, ENG1503
ASSIGNMENT: 1 – Short paragraph questions
Unique number: 185115
Compulsory: Yes
Due date: 20 March 2026
1. In a 200-word paragraph, identify the target audience(s) of the text and
justify your answer with at least three examples. (6 marks)
the main target audience of this text is university academics and university
leaders in South Africa. The writer speaks directly from the position of
someone who works at a university and refers to “those of us who work in
universities,” which shows that the article is aimed at fellow lecturers and
higher education professionals. He discusses issues such as assessment
methods, online examinations after Covid-19, and the certification function of
universities. These are concerns that mainly affect academics and institutional
managers rather than school learners or the general public. A second target
audience is policymakers and university management teams. This is clear when
the writer criticises the responses of university leaders quoted in the Daily
Maverick article and questions whether institutions are underestimating the AI
problem. A third target audience is the broader educated public, including
employers. The writer explains how degrees function in the labour market and
how employers must trust the value of qualifications. By highlighting the risk to
the credibility of degrees, he appeals to those who depend on universities to
produce competent graduates.
2. In 200 words, summarise the main points of the text, demonstrating your
understanding of the key issues and findings.
11marks
The article argues that ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are a serious
threat to universities and the value of degrees. The writer explains that
universities do more than give certificates. They help students develop critical
thinking, problem-solving skills, and deep knowledge in their subjects.
However, many students now use ChatGPT to complete assignments without
reading, thinking, or creating their own ideas. Because many universities still
use online assessments after Covid-19, it has become easier for students to
ASSIGNMENT: 1 – Short paragraph questions
Unique number: 185115
Compulsory: Yes
Due date: 20 March 2026
1. In a 200-word paragraph, identify the target audience(s) of the text and
justify your answer with at least three examples. (6 marks)
the main target audience of this text is university academics and university
leaders in South Africa. The writer speaks directly from the position of
someone who works at a university and refers to “those of us who work in
universities,” which shows that the article is aimed at fellow lecturers and
higher education professionals. He discusses issues such as assessment
methods, online examinations after Covid-19, and the certification function of
universities. These are concerns that mainly affect academics and institutional
managers rather than school learners or the general public. A second target
audience is policymakers and university management teams. This is clear when
the writer criticises the responses of university leaders quoted in the Daily
Maverick article and questions whether institutions are underestimating the AI
problem. A third target audience is the broader educated public, including
employers. The writer explains how degrees function in the labour market and
how employers must trust the value of qualifications. By highlighting the risk to
the credibility of degrees, he appeals to those who depend on universities to
produce competent graduates.
2. In 200 words, summarise the main points of the text, demonstrating your
understanding of the key issues and findings.
11marks
The article argues that ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are a serious
threat to universities and the value of degrees. The writer explains that
universities do more than give certificates. They help students develop critical
thinking, problem-solving skills, and deep knowledge in their subjects.
However, many students now use ChatGPT to complete assignments without
reading, thinking, or creating their own ideas. Because many universities still
use online assessments after Covid-19, it has become easier for students to
