Relationship Between Mind And Body - 929 Words

In philosophy, Mind–body dualism is any theory that states that the mind and body are two distinct kinds of substances or natures. The problem of the relationship of the mind to body arose from the works of Renà © Descartes, a French philosopher and mathematician of the 17th-century who gave dualism its classical formulation or made it to be what it is today. Conceived from his famous â€Å"Cogito, ergo sum† (Latin) meaning â€Å"I think, therefore I am,† he developed a theory of the mind as a nontangible and unmaterialistic, substance that employs various activities such as rational thought, imagining, feeling, and willing. Whereas matter, or extended substance, conforms to the laws of physics automatically; with the important exception of the human body, which he believed is causally affected by the human mind and which causally produces certain mental events. (Principles of Philosophy) Subsequently, the mind-body problem is the problem of what is the relatio nship between mind and body? Or alternatively: what is the relationship between mental properties and physical properties? When we think about the mind body problem, it seems like a conundrum that has been around for centuries which philosophers have not arrived at an agreement as to how to resolve this problem. Firstly, mind-body dualism is more common than we think; as a matter of fact I believe that many of us believe that we are mind-body dualist without even knowing it; they believe that they are bodies and the brain isShow MoreRelatedThe Relationship between Mind and Body1005 Words   |  4 PagesThe relationship between mind and body seems like an important key to understand more about whether a person has a mental state or not. Many philosophers have developed many branches of philosophy to study the nature of mind and its relationship to body. From the conversation, the doctors’ positions actually represent one of the branches when they are discussing the mental states of the patient. Each branch has their own defenses. In the following paragraphs, I will argue that it is more reasonableRead MoreTheoretical Relationship Between The Mind Body1193 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent theories; the human mind and body may or may not have a correlation. In other words, there are exp lanations that concur that the mind and the body have a relationship of some kind. Yet there are other explanations that may disagreed and appose the fact that there is such an idea of the mind and body correlation. In this paper I will discuss the history of theories regarding the relationship between mind and body, as well as my understanding of this relationship. I will also discuss how psychologicalRead MoreThe Complex Relationship Between Body And Mind1729 Words   |  7 PagesThe complex relationship between body and mind is a delicate one, for both systems work together by providing sustenance for one another. The brain is responsible for sending messages to the body by deciding what the body needs and dictating how the body should act upon these said needs. On the other hand, the body is held accountable to provide the brain with adequate energy in order for the brain to perform basic cognitive functions. For example, when one consumes breakfast, the body uses the processRe ad MoreDescartes: Relationship Between Mind and Body922 Words   |  4 PagesReal Distinction between the Mind and Body†, one important thing Descartes explores is the relationship between the mind and body. Descartes believes the mind and body are separated and they are two difference substances. He believes this to be clearly and distinctly true which is a Cartesian quality for true knowledge. I, on the other hand, disagree that the mind and body are separate and that the mind can exist without the body. First, I will present Descartes position on mind/body dualism and hisRead MoreHow did Descartes Explain the Relationship between Mind and Body? 1092 Words   |  5 Pages Across the years, many scientists and philosophers believed that a human being is made up by mind and body (Radner, 1971). Some of them believed that the mind-soul is something different from the body and each of them works by themselves without any interaction between them (Radner, 1971). The other point of view said that body and mind works together as a unity and mutually influences each other and the result is the human being. This view had been held by great figures like the Greek philosopherRead MoreThe Relationship Between The Mind And Body That I Find Especially Attractive : Margaret Cavendish s Panpsychism1963 Words   |  8 PagesIn this paper, I will examine a particular model of the relationship between the mind and body that I find especially attractive: Margaret Cavendish’s Panpsychism. In my discussion of Cavendish’s Panpsychism, I will contrast it with two other models -- namely, Descartes’s Substance Dualism and Hobbes’s Materialism -- to accentuate particular nuances of the model. Next, I will provide reasoning for why I find Cavendish’s Panpsychism so attractive. After, I will consider the strongest argument I believeRead MorePsychology : Mind Body Problem898 Words   |  4 PagesTopic 1 Mind body problem tries to explain the states of the minds, occurrence of events, and action of processes. For instance, thinking is related to other processes and events of the mind. The fact that the mind is not physical in nature and the body is physical attests to this explanation. Mind body problem relate to some of the scientific concepts in different kind of ways. The relationship between