PART 2:
Notes (Text 1): Notes (Text 2):
The universities in England are not allowed to charge
fees higher than the current limit, which is £9000 per
year. The government can increase the tuition fees of
universities in England to £9,250 per year from 2017.
The hike in the fees will also apply to all those
students already enrolled in the course, as per the
government norms. The University of Kent and Royal
Holloway is still unsure to charge the high fees from
the present year itself or from the year 2017.
Although it has been decided to increase the fees of
new students since 2017.
The universities president Jo Johnson, has stated
earlier that linking the quality of education with fees
will not be accepted and the money is not gained for
educational development only. If any kind of support
is required by the universities then proper meeting
with the management will be held about the fees hike
and quality of education. Students with poor
background have to suffer a lot due to the increased
debt during the time of graduation.
The university in Australia is one of the most
expensive universities in the entire world. The
average tuition fees are $ 33,400 per year. The fees of
the universities depend on the level of the degree of
education that the students want to pursue further.
The universities costs get subsidised largely by the
government if the student applies in a
commonwealth supported place.
Students also shares their apartments and for cost
reduction, they further limit the other privileges and
to afford the fees.
3. Answer the question in part 3 below, using your notes.
PART 3:
What are the similarities and differences between universities in England and universities in
Australia in relation to tuition fees? Why are they important?
Similarities:
The tuition fees of both the universities are high. Moreover, the price hike in the universities is making it
difficult for the students to pursue higher level of education.
Dissimilarities:
The universities in Australia are far more expensive than universities present in England. The government of
Australia helps the University students through Commonwealth supported place but no such subsidies are
allowed from the government in universities in England. Moreover, the maintenance grant removal will
increase the debt of poorer students.
The universities in England want to increase the fees to develop the quality of education. Whereas, in
Australia the education is expensive but the government tries to subsidize the fees to help the students so
that they can afford for quality education.
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Section 1: Portfolio Evidence III
Outline (recommended word count: 200)
Complete your essay outline below. An outline is a map of the main ideas included in your essay. You should
not write full sentences, just notes of the main points that you are going to write in each paragraph of your
essay, along with in-text referencing details (MB=Main Body).
TITLE Hike in University Fees in England and Australia
INTRODUCTION Background Information:
The university fees hike is rising per year in the university in England. In Australia, the universities
fees are expensive but the range varies according to the economic status of different states.
However, government grants loans in commonwealth places.
Thesis Statement:
The price hike of the tuition fees in universities of England and Australia, which is making it difficult
for the students to afford higher quality education.
MB Paragraph 1
Paragraph Focus: fees structure of the Universities
Country A: England Country B: Australia
 Since 2017, the tuition fees will increase
per year.
 The tuition fees will increase to £9,250
gradually.
 If the inflation is increased up to 2.8%, fees
may further hike to £10,000.
 The tuition fees per year in universities
are $33,400.
 The tuition fees vary according to
different places.
 The fees may hike if higher level of
degree or programme is undertaken.
MB Paragraph 2
Paragraph Focus: Resulting Conditions
Country A: England Country B: Australia
 The rise in tuition fees is still not
implemented on the current as well as
new students.
 The hike in fees price is to accommodate
the cost of teaching for quality education.
 The fees are too expensive for the
students so they have to do campus
jobs.
 Fees charges vary at different places.
 The cost of living is higher so the
students have to share their
apartments for accommodation.
CONCLUSION Summary of main points
 To ensure quality education it is not necessary to raise the tuition fees per year.
 The students education can hamper if they do various campus jobs throughout the year.
Recommendations/suggestions/predictions
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Section 1: Portfolio Evidence IV
Paragraph structure (recommended word count: 300, including notes)
Write a MB paragraph for your essay below (funding OR quality).Then, highlight its parts using a different
colour for each one of them. Use the following colour code:
Topic sentence: RED
Country A (England): BLUE
Country B (……………………): GREEN
Concluding sentence: ORANGE
In-text reference: PURPLE
Write your paragraph here. Then, colour the different parts.
The universities in England are increasing the tuition fees every year from 2017 and the price will hike upto
£9,250 per year. The limit of the tuition fees is £9000. Though the government in England has still not
published any rules or regulation for increasing the fees limit, yet the universities are going to charge higher
fees than the present amount that is £9000. Furthermore, if the inflation rate increases upto 2.8%, the fees
will increase ever year. It has also been stated earlier that in order to develop the quality of education in the
universities, rise in fees price is fair and just. However, Mr. Johnson argument with the authorities highlighted
a contradictory statement. He stated that no universities require such hike in fees price to impart education
and develop the teaching qualities. The sudden hike in price range causes stress to the students especially
from poor background to afford quality education (Chowdry et al. 2013). Some universities are still confused
with the price hike. Universities like Kent and Surrey is still unable to decide to apply the fees price rise on the
current students besides the new students (Padro 2015).
