OUMH1203 September 2026 Assignment: Should Malaysian Universities Make AI Literacy Compulsory? Three-Stage Argumentative Essay (OUM)

OUMH1203 English for Written Communication: September 2026 Semester Assignment (Open University Malaysia)

For the September 2026 semester, OUMH1203 learners argue whether Malaysian universities should introduce a compulsory AI literacy module for every undergraduate. The task moves from an outline to a six-respondent questionnaire and a 2,200 to 2,500-word argumentative essay, plus two forum questions on credible sources and concise writing.

Specific Instructions

• Answer in English.
• Approximately 2,500 to 3,000 words, excluding references and outline.
• Present your responses in a single file and submit online by 4 November 2026.
• The assignment accounts for 50% of the total course marks.
• Heavy reliance on AI-generated content without critical engagement, verification or attribution is penalised.

Purpose

To take students through the complete process of written communication, from pre-writing and outlining to collecting relevant data and producing a fully developed essay, building the ability to apply effective writing techniques in different contexts.

Part I: The Process of Writing a Basic Essay (40%)

Generative AI tools are increasingly common in higher education. Students use them for brainstorming, language support, searching for information, summarising ideas and improving written work. While AI can support learning and widen access to information, it also raises concerns about inaccurate information, academic integrity, overdependence on technology and the development of independent thinking and writing. Some educators therefore suggest formal AI literacy education for all students, covering responsible use, ethics, source verification, academic integrity and the limitations of AI output.

Essay question: Do you agree that Malaysian universities should introduce a compulsory AI literacy module for all undergraduate students? Take a clear position, support it with reasons, evidence and examples, and respond to at least one opposing argument.

Stage 1: Pre-Writing and Outlining (5%)

• State clearly whether you agree or disagree with the proposal.
• Write a thesis statement that presents your position and indicates the main arguments.
• Organise the outline into Introduction, Body and Conclusion (a sample outline format is provided).
• The body should contain two or three main arguments for your position and one opposing argument with your rebuttal, each with supporting details or examples, in a logical order.

Stage 2: Collecting and Organising Relevant Data (10%)

• Administer the questionnaire provided, “Perceptions of Compulsory AI Literacy Education in Malaysian Universities”, to at least SIX respondents (students, graduates, lecturers, educators or working adults). You may add items or respondents but must not change the given items.
• Record all closed-ended and open-ended responses in tables, graphs or charts.
• Write a 300 to 400-word summary highlighting patterns, numbers or percentages and notable views, explaining what the findings suggest, and identifying at least THREE findings to use in your Stage 3 essay.
• Attach the completed questionnaires after the summary.

Stage 3: Producing a Fully Developed Essay (25%)

• Write a 2,200 to 2,500-word argumentative essay on the same question, following your Stage 1 outline.
• Develop two or three well-explained arguments with examples, evidence and credible sources, and address at least one significant opposing argument with a convincing rebuttal.
• Integrate at least THREE questionnaire findings and explain how they support, challenge or contribute to your argument.
• Use at least FOUR credible references published between 2022 and 2026, including at least TWO academic sources.
• One-paragraph introduction ending with a clear thesis; one-paragraph conclusion that reinforces your position, synthesises the arguments and gives a strong final perspective.
• APA style for in-text citations and the reference list.

Part II: Online Class Participation (10%)

1. When writing an academic essay, how do you decide whether a source is credible enough to use? Discuss your strategies and give an example of a reliable source and a source you would question.
2. Based on the comic strip in the brief, organise THREE key principles to prioritise when writing within a strict word limit and critically explain why each matters.

Submit screenshots (JPG or PNG) of your best FIVE forum posts showing name, discussion title, day, date and time, posted on different dates across the semester.