the mind body problem and the concepts of neurophysiology, psychophysics and theory of evolutionRead MoreThe Mind-Body Problem Essay957 Words   |  4 PagesThe Mind-Body Problem The mind-body problem, which is still debated even today, raises the question about the relationship between the mind and the body. Theorists, such as Renà © Descartes and Thomas Nagel, have written extensively on the problem but they have many dissenting beliefs. Descartes, a dualist, contends that the mind and body are two different substances that can exist separately. Conversely, Nagel, a dual aspect theorist, contends that the mind and body are not substances but differentRead MoreUnderstanding The Mind Body Problem994 Words   |  4 Pages2.) Discuss how the following concepts relate to the mind-body problem: * neurophysiology * psychophysics * theory of evolution. For each, be sure and: (1) describe the area of study, (2) discuss the views of at least ONE major thinker associated with that area of study, and (3) explain what that area of study contributed to the attempt to reconcile the mind-body problem. The mind-body problem tries to explain the states of the minds, occurrence of events, and action of processes. ForRead MoreThe Relationship of the Mind and the Body: The Person1071 Words   |  5 PagesCan the mind exist without the body? Can the body exist without the mind? Surely in this day and age, there are artificial ways to keep the body alive even if the brain is pronounced dead. Likewise, the body can be completely immobilized, in a coma, yet the mind can still be alive and active. But can either really exist in its entirety on its own, performing its functions as usual, and in the same manner as if it was still in union with its partner? In his book, Discourse on the Method and Meditations

Essay on Single-Parent Homes in the United States

Children growing up in the United States come from different homes yet, all experience and understand the meaning of family. Some children grow up with in single parent family, or with a mother and father. Family is a big part of their lives and beliefs. Researchers bring forth evidences, that being brought up by one parent can physically and mentally destroy a child’s future. Growing up in any type of family can affect a child’s life emotionally, physically, and socially. Children can still be successful in life regardless of being raise by either a single or joint family. Success is not determine by who raise a child, but determine by what the child wants to become in life. Do researchers have a valid point with who raises a child can†¦show more content†¦Mama was a child, her school was close and no one attempt to try to reopen it. Dee was fortunate that her Mama has given her the opportunity for advantages and refinements, but this only serve to create a b lock between Dee and her family. She feels like the object of jealously and confrontation among her family members, while as an individual she searches for personal meaning and a stronger sense of self. Education has separated her from family, but it also separated Dee from a true sense of herself. The story shows how a single mother can provide for two daughters in different ways such as education and nurture. The emotional conflicts the child faces with a single parent are just one of many things a child faces with both parents. Children tend to have lower scores in academic achievement. Present investigation studies (Guttmann and Rosenberg) the levels of emotional intimacy with nonclinical single-parent families and intact families, and how these relate to a children’s academic, social and emotional adjustments. Participants were 94 children of divorced families 95 children intact families, and their mothers (60 married and 58 divorced.) The results show significant differences between the divorced and intact group and several measures of intimacy and adjustment. Most of these differences, however, are found to be small. The only exception is with regard to the children’s feelings ofShow MoreRelatedParent Families Are A Common Theme Throughout The United States Essay1521 Words   |  7 PagesSingle- Parent Families Single- parent families are a common theme throughout the United States. Single-parent families currently account for over 20% of households in the United States (Berk, 2014). This population has steadily increased over the past decade and continues to warrant the attention of mental health professionals. Single-parent homes require unique and specific attention to family therapy and research continues to support this. A single- parent home is defined as one parent takingRead MoreFamily Is The Fundamental Unit Of Society And Today It Is Used With A Wide Variety Of Meanings979 Words   |  4 PagesIn 2007, single-parent families make up thirty-two percent of the population (Benokraitis, 2012). As more adult remain single into their thirties and divorce rates are higher, the number of children living in single-parent families has increased (Benokraitis, 2012). The number of never married people has gone up form four percent in 1960 to forty-three percent in 2010 (Benokraitis, 2012). Women also run an over whelming eighty-seven percent of single-parent households in the United States (BenokraitisRead MoreThe Academic And Social Challenges Of Children From Single Parent Homes1575 Words   |  7 PagesResearch Proposal The Academic and Social Challenges of Children from Single Parent Homes Ball State University Jason Huffer EDPS 640 Dr. Eric Pierson 5/4/2016 Children of Single Parent Homes 2 Abstract The purpose of this current study is to highlight the