FACULTY Of Education And Language

MAY / 2012

OUMH 1203

ENGLISH FOR WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

MATRICULATION NO : 780926125297001

IDENTITY CARD NO. : 780926-12-5297

TELEPHONE NO. : +60198003700

E-MAIL : aliciuslucas@yahoo.com

LEARNING CENTRE : OUM SANDAKAN

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Question 1

Referring to the graph of vehicle theft statistics in Malaysia from 1980 to 2010,

shows some trends over the years. However, I can say that the graph can be divided into

three main trends. The first trend is the trend of volatility (1980 to 2000), the second

trend is the trend rose sharply (in between 2003 and 2005) and trend down suddenly (in

the years 2005 to 2010). In 1980 to 2000, the graph shows an unstable trend of volatility.

During this period, the theft of private vehicles is quite manageable with the number of

cases under 20 000, compared with the theft of motorcycles that look higher up above the

level of 20 000 in 1995. In my opinion, at that time, vehicle theft is still quite manageable

because career as a car thief still not very popular compare with now.

In 2000, the graph appeared to rise, showing a sharp increase in vehicle theft. In

2000 alone, cases of motorcycle theft have more than 40 000. This number is rising by

surprise by the year 2005 to over 120 000 cases, the highest number of cases in 30 years

(1980 to 2010). Motorcycles are more popular among thieves because they are easily

stolen, decomposed and in high demand among buyers. In contrast to the theft of private

vehicles, although an increase in the year 2000 but the increase was still below the 20 00

cases. Highest number of theft cases involving private vehicles occurred in the year 2002

to 2003, which is within the 20 000 cases. This phenomenon may be due to the difficulty

of stealing private vehicles. This is because the owners of private vehicles are more likely

to install their vehicles with anti-theft devices such as alarms and security locks.

Somewhat surprising in the period 2007 to 2010, cases of motorcycle thefts down

suddenly in a substantial, up to 110 000 compared with 130 000 in 2005. Theft of

personal vehicle looks fluctuations around the year 2005 to 2010. This situation may be

due to the enforcement of the law tougher on car thieves. The sophistication of vehicles

in the era of 2005 - 2010 has also been enhanced. This will directly reduce the theft of the

vehicle as stolen vehicles more difficult over the 1980 -1990 era.

Vehicle theft can be prevented if we take steps avoid it. Among the measures to

be taken is to ensure that our vehicles be fitted with safety features sophisticated. At

present, there are private companies that offer stolen vehicle tracking using satellite

sophistication. They install sensors that are equipped with GPS systems in vehicles to

their customers. In return, the vehicle owner is charged for this service. There are also

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various tools available on the market that focus on the safety of the vehicle such as

steering wheel locking devices, locking devices and alarms gear. Vehicle owners have a

lot of choices according to their financial ability.

Other method to reduce vehicle theft is to change the attitude of the vehicle

owners themselves. Take more precautionary attitude as not park in a quiet area because

these areas usually attract the attention of car thieves. Vehicle owners must ensure that

their vehicles are locked before leaving their vehicles. Although this is not 100 percent

can prevent vehicle theft, but at least to slow down their activity compared with the

vehicle is not locked. Vehicle owners are not encouraged to keep important documents

and valuables in their vehicles because this is one factor that attracted the attention of car

thieves. I think you also agree if I say that is not appropriate to keep a large bag full of

money in the vehicle during our absence.

Question 2

I as one of the residents in this neighbourhood is very not agree with the

recommendations of an international company to build a factory in this residential area.

The proposal seems a bit overwhelming as it may seem to ignore our rights as residents in

this area. This is because the effects of pollution from the plant will not only cause many

negative impacts on residential areas, but also disturbing the peace of its people. As we

all know, construction of factories in residential areas cause more harm than good to its

residents. This is because the waste products such as smoke, oil and chemical waste from

factories is hazardous to the environment.

