Academic Language and Literacy in English
ENG1503
ENG1503 Assignment 01 Semester 1 SOLUTION 2026
Department of English Studies
, Question 1 (200 words)
The primary target audience of this article is university academics and higher education
leaders, although it also indirectly addresses students and policymakers. This is evident
because the writer frequently refers to “those of us who work in universities”, which
suggests that he is speaking directly to fellow academics who are involved in teaching
and assessment. Furthermore, the article discusses assessment methods, invigilated
examinations, curriculum design, and certification functions, all of which are matters
that concern lecturers, deans, and university management.
For example, the author critiques universities that have not returned to traditional in-
person examinations after the Covid-19 lockdowns, showing that he is addressing
institutional decision-makers. In addition, the reference to a Daily Maverick article
quoting university leaders indicates that the debate is occurring at an administrative
level. Although students are mentioned, particularly in the example where a student
asks, “Where are we supposed to get our ideas?”, this appears to illustrate a broader
institutional problem rather than directly targeting students. Therefore, the article is
mainly directed at academics and higher education authorities who are responsible for
safeguarding academic standards and the integrity of university qualifications.
Question 2 (200 words)
The article argues that generative artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, poses a
serious threat to the integrity and credibility of university degrees. Firstly, the author
contends that students can use ChatGPT to produce assignments that appear
competent without genuinely engaging with course material, developing original ideas,
or mastering disciplinary knowledge. This undermines the certification function of
universities, as degrees may no longer accurately reflect a student’s actual skills and
competencies.
Secondly, the author explains that AI-generated content is extremely difficult to detect
because it produces seemingly original work without a clear source, unlike traditional
plagiarism from the internet. This makes it challenging for lecturers to prove
misconduct. Thirdly, while acknowledging that AI literacy is important for the future
workforce, the author argues that it should not replace the development of critical
thinking and deep conceptual understanding. He warns that relying excessively on AI
may weaken students’ ability to analyse, synthesise, and solve problems independently.
Ultimately, the article calls for universities to reconsider assessment methods,
including a possible return to in-person tests and examinations, to protect academic
integrity.
ENG1503
ENG1503 Assignment 01 Semester 1 SOLUTION 2026
Department of English Studies
, Question 1 (200 words)
The primary target audience of this article is university academics and higher education
leaders, although it also indirectly addresses students and policymakers. This is evident
because the writer frequently refers to “those of us who work in universities”, which
suggests that he is speaking directly to fellow academics who are involved in teaching
and assessment. Furthermore, the article discusses assessment methods, invigilated
examinations, curriculum design, and certification functions, all of which are matters
that concern lecturers, deans, and university management.
For example, the author critiques universities that have not returned to traditional in-
person examinations after the Covid-19 lockdowns, showing that he is addressing
institutional decision-makers. In addition, the reference to a Daily Maverick article
quoting university leaders indicates that the debate is occurring at an administrative
level. Although students are mentioned, particularly in the example where a student
asks, “Where are we supposed to get our ideas?”, this appears to illustrate a broader
institutional problem rather than directly targeting students. Therefore, the article is
mainly directed at academics and higher education authorities who are responsible for
safeguarding academic standards and the integrity of university qualifications.
Question 2 (200 words)
The article argues that generative artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, poses a
serious threat to the integrity and credibility of university degrees. Firstly, the author
contends that students can use ChatGPT to produce assignments that appear
competent without genuinely engaging with course material, developing original ideas,
or mastering disciplinary knowledge. This undermines the certification function of
universities, as degrees may no longer accurately reflect a student’s actual skills and
competencies.
Secondly, the author explains that AI-generated content is extremely difficult to detect
because it produces seemingly original work without a clear source, unlike traditional
plagiarism from the internet. This makes it challenging for lecturers to prove
misconduct. Thirdly, while acknowledging that AI literacy is important for the future
workforce, the author argues that it should not replace the development of critical
thinking and deep conceptual understanding. He warns that relying excessively on AI
may weaken students’ ability to analyse, synthesise, and solve problems independently.
Ultimately, the article calls for universities to reconsider assessment methods,
including a possible return to in-person tests and examinations, to protect academic
integrity.