growing academic concerns and difficult social challenges facing children who live in single parent homes. For this study I will focus on children nationwide. I will present data related to this topic on a couple different subjectRead MoreFamily Families : A Parent Family963 Words   |  4 PagesOne parent family as a household with at least one child and a parent by Online Dictionary. Like other growing problems, one parent families are an important raising situation in the United States. Some everyday struggles and disadvantages are experienced by single parents today. Problems such families have to face can range from expensive day care, economic hardship, hurdles in balancing both home and work, and ability to spend limited quality time with children and finical difficulties (AmbertRead MoreJuvenile Delinquency Has Increased Throughout The Years1421 Words   |  6 Pagesthe years. In 2008 the United States police arrested about 2.11 million juveniles. Juvenile arrest rates had increased in 2005 and again in 2006. Data show increases in some offense categories but declines in most. Most changes being less than 10% in either direction. According to the data arson at 47% is one of the biggest crimes that juveniles commit. Following are robbery at 27%, burglary at 27%, and property crimes at 26%. Juveniles are creating more problems for parents, schools, and communitiesRead More Children With Behavioral Disorders in Single Parent Homes Essay1040 Words   |  5 PagesUnfortunately, we live in a world were economic times are tough. It can be a struggle for parents to adequately support children - especially if there is only one parent. According to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development about 15.9 percent of children world wide live in single-parent households. In the United states alone there are approximately 13.7 million single parents today, and those parents are responsible for rai sing 21.8 million children (approximately 26% of children underRead MoreIs The Most Socially Consequential Family Trend Of Our Generation?990 Words   |  4 PagesProblem Statement In the United States it is becoming more and more likely for children to grow up without their fathers. Father absence is a crucial social issue and can be linked to dozens of our most pressing social dilemmas. David Blankenhorn of the American Experiment said â€Å"this trend of fatherlessness is the most socially consequential family trend of our generation† (Blankenhorn). Father absence in the American home has a serious and negative effect on the well-being of our societyRead MoreThe Family Of A Family1373 Words   |  6 PagesA father and a mother provide an atmosphere in which to live, grow, and develop. The family culture is established by the parents and instilled in the children during their upbringing. A healthy family, is a family that follows a set of strong morals, stays loyal to one another, cooperates, and works together to avoid household differences. An environment where there is openness amongst family members is ideal because minds that are open are more liable to preventing any anger that their adolescentsRead MorePersuasive Speech: Gay Adoption800 Words   |  4 Pagescontinues to grow if you factor in United States that ban gay marriage, as well as un-married couples to adopt. On the surface, this seems like solely a gay rights issue, and though it most definitely is, there is also an underlying issue that many people tend to overlook. That issue is the children themselves. People debating this hot topic tend to overlook that because they are so against homosexuals, they are actually harming hundreds of children all over the United States. 2. MAIN POINTS AND SUBPOINTSRead MoreSingle Parents Club : A Non Profit Organization Aimed At Providing Child Care987 Words   |  4 PagesSingle Parents Club (SPC) is a non-profit organization aimed at providing child care services for low income single parents. Single Parents Club recognizes that single parents often face multiple barriers while trying to successfully enter the workforce. Often time’s challenges such as a lack of affordable child care make it difficult for individuals to successfully enter into the workplace. The mission of this organization is to provide affordable child care will help ease a single parents burden

What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Hilton H-Honors Program free essay sample

In 1985 NEDO set out general requirements for the selection of a procurement path and others including Skitmore and Marsden in 1988, Bennett and Grice in 1990 and ELSIE computer system in 1990 sought to assist in making the selection. More recently Morledge and Sharif (1996, a,b) have discussed procurement strategy, summarised procurement options and outlined a process to assist in the selection of the best procurement strategy. Gillespie (1994) questions the extent that rationality plays in procurement selection and suggest that other factors often influence choice. Some other researchers suggested the use of fuzzy logic to produce computerised systems to help practitioners (Peak et al. , 1992; Russell, 1992). Turner (1990) provides an assessment of the risk inherent in procurement routes and it can be inferred that this is an important determinant in the route selected. It is known that procurement methods play a major role in defining and shaping contractual and work relationships between parties involved in the construction process. We will write a custom essay sample on What Are the Strengths and Weaknesses of the Hilton H-Honors Program? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Therefore, a better understanding of those methods and criteria that practitioners use in their selection is a very important step in enhancing our understanding of the issue. This paper presents the results of a study into criteria of selection for procurement methods used in the construction industry in the UK, and investigates the issue of satisfaction with procurement methods. 2. 2. 1 Background Procurement methods A review of current practices in the UK shows different approaches to the procurement of building projects. A classification of these approaches is extremely complex because there are not clear and universally accepted definitions of what a particular procurement method is. This raises a major issue in that if there is no accepted definition of what comprises a particular procurement route, the possibility of establishing criteria to achieve specific objectives is problematic, if not remote. McCanlis (1967) pointed out the problems with the traditional descriptors of contractual arrangements but notwithstanding the acknowledged problems, ELSIE (1990) computer system and Masterman (1992) have defined the various procurement routes. If the characteristics of a procurement route can be identified and the impact of these characteristics upon performance can be measured, then and only then, can the selection of a specific procurement path serve a purpose. 2. 2 Procurement’ criteria for selection The literature review on this issue reveals a wide spectre of reasons put forward for choosing a particular procurement method. Rowlinson Newcombe (1984), in their research on the impact of procurement methods on performance, produced a table that provides a general overview of the respective characteristics of types of contractual arrangement (see table 1). This taken with Turner’s risk assessment and that set out in Latham (1994) provides a useful, albeit fairly crude tool. This paper describes research which has attempted to refine these issues and to provide a greater understanding of procurement decisions and needs. Types of Arrangemen t Traditional Arrangemen t Design and Build Measureme nt Prime Cost Price Certainty Fairly good Good Average to poor Poor Level (inc. fees) Low Design Parallel Working No Changes Easy Buildabilit y No Time Before Start Slow Medium Medium High Yes Yes Yes Difficult Easy Easy Yes No No MediumFast MediumFast Fast Fast Average Medium Yes Easy Yes Separate to poor Mgt Function Table 1: Indication of Characteristics of Types of Contract Arrangement (Source: Rowlinson Newcombe, 1984) The variables used for selection in this study are: accountability, design input, dissatisfaction with previous process used, knowledge of the process, predictable cost, punctuality, speed of commencement, speed of completion, transference of risk, and working relationships. Respondents were also given the opportunity to add any further variables that they may see as important in their choice. 3. Methodology A questionnaire was prepared with the objective of obtaining information relating to procurement choice and satisfaction with procurement methods used, among other things. A total of 122 questionnaires were mailed to both clients and consultants of which 64 responses were received, which is a good answer rate (52%). The data was analysed statistically using SPSS for windows.

Othello Essay Paper Example For Students

Othello Essay Paper Sexuality in WisebloodThat Heinous Beast: SexualityIn the novel Wiseblood, by Flannery OConnor, one finds an unpleasant, almost antagonistic view of sexuality. The author seems to regard sex as an evil, and harps on this theme throughout the novel. Each sexual incident which occurs in the novel is tainted with grotesquem. Different levels of the darker side of sexuality are exposed, from perversion to flagrant displays of nudity. It serves to give the novel a bit of a moralistic overtone. The Carnival Episode illustrated Hazels first experience with sexuality. The author depicts an incident surrounded by an aura of sinfulness. Indeed, the shows promoter claims that it is SINsational. In his anxiousness to view the sideshow, Haze resorted to lying about his age. He was that eager to see it. When he enters the tent, Haze observes the body of an obese naked woman squirming in a casket lined with black cloth. He leaves the scene quickly. This first bout with sexuality was certainly a grotesque one, and one which, perhaps, helped fortify his resolve not to experiment with sex for years to come. Haze reacted to the incident on different levels. Before watching the show, he was filled with curiosity. So badly he wanted to view this EXclusive show. After glancing at the body, he first thought that it was a skinned animal. When he realized what it was, he at once left the tent, ashamed, and perhaps frightened of the object before his eyes. Hazels reaction was not unnatural. The sight with which he was confronted would invoke both fear and embarassment within most ten-year-olds. Not only was the body nude, but it was inside a casket as well. The author parallels this vulgar display of sexuality with death itself. But Hazel reacted to more than just the sight of the object. He at once realizes that he was not supposed to watch the naked lady, that it was sinful to do so. He feels ashamed for having gone inside the tent, and punishes himself. Here, it is evident that the author means to show that Sexuality is a sinful creature. This moral tone is reinforced by the behavior of his parents during the episode. Whilst inside the tent, Hazel hears his father remark appreciatively about the nude