Summary of "4 Ways to Demolish a Building" draft 3

In the article, “4 Ways to Demolish a Building,” Rodriguez (2018) has stated that ways to demolish a building depends on the area, material, purpose of demolition and dispose of debris. The author implies that the implosion method is suitable for large scale building, by destroying the main beams. The explosive placement and order of demolition are important. He further suggests detailed study of the structure drawings and timing of the detonation is required. The author stated that high reach arm method involved the removal of inter-connected beams. Suitable for the buildings above 20 meters and safer alternative compared to the wrecking ball demolition. Expert is required to operate the wrecking ball during demolition due to space constraint and equipment load. The author mention that this method emits dust, vibration and noise. The author stated that selective demolition is a cost saving method suitable for the reuse of materials for future construction. High labor and time are needed for selection of reuse materials.

Thesis statement: Based on the points elaborated, although the writer addressed the four ways to demolish a building, he could have mentioned other demolition methods which are commonly used in the industry.

First of all, the writer should have included the top-down demolition method. This method hoisted the concrete breakers and crushers machines to the rooftop and demolish the building from a top-down manner floor by floor. In the article “No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in Singapore” (2017), wrecking balls and explosives demolition are not suitable for high and compact buildings. The top-down demolition began with floor slabs, followed by the beam, column and the foundation. Dust emission could be reduced by using a mist machine. Clean concrete from demolition debris are recycled to build footpaths and roadside drains. After demolition the ground must be filled with soil to ensure the grass grows. Based on the news report “Rochor centre to be torn down floor by floor.” (2018), a demolition specialist Mr Tay stated:” This is the conventional method of tearing down buildings,”

Reference

No explosives or swinging balls: How high-rise demolitions go down in 

        Singapore. (2017). Channel NewsAsia.

        Retrieved, December 31, 2017

from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/no-explosives-or-swinging-balls-how-high-rise-demolitions-go-9425362

Wong, D. (2018) Rochor Centre to be torn down floor by floor. The Straits Times. 

Retrieved, June 27, 2018

from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/rochor-centre-to-be-torn-down-floor-by-floor

Summary of "4 Ways to Demolish a Building" draft 2

In the article, “4 Ways to Demolish a Building,” Rodriguez (2018) has stated that ways to demolish a building depends on the area, material, purpose of demolition and dispose of debris. The author implies that the implosion method is suitable for large scale building, by destroying the main beams. The explosive placement and order of demolition are important. He further suggests detailed study of the structure drawings and timing of the detonation is required. The author stated that high reach arm method involved the removal of inter-connected beams. Suitable for the buildings above 20 meters and safer alternative compared to the wrecking ball demolition. Expert is required to operate the wrecking ball during demolition due to space constraint and equipment load. The author mention that this method emits dust, vibration and noise. The author stated that selective demolition is a cost saving method suitable for the reuse of materials for future construction. High labor and time are needed for selection of reuse materials.

Thesis statement: Based on the points elaborated, although the writer addressed the four ways to demolish a building, he could have mentioned other demolition methods which are commonly used in the industry.

Summary of "4 Ways to Demolish a Building" draft 1

In the article, “4 Ways to Demolish a Building,” Juan Rodriguez (2018) has stated that ways to demolish a building depends on the area, material, purpose of demolition and dispose of debris. The author implies that implosion method suitable for large scale building, by destroy the main beam using explosive. The explosive placement, and order of demolition is important. He further suggests for safety detailed study of the structure drawings is needed. The author stated that high reach arm method suitable for building more than 20 meters high. This method safer compare to wrecking ball. Involved removal of inter connection beams. The author stated that an expert need to control the heavy metal ball as equipment load, and space are critical for demolition. The author mention that this method emits dust, vibration and noise. The author stated that selective demolition is suitable for reuse of materials. He explains that this can reduce the capital of the project. High labor and time are needed for selection of reuse materials.

Self-introduction

Subject: Self-introduction

Dear Prof Blackstone,

 My name is Wendy Sun Yiwen, and I am writing to introduce myself. I graduated from Singapore Polytechnic with a diploma in Environment Management and Water Technology. After graduation I worked in the build environment sector for one year and eventually made the decision to further my studies in sustainable infrastructure engineering (building services) program.

 

Being outgoing is my forte, I have no difficulties starting a conversation with anyone. I had met many people from around the world through different international camps. This filled me with an abundance of culture and life experienced. It is much harder to communicate with someone that does not have much English exposure. I overcame that obstacles by using sign language and online language translator. I am confidence in Korean language, as I can speak and write in Hangul, after many hours of lessons and self-study.

 

My weakness in communication is my exposure to English language. I came from a Chinese speaking background, I have trouble speaking fluent English. During conversations I struggle to find the right words to express my intention. Feeling of frustration builds up in me whenever I need to check online dictionary for the right words to utilize. I work at my weakness by exposing myself to English-speaking shows, reading more English books as well as speaking more English language.

 

Report writing, and presentation are crucial skills that I need to sharpen in this module. I aim to arrange my sentences structure to be clear and concise. I want to enrich my vocabulary to improve in report writing. I will take careful account and minimized the error I made. I am doing the English quest and increase daily time for reading to improve my English language.

 

Effective communication is an essential skill to prepare us for the working environment. I am grateful for the all the meaningful lesson that were taught to us during the Effective Communication module. I look forward to achieving more in your class.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy Sun
SIE2018 Seminar Group 6


Blogs I have commented on:
Meng Wee, Guyvan and Nicholas.

Task 2: Reflection in real life

I have the habit of planning ahead of the task I aim to accomplish during the day and I
make sure to stick accordingly to what was planned. It takes a lot of effort when it
comes to planning my daily task and routine as I planned it corresponding to my
timetable. I would by all means avoid any delays in my scheduled plan. As I would feel
really impatient when it comes to waiting. Furthermore I am inflexible when comes to
reschedule.

The demoralizing feeling when things didn’t go as planned was what I despised the
most. The change in the schedule causes many plans to be push forward resulting in
many delays. This created a sense of helplessness in me as I am confuse on what is the
solution out of this trouble.

As time passed , I have learnt to overcome all the shortcomings that I have to face in my
schedule. Adapting to sudden changes and learning to be more patient when things take
a wrong turn , are skills that I had honed trough experienced to tackle my weaknesses.
Furthermore I have learnt to prioritized my tasks and make time for myself to relax and
do the things I enjoy.

As of today , I have overcome my weaknesses through the improvement I have make
over the years. Able to accept the unvarying changes to my planned schedule, have
shaped me to become a person that is able to constantly adapt to different stressful
situation. For the days to come I will overcome all obstacles I faced in life, as I
will only grow to become better in tough times.

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 → discuss relevant qualifications
• Close → thank the reader

                     → provide 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
• Shouldn'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 precise

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: 7/10

Organisation: 8/10

Language Use: 6/10

Total: 21/30

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 than just 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” sounds informal
4. He “scheduled” his own interview instead of hoping the company will ring him up for follow up; not passive approach

3e. Letter of transmittal

What is a transmittal ?

1. A transmittal or cover letter accompanies a larger item, document for example a proposal, job application.
2. It is a short and clear letter that contain the purpose and brief introduction about the attach document.
3. Include summarize the key points and useful informations about the attach document.
4. Language use should be passive and formal.
5. Ensure both parties have a permanent record of the document.
6. 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 informations 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.