ENL 2223
ENGLISH FOR MASS COMMUNICATION I
SESSION: JANUARY 2025
CLO 2: Write well-developed essays to respond to media-related issues.
CRAFTING YOUR FIRST MAGAZINE (20%)
Group Assignment (50 marks)
This assignment will be done in a group of 3 to 4 members. It will contribute 20% of the coursework marks. There will be ONLY one submission for this assignment.
Requirement:
Your group magazine should be created from one of the topics given below.
· Format: Softcopy (to be submitted online)
· Length: 8–10 pages (including cover and table of contents).
· Deadline: Week 6 (Short Semester) Week 10 (Long Semester)
Proposed magazine topics:
1. Mental Health Awareness
2. Pop Culture and trends
3. Film
4. Campus Life: Stories and Events
5. Sustainability and eco-tourism
Magazine components:
1. Cover Page
· Magazine title
· Main cover image
· Highlighted feature articles or topics (e.g., “Top 5 Travel Destinations” or “The Future of AI in Media”)
· Issue date and volume
2. Table of Contents
· List of sections and articles with page numbers
3. Editorial Note
· A short message from the editor (student group leader or teacher) introducing the theme of the magazine.
4. Main Articles (2–3) – one article per student
· Each article should focus on the chosen theme (e.g., sustainability, pop culture).
· Articles can be 300–400 words and include visuals like photos, infographics, or charts.
5. Feature Section
· A special piece, such as:
o A photo essay
o A spotlight on innovations, trends, or local stories
o Advertisements (at least 2)
6. Fun and Interactive Content
· Examples:
o Quizzes (e.g., “What’s Your Media Personality?”)
o Short trivia or fun facts related to the theme
o Crossword puzzles or “Spot the Difference” activities
7. Back Cover
· A thank-you message or a visually striking image related to the theme.
Assignment Process
Weeks: 2-3
Preparation for the magazine cover and theme
· Choose a clear and compelling theme that resonates with your target audience and aligns with the magazine's purpose. Ensure the theme is visually and conceptually cohesive across the cover and contents.
· Focus on creating an eye-catching design with a striking image, bold headlines, and a clean layout. Use colors, fonts, and graphics that reflect the theme while maintaining readability and visual appeal.
Weeks: 4-7
Magazine article and feature section preparation - one student per article
· Ensure the article has a clear structure, including a captivating headline, an engaging introduction, well-organized body paragraphs, and a strong conclusion.
· Check for subject-verb agreement, proper tense usage, and correct punctuation, especially in lists, dialogue, and quotations.
NOTE: DO NOT use Wikipedia as a source. Sources should be current and after the year 2000.
Weeks: 8-9
Fun and Interactive Content Preparation
· Use quizzes, puzzles, polls, or short games to make the content interactive and appealing to the audience.
· Attribute all borrowed ideas, data, images, or multimedia to their original creators using appropriate citation formats (UH Harvard Referencing and Citation). Include a reference list or credit section where necessary.
Week 6: Submission (Short Semester)
Week 10: Submission (Long Semester)
Marking criteria:
Rubrics for Simplified Magazine Structure (50 Marks)
|
Criteria
|
Description
|
Marks
|
|
1. Cover Page (5%)
|
Creativity and relevance of the title, image selection, and overall design (clarity and theme connection).
|
2.5
|
|
2. Table of Contents (5%)
|
Clear layout, correct page references, and relevance to the content presented in the magazine.
|
2.5
|
|
3. Editorial Note (10%)
|
Relevance to the magazine theme, engaging and professional tone, grammar, and spelling.
|
5
|
|
4. Main Articles (40%)
|
Quality of writing (20%)—clarity, coherence, grammar, and engagement. Originality of content and relevance to the theme (10%). Use of visuals (10%).
|
20
|
|
5. Feature Section (20%)
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Creativity and relevance of the feature content, quality of design, and presentation. Includes innovative ideas (e.g., interviews, advertisements and photo essays).
|
10
|
|
6. Fun and Interactive Content (10%)
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Engagement level, creativity in designing quizzes or puzzles, and relevance to the theme.
|
5
|
|
7. Layout and Design (10%)
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Overall magazine structure, visual consistency, balanced use of text and images, and readability.
|
5
|
|
8. Teamwork and Effort (10%)
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Evidence of collaboration, equal contribution from group members, and timely submission.
|
5
|
|
* X x 20% = X%
50