COM101 Principles and Practice of Communication TMA 01 2026 | SUSS, Singapore

COM101 Tutor-Marked Assignment 01

This tutor‐marked assignment (TMA) is worth 20% of the final mark for COM101: Principles and Practice of Communication.

Please upload this assignment to Turnitin by Thursday, 19 February 2026, 11:55pm. Resubmissions are allowed before this cut-off time.

Present your answers to the questions through a presentation video, accompanied by visual aids. Ensure the visual aids effectively complement your oral presentation. The total duration of your video, covering Questions 1 to 3, must not exceed 5 minutes. (100 marks)

Please ensure that you read and follow the video submission instructions [Appendix C] carefully. Failure to submit your video assignment properly will result in your submission being voided.

When submitting, select ‘Insert’ tab and select ‘Document’ > ‘Upload Document’ to attach both Self-Declaration Cover page and Presentation video for submission. Finally, remember to click submit. [Refer to Canvas L01 announcement: [IMPORTANT Notice] Instructions on submission of document with video for TMA assignments]

Marks allocation at a glance

 Note: All marks will be awarded only with the TMA submission via Turnitin.

Self -Declaration Cover Page on Academic Integrity:

Include the self-declaration cover page in all your TMAs submission. A penalty of 5 marks deduction will be imposed if this self-declaration form is incomplete, inaccurate, or missing from the final submission of your assignment. Appeals concerning the self-declaration form will not be entertained. 

Question 1 (20 marks)

Apply your understanding of the three dimensions of a communication channel to analyze how social media platforms influence the interpretation of messages. In your discussion, use specific examples from screenshots of different social media posts to interpret how each characteristic of the channel is applied.

Question 2 (30 marks)

With reference to this video clip, answer the following question:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJD5FIoe1NQ

This scene occurs early in the film, when Margaret Tate, the powerful editor‑in‑chief at a New York publishing firm, fires Bob Spaulding, a senior editor, in front of her staff for failing to secure a high‑profile interview. Her assistant, Andrew Paxton, is present in the room during the discussion, observing the interaction. The scene concludes with Bob being fired, establishing the power dynamics and tension between the characters.

With reference to the clip above, analyse SIX distinct nonverbal cues. For each nonverbal cue that you identify, provide two examples from the scene to illustrate it. Briefly describe what occurs in each example and focus your discussion on explaining the selected cues and interpreting the meaning it conveys in this context.

Question 3 (30 marks)

Select TWO different static display ads consisting of fixed images with text and no animation or interactivity. For each ad, identify and analyse FIVE salience- or vividness-based selection cues. You may choose different cues for each ad, using whichever combination best fits the visuals. Discuss how each cue is applied to draw attention and shape the viewer’s interpretation and explain why it effectively influences perception. Use concrete, specific examples from the actual ad images with clear explanations of how each cue affects audience perception.

Language and Referencing (20 marks)  

The References lists the full reference of all sources cited or referred to in your assignment. Intext citations also need to be presented accurately in APA format.

Note: Valid academic sources include peer-reviewed academic journal articles, academic books and book chapters. The iSmartGuide, student theses, online websites, blog posts, or videos are NOT considered valid academic sources.

Demonstrate your understanding of Questions 1 to 3, with relevant research and communication skills through a video recording. Ensure the following:

• Your video must not exceed 5 minutes (for Questions 1 to 3 in total). Marks will be deducted if this rule is not adhered to.
• Structure and organize your presentation logically, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Visual aids (such as slides and images) must be used to enhance your viewer’s understanding.
• Include APA format in-text citations and references used as you present your answers and ensure that they are clearly visible in the recording. This section only checks that the in-text citations and reference list are presented accurately in APA7 format. It does not involve the degree or extent to which students support their arguments with appropriate citations. It also does not involve the quality of the items listed.
• Speak clearly and confidently. Maintain a professional demeanour throughout the presentation. Check that you can be seen and heard clearly throughout the video.
• Record your TMA video, upload your .MP4 file via Panopto and proceed to “Assignments” in the T-group to submit this video. Please refer to the video submission guide for more technical information.

—End of TMA01—