FDY3004 - Advancing - Your - Academic - Skills - Assessment - Brief - Feb - SCC - 2025 - Updated Malik
FDY3004 - Advancing - Your - Academic - Skills - Assessment - Brief - Feb - SCC - 2025 - Updated Malik
Portfolio of Tasks
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Contents
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Learning Outcomes
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Assessment Brief
Check iLearn for the exact submission deadline. You can find further guidance for
completing the draft below.
We are assessing your ability to read, understand and then respond to these
sources in your own words, writing in the academic style you have learned on this
module. It is crucial that you
a) use the sources we provide to you to learn about the topic and then answer
the question and
b) write in your own words, paraphrasing and summarising the key ideas you
have taken from the sources.
You can find the sources in the module iLearn site, under the ‘My Assessment’ tab.
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Portfolio Task A: Essay (1500 words) (LOs 1, 2 and 3)
Referring to the viewpoints expressed in the three sources in the given source pack,
write a short essay answering this question:
Referring to the viewpoints expressed in the three sources in the given source pack,
write a short essay answering this question:
In Task A, you must answer one of the two questions provided above. It is advised
that you respond to the assignment question relating to your Foundation Year
pathway. You must present your essay according to the structure and academic
writing skills you have developed throughout the module. This includes:
• Refer to the three mandatory sources in the relevant source pack provided
on iLearn under the ‘My Assessment’ tab.
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• Provide in-text citations and full references for all sources in AU Harvard
Referencing Style.
To support you in this module assessment, you will submit a substantial paragraph from
the draft of your essay (Task A) in Week 4 (Blended Learning) or Week 5 (Distance
Learning). We offer this opportunity so that you can receive some early feedback on your
essay writing, which will help you complete your portfolio.
Your draft should be a minimum of one substantial paragraph so that your lecturer can
see some of your work and give you useful feedback. Remember, it is a draft – what you
write does not have to be perfect. Just make a start and write some initial thoughts.
After submitting your draft, you will receive written and verbal feedback on the following
points:
• Your understanding so far of the arguments presented in the sources
• Your ability to paraphrase and summarise sources
• How clear your writing is
Use the feedback on your draft to develop and improve your essay in preparation for
submitting your portfolio Week 10.
Please note that your draft will be checked by Turnitin for use of AI and for
plagiarism. Please ensure that you follow the university guidelines for use of AI and
academic integrity. As this is a writing task that assesses your academic writing ability, it is
crucial that you write in your own words.
Please note that the opportunity to gain an additional 10 points on your final
module grade only applies to first attempts only, not for work submitted as a resit.
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Portfolio Task B: Commentary (500 words) (LOs 1 and 4)
In this task, you will comment on the development of your academic writing skills. To
complete this task, follow these steps:
1) Choose one paragraph from your Task A essay that you believe best
demonstrates the development of your writing skills.
2) Copy and paste the paragraph so that it is the first paragraph of your Task B
response. This does not contribute to the word count of your submission.
Then, use your example paragraph to comment on the development of two writing
skills listed below:
Important information
✓ You can use the personal pronoun ‘I’ in your commentary.
✓ Make the commentary personal to you. How have your writing skills developed
throughout the module and writing your essay?
✓ Refer to the assessment criteria on pages 11 and 12 of the brief.
You do not need to provide further academic sources in your commentary.
3) Provide a full reference list at the end of your assignment in alphabetical order
by surname.
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electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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11. How is my work assessed?
A lecturer will assess your work using the Assessment Criteria on pages 10-
11. Read these criteria carefully to understand how your work is assessed.
12. Can I apply for an extension?
Yes, you can apply for a 7-day extension. If you need longer, you will need to
apply for extenuating circumstances. Access extension forms under ‘E’ of the
A-Z key information on iLearn.
13. Can I resubmit my assessment if I fail?
Yes, you will need to resubmit your assignment if you fail. Read Lesson 10 on
your module’s iLearn page for further information.
14. What happens if I commit academic misconduct?
If your assignment is referred for academic misconduct, you may be invited to
attend an interview with an Academic Integrity Officer to discuss the
allegation. For further information on the consequences of academic
misconduct, refer to Arden’s Academic Integrity and Misconduct Policy.
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publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
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Assignment Checklist
Use the checklist below to help you complete your assignment and prepare to submit
your work.
