SAT Sections, Sample Questions and Strategies

SAT Sections, Sample Questions and Strategies The SAT consists of four required sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (No Calculator), Math (Calculator). There is also an optional fifth section: the essay. The Reading section and the Writing and Language section are combined to calculate your Evidence-Based Reading/Writing score. The two math sections are combined to calculate your total Math score. Before taking the test, familiarize yourself with the types of questions and time limits of each section of the SAT. This familiarity will help you feel confident and prepared on test day. SAT Reading Test The SAT Reading Test comes first, and all questions are based on passages that youll read. Youll spend over an hour on this section. Number of Questions: 52Question Type: Multiple choice based on passagesTime: 65 minutes The Reading Test measures your ability to read carefully, compare passages, understand how an author constructs an argument, and figure out what words mean from their context. Realize that this is not an English test- passages will come from not just literature, but also U.S. or world history, the social sciences, and the sciences. The Reading Test may also include info-graphics, graphs, and tables, although you will not need to use math skills to analyze these elements of the test. Sample Questions These sample questions refer to a specific passage. 1. As used in line 32, horrid most nearly meansA) shocking.B) unpleasant.C) extremely bad.D) obnoxious. 2. What statement best characterizes the relationship between Dr. McAllister and Jane Lewis?A) Dr. McAllister admires Janes honesty.B) Dr. McAllister pities Jane because of her low social status.C) Dr. McAllister feels self conscious around Jane because she makes him aware of his failures.D) Dr. McAllister is disgusted by Janes lack of education and poor hygiene. In general, the skills required for the Reading Test are those youve been learning at school and not ones you can cram in preparation for the exam. If you are good at reading a text closely and carefully, you should do well on this section. That said, you should definitely take practice tests to figure out how carefully you need to read the passages and what pace you need to set to ensure you finish in time. For many students, the Reading Test is the most challenging section when it comes to time management. SAT Writing and Language Test The Writing and Language Test also consists of questions based on passages, but the types of questions are different from those on the Reading Test. In addition, the passages are generally shorter, and youll have less time to complete the section. Number of Questions: 44Type of Questions: Multiple choice based on passagesTime: 35 minutes Like the Reading Test, some questions in the Writing and Language Test will include graphs, info-graphics, tables, and charts, but you wont need to use your math skills to arrive at an answer. Questions can ask you about the best word choice for a given context, proper grammar and word usage, organizational elements of a passage, and the best methods for presenting evidence and making an argument. In the reading test, youll be provided a passage that has sentences and locations within the text marked by numbers. Sample Questions These sample questions refer to a specific passage. Which choice makes the most effective transition between the first and second paragraph?A) NO CHANGEB) Despite these dangers,C) Because of this evidence,D) Though the action would be unpopular, To make the ideas in the passage flow logically, sentence 4 should be locatedA) where it is now.B) after sentence 1.C) after sentence 4.D) after sentence 6. Familiarize yourself with this section by taking practice tests (like those from Khan Academy and the College Board). Another way to improve your score is to brush up on grammar rules. Be sure to study conjunction, commas, colon, and semi-colon usage as well as the rules for using commonly confused words, like its vs. its and that vs. which. The score from this section is combined with the score from the Reading Test to arrive at the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing score for the exam. SAT Math Exam The SAT Math Exam is comprised of two sections: SAT Math Test- No Calculator Number of Questions: 20Type of Questions: 15 multiple choice; 5 grid-inTime: 25 minutes SAT Math Test- Calculator Number of Questions: 38Type of Questions: 30 multiple choice; 8 grid-inTime: 55 minutes The results from the calculator and no calculator sections are combined to arrive at your SAT math score. The SAT Math Exam does not cover calculus. Youll need to know algebra and how to work with linear equations and systems. Youll also need to be able to interpret data represented in graphical forms, work with polynomial expressions, solve quadratic equations, and use function notation. Some questions will draw on geometry and trigonometry. Sample Questions 5x x - 2x 3 10 2x x -4In the equation above, what is the value of x?A) 3/4B) 3C) -2/5D) -3 For the following question, you may use a calculator. Grid your answer into the answer sheet.During rush hour traffic, Janet took 34 minutes to complete her 8 mile drive to work. What was her average speed during her drive. Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a mile per hour. Chances are, youre better in some areas of math than others. Use the free math practice materials at Khan Academy to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Then, rather than taking entire practice math tests, you can focus on the areas you find most difficult. SAT Essay (Optional) Most colleges and universities do not require the SAT Essay, but many schools recommend it. To write the essay, youll need to sign up and pay an additional fee when you register for the SAT. You will write the SAT Essay after all students have completed the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Tests. You will have 50 minutes to write the essay. For the essay portion of the exam, you will be asked to read a passage, and then write an essay that responds to the following prompt. The passage changes for each exam, but the prompt is always the same: Write an essay in which you explain how [the author] builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience that [author’s claim]. In your essay, analyze how [the author] uses one or more of the features listed above (or features of your own choice) to strengthen the logic and persuasiveness of [his/her] argument. Be sure that your analysis focuses on the most relevant features of the passage. Your essay should not explain whether you agree with [the author’s] claims, but rather explain how the author builds an argument to persuade [his/her] audience. Your SAT Essay will be read and scored by two different people who will assign scores of 1 to 4 in three areas: reading, analysis, and writing. The two scores from each area are then added together to create three scores ranging from 2 to 8. To prepare for the SAT Essay, be sure to look over the sample essays on the College Board website. Youll also find some good sample essays and essay strategies at Khan Academy.

