Gothic Literature The Gothic Genre - 1130 Words

Katelyn Tiamson English Honors IV Mrs. Schroder 8 December 2016 Frankenstein Gothic literature is a style of writing that contains elements of both horror and romance. This genre allows readers to experience a mix of horror and romance intertwined. Within the gothic genre there are elements of supernatural events, beings, and gloomy day settings. This style of writing became popular in the late 18th century and early 19 century. Many give credit to it’s uprising to author Horace Walpole, who wrote The Castle of Otranto (1764). His book contains all the elements that constitute the gothic genre. Frankenstein fits perfectly into the gothic category because the gloomy and mysterious setting is placed where most readers think of it as†¦show more content†¦This hints to the reader that Victor is in a graveyard and has little regard for human life when he calls the once living food for the worms. Gothic literature has a strong presence of the supernatural world and with that comes mystery. Supernatural can be defined by events that science and nature cannot explain, these event are considered magical or otherworldly. Within this work of literature Victor Frankenstein raises the dead to create a monster. Shelly makes this a mystery to the readers because she never goes into detail on the science of how to create this being. â€Å"So much has been done, exclaimed the soul of Frankenstein-more, far more will I achieve treading in the steps already marked, I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers and unfold to the world the deepest mysteries of creation† ( Shelly 46). This quote lets the reader sees how Frankenstein has an interest in a supernatural world and will stop at nothing to create his monster even if it means venturing into the unknown of science. In order for Victor to achieve his desire of bringing someone back from the dead, Shelly lets the reader knows this creature was made by using many different body parts from different people, â€Å"I collected bones from charnel houses and disturbed, with profane fingers, the tremendous secrets of the human frame† (55 Shelly). This scene is especially gruesome because it gives theShow MoreRelatedThe Southern Gothic Genre Of Literature1528 Words   |  7 PagesThe southern gothic genre of literature can be described as â€Å"plots involving violence or hidden trauma, eccentric and often psychologically troubled characters, and an atmosphere of repression and decay† (Oxford Dictionary). This dark, depressing theme found in literature is one that highlights the harsh realities that characters face in their own geographic area. It is vital for southern gothic stories to incorporate the theme of some type of external decay. In the texts Salvage the Bones and SwamplandiaRead MoreEssay on The Develoment of the Horror Genre1076 Words   |  5 Pages The term Gothic is significant f or the understanding of the origins and development of the horror genre. Both of these genres differ, whilst Gothic literature is the text that explores the frightening extremes in mankind, horror focuses more on the unknown. The Gothic horror genre has changed over time and retains importance because it is the antecedent of the horror genre. Factors such as the definition of the word Gothic, the archetypes of the genre, and its social and historical contexts, haveRead MoreThe Characteristics Of American Gothic Literature930 Words   |  4 Pagesattraction? Gothic Literature incorporates many unique characteristics that keeps the reader intrigued. Some examples of the characteristics that may be included in American Gothic are: fright, uncertainty, darkness, and isolation. The evolution of entertainment media has created a new demand for the genre’s darkness and horror. Some questions that will be answered are -- What is American Gothic and how has the genre been defined? Is the genre still relevant today? What is it about gothic tales thatRead MorePoetry Is Not Just The Vision Of The Writer1036 Words   |  5 Pages poetry can grip the heart—the mind can be an awfully dark place. Within gothic poetry the horror and fears of the poet lie just beyond the words of the poem itself. The words are emotional viscera given form. Poetry is aesthetic and inspiring and its brevity extends it to forms beyond itself. The works of romantic poets have been recycled and reimagined as a result of our continued love affair with the ideas of the gothic and supernatural. The works of various authors, directors, artists, and musiciansRead MoreThe Qualification of Daphne Du Mauriers Rebecca as a Gothic Novel851 Words   |  3 PagesRebecca as a Gothic Novel One of mankind’s most valuable gifts is the ability to feel emotions and be able to react to them in a variety of ways. One of these emotions can be recognized as horror. Horror can be directly related as an immense sensation of fear, anxiety, and despair. Horror is adored by some and abhorred by others. Most importantly, there exist many sources for frightening media and information. One genre of literature that tends to provide horror can be known as Gothic LiteratureRead MoreThe Secret Life of Bees and How It Is Classified Under the Southern Gothic Genre792 Words   |  4 PagesThe Secret Life of Bees within the Southern Gothic Genre Most southern gothic literature deals with the disturbed and flawed characters; one of the most famous writers of this genre is Edgar Allan Poe. The southern gothic genre is characterized by grotesque, gruesome, or unbelievable incidents. The southern gothic genre is portrayed in many ways. Lily, the main character, goes through many difficult life experiences and learns many tough lessons. This book does not have a happy ending like a fairyRead MoreMagic Realism And Gothic Literature905 Words   |  4 Pagesthe traits of gothic literature and magic realism because they both show life threatening situations. It is also different however, because Magical Realism is more relatable to a person with a normal life that has been interrupted with strange events, while in Gothic Literature one cannot connect as much to the character’s life. Gothic literature is pleasing horror or dark literature. Edgar Allen Poe’s The Fall Of The House Of Usher† is a good example of gothic literature because it hasRead MoreWhat is meant by the term gothic1187 Words   |  5 Pagesthe term ‘gothic’? How far and in what ways is ‘Frankenstein’ a gothic text? Gothic literature, which is sometimes referred to as Gothic horror, is a genre that links horror and romance into one tale of ‘transgressing the boundaries’. Gothicism was unheard of until the late 1700’s, this movement into a new genre of literature. This was pioneered by the English author Horace Walpole, in his famous fictional book ‘The Castle of Otranto’, or as Walpole alternatively titled it ‘a Gothic story’. HoraceRead MoreThe Grotesque In Gothic Literature : The Characteristics Of Gothic Literature1600 Words   |  7 Pagesgrotesque in gothic is usually the behavior of a man (or women,) who battle with an internal conflict and they are also, usually sick. When an individual reads gothic stories, one can sometimes miss-interpret what they have read. It is common knowledge that when we are younger we understand things differently from when we grot be adults. We can infer that if one was too read gothic literature as a child, one wo uld find it humorous, versus if that individual was to read gothic literature as an adultRead MoreThe American Gothic in The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe1539 Words   |  7 Pagesend of the eighteenth century brought about the beginning of a new genre of literature in America; the American Gothic. Already a popular genre in Europe, this new strain of literature in America arose to create a rather abrupt contrast to the Enlightenment foundations upon which American was born. Instead of concerning subjects of liberty and the pursuit of happiness; key elements of the American dream, American Gothic literature embodies and gives voice to the dark nightmare that is the underside

