Public Controversy on Bio-ethics Essay Example

Public Controversy on Bio-ethics Paper Bioethics can be referred to as a field of study that is philosophical, and addresses the ethical arguments as a result of advances in biology and medicine. (Jonsen et al, 1998). The ethical questions that are addressed by the bio ethicists are used in relation among life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, politics, law, philosophy, and theology (James, 2001). The interdisciplinary field of bioethics was jump-started by the Nuremberg Code. This code was set up in order to set standards for judging physicians and scientists (McGee et al 2003). These physicians and scientists were the one who had worked in concentration camp conducting biomedical experiments on the prisoners. The basic ethical principles that should rule biomedical and behavioural research on human subjects have been suggested to be drafted down. Guide lines that will ensure human rights and respect are upheld should also be included. The rules and guidelines also assist in resolving the ethical problems that surround research conducted on the human subjects. Principles that need to be addressed by the guidelines are: Justice, Beneficence and Respect for autonomy for the person. Public health and health policy challenges and advancement in biotechnology has resulted to a fast-growing academic and professional area of inquiry in bioethics. Degree programs are currently being offered in various education institutions that do specialize in bioethics. The proper scope in bioethics is not certain. While some people feel that ethical evaluation of questions that revolve around biology and medicine should be narrowed down to the morality of medial treatments or technological advances, others feel different. We will write a custom essay sample on Public Controversy on Bio-ethics specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Public Controversy on Bio-ethics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Public Controversy on Bio-ethics specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The other groups are of the view that ethical evaluation should include morality of all actions that might help or harm organisms that can feel fear and pain. In addition, all such actions should be included in bioethics. This is because they may bear a relation to medicine and biology. The purpose of bio ethicists is to put to work the huge body of research and history of discussions about bioethics in a manner that is fair, honest and intelligent. Future social, ethical and economic implications. Bioethics as a field was as a result of public attention to ethical questions related to abuses of human subjects in biomedical experiments,www. eubios. info/betext. htm . Bioethics as a field of study is said to be an appropriate way of ensuring human rights and morals are incorporated into the medicine and biological experiments. In this research paper, the issue of Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs) will be discussed. The use of genetically modified organisms has raised public disagreement on whether the organisms should be produced for human consumption or not. The positive perspective of genetic organisms will first be discussed, and negative effects also. Both sides expose the controversy that surrounds this issue. Genetically Modified Food Organisms. (GMOs). Discussion There are various issues that comprise bioethical research analysis. Genetically modified organisms include one of the issues that have raised controversy in the biomedical field. The argument is between the advantages and negative effects of these foods. Part of the global community view GMOs as a benefit to human survival while others see the organisms as unhealthy and having adverse effects on people, animals and the environment in general. Genetically modified organisms (GMO) can be said to be organisms that’s through genetic engineering techniques, their genetic material or make-up is altered (Anderson K. 2005). The recombinant DNA technology is used in alteration of the genetic make-up. In this technology, the DNA molecules from the different sources are combined in vitro. This combination forms one molecule that is then used to create a new gene. The DNA is then followed by its transfer into an organism. The modified traits are then expressed in an organism. Examples of GMOs include transgenic plants and microbes for example e. g. bacteria (Cohen et al, 1973). Genetically modified organisms have increased production in the agriculture sector and reduced the costs that may be incurred during the production. This is because, there is reduced costs in chemical and mechanical needs during planting, maintenance and harvesting of the agricultural products, (Smith et al, 2000). The savings from costs that might have been incurred can be used to implement programs that can benefit the consumers. The government can therefore, spend less in the cost of production in agriculture if the foods were genetically engineered as compared to the organically produced foods. www. dartmouth. edu-biomed/resources. htmld/bioethics. shtml. Genetically modified organisms require minimal use of chemicals and labour to enhance maximum production. These organisms also result to the production of foods that are more nutritious. This means that the nutritional value of the natural foods can be increased by producing GMOs . A good example is ‘Golden Rice’ which contains beta-carotene, Vitamin A and Iron. The GMOs due to their increased nutritional value helps in preventing and treating nutritional related diseases, for example, anaemia, childhood blindness and Marasmus. Another advantage of genetically modified crops is that the foods have an enhanced taste and quality as compared to the natural crops. This is because the crops genes have been modified to improve its quality. Genes from two crops are combined to form a better quality crop. The characteristics that enhance resistance against diseases, adverse weather conditions, pests, and maximum yields in both crops result to an even better crop, www. sciencemag. org/feature/plus/sfg/education/index. dtl. The crops that have been genetically engineered have a reduced maturation time. Some crops have been known to take a very long time before they are ready to be harvested. Decreasing the maturation period increases the crop yield per given piece of land. The crops susceptibility to diseases and pests that occur as a result of long periods of crop in the field is reduced. This increases the rate of production of the crop over a given area of land. The high production is able to supply the world markets in order to satisfy the needs of the people. GMOs violate the ethics that require protection and conservation of both the plants and animal diversity. All organisms or species that exist in nature have their intrinsic values. This value allows plants or animals to exist without being interfered with. They all have a right to life and no one has the right to manipulate them. Gene engineering of these natural organisms denies them the right to exist in their original form. This results to gene loss or reduction of genetic diversity. The GMOs have an increased stress tolerance. Crop stress can be as a result of diseases, pests and unfavourable weather conditions. For example the crops are disease resistant. The crop field is protected from the diseases that are likely to attack it. Due to their disease resistant condition, the quality and nutritional value of the food crop is guaranteed. The hybrid species of crops that are produced as a result of genetic engineering offer a much higher quality crop. There is no reduction in production that may result due to the crop diseases, (Smith et al, 2003). In addition some food crops have been engineered to produce human vaccines against infections diseases. Many human diseases and infections are either incurable or curable. Some incurable human diseases can be prevented by consumption of genetically modified foods. The vaccines boost the human body immune system against the diseases. For example banana species produce a human vaccine against hepatitis. The crops are also resistant to pests that can damage crops to lower the production and its product quality. Some pests may also act as disease vectors of human or animal diseases. Some human diseases can be contagious and that can cause deaths of a large number of people. Foods containing medicinal components assist in providing better health to the people. The GMOs give a chance to the introduction of new products and growing techniques. The GMOs produce toxic substances to the humans. Natural foods contain toxic components that do not cause adverse health effects. Introduction of new genes in a pant trigger production of toxins at high levels and also interferes with a metabolic pathway. This causes a stressed plant to produce more toxins in response to this. For example potatoes bred for increased disease resistance have produced high levels of glycoalkaloids (GEO-PIE Website). These toxins may cause poisoning or diseases in the human body, (Murphy et al, 2004). In animals, the gene technology has led to the introduction of animal species that are resistant to diseases. For example, a cow has been introduced; that is resistant to the mad cow disease (James, 2001). This prevents outbreak of such infectious diseases, which may even be transmitted to the human beings. Animal productivity can be increased its resistant to harsh unfavourable conditions. The animal also acquires an efficient feeding method. Animal diagnostic methods are improved through gene engineering. This ensures diseases can be easily diagnosed and the required treatment administered on time. Genes from different species are mixed in order to form a GMO. This means that the genetic make up is interfered with. Genes that enhance the survival of threat organism may be interfered with. Disease-resistance and stress-tolerance in the organism may be reduced. This makes the organism’s vulnerability to diseases and stress to increase. An outbreak of disease may completely wipe out an entire population due to reduced resistance. Genes tampering may also decrease the survival rate in a species due to its reduced ability to adapt to adverse weather and environmental changes. Other changes may include; behavioural change and low reproductive rate (low survival rate of the offspring). GMOs cause stress to the animals and plants. This is due to the increased human disturbance to the organism. The organism is exposed to so many changes at the same time genetic changes, behavioural changes The environment in which a person lives is very important and needs to be protected from pollution or exposure to overexploitation. Bio-herbicides and bio insecticides have been developed. These chemicals are environment friendly and help in preventing pollution of the environment. Environmental pollution contributes a lot in environment deterioration, diseases increase (in humans, animals and plants) and affects water resources and other natural resources. Environmental pollution has encouraged global warming that has in turn resulted to natural disasters (floods, famine and drought, and hurricanes). These natural disasters cause intense damage to property, transport systems and death. Use of bio-herbicides and insecticides reduce the effects that contribute to disasters that are environmentally related. These chemicals reduce the dangerous effects of chemicals that have been used in the past; non-friendly to the environment. The chemicals can be absorbed in the human environment without causing hazards. Biotechnology as a technique is applied in conservation of soil, water and energy. These resources support the entire human population survival . The resources exploitation or destruction may put to risk the human survival. Both humans and animals depend on the plant resources for their food. Minerals that are extracted from the natural environment are used in the pharmaceutical industry to produce drugs. Others are used to build