The Assembly of Athens Known as the Ecclesia

The Assembly of Athens Known as the Ecclesia Ecclesia (Ekklesia) is the term used for the assembly in Greek city-states (poleis), including Athens. The ecclesia was a meeting place where the citizens could speak their minds and try to influence one another in the political process. Normally at Athens, the Ecclesia assembled at the pnyx (an open-air auditorium west of the Acropolis with a retaining wall, orators stand, and an altar), but it was one of the jobs of the boules prytaneis (leaders) to post the agenda and location of the next meeting of the Assembly. On the pandia (All Zeus festival) the Assembly met in the Theatre of Dionysus. Membership At 18, young Athenian males were enrolled in their demes citizen lists  and then served for two years in the military. Afterward, they could be in the Assembly, unless otherwise restricted. They might be disallowed while owing a debt to the public treasury or for having been removed from the demes roster of citizens. Someone convicted of prostituting himself or of beating/failing to support his family may have been denied membership in the Assembly. The Schedule In the 4th century, the boule scheduled 4 meetings during each prytany. Since a prytany was about 1/10 of a year, this means there were 40 Assembly meetings each year. One of the 4 meetings was a kyria ecclesia Sovereign Assembly. There were also 3 regular Assemblies. At one of these, private citizen-suppliants could present any concern. There may have been additional synkletoi ecclesiai Called-together Assemblies summoned at short notice, as for emergencies. Ecclesia Leadership By the mid-4th century, 9 members of the boule who were not serving as prytaneis (leaders) were chosen to run the Assembly as proedroi. They would decide when to cut off discussion and put matters to a vote. Freedom of Speech Freedom of speech was essential to the idea of the Assembly. Regardless of his status, a citizen could speak; however, those over 50 could speak first. The herald ascertained who wished to speak. Payment for Assembly Members In 411, when oligarchy was temporarily established in Athens, a law was passed prohibiting pay for political activity, but in the 4th century, members of the Assembly received pay in order to ensure the poor could participate. Pay changed over time, going from 1 obol/meeting- not enough to persuade people to go to the Assembly- to 3 obols, which could have been high enough to pack the Assembly. What the Assembly decreed was preserved and made public, recording the decree, its date, and the names of the officials who held the vote. Sources Christopher W. Blackwell, â€Å"The Assembly,† in C.W. Blackwell, ed., DÄ“mos: Classical Athenian Democracy (A. Mahoney and R. Scaife, edd., The Stoa: a consortium for electronic publication in the humanities [www.stoa.org]) edition of March 26, 2003.

Endangered Species Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Endangered Species - Research Paper Example The present crisis of endangered species is distinctive in that the failure of biodiversity is happening rapidly, and the main cause of the catastrophe is the activities of human beings. Some scholars such as Henry David Thoreau, Aldo Leopold and Elisabet Sahtouris believe that the current crisis persists because of lack of ethical responsibility and failure to connect with the environment in the part of humans (Benson and Rob 188). One of the most endangered species that are facing extinction is the rhino species found in Africa and Asia. The Rhino population in the two continents is roughly 29,000 surviving in the world. This is a massive difference from the population of rhinos at the beginning of the 20th century standing at 500,000 rhinos. For instance, in Africa there are 20,000 white rhinos and 4,880 black rhinos. In Asia, however, the statistics are more alarming as there are only 2,850 great one-horned rhinos, 200 Sumatran rhino and 50 Javan rhino. There are only seven north ern white rhinos living in the world (Rhino Info n.d). With then rhino, facing distinction in the future is inevitable that governments form laws that protect this endangered specie from human hunters who kill them for their horns, as well as meat. The illegal rhino horn hunt has been the biggest human activity that has led to a drastic decline of the rhino species instigated by the illegal rhino horn trade, political conflict, as well as habitat loss. The rhino is mostly valued for production of Chinese medicine and poaching is the greatest menace facing rhino today. The horns are also used to construct ornamental handles for stiletto in Yemen one of the main markets of the rhino horns from Africa (Rhino Info n.d). In some areas, where normal law and order has collapsed mostly in war zones, and where political instability exists, poachers have found it easier to kill the rhinos, thus endangering them as well as other species. For example, poaching of rhino has been ascending in DRC , Nepal and Zimbabwe due to political conflicts (Rhino Info n.d). The basic issue in environmental ethics is whether there can be a non-anthropocentric environmental ethic, which is a foundation for right ant and wrong activities concerning the environment, which is not based exclusively in human fears. Most people claim that ethics is only based on anthropocentric environment. According to Benson and Rob (188) environmental ethics involves animal rights theories and biocentrism theories as well as egocentric theories. This entails that sentient animals, individual living things and conservation systems have moral standings respectfully. Leopold held that most ecological problems were because of ignorance, and understood that his own his own capability to recognize how environment works were the consequence long education and observation. However, in the current contemporary world, where environmental education and policies are protecting biodiversity ignorance has no room. It is ir responsible for instance, to cut down trees from indigenous forests, which are at, risk of extinction for logs, yet there are alternative means of producing similar tools without having to render tree populations extinct (Bagheera n.d). Leopold grew in a culture where concealed land ownership was part of the dream of America. However, this caused

