Wednesday, December 25, 2019

Secrets About College Evaluation Essay Samples Revealed

Secrets About College Evaluation Essay Samples Revealed But What About College Evaluation Essay Samples? By turning into a customer, you can observe how we've come to be the most preferred academic paper writing company of several students. The web is main resource for evaluation essay topics. Our customer support will gladly tell you whether there are any special offers at the present time, and make sure you are getting the very best service our business can deliver. When choosing a topic for an evaluation essay, it's important to center on a particular company, service, product or policy. If after following the steps and taking note of the advice and tricks, you find it difficult to compose a crucial analysis, don't be afraid to ask aid from EssayPro. Moreover, our English-speaking writers make sure every order has original content and a suitable structure. Make certain that you have presented enough basic info and details, or so the reader will be prepared to agree with your evaluation. Getting in a position to present details, comments, and information that's directly associated with the sort of evaluation essay that you're writing can help you make a highly-usable output. After you have something down on paper it is significantly simpler to restructure it and flesh out areas that aren't as strong as others. Don't opt for a trendy new French restaurant if you haven't any idea what French cuisine should taste like. 1 thing that we highly suggest you need to do is to earn a draft or an outline of the discussion that you want to have. Rumors, Deception and Col lege Evaluation Essay Samples The previous movie you have observed. Your own personal opinion about the film must match the aforementioned text. Imagine you want to split the impression from the movie with friends that are too preoccupied to watch it. When you have to find independent information regarding a movie or restaurant, you're going to be seeking for reviews on the web. Though looking through quite a few evaluation essay samples can supply you with the assistance that you require, you might wish to consider asking a professional writer to create a personalized essay for you. One more thing you've got to take into account is whether the origin of the essay is reliable. Thus, don't be afraid to consult them if you stuck when picking a topic. Also, think about the audience and the way that it reacts to the topic of the topic. What You Don't Know About College Evaluation Essay Samples Developing an excellent college essay may lose its purpose in the event the content of what you've written is not what the university is asking for. Writing about a topic that you understand about is also useful. Students lead busy lives and frequently forget about a coming deadline. You may also just browse through samples and begin your evaluation essay from scratch. Evaluation essays work best in the event the readers can determine the sources that you've used to produce the assessment which they are currently reading. Before you commence writing your college essay, you might want to see the essay examplesA that we've listed for you, so that you can have more idea on what things to put in the college essay you will create. What can set apart an evaluation essay from several sorts of academic essays is it can also be utilized in various undertakings within the corporate and skilled environment. If you would like to create a college essay which works, you want to provide importance on the content you will offer the admissions officer of your intended university with. If you wish to compose an evaluation essay and get high grades, you will be sure to require a strategy! Your college essay should contain information that relate to the instruction offered to you. Just because you've already written a college essay for a single university doesn't mean that it may also apply on your next applications. There are different sorts of evaluation essays and you need to bear in mind that each one of them have differences based on the objective of their creation. There is an extensive number of evaluation essay examples that are especially created for specific purposes. The criteria you choose are going to vary based on what it is you are evaluating. The criteria which you choose should establish what the ideal is for the item, service or brand that you're evaluating. In extrem e events, you can rewrite finished essays. Although the two kinds of paper do have some similarities, in addition, there are numerous differences that set them apart. To begin with, you have to think about criteria that you're going to be describing in the very first portion of the human body section. Once more, in the event the criteria, judgments and evidence are clear, the total thesis ought to be too.

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

A Short Story I Like It Out - 985 Words

I like it here. Can I stay? Clemmie did not intend to blurt that out, although she meant every word. Out of nowhere, comforting arms held her close in an embrace, yet, she didn’t need to raise her head to guess who it was, since the faint whiff of rose scent gave her away. The smell she most associated with Harmonie. Doctor Pax said, ‘You can stay forever, besides, this is your home now.’ ‘Can I join in? asked Mosaic. After he squeezed past Doctor Pax, he pulled both girls into his arms and tickled under their arms which made them scream in delight. For a while, Doctor Pax stood poised at the door with a smile on his face. ‘Clemmie, change your clothes behind the silk screen in my study. As for you, Mosaic, stop flirting with my secretary†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬ËœOh...do you believe so?’ ‘Ahh, I didn’t mean to upset †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ ‘Errr...shall we change the subject? This is the library...and next door is the snug’ Boffins eyes lit up when he saw the room full of books, but it was next door which grabbed their attention the most. They put their head around the door and saw it was full of furniture. What a lovely place it would be on Christmas Day, full of presents, pantomimes, and a scented pine tree in the corner. When they reached the foot of the staircase, Mosaic asked if they wanted to go up or down. ‘We’ve only got time for one, and not the other.’ ‘Can we go down?’ asked Clemmie. Delicious smells wafted up from the kitchen and tickled her nose. When they went downstairs, they met the cook, who was, in fact, a large woman wearing an even larger apron. On her broad frame, she wore a blue frock with bright orange flowers. Hello, my lovelies, I’m Mrs Tiffin. Have you come to look around? As she stirred a large pot on the stove, Clemmie peered over the rim, then, when Mrs Tiffin held up the wooden spoon, she blew on it, and offered it for Clemmie to taste. Clemmie licked the spoon and her eyes lit up. Oh, yes! Its creamy. ‘Well, Doctor Pax likes the same food, indeed he does, but I like to experiment with new recipes. So, today it’s porridge ice cream, and tomorrow it will be fish trifle. Now, who would like a cookie?’ ‘What flavour?’ asked Kipp. ‘Are they baked beans andShow MoreRelatedBen Loory s Career As A Writer1498 Words   |  6 PagesLA, and received an MFA in screenwriting. Loory worked as a screenwriter for six years. As a screenwriter, Loory worked under numerous successful writers, including Jodie Foster, Alex Proyas, and Mark Johnson. â€Å"Screenwriting taught me to focus on story, to externalize and dramatize and always keep things moving forward.† (Loory) In addition to his job as a screenwriter, Loory was also part of a band, Soda and His Million Piece Band. For several years, he played the mandolin, baritone sax, and accordionRead MoreShort Story : My Genre 1356 Words   |  6 PagesShort Story My genre is a short story. The length is around 10 to 25 pages usually. With around 1500 to 2500 words. Short stories started around the 15th century, In the medieval period. Short stories were used as entertainment and also used to annotate history and beliefs. Short stories are basically a story focused on one point. Everything is based of on one single structure or event, and everything goes on around it. For example, if you are aiming at a target, instead of looking around it, youRead MoreSimilarities Between Edgar Allan Poe And Cask Of Amontillado1638 Words   |  7 Pagesperfecting his style of writing in short stories. His short stories, all usually dealing with the concept of death, relates back to his childhood, linking to his past experiences. As a small child, Poes father had abandoned his family, leaving his mother to take care of him and his sister. When Poe turned three, his mother had passed away due to tuberculosis. Exposed to death at such a young age, it connects t o his writing style and how he incorporates death in his stories. Throughout the course of hisRead MoreAnalysis Of Benedict Cumberbatchs Black Box By Jennifer Egan828 Words   |  4 PagesWhen I was listening to Benedict Cumberbatch read â€Å"Sherlock Holmes Rediscovered Railways Mysteries Other Stories† during my one hour lunch break I realized that this was a perfect time to listen to it. My one hour lunch is dreading at times and I find myself quite bored. I was able to focus on the stories on my lunch break rather than laying down in my room. As you can imagine listening to it in my room quickly turned into a lullaby. However, Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice made the story pretty interestingRead MoreShort Story and People1473 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿Title: Story Of An Hour Author: Kate Chopin I. On The Elements / Literary Concepts The short story Story Of An Hour is all about the series of emotions that the protagonist, Mrs. Mallard showed to the readers. With the kind of plot of this short story, it actually refers to the moments that Mrs. Mallard knew that all this time, her husband was alive. For the symbol, I like the title of this short story because it actually symbolizes the time where Mrs. Mallard died with joy. And with thatRead MoreThe Short Stories And Poems1454 Words   |  6 Pageshave read several short stories and poems. We analyzed these stories and poems. We have discussed the main points and main Components of these stories and poems. We have also learned about the authors of these stories and poems. I would like to introduce the stories we discussed and what I have learned from these stories in Exam 1. We first studied African-American folktales. Folktales are stories that have been handed down from generation to generation. The first short story we read was When BrerRead MoreThe Life Of Harrison Bergeron By Kurt Vonnegut Jr.892 Words   |  4 PagesFor this paper assignment I will be discussing the short story of Harrison Bergeron by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. The short story was published in 1961. I chose this short story out of all our readings because I found the story very interesting. When I was reading Harrison Bergeron, I read straight through it because the story drew me in and in the other readings I would usually take a few breaks as I was reading. In Harrison Bergeron, Vonnegut uses humor to explore and exposes several problems that can happenRead MoreWhere the Gods Fly1166 Words   |  5 Pagesthey think is the right thing for the child and hope that the child will understand. Motherly love is a topic we find in the short story â€Å"Where the Gods Fly†, written in 2012 by Jean Kwok. The short story is from the anthology â€Å"The Shortlist† which was one of the short stories that won The Sunday Times EFG Private Bank Short Story Award in 2012. Briefly, the short story is about a mother: fearful that she may be losing touch with her, and that she may be losing all that is inherent in her cultureRead MoreBrokeback Mountain compare and contrast Essay877 Words   |  4 PagesFirst, I applaud the movie for daring to tell a story that nobody else presumed creating. Even in 2005, this was a pretty prohibited thing to discuss. To its credit, the movie follows the original story fairly close, but a details were left out that made all the difference. The short story Brokeback Mountain (1997) written by Annie Proulx received a lot of attention when it was first published in the New Yorker. The story is about the relationship between Jack Twist and Ennis Del Mar, two cowboysRead More Devil And Daniel Webster Essay949 Words   |  4 Pagesmovie and the short story, amp;quot;The Devil and Daniel Websteramp;quot;, written by Stephen Vincent Benet, there is illustrated the battle between the forces of good and evil. Although the story allows the reader to mentally picture the scenes and the movie does the depicting for the viewer, there are several similarities in each script. Some of these similarities are the way the characters are depicted and the final scene. There are several incongruous scenes between the short story and the way