residential and working facilities. Therefore, people need to protect these resources from over-exploitation and instead promote sustainable use of the resources. In the mission to protect the environment people are inventing measures that will ensure sustainable utilization of the resources. As above stated, chemicals that are genetically produced is environmental -friendly. This ensures that they do not change or affect the soil structure and its fertility. Wild animals are protected from poisoning through the use of non-environmental friendly chemicals on the natural environment. Water sources are protected from poisoning. Both plants and animals in the wild utilize water and poisoning of this water will adversely affect the aquatic organisms that live in the water resources www. gwu. edu/-guides/arts/philosophy. html. The GMOs on the other hand have negative effects on people, environment and safety, also local and global effects. The organism make up of an organism assists a person in resisting diseases in the body system. The GMOs may cause allergies in individuals due to the interference of the genetic composition. The antibiotic resistance markers in the body are transferred reducing the resistance of that person against the disease causing organisms . The environment is exposed to chemicals that in turn affect the natural cycle of the environment. Genetically modified plants may harbour disease vectors that may affect the animals. Allergies introduce other health complications to both humans and animals. Organisms that may be exposed to negative effects of use of GMOs become more susceptible to diseases (www. -sul. Stanford. edu/guides/bietics. html). . Better waste management has been developed as a result of genetically modified organisms. Wastes require to be disposed in the best way possible that does not pose danger to the people or the environment itself. Products those are less harmful to the people if disposed guarantee a community safe waste management. Any waste that is disposed in the environment requires being biodegradable and causing minimal effects to the environment. The waste is easily absorbed in the existing environment without threatening humans and animals, as well as the plant life. There is more efficient processing of products and bio processing of forestry products (Bioethics. georgetown. edu/publications/scopenotes/sn38. htm). In human societies, genetically modified organisms have increased food security for the growing populations worldwide. The food production is increased through huge harvests. Increased yields enable a country to satisfy the nutritional needs of its people . In addition more food can be stored for future use. This guarantees the people of enough food even in cases of unfavourable weather conditions (drought, floods) that may reduce the crop production. A good harvest is as a result of early maturity, disease-tolerant crops, pest resistant crops and their ability to adapt to the adverse weather conditions. The crops are more stress-tolerant and will survive in changing environments. Animal products that supplement human diet can also be produced in high amounts as a result of increased resistance to diseases, increased hardiness and feeding efficiency as well as improved diagnostic methods. Animal products provide food source that supplement the crop products. Increasing human populations have necessitated increase in animal products to satisfy the ever-increasing human needs. Genetically produced animal organisms will also increase in production and their products also easily available to the people. Increased food security prevents scarcity of food even in the events of droughts or floods. The global environment is threatened by the use of genetically modified organisms. Both plants and animal populations have been affected. In a natural environment, conservation of gene diversity is very crucial. Disappearance of a species causes reduction in the genetic diversity. The process of evolution and natural selection favour the survival of organisms with the best genes. Genetic engineering may result to the change of genes that are important for an organism to survive. A species changed wiping out of that species through natural selection. These organisms can therefore be said to threaten survival of some species for example, unintended transfer of transgenes through cross-pollination, effects on soil microbes, and loss of flora and fauna diversity. These changes in turn affect the natural cycle in the environment www. questia. com/Ethics-in-education. To the humans, the genetically modified foods are said to cause health problems. Since they are genetically engineered, the animal and crop products threaten the safety of the person consuming the product. The threats posed by the genetically modified foods vary according to the organism type being modified and the intended application of the modified organism. Products that can enter the human food supply are primary causes of problems in the human health. The GMOs are potential causal factors of food allergies. The allergic reactions result when a normally harmless protein stimulates an immune response after it enters the body, (Bernstein et al, 2003). The allergic response is activated b an introduction of a new gene in the human body, which is from a source with allergic components. The source may also be new to the human body system. This increases allergic reactions possibility. Compared to its traditional counterpart, genetically engineered plant may have decreased nutritional value. This is because a GMO is said to make nutrients in that plant to become unavailable or indigestible to the people. For example, a study conducted showed a strain of genetically modified soybean produce phytoestrogen compound levels. The phytoestrogen compounds in the soybean are believed to protect against heart diseases and cancer. This is as compared to the traditional strain of the soybean. (Bakshi, 2003). Both humans and animals have bacteria that live in the body system. These bacteria have very vital roles in the body. Genetically modified foods consumed may cause these bacteria to pick up antibiotic resistance gene before the complete digestion of the DNA. This results to the antibiotic resistance in the body systems (GEO-PIE website). In terms of access and intellectual property, genetically modified foods causes few companies to dominate world food production. The technology that is applied in gene engineering is very expensive and not easy to acquire. Therefore, only few companies have the knowledge and technical know-how to produce the organisms. This will result to monopolization of the market by these few companies. Reduction in competition will cause the price of these foods to go up. This will in turn deny food to the poor or those who cannot afford these productswww. healthsystem. virginia. edu/internet/bio-ethics/bibliographylombardo. cfm. The developing countries dependency on industrialized countries will increase. Dependency of developing countries on the developed country violates their rights to conduct their government affairs independently. The countries sometimes are blackmailed into accepting political stands that compromise the welfare of their citizens. Laws and policies that should be developed in the country, address more issues that benefit the developed countries, rather than their own country (Jonathan et al, 2006). The process of developing the genetically modified organisms involves the foreign exploitation of natural resources. This is referred to as biopiracy. (Muse. jhu. edu/journals/kennedy-institute-of ethics-journal). This is whereby foreign firms or companies exploit natural resources that belong to others without their authority and recognization. Some companies have been said to exploit resources from the indigenous communities and patenting them as their own. This can be viewed as undermining of natural resources by people who do not own them (Khushf et al, 2004). The genetic engineering advances are thought to direct interests of rich countries. The rich countries gain economically by supplying GMOS to the global market, while the poor developed countries loose. Developing countries lack the technological know how in producing genetically modified organisms. If the organisms were to be introduced in the developing countries, it would be very expensive for the country or its citizens to afford the products www. bu. edu/library/guides/biethics. html. In my own view, genetically modified foods should not be introduced in the market due to the adverse effects they can cause to people, environment and society, (Glad et al, 2008). These effects cannot be ignored due to the further complications they cause to humans, animals and the overall environment. Their advantages can be equited to the negative effects they cause. The organisms should be developed without causing the harm they have caused in the past, if they are to be introduced for everyone to consume. Though these organisms do assist in solving food problems, other methods of ensuring maximum food production without posing threats should be applied. Research in the medical field, through biotechnology has helped in manufacturing of more effective drugs by pharmaceutical companies. Minimizing negative effects that may result should develop these drugs. The organisms’ benefits should be enjoyed without at the same time becoming a hazard. Conclusion Genetically modified organisms are diverse and are beneficial to the humans, animals and plants. Their benefits to human, animals and the environment are benefits to be appreciated Humans can have enough food, diseases can be prevented and the environment protected from exploitation. GMOs definitely contribute to the well being of life on earth in various ways. However they also have their negative side to life on earth. Diseases and infections have been encouraged by the organisms, environmental pollution and poisoning of human, animals and plant life. In future the testing of the Genetically Modified Organisms will be very important to ensure that the benefits outweigh the demerits and costs of development. This is the only way that the moral and ethics of life on earth will be propagated. Genetically Modified Organisms that may be introduced should be acceptable if the benefits people acquire from them are so important and many their negative effects can be comfortably sidelined. References Anderson . K and Lee Ann Jackson . 2005. Some Implications of GM food Technology policies for Sub-Saharan Africa. Journal of African Economies Bakshi 2003. Genetically modified organisms; harmful effects Bernstein et al, 2003 Cohen, S. Chang, A. Boyerit. Helling R. 1973. Construction of Biologically Functional Bacterial Plasmids in Vitro. Glad, John. 2008. Future Human Evolution; Eugenis in the Twenty-First Century: Hermitage Press. James 2001. Principles of Biomedical Ethics, Oxford, New York; Oxford University Press Jonsen, Albert; Veatch, Robert Walters, Leroy (1998). Source Book in Bioethics, Washington; Georgetown University Press. Jonathan, Baron. 2006. Against Bio-ethics. Khushf, Tom(ed) 2004. Handbook of Bio-ethics; Taking Stock of the Field from a Philosophical Perspective. McGee, Glenn (2003). Pragmatic Bioethics, Cambridge Massachusetts Institute of Technology Press. Murphy, Timothy. 2004. Case Studies in Biomedical Research Ethics. The MIT Press. Smith, Nick. April 13, 2000. â€Å"Seeds of opportunity† An assessment of the Benefits, safety and oversight of plant Genomics and Agriculture Biotechnology. www. eubios. info/betext. htm www. dartmouth. edu-biomed/resources. htmld/bioethics. shtml www. sciencemag. org/feature/plus/sfg/education/index. dtl Bioethics. georgetown. edu/publications/scopenotes/sn38. htm www. questia. com/Ethics-in-education www. healthsystem. virginia. edu/internet/bio-ethics/bibliographylombardo. cfm www. bu. edu/library/guides/biethics. html www. gwu. edu/-guides/arts/philosophy. html Muse. jhu. edu/journals/kennedy-institute-of ethics-journal www. -sul. Stanford. edu/guides/bietics. html