The first disadvantage is in terms of land contamination. As we know, the plant

will often result in waste materials such as oil, toxic waste and mill residues. If these

wastes are not disposed of properly, it can cause soil contamination. Waste materials that

can seep into the soil and this can indirectly damage the soil fertility.

I believe the factory will also be releasing smoke into the air. This smoke is likely

to contain foreign objects such as dust, fog, smoke, steam and gas or any mixture of

chemicals. If this contaminated smoke surrounds our neighbourhood, it would certainly

harm us because we smell it every day. Diseases such as shortness of breath and dizziness

can also occur when we are exposed to prolonged contact with contaminated air.

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Common factory-emitted water pollutants include phosphates, asbestos, mercury,

nitrates, grit, caustic soda and other sodium compounds, sulphuric acid, sulphur, oils and

petrochemicals. Can you imagine what would happen if the plant will also channel the

rest of their wastes into the river near this neighbourhood? This method may be used by

the factory soon because it is considered the most simple and economical to dispose of

residual waste than to treat or move it elsewhere. What will happen to life on the river? In

recent years, our children and grandchildren may not be able to see life on the river.

We all know that noise can be distracting, and research proves this. One study

conducted by Cornell University Examined children exposed to airport noise and found

that reading their ability and long-term memory was impaired. Those working in noisy

office environments have also been found to be less cognitively motivated, and to have

higher stress levels. Imagine if the noise from the plant would interfere with the

tranquillity of this residential area soon. Noise from the factory will operate 24 hours of

course very painful. We cannot sleep at night and the next day to work. It is a very

painful when working in a drowsy. What about our children who are still in school? I do

not blame them if their achievements in education declined for not getting enough sleep.

In conclusion, the proposed construction of factories in residential areas is cause

more harm than good to us. Therefore, I urge all people to Protest against the proposed

construction of the factory in this area for peace and future generations of this residential

area.

Question 3

Based on the Wikipedia, plagiarism defined as the "wrongful appropriation,"

"close imitation," or "purloining and publication" of another author's "language, thoughts,

ideas, or expressions," and the representation of them as one's own original work.

Another definition of plagiarism issued by Swinburne University of Technology's as the

action or practice of taking and posting or presenting the thoughts, Writings or other

work of someone else as though it is our own work.

The issue of plagiarism among university students in Malaysia is not a new issue.

There are several press reports published an article about plagiarism problems. For

example in 2003, a media statement by Lim kit Siang said that 15 students studying in an

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Australian university was caught plagiarizing in their assignment (refer the article issued

by http://www.dapmalaysia.org/all-archive/English/2003/aug03/lks/lks2493.htm.) In

September 16 2009, http://www.thesundaily.com reported (refer the article issued at

http://www.thesundaily.com/article.cfm?id=38115 ) Penang Deputy Chief Minister (II)

Prof Dr P.Ramasamy who was a former lecturer said the plagiarism is the biggest fraud in

Malaysia.

Based on a study done by the Joint Information Student Committee (United

Kingdom), there are several reasons for the plagiarism occurred among students in

colleges and universities around the world. One common reason is lack of understanding

of how to cite material from other sources. These skills are less emphasized, while in

high school. This resulted in unqualified students how to cite material from other sources.

The second reason inflicting plagiarism among university students is due to bad

time management skills. This situation is common on students who are weak in time

management. Students panic at the last minute to complete an assignment and try to find

the quickest solution. Also, external pressures, such as the need to work may make the

situation worse. Students who, unable to cope with the work load in the university are

more likely to commit plagiarism.

Other reason causing the plagiarism is that students feel they are not able to

perform assigned tasks properly. They prefer to take the easy way by copying other

people's work. However, this may have more to do with a lack of clarity in the

assignment specifications than a Student's Ability. This problem is often linked to bad

management skills: it is human nature to leave until last the things we consider either

hard or unpleasant.

There are also university students who take complacency when performing the task

given. In their opinion, they do not need to learn this, but only need to pass it. This

situation is common among students who are not motivated to take part in the educational

process or does not appreciate that they need to acquire the knowledge to continue their

education; they may be inclined to take the quickest route to success.