In Universities in Australia, the tuition fees are $33,400 per year. The fees price in universities in Australia is
the most expensive in the world. The increased cost of living makes the fees price hike further. The fees rate
increases, if the higher-level progrogramme or degree is pursued. The bachelor degrees varies from $15,000 to
$33,000 per year and the masters and Phd programmes fees varies from $14,000 to $37,000 per year. The fees
are too expensive so the students have to take up few jobs to carry their education. The price charges of
universities vary at different places. The students are allowed grants from the government if pursuing
education from a commonwealth places (Hazelkorn 2015). The universities fee is further rising gradually. The
students share their apartments due to increase in the cost of living.
Henceforth, it is a matter of concern for students to pursue higher education in terms of affordability,
especially to the poorer and foreign students. The students have to do various small jobs to afford the
universities fees which hampers their education. Such price hike is not required for improving the quality of
education if the students’ effectiveness and productivity get affected and worsening the situation.
Reference:
Padro, F.F., 2015. Quality in higher education.
Hazelkorn, E., 2015. Rankings and the reshaping of higher education: The battle for world-class excellence.
Springer.
Chowdry, H., Crawford, C., Dearden, L., Goodman, A. and Vignoles, A., 2013. Widening participation in higher
education: analysis using linked administrative data. Journal of the Royal Statistical Society: Series A (Statistics
in Society), 176(2), pp.431-457.
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Section 1: Portfolio Evidence V
Essay self-assessment form (recommended word count: 100)
Complete this form before you submit your portfolio.
Type a few comments below in relation to how well you have
addressed the following criteria in your essay.
ESSAY STRUCTURE
A. Has a clear structure including an
introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
& bibliography.
The essay structure is written thoroughly and is in vivid form.
B. Has a clear thesis statement that states
the sub-topics and position.
The thesis statement explains the overall condition but does not
states the sub-topic.
C. Has clear topic sentences in each main
body paragraph.
The topic consists of clear statements in each main body
paragraphs
D. Has features of an essay not a report,
i.e. no headings, no bullet points etc.
The content is written in essay format with no headings, bullets
or any other points as such.
CONTENT
E. Has compared directly between the two
countries in each paragraph.
The comparison between the universities of England and
Australia has been thoroughly done.
F. Has commented on what we learn from
the comparisons.
Yes, the suggestions on the comparison have been included.
G. Has included suitable background
information in the introduction.
Yes, the background information has been well researched
and included.
H. Has included a suitable summary and
position in the conclusion.
The conclusion does contain a vivid overview of the given
topic.
I. Has written 750 words (+/- 10%). Yes
USE OF SOURCES AND REFERENCING
J. Has a minimum of 2 sources per
paragraph.
Every paragraph contains at least 2 sources.
K. Has in-text citations which follow
Harvard style. E.g. (Coughlan, 2014).
Harvard style of citation has been followed.
M. Has avoided plagiarism. Yes
USE OF ENGLISH
N. Writes accurate sentences. Yes, accurate sentences are used.
O. Spells and punctuates accurately. All the spellings are correct.
P. Uses a range of language. Yes
Q. Writes in an appropriate academic
style.
Yes
Things you feel competent at (approx. 50 words):
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I feel competent at acquiring knowledge from well-researched facts available in the
web. In extracting information and understanding, the facts and figuring the patterns
of management makes me feel very much competent. Furthermore, in reviewing and
analyzing the content of a subject matter brings a great satisfaction.
Things you need to work on (approx. 50 words):
I need to work more on well-refined sources for better information and acquire
optimal research facts. I should work more on the style of the body content and its
structuring. Moreover, proper formatting and research explanations with factors are
the areas where more effort is required.
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Section 2: Written Task
Academic Writing (750 words)
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Please type your essay below (750 words).
Make sure that:
 Your essay has an appropriate title, an introduction, two main body paragraphs, a
conclusion and a reference list.
 You have used at least 2 references (in-text citations) in each of your main body
paragraphs (at least 4 references in total).
 You have discussed BOTH countries in EACH of your main body paragraphs (point-by-
point approach).
Title: Comparative Study of Education in Australia and England
This essay aims in highlighting the comparative study of higher education system and the funding price of the
universities in Australia and England. The essay further elaborates the fee plan of the universities and the
educational development in the respective countries.