Data exchange Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Data exchange - Essay Example 3D-XML format supports seamless integration with a number of office productivity software and popular web browsers; for example, 3D-XML files can be embedded into a Word or PowerPoint document by a simple drag-and-drop operation (James 2006). 3D-XML technology makes 3D data accessible to the extended enterprise as a whole, hence, enabling users to add extra dimension to their documentation as well as improve their collaboration with others (James 2006). 3D-XML allows incorporation of PLM (Project Life Cycle Management) information into various forms of communication such as technical documentation, maintenance manuals, marketing brochures, websites, emails and many others. (Dassault Systems n.d.) According to Leondes (2002, p. 379), ‘IGES is a standard used to exchange graphics information between commercial CAD systems’. He further described that IGES includes four sections: the Start Section that provides a human readable prologue to the file, the Global Section that contains information describing the preprocessor and information needed by postprocessor to handle the file, the Directory Entry Section which provides an index and contains attribute information and topological information about each entity, and the Parameter Data Section that contains geometrical parameter data associated with each entity (Leondes 2002, p. 379 – 380). Ball, A, Ding, L & Patel, M 2008, ‘An Approach to Accessing Product Data across System and Software Revisions’, Advanced Engineering Informatics, vol. 22, no. 2, pp.222-235, viewed 7 November 2008, http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/projects/grand-challenge/papers/ball.etal2008aap.pdf Leondes, CT 2002, Database and Data Communication Network Systems: Techniques and Applications, vol. 2, viewed 7 November 2008,