Monday, December 9, 2019

Impacts of Credit Card Incentives Packages

Question: Discuss about the Impacts of Credit Card Incentives Packages. Answer: Introduction The purpose of this research paper is to give a literature review on the effects of credit cards incentives packages on consumer borrowing. It reviews the literature about credit cards on the basis borrowing and the nature of credit cards at large. In so doing, the paper intends to discuss various types of credit cards and their effects on various borrowers. Although the paper major mainly on the effects of credit cards on consumers, it is also important to determine the nature of these impact in terms of negativity and positivity. Fortunately, these are also covered in the paper. Observably, not all impacts come immediately; others are long term effects. Therefore, the paper will give a clear analysis of the effects, not forgetting their effects on default borrowers. The research findings are based on credit card borrowing examination. Consumers, companies and businesses were also interviewed to come up with the entire findings which as will be evident, shows that even though credit cards have some disadvantages, their advantages are of more weight and hence, affect consumer borrowing. Literature Review Literally, a credit card is basically a payment card used by consumers to make various payments. These cards enables the users to pay for goods or services and promise to pay at a later date. According to NERDWALLET'S (2016), there are many types of Credit Card Incentives Packages. These types (forms) of credit cards are dictated by various interest rates and fees programs hence, the course of most effects on consumer borrowing (Zhang Agarwal 2015). Therefore, this segment of the paper is important because it gives complete directives of choosing a suitable credit cards depending on the income of the borrowers. In other words, a consumer will chose a credit card based on his financial ability and lifestyle as he reflects to the future because effects of some types of credit cards are predictive (Starbuck Woolsey 2015). As the first type of credit card package, standard credit cards are readily available for borrowers. They can easily be obtained from any bank stone throw away hence , easily accessible by any borrower irrespective of their income level (Q Articles 2016). Their commonly used nature is also contributed by their suitability. Therefore, standard credit cards have a direct impact of increasing the rate of consumer borrowing irrespective of the type of standard credit card. As the most preferred form of standard credit card, balance transfer credit cards enables borrowers to transfer high interest credit cards at a lower cost. The second type is low interest credit cards that equally attracts more borrowers as it provides lower introductory APR (Obama Signs Credit Reform Bill' 2009). However, this APR is set to rise to a higher level after some time. The second form of credit card is credit cards with rewards programs. This brand imposes relief benefits on consumers hence, a positive effect. They allow customers to obtain incentives when they make purchases with their credit cards. In this set of credits, there are cashback credit cards which allows customers to earn money rewards for any purchase made and general reward points cards where points are earned upon making purchases (Sidel 2015). These points a re later awarded. Other types of credit cards with award programs are hotel of travel points credit cards, rebates and retail award credit cards. To sum up, any business has specific strategies of reaching many consumers, attracting them and retaining them. In the same way, credit card companies provide types of cards that retain their customers by pleasing them in one way or another. Examples of such cards are the frequent flier credit cards, where a consumer can be awarded to fly freely in courtesy of his loyalty and consistency (Birukova 2016). Another common business strategy is lowering account fees for regular customers (Navarro-Martinez et al. 2011). In the near future, some organizations may adjust their credit conditions as an incentive. For instance, allowing zero payment until the first six months from the start of the deal are over. On a different dimension, other companies go further to offer capital incentives to help a customer to open and use new accounts. Alongside, such companies offer considerable bonuses for loyal consumers whose accounts have lasted over time. Quite a number of incentives are designed favorably to motivate consumers to make large transactions. The design allows customers to make purchases without payment until a later date. The various types of credit cards are characterized by positive and negative impacts. Stating the advantages first, credit cards enhance record keeping through the credit card statements. These statements ease the tracking of individuals expenditures. Furthermore, some credit cards give year-end summaries that aid out especially at tax time. The credit card companies also offer low-cost loans which implies that a consumer can utilise resolving credit to save on daily basis. They also allows instant cash flow where cash advances are made quick and too convenient to allow customers to access cash at any given time when need arises. With the credit cards, there are various programmes that suits all the targeted consumers. These programs range from frequent flier miles to discounts at various levels. Generally, many credit cards organisations give intensive programs which are determined by the number of purchase made by an individual. Other advantages are purchase protection that enables the companies to handle disputes in a more considerable manner. Most importantly there is a balance surfing where the companies offer low introductory interests rates, allowing consumers to move their balances to low rate cards (Livingston 2016). Lastly, credit cards build positive credit that enhance the control the use of control cards that further enables the establishment of credit for the new applicants (Debbaut et al. 2013). It also enables consumers who had had problems in the past to rebuild credit. Alongside these advantages, credit cards also have disadvantages on borrowers and all through the economy. It promotes overspending, that is made possible through resolving credit. There is also instances of paperwork, another disadvantage that requires one to save receipts recheck them on monthly basis, less overcharging may occur. Instances of high-cost fees especially for when one misses a payment is also another disadvantage. And in some instances, unexpected fees occurs, a scenario that makes cash advances to carry high interest rates. However, these highlighted disadvantages have negative impacts to the economy. The highly affected group is customers, a useful component of any business. However, the numerous advantag es of credit card neutralises the demerits to the extent of overcoming them and maintaining the business and economy as a whole. Therefore, Credit Card Incentives Packages increases consumer borrowing rate through their conveniences. Irrespective of the impact, some of the credit card effects are short-term while others are long-termed. Never the less, most of these impacts are beneficial in all dimensions of business hence, boosts the rate of borrowing. Effects on Consumer Borrowing Credit card borrowers give revolving credit accounts to businesses with different credit limits, interest rates and terms. In this line most consumer are benefited (Laura 2011). In times when the number of new applicants is minimum or considerately low, respective organizations dealing with credit card always deploy the use of promotional incentives to boost the rate at which applications is taking place hence, high number of consumer borrowing. These credit cards incentives are meant for encouraging high rates of borrowing which has greatly increased and therefore, imposing several impacts into the economy, either directly or indirectly. It is equally important to understand the impact of these credit card incentives on the consumer borrowing because it builds a foundation for knowing how credit card organizations affects the entire economy. From the literal view of various types of credit cards and their advantages, it is evident increase in number of borrowers is an invading effec t. This increase is promoted from various angles and strategic all through the business. Basically, increasing the number of borrowers is meant to earn more income to the company by broadening the market. On its nature, the risen number of borrowing also have numerous effects on the customers themselves and to businesses as well. Credit card companies feel the effect of brought by increased borrowing number over a short period of time (short-term effects). Some of the effects may also come after a longer period. An immediate effect is the increased revenue for the credit card organizations that provide incentives. The advantage of this effect is that borrowers evident a relief on their purchasing power. However, it is equally a disadvantage at the same time. High number of borrowers indicates that every transaction made to the company on credit cards makes consumers to dig dipper into their pockets compared to an equivalent cash purchase due to the interest that are charged on balan ces. From a shallow perspectives, the effect portrays a picture of economic ladder in the entire line of business. However, this has greater benefits to the credit card companies compared to common consumers. As the companies obtain more income, the effect directly reduces consumers' personal profits over time, hence lowering consumer borrowing. Effects on Consumer Default Economists who currently conducted research on credit card incentives have revealed that around four percent (4%) of the entire credit cards fell into default as per the 2013 economic report (Johnson 2011). Considerably, this is a recommendable trend that has been rising on a yearly basis as from 2010. This statistics reveal that credit card incentives can give a greater access to credit for especially to people who have been experiencing low income as per their financial history hence, cannot secure a credit card account. Considerably, this may lead to the rise on the number or amount of credit defaults in the market (Thornhill 2010). In other words, trends of default can impose a greater impact on credit cards borrowing throughout the economy. This is because, as many consumers default on credit cards, affording them in the first place may be extremely difficult for them. Furthermore, few or completely zero lenders and creditors may be willing relate with them through businesses he nce, reducing their chances and at the same time increasing the cost of borrowing. Therefore, this can further reduce the rates of consumer borrowing. Long-Term Effects Credit Card Incentives also have long term effects on consumer borrowing. These effects can be judged by examining various types of credit cards hence, must be considered by the borrowers, and as far as their financial planning is concerned for their planning. Therefore, long term effects of credit card incentives are advantageous to consumers because they help them to plan adequately for the future (JO 2010). This comes along many more advantages. Evidently, many customers especially those who took advantage of the incentive may have utilized their credit cards responsibly hence, easing their access consumers' access to credit and finally increasing the rate of consumer borrowing ('How Borrowers Are Affected 2004). At the same time, this mechanism offers a longer-term income promotion to personal businesses and many more companies. On the same note, others consumers may also want to struggle to keep their balances as low as possible, which may also contribute to the increase in cons umer bankruptcy (Francis 2016). However, this majorly occurs after a long period of time. Conclusion This paper has discussed the literature review of the effects of credit incentives packages on consumer borrowing by examining all aspects of credit card and the targeted market. The papers has given a detailed coverage of types of credit cards, their advantages and disadvantages. For every bit of discussion, the paper has dwelt majorly on the impact of credit cards on borrowers; some effects are identifies to be short-termed while others are long-termed. It is also observed that some effects relate directly to the default borrowers. Most evidently, increase in number of borrowers has come out as a major effect of Credit Card Incentives Packages. To reach this end, the paper started by examining different types of credit cards through their advantages and disadvantages. It went further to highlight their types; standards credit cards, credit cards with rewards programs, airline mile or frequent flier credit cards, prepaid credit cards and bad credit/credit repair cards as major ones. As shown in the better portion of the paper, these types of credit cards imposes both short-term and long-term impacts. Apparently, most of the effects are positive as they enable quick and affordably borrowing which benefits all type of consumers, including the ones with low income. Not mentioning the bonuses for loyal and subsequent consumers, borrowing is also allowed free over a duration hence increasing the number of new credit cards borrowers and hence, boosting the economy for personal businesses and to companies as well. To sum up, a key effect of credit card identified is their capability to increase consumer borrowing rates through different aspects. References Birukova, V 2016, Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit cards. B2b Directory. Debbaut,P., Andra C. G., Kudlyak, M., and Romero, J 2013, How Risky Are Young Borrowers? Economic brief. Francis, C 2016, The advantages and disadvantages of credit cards. Money super market. 'How Borrowers Are Affected', 2004, New York Times, July, MasterFILE Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed10 September 2016. Johnson, A 2011, 'BofA Reinstates Card Penalty Rates', Cardline, 11, 18, p. 45, Business Source Premier, EBSCO host, viewed 10 September 2016. JO, T 2010, 'Credit card issuers forced to play fair', Mail onSunday, 26 December, Newspaper Source, EBSCO host, viewed10 September 2016. Livingston, A 2016, Money Crashers. Advantages Disadvantages of Credit Cards Do They Help or Hurt You? Credit Cards. Laura, S 2011, 'Repayments shake-up to benefit borrowers', Times, The (United Kingdom), p. 53, Newspaper Source, EBSCO host, viewed 10 September 2016. NERDWALLET'S 2016, Best Credit Cards: Offers for September 2016. Best Credit Cards of2016. Navarro-Martinez, D, Salisbury, L, Lemon, K, Stewart, N, Matthews, W, Harris, A 2011, 'Minimum Required Payment and Supplemental Information Disclosure Effects on Consumer Debt Repayment Decisions', Journal Of Marketing Research (JMR), 48, pp. S60-S77, Business Source Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed10 September 2016. Obama Signs Credit Reform Bill' 2009, Arabia 2000, Newspaper Source, EBSCOhost, viewed10 September 2016. Q Articles 2016, Advantages and Disadvantages for the Consumer. Take Charge America. Credit Cards. Starbuck E. G., Woolsey, B 2015, Comparing the various types of credit cards. The basic fundamentals of credit cards. Sidel, R 2015, Credit-Card Firms Reap Rewards of Consumer Brand Loyalty. Merchants extract better terms from card issuers, The Wall Street Journal. Thornhill, J 2010, 'Credit Card Issuers Forced To Play Fair', Daily Mail (United Kingdom),25 December, Newspaper Source, EBSCOhost, viewed10 September 2016. Zhang, J., Agarwal, S 2015, A review of credit card literature Perspectives from Consumers, Singapore.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Leadership Style of Sir Richard Branson Essay Example