Task A: Essay (1500 words) (LOs 1, 2 and 3) Yes No
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electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
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Assessment Criteria: FDY3004 Advancing Your Academic Skills
Level 3 prepares students to function effectively at Level 4. Criteria for assessment at Level 3 reflect the preparatory nature of these modules. Students are expected to
Level 3
demonstrate the acquisition of generic learning skills appropriate for self-managed learning in an HE context. Students are expected to demonstrate that they have acquired the
underpinning discipline-specific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake a programme of higher education.
Band and Categorical Outstanding 80+ Excellent 70 – 79 Very Good 60 – 69 Good 50 – 59 Satisfactory 40 – 49 Marginal Fail 30 – 39 Fail < 29
Marks (85 / 90 / 95 / 100) (72 / 75 / 78) (62 / 65 / 68) (52 / 55 / 58) (42 / 45 / 48) (32 / 35 / 38) (0 / 5 / 15 / 20 / 25)
LO1: Use appropriate An outstanding use of An excellent use of A very good use of A good use of language A satisfactory use of A limited use of A poor composition
language and language and structures language and structures language and and structures language and language and structures featuring language and
structures when appropriate to an appropriate to an structures appropriate appropriate to an structures appropriate appropriate to an structures that are not
composing common academic essay. There academic essay. There to an academic essay. academic essay. There to an academic essay. academic essay. There appropriate to an
academic texts is an outstanding use of is excellent use of There is very good use is good use of sentence There is satisfactory is limited use of academic essay.
sentence types and a sentence types and a of sentence types, a types, a variety of use of appropriate appropriate sentence There is no use of
varied and nuanced use varied and nuanced use wide variety of linking linking words and sentence types, linking types, linking words and appropriate sentence
of linking words and of linking words and words and cautious cautious language. The words and some cautious language. types, linking words
cautious language. The cautious language. The language. The register register is somewhat cautious language. There is limited, and cautious
register is fully register is almost fully is generally academic academic throughout, There is some use of infrequent use of language. The register
academic throughout academic throughout and throughout and though there are academic register, and academic register, and is not academic, and
and outstandingly clear excellently clear to generally very clear to numerous lapses. The the text is generally the text is often not clear the text is not clear to
to understand. understand. understand. text is clear to und clear to understand. to understand. understand.
LO2: Write from The essay refers to all The essay refers to all The essay refers to all The essay refers to all The essay refers to all The essay refers to one There is no reference
academic sources three sources from the three sources from the three sources from the three sources from the three sources from the or two sources from the to sources from the
with confidence, source pack and source pack and includes source pack and more source pack and one source pack. There is source pack. There is no source pack. There is
adhering to the includes additional additional secondary than one secondary secondary source. some attempt to attempt to include no attempt to include
values associated secondary sources. sources. Paraphrasing source. Paraphrasing There is a good attempt paraphrase, though no secondary sources secondary sources or
with academic Paraphrasing and and reporting verbs are and reporting verbs are to paraphrase, and attempt to include There is a limited paraphrase, nor any
integrity reporting verbs are used to excellent used to very good reporting verbs are secondary sources. attempt to paraphrase attempt to reference or
used to outstanding success. The essay success. The essay used to good success. Reporting verbs are and a limited cite secondary
(Includes referencing success. The essay critically considers the critically considers the The essay engages used to some success. demonstration of material.
and citation) critically considers the sources to an excellent sources to a very good with the sources to a References and referencing and citation
sources to an degree. References and degree. References good degree. citations are somewhat according to AU
outstanding degree. citations almost entirely and citations are References and accurate according to Harvard.
References and adhere to AU Harvard consistently accurate citations are mainly AU Harvard, despite
citations fully adhere to aside one or two errors in according to AU accurate according to numerous errors.
AU Harvard. punctuation. Harvard, despite minor AU Harvard, though
errors. errors persist.
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LO3: Demonstrate There is an outstanding There is an excellent There is a very good There is a good attempt There is a satisfactory There is a limited There is no
the ability to interpret attempt to refer to attempt to refer to attempt to refer to to refer to numerical attempt to refer to attempt to refer to presentation of
numerical data when numerical data. The numerical data. The numerical data. The data. The interpretation numerical data. The numerical data. numerical data.
presented within a interpretation of data interpretation of data interpretation of data of data demonstrates a data is interpreted to However, the data is not
subject-specific demonstrates an demonstrates an demonstrates a very good degree of satisfactory success, interpreted or evaluated.
context outstanding degree of excellent degree of good degree of evaluation, and though the
evaluation and insight in evaluation and insight in evaluation and insight. implications of the data interpretation lacks
a highly sophisticated a sophisticated manner. are considered. depth.
manner.