Analyzing Personal Conflict Management Styles Essay Example for Free

Analyzing Personal Conflict Management Styles Essay Conflict management is the detriment of many teams or groups in accomplishing its goals. This is because most people do not understand the different conflict styles and how to apply the rules and principles associated with the style you may be dealing with. In this paper I will analyze three of the five management styles discussed in the textbook Communication in Small Groups. Avoidance and competition are two styles that I believe have the greatest effect on hindering a group or team from accomplishing its goals. Collaboration, however, is a style that I believe is most effective in assisting a team in attaining its goals. This is a style that I use not only in my professional life but also in my personal life and have seen the difference this style of conflict management makes on individuals who are approached with this technique. Avoidance, according to the Collins English Dictionary is â€Å"the act of keeping away from or preventing from happening. † This definition sums up the reason I believe that of the five conflict managing styles, this one is among the top reasons some teams fail at achieving their goals. Whether it is just that a person does not like confrontation, are afraid to voice his or her true opinions out of fear, or simply do not want to hurt another person’s feelings, the simple fact remains that the team may not be aware of everything they need to consider. They miss the opportunity to be more objective in reaching an educated decision on the goals the team is trying to attain. This can also lead to members of the team feeling as though a member does not care and give them reason to discount whatever input that member may have. It is important to remember that there are certain instances when avoidance is needed to move the team along. For instance if what is causing the conflict is something trivial that will not have an adverse effect on the ultimate goal of the team it is likely a good idea to avoid it. It may be also be a good idea to use this method temporarily to give a team time to gather their thoughts on an important issue they need to resolve, but cannot get certain members to be objective or reasonable because they are standing firm behind their point of view. Competition is a conflict management style exactly opposite of avoidance. This is a very confrontational style, which characteristics consist of forcefully persuading others that their position is the only correct position. A person who exerts this style in most cases seeks to win with the intent of another person losing. They want control and work to achieve it no matter what. This type of style is infectious to a team. It is hard for a team to work at attaining a common goal if the level of competition in the team is such that no one can agree. Competition often leads to unethical ways of trying to persuade others in the team like shouting, or even threatening. These types of behaviors lead to defensiveness and distrust as members may feel as if they are forced into a decision rather than arriving at a decision on their own. Again, just like with all management styles it is not always a bad thing to be competitive. When working as a team it is important to remember the goals of the team and be mindful that the actions taken are working toward that goal. No matter how right a person is individually, he or she must find a way to get the rest of the team to agree that their point of view is correct or the best action for the goal the team is trying to accomplish. Otherwise, they will accomplish nothing and alienate themself from the team. The other members of the team can again feel as if that member does not care about what is best for the team and discount his or her ideas as one sided. Of all of the conflict management styles, collaboration is the style that most researchers agree is the best for achieving the goals of a team. â€Å"To collaborate is to have a high concern for both yourself and others† (Beebe Masterson, 2009, p. 52). This common belief among users of this style drives them to search for answers using all of the tools at the team’s disposal. The different dynamics of the team become assets. They see the differences that distinguish the members of the team as points of view are respected and viewed objectively. Differences like a male versus a female’s perspective, race, culture, and even social or economic status are viewpoints that give all in the team a bigger picture of the different issues they may need to consider when coming to a conclusion about how best to achieve their goal. Though this style is thought of as the best route for teams to use, it is lso one of the most difficult. Even a person who has a natural talent or personality that promotes this style of conflict management has to practice to be effective using this style in a team setting. A person cannot be judgmental and must be sure not to take anything said personally. This is something that most if not all of the team members must have an awareness of. All team members have to feel comfortable with the results and with what was given up from their own personal point of view to arrive at the team’s decision. This style is also very demanding so it requires a good amount of patience. Depending on how quick a decision is needed it is not always possible for a team to achieve and some in the team may not believe that their best interests were achieved. I realized through this research that I am a person who naturally uses the collaboration style of conflict management in many areas of my life. In my relationship with my wife, I use collaboration as a way to strengthen our alliance in running our household. Feeling as if we are a team benefits the decisions we make for our family. Our children see us as united in our decision making. This is something we had to work to achieve and collaboration was the key to its success. We had a competitive style at first and our children would use that fact to split us up on decisions that we made pertaining to them. I could break that cycle by focusing on putting our ego’s aside. Our discussions were no longer about who was right or wrong. It was a process that started with accommodation to show I was willing to take the first step. That eventually grew into compromise, which is what most couples strive for. Finding a middle ground gives most couples the sense that they are working as a team. Collaboration, however, is the ability of that team not to find a middle ground, but actively work to agree and the best plan or action together by understanding and processing each other’s viewpoint to come up with decisions together. It is a style that comes in handy when training my children on the importance of being responsible and accountable for their actions. Collaborating on goals so that they are part of the decision-making process empowers them to believe they have control over what decisions they make. In my school and professional life collaboration has proven to be a way to drive for results. Team members work better when they are at ease in their decision-making, and everyone is comfortable with each other. Disagreements work themselves out with little stress because of the trust established through everyone’s willingness to collaborate on the goals set in place. Because the goals were set together, everyone has a vested interest in its outcome and most want that outcome to be a successful one. When I do encounter a person on my team with a conflicting style, I tend to take some time away from the situation to evaluate the best course of action for our progress. I take into account the level of importance our issue may have on our ultimate goal and what if any ethical issues are involved. Collaboration, though it is my favorite approach, is not always the approach I may use to resolve the issue. I am not one to avoid the issue entirely, but I have had to use accommodation, compromise, and even competition depending on what the issue is and what personality I am dealing with. In conclusion, you can see that there is no one way to manage conflict. I believe that being able to adapt to the different conflict styles will assist a person in overcoming conflict. Collaboration best supports a person who is adaptable and best supports a team’s objective because it focuses on the goals of the team by giving each person on the team’s needs equal importance.

The Cycle of Sacrifice in the Roman Catholic Mass :: Religion Christianity Judaism Essays