Leadership Style of Sir Richard Branson Essay IT IS VERY COMMON to hear that government would run better if it were more businesslike. I think that is correct. Nevertheless, I will turn the tables on that proposition. I believe that business would benefit from learning some management lessons from a surprisingly gifted governmental executiveRonald Reagan. Those of us who had the good fortune of working for President Reagan witnessed firsthand the effective management style of an unusually successful chief executive. Here are 10 lessons that I learned from observing him in action. Lesson 1: Set Clear and Attainable Objectives, albeit Goals that Seem Difficult to Achieve. In early 1981, President Reagan set his sights on a healthier economy with lower inflation and lower unemployment. The cynics shook their heads. They only thought in terms of a trade-off between more jobs and a slower rise in prices. The cynics were proved to be wrong. Under his leadership, the United States achieved both important objectivesbut not easily. Aside from the substantial cuts in taxes, the adjustments made in economic policy in 1981 and 1982 were initially painful. They especially included a wide variety of spending cuts as well as a tight monetary policy. Nevertheless, those actions led to the longest peacetime expansion in American history. Simultaneously, the escalating double-digit inflation that the Reagan administration faced when we came to Washington has been consigned to the history books. Lesson 2: Choose Subordinates Who Share Your Views and Outlook. Disagreements on details are inevitable among strong-minded people. Nevertheless, the team that Ronald Reagan brought together was united in our dedication to lower taxes, much slower growth in civilian spending, a stronger military establishment, and a less burdensome regulatory system. We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership Style of Sir Richard Branson specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership Style of Sir Richard Branson specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Leadership Style of Sir Richard Branson specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Progress in each of these areas was substantial during his eight years in office. Lesson 3: Give Your People Lots of Leeway and Operating Authority. For example, those of us who put together the budget cuts had full discretion in assembling an ambitious assortment of spending reductions. Subsequently, President Reagan sat down with us and reviewed each significant budget change before making the final decisions. He was anything but a rubber stamp. He did not try to micromanage the decision making within each of our agencies, but he held us accountable for the results. He empowered us to exercise a lot of discretion. For example, one of my first assignments was to perform an audit of the American economy. Nobody in the White House tried to second-guess me. President Reagan made my audit report public at a White House press briefing that we conducted jointly. My report made it clear: the American economy was suffering from a combination of illnesseshigh inflation and low growth as well as high taxation, rising government spending, and excessive regulation. The president left the press conference early, and I quickly learned that the questions would not be limited to the announced topic. After he left, I was asked why the president said he could not find his checkbook. I answered that, personally, I delegated that task to my wife. That is still true. Amid the laughter that followed, I started to answer another question. By the way, I later learned that President Reagan may not have written a lot of checks, but he used good old Treasury currency. He mailed out quite a few $10 and $20 bills in response to some heartrending letters he received. In retrospect, Ronald Reagan was a seasoned executive even before assuming the presidency. He had been the successful governor of our largest state for eight years. Prior to that, he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild. (He loved to point out that he was the only president of the United States who had been head of a labor union. ) In both capacities, he led the organization during periods of great external pressures while effectively dealing with difficult personalities inside the organization. Lesson 4: Strongly Back Your People, Especially When They Are Attacked for Trying to Carry Out Your Policies. Ill give you a very personal example. In public presentation describing the budget problems facing the United States, I had the temerity to suggest that annual Social Security benefit increases (the so-called cost-of-living adjustments, or COLAs) were not part of an insurance program. They were really welfare benefits paid by someone else, in this case the working population. Some member of the Congress was so angry with me that he urged my impeachment. I was very relaxed. The odds were that, if the issue ever did reach the president, he would just have a good laugh. Of course, the threat of my impeachment quickly evaporated. Lesson 5: Use Humor to Good Effect. Yes, Ronald Reagan loved to tell funny stories. One of his favorite ones concerned the boy who was digging through a manure pile. His explanation for that strange action was that there had to be a pony in it somewhere. But usually the presidents purpose for telling a humorous tale was very serious. He was always too polite to tell some boring person to shut up. Rather, he preferred to interrupt by telling a story. When he finished, the discussion would quickly shift to a new subject. On other occasions, when the internal debate was in danger of getting too strident, he would break the tension by telling another funny story. He possessed a deep inventory of humor, much of which drew upon his authentic Irish brogue as well as a fine Italian accent. Thus, it was a real treat just to have a casual meal with him. Lesson 6: Communicate Clearly Both Within the Organization and to the Larger Public. Ronald Reagan truly was the Great Communicator, but the results did not come effortlessly. Let me try to give you an idea of how the process worked. His address to the nation in early February 1981 was going to be the occasion for his publicly laying out what became Reaganomics. The process of writing this important speech revealed much about the man. He assembled a group of his key advisers and speechwriters in his living quarters on the top floor of the White House. (He often said that he lived above the store. ) The first session was devoted to developing the major themes of that first big economic speech. We all had a chance to get our oar in. When the president was satisfied with the results, he adjourned the meeting with the understanding that the speechwriters would work up a rough draft of our common thoughts. The rest of the group polished the speechwriters first draft. The revised draft speech then was sent to the president. He rewrote it in his own language on a yellow pad. Thats why his speeches were so convincing. After his handwritten draft was typed, the whole group reassembled. The president held the master copy and he led us through it paragraph by paragraph to get our comments. On several occasions, I told him that a section was not accurate. He never pulled rank. After all, it was his speech. He always responded the same way, OK, how do I make the point accurately? That is an example of how Ronald Reagan inspired loyalty. The process also showed that his deep personal involvement in writing the major messages was essential to the successful communication of the contents. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] At a much later point in his administration, the bureaucrats tried to eliminate the provocative line from his memorable speech in Berlin, Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall. Happily, the speechwriterthe president himselfprevailed. By the way, in comparison I certainly was not a great communicator. Of course, my job required me to make many economic presentations, both in the White House and to a wide array of congressional committees and private organizations. On one occasion, an anonymous colleague circulated a parody of my standard economic briefing to the Cabinet. I dont think I really sounded like that. But here it is so you can judge for yourselves: Economic data show an easing of the rate at which business is easing off. This can be taken as ample proof that theres a slowing up of the slowdown. Now, to clarify that, it should be noted that a slowing up of the slowdown is not as good as an upturn of the downturn. On the other hand, its a good deal better than either a speedup of the slowdown or a deepening of the downturn. Also, it suggests that the climate is about right for an adjustment of the readjustment to interest rates. Now, turning specifically to interest rates, we find a very definite decrease in the rate of increase. This clearly shows there should be a letting up of the letdown. Of course, if the slowdown should speed up, the decrease in the rate of increase would turn into an increase in the rate of decrease. And finally, the inflation of the recession would turn the recession into a depression, while a deflation in the rate of inflation would give the impression of a recession of the depression. Lesson 7: Let Your Staff Do the Worrying; Thats What They Get Paid for. Ronald Reagan took the presidency very seriously. He may have left the Oval Office at 5 p. m. , but he spent hours in the evening reading our reports and memos. I learned that quickly when he called one evening to discuss a memo that I sent him after 5 p. m. More frequently, he would comment on items that some of us had sent him the previous day as he entered the Cabinet room in the morning. Perhaps most important, after making a decision, President Reagan did not stew about it. He quickly went on to the next item of business. Lesson 8: Take an Upbeat and Positive Attitude. That proved to be the key to maintaining internal enthusiasm and generating external support in a period of great policy changes. A dramatic example was provided by President Reagans response to being shot. The momentum of his administration did not falter. In fact, one wisecrack to his wife did more to reassure the concerned public than all of the medical reports, Sorry, honey, I forgot to duck. That was truly grace under pressure. Lesson 9: Distinguish between Opponents and Enemies. To my knowledge, Ronald Reagan never kept an enemies list. That was not in his nature. He did not know how to hate. He also was wise enough to know that todays opponents on one issue may be tomorrows supporters on anotherprovided that you had not treated them as an enemy. Lesson 10: Keep Some Distance from Your Subordinates. The president was very cordial and caring. At times he would chide some of us for working too hard (to put it mildly, we were highly motivated). Nevertheless, he knew that he was not our buddy, but our leader. By the way, it did not take long to realize that, although you may be spending a lot of time in the White House, you were not the president. Many of my briefings to various interest groups followed a fascinating if not humorous pattern (they did not strike me as funny at the time). Typically, I would make a short presentation to people representing business or labor or minorities or other organizations. This was usually followed by vigorous and occasionally hostile questions. At some point, the president would join us. The tone of the meeting quickly changed. The visitors were all smiles. When he asked them for questions, the typical response was to thank him for the visit and to toss a real softball. As soon as he left, however, the group would resume its tough questioning of me. I cannot resist offering another example of the distance between the president and the members of his staff. When he was not using the presidential box at the Kennedy Center, he generously let his associates use this perk. On one occasion, when I wound up sitting in the presidents seat, the audience could not suppress its disappointment when the lights came on. Nevertheless, my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening! It was a great privilege to serve President Ronald Reagan during an important period in American history. I came away with many fond memories. For example, I have a picture with the president and Nancy on which he added a teasing note thanking me for explaining the dismal science to Nancy. (He loved to quote at me Thomas Carlyle, the 19th century British writer who referred to economics as the dismal science. ) Working for Ronald Reagan was anything but dismal. Yes, it was very nice for U. S. News to list me as one of the 30 most influential Americans in 1981 and again in 1982. Of course, I was quickly dropped from the list when I returned to St. Louis in 1983. On that note, also recall the lady who stopped me as I was getting off the elevator of a Washington hotel. This was two weeks after I left the White House. She asked me just one question, Didnt you use to be somebody? Murray Weidenbaum holds the Mallinckrodt Distinguished University Professorship at Washington University, where he also serves as the honorary chairman of the Weidenbaum Center on the Economy, Government, and Public Policy. In 1981 and 1982 he was President Reagans first chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. In that capacity he helped formulate the economic policy of the Reagan administration and was a key spokesman for the administration on economic and financial issues. During the years 1982-1989 he was a member of the Presidents Economic Policy Advisory Board, Corporate boards he has served on include Beatrice Foods, Contel, May Department Stores, and Medicine Shoppe