Now, how you can avoid plagiarism? According to the Writing Tutorial Services

Program at Indiana University, to avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you

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use another person's idea, opinion, or theory. In other cases, you must quotations of

another person's actual spoken or written words.

Time management is quite important for university student. Good time

management is important especially when it comes to complete the task given by your

lecturer. This is because it is closely related to plagiarism. If you manage your time well,

you will have no difficulty completing assignments on time.

Question 4

Recently, Good Service Tax (GST) or also known as Value Added Tax (VAT)

has been proposed by the government to replace the Sales and Service Tax (SST) which

have been used in the country for the several decades. Before we decide either agrees or

not with this GST implementation, we have to know more about the GST.

According to the Inland Revenue Board Of Malaysia (Also known as Lembaga

Hasil Dalam Negeri, Malaysia), GST is a consumption tax based on the value-added

concept. GST is imposed on goods and services at every production and distribution stage

in the supply chain including importation of goods and services. The difference between

GST and the present consumption tax is in terms of its scope of charge which is more

comprehensive, inclusive of the manufacturing and distribution stages as well as

providing a tax credit claim for GST paid on business inputs. When compared with the

present consumption tax system, the sales tax is imposed only at the manufacturing stage

that is at the time when the goods are manufactured or when the goods are imported. In

the other hand, service tax is imposed on specific services at the time when the services

are provided to the consumer.

As my reading, at the present time the consumption tax implemented by the

government is sales tax and service tax. Sales tax is levied at a rate of 5% and 10% while

service tax is imposed at a rate of 5%. Both the tax imposed on goods and certain

services. GST seeks to replace the sales and services tax (SST), which was introduced in

1972, is now accepted in 143 countries worldwide

Based on the reading and information I get from some web sites on the GST, I

agree with the government's proposal to replace the sales and services tax to GST based

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on the following benefits. The first benefits were the implementation of GST; consumer

got the benefits of immediate. People can feel an immediate benefit performance of

goods and services tax (GST) to enjoy the cheaper prices for various goods. Tax

Assessment Panel Finance Ministry, Datuk Kamariah Hussain said, among the people

only have to pay GST four percent when dining at fast food restaurants over the service

tax is higher now. Other business costs are also reduced after the GST replaced sales and

services tax (SST) for the restaurant no longer have to pay sales tax on the purchase of

tables, chairs and other facilities. With the GST, the dealer can offer a cheaper price

savings from payment of tax revenue. Kamariah said, the GST reduction affects the

Consumer Price Index (CPI) thereby lowering the household expenses. GST will reduce

the CPI, but this does not mean that the CPI must be downloaded after the GST is

implemented in the fall up the CPI is also influenced by other factors. He was told, not all

prices will decline after the GST was introduced and there are certain things that will

experience an increase or remain at the original price.

The second benefits were the GST will not cause the price of the goods rise. The

implementation of goods and services tax (GST) at the projected rate of four percent, will

not cause prices rose on the balance (offset) the elimination of sales and services tax. Tax

Assessment Panel Finance Ministry, Datuk Kamariah Hussain said, logically with the

performance users need to pay GST tax of four percent compared to five per cent of

service tax of five percent and sales by 10 percent. GST is progressive as the share of

which will be charged at a rate of four percent compared with sales and services tax rate

imposed now. GST implementation could reduce the tax rate imposed on the individual

and corporate income and increase tax revenue and prevent leakages in generating

national income.

The next benefits are GST will not burden consumer. The implementation of

goods and services tax (GST) which will start mid-2011 will not burden the people,

especially in rural areas. Minister of Rural and Regional Development Minister, Datuk

Seri Mohd. Shafie Apdal said the rate of four percent that is expected to be lower than the

sales tax and service at this time. Cabinet has decided and this is a step that would not

burden the people for this step is presented several times. It so that no leakage in terms of

revenue collection that should be the outcome for the country.

