Draft 2: Summary Of Article "Duo Turned Plastic Waste Into A Concrete Idea"

In the article “Duo Turned Plastic Waste into a Concrete Idea,” Goy (2016) explains that the company BlueRen discovered a method of integrating carbon nanotubes from converted plastic waste into cement through a sustainable method. The article quotes co-founder Aravind Muthiah, who explains that their “technology is about upcycling, and converts plastic waste into high-value products.” The process turns plastics into hydrocarbon gases, creating the carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are beneficial due to their characteristics that can aid in the reduction of cement by 30% in concrete. Despite the multiple benefits, usage is constrained as the nanotubes are expensive and release harmful gases. To combat these issues, BlueRen came out with a recycling process using an alternative mineral as a catalyst that is less harmful to the environment. BlueRen plans to expand on their prototype and to commercialise its technology.
(140 words)

Draft 1: Summary Of Article "Duo Turned Plastic Waste Into A Concrete Idea"

In the article “Duo Turned Plastic Waste into a Concrete Idea,” Goy (2016) explains that the company BlueRen discovered a method of integrating carbon nanotubes from converted plastic waste into cement through a sustainable method. The article quotes Aravind, whom explains that their “technology is about upcycling, and converts plastic waste into high-value products.” The process turns plastics into hydrocarbon gases, creating the carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are beneficial due to its characteristics that can aid in the reduction of cement by 30% in concrete.  Despite its multiple benefits, usage is constrained as they are expensive and release harmful gases. To combat these issues, BlueRen came out with a recycling process using alternative mineral as a reactant that is less harmful to the environment. BlueRen was awarded a grant which they plan to expand on its prototype.

(137 words)

Dear Professor Blackstone,

I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself. I graduated with a diploma in environmental management and water technology from Singapore Polytechnic in 2015. Currently, I am a student pursuing a degree in civil engineering in SIT.

I used to assume that engineering is not a well known occupation. My impression changed while I was studying in Singapore Polytechnic as my course is a mixture of environmental and civil engineering. The lecturers that taught civil engineering modules in the course piqued my interest in civil engineering as they taught with passion and experience. This made me realised that civil engineering is more than just a job. It could help to improve the standard of living and make an impact in the world. Therefore, I decided to apply for this course and pursue my interest.

I worked in Republic Polytechnic and Civil Service College as an administrator in hopes to enhance my communication skills. These jobs required me to interact heavily with students and clients. To execute my job properly, I had to stay alert to listen and understand the other party in order to answer queries that were posed to me. From these working experience, I learnt that I am able to understand the other party well and communicate professionally in the working world as I was able to help them effectively.

In terms of my weakness in communication, I tend to stutter and speak in broken sentences to bring my message across to my audience. I will repeat around the same point in fear that my message would not get conveyed clearly, resulting in rushing through the presentation.

One of my goals in this module is to be more proficient in my presentation skills and be more precise in bringing information across to my audience. I would also like to improve my writing skills. I believe that this module will be beneficial in my studies as well as my future career.

I look forward to future classes.

Thank you.

Yours Sincerely,

Au Wei Ming

Revised:
29/01/18
19/02/18
23/02/18

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