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Victorian societal conventions Essay Example

Victorian societal conventions Essay Example Victorian societal conventions Essay Victorian societal conventions Essay Ironically, these goals are to fit in with the society one more, thus underlining the futility of her quest. Lady Windermere vacillates between adhering to societal conventions and has followed her instincts in her emotions. By the end of the play she is convinced she has made the right decision, ultimately serving to demonstrate how difficult it is for an individual to break away from the expectations of society. These contrasting themes once again aid in the plot; this is because of how the characters all talk about Mrs Erlynne, saying of how she is a scoundrel and to not be trusted.These accusations are soon scattered around and fall into Lady Windermere’s lap, adding to the tragic stance of the piece. Due to the Victorian societal conventions, anyone that is frowned upon is immediately seen as dirt and someone to keep away from. Another thing to keep in mind is that if the play were to have been written in modern day, the consequences of Mrs Erlynne’s actions whilst would still be frowned upon, would not be unheard of. Therefore, her rejection from society would be less likely as society no longer functions in the overall same way that Victorian society did.Finally we have trust and betrayal. Trust is a fairly rare commodity in this play and Wilde seems to suggest that trust is not to be found very easily within Victorian society. Lady Windermere doesn’t trust her husband and is quick to believe that he has betrayed her. In return, she seems only too eager to betray him with Lord Darlington. Lord Windermere is forced to trust Mrs Erlynne in a way as he hopes that her intentions towards her daughter are benign and that she won’t try to drag all of them into the mire.This trust is then rewarded at the end of the play as Mrs Erlynne leaves with the potential scandal avoided. Wilde could be suggesting that there isn’t enough trust and far too much deception and betrayal, and that in order to get ahead in life one must learn to be brave and trust others a bit more. Trust and betrayal are very important themes in Lady Windermere’s Fan as without them, there wouldn’t be much of a story to tell or at least, a less interesting one. This is because, without the idea of betrayal the level of tragedy would have greatly decreased, in turn possibly causing less intrigue and viewer enjoyment.Wilde has also once again, skilfully and linguistically hidden another truth of the world and how it works. Overall, I believe that all the contrasting themes in Lady Windermere’s Fan play important parts in not only creating an initial idea for the play but also, to continue the play with fluent language that will draw in the viewer and even make them think. Not only do these themes entice the viewer, they create a complex and interesting story line to last years.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Freelance Writing Course †Autumn 2014

Freelance Writing Course – Autumn 2014 Freelance Writing Course Autumn 2014 Freelance Writing Course Autumn 2014 By Daniel Scocco Twice a year we open the enrollment for our Freelance Writing Course. The course is a 6-week program aimed at people who want to get started making money freelance writing online. You’ll get in-depth lessons on everything you need to know, including the tools and trade and the resources you can use to make your life as a freelance writer easier. More than 1200 students joined us over the years, and the feedback we receive is always very positive. Heres what one of the past students said about the course: Your course is amazing. What I have learned so far has been very helpful and I have looked ahead at what is still there and I am amazed at the depth of knowledge you have given me. The downloadable books are a big bonus. I know this course will be the best help I could ever find to becoming a freelance writer. Every week you get access to a new module. They are: 1. Writing Productivity: Youll learn how to become a prolific writer, which is essential if you want to make money writing. 2. Building an Online Presence: Setting up a website is not enough these days. You need to know how to promote it and how to reach the right people online. 3. Writing for the Web: Freelance writing is changing, and this module focuses on the differences youll face while freelance writing for websites and online publications. 4. Finding Clients: Probably the most important module. Here youll learn where and how to find your first clients, and how to obtain high-paying writing gigs over time. 5. Running a Writing Business: Freelance writing is like any business, and as such youll need to manage it efficiently if you want to increase your earnings over time. 6. Social Media: In this module youll discover tactics you can use to leverage social media sites to boost your career. For this edition we have re-designed the members area, optimizing it for mobile devices. This means that youll be able to go through the lessons using any smartphone or tablet. Enrollment starts today and runs until Saturday, October 25. -> Click here to visit the official page where you can get all the details and join. Dont miss out! Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Freelance Writing category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:When to Capitalize Animal and Plant NamesAwoken or Awakened?Narrative, Plot, and Story