Task B: Commentary (500 words) (LOs 1 and 4)
LO1: Use appropriate An outstanding use of An12xcelent use of A very good use of A good use of language A satisfactory use of A limited use of A poor composition
language and language and structures language and structures language and and structures language and language and structures featuring language and
structures when appropriate to an appropriate to an structures appropriate appropriate to an structures appropriate appropriate to an structures that are not
composing common academic commentary. academic commentary. to an academic academic commentary. to an academic academic commentary. appropriate to the
academic texts There is an outstanding There is excellent use of commentary. There is There is good use of commentary. There is There is limited use of academic
use of appropriate appropriate sentence very good use of appropriate sentence satisfactory use of appropriate sentence commentary. There is
sentence types, linking types, linking words and appropriate sentence types, linking words appropriate sentence types, linking words and no use of appropriate
words and paragraphs. paragraphs. The types, linking words and paragraphs. The types, linking words paragraphs. sentence types, linking
The commentary is very commentary is very and paragraphs. The commentary is effective and paragraphs. The words and paragraphs.
effective and provides effective and generally commentary is very in demonstrating the commentary is
an individual provides an individual effective in development of somewhat effective in
perspective in response perspective in response demonstrating the academic writing. demonstrating the
to the task. to the task. development of development of
academic writing. academic writing.
LO4: Graduate An outstanding An excellent description A very good description A good description of A satisfactory A limited description of The commentary does
Attribute 4: description of two key of two key academic of two key academic two key academic description of two key the key academic not describe any key
‘Professionally academic conventions conventions listed in conventions listed in conventions listed in academic conventions conventions listed in academic conventions
knowledgeable in the listed in Task B, utilising Task B, utilising various Task B, utilising various Task B, utilising some listed in Task B. An Task B. An example listed in Task B. There
subject area’. various meta-language. meta-language. The meta-language such as meta-language such as example paragraph paragraph from Task A is no example
The commentary is commentary explores the ‘topic sentence’, ‘thesis ‘topic sentence’, ‘thesis from Task A is is provided, though the paragraph from Task A
Describe key highly sophisticated in implications of utilising statement’ or ‘reporting statement’ or ‘reporting provided, and the commentary is largely provided. The
academic exploring the these conventions in verb’. The commentary verb’. The commentary commentary is unrelated to the example commentary is
conventions that are implications of utilising academic writing and demonstrates a very is directly related to the generally related to the paragraph. unrelated to the
associated with their these conventions in demonstrates an good understanding of example paragraph. example paragraph. example paragraph.
subject area and academic writing. There excellent understanding the development of
discipline is an outstanding of the development of academic conventions
understanding of the academic conventions in in the example
development of the example paragraph. paragraph.
academic conventions
in the example
paragraph.
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system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme materials please see the Arden
Student Terms and Conditions.
General Guidance
Your assignment should include an Arden University cover page, which can be
downloaded under the ‘My Assessment’ tab of the module on iLearn.
You must address all the elements of the tasks in the assignment brief. Tutors will
use the assessment criteria (pages 11-12) to assess your work. It is advised that you
refer to these criteria while completing your assignment to understand how you are
assessed and to achieve the best possible grade.
Do not include your name in your submission. Arden University operates anonymous
marking, meaning that markers should not be aware of the identity of the student.
However, do not forget to include your STU number in your cover page.
The maximum word count of this assignment is 2000 words. Students are required to
indicate the exact word count on the title page of the assessment. The full word
count policy can be found in Student Policies here: Arden University | Regulatory
Framework.
The word count includes everything in the main body of the assessment (including in
text citations). The word count excludes numerical data in tables, figures, diagrams,
footnotes, reference list and appendices. All other printed words are included in the
word count. Note that exceeding the word count by over 10% will result in a 10-
percent grade deduction.
You must ensure that the submitted assessment is all your own work and that all
sources used are correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assessment which show
evidence of unfair practice. See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z
key information on iLearn).
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publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Assessment Support
We strongly encourage you to engage with our assessment support options as you
work through your assessment task(s):
• View the week 10 iLearn lesson ‘General Assessment Advice and Guidance’
(for information about resits, extensions and extenuating circumstances)
• Book a tutorial with a Foundation Year lecturer
• Academic Skills Team – book an appointment with a tutor here
• Academic Skills Team – book a workshop
• Academic Skills Team – view resources
• English Language support – English Language Hub
Formative Feedback
You can submit a full/partial draft of your work for feedback. As explained on page 6,
submitting a draft by week 4 to the correct formative assessment portal will
contribute 10 points towards your final grade.