The 31 Critical ACT Math Formulas You MUST Know

The 31 Critical ACT Math Formulas You MUST Know SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The two biggest challenges of ACT Math are the time crunch- the math test has 60 questions in 60 minutes!- and the fact that the test doesn’t provide you with any formulas. All the formulas and math knowledge for the ACT comes from what you’ve learned and memorized. In this complete list of critical formulas you'll need on the ACT, I'll lay out every formula you must have memorized before test day, as well as explanations for how to use them and what they mean. I'll also show you which formulas you should prioritize memorizing (the ones that are needed for multiple questions) and which ones you should memorize only when you've got everything else nailed down tight. Already Feeling Overwhelmed? Does the prospect of memorizing a bunch of formulas make you want to run for the hills? We've all been there, but don't throw in the towel just yet! The good news about the ACT is that it is designed to give all test-takers a chance to succeed. Many of you will already be familiar with most of these formulas from your math classes. The formulas that show up on the test the most will also be most familiar to you. Formulas that are only needed for one or two questions on the test will be least familiar to you. For example, the equation of a circle and logarithm formulas only ever show up as one question on most ACT math tests. If you’re going for every point, go ahead and memorize them. But if you feel overwhelmed with formula lists, don’t worry about it- it’s only one question. So let’s look at all the formulas you absolutely must know before test day (as well as one or two that you can figure out yourself instead of memorizing yet another formula). Algebra Linear Equations Functions There will be at least five to six questions on linear equations and functions on every ACT test, so this is a very important section to know. Slope Slope is the measure of how a line changes. It’s expressed as: the change along the y-axis/the change along the x-axis, or $\rise/\run$. Given two points, $A(x_1,y_1)$, $B(x_2,y_2)$, find the slope of the line that connects them: $$(y_2 - y_1)/(x_2 - x_1)$$ Slope-Intercept Form A linear equation is written as $y=mx+b$ m is the slope and b is the y-intercept (the point of the line that crosses the y-axis) A line that passes through the origin (y-axis at 0), is written as $y=mx$ If you get an equation that is NOT written this way (i.e. $mx−y=b$), re-write it into $y=mx+b$ Midpoint Formula Given two points, $A(x_1,y_1)$, $B(x_2,y_2)$, find the midpoint of the line that connects them: $$((x_1 + x_2)/2, (y_1 + y_2)/2)$$ Good to Know Distance Formula Find the distance between the two points $$√{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}$$ You don’t actually need this formula, as you can simply graph your points and then create a right triangle from them. The distance will be the hypotenuse, which you can find via the pythagorean theorem Logarithms There will usually only be one question on the test involving logarithms. If you’re worried about having to memorize too many formulas, don’t worry about logs unless you’re trying for a perfect score. $log_bx$ asks â€Å"to what power does b have to be raised to result in x?† Most of the time on the ACT, you’ll just need to know how to re-write logs $$log_bx=y = b^y=x$$ $$log_bxy=log_bx+log_by$$ $$log_b{x/y} = log_bx - log_by$$ Statistics and Probability Averages The average is the same thing as the mean Find the average/mean of a set of terms (numbers) $$\Mean = {\sum\of\the\terms}/{\the\number(\amount)\of\different\terms}$$ Find the average speed $$\Speed = {\total\distance}/{\total\time}$$ May the odds be ever in your favor. Probabilities Probability is a representation of the odds of something happening. A probability of 1 is guaranteed to happen. A probability of 0 will never happen. $${\Probabilityâ€Å'\ofâ€Å'\anâ€Å'\outcomeâ€Å'\happening}={\numberâ€Å'\ofâ€Å'\desiredâ€Å'\outcomes}/{\total\number\of\possible\outcomes}$$ Probability of two independent outcomes both happening is $$\Probabilityâ€Å'\ofâ€Å'\eventâ€Å'\A*\probabilityâ€Å'\ofâ€Å'\event\B$$ e.g., Event A has a probability of $1/4$ and event B has a probability of $1/8$. The probability of both events happening is: $1/4 * 1/8 = 1/32$. There is a 1 in 32 chance of both events A and event B happening. Combinations The possible amount of different combinations of a number of different elements A â€Å"combination† means the order of the elements doesn’t matter (i.e. a fish entree and a diet soda is the same thing as a diet soda and a fish entree) Possible combinations = number of element A * number of element B * number of element C†¦. e.g. In a cafeteria, there are 3 different dessert options, 2 different entree options, and 4 drink options. How many different lunch combinations are possible, using one drink, one, dessert, and one entree? The total combinations possible = 3 * 2 * 4 = 24 Percentages Find x percent of a given number n $$n(x/100)$$ Find out what percent a number n is of another number m $$(100n)/m$$ Find out what number n is x percent of $$(100n)/x$$ The ACT is a marathon. Remember to take a break sometimes and enjoy the good things in life. Puppies make everything better. Geometry Rectangles Area $$\Area=lw$$ l is the length of the rectangle w is the width of the rectangle Perimeter $$\Perimeter=2l+2w$$ Rectangular Solid Volume $$\Volume = lwh$$ h is the height of the figure Parallelogram An easy way to get the area of a parallelogram is to drop down two right angles for heights and transform it into a rectangle. Then solve for h using the pythagorean theorem Area $$\Area=lh$$ (This is the same as a rectangle’s lw. In this case the height is the equivalent of the width) Triangles Area $$\Area = {1/2}bh$$ b is the length of the base of triangle (the edge of one side) h is the height of the triangle The height is the same as a side of the 90 degree angle in a right triangle. For non-right triangles, the height will drop down through the interior of the triangle, as shown in the diagram. Pythagorean Theorem $$a^2 + b^2 = c^2$$ In a right triangle, the two smaller sides (a and b) are each squared. Their sum is the equal to the square of the hypotenuse (c, longest side of the triangle) Properties of Special Right Triangle: Isosceles Triangle An isosceles triangle has two sides that are equal in length and two equal angles opposite those sides. An isosceles right triangle always has a 90 degree angle and two 45 degree angles. The side lengths are determined by the formula: x, x, x√2, with the hypotenuse (side opposite 90 degrees) having a length of one of the smaller sides * √2. E.g., An isosceles right triangle may have side lengths of 12, 12, and 12√2. Properties of Special Right Triangle: 30, 60, 90 Degree Triangle A 30, 60, 90 triangle describes the degree measures of its three angles. The side lengths are determined by the formula: x, x√3, and 2x. The side opposite 30 degrees is the smallest, with a measurement of x. The side opposite 60 degrees is the middle length, with a measurement of x√3. The side opposite 90 degree is the hypotenuse, with a length of 2x. For example, a 30-60-90 triangle may have side lengths of 5, 5√3, and 10. Trapezoids Area Take the average of the length of the parallel sides and multiply that by the height. $$\Area = [(\parallel\side\a + \parallel\side\b)/2]h$$ Often, you are given enough information to drop down two 90 angles to make a rectangle and two right triangles. You’ll need this for the height anyway, so you can simply find the areas of each triangle and add it to the area of the rectangle, if you would rather not memorize the trapezoid formula. Trapezoids and the need for a trapezoid formula will be at most one question on the test. Keep this as a minimum priority if you're feeling overwhelmed. Circles Area $$\Area=Ï€r^2$$ Ï€ is a constant that can, for the purposes of the ACT, be written as 3.14 (or 3.14159) Especially useful to know if you don’t have a calculator that has a $Ï€$ feature or if you're not using a calculator on the test. r is the radius of the circle (any line drawn from the center point straight to the edge of the circle). Area of a Sector Given a radius and a degree measure of an arc from the center, find the area of that sector of the circle. Use the formula for the area multiplied by the angle of the arc divided by the total angle measure of the circle. $$Area\of\an\arc = (Ï€r^2)(\degree\measure\of\center\of\arc/360)$$ Circumference $$\Circumference=2Ï€r$$ or $$\Circumference=Ï€d$$ d is the diameter of the circle. It is a line that bisects the circle through the midpoint and touches two ends of the circle on opposite sides. It is twice the radius. Length of an Arc Given a radius and a degree measure of an arc from the center, find the length of the arc. Use the formula for the circumference multiplied by the angle of the arc divided by the total angle measure of the circle (360). $$\Circumference\of\an\arc = (2Ï€r)(\degree\measure\center\of\arc/360)$$ Example: A 60 degree arc has $1/6$ of the total circle's circumference because $60/360 = 1/6$ An alternative to memorizing the â€Å"formulas† for arcs is to just stop and think about arc circumferences and arc areas logically. If you know the formulas for the area/circumference of a circle and you know how many degrees are in a circle, put the two together. If the arc spans 90 degrees of the circle, it must be $1/4$th the total area/circumference of the circle, because $360/90 = 4$. If the arc is at a 45 degree angle, then it is $1/8$th the circle, because $360/45 = 8$. The concept is exactly the same as the formula, but it may help you to think of it this way instead of as a â€Å"formula† to memorize. Equation of a Circle Useful to get a quick point on the ACT, but don’t worry about memorizing it if you feel overwhelmed; it will only ever be worth one point. Given a radius and a center point of a circle $(h, k)$ $$(x - h)^2 + (y - k)^2 = r^2$$ Cylinder $$\Volume=Ï€r^2h$$ Trigonometry Almost all the trigonometry on the ACT can be boiled down to a few basic concepts SOH, CAH, TOA Sine, cosine, and tangent are graph functions The sine, cosine, or tangent of an angle (theta, written as ÃŽËœ) is found using the sides of a triangle according to the mnemonic device SOH, CAH, TOA. Sine - SOH $$\Sineâ€Å' ÃŽËœ = \opposite/\hypotenuse$$ Opposite = the side of the triangle directly opposite the angle ÃŽËœ Hypotenuse = the longest side of the triangle Sometimes the ACT will make you manipulate this equation by giving you the sine and the hypotenuse, but not the measure of the opposite side. Manipulate it as you would any algebraic equation: $Sine ÃŽËœ = \opposite/\hypotenuse$ = $\hypotenuse * \sine ÃŽËœ = \opposite$ Cosine - CAH $$\Cosine ÃŽËœ = \adjacent/\hypotenuse$$ Adjacent = the side of the triangle nearest the angle ÃŽËœ (that creates the angle) that is not the hypotenuse Hypotenuse = the longest side of the triangle Tangent - TOA $$\Tangentâ€Å' ÃŽËœ = \opposite/\adjacent$$ Opposite = the side of the triangle directly opposite the angle ÃŽËœ Adjacent = the side of the triangle nearest the angle ÃŽËœ (that creates the angle) that is not the hypotenuse Cosecant, Secant, Cotangent Cosecant is the reciprocal of sine $\Cosecantâ€Å' ÃŽËœ = \hypotenuse/\opposite$ Secant is the reciprocal of cosine $\Secantâ€Å' ÃŽËœ = \hypotenuse/\adjacent$ Cotangent is the reciprocal of tangent $\Cotangentâ€Å' ÃŽËœ = \adjacent/\opposite$ Useful Formulas to Know$$\Sin^2ÃŽËœ + \Cos^2ÃŽËœ = 1$$ $${\Sin ÃŽËœ}/{\Cos ÃŽËœ} = \Tan ÃŽËœ$$ Hurray! You've memorized your formulas. Now treat yo' self. But Keep in Mind Though these are all the formulas you should memorize to do well on the ACT math section, this list by no means covers all aspects of the mathematical knowledge you’ll need on the exam. For example, you’ll also need to know your exponent rules, how to FOIL, and how to solve for absolute values. To learn more about the general mathematical topics covered by the test, see our article on what's actually tested on the ACT math section. What's Next? Now that you know the critical formulas for the ACT, it might be time to check out our article on How to an Perfect Score on the ACT Math by a 36 ACT-Scorer. Don't know where to start?Look no further than our article onwhat is considered a good, bad, or excellent ACT score. Want to improve your score by 4+ points? Our completely online and customized prep program adapts to your strengths, weaknesses, and needs. And we guarantee your money back if you don't improve your score by 4points or more. Sign up for your free trial today. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep classes. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by ACT experts. If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Try it risk-free today:

Critically analyse the International Olympic Committee, politicaly and Essay

Critically analyse the International Olympic Committee, politicaly and memebers' corruptions - Essay Example The escalation in the price of broadcasting rights for sport is the single largest factor affecting the global sport business. Therefore, the demand of sponsor and mass media has been changed due to the globalisation of the sport market. Both of them need bring some direct and indirect efforts to all audience. The sponsors want to show their brand on advertising and compete against other companies in the global market.( Cooke, 1994) The motive of the broadcast companies is sell advertising slots at hugely increase prices in the globalisation market during the matches. British sporting bodies, having previously jealously guarded their non-governmental status, lobbied the government for a ministry of sport to spearhead a drive for British international sporting success. In the event, the governments sports strategy, published as A Sporting Future For All in April 2000, failed to go this far, even if there were references to a new deal between government and sports governing bodies, the need to enhance the prospects for more success for our top competitors and teams in international competition and the urgent need to learn the lessons of our competitor nations: Government cannot and should not dictate. Moreover, the episode, viewed in conjunction with the fiasco regarding the rebuilding of Wembley as a national football stadium, was adjudged to have seriously damaged British prospects of bidding successfully for the 2012 Olympics or the 2014 World Cup. The Blair government appeared guilty of reneging on both election manifesto and ministerial promises as well as of displaying a distinct lack of feel for the politics of international sport. Certainly, the apparent gap between government rhetoric and events suggested a distinct lack of joined up government, both within government as well as between it and sporting bodies. (Trenberth, 2003) As one editorial observed, unless the Government matches its rhetoric with

Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 18

Abortion - Essay Example According to Peter Singer’s argument, human beings have a certain property that makes it morally wrong to kill them. The inherent property possessed by human beings increases their value and arguably overcomes any decision aimed at terminating life. However, infants do not possess the same property. Therefore, the fact that the properties are not evident in infants, Singer deduces that this does not make it morally wrong to kill them. He conversely considers the fact that some people who may have valued the infant may feel wronged. Such bestowing of value to infants by a section of the society emanates due to diversity in thoughts and believe. From the analysis this argument as presented by Singer, it is clear that it is based on the fact that he is of the opinion that killing an infant is less serious compared to killing a person. Therefore, it is correct inference that according to Singer, infants are less human and do not possess the same fundamental rights enjoyed by human beings (Lodp, 2013). Singer also advances the notion that infants who are rejected because they are physically handicapped are better off dead. Critical analysis of this sentiment shows that Singer believes that unwanted infants should not be subjected to the suffering that comes along with being raised in a hostile society or family. Instead of being discriminated on the basis of their physical appearance, abortion is a better remedy to the problem of infants being physically disabled. Therefore, Singer fundamentally supports his arguments by referring to the contemporary plight of human beings. From his illustrations on the development of the fetus during the early stages of pregnancy development, Singer tries to prove that the fetus cannot be harmed by not being brought into existence. His assumption is that, during the early stages of development, the fetus is not a fully grown life form or human being that can feel the pain of being killed. Singer has

Graduate Work and Becoming a Better Manager Essay

Graduate Work and Becoming a Better Manager - Essay Example Additionally, I realized that being a better manager required effective professionalism, which is achievable through furthering my education. Present day business environment is characterized by excessive competition. This requires managers to have professional strategies that will enable them to compete with other businesses effectively. Additionally, I realized that enrolling for MBA at Walden University would enable me to understand the ethical and legal requirements of the business society which facilitate becoming an effective member of the business community (Walden University, 2012b). Graduate school is quite different from the undergraduate programs. In graduate school, the level of training is more rigorous and oriented toward professionalism. As opposed to undergraduates in business courses who study broadly, graduates specialize in a specific area. By enrolling in MBA, I hope to acquire skill in corporate hunting skill, coaching of employees as well as skill on how to analyze benefit for effective decision-making. In my opinion, being an effective manager requires one to be able to bargain collectively, relate well with employees, encourage employee development programs, and understand employment laws as well as business policies. By enrolling for the MBA, I believe I will be able to attain the above skills and apply them later. This will make me a professional and better manager (Walden University, 2012b). After reviewing the list of â€Å"Student Conduct and Responsibilities,† I realized there are a number of similarities and differences between scholarly conduct and business conduct. Scholarly conduct is different from business conduct in that scholarly conduct I based on the level of education while business conduct is professionalism. Both scholarly conduct and business conduct are similar since they center on trust, responsibility,

Deforestation Cause and Effects

Deforestation Cause and Effects Modern predictions and indicators paint a bleak outlook for the planet and unfortunately it is all due to human actions. Deforestation and the spread of barren, arid and useless land is increasing in pace and we are the only ones who can call it to a halt. The questions that need answering quickly before it is too late are how and when. When is obvious, unless we act immediately we will be too late, how is less clear but unless we find the answers soon then we could find ourselves left with nothing but a arid infertile desert of a planet and sooner than you might think. Perhaps we can blame the men who cut down or burn huge swathes of forest and watch the animals flee to die of starvation after their home and food supply has been destroyed, or those who profit from their actions. Only someone who was insane would do such a thing surely? You certainly wouldnt want to be associated with those that were involved in such wholesale destruction and slaughter and certainly wouldnt be involved yourself, right? Deforestation for Profit Forests contain many valuable natural resources and the land they cover is also valuable to an ever-increasing human population. People have been making use of these resources ever since we first appeared. Deforestation is a way of making a living, the timber can be sold, and the land can be used for growing crops or grazing herds or to provide land for homes and businesses. Why is this allowed to happen? Those people that are entrusted by us with the planet are those who are destroying it. Governments give permits and licenses to those who have the money to buy them they then strip the land and make their money. The governments are often poor and the land is more valuable to large corporations than used for conservation and tourism. But these governments are selling off the planets life support system and that cannot continue. We may be frustrated in the face of such insurmountable obstacles but we can challenge these large corporations by refusing to buy their products and lobby governments to protect forested areas. If enough people say no then they will be forced to act. The planet has been entrusted to all of us and it is up to us to save it even now at the 11th hour it isnt too late. Even small actions if done by enough people add up to a massive effect. Reversing Deforestation Nature on the whole is resilient and bounces back extremely fast if given the chance. However forests are slow to re grow and mature. Once the soil has been eroded it could take centuries for it to build up again and start supporting anywhere near the diversity of life it once did. Millions of species have been wiped out never to be seen again in fact most were never seen by human eyes before being driven to extinction. This does not mean we should not try to protect and restore these amazing and diverse habitats, which do so much for us and ask only to be left to exist in return. What is Deforestation? In recent times, mankind has felt the wrath of nature. More and more natural disasters are taking place due to human induced climate change. This has lead to an increasing awareness of our impact on the planet we call home and its natural resources. Forests are some of our most abused habitats due to the fact that wood is a raw material with a wide range of uses and fill virtually al of our basic needs particularly food, fuel and shelter. Another important influencing factor for deforestation is the need for more land, so forests are cleared to make way for industrial development, housing or agriculture (either livestock or crops) or even a dump. By Definition Deforestation is the clearing or removal of trees from an area of woodland or forest for many differing reason usually commercial. Deforestation usually doesnt apply to cases where the trees are replaced, usually as saplings, in the same or alternative location in order to replace those that were cut down. Also usually refers to large scale clearing of whole areas rather than limited or selective clearing. Man has cut down trees since we first appeared, changing and adapting the environment to suit our needs in order to provide the things we require to live successfully. For kindling, shelter, weapons and in more modern times paper, furniture and housing. Thousands upon thousands of acres of forest have disappeared worldwide to fill our insatiable appetite for wood and land, yet they also have to meet the demands of the vast majority of the worlds other species both plant and animal. Raising Consciousness Humans are roused to action when an issue directly affects them. This is undoubtedly the reason people are more aware than ever of the effects of deforestation as more and more people become affected by climate change and extreme weather events. It is these effects that are the most effective way of showing people the benefits forests provide and why it is so vital the little we have left be protected at all costs. The depletion of the forests has a number of detrimental effects on the environment and climate. There are two main thrusts to this argument. The first is the environmental services that forests provide such as maintaining our atmosphere and slowing global warming and protecting us from floods. The second is the need to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply of natural resources. I.e. if they are being used and managed properly and ensuring reforestation occurs. First the environmental benefits forests help maintain the balance of gases in the atmosphere particularly oxygen and carbon dioxide. The trees ability to take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and trap it is our most important weapon in the battle against climate change. Cutting down and burning trees releases the green house gas back into the atmosphere worsening the problem. It is these green house gases that are causing global warming and extreme weather events. In many cases the timber is simply burned to clear the land quickly which is the worst possible thing to do especially when it could be put to good use providing for those who might be in need of it. Finally woodland traps water and act as sponges when water levels are high reducing the chances of flooding. Why does Deforestation Happen? We are now learning the consequences of trying to battle against nature, yet change is slow and we are still abusing the natural world. With our knowledge we should be doing all we can to stop further deforestation so why does deforestation continue despite the harm we know it does to the environment and thus ourselves? The answers are not straightforward but undoubtedly lie with us and our desperate need for the resources the forest provides. The needs of a massive human population have to be met daily putting the natural world under enormous pressure. We constantly look for new ways to get what we need faster and more efficiently. But the more efficiently we exploit nature the quicker natural resources are used up and disappear. This leads to new ways of getting what we need or finding new resources to exploit depleting the natural world even faster, its a vicious cycle that leads to the devastation of our beautiful planet. The Global Man Made Phenomenon Man has been clearing woodland since ancient times but it is recently in the last century that the worlds forests and rainforests have been dramatically reduced shrinking in size year on year at an ever more furious pace. Until fairly recently there was little real opposition from the public or government as the seemed to be no real viable alternatives and so it continues to this day. Land is a finite commodity in a world with an ever-growing human population. Developed land is worth far more than forest so the forest is clear to make way for large-scale development and agriculture. Wood is unfortunately worth nothing standing growing in a forest but far more as a piece of paper, furniture or even a house. Profit driven by the high demand for these resources is the reason these forests are disappearing. There are many resources which can be gathered from the forest such as food and medicines though the main product is wood which has a wide variety of uses from paper to a building material and even as a fuel. With lumber having such a number of uses and a strong demand then it should have a strong impact on economic growth. But forest values are actually falling, a surprising trend given that forests are fast disappearing and mans propensity towards exploiting limited resources for profit. Why Does Deforestation Result in Devastation? Experts dont see deforestation as an all-bad thing as long as it is done in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable way. It is a matter of careful controlling how and where you clear areas of forest. A small area of clearing provides opportunities for opportunistic species and is quickly recolonized and breaks in the canopy quickly filled. Large areas take longer to recolonise and separate areas of forest previously joined. They also allow the wind and rain to erode the soil making recolonization by forest plants much harder. Rain forests typically have very thin soil which is held in place by the roots of the giant trees and with out which quickly disappears. Wildlife that lives in the forest cannot survive in the open and so has to retreat with the forest or if it cannot die. Under the canopy is a moist dank warm environment as the plants trap the heat and moisture from escaping, without these very specific conditions, which exist in few other places many species are unable to survive. So who is the culprit? You we all play a part in deforestation to a lesser or greater degree though the choices we make when shopping daily. We cant point the blame solely on governments and big corporations though they certainly play a big part but it is our willingness to block out the knowledge of where the things we buy come from and how they are produced that means they can carry on destroying the earth and it is unlikely to stop until we make it with our consumer choices. Effects of Deforestation Humans have always and probably always will depended on forests to a lesser or greater degree. Trees provide food, shelter from the elements and predators not just to humans but the vast majority of life on land. Unfortunately the forests resources and appeal is its downfall. Deforestation is probably one of the greatest challenges we face. We need the forests to maintain the atmosphere alongside the burning of fossil fuels our destruction of the forests is a major contributory factor to the rising levels of carbon dioxide and global warming, the effects of which we are only now beginning to feel. Large-scale deforestation for agricultural and industrial purposes transforms rich and diverse habitat in barren arid land. The resources are quickly repeated and another massive are of forest has to be destroyed to provide yet more. The damage to the land and soil has been done and little can grow on these areas once they have been finished with. Deforestation needs to be stopped before we end up with a planet that is little more than an arid wasteland incapable of supporting life. Effects of Deforestation on the Environment Rainforests are the richest and most diverse areas on the planet and are home to the vast majority of the worlds species, many yet to be seen or classified by science. Any one can wander into a rainforest and will fairly quickly discover a new species. This biodiversity took many millions of years to evolve and can be destroyed with the swipe of a powerful saw. There is no possibility of getting back the estimated 50,000 species that go extinct every year a that is increasing. The chance to explore this forest world is disappearing fast and wont come again once its gone, a chance future generations wont thank us for denying them. Not only are countless species being lost but also the chance to increase or knowledge of the world, chemicals and medicines unknown to science are out waiting to be discovered. The preservation of the rainforest also means the chance to explore these opportunities and make new discoveries and advance human knowledge. Effects of Deforestation on Society The indigenous people, whose home and way of life is turned upside down by the arrival of the lumber lorries, will feel much of the effects of deforestation. They survive by living in harmony with the forest and its inhabitants but are often forced to leave or change their way of living in order to survive. This displacement of people and the consequent loss of that culture makes the human race a little poorer. Those that live on the edges of the forest are also affected, as they can no longer gather resources from it for themselves. These people are unused to living in towns and cities a totally alien culture and are unlikely to have the money, skills or education to make a decent living having learned to live off the land. Nature cannot be completely replaced by our own efforts even after all our recent advances in technology she does it better than us. Nature serves us in far better ways than the best designed structures and industry, yet we treat her with nothing but contempt and unless we stop the consequences will be dire. Deforestation and Climate Change Throughout history forests have spread and retreated as the environment changed now they are fast disappearing. They shelter the vast majority of land animals and hold most of the land biodiversity. These beautiful and complex ecosystems are essential to the environment and help to regulate the atmosphere. Hence deforestation and climate change are closely connected and have the ability to control one another. Unfortunately the forests, which should be our first line of defense against rising carbon dioxide levels, are vanishing rapidly. 80% of our previously forested areas are gone drastically reducing the planets ability to absorb carbon dioxide and contributing to the high levels of the green house gas by releasing it after being cut down making the situation worse. The fact that deforestation can further affect the atmosphere should stir us into action to prevent any further reduction in the worlds forests. We will just be adding to the devastating effects of climate change if we dont take action to stop further deforestation. Major Carbon Storehouses It has become increasingly apparent that forests play a vital role in climate control by storing carbon and water and recycling it. It is a fact that the destruction of green areas is a contributory factor in climate change and eliminates their ability to regulate the climate. It has been estimate the 18% of all carbon emissions come from deforestation and we are effectively turning our prize weapon against global warming against ourselves instead. Mature forests are the largest stores of carbon dioxide though all plants store carbon. Other stores include the soil, vegetation frozen underneath the arctic permafrost even the algae in the sea. The world largest forests such as the Amazon represent our largest carbon stores, its destruction would undoubted lead to quick and devastating climate change. Carbon is released from plant life through burning and natural decay. Burning releases the carbon much faster and more efficiently than natural decay or rotting. If left to nature plants will rot slowly especially large trees and the carbon is often buried and the carbon trapped below ground where it slowly fossilizes to produce various compounds depending upon the conditions ranging from diamonds to fossil fuels over many millennia. This whole process traps the carbon and prevents it entering the atmosphere. Deforestation prevents this natural process from taking pace. Climate Change A combination of deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels releasing much larger amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than would occur naturally whilst simultaneously disabling the planets ability to absorb and cope with this influx in green house gases has lead to the current climate changes and noticeable global warming. The main effects of climate change have been a rise in temperature throughout the year leading to widespread environmental change species moving their ranges further north to follow the increase in temperature. Melting of the polar ice caps leads to a reduction in range for polar species. A consequent rise in sea levels leads to flooding of low lying land. More violent and extreme weather systems lead to the devastation of affected areas and causing huge loss of life. This isnt a prediction of what will happen in the future its happening now and maybe irreversible already. So now an immediate damage limitation exercise need to take place to ensure the climate doesnt get out of control this has to involve the protection and restoration of the worlds forests. Effects of deforestation. Retrieved Feb 15, 2010, from http://www.effects-of-deforestation.com/