The Cycle of Sacrifice in the Roman Catholic Mass The Christian Church is centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is what set the early Christians apart from their Jewish roots. In the Christian Church the notion of sacrifice is based on Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. This comes from a long tradition of sacrifice throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Jewish tradition there are sacrifices made at certain times of the year. For example, traditionally during Passover each family has a rabbi sacrifice a lamb. The Jewish belief is that this sacrifice must take place every year at Passover. The Christian belief has changed since the death of Christ. Christians believe Christ has become the one true sacrifice. The reason the sacrifice of the Hebrews must be continued is two fold. The Hebrew sacrifice is made to God, by a priest who is imperfect, and the sacrifice itself is also imperfect. This imperfection and the presence of sin prevent the sacrifice from becoming eternal and therefore must be rep eated. In the Christian view, Jesus is the perfect victim and the perfect sacrificer. The emphasis on sacrifice in the Catholic Church has changed. In the earliest days bread was broken in a meal of fellowship. Eyewitness accounts of the works of Jesus Christ were the center of the fathering. It was a gathering of a community of believers. Gradually this emphasis on community and discussion has changed to an emphasis on the sacrifice of Jesus. By the middle ages this is the center of all. People came to adore the Blessed Sacrament while the priest offered the sacrifice. This centrality on the eucharist and the priest as sacrificer was solidified by the Council of Trent. In time, the people yearned for a greater participation in the liturgy. This led to the Second Vatican Council in which great changes to the liturgy resulted in a shift of emphasis back to the words and works of Jesus and to the people as the mystical body of Christ. In the earliest church there was little to no mention of sacrifice. The focus of the beliefs of the community was around the resurrection and good works of Jesus. Just after the death of Christ, Jewish Christians gathered in homes after the Temple service. The Cycle of Sacrifice in the Roman Catholic Mass :: Religion Christianity Judaism Essays The Cycle of Sacrifice in the Roman Catholic Mass The Christian Church is centered on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is what set the early Christians apart from their Jewish roots. In the Christian Church the notion of sacrifice is based on Jesus Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. This comes from a long tradition of sacrifice throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Jewish tradition there are sacrifices made at certain times of the year. For example, traditionally during Passover each family has a rabbi sacrifice a lamb. The Jewish belief is that this sacrifice must take place every year at Passover. The Christian belief has changed since the death of Christ. Christians believe Christ has become the one true sacrifice. The reason the sacrifice of the Hebrews must be continued is two fold. The Hebrew sacrifice is made to God, by a priest who is imperfect, and the sacrifice itself is also imperfect. This imperfection and the presence of sin prevent the sacrifice from becoming eternal and therefore must be rep eated. In the Christian view, Jesus is the perfect victim and the perfect sacrificer. The emphasis on sacrifice in the Catholic Church has changed. In the earliest days bread was broken in a meal of fellowship. Eyewitness accounts of the works of Jesus Christ were the center of the fathering. It was a gathering of a community of believers. Gradually this emphasis on community and discussion has changed to an emphasis on the sacrifice of Jesus. By the middle ages this is the center of all. People came to adore the Blessed Sacrament while the priest offered the sacrifice. This centrality on the eucharist and the priest as sacrificer was solidified by the Council of Trent. In time, the people yearned for a greater participation in the liturgy. This led to the Second Vatican Council in which great changes to the liturgy resulted in a shift of emphasis back to the words and works of Jesus and to the people as the mystical body of Christ. In the earliest church there was little to no mention of sacrifice. The focus of the beliefs of the community was around the resurrection and good works of Jesus. Just after the death of Christ, Jewish Christians gathered in homes after the Temple service.

