"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 3

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftops claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. The article states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by handlers. Builders’ job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

The article explains the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green rooftops. However, the lack of a Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL) test to validate the information from the article makes the article less than satisfactory to promote hydrophobic technology within rooftops.

Green Rooftops should have done a Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL) test before publishing this article. The article mentioned that no test have been done to substantiate the benefit of eliminating a root barrier. In my opinion, I believe that the FLL test should have been done prior to the publishing of the article “The Concrete Advantage”. To justify their claims, Green Rooftops should have obtained a FLL test report from the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CRITT) Horticole and the Scientific and Technical Center for Building, European notified body for construction products (CSTB). The CRITT Horticole and the CSTB is a partnership program formed to perform root resistance tests on waterproofing membranes according to the EN 13948 norm (Determination of resistance to root penetration). The FLL testing techniques provides output which can be compared with preset reference values and this will provide more valid justification to why hydrophobic technology is better compared to the traditional roofing system. With this improvement done to the article,I feel that users of green rooftops would be convinced to upgrade their current rooftops to the use of hydrophobic technology.

References

Philippi, P. M. (2002). Introduction to the German FLL-Guidelines for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/IntroductiontotheGermanFLL2.pdf

Root resistance test EN 13948 - FLL. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.critt-horticole.com/activite/root-resistance-test-en-13948-fll/

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 2

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftops claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. The article states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by handlers. Builders’ job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem. Base on the points elaborated by the author, I support the use of concrete green roofs as they are more reliable compared to the traditional roofing system. Usage of concrete green roofs not only allows the user to overcome the disadvantages of a traditional system, it also helps in the preservation of the ecosystem.

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 1

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftop claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. Green Rooftop states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the biggest overthrow of green roofs by removing the part found most speculative by the handlers. Constructor’s job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. In the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards budding seedlings.

My self introduction

Dear Professor Brad Blackstone,

My name is Kenneth Sin and I am using this opportunity to introduce myself as a student in your effective communication class, T6. I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a diploma in clean energy management, having a keen interest in sustainable energy and infrastructure, I am currently pursuing a degree in sustainable infrastructure engineering (building services) program offered by Singapore Institute of Technology.

Aside from academic matters, I volunteer as a mentor for the Youth program in my church. I am attending Bethel Presbyterian Church in Serangoon. I take great pride in nurturing the youths of tomorrow, believing that one day they will use their talents and gifts to bring people towards Christianity.

One of my strengths in communication would be having confidence in public speaking. As a volunteer, I interact with Christians from different walks of life, allowing me to socialize with people of different ages and backgrounds. I take this mentor-ship program as a platform to polish my communication and interaction skills.

One of my weakness in communication would be the pacing of speech. Even though I have plenty of exposure in public speaking, I would unintentionally increase the pace of my speech as I will get nervous speaking to people. Resulting in people not being able to clearly understand what I am talking about, requiring me to repeat the same sentence multiple times.

My goal in studying this module is to broaden my communication and writing skills. I hope to refine my skills in public speaking and to improve my technical writing skills. I intend to make full use of the given resources within this module to work towards my goal. I believe that having you as our professor would greatly increase my chances of success. I hope to work closely with you throughout the semester.

Yours sincerely,

Kenneth Sin

Evaluation/analysis of letters 3d and 3e

Evaluation/analysis of letters 3d and 3e
3d. Letter of application
What is a Job Application Letter

• known as a cover letter
• a document sent with your resume to provide additional information about skills and experience
• provide detailed information on why you are are a qualified candidate 
• explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization
• identify your most relevant skills or experiences.

What to include in your letter

• The introduction → include why the applicant is writing
• The body → discusses relevant qualifications
• Close → thanks the reader
•           →provides contact information and follow-up details

• list your name and the job title you are applying for in the subject line
• include your contact information in your email signature
• don't list the employer's contact information

Get off to a direct start: 

• explain why you are writing 
• mention the job title and company name
• mention where you came across the job listing
• briefly mention why you are a strong candidate 
• short and to-the-point
• Offer something different than what's in your resume:
• don’t mention similar things in your resume
• more personal than in your resume
• narrate about your work experience and career

Make a good case:

• offer details about your experience and background
• show why you are a good candidate
• show how have other jobs prepared you for the position
• what can you bring to the position and to the company
• Emphasize your strengths

Close with important details: 

• include a thank you at the end
• share your contact information
• mention how you will follow up

Score for 3d writing
Content: 8/10 Organisation: 8/10 Language Use: 8/10
Total: 24/30

Improvements:

Content:

1. The writer shouldn’t be sharing information that can be found in his resume. 
2. The writer should have included what he can contribute to this company he is applying for.
3. Did not list his name and job title he was applying for in the subject line.(company might be hiring more then one position)
4. Did not thank the reader.