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Electric cars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Electric cars - Essay Example The concept of electric cars is non-conventional in Ontario as those which are working on the fuel efficiency theorem in the region are dragging up with the hybrid school of thought. The Ontario manufacturer is onto the challenge of producing electric cars, which will be new to the market and require a comprehensive strategy to get accepted in the market. The need here is to bring a strong workable marketing plan in order to make the thought of the manufacturer successful in the market (Chan & Chau, 2001). This paper is focusing on the commercialization plan of the electric cars to be produced by a regional Ontario manufacturer, which is presently producing 75 cars per month and looking onto producing 200 cars per month in 2014. The plan will be asserting the strategies to make the idea successful in the market. The primary aim is to make the plan attentive to the market- a plan that can most attract the market consumers and developers. Commercialization Plan The first stage of the c ommercialization plan of electric cars is to bring a conductive demonstration of the idea of electric cars (Barnes & Brumfitt, 2001). The demonstration is to state potencies of the technology, the design and the concept to be introduced by the manufacturer in the Ontario market. After the plan is well asserted, the next stage is of execution which will endorse the plan into real means and in real outcomes (generation of market feedback). Here is how the demonstration of the plan engages the market of Ontario: Technology (Describing the Product) Electric cars are concept cars based on electro-mechanical function. The technology is derived from hybrid cars which are aimed to fuel efficiency and intake the combination of multiple fuels (gasoline or diesel) during operation (Jolly, 1997). The Canadian company is up on launching fully electric car in Ontario- a design that is a passenger car with space of 4 passengers at a time. Similarly, the design is ranging a speed range of 200 kilom etres with high economical fuel consumption capability (Rafinejad, 2007). The design is basically a zero fuel emission design as there are fuel cells placed instead of internal combustion engine to become a green fuel supply for the car. Apart from all, the three major components of the car, the fuel cells power supply unit, fly wheel power storage unit and electric motor propulsion unit further adds to the efficiency and value of the car. Such valuable components are to balance out the electro-mechanical load on the car especially at the time when the car is at the higher torque rate (Battery University, 2013). Key Success Factors The manufacturer is aiming for an electric car that is vibrant to address city driving needs. Ontario which is a busy state and where drivers are usually on moderate speeds, this electric car is going to touch the basic state driver’s requirements (Survant, 2013). The electric car will maximize to a speed capacity of two hundred kilometres as the f uel cells placed in the car are highly power driven. This makes the car a complete electric drive, meeting the basic purpose of driving in highly efficient ways. Customer attraction for car has remained important for the manufacturer and for which it is going to come up with multiple attracted color ranges. The car will appear in market with blue, red, white, sterling metallic and black exterior

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Harley davidson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Harley davidson - Essay Example this mission by providing to the motorcyclists and the general public with vast line of motorcycles, accompanied with branded products and services through the selected market segments. The first objective is attracting customers from the vast younger generation and women. The second objective is achieving a balance existing through empowering the brand and the rising of value. The next objective is engaging in the production of high-quality products and aim at reducing on the customer complaints. Finally, Harley Davidson aims at enhancing operational efficiency while putting focus on the Global Market through engaging towards raising the company’s market shares. 4. Be able to grow into a global enterprise and be able to maintain on the operation basing on a strategic international market with the purpose of supporting the company’s worldwide dealer and distributor networks. There is need to see expansion on the Rider’s Edge as a measure of experiencing the dream of riding The company adopts an Open Door Policy in all of its areas of operations as a measure aimed at encouraging the employee involvement in the initiatives of transforming the company. The second policy is about Protecting Trademarks & Patents. The third policy is Empowering R&D in order to become a leader in the market and develop better products. The final policy is engaging in Climate Change initiatives that are in light with the changing global science and policy. 5. The company provides memorable experiences to its buyers as a measure of developing an intense brand loyalty 6. Engage in building a strong relationship with the suppliers as an initiative of getting quality products and cost reduction. There was an excessive concentration on aging baby boomers and with some current efforts shifting to women and young generation. The strategy aims at increasing the number of sales by teaching this target population how to ride. Secondly, there is a need for providing training for rider

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Respect Essay Example for Free

Respect Essay I have been told that I need to write a 1000 word essay on disrespecting a Non Commissioned Officer. But it is really hard to write about this because I am having a hard time wondering how I disrespected them. So, where do I start on this and what do I say about it. As far as this essay goes I am just going to write how I feel about respect and how respect works both ways. It is wrong to disrespect a Non Commissioned Officer because they are appointed above me to guide me to the right place and things to do. But it is really hard to respect someone when they do not respect you. Respect works both ways and if that person or leadership does not respect you trying to respect them is difficult. No matter what is said it is disrespect. For example: I am writing this because I was called about a meeting that my squad leader decided he wanted to spring on the squad after we were released for the day. When I asked the squad leader was the meeting about something that we could have discussed the next business day, he replied no, with a sly smirk on his face. As he began to talk it was clearly the same information that was put out at the end of business. I do not know how that was disrespect when it was the truth. In regards to this essay I am not sure what to say about disrespect other then it works both ways. They tell you to respect the rank not the person but when that person abuses the rank it is really hard to respect it. I think that in today’s United States Army no one respects anybody the way that they should be. They are too quick to say that you are disrespecting them and that they are just trying to make you better but they are disrespecting you in the processes. How can you work for someone or some place when all that they do is disrespect you and everything that you do no matter what it is? When I first came in the United States Army a Non Commissioned Officer would work with you on how to be a good soldier and actually sit with you and respect you on what you were doing if you did a good job and worked hard they didn’t try to beat you down to where you just give up on everything. I used to respect everyone that was above me because they cared about you as a person they respected you and helped you with the hard things that were thrown at you and made sure that you were good not just quick to demote them and kick them out of the United States Army. They had an interest in you as a person and if they had something to learn from you then they would respect you enough to ask for help and respect you enough to talk to you. Respect and disrespect is a hard topic because I am a strong believer in respect someone and you will receive respect back or treat someone the way that you want to be treated. The whole time that I have been back in the United States Army the Non Commissioned Officers that were above me were basically like new privates. They were new to the job and they didn’t know a lot about it. I know that I have been in the United States Army for only a short time and I am only a specialist, I have worked with someone above me disrespecting me not just as a soldier, but as a human being. I feel that leadership should stop turning what people say into disrespect it was not that way AT ALL. I was just asking a questioning and stating the obvious, not disrespecting that person. You know they always preach about disrespect but they do not give respect at all. So as far as this essay goes how do I write it to what they want because no matter what is said in here they will one way or another say it is disrespect or some other form of berating them. 1 Respect and disrespect is an important part of a soldier Non Commissioned Officer relationship and needs to be enforced upon not only the soldier but also the Non Commissioned Officer and Officers. I have had a really hard time in this company because I think that people just think that I am just disrespecting them instead of getting to know their soldiers and how their soldiers talk and phrase things. They are quick to just say HA you disrespected me. I have seen way worse disrespect then what I have ever done to anyone. In my eyes disrespect is if you just plainly say hell no or fuck off. I have never done that and yet they automatically think that if you are asking them why you are told to do something it is disrespect but in fact is not disrespect it is that the soldier is trying to learn from them. If I remember correctly the Non Commissioned Officer Creed states â€Å"Competence is my watchword. My two basic responsibilities will always be uppermost in my mind-accomplishment of my mission and the welfare of my soldiers. I will strive to remain tactically and technically proficient. I am aware of my role as a Noncommissioned Officer. I will fulfill my responsibilities inherent in that role. All soldiers are entitled to outstanding leadership; I will provide that leadership. I know my soldiers and I will always place their needs above my own. I will communicate consistently with my soldiers and never leave them uninformed. I will be fair and impartial when recommending both rewards and punishment. † But it seems that only a few of the Non Commissioned Officers respect the lower enlisted. Why should soldiers’ words get twisted and why is that NCO’s are not respecting the soldiers and their needs. We need to be respected that is one of the many needs of the soldiers of today. That is why a lot of soldiers act out against Non Commissioned Officers. Ok so disrespect is all on what that person thinks is being said to them not really how and what is being said. When someone makes a statement and the other person comments on it, it is not disrespect it is just informing them on what they think. How is that disrespecting them? There is also a little thing that Non Commissioned Officers should do and that is lead by example and not respecting a soldier is not leading by example it is showing that that what is good for the goose is good for the gander or do as I say and not as I do! 2

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Testosterone and Infidelity Essay -- Extramarital affair, Infidelity,

A man has been married to his wife for seven years. The couple has two beautiful children, a fabulous home, and appear to have the perfect marriage. After the husband leaves work one afternoon, he decides to stop in at the local bar. The man sits at a table in the corner of the room. Not long after his arrival, a woman approaches him. She asks the man if she can join him at his table. The two seem to have quite a bit in common and enjoy each other’s company. The woman asks if he would like to go back to her apartment. He has not had a fight with his wife today. In fact, she surprised him with a love note in his briefcase. Their sex life is enjoyable, frequent, and without complaint. The couple is not currently having financial problems. Despite this, why did the man decide to leave with a stranger and cheat on his wife? A great deal of research has been carried out on the topic of infidelity. Marital therapists have reported that more than half of the couples t hey counsel are in therapy as a result of infidelity (Atkins, Jacobson citation). Therapists also consider an extramarital affair as, â€Å"one of the most damaging relationship events and one of the most difficult problems to treat in couples therapy† (whisman predicting sexual infidelity†¦). Some therapists estimate that 50% to 65% of couples seek help after an incident of infidelity in their relationship (Atkins, Jacobson & Baucom). Identifying the reasons for this problem are essential to the success of its reduction. Infidelity is not a new phenomenon. However, there was little research on the topic until the late 1970’s (Drigotas & Barta, 2001). Numerous factors have been examined while trying to determine the root cause for extramarital relationships a... ...irections and implications. In a future study, a satisfaction questionnaire could be included to examine a participant’s current marital satisfaction prior to exposure to their condition. A study should be conducted using an older sample of male participants in order to see if results would be different as a result of the decreased levels of testosterone in that age group. In addition, future researchers should consider investigating homosexuality, testosterone, and infidelity. There is no research that address homosexuality, testosterone. and infidelity. As such, future research should explore these aspects. Research dedicated to biological reasons for infidelity is an important and necessary contribution to reduce the worldwide epidemic of divorce. Understanding the effect (effect or affect?) testosterone has on infidelity is another step in this process.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Large Schools vs. Small Schools: Which perform better?

