EAP 1 Portfolio: Autumn 2017, Compare & Contrast Essay (EAPA3004)

This EAP 1 Portfolio assignment, completed in Autumn 2017, focuses on academic writing skills and includes a compare and contrast essay. The portfolio comprises several sections, including a self-evaluation checklist, summarising tasks, outlining, and paragraph structure exercises. The main writt...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 ☐ ☐ ☐ √☐
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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 United States of America
“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
The tuition fee per year (excluding living expenses) in the
USA varies within the range from $5000 to $50000. The fee
can increase if other programs or courses are undertaken.
The living expenses vary from place to place.. For example,
Washington, California and in New York, living costs are very
high. Students will have to live in apartments by sharing.
Living within campus can be really expensive and to
minimize expenditure, students will have to reduce using
privileges provided such as phone calls and many other.
Expenses may be handled by taking up campus jobs. The
payment for the on-campus jobs may vary from $7(min.
wage) to $15 or more per hour. The payment also depends
on the job nature. Majority of the expenditures include
apartment rentals and other utilities. An important solution
would be to acquire financial aid otherwise covering up
expenses will be a critical problem.
From: Graduateshotline.com. 2017. University - Tuition &
Fees. Find Cheap Universities in USA. [online] Available at:
https://www.graduateshotline.com/costs.html [Accessed 10
Nov. 2017].
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19 Jan. 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):
In England, tuition fees of the universities will
face a hike. This price rise will continue every
year with an amount up to £9,250 from 2017.
Considering inflation with increase rate of
2.8%, the price rise could be over £10,000 in
years to come. £9,000 is the limit above
which the universities are allowed to charge.
This price hike is also applicable on students
who have started their courses. However,
stipulated terms of the student contracts are
to be considered. University of Kent is yet to
decide on charging higher fees and applying
that on present students. But, University of
Surrey has decided only to increase fees for
new students from 2017.
Jo Johnson, the Universities president has
stated that linking of education quality with
fees cannot be accepted and that the money
is not required for educational development.
If support is needed by the universities then
proper meetings will be held discussing the
topic. Students with poor backgrounds suffer
debts of £50,000 at the time of graduation.
Tuition costs in USA are variable within the range of
$5,000 to $50,000 per year and it is liable to increase
depending on various programs. A few states like
New York, Washington, California, university fees are
more expensive.
Students are to share apartments and limit other
privileges for cost reduction purposes. Campus jobs
can help in affording the fees. Students will get paid
for on-campus jobs from $7(min. wage) to $15 per
hour.
3. Answer the question in part 3 below, using your notes.
PART 3:
What are the similarities and differences between universities in England and………………………….in
relation to tuition fees? Why are they important?
Similarity between the universities of England and USA is that the fees are rising per year. making lives of
students difficult.
The difference is that universities in USA charge a lot more compared to that of the universities in England.
UK universities stated that the rise in price is required to develop educational qualities. In USA, to blend
with the economic factors, the tuition fees are set within a range depending on the universities to afford
facilities considering the economy of various states.
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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 University Fees in England and United States of America
INTRODUCTION Background Information:
University tuition fees are on the rise per year in UK universities. USA universities charging fees
within a wide range per year based on the economic status of various states.
Thesis Statement:
The price rise of tuition fees in UK and US universities has made the students worried regarding the
affordability of the courses.
MB Paragraph 1 Paragraph Focus: Price Patterns of the Universities
Country A: England Country B: USA
 Rise of tuition fees per year from 2017
 It will rise to £9250 every year
 Due to inflation of 2.8%, fees may increase
over £10,000
 Lower limit to charging fees is £9,000
 Tuition fees varies from $5,000 to
$50,000
 It may rise on account of additional
programs undertaken
 Tuition fees charging limit varies based
on different states
MB Paragraph 2
Paragraph Focus: Resulting Conditions
Country A: England Country B: USA
 Fees charge rises to accommodate
teaching quality development
 It is yet to be decided whether this price
rise will be applicable on new students or
the current students as well
 Fees are charged differently in various
states.
 Students are to share apartments
 They are to limit privileges for cost
reduction
 Students can take up campus day jobs
to afford fees.
CONCLUSION Summary of main points
 Teaching quality development does not require fees hike every year
 Taking up day jobs can cause hamper in education progress
Recommendations/suggestions/predictions
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence IV
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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.
Universities in England face a hike in tuition fees and the range is up to £9,250 per year from 2017. The lower
limit on the tuition fees is £9000. The government has not published any act of increasing the limit, but the
universities are to charge higher than £9000. Considering the inflation rate of 2.8%, the tuition fees are set to
reach £10,000 per year. This price hike has caused anxiety in students in terms affording the university
lifestyle. It has been stated that in order to develop the teaching quality of the universities, price hike is
justified. However, universities president Mr. Jo Johnson presented a contradictory statement. He stated that
developing teaching quality never needs such price hike. This price hike has also created a confusion regarding
its application. Some universities like Kent University has not yet decided whether to apply this price rise on
new students only or the current students as well (Padro 2015).
In United States of America, the tuition fees range between $5000 to $50,000; it is so high for students that
they are opting for other foreign universities. This price is applicable every year. Students can take up day jobs
to afford such price rise. This price range varies with respect to the economic conditions of certain states.
California, Washington and New York Universities charge fees the highest (Hazelkorn 2015). Students have to
share their apartments to divide their expenses; privileges like phone calls are limited to manage the
expenditures. Students are advised to take up day jobs at campuses to afford tuition fees. The amount of
payment depends on the jobs and the range is between $7 and $15 (Chowdry et al. 2013).
It is a very worrying status for the students. It has posed greater difficulties for foreign students in terms of
affordability. Teaching quality improvement does not actually need price hike. It has been in controversy that
universities take that much amount of money funding that somewhere else rather than investing in education.
This is only harming the students who have to take up jobs to afford the universities compromising their
education. Great doubts have been presented regarding the effectiveness of this price hike strategy.
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.
Section 1: Portfolio Evidence V
Essay self-assessment form (recommended word count: 100)
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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 structure is vivid and written thoroughly.
B. Has a clear thesis statement that states
the sub-topics and position.
The statement does explain the overall condition.
C. Has clear topic sentences in each main
body paragraph.
Topic consists of clear sentences in each main body parts.
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 report attributes as such.
CONTENT
E. Has compared directly between the two
countries in each paragraph.
The content thoroughly deals with the contrasting view of the
universities in UK and US
F. Has commented on what we learn from
the comparisons.
Yes, the comments on what the conditions suggest have been
included
G. Has included suitable background
information in the introduction.
The background information is well researched and written
H. Has included a suitable summary and
position in the conclusion.
The conclusion does contain a vivid overview of the topic
I. Has written 750 words (+/- 10%). Yes
USE OF SOURCES AND REFERENCING
J. Has a minimum of 2 sources per
paragraph.
Every body part contains at least 2 sources
K. Has in-text citations which follow
Harvard style. E.g. (Coughlan, 2014).
The body parts contain Harvard style in-text citations
M. Has avoided plagiarism. Yes
USE OF ENGLISH
N. Writes accurate sentences. 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 researching the facts on the web. Figuring out the patterns of management and
consequence records. I am good at analyzing the specifics of a subject matter. Understanding and extracting
points from a large report are what I feel very much competent in.
Things you need to work on (approx. 50 words):
I need to work on structuring the main body content. I should work more on finding better sources to derive
optimal information from. Adding accurate titles, formatting and proper explanation of the researches are the
factors where more work efforts are 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 England and USA
This report aims at a comparative study of educational system and funding of the universities in
England and USA. The study focuses on cost plan of the universities and their educational developments.
According to various surveys recently, students are opting for British universities rather than the
universities in USA. UK is offering cheaper university fee schemes, which is the main attraction point for the
students all over the world. Extreme pricing in US universities have posed threats for foreign students and
American students. British universities are also experiencing price hike of £9250 per year and the students
have protested against such price rise of tuition fees (Wakeling and Jefferies 2013). However, the fees tend to
be much higher in USA and thus, US students are opting for British universities as they see greater
opportunities in terms of tuition costs. They notice that same courses offer cheaper costs in UK. Even with the
rise of UK university fees up to £9250, it is yet less than half of the US university fees (Wilkins, Shams and
Huisman 2013). US universities charge from $5000 to $50,000 every year. State universities of US are rather
cheaper but students from poorer background opting for better quality of education face bigger
discouragements. US universities offer degree courses with duration of four years where British universities
offer the same courses only for three years with much cheaper prices. Therefore, the rate of students applying
for UK universities has increased considerably (Cantwell 2015).
In US universities, plans for cost management of students have been devised. It is advised to the
students that they should share the living facilities such as apartments, which is not the case with the UK
students as they get separate bedrooms and dormitory facilities (Chiang et al. 2014). All the facilities that are
provided for the students like making phone calls, electricity should be minimized in terms of usage for cost
reduction and so they can spend in tuition fees. Students even take day jobs within campus. These jobs
provide payment within the range of $7 to $15 in order to save money for tuition fees every year. This
payment scheme varies with job descriptions. Students have to follow such difficult structure only to pay for
their tuition and this type of tuition fees are charge by reputable universities like Yale, Harvard. Students aim
for universities like Harvard for the educational qualities and the developments. Students even agree on the
pricing terms thinking about their future. However, it has been reported that students receive no such
developmental and extra qualities promised. The fees and the education are not on par. It seems that the
pricing has only increased leaving the teaching quality and methodologies unaltered. It is said that the only
difference made over the years in the US universities is the tuition fees hike. However, the US government
does not have a strict control over the tuition fees charged in the universities (Verbik 2015). Sessions in US
universities start in the time of mid or late August. Some universities do start earlier. Sometimes, lengthy
breaks are given at the start of middle of December and the commencement of semester happen in early or
late January. US universities focus on broad courses that require long term reading along with several small
projects. The entire course comprises of presentations and assignments. While in UK, the universities follow a
more traditional approach. UK educational system focuses more on the lectures, assignments are given
occasionally and sometimes, there can be no assignments and the grading systems are based on the final
examinations. On the other hand, in US, grades depend on various factors, such as performance, assignment
submission and the final examination (Metcalf and Stock 2017). Management of institutions is also different. In
US, students apply for a course through a centralized university, which lets them apply for all the colleges at
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once. However, in UK, several colleges are included in a university. These colleges offer specific subjects and
they are altogether governed by the university. These colleges have their fair share of autonomy and students
can apply for specific subjects through either the colleges or the governing university (Stephenson, Yorke and
M. eds 2013).
Regarding the quality of education offered in US universities, it is not at all as better as the pricing
demands. The standards are quite similar in universities of US and UK. The students have reported that the
tuition fees and the educational qualities are not on par. The accommodation systems are more comfortable in
UK than US where apartment rooms have to be shared. Most students in US universities cannot utilize their
time in studies as they have part time jobs to pay for the tuition and other programs. Even British universities
offer similar degree courses with similar qualities but at affordable, cheaper price and therefore, students have
stated UK universities to be preferable.
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).
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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