Submit a copy of your draft using the Turnitin formative draft link by the given
deadline. You can find the deadline for your draft on iLearn. You can submit your
draft on iLearn under the ‘My Assessment’ tab.
Formative tasks give you the opportunity to check your understanding of key
concepts and help you prepare for the final portfolio submission.
Your lecturer will provide verbal or written feedback to help you improve your
assessment.
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publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Submission Guidance
Assignments submitted late will not be accepted and will be marked as a 0% fail.
If submitting multiple files, you must name each document as the question/part you
are answering along with your student number, i.e. Task A STUXXXX. If you wish to
overwrite your submission or one of your submissions, you must ensure that your new
submission has exactly the same file name as the previous one for the system to
overwrite it.
The submitted assignment must be your own work and that all sources used are
correctly attributed. Penalties apply to assignments which show evidence of academic
unfair practice. See the Student Handbook which is available on the A-Z key
information on iLearn.
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publication may be reproduced, shared (including in private social media groups), stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme
materials please see the Arden Student Terms and Conditions.
Assessment Criteria: Level 3 Assessment Criteria
Level 3 prepares students to function effectively at Level 4. Criteria for assessment at Level 3 reflect the preparatory nature of these modules. Students are expected to
Level 3
demonstrate the acquisition of generic learning skills appropriate for self-managed learning in an HE context. Students are expected to demonstrate that they have acquired the
underpinning discipline-specific skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to undertake a programme of higher education.
Band and Categorical Outstanding 80+ Excellent 70 – 79 Very Good 60 – 69 Good 50 – 59 Satisfactory 40 – 49 Marginal Fail 30 – 39 Fail < 29
Marks (85 / 90 / 95 / 100) (72 / 75 / 78) (62 / 65 / 68) (52 / 55 / 58) (42 / 45 / 48) (32 / 35 / 38) (0 / 5 / 15 / 20 / 25)
Arden University Outstanding Excellent performance Very good performance A good performance A satisfactory level of A limited level of A poor performance in
assessment criteria: performance which which demonstrates an which demonstrates a which shows a decent understanding in which knowledge in which which there are
demonstrates an excellent knowledge sound understanding of understanding of the there are some gaps in there are clear substantial gaps in
Overall Judgement outstanding knowledge base and the ability to the content and some content and makes knowledge of the omissions in knowledge and
base, supported with begin to analyse the ability to analyse the some reference to subject, its understanding the understanding. The
wider reading and the subject. The work draws issues with reference to theory. The work shows underpinning theory, subject, its underpinning work is imitative.
ability to begin to on relevant theory whilst theory. a sound level of and ethical theory, and ethical
analyse the subject showing some competence in considerations. considerations.
area. The work draws awareness of any managing basic
widely on relevant relevant ethical sources and materials.
theory and shows considerations. Good professional skills
awareness of any (where appropriate).
relevant ethical
considerations.
Arden University Outstanding academic Excellent academic Academic writing skills Academic writing skills Academic writing skills Academic writing skills Academic writing skills
assessment criteria: writing skills and writing skills and are very good, and are generally good, and are limited and there are weak and there are are very weak and
professional skills professional skills (where expression remains expression remains are some errors in errors in expression and there are numerous
Academic writing, (where appropriate). appropriate). accurate overall. Very accurate overall expression and the the work may lack errors in expression.
academic skills good professional skills although the piece may work may lack structure structure overall. There The work lacks
(where appropriate). lack structure. overall. There are some are difficulties in structure overall.
difficulties in developing developing professional Professional skills
professional skills skills (where (where appropriate)
(where appropriate). appropriate). are not developed.
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Student Terms and Conditions.
Arden University The work shows an The work shows a high The work shows a There is some attempt The work shows a The work shows a The work shows little
assessment outstanding level of level of competence in very good level of to reference the work. basic use of sources limited use of sources evidence in the use of
criteria: competence and managing sources and competence in and materials. and materials. appropriate sources
confidence in materials and initiative. managing sources and materials.
Use of sources, managing appropriate The work is consistently and materials and
referencing of sources and materials referenced throughout. some initiative. The
sources and initiative. The work is referenced
work is accurately throughout.
and consistently
referenced
throughout.
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system or transmitted in any form or means, including without limitation electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Arden University. To find out more about the use and distribution of programme materials please see the Arden
Student Terms and Conditions.