Small schools perform better than large schools in more than one aspect. A study finds that small rural communities with a school have significantly higher housing values, more new housing, smaller income variability, fewer households receiving public assistance, lower poverty and child poverty rates, more workers in professional and managerial jobs, and more workers employed within the community. (1) The existence of schools even in small rural areas proves many benefits, but there is a larger question posed, would it be more beneficial to have a small school or a large one? This paper aims to find which category offers more to the quality of students. It may be true that large schools may have grander facilities like television and radio stations but there is more than behind the curtain of facilities. An extensive body of research demonstrates numerous positive benefits of small schools and small learning communities, especially for those students who are at greatest risk of educational failure. Indeed, in a synthesis of research on small schools, Raywid (1997/1998, p. 35) concludes, â€Å"there is enough evidence now of such positive effects—and of the devastating effects of large size on substantial numbers of youngsters—that it seems morally questionable not to act on it.† (2) This is more or less the same stand that this paper takes. In a small school there would be more benefits. As you will see throughout the paper, there have been studies that point out the benefits of a small school over that of a large one.   There is almost 40 years of existing research and literature on small schools which indicates that students in small schools have higher attendance and graduation rates (1), fewer drop-outs, equal or better levels of academic achievement (2), higher levels of extra-curricular participation (3) and parent involvement, and fewer incidences of discipline and violence (4). (3) Wasley, et al (2000, pg 4) says small schools increase student attendance across all types of small schools: schools-within-schools (SWS), freestanding small schools, and multi-school small schools. Lakhman (1999), on the other hand found that between 1988 and 1998, DeWitt Clinton high school developed 10 small schools. During that time, they reduced their dropout rate by 8.5% and increased their on-time graduation rate by almost 50%. Thus, proving that small schools have the ability to improve attendance and graduation rate. Moreover, researchers observe that the effects of smallness on achievement are indirect, being mediated through other small-school features as quality of the social environment and students' sense of attachment to the school. Mitchell (2000) reminds us that in the studies conducted by Howley and others, school size had such a powerful positive effect on the achievement of poor students that it even trumped the beneficial effects of class size (Cotton, 2001). This can also be credited to the fact that in a small school, they can focus more on the need of each student. Sometimes, students does not need a large school with lots of reference books but a school that encourages a lot of help, from peers and teachers. There are several studies whose findings reveal that students at all grade levels learn more in small schools than in large schools. Several researchers have also examined middle-grades schools with interdisciplinary teams and found that students in this type of small learning community outperform similar students in schools without such organizational arrangements (Mertens and Flowers, 2003; Mertens, Flowers, and Mulhall, 2001; George and Lounsbury, 2000; Lee and Smith, 2000; Felner et al., 1997; Lee and Smith, 1993). (2) In addition from improved attendance, higher graduation rates and improved academic achievement in small schools, another factor that is considered is the students’ level of participation.   Take for example Mitchell’s (2000) observation where in a school of 2,000 students, only the most talented will be recruited for the basketball team or the drama club. The result is that a small number of gifted students dominate the sports and activity rosters, while the vast majority are relegated to spectator status. In small schools, sports teams, musical groups and clubs depend on broader participation. The number of extracurricular opportunities does increase with school size. But a twentyfold increase in population produces only a fivefold increase in opportunities. That is, as the school expands, an increasingly smaller percentage of students are needed to fill the available slots. In short, more students produce less participation. Most students will not be required to participate because there will be others who would. In a small school every student will have the opportunity to hone and improve their talents and interests. Researchers point out that, in small schools, everyone is needed to populate teams, offices, and clubs; thus, even shy and less able students are encouraged to participate and made to feel they belong. In addition to the factors mentioned, another advantage of a small school over a large one involves more personalized approach where levels of parent involvement and parent satisfaction are greater in small school environments than in large ones. Communication between parents and teachers tends to be more substantive given the fact that the teachers often know the students better in the smaller learning environment (Cotton, 2001). This is a positive reinforcement of discipline for the students.   In a smaller learning environment, the students’ activities can be monitored and can be reported to parents, whether a violation or a perceived improvement. Among the advantages mentioned, the fewer incidence of violence is perhaps the most important. â€Å"There is less violence in small schools, less vandalism, a heightened sense of belonging, and better attendance,† the KnowledgeWorks report states. (4)   Another research also showed that â€Å"In urban schools with less than 300 students, 3.9% of the schools reported serious violent incidents compared with 32.9% of schools over 1,000 students (Gregory, 2000).† Small schools are better positioned to detect and help hurting students, and to address disruptive behavior before it escalates into tragic violence and abuse. When teachers know virtually all students in a school community by name, it fosters a culture of belonging, accountability, and support. The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (2000) studies show that small learning environments are characterized by fewer incidents of violence and disruptive behavior, less school graffiti, lower crime levels, and less serious student misconduct. The association attribute this to what they term as â€Å"human-scale schooling† which reduces isolation and increasing the sense of belongingness. Indeed, a closer community will bring more familiarity and less hostility. Hence, with all the aspects considered in the paper, it can be deduced that in a school of smaller quantity, we can focus more on the students’ quality. From this standpoint, the performance of a small school is better. Even policy makers have noted these benefits leading to   the development of some new rules. These includes: Florida Small School Law which recognizes the benefits of small schools and prohibits, as of July 2003, the construction of large schools. As of that date, new elementary schools will be limited to 500 students, middle schools to 700, and high schools to 900. Another is the Vermont Funding for Small Schools which in 1997, Vermont adopted a new system of funding education under Vermont Act 60 – The Equal Educational Opportunity Act (EEOA). Unlike most states, Vermont choose to provide additional funding to cover the higher costs of the state's smallest school districts. An extra $1 million per year was allocated to districts with fewer than 100 students. (5) This paper believes as far as, the future can depend on small school more than large ones, and to borrow Daniel Kinnaman’s title, the future will be filled up by small schools (with) big benefits.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Effects of Constantly Moving