body: Had one of themther built into ever casket, be a heap ready to go sooner. After returning home, Hazels mother realizes that her son has experienced something that he should not have, and confronts him about it. Though he does not admit what he has done, he proceeds to punish himself. It is inferred that Hazel respects his mothers attitude toward the matter. OConnor seems to propose that Hazel must do penance for what he has done, or, on a larger scale, for witnessing vulgar displays of sexuality. Perversion reaches its height when OConnor introduces the reader to Enoch Emery. During Enochs various dealings with women, one witnesses vulgarity in all its forms. The events surrounding the first of these incidents is tinged with a bit of mystery. OConnor paints the portrait of a Peeping Tom, an adolescent Enoch Emery watching a topless woman sunbathe while hidden in between abelia bushes. Strangely enough, the woman has a long and cadaverous face, with a bandage-like bathing cap. Ironically, the woman also has pointed teeth, with greenish-yellow hair. The woman is portrayed as a corpse-like figure who is surprisingly similar to Hazels one-time mistress, Leora Watts. Sexuality comes in the form of a corpse, an allusion not to be missed. The narrator depicts Sexuality as being analogous to spiritual death. .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 , .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .postImageUrl , .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 , .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:hover , .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:visited , .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:active { border:0!important; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:active , .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906 .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u5f4f48ca1670151385bacf592f3af906:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Endangered Species of South Am EssayIn this episode, however, one sees more than just the grotesque. Enoch Emery introduces us to the grimmer side of sexuality, a side in which a predator spies on an unknowing woman, and gains pleasure from it. The meaning behind the scene is somewhat masked by the lascivious behavior of a typical eighteen year old, but its aim is clear. Here is sexuality at its darker side: one in which women are violated unbeknownst to them. Enochs other dealings with women are also on the perverse side. He enjoys making suggestive remarks towards them. The fact that they do not respond to him results from two things. Firstly, the women do not find him a ppealing in the least bit. At the Frosty Bottle, the waitress refers to Enoch as a pus-marked bastard, and a son of a bitch. Secondly, the author points out that sexuality and perversion in all its forms is evil. Perhaps one of the most grotesque representations of sexuality in the novel is found in Mrs. Leora Watts. The circumstances surrounding Haze and Leoras first encounter are rather distasteful. Hazel discovers her address while inside a public bathroom, an incidence not to be taken lightly. The author blatantly states her attitude toward prostitution: that it originates within the most disgusting and disgraceful locales of society. The creature, Mrs. Leora Watts, is quite hideous, and grotesque in most every manner. She is a large woman, with yellow hair and white skin that glistened with a greasy preparation. Her teeth were small and pointed and speckled with green and there was a wide space between each one. When Hazel first meets her, she is cutting her toe nails, a task not the most pleasing to witness. The room in which Leora Watts lives is quite dirty. The atmosphere is not unlike that of a public bathroom. Hazes first sexual experience is an unpleasant one. It is almost as if he has been captured and used by this monstrosity, when it was he who initiated it. It is all the more ironic that it is a female prostitute who is manhandling the male. The ceremony begins as Haze reaches for Leoras big leg. It is a rather strange action in that he does not making any overt sexual advances towards her. He does not find her appealing, he merely wants to have sex. Through the course of the episode, Hazel behaves as if he were pained by his own actions. When Leora grips his hand, he almost reacts violently. In fact, he might have leaped out the window, if she had not had him so firmly by the arm. As she makes advances towards him, he moves rigidly toward her. Hazels behavior is similar to that of a person doing penance for sins committed. This is reminiscent of Hazels actions as a child. OConnor manages to convert an often joyous and pleasurable experience into a painstaking one. Here, once again, w e witness her moralistic attitude toward sexuality: sex for pleasure ought to be painful, for it is wrong. Through the depiction of Mrs. Leora Watts and Hazels first sexual encounter, it is more than evident that the novel treats the subject of sexuality in a distasteful manner. Leora Watts is the physical manifestation of the authors disdain for sexuality and prostitution. She is both repulsive and grotesque. Sexuality is treated as an ugly thing, and sex for pleasure is seen as immoral. In the novel Wiseblood, the reader is confronted with an antagonistic and adverse view of sexuality. The novel represents sex as an evil, one which encourages the basest forms of human behavior. Through individuals like Leora Watts and Enoch Emery, the author depicts people whom have reached the depths of perversion and the grotesque.

Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes free essay sample

I was six years old and free as a bird, spinning beneath the hot Maryland sun. Arms stretched out, palms turned to the sky as if they could catch the light and hold it forever. Eyes closed, cheeks flushed pink, hair glinting with highlights of red and gold from the bright sun. Round and round and round, the sky spun like a kaleidoscope above me. I collapsed to the ground and watched the sky continue to spin, jerky and slowing, as if it were a toy I had broken. The grass was baked gold and prickly against the bare skin of my arms. I was never a hothouse flower; my petals werent easily torn. Switching my roots into new soil was no problem, and sicknesses were fleeting. I ran bare-footed through red soil and green grass and let the sun slowly change the color of my skin. I caught frogs and butterflies in my hands but ran from the praying mantis that folded its bishop-robe arms on my grandmothers porch. We will write a custom essay sample on Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I ran in a cotton sundress through the heat of the summer day, laughing, and tasted the soft, sweet nectar of honeysuckle that remains my definition of summertime. You couldnt ruffle me, then, with anything. I was sturdy and sure and confident, a hardy little wildflower growing among thorns she could not see. There was a roof over my head and food and love, and nothing could change what I had. Is it funny, then, that I seemed to grow more frail as the years passed? That I lost some part of that wildflower child in the upsetting act of growing up? That when I was 17 and stood in that exact same spot, I couldnt spin but only stand, stronger in some ways, weaker in others, and constantly afflicted with the menace of wars and politics that only vaguely concern me. On that day I realized with a flash of pain that I was no longer six. Melting crayons and tangled hair had needed to be changed, replaced. The cross around my neck might symbolize my faith, but it hurt to know that it would never be so simple, so innocent, so unquestioning again. It took me so long on that cool October day, beneath the Maryland sun to begin (so slowly) to spin. Kaleidoscope sunset skies melted with the emerald green of treetops until all I could hear was the Beatles playing in my head, crooning on and on about pools of sorrow and waves of joy. Each spin seemed to take an hour, a day, a year to complete. The sky above whirled slowly, and the ground beneath dipped and rose again with each step, comforting and familiar and as much a part of me as the soles of my feet, this land I had walked so many times. Coming back seemed, in that moment, to be the only answer I needed to the questions Id been asking myself all year. Except for the niggling fact that they answered nothing, that there was no knowledge I gained from spinning in the same place, in the same way, as I had when I was six. I know as little about myself now as I did then. Maybe less. But as I collapsed to the ground, my dogs face looming above me in a silent, curious question of â€Å"Why, exactly, are you on the ground?† I realized that there was nothing about myself I really needed to memorize. Not yet. Not at seventeen.

Teaching Conversational Skills Tips and Strategies

Teaching Conversational Skills Tips and Strategies Teaching conversational skills can be challenging as not only English skills are required. English students who excel in conversation tend to be those with self-motivated, outgoing personalities. However, students who feel they lack this skill are often shy when it comes to conversation. In other words, personality traits that dominate in everyday life tend to appear in the classroom as well. As English teachers, its our job to help students improve their conversational skills, but often teaching is not really the answer. The Challenge Generally speaking, most English learners feel that they need more conversation practice. Grammar, writing and other skills are all very important, but, for most students, conversation is the most important. Unfortunately, teaching conversational skills is much more challenging than teaching grammar  as the focus is not on accuracy, but on production. When employing role-plays, debates, topic discussions, etc., some students are often timid in expressing their viewpoints. This seems due to a number of reasons: Students dont have an opinion on the subject.Students have an opinion but are worried about what the other students might say or think.Students have an opinion but dont feel they can say exactly what they mean.Students begin giving their opinion but want to state it in the same eloquent manner that they are capable of in their native language.Other, more actively participating students, feel confident in their opinions and express them eloquently making the less confident students more timid. Pragmatically, conversation lessons and exercises should first focus on building skills by eliminating some of the barriers that might be in the way of production. Here are some suggestions to help free up students in conversation. Point out that its not necessary to always speak the truth in class. In fact, not worrying about exactly what happened can help free up students.Create lesson plans that focus on functional skills such as asking for permission, disagreeing, etc. rather than open-ended lessons that students might find vague.Set micro-tasks such as the use of specific verbs, idioms, etc. within overall speaking tasks.  