Fides et Ratio Essay

When looking at the context of the Fides et Ratio, John Paul II expresses on â€Å"crisis of meaning† in contemporary society. Throughout this section John Paul II offers examples on how the crisis of meaning has emerged. John Paul II touches on â€Å"scientism† and â€Å"pragmatism† and how these have affected modern society and are believed to be steering individuals in the wrong direction. John Paul II also includes other non-religious or philosophical based attitudes toward the contemporary society. John Paul II seems to be expressing his thoughts towards the â€Å"crisis of meaning† in hope to regain focus from individuals on the value of religion in contemporary society. Although John Paul II raises many well thought out reasons supporting the idea that there is what he calls a â€Å"crisis of meaning† in modern society, Sigmund Freud’s theories of how humanities’ desire for meaning in life is actually just delaying the inevitabl e and compounding the struggles of life. The sooner people accept that in the end, everyone dies, and after that there is nothing, the sooner one can succeed without regret or worry, and the better society will be. â€Å"Crisis of meaning† is stated by John Paul II to be one of the most important attributes in the current state of our society around the world. Pope John Paul II believes that people in contemporary society are beginning to question if it still makes sense to know the meaning of one’s life. When looking at â€Å"crisis of meaning† from a scientific perspective, the increase in knowledge on the subject makes the search for the meaning of life problematic. The amount of research and data introduced because of the increase in human knowledge in contemporary society has started to â€Å"compromise the fabric of life† (Fides et Ratio, #81). The display of theories that compete with one another, and how people view and interpret the world and human life serve to â€Å"aggravate the radical doubt† (Fides et Ratio) which than leads to scepticism, indifference and the rejection to religion and religious moral principles. Theories that were specifically developed to show an individual the answers to the big  questions in human life are consequently invading the human spirit and offering different interpretations to the meaning of life. John Paul II states that a philosophical perspective that no longer expresses on the meaning of life would reduce importanc e of â€Å"accessory functions† (Fides et Ratio, #88) and take passion away from the search for the truth. Philosophy will have to regain focus on the â€Å"sapient dimension† in order to regain a sense of harmony with the word of God. If Philosophy conformed back to its natural ways it will would be a critical factor that discovers the foundation of â€Å"scientific learning† and would also join together human knowledge and action. Philosophy has the potential to create a path to a final goal of a better understanding of the meaning of life. John Paul II discusses that â€Å"sapient dimension† in philosophy is much more necessary in modern society because peoples technical capabilities are demanding a renewed understanding of ultimate values. John Paul II argues that â€Å"If this technology is not ordered to something greater than a merely utilitarian end, then it could soon prove inhuman and even become potential destroyer of the human race.† (F ides et Ratio, #81) This quote from Fides et Ratio by John Paul II expresses his thoughts on how technology has the power to prove inhuman and possibly ruin the human race. He believes that the word of God gives people an understanding of one’s destiny and the true meaning to life. Philosophy is invited to give reason to the natural impulse within everyone on the meaning of life. Another threat that John Paul II relates to the â€Å"crisis of meaning† is through â€Å"pragmatism† and â€Å"scientism†. John Paul II believes that â€Å"scientism† is another threat the â€Å"crisis of meaning† faces in contemporary society. â€Å"Scientism† only validates the forms of knowledge through factual sciences and will not accept knowledge based on religious beliefs. Scientism views religious and theological knowledge as fantasies and considers it to be meaningless. â€Å"Positivism† and â€Å"neo-positivism† expressed the same idea in the past on the meaningless of religion and now has been revived through â€Å"scientism†. Due to technological progress and factual scientific research, science has now taken control of human life, as people have begun to believe that if something is technically or scientifically possible it then can be morally accepted. John Paul II also looks at â€Å"pragmatism† to be none the less as dangerous to the â€Å"crisis of meaning† as â€Å"scientism†. John Paul II defines â€Å"pragmatism† as, â€Å"An attitude  of mind which, in making its choices, precludes theoretical considerations or judgements based on ethical principles.†(Fides et Ratio, #89) He believes that a particular action can be morally accepted if it is backed by a majority of votes by a parliament. John Paul II expresses that â€Å"scientism† and â€Å"pragmatism†, or both philo sophical views that modern society is now trusting, are is causing this â€Å"crisis of meaning†. Pope John Paul II expresses what he sees to be a problem of â€Å"crisis of meaning† through ideas such as â€Å"scientism† and â€Å"pragmatism†. When examining John Paul II encyclical to the Bishops of Catholic Church it becomes obvious that the â€Å"crisis of meaning† is not a problem in modern society but only a positive development. People are now realizing that the meaning of life is not to be accepted by a God but to succeed in personal goals. When looking at modern society and religion it is evident that times have changed and the value of religion has slowly diminished. People in modern society are gaining a better understanding of life through â€Å"scientism† and the advancement of technology. The advancement of technology and human knowledge has begun to alter the thoughts and views people have on the meaning of life. John Paul II e xpresses that â€Å"scientism† is having a negative effect on modern society. â€Å"This leads to the impoverishment of human thought, which no longer addresses the ultimate problems which the human being, as the animal rationale, has pondered constantly from the beginning of time.†(Fides et Ratio, #81) In this quote he is stating that â€Å"scientism† is effecting how people are beginning to think and that people are being persuaded away from addressing the main problems in life. Rather than looking at this change in modern society negatively, this change has actually given people a more modern and realistic way of looking at life. Science is overpowering religious beliefs with its factual evidence challenging religion in many ways. Another point presented by John Paul II is the idea of â€Å"pragmatism†. In modern society people are beginning to base their decisions upon ethical principles rather than religious beliefs. Individuals in modern society can distinguish between right and wrong and understand the practical way in dealing with situations rather than looking to religion to guide them in the right direction. The â€Å"crisis of meaning† stated by John Paul II is not a crisis but simply a positive adjustment within contemporary society. Sigmund Freud who was a well-known psychoanalyst developed a psychoanalytic theory  on religion. He came up with the idea that people who believe in a God suffer from what he refers to as a childish neurosis in that they use religion as a way to cope with the fact that life has no meaning. He believed that the concept of religion was false. Freud believed that an individual’s life is meaningless and that people have a difficult time accepting that life does not a have an overarching meaning or purpose. In contemporary society pe ople are beginning to believe, or accept that one’s life may not have a higher meaning. Freud argued that once one accepts that there is no greater meaning, it would be easier for them to set personal goals that can be achieved, allowing them to accomplish personal enlightenment. Even though, John Paul II raises many well thought out ideas and concepts that argue his belief of the problem â€Å"crisis of meaning†. Sigmund Freud believes that one’s life is meaningless and when a person can understand that, they can then begin looking at life in a more personal way without regret rather than looking to be accepted by a god. â€Å"Scientism† and â€Å"pragmatism† are both philosophical views that are allowing modern society to grasp a more realistic idea of life, instead of living life through a specific religion. John Paul II believes that philosophy is now leading society in the wrong direction, persuading people away from asking the ultimate questi ons in life. This however is not a negative in modern society it is simply a modernized way of looking at life and is leading society in the right direction.