Language Used:

1. The writer was too casual.
2. The writer sentences weren’t constructed properly. Use of “of course, starting with because, they are need”
3. "Look at my resume attached" sound informal 
4. He "scheduled" his own interview instead of hoping that the company will contact him for a follow up(not passive approach)

3e. Letter of transmittal
What is a transmittal

• transmittal or cover letter accompanies a larger item, document for example a
• proposal, job application.
• It is a short and clear letter that contain the purpose and brief introduction
• about the attach document
• Include summarize the key points and useful information about the attach
• document
• Language use should be passive and formal
• Ensure both parties have a permanent record of the document
• Title, sender position and address and receiver position and address should be
• clearly indicate to avoid confusion. 

Format of writing a transmittal:

• Sender company name and address
• Date
• Receiver name, position in the company, company name and address
• Address the receiver eg: Dear Prof Blackstone,
• Title of the transmittal

           Introduction

• Brief introduction about the attachment

           Body

• Purpose and reason for submission of this document

           Close

• Thank the reader 
• End with formal closing eg: Yours sincerely

Score for 3e writing
Content: 8/10 Organisation: 8/10 Language Use: 7/10 Total: 23/30
Improvement:

1. Key points and useful information should be elaborated and summarized more about the attach document.
2. Input some data to support the project. 
3. Reduce the description of the project as too long winded.

Reflection in real life

Task 2: Reflection in real life

This task deals with reflection on action in real life.

Take into consideration the steps in Dewey’s Model of Reflective Thought and Action, then imagine how such a model might represent a real situation in your life.  Next, take notes on a scenario from your past in which a habitual behaviour such as spending money on cigarettes, eating compulsively, or sleeping the instant you sit down to study -- something that you had regularly practiced -- no longer seemed effective, creating a problem for you.

Reflect on this “problem.” What is the ideal behaviour that you could not achieve? What sort of conditions existed that provided the problem context? What were the consequences? Looking back, can you identify a primary or direct root cause for that problem?

As of today, ask yourself this question: Has the problem been solved? If you can answer “yes,” try to remember your past “reasoning” as you deliberated on the problem’s causes, and then reflect on the possible adaptations or changes that were required of you for generating a solution.

What  action  did you take  to make real change?  What steps/missteps occurred  in the process? What takeaways might you have developed from this experience?

If your problem has not yet been solved, reflect on why that is the case. What conditions existed that you were not able to change? Why did you ‘become stuck’?

Once you have finished taking notes on this scenario, share all the details with a partner. Are there any common points, or principles, in your set of reflections?
Be prepared to summarize your discussion with the class.

Rodgers (2002) has concisely summarized Dewey’s extensive writing on reflection into four main points:

1. Reflection is a meaning-making process that moves a learner from one experience into the next with deeper understanding of its relationships with and connections to other experiences and ideas, making continuity of learning possible.
2. Reflection is a systematic, rigorous, disciplined way of thinking, with its roots in scientific inquiry.
3. Reflection needs to happen in a community, in interaction with others.
4. Reflection requires attitudes that value the personal and intellectual growth of oneself and of others.

My Story

I used to think I was very good at math. Being in the normal academic stream, I frequently obtained top 5% within the cohort. This led me to become arrogant.  I didn’t listen to my peer’s and families’ advice when they told me I had to study more. I continued having this delusion until I was in secondary 3. It was only then I realized that my math was horrible. During my common test 2, I attempted the math paper without any prior revision on the topics coming out. To my horror, I could only solve the questions on the first page. I left the rest of the paper blank as I didn’t have a clue on how to solve any of the questions.

Upon receiving my math paper back, I felt that the whole world has gone against me. Seeing the single digit result on my paper, I felt like bursting into tears. I could only blame myself for being such an arrogant person. 

I still managed to get 4th position amongst the cohort that year. It hit me the most during this point as the top 3 position of the cohort was promoted to the express stream. Trying my luck, I appealed for the express stream, only to get turned down because of my math results.

After this incident, I told myself that I had to have regular revision especially on my math. I took up math tuition on a weekly basis. Joining the math class, it was only then I truly knew how far back I was lacking behind my peers. Once bitten and twice shy, I told myself that I wouldn’t want the make the same mistake ever in my life. I worked extremely hard for math. 2 years flew by in a blink of an eye and O levels came. Having prior revision for it, I took the math paper. I scored a B3 which was a vast improvement from the C6s or D7s I used to get for math. Seeing the exponential improvement, I decided to challenge myself and applied for an engineering course in the polytechnic. That led me to join my current course in Singapore Institute of Technology. I have high hopes for myself and I wish to achieve my lifelong dream, graduating from a university in Singapore.   



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Welcome to Kenneth's Blog

Hello !!! My name is Kenneth Sin Sheng Yong. Currently testing the new blogger layout and theme settings. Hopefully you'll enjoy this blog. Thanks !!

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