Use tasks such as information gathering or problem-solving activities that encourage students to communicate in English in order to complete the tasks. Here is a closer look at some of these ideas: Focus on Function   Its important to help students become familiar with language functions rather than focusing on a grammar-based approach when developing lessons to help with conversational skills. Start off simple with functions such as: Asking permission, stating an opinion, ordering food in a restaurant, etc.   Explore grammar issues by asking what linguistic formulas should be used to achieve the desired results. For example, if you are comparing two sides of an argument which forms might be helpful (comparative, superlative, would rather, etc). Use formulas to encourage correct usage such as: How / What about Verb Ing for making suggestions - How about taking a trip to San Diego?Would you mind Verb Ing for making requests -  Would you mind giving me a hand?Would you rather Verb or Verb  for asking for preferences -  Would you rather take the train or drive? Expand this approach slowly by asking students to create short role plays using cue cards. Once students become comfortable with target structures and representing differing points of view, classes can move onto more elaborated exercises such as debates and group decision-making activities.   Assign Points of View Ask students to take on a specific viewpoint. Sometimes, its a good idea to ask students to try to state opinions that they dont necessarily share. Having been assigned roles, opinions, and points of view that they do not necessarily share, students are freed from having to express their own opinions. Therefore, they can focus on expressing themselves well in English. In this way, students tend to concentrate more on production skills, and less on factual content. They also are less likely to insist on literal translations from their mother tongue. This approach bears fruit especially when debating opposing points of view. By representing opposing points of view, students imaginations are activated by trying to focus on all the various points that an  opposing  stand on any given issue may take. As students inherently do not agree with the view they represent, they are freed from having to invest emotionally in the statements  they make. More importantly, from a pragmatic point of view, students tend to focus more on correct function and structure when they do not become too emotionally involved in what they are saying. Of course, this is not to say that students should not express their own opinions. After all, when students go out into the real world they will want to say what they mean. However, taking out the personal investment factor can help students first become more confident in using English. Once this confidence is gained, students - especially timid students - will be more self-assured when expressing their own points of view. Focus on Tasks Focusing on tasks is quite similar to focusing on function. In this case, students are given specific tasks they must complete in order to do well. Here are some suggestions on tasks that can help students practice their conversational skills: Create student surveys to gather information.Teamwork activities such as treasure hunts.Board games.Build something - group activities such as a science project or presentations allow everyone to join in the fun. Quick Review Decide whether the following statements are true or false. Its a good idea to have students report their experiences truthfully and in great detail.General conversational activities are best for more advanced students while beginner should focus on functions.Assigning a point of view helps students focus on linguistic accuracy rather than stating exactly what they believe.Problem-solving teamwork  tasks should be avoided as they are not realistic.Outgoing students tend to be better at conversational skills. Answers False - Students shouldnt have to worry about telling the exact truth because they might not have the vocabulary.True - Advanced students have the linguistic skills to deal with broader issues.True - Assigning a point of view can help free up students to focus on form rather than on content.  False - Problem solving requires teamwork and conversational ability.True - Motivated outgoing students tend to allow themselves to make mistakes and thus speak more freely.

Poem Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Poem - Essay Example This essay will explore some of these elements and see how they add to the poem. In stanza one, the speaker tells that even though those who discriminate against her, have written damning things in history; it matters not, because she knows the truth about herself and her ancestors. Therefore, she will continue to move forward and rise above the false allegations. In line two, assonance is used â€Å"bitter twisted† to describe the lies that have been written about the African-Americans. The harsh sounding â€Å"i’s† in the two words demonstrate how cruel these false stories were. So, when the speaker says â€Å"I’ll rise† at the end of the stanza, the liberating feeling is enhanced by the previous harsh sounding â€Å"bitter twisted†. The most common form of figurative language found in the poem is the simile. For instance, in stanza three the speaker likens herself to the moon and the sun â€Å"Just like moons and like suns†. This si mile reveals to us that the speaker constantly rises, again and again, no matter how she is oppressed and put down by others; for, the sun and moon rise each day and night, and so shall she. Just like nothing can prevent the sun and moon from rising, so nothing can prevent her from rising above her circumstances, causing her to provide the light of hope for others through her actions and words.