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The rate for the GST tax is 4 percent compare the sales and service tax that rated

around five to ten percent. Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah

said the GST will also be exempted on essential items such as agricultural products (rice

and vegetables) and basic food (sugar, flour, cooking oil, fish, meat and chicken) to

ensure it does not burden the people especially the poor and low income.

Question 7

Having a driving license in Malaysia is a mandatory if you want to drive your

vehicle by yourself. According to the Road Transport Department, every road user who

own and drive their vehicle on the road need to have a valid driving license. It is a

wrongness to drive without a valid driving licence. In the other words, you must get your

driving license before you plan to buy a car. This essay will explain briefly on how to get

your car driving license in Malaysia.

The first thing is you have to make sure that your ages already qualify you to have

a driving license. As we mention from Malaysian Road Transport Department, you have

to be 16 years old for motorcycle license and 17 years old for a car. The next thing is you

need to register at any legal driving school and discuss the price that suits your budget.

Different driving school gives you different rate. In other case, you may fail the law or

practical test conducted by Road Transport Department. Make sure you ask clearly the

grand total you have to pay. Usually the grand total for car license is round RM800 to

RM950 and RM450 to RM550 for motorcycle. You need to submit your photocopy of

your identity card with two pieces of your passport size photo and the deposit. Make sure

you got the payment receipt. Below are the classes that you have to attend:

1. 5 hours course of Driver Education Curriculum Course.

2. Computerised Highway Code Test. You need to pass this test before allowed to

step the next course.

3. Pre-Learner course. It includes 3 hours of theory and another 3 hours for practical.

4. Pre-test conducted or Q.T.I.

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5. Practical test conducted by Road Transport Department.

Your first course will be driver educational curriculum course. You have to

choose the right time that suits you. This course usually starts at 9.30 in the morning and

last at 4.00 afternoons. Make sure you wear proper clothes as collar T-shirt, trousers and

shoes every time you attend to driving class. This driver educational curriculum

certificate is valid for the period of one year.

You have to wait at least three days before allowed to sit for Computerised

Highway Code Test at the nearest test centre. The pass mark is 42/50. In case of fail, you

have to repeat the test until you pass before you are qualified to attend the pre-learner

course. After you pass the Computerised Highway Code Test, you will be given a

certificate that valid for one year.

After completing your Computerised Highway Code Test, you have to attend the

pre-learner course to enable you to get 6-hour Theory and Practical Course Certificate

(JPJL2B). This course will be 3 hours for the theory and another 3 hours for the practical.

You probably will get your Learner (L) license in a week after you attend this course.

Your learner license qualifies you to learn practical driving. The motorcycle learner

license enable you ride your motorcycle by yourself legally on the road. The car learner

license have to practice with qualify instructor. This practice will be 4 to 5 times or

equally to 8 to 10 hours. It is depends on yourself. During this session, you will be learnt

to climb, side parking, and triangle in the track. Driving on road will be on the road.

Pre-test conducted will be held before youre allowed to take the real practical test

conducted by Road Transport Department. This pre-test will be conducted by the qualify

tester in the institute youre in. This qualify tester will determine your driving skills. If

you fail this pre-test, they will suggest you to take another one to two hours in driving

class. After you pass this pre-test, you may take your real practical test conducted by

Road Transport Department.

During your real practical test, you will be tested by the tester from Road Transport

Department. There will be two part of test. First part will be conducted in the track and

the second part will be on the road. You have to pass the entire test to enable you to have

your Probationary Driving Licence. The Probationary Driving Licence is basically

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meaning that you're not competent enough to drive yet. This Probationary Driving

Licence valid for two years before you eligible for a change to Competent Driving

License.

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REFERENCES

Park, Chris (2003). In Other (People's) Words: Plagiarism by university students--

literature and lessons', Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 28: 5, 471

488. Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK

http://www.kpmg.com.my/kpmg/publications/tax/tm/chapter10.pdf ---chapter10 tax -

4/6/12,2.00pm

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/8/18/business/6873752&sec=busines