According to the surveys recently, all over the world the students are opting for universities in England rather
than in Australia. The universities in England are offering more cheap fees schemes that ultimately become the
main attraction point for the students. Recent fees price hike in universities in England has become a threat for
the students and the economy. The universities are experiencing rise in tuition fees to £9,250 per year. The
students are protesting against the price hike of tuition fees (Wakeling and Jefferies 2013). Whereas, in the
universities of Australia, the fees are expensive leading to an amount of $33,400 per year. Therefore, the
students nowadays opt for British Universities because there are scopes for greater opportunity in future in
terms of affordability. The same courses available in universities in England are much cheaper in cost than
from Australia. Even though the rise in universities fees of England is £9,250, yet it is lower than the Australian
universities fees, which is $33,400 every year, triple in amount than the fees charged in universities in England
(Wilkins, Shams and Huisman 2013). The universities in Australia charges for a bachelor degree between the
price range of $15,000 to $33,000 per year that is too high for the domestic as well as foreign students. The
universities at commonwealth supported places are cheaper (Cantwell 2015).. All those students from poor
background in search for better education has to face the ultimate discouragements. The universities in
Australia offers the degree courses to the student with a duration of total four years where universities in
England is offering the same courses to the students to be completed only in three years and that also at a
much cheaper prices than universities in Australia. Therefore, the number of students applying for educational
courses in universities in England has considerably increased.
In universities in Australia, the plans for funding and cost management of the students have been
devised gradually. due to high cost of living in Australia, it is further advised to the students to share their
living facilities like room or apartments, but that is not required for students living in England as they are
provided with dormitory facilities (Chiang et al. 2014). The fees payment scheme also varies at various times
during a particular year. These are generally followed by the reputed universities to provide quality education
and development. Students follow such difficult fees structure to pay for the respective tuitions. Moreover,
students also agree on the pricing patterns just thinking for thinking their future. Furthermore, the students
have reported that no such educational development and extra qualities are provided as promised. The fees
structure and the universities education are not exactly on par. It is seemed that the fees pricing has only
increased but the methodologies and teaching quality is still unaltered. It is revealed that this is the only
difference done over the years is the hike in tuition fees in universities in England. However, the government
of England do not have strict control over the price hike of the tuition fees charged presently in the universities
(Verbik 2015). Whereas, universities in Australia fees structure is too expensive and the education structure
focuses on the broad courses, which require long term examination, proofing and reading besides several
small projects. The fees charged for masters and PhD programme is between the price range from $14,000 to
$37,000. In the universities, the entire course structure comprises of presentations and assignments. While in
universities in England, a more traditional approach of education system is followed by the students. The
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education system in focus more on the assignments and the lectures that is imparted in the class. Moreover,
there are no assignments for the students sometimes and the grading systems of the universities are based on
the results of final examinations. On the other hand, in Australian universities, the grades depend on different
factors, such as assignment submission, performance and the final level examination given by the students
(Metcalf and Stock 2017). Management of institutions at different states is also different. In universities in
Australia, the student applies for a particular course through centralized university by applying at all colleges at
once. Whereas, in universities in England, the various colleges offering specific subjects is altogether governed
and controlled by the university Head. These colleges also have their fair share of autonomy present within the
main university and students can further apply for the specific subjects of their choices, either through the
governing university or the colleges (Stephenson and Yorke 2013).
Therefore, this essay concludes regarding the education qualities offered in the universities in England
is not going to be better and improved with the increase in price of the tuition fees. The standards of
education are similar for both the universities of Australia and England. Further, the majority of students has
reported that the quality of education and tuition fees charged by the universities is not at par. However, the
universities in England are still best in terms of funding than Australian Universities. For a similar degree course
with same qualities can be afforded at much cheaper rate in universities in England and therefore the
universities in England are more preferred by the students. As well as the accommodation, rates are affordable
by the students in England, as they do not have to share rooms or apartment, unlike in Australia. The students
pursuing education in England can utilize their time in study with less stress for take up jobs, unlike in
Australia, where the cost of living is too high.
Reference List:
Cantwell, B., 2015. Are international students cash cows? Examining the relationship between new
international undergraduate enrollments and institutional revenue at public colleges and universities in the
US. Journal of International Students, 5(4), pp.512-525.
Chiang, T., Mevlevioglu, G., Natarajan, S., Padget, J. and Walker, I., 2014. Inducing [sub] conscious energy
behaviour through visually displayed energy information: A case study in university accommodation. Energy
and Buildings, 70, pp.507-515.
Metcalf, G.E. and Stock, J.H., 2017. Integrated assessment models and the social cost of carbon: a review and
assessment of US experience. Review of Environmental Economics and Policy, 11(1), pp.80-99.
Stephenson, J. and Yorke, M. eds., 2013. Capability and quality in higher education. Routledge.
Verbik, L., 2015. The international branch campus: Models and trends. International Higher Education, (46).
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Wakeling, P. and Jefferies, K., 2013. The effect of tuition fees on student mobility: the UK and Ireland as a
natural experiment. British Educational Research Journal, 39(3), pp.491-513.
Wilkins, S., Shams, F. and Huisman, J., 2013. The decision-making and changing behavioural dynamics of
potential higher education students: the impacts of increasing tuition fees in England. Educational Studies,
39(2), pp.125-141.
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