James Thom’s “The Perfect Picture” Essay

In James Thom’s extraordinary piece â€Å"The Perfect Picture† he writes about situations he was in at a one point of his life. He explains an experience he was in as a young police reporter and driving to a seen, where the grandfather back over this granddaughter. When he drives up he sees all the media and the police gather around the grandfather. The grandfather couldn’t even grasp the concept of what happened yet, before news reporters and photographers are invading his property, life and time with his family to grieve over his granddaughter. When Thom sees the opportunity to snap the photo of the grandfather cradling the little girl, wrapped in a sheet, lying cold and lifeless in his arms. Thom has such a huge decision to make, and only a mere moment to decide on what he will do. Thom thinks about his career, for a brief second, and he almost pushes the shutter, the button that has the power to keep time standing still, for now and forever. He has the power to expose the emotions and lives of people, including this family, that have to re-live these experiences for the rest of their life. He can see the joy on the faces of his executives, and the awards that would be engraved with his name. If pictures are worth a thousand words, then his â€Å"perfect picture† will be worth a million! Thom finally decides there is still no way to justify this intrusion of private family affairs. He shows courage in his decision and great confidence in his ability as a reporter. James Thom is making the right decision in not taking the opportunity to snap the perfect photograph. In today’s society the media takes advantage of the common people, and profits from the world’s misfortunes. In the era this story is taking place, the media is no different. The media believes they have the right to intrude into people’s lives, take what they want, and assume no responsibility and reap no consequences for their actions. Newspapers, TV stations, and so forth, call this their right to free speech. Watching a reporter taking pictures, pushing shoving and crowding around the scene, is like watching a group of wild hyenas fighting each other for one piece of dead carcass. On one side, there would be those that believe pictures, events, and the news, regardless of the subject matter are public property as long as it’s done in the name of media material. Reporters, journalist and photographers all fall into the same category. They are there to find the story, and if there is not a story present. They construct one to create intrigue for their customers. Most of the media is ruthless, cold and with hearts of stone. These beasts stop at nothing to get what they need to fulfill the greed in their soul.

Resolving Power Essay Example

Resolving Power Essay Example Resolving Power Essay Resolving Power Essay When two objects are placed close enough to each other or are a great enough distance, there will come a point where your eyes will be unable to distinguish the two objects apart. Determine the resolving power of your eyes. Hypothesis If two strands of hair are placed a foot away in front of white background, then the resolving power of the eyes will be approximately half a millimeter or 0.5 mm. Materials * Glass slide and cover slip * Two human hairs * Dissecting needles * Microscope Procedure 1. Brought a microscope to the lab area making sure to use both hands to carry the microscope and that the cord was not dangling. 2. Looked through the instructions making sure there were no problems that could be posed. 3. Organized the lab area and prepared all equipment including slides and the microscope. 4. Placed two human hairs on the slide 1 mm apart and placed the cover slip above. 5. Placed the slide in front of a white background and examined from a distance of one foot. 6. Determined if the two hairs were distinctly separate and recorded observations. 7. Moved the hairs closer together using a dissecting needle and recorded measurements. 8. Determined if the two hairs were distinctly separate and recorded observations. 9. Repeated step 7-8 until the hairs could not be distinguished as separate objects. 10. Separated the hairs. 11. Repeated steps 4-9 with a different student. 12. Cleaned up the lab area and placed the equipment in the designated places. Observations Student A Distance (mm) Distinguishable/Not Distinguishable 1 Distinguishable 0.8 Distinguishable 0.6 Distinguishable 0.4 Not Distinguishable Student B Distance (mm) Distinguishable/Not Distinguishable 1 Distinguishable 0.7 Distinguishable 0.5 Not Distinguishable Conclusion The purpose was achieved. Since the resolving power of our eyes was seen to be an average of 0.45 mm, it can therefore be concluded that the resolving power of our eyes is 0.45 mm. As a result, my hypothesis was proven correct. Text Questions 1. The limit of resolution of my eyes from a one foot distance when using two human hairs was observed to be 0.5 mm and the limit of resolution of my partners eyes from a one foot distance when using two human hairs was observed to be 0.4mm. 2. The resolving power of the unaided eye does differ from one person to another due to the fact that not all individuals have the same vision or strength of eyes. Therefore, not all individuals have the same resolving power. 3. Due to the fact that not all individuals have the same resolving power, the class most likely had a wide range of resolving powers. However, we did not have the chance to record other individuals observations. Nevertheless, if the resolving power of the class were based on our average, it would be 0.45 mm. 4. The resolving power of the eye becomes weaker as the distance becomes greater. If two objects are moved far enough in the distance, it will appear to be one object. The retina of the eye can differentiate items from a certain distance. However, at greater distances, the retina will not be able to distinguish two objects apart. Instead, the retina will form one image of the two objects. 5. The resolving power refers to the ability of an optical system to reveal detail and distinguish objects apart. The ability to focus refers to sharpening and concentrating on an image while hazing out the surroundings.