Perception and reality of technology Free Essays

Perception and Reality of Technology Nowadays, technology is popular in our lives and greatly improves as time is passing. Technology has brought many benefits, but in reality, many people perceive technology as having negatively impacted our lives. There are three things of technology which can provide to us a better knowledge; faster ways of locomotion and communication are smart phones, computers, and televisions. We will write a custom essay sample on Perception and reality of technology or any similar topic only for you Order Now The perception is everyone knows smart phones can make life easier in many ays; Smart phones support a wide variety of other services such as text messages, emails, the Internet access, games, and photography; they allow us to reach anyone all around the world. By using smart phones for voice calls or video calls and text messages, people are able to keep in touch with others in a long distance. Today, with the development of cell phones, we can use them for our entertainment such as surfing the Internet, sending photos or downloading videos and games. Additionally, GPS in smart phones becomes an important part of our life. People use GPS in smart phones to find their way to home, work, restaurants, or shopping centers. Although we already have classical GPSs, smart phones are usually lighter, smaller, and faster than the classical GPSs. That is why smart phones are used by many people in around the world. According to a research, the number of people accessing the web through smart phones is increasing to over 17. 4% of worldwide internet usage (Fox). In the reality, smart phones have negative effects to students in the education environment. They distract students from their lessons and make them miss important notes. As students often text messages to each other; they may also interrupt other students. Most people do not control how much time they should use smart phones, they waste their time on smart phones: playing games, watching movies, and news updating. Moreover, smart phones disturb people when they focus on driving; and they have to take their eyes off the road to talk or text. It is very risky and dangerous to everyone in and around the car. According to a report in 2009 in he U. S, there were a reported 5,474 people killed by distracted drivers; 995 of those were considered killed by drivers distracted by smart phones (Distracted Driving 2009). Next, in perception, that is the computer is one of the important features of technology, which is very useful for people in order to widen their knowledge. Our current development is due to computers in many areas. People consider that computers provide better education; they provide as with many distant learning courses and online testing like McGraw-Hill Connect and MyltLab. Also, computers furnish a lot of necessary access to information such as news and emails. Moreover, people use computers to keep in touch with entertainment, looking for friends; or watch Glee comedy and America’s Next Top Model shows. On the other hand, in reality, people sometimes abuse computers. Playing games on computer do not have benefit to adults and children; it wills a cause bad effect on people such as eye strains, wrist, neck and back pains. People, who use computers too otten in a long time, should take a snort break atter 1 or 2 hours. Computer can affect our mental health with the large amount of bad knowledge on the Internet; especially children and teenagers. They enjoy play video games and watch violent movies; it may also affect their psychologist and make them become a murder in school. According toa research in 2011 in the U. S, the Supreme Court struck down California’s law did not allow to sale or rental of violent video games to people under 18 (Beresin). In perception, television is another kind of popular technology which many household have. They can be operated either by battery or electronics. Furthermore, television can improve vocabulary and language skills for people who want to learn second languages. After a long day of work, people love to spend time watching TV with their family members. With the help TV, people may learn more about different countries culture from entertainment, educates, and informs all functions of mass media. The reality is the disadvantage of televisions; they often stop people from following other good habits like reading books and socializing. How to cite Perception and reality of technology, Papers