English Language Teaching Essays -- essays research papers

Topic Literature Review: English Language Teaching Strategies for Learning-Disabled Secondary School Students Introduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One of the aims of the Singapore Ministry of Education is to ensure that all school-going children receive a minimum ten years of general education. Streaming is one way to ensure that all students are taught according to their academic ability, and â€Å"learn at a pace which they can cope.† (Coping with Singaporeans’ Concerns, 2001, p. 4). At the primary school level, remediation programmes such as the â€Å"Learning Support Programme (LSP) and the Encouragement Achievement and Better Learning (ENABLE) Programmes† are made available to assist students who have been assessed as weak in English and Mathematics (Coping with Singaporeans’ concerns, 2001, p. 4). At secondary level, the Normal Technical (NT) stream was implemented in 1994 to cater to students who are less academically inclined. The majority of the learning-disabled students will be found in the NT stream. In NT stream, students follow a less rigorous curriculum which focuses on English and Mathematics, and more hands-on learning experiences. The NT curriculum basically prepares students for vocational/technical academic and career paths. Unlike primary schools where there are remediation programmes to support students who are identified as weak in academic performance or â€Å"learning-disabled†, little attention is given to NT stream students, especially students with learning disabilities. This can be attributed to a number of reasons such as exclusion of NT stream students’ performance at National Examinations from the school league table, and inadequately-trained general education teachers to teach students with special educational needs. For any remediation programmes that are available, they are provided at an ad hoc basis by out-of-school â€Å"ethnic self-help groups and voluntary welfare organizations† (Coping with Singaporeans’ concerns, 2001, p. 4). Research has revealed that NT students suffer from â€Å"low self-esteem†, â€Å"achievement motivation†, and â€Å"poor study habits† as they progress up the levels in secondary schools (Chan, 1996). One of the main reasons for the poor academic performance of NT students is that most NT students face problems following lessons in class. All subjects, with the exception of Mother Tongue subject, are ... ...h that is grammatical, fluent, appropriate for purpose, context and culture. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A Summary of the learning Outcomes by the End of Secondary Two and Four Normal Technical: Pupils will: a.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Respond to a variety of texts and demonstrate a positive attitude towards reading and language. b.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Listen for information from a variety of sources. c.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Speak fluently and expressively on a range of topics. d.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Present and develop ideas effectively in speech/writing for a variety of purposes and audiences. e.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Write legibly, coherently and cohesively for different purpose and audiences. f.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Demonstrate knowledge about language and text types from print/ non-print/ electronic source. g.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Use reading strategies to construct meaning. (Adapted from Ministry of Education. (2001). English Language Syllabus 2001 For Primary and Secondary Schools. Singapore: Curriculum Planning and Development Division, Ministry of Education.)

Destroys Oedipus Essay

â€Å"Chance rules our lives, and the future is all unknown†. Some people think that fate is an unavoidable part of every characters life. Every creature has to die; it is either sooner or later. No matter what fate is destined for someone, human wilfulness is like a virus that can make a life end faster than it should. Yes, fate contributes to the end but the wilfulness also can bring a person’s life to an end. End is equal to destruction. At the same time, the end for Oedipus also represented discovering his own self- knowledge. Destiny of Oedipus is equal to the truth. Theban legend believed strongly in the inevitability of fate. Throughout the course of king Oedipus’s life† he was destined one day to kill his father and to become his own mother’s husband (this prophecy made by Apollo) seem inescapable. Surely, fate put him in the certain places, at certain times. However, it’s his choices and action that ultimately lead to his downfall. People have free will but fate also plays a part in human life. Sophocles, in this play demonstrates how fate and human choice are closely linked. Oedipus had been told about his unavoidable prophecy however he tried to use his free will and choice to determine his destiny. He loved his parents Polybus and Merope, and so used his free will to choose to fled to avoid fulfilling the prophecy. Again fate plays a part driving him towards Thebes and it is fate that means he meets Lauis. However, it is not fate but Oedipus’ temper and pride (his human failing) which forces him to murder his own father â€Å"I was angry and every man of them there I killed. † If only Oedipus could control his temper, perhaps he could alter the course of his life. â€Å"I Oedipus, whose name is known afar†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ † I grieve for you my children†, clearly it is his excessive to his pride that give him power to search for a † polluter of the land† also searches for his own identity. He acknowledge that â€Å"I will fight for Laius as if he was my father† †¦ â€Å"If anyone of you knows whose hand it was that killed Laius, let him declare it fully now to me† this is a strong dramatic irony provided by Sophocle that make our audience laugh in tear and yet fell pity for Oedipus who about to set the destruction for him self. Since Oedipus is unaware of his self knowledge which eventually lead to his own banishment â€Å"his fate will be nothing worse than banishment†. He is constantly told by Jocasta â€Å"In God’s name- if you want to live, this must not go on†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ † Doomed man! O never live to learn the true! † Teriesias â€Å"You are living in ignorance of you own undoing† and the Shephard † by all the Gods, master, ask me no more! † not to continues with his search. Oedipus is stubborn â€Å"I must pursue this trail to the end, till I have unraveled the mystery of my birth† and does not care what the consequences will be of finding out his true identity. Oedipus is obsessive about the truth. Once he finds out the true Oedipus blinds himself as punishment. This tragic destruction is the fault of Oedipus strong human faults not the word of Gods. â€Å"Oedipus believed that he is the son of the unreachable Gods, also he had the power to do every thing as the Gods requisite. â€Å"I count myself the son of chance†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"What the gods required upon my honor it shall be done†. Here he have not seen himself as a moral (a normal human being), he is still dreaming that he’s the â€Å"great and glorious†, which he challenge himself to fulfill the word of gods. The moment he take duty of the Gods to help the people of Thebes, and willing to search for the murder of Liaus. This is also the end of the road for Oedipus where he can’t run or hide from his fate no more â€Å"what will be will be†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ â€Å"Fate has come to me†, he trap, collapse and transform back to his real self (real image) which is â€Å"your enemy is yourself† and â€Å"bring (his) death† of his own destruction. Also, we have Jocasta who is distrustful of the oracles until the end of the play. Firstly, she challenge the gods by killed her very first son with the hope to avoid the terrible fate. How can a mother have the heart to do such thing? Surely, Sophocle had treated her very unfairly. Why did Sophocle created such person with no humanity, by the moment that her husband disappeared from Thebes, she had not keen enough to show her love to her husband by † bring everything into light†, instead she just marriage to a new hero ( Oedipus) to continues with her royal life. Even the last minutes she still denies her family fate, where we saw her chose the easy way which commits suicide â€Å"Count no (mankind) happy until (they) die†¦ Which is against what Gods want her to do: to live with Oedipus forever in an ultimately relationship. Her refusal to face life with the knowledge of her family arrangements was weak. By dying she left Oedipus to deal with the shame and humiliation on his own. Her human failings play a major part in the destruction of Oedipus. Fate does play a part in Oedipus destiny. However it is Oedipus’ hamartia, (his moral failing) made up of obsession, anger, aggression and hubris which lead to his destruction. Bringing out the true when combined with the human weaknesses and failings Jocasta, Oedipus now no longer rules and he was banished from Thebes. Oedipus rose above the power of the Gods and took charge of his own life. The audience of this play will always see the hero in Oedipus but with failings all humans possess.

Ardet Roma Essays - Julio-Claudian Dynasty, Nero, Claudius

Ardet Roma Essays - Julio-Claudian Dynasty, Nero, Claudius Ardet Roma. 2.3 Internal. 12LSO The Great fire of Rome was a devastating fire that began on the night, between the 18th and 19th of July in 64 AD. The fire lasted for 6 days and died down but reignited again for 3 days. This event is significant to the classical world, as 3 districts were entirely destroyed, 7 suffered serious damage and only 4 districts survived, only after 10 years since Nero became Emperor of Rome. At least two thirds of the city was ruined. Following the fire, a rebuilding programme was led by Nero, such as the building of the Domus Aurea. This was completed but did not get much attention from the Romans. This allows us to have a better understanding of Roman life and the society. It is still unknown today, of what truly caused the fire and who caused it. Many various ideas from classical and modern historians are suggested. However, many questions about this event vary and do not have a certain answer. Nero was the great grandson of Caesar Augustus. When he was a child, he and his mother, Agrippina, were exiled by Emperor Gaius Caligula, to the Pontian Islands. However, Agrippinas uncle, Claudius, became emperor on January 24th, 41 AD. Then Nero and his mother, Agrippina's banishment was lifted. Agrippina then convinced Claudius to marry her and make Nero his next successor. In 54 A.D., Claudius was murdered; he was reported that he was murdered by Agrippina, who secretly gave him poisonous mushrooms. As a result, Nero became the next emperor of Rome at a young of age 16 years. However, in 59 AD, Agrippina was murdered. How she died is not clear. However, Tacitus claimed that Nero had murdered her by sending 3 men to assassinate her. Suetonius claimed that Nero had her executed after she survived the shipwreck and disguised her death as "suicide". However, Cassius Dio said that Agrippina had swum to shore after the bottom of the ship opened up. Nero sent an assassin to her and when the assassin was about to strike at her, she uttered last words "smite my womb!" Agrippina wanted to be stabbed in the womb, where she gave birth to Nero. At her funeral, Nero was claimed to be feeling "scared and witted". Over here many Roman senators and various people congratulated Nero, saying that he has been freed from his mother's plots of killing him. Nero is notoriously known for his strange acts. Rumors said that he used to roam the streets after dark, visit taverns, mugging people, attacking women and stealing from stalls and shops. Nero was accused for abusing married women and freeborn boys. Nero, when he first became Emperor, turned his attention to focus on diplomacy, trade and elevating the cultural life of the empire. Nero ordered theaters to be built and encouraged athletic games. During Neros reign, the formidable general Corbulo directed a successful war and negotiated peace with the Parthian Empire. His general Suetonius Paulinus crushed a revolution in Britain . Nero took possession of the Bosporan Kingdom to the Empire and began the First RomanJewish War. On 19TH July, 64 AD, a huge fire was lit in Rome. There are many various views from both historical and modern historians towards the cause of the Great Fire of Rome. Some believe that it was arson, ordered by Nero to clear room for his palace, as he took much of the burnt city to build a Domus Aurea (Golden palace) for himself. Tacitus, an ancient Roman historian, claims in the Tacitus Annals that Nero purposely set the city alight, to clear space for his Domus Aurea. Tacitus believed Nero blamed and persecuted the Christians for the beginning of the fire, in order to avoid of his arson being revealed. In Tacitus book, Annals, Tacitus stated "Therefore, to stop the rumor [that he had set Rome on fire], he [Emperor Nero] falsely charged with guilt, and punished with the most fearful tortures, the persons commonly called Christians, who were [generally] hated for their enormities In the Tacitus Annals, as a punishment, Tacitus states that the Christians were covered with the skins of beasts...torn by dogs and perished, or were nailed to crosses,

Fairness and Equality in Ecuador essays

Fairness and Equality in Ecuador essays Ecuador is small country in south America. is situated over Perà º and beneath Venezuela and Colombia. Its population is 12.500.000. there are different ethnic groups in Ecuador, there is mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Spanish) 55%, Amerindian 25%, Spanish 10%, black 10% (-1-). The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism. 90% of the population knows how to read and write. Ecuador is also very rich in tradition and it has been blessed with tons of natural resources and a climate that allows us to grow and produce all year long almost anything. The official language is Spanish but in Somme places they also speak a mixture of Amerindian dialects especially Quechua( most likely spoken by Indians ) . In Ecuador like in most south American countries politics are very corrupted. Ecuador is not very fair to every one in its community because it doesnt provide equal opportunity for every one,Ecuadors modern society unfair that you can almost say that you are either born with or with out opportunity. One of the most significant factors that affect equal treatment is last names. Last names can be good or bad it just depends WHAT your name is and what does it represent to society. Last names have a history attached. To have a good name means tons of thing, means you come from a family known to every one because its been around in Ecuador at the least for the last 200 years and always have been known to be honest, all men and women were gentlemen or proper ladies, hard working, table manners, politeness, noble, and most of all it says that you can be trusted. While that person can be the biggest thief in Ecuadors history. A lot of the politicians use their last names to project an image of truth and honesty to the people just so they can get a vote. A lot of people rely on names for a lot of things, the difference between having a good name or a bad ...

Crash Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Crash - Essay Example To start with, Jean Cabot is racist and prejudiced against African Americans and Latinos alike: seeing two African-Americans she becomes worried while Latino locksmith is perceived by her as a criminal. Officer Ryan expresses hatred and disdain for African-Americans, such as when he tells Shaniqua that she took a place that could belong to more competent and smart while people. Owner of a gun store throws ethnic unfair accusations at Farhad. In addition, a young African American man Anthony is prejudiced against white people and beliefs that the society is unfavorable for people like he is. Subsequently, one can see that racism is present in diverse people: those who are well off, immigrants, politicians, law-enforcement, and other. Although being conscious and angry about stereotypes that white people may have about them, Anthony and Peter confirm them and deliberately behave as stereotypes. They are furious realizing that Jean treats them like potential criminals, but steal her car . Similarly, Anthony is angry with a waitress who did not offer them a cup of coffee assuming that they would not pay her, thereof, they confirm the stereotype and leave her no money. Among protagonists should be mentioned officer Ryan. He is prejudiced against African Americans, believing that most of them are criminals and considers Caucasians more intelligent. He explains that his father lost a job because of a preference being given to an African American manager. At the same time, Ryan is caring and attentive son and shows bravery saving Christine after the car accident. Also, throughout the film Jean’s attitude is highly prejudiced: she hires minorities, but neither trusts them nor respects. She expresses her white privilege and behaves like a stereotypical well-off woman who does not work. An interesting case makes Anthony since he is an example of reversed racism – a prejudiced belief that all white people are racists. In contrast to

Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Abortion - Essay Example ff, 2002), fetus lacks self-consciousness thus it does it is not even aware that it is alive thus it practically does not have the will or the desire to live (Singer, 2000). Since the fetus is supposedly unaware of its existence, the mother has the right to terminate the pregnancy. The argument here is that forcing a woman to bring a fetus to full term and then raise the child thereafter is contrary to the very idea of self-autonomy and freedom of choice (Warren, Mary Ann, 1973). Although the woman has rights over her body, the fetus also has the right to life. Arguably, the right to life starts at conception (Marquis, 1989). When the woman choose to have consented sex, she become responsible for putting the fetus into her womb. As it is, she now has the obligation to let the fetus use her body. The right to life of the fetus now comes in direct contrast to the rights of the woman not to let the fetus use her body. The question now is whose rights are more important, the rights of the mother over her body or the right of the fetus to use the body of the mother to live. This clash of rights may not be resolved easily and debates regarding the issue are bound to go on for several