ASSIGNMENT 2 (ESSAY WRITING)

(WEIGHTAGE 20%)

Write an essay of comparison and/or contrast on the topic below.

Have you ever visited a place you had left long time ago and found it had changed considerably? Write an
essay comparing and contrasting the way it was with the way it is now.
You may choose ONE of the following places below and write your essay:

Your previous school that you have studied.

A historical place you have visited.
A neighbourhood you have lived before.
A university that you have visited/studied.

Your essay should not be less than 350 words.

You have to plan your comparison and/or contrast essay using the block-by-block method (refer page 129
of your module):
Introduction

Body
Conclusion

Provide some background information about your topic.

Identify the two things being compared and contrasted.
State the purpose for making the comparison and/or contrast.
In the first paragraph, discuss the similarities.
In the next paragraph, discuss the differences.
Summarise the main similarities and differences.
A final remark on the importance of the topic.

An example of the comparison and contrast essay using the block-by-block method is given below:
Introduction

Body

Several years ago, I returned to Bidor, Perak, and visited one of my old
neighbourhoods. I had not been on the Settlement Area for more than 10
years and as I walked along the area, my mind was flooded by waves of
memories. I saw the old houses on the Settlement area where I had lived
and played. As I viewed these once-familiar surroundings, images of
myself as a child there came to mind. However what I saw and what I
remembered were not the same. I sadly noticed that the best memories
are those left undisturbed.
I remembered my old house area, it was bright and alive. The house area
was more than just a place to live. It had vast open space, or whatever
my young mind could imagine. I could go and play with my friends in the
open space. This was always exciting because it was spacious and could
do many things there to hide among.

Conclusion

This is how I remembered the old neighbourhood; however as I said, this

is not how it was when I saw it again. Unlike the house area I
remembered, this one was rundown and in despair. What was once more
than a place to live looked hardly worth living in. The open space was
dirty and loaded with old broken furniture. There were no young kids
playing and running around; instead were a few tough looking
adolescents who looked very older than their ages.
As for the house area when had grown up, it was hardly recognizable.
The house area was polluted and the plants had withered. The house
area was filled with old bicycles, broken bottles, and garbage. Now,
instead of finding something as pleasant for the eyes, one would expect
to find only barren area.
I do not regret having seen my old neighbourhood. However, I do not
think my innocent childhood memories can ever be the same again. I
suppose it is true when they say, You can never go home again.

Submit the essay to the prepared assignment platform provided in MyGuru (Platform 2). You
MUST submit the essay in the platform only. Therefore, take note of the DEADLINE.
Make sure that the file is not password protected.
Do not post (postal services) your essay.

Your tutors will evaluate the essay based on the mark scheme provided. (Appendix 2)
NOTE:
You should have the integrity to write the essay yourself (Do note that tutors have the
software to detect plagiarisms).
No mark will be given to an essay that contains 30% or more of plagiarized work.
Follow the format given below:
o Font size: 12 point
o Font type: Times New Roman
o Line spacing: 1.5
Remember that the deadline is on Week 10 (24 NOVEMBER 2014).