How to Spend Valentines Day If You Are Single

How to Spend Valentines Day If You Are Single Love it or hate it Saint Valentines Day is looming closer by the minute. While couples are convulsively trying to get perfect gifts for their soulmates and ordering tables in restaurants, singles are looking for places where they can hide from all those sentiments, chocolate, teddy bears, proposals and other stuff. Heres a survival guide for singles. There are many benefits of being alone on Valentines Day, check them out! What to Do? #1 Visit Spa Take rest from disturbing thoughts that bother you on this day. Take a bath, light the candles, go to a masseuse. Hot water, massage, the fragrance of aroma oils will help you reach deep relaxation. Believe that youll forget about all your worries. # 2 Go to the Party Are some of your friends having a party? You should definitely be there. If none of your friends are throwing a party, you can attend some public event and meet new people there. Drinking, dancing and chatting will improve your mood, but dont forget that its Wednesday and tomorrow is a weekday 🙂 #3 Spend Time With a Single Close Friend Buy some tasty food you usually refuse from, put on comfy sleepwear, find a good comedy on Netflix and invite your friend to share all that with you. Laugh or cry – its up to you, but dont be alone. #4 Visit Your Family Being with your family and loved ones will help you to get distracted from the feeling of loneliness if it takes place. If you live with your parents, just spend time with them – watch movie or TV comedy, cook dinner or do something of this nature. #5 Get on a Short Trip Trips are usually full of adventures. Buy a ticket to a place that is not far from your city, book the hotel room and have dinner in a restaurant. Invite a friend or several friends (not the couples) to join you. A trip will inspire and bring some new thoughts to your mind. #6 Go to the Restaurant There could be some difficulties with booking a table on Saint Valentines Day, but you can try. Give yourself a permission to taste anything you want despite the calories. Choose the place where you can taste something new and delicious. Who knows, maybe your soulmate will be sitting at the neighboring table. #7 Cook If you like cooking, but usually dont have time for that, this is your opportunity. Try to get home earlier to have more time for cooking. Find a recipe to prepare a difficult dish that you usually dont have time for. If you cope with this (and you surely do), you will feel inspired and proud of yourself. #8 Visit a Specific Class Remember that time you wanted to attend painting/ latin dance/DIY class? Its time to do that now! The first reason is that you will feel you do something useful for you, the second – you wont be alone and the third – its just fun 🙂 #9 Workout at the Gym One of the best ways to relieve stress is to workout. Go to the gym and let you body get rid of accumulated negative emotions and calories. One more advantage of going to the gym is that its a nice place for meeting someone. What Not to Do 1. Dont text or call exes. You will regret. Definitely. If you didnt call them before, there was a reason. Remember it. 2. Dont be the third wheel. Its pathetic. Sorry. Even if you are very good friends with a couple, you wont be happy feeling that you are a bit unwanted at the celebration of their love. 3. Dont be too dramatic. Maybe a bit, but not too much. The fact that you dont have a date this year, doesnt mean that you have some flaws or something. You just didnt find someone who you are interested in enough to go on date. 4. Dont refuse from visiting events. Do you really think you are the only single in the city? Dont refuse from visiting parties only because you dont want to see many couples around you. Many of them will be sitting at home or in restaurant. Parties on Saint Valentines Day are mostly for singles. 5. Do not drink alone at home. First of all, its harmful for your physical health, secondly, its not good for you emotional health too. Alcohol will boost the feeling of loneliness and urge you to do stuff youd regret later. Saint Valentines Day can be a torture for some single people especially if they are surrounded with happy couples. If it is your case, you can get through it and the best way is to cooperate with other singles and spend good time together.

Air Quality and Climate Change as Integrated Policy Research Paper

Air Quality and Climate Change as Integrated Policy - Research Paper Example Ozone and black carbon do not stay in the atmosphere for a long time, unlike long-lived GHGs such as carbon dioxide. Short-term pollutants do not get evenly distributed in the atmosphere. Thus, this factor should be given a great deal of attention so as to decrease their emission. Doing so will help in providing immediate resolution that will lessen climate change rate and reduce the likelihood of global warming. Likewise, strategies in decreasing the emissions of long-lived GHGs must also be regarded as an urgent concern. In its 2004 report entitled Air Quality Management in the United States, the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) suggested the integration of air pollution and climate change policies because of the found links between air quality and climate (Climate Change and Air Quality). This initiative would help in decreasing the emissions of known causes of air quality problems. At the same time, it would reduce negative impacts related to climate change. Integrating air quality and climate change policy is considerably a wise approach. It yields a number of benefits, such as in saving costs and protecting public health and the environment. It also facilitates sustainable development and helps in decreasing the carbon level in society. The success of this integration pursuit entails global consensus and needs authority that would give a broader view and proper implementation of formulated strategies. During a major conference on â€Å"Air Pollution and Climate Change: Developing a Framework for Integrated Co-benefits Strategies†, presented by the Global Atmospheric Pollution Forum in September 2008 (Hicks & Kuylenstierna, 2008), the co-benefits of air quality and climate change policies were shown. This conference has set a foundation for the improvement of global advocacy on air pollution. In the said forum, it was pointed out that there was urgent need to integrate the two policies as suggested by current science. Treating air pollution and