the literacies project: pre-course assessment of academic literacies

Part A:

2. It is a formal argumentative passage.

3. It is structured by providing background information and giving thesis in the first paragraph. Then, arguments from different perspectives are given to support the statement in other paragraph. It ends with a conclusion

4. There are some examples to show this structure. For example. at the end of the first paragraph, "...,this essay argues that antenatal selection is unwise," and "it will first consider arguments that support ...and then discuss the ...". In between. the supporting paragraph use some words and phrases like "However", "concern", "should". And at the end, the paragraph starts with the phrase "to conclude" to indicate the conclusion. The passage also provides references. This indicates that it is a formal academic work.

5. The writer does not support the issue of "designer babies".

6. The writer raises concern over the ethical problem, the freedom and worth of individual and the issue of creating the "perfect human".

7. Yes, there are counter-argument. In the second paragraph, the writer suggest the advantage of these newly invented technology. For example, antenatal genetic control can treat some diseases and can eliminate some hereditary disease and even control the attributes of infants in the future.

8. I agree with the writer's stance. I think this new technology can bring advantages to people especially in the medical area. However, it is important to take the ethical concern into serious consideration. Humanity and religions are also important aspects in people's lives. Therefore, it is essential to strive for a balance and achieve a win-win conciliation for this hot debate.


Part B:

Feng shui is a traditional Chinese system which guides people how to arrange their design in the environment. The environment varies. It can be home, workplace, the whole building and even the grave. It is done by specific arrangement and design. For example, people who believe in Feng shui can arrange their furniture in a particular way or decide the color of the wall. The rationale of Feng shui is the belief of energy (chi) (Robins 2000) and the balance of yin and yang (shady side and sunny side) (Mak 2008). The interaction of people and the environment can also lead to the interaction of the energy inside the person and outside at the environment. If a balance of energy and accumulation of proper energy can be achieved, people can get positive effects and well being. Feng shui is not an old concept anymore, it is exerting its influence in our modern world especially in the property market.(So 2009)