â€Å"Move to a new country and you quickly see that visiting a place as a tourist, and actually moving there for good, are two very different things,† said Tahir Shah. Moving can always be tough event for children to cope with. Change can be difficult part of a person’s life, oftentimes quite harrowing. Some may find change to be a good thing but often times not a consistent transition. I, on the other hand, find it to be more of a regular transition. Moving has many consequences on an individual psychologically, economically, and physically. Moving frequently can have its plethora of disadvantages.People move for many reasons: such as a new job, to live in a better place, or to start a new life. Just as in anything else in life, there is a good side and bad side to moving. To have a place to call home is essential in the life of a person. People often take pride in the city that they are from. Human’s work off of routine and a sense of normalcy, which is drasti cally impacted through the constant occurrence of relocating. Moving frequently can affect a person’s lifestyle and way of life, such as changing friendships, affecting careers, and lowering happiness.There are many children in life who have to move to a new town during their childhood. While there may be those few children that get the privilege of not moving, most others have to move at least once in their child hood. Some children even have to move two, three, and sometimes more. When a child has to move from the town that they have grown up in, it has many effects on his or her life. These effects can greatly change a child and it can make a child feel like he doesn’t fit in. It can also make one have a hard time making new friends, especially at a younger age.Although, many times parents do not have much of a choice in the matter, they should really think about these effects on a child before they make the decision to move when their children are still, well, chil dren. The first disadvantage to moving frequently is that it is difficult to find friends or maintain friendships. It is natural for human beings to develop bonds and relationships with other people, such as friendships. Experiences such as family camping trips to the mountains form these bonds. When human beings are surrounded with other people they develop a sense of closeness. Through the lessons of life, people grow together.Children and adults alike find connecting bonds together. When someone moves it’s almost impossible to keep the sense of closeness that was once there. When relocating to a new city or neighborhood, people feel out of place and commonly don’t like their new surroundings. Finding new friends and replacing the bonds shared with a best friend seem almost impossible. A yearly event that many military families have to prepare for, is finding out where their next move will be. In the article, â€Å"Military children and PCS,† they claim  "Moving is a necessary and inevitable part of military life.It is also a very large emotional and physical challenge not only for you but for your entire family. †(Crooks) Growing up having a military father, staying in one state was hardly ever an option. Ever since I could remember, we consistently moved around the continent and to different countries. This effected my inner emotions and feelings. I can only remember a few childhood friends that I had, but my relationships with them would end when I had to move to the next city. Being an only child also adds stress; I was typical by myself a lot, and mildly shy.First coming to North Carolina was hard for our family; I was a freshman in High School. At that point in many high school students life, they had their cliques, already involved in extracurricular activities, and I was still trying to adjust to the different lifestyle. I often time spent my weekends staying home, and going out with my parents. I didn’t go to t he Friday Night Football games because I didn’t want to go by myself and I didn’t want to sit with my parents. Having to transition to different schools was hard. Coming into a new school, in the middle of the year, many of the children already have their own cliques.Teenagers are not always as friendly as we picture them to be but once I started to get involved in Cheerleading, and clubs I soon became friends with many of the girls from my team and the clubs. Life in high school was becoming more fun, interesting, and my grades were outstanding. When having to relocate, finances take in an enormous part. Moving is an expensive and time-consuming experience. You need to be prepared and organized, in order to make your move as cost-effective and stress-free as possible.From my many experiences of having to move, my parents always  tried to down size our amount of items in our house. We didn’t always know if we would move into a house or have to transition into an apartment. To make sure we had enough money, we would have yard sells. The money we would make would go to our expenses for driving from state to state. When we would get the privilege of knowing where we going to move months in advance, my mom would always see what kind of job she would be qualified for. My father, of course would have a job since we were moving due to his job, but for my mother on the other hand would often times be unemployed.Our first year of being in North Carolina, my mother was unemployed, which was very hard for her since she came from a manger position at a Texas bank. She would constantly go on websites to look for jobs that were hiring. She had a few interviews but sometimes she wasn’t qualified since she didn’t have a college degree. When she would have a job offer, she always made sure that they had benefits and wouldn’t settle for less than what she was use to. When she finally had a good offer from a daycare center, she made su re that she would eventually be able to become a full time working and have good hours.She had previous experience with the child care centers from different military bases, so she knew that would help her keep the job, achieve bonuses, and have a good standing with them. Before you transition to new environment, focus on setting a budget, to make your move a successful one. No matter how often families change residence, moving brings with it a variety of emotions and situations. It is often times very easy to get caught up in the moving checklist of boxes, cleaning, packing and moving and overlooks the emotions that are tied to the transition to a new location.When it comes to your children it is very important that you take the time to allow them to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to the impending move and once you have arrived at your new location. Depression is common when child or families have to move away. â€Å"Even when the reasons for a move are go od (such as a promotion or better job for a parent) and you're excited about it, it's still a good idea to be prepared for unexpected changes. † Adolescents who frequently have to move experience anxiety: from having to move to an unfamiliar place.You regularly feel disoriented, like you do not have anybody to communicate with. When I was in elementary school, I would have to sit in the back because all of the other children already had their assigned seats. Being in the back wasn’t fun at all; the other children would often gawk back at you. When we were allowed to partner with other students, the other children already knew whom they wanted to be with and I would be alone. This played an enormous influence to me being timid, always having to make new friends, starting over, and having to be accepted by other children.Children may also feel anxious and sometimes even angry about a move. This may have a direct impression on a child’s emotional development. As a r esult, your child may develop insecure attachments with others and later have issues with trust. To help with the transition, Dr. D’Arcy Lyness recommends that parents encourage their children to talk about their feelings. Join and participate in volunteer missions, local organizations or family church activities. A child’s sense of security, endurance and confidence, all necessary ingredients for building solid self-esteem: is often affected by frequent moves.During this period, reassure your adolescent to frankly express all-powerful feelings to you, including sadness, excitement, fear and anger. Encourage friendships with children who will treat your son or daughter kindly. Any transition or change in a child’s life can cause estrangement anxiety. Common symptoms of separation anxiety include sleep disruption, changes in eating patterns, increased clinginess, and accelerated apprehensions about being alone and isolated. Education will always be important to p arents who have to move their adolescents.Moving can impact an adolescent's cognitive improvement. Studies done by the Center for Research on Child Wellbeing show that children in households that move frequently have lower grades and higher school dropout rates, on average . Moves undermine constructing academic skills during the formative elementary-level grades, when students absorb basic writing, reading and math skills. Frequent moves may also have an undesirable impression on communication skills for children of all ages forced to familiarize to new classroom environments and education styles.Educational programs can vary significantly between schools, so moving to a new school every few years can have a profound effect on a military child’s educational progress. For example, a student moving from a school that instills geography in ninth grade to a school that instills it in eighth grade might completely miss the subject if he moves between those years. Emotional and ph ysical struggles might also make it more difficult for him to fit in at school or focus on his education.However, schools in some areas with large military populations receive funding from the Department of Defense to design programs to help military kids with their challenges. On the other hand, a child may find that he is premature of the curriculum at a new school, resulting in dullness during teachings. An appointment to the new school proceeding to the move may also help tranquil your adolescent's angsts. My parents would constantly look up the finest academic schools in our new town, and try to find housing around that exact zone due to zonings. Before I moved to North Carolina, my parents gave me the choice between three high schools.In the end I choose Jack Britt High School, because they had abundant academics, athletics, and we had a four-class schedule instead of seven classes. Physically, a military move alters an adolescent's atmospheres, perhaps forcing him to leave pe ts, friends and family, and disconnecting them from accustomed locations. Children might experience headaches, stomachaches or other indications of the anxiety they are feeling. Some children even acquire depression or alteration disorders because of frequent moves, and these struggles might produce physical symptoms. Teens who move are most likely to exhibit symptoms of depression.Adolescents who move to a new location may also get into fights with other children or may experience harassment since they are the newest children in school or in a particular neighborhood. Military moves can positively affect children as well. It exposes them to many abodes, individuals and releases numerous experiences. It educates them to simplify because of the frequency of moves. It also lures the military family stronger as you realize to rely on each other. Military children acquire empathy, independence, strength of charisma and so many other constructive qualities as well.The most important enti ty to recollect is communication. Make sure you are talking and listening and understanding the feelings, apprehensions and joys and the military moving expedition can be a positive one. Moving is an opportunity for your adolescent to live in and discover a new city, perhaps even a new country, and its people. They may be exposed to new cultural traditions and interesting and different ways of life. It also is a chance to meet new natives and make new friends. Explain how the family will benefit from the move. When we moved to North Carolina it was a bit of a culture shock.I was now experiencing the more southern lifestyle. Until I moved to Fayetteville, North Carolina I hadn’t really seen a lot of dirt roads, or streets without streetlights. They do have streets here and there that do have streetlights but in California I’m used to streets having plethora of streetlights, usually ten to twenty on one street alone. A huge difference between California and North Carolin a is that North Carolina doesn’t have as many big highways; there are more of back roads. Moving may seem very detrimental when you initially envision of having to leave, but countless worthy effects can occur when you leave.You have the opportunity to start over and reinvent yourself, and optimistically revolutionize for the better. Many people who work regular day-to-day jobs usually stay in the same city for their whole life and don’t have much of an adjustment. Change when done the right way can be beneficial; it doesn’t always have to be a traumatic occasion. In the end moving isn’t always bad there are many great experiences that come out of it. You can always learn from frequently having to move and make the best of out it. For me I’ve had the privilege of being able to travel to many states and country.I wouldn’t trade the experience for nothing. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many great people who have affected my life for the good and bad, but most importantly have taught me life lessons. If it wasn’t for my father being in the military I wouldn’t be as blessed as I am today. His sacrifices have given me many great opportunities. I’ve been able to travel to places that many young colleges student have yet to experience. For one I can say without traveling around the world I wouldn’t be the same person I am today, and I’m proud of what that those changes have taught me.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

What Is the Average SAT Score

What Is the Average SAT Score SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you've taken the SAT, you're probably curious about how your score stacks up against average SAT scores. There are lots of different ways to look at averages on the SAT. What is the average SAT score overall?How many types of average SAT scores are there? And which averages are important for you? We'll answer all of these questions and more to tell you which SAT average scores actually matter for your future. So what is the average SAT score? That really depends on which group of people you're looking at. Below, we look at national averages as well as averages by gender, ethnicity, family income, high school type, and state. National SAT Average Score According to the College Board's 2018 total group report, the national SAT average scores (for all 2018 high school graduates) are as follows: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 536 Math: 531 Total: 1068 As you can see, if you score higher than 1068 on the SAT, you’ll be above the national average and will have scored better than most test takers. If you score less than 1068, however, you'll be below the national average and will have scored lower than most test takers. Bonus: Review how to find the average of a set of numbers for yourself here. Disappointed with your scores? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points? We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now: Average SAT Scores by Gender The College Board has also calculated the average SAT scores by gender. These averages are based on members of the class of 2018 who took the SAT. There are two sections on the SAT: Math and Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW). Each section is out of 800 points and then combined for a total score out of 1600. Gender EBRW Math Total Female 539 522 1061 Male 534 542 1076 No Response 406 374 779 As you can see, males outperform females on Math by 20 points, while females exceed males on EBRW by 5 points. According to a statistical significance test (t-test), the differences in EBRW and math scores here are considered extremely significant (in technical terms, the P value is less than 0.0001, meaning roughly that it is very unlikely these differences are due to chance). The difference between genders in math* test scores has been explored by academic researchers and has been a controversial topic. It should be a goal of the educational system to close this achievement gap between genders. *I looked for research to back up the differences between EBRW scores for students identifying as male vs those identifying as females but was unable to find anything both relevant and peer-reviewed from the last 15 years. We'll update this article with more information as and when it comes out. Average SAT Scores by Ethnicity When registering for the SAT, the College Board gives you the option to specify your ethnicity, with most students opting to share it.Here are the average SAT scores by ethnicity: Ethnicity # of Test Takers EBRW Math Total American Indian/Alaska Native 10,946 480 469 949 Asian 217,971 588 635 1223 Black/African American 263,318 483 463 946 Hispanic/Latino 499,442 501 489 990 Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander 5,620 498 489 986 White 930,825 566 557 1123 Two or More Races 77,078 558 543 1101 No Response 131,339 472 481 954 Total 2,136,539 536 531 1068 Source: Total Group Report 2018 The implications of these results are important to consider. The black-white test score gap, for example, has been researched extensively to try to find the root causes of it. In the other direction, Asians have the highest SAT score averages, which has led some to question whether colleges discriminate against Asians. (Of course, the disparity in sizes of the different groups taking the SAT and socioeconomic inequality also play a key role in creating these differences.) As with gender, reducing achievement gaps between ethnicities is a critical priority for educators. Average SAT Score by Family Income The College Board also allows students to report their family income. Most don’t, but there’s a definite trend among those who do. These averages are from 2016 and based on the old SAT scoring system (out of 2400), as the 2017 and 2018 reports did not release data by family income. Note that on the old SAT, instead of one EBRW score, you got two separate scores for Reading and Writing (each out of 800). Family Income Number Taking Reading Math Writing Total Less than $20,000 124,290 435 453 426 1314 $20,001-$40,000 158,909 465 477 452 1394 $40,001-$60,000 132,182 488 495 471 1454 $60,001-$80,000 115,998 503 509 485 1497 $80,001-$100,000 119,593 517 527 501 1545 $100,001-$140,000 146,434 530 539 513 1582 $140,001-$200,000 98,275 542 553 528 1623 More than $200,000 87,482 569 586 562 1717 No Response 659,426 482 501 473 1456 Source: Total Group Profile Report 2016 As you can see,a higher average score on the SAT is typically associated with higher family income. This is a trend that’s been observed for some time. There are many reasons why those from higher-income families tend to score higher on the SAT- they are likely to attend better schools and have more resources to devote to preparation, to name a couple. This is another key equity issue facing educators. One of the stated reasons for the SAT redesign was to try to make test results less correlated with income, but it remains to be seen if the College Board has been successful. Here are the average scores by income converted to the new SAT score scale for your reference: Family Income Math (New) EBRW New Total Less than $20,000 490 480 970 $20,001-$40,000 510 510 1020 $40,001-$60,000 530 540 1070 $60,001-$80,000 540 550 1090 $80,001-$100,000 560 570 1130 $100,001-$140,000 570 580 1150 $140,001-$200,000 570 590 1160 More than $200,000 610 620 1230 No Response 530 560 1090 Average SAT Score by School Type Average SAT scores also differ by school type. Again, these averages come from 2016 and use the old 2400-point SAT scale (the 2017 and 2018 reports did not release information for school type). School Type Reading Math Writing Total Public 487 494 472 1453 Religiously Affiliated 532 537 525 1594 Independent 530 579 536 1645 Other or Unknown 491 580 498 1569 Source: Total Group Profile Report 2016 As you can see, students at independent schools have the highest averages, followed by those at religious private schools, other or unknown schools, and finally public schools. This trend is unsurprising sinceprivate school attendance is typically expensive- certainly more expensive than public school! Thus, the pattern here is clearly correlated with income, which we already saw made a big difference in average SAT scores. Educational achievement is an incredibly complex issue, with environmental, social, and economic factors all at play. Reducing achievement gaps by gender, ethnicity, and income is a big priority for educators. See below for the converted average scores for your reference: School Type Math (New) EBRW New Total Public 520 540 1060 Religiously Affiliated 560 590 1150 Independent 560 590 1150 Other or Unknown 520 550 1070 Average SAT Score by State Below, I’ve given the 2018 average SAT scores by state (as well as for Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Washington, DC). State # of Test Takers EBRW Math Total Alabama (6%) 2,878 595 571 1166 Alaska (43%) 3,334 562 544 1106 Arizona (29%) 20,188 577 572 1149 Arkansas (5%) 1,591 592 576 1169 California (60%) 262,228 540 536 1076 Colorado (100%) 58,790 519 506 1025 Connecticut (100%) 44,700 535 519 1053 Delaware (100%) 11,055 505 492 998 District of Columbia (92%) 4,985 497 480 977 Florida (97%) 176,746 522 493 1014 Georgia (70%) 74,240 542 522 1064 Hawaii (56%) 7,880 550 549 1099 Idaho (100)% 20,484 508 493 1001 Illinois (99%) 145,919 513 506 1019 Indiana (67%) 48,962 546 539 1086 Iowa (3%) 994 634 632 1265 Kansas (4%) 1,419 633 631 1265 Kentucky (4%) 1,925 630 618 1248 Louisiana (4%) 2,027 615 595 1210 Maine (99%) 14,310 512 501 1013 Maryland (76%) 48,040 545 535 1080 Massachusetts (80%) 59,382 562 563 1125 Michigan (100%) 115,281 511 499 1011 Minnesota (4%) 2,464 643 655 1298 Mississippi (3%) 806 630 606 1236 Missouri (4%) 2,420 633 629 1262 Montana (10%) 952 606 592 1229 Nebraska (3%) 688 629 623 1252 Nevada (23%) 5,588 574 566 1140 New Hampshire (96%) 14,834 535 528 1063 New Jersey (82%) 84,672 547 547 1094 New Mexico (16%) 3,225 552 540 1093 New York (79%) 162,551 534 534 1068 North Carolina (52%) 54,987 554 543 1098 North Dakota (2%) 148 640 643 1283 Ohio (18%) 22,992 552 547 1099 Oklahoma (8%) 3,337 541 521 1062 Oregon (48%) 17,476 564 553 1117 Pennsylvania (70%) 96,740 547 539 1086 Puerto Rico 3,783 512 481 993 Rhode Island (97%) 10,161 513 505 1018 South Carolina (55%) 25,390 547 523 1070 South Dakota (3%) 260 622 618 1241 Tennessee (6%) 4,181 624 607 1231 Texas (66%) 226,374 520 512 1032 Utah (4%) 1,425 618 612 1230 Vermont (64%) 4,323 565 554 1120 Virginia (68%) 61,576 567 550 1117 Virgin Islands, US 635 490 445 935 Washington (69%) 48,574 543 538 1081 West Virginia (28%) 5,058 513 486 999 Wisconsin (3%) 1,923 641 653 1294 Wyoming (3%) 169 633 635 1257 Source: The College Board There's a lot of variation in average SAT scores by state. This is due to a lot of factors, but one big one is whether or not the state requires all public school students to take the SAT. In these cases, scores tend to be lower because even students who might not typically take the SAT (or prepare for it) musttake it in school. By contrast, in states where the SAT is not required, students who take the SAT take it specifically to prepare their college applications. As a result, the subsample of students who take the SAT will, in general, be more prepared and get higher scores. For more info on this topic, check out our complete guide to average SAT scores by state. What Average SAT Scores Really Matter for YOU? While we've gone through a lot of interesting SAT data based on gender, ethnicity, family income, school type, and state, most of it won’t be particularly relevant to your own interests and goals. The truth is, what SAT score you need depends entirely on the schools you're applying to. The average SAT scores that matter most for you are the averages for the colleges you’re interested in. If you can score above a school's average SAT score, you'll have a far better chance of getting in. But what score should you aim for specifically? The score you need to hit to give yourself your best chance of admission is your SAT goal score. We explain more about how to find this in our article onwhat makes a good SAT score. Briefly, though, here's what you'll need to do: on a chart, record the 25th and 75th percentile SAT scores (i.e., the middle 50% or average range) for each of the schools you're applying to. Once you've filled everything out, look for the highest 75th percentile score to getyour goal score. Hit this score on test day, and you'll have a great shot at getting into your dream school! What's Next? Not sure whether you should take the SAT? Here are 10 reasons to consider taking the test. Want to know the average SAT scores from past years?Maybe you want help predicting your own SAT score, or are wondering whether there's a minimum SAT score requirement for college. Need help preparing for the SAT? Then check out our total guide to studying for the test. We also have a one-month cramming planandsome tips for balancing your test prep with school! Want to learn more about the SAT but tired of reading blog articles? Then you'll love our free SAT prep livestreams. Designed and led by PrepScholar SAT experts, these live video events are a great resource for students and parents looking to learn more about the SAT and SAT prep. Click on the button below to register for one of our livestreams today!

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Learning the Mandarin Chinese Tone System

Learning the Mandarin Chinese Tone System The Mandarin language has a fundamental difference from Western languages: it is tonal. Tones are one of the biggest challenges for Mandarin learners, but their mastery is essential. Incorrect tones can make your spoken Mandarin difficult or impossible to understand, but using the correct tones will allow you to express yourself clearly. Mandarin tones are especially difficult for speakers of Western languages. English, for example, uses tones for inflection, but this is a very different usage from Mandarin. Rising tones in English often imply a question or sarcasm. Falling tones may be used for emphasis. Changing the tones of a Mandarin sentence, though, could completely change the meaning. Let’s take an example. Suppose you are reading a book and your brother (or sister or child) keeps on interrupting you. You are likely to become exasperated and say â€Å"I’m trying to read a book!† In English, this would be said with an emphatic falling tone at the end. But if you use a falling tone in Mandarin, the meaning completely changes. WÇ’ yo kn shÃ… « I want to read a book.WÇ’ yo kÇŽn shà ¹ I want to cut trees! The second version of this sentence would have your listeners scratching their heads. So practice your tones! They are essential for speaking and understanding Mandarin.