Music Analysis free essay sample

â€Å"Bitch Bad† is popular hip-hop song performed by Chicago native rapper, Lupe Fiasco. The song depicts the word bitch in the many forms that it is used in today’s urban society. The song starts with a dark weary synthesizer and a heavy deep 808 drum pattern that reflects the sound that is used in many of today’s popular club/party songs. The words to the song shine a stereotypical light on â€Å"bad bitches,† but there is a twist. Fiasco highlights 3 significant points which is the basis of the song, â€Å"Bitch bad, woman good, lady better† (Fiasco, Bitch Bad). By producing this song, Lupe Fiasco points out the relevance and impact that the term has on modern day youth. Fiasco also wanted to make an attempt to steer people in the opposite direction from the normal stereotype of the well-known and overrated term ‘bad bitch. ’ As the first verse starts, Fiasco brings listeners into the world of a young male, around the age of 4 or 5 that picks up on the music his mother listens to that has references of women as being bad bitches. We will write a custom essay sample on Music Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fiasco describes how the mother sings to the song playing and her son is listening to her sing along to the lyrics. Fiasco states the more the son hears his mother play this type of music, he develops a certain complex on how he views women that use the â€Å"bad bitch† phrase. By the son being such a tender age, he receives the song based on what he sees in his mother instead of the derogatory way the song is describing women. The young boy forms his own opinion of the bad bitch theory. His own mother, whom he looks up to and admires, calls herself a bad bitch, so he depicts the term â€Å"bad bitch† to be positive. To him it resembles a strong, independent, respectful woman because this is how he sees his mother, as opposed to a woman that is weak, dependent and unstable. The hook to the song â€Å"Bitch Bad† illuminates the 3 categories of women: bitch, woman, and lady. â€Å"Bitch bad, woman good/ Lady better, they misunderstood/ (Im killin these bitches)† (Fiasco, Bitch Bad). These lyrics are self-explanatory. This hook is saying that being called a bitch is a bad thing, being called a woman is better, but being called a lady is phenomenal. Lupe Fiasco is trying to tell young girls, or young women, what they should be trying to aspire to be instead of trying to be what they see on the television screens or hear on the radio. More recently in urban society being a woman or a lady has lost its value. The message that Lupe Fiasco is trying to send out to the audience of this song is that being a bad bitch is not a positive look. In verse two of the song â€Å"Bad Bitch,† Fiasco breaks down how a young group of girls in their pre-teen stage listen to songs and watch music videos on the internet. The videos are uncensored and because they know more about the internet than their parents, they don’t get parental consent. Children tend to know a lot more about modern day technology than their parents. This is how children such as the ones described in this verse, are able to watch uncensored items online. The young girls are at an age where they need a positive female role model, but instead they are influenced by the women they see in music videos. These young girls receive a different persona of a bad bitch than the young boy in the first verse. Bad bitches to them are women that have sex appeal, skinny with big butts, and wear sexy and revealing clothing. As the song states â€Å"High heels, long hair, fat booty, slim They don’t see a paid actress, just what makes a bad bitch† (Fiasco, Bitch Bad). The girls have this image in their heads, and without proper guidance, this is what they want to grow up to be. The third verse begins by Fiasco stating that he is not trying to teach children to use the term â€Å"bitch† but as a psychological way to let listeners know that he is against the use of the word. This verse combines the first two and it continues with the observation of how small the world really is and the young boy from the first verse and one of the young girls from the second verse meet. Fiasco continues on to illustrate how the boy is viewing the girl in an insolent way based on how she is dressed, but she is saying it in a sexual way. His viewing of a bad bitch is not what the girl is showcasing. Sure enough, in this little world/The little boy meets one of those little girls/And he thinks she a bad bitch/And she thinks she a bad bitch/He thinks disrespectfully/She thinks of that sexually/She got the wrong idea/He don’t wanna fuck her/He thinks she’s bad at being a bitch/Like his mother† (Fiasco, Bitch Bad). She is flaunting her half-dressed body i n front of him, yet he is telling her that his mother didn’t do things like that, and that is what he knows to be a bad bitch. The young man fostered his view on the term from what he saw in his mother, a respectful woman. They young lady obtained her view from the flashy video girls she saw in music videos. The term ‘bad’ back in earlier years portrayed a woman who had her life together and was sexy in a respectful way. She was the woman that didn’t need assistance from the male counterpart. Black moguls in the rap/hip hop community, such as Dame Dash, Russell Simmons, Nicki Minaj, and Jay-Z have taken the word ‘bad’ and made the ‘bitch’ addition and spread it through the black culture. Now a female who has lower standards perceives that she’s a bad bitch because she is being uplifted by the black urban community. Society today can take the term â€Å"bad bitch’ as being either good or bad. Marc Hogan, writer for Spin Magazine, stated â€Å"Clearly, something has changed in hop hop’s relationship with anti-woman slurs†¦and that’s ostensibly what Lupe Fiasco tries to address†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hogan). The perception of women slurs all depend on individual perceptions and how much impact social media has on an individual. This song released in August 2012. Upon its music video release, MTV did an interview with Lupe Fiasco. During this interview, Fiasco stated that he â€Å"just wanted to have a conversation,† (Fiasco, Interview). Lupe also suggested that because there is no solidification to the term bad bitch, â€Å"†¦it’s definitely something that I think we should talk about because it’s so prevalent in our culture right now† (Fiasco, Interview). Lupe is trying to get the world to understand that a bad bitch is a double standard as stated in the lyrics â€Å"Bad mean good to her/She really nice and smart/ But bad mean bad to him/Bitch don’t play your part/ But bitch still bad to her if you say it the wrong way/ But she think she a bitch/What a double entendre† (Fiasco, Bitch Bad). Rob Markman stated that â€Å"Lupe Fiasco knows all too well the power of words. † This is very true. Fiasco’s music is well known in the hip hop industry for relaying some kind of message. Lupe Fiasco did precisely what he set out to do, spark a conversation and produce different point of views. â€Å"Depending on where you stand, the term â€Å"bad bitch† may have positive or negative connotations†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Markman). Fiasco let the world know that is was more to being a ‘bad bitch’. What viewers see in music videos is only one perception. Needless to say, â€Å"†¦whether you consider â€Å"bitch† empowering or degrading, there is always something to ponder on† (Viera), and Lupe Fiasco definitely gave his listeners, and non-listeners, something to think about.

African American History Report

African American History Report Free Online Research Papers African Americans overcame the days of slavery because of the all struggles they went through. Which parts of the African American History matters the most? When exploring African American history, the most important things to focus on are that because of the times, black people were enslaved and treated poorly. They endured it all and worked hard to rise above the boundaries of slavery and prejudice. However, the most portentous aspect of African-American history is that it’s heritage; its history; and it are over. Now an African American has become the President of the United States of America. (African American History). During the slavery years, African people were subjected to some of the worst treatments of the history of this planet. They were forced to work for white people as slaves, but that is nothing compared with the treatment they received. Slaves were beaten, mal-nourished, and disrespected as a whole. Slaves were considered as low as the lowest forms of life. They were treated less than some forms of life. They were treated as property that was disposable and replaceable. (To Be A Slave). Slavery was a major issue in the 19th century. African Americans over came so many trials and tribulations during the 1960s. The African Americans encountered a widespread of social and professional discrimination. Their unrest demanded activism, many African American artists created imagery intended for black audiences. Black expressionism was born out of the Civil Rights Movement. The artworks it engendered – primarily brightly colored figurative compositions were expressive, rich in palette, and politically charged. Expressionists explored a wide range of subjects and techniques, all seeking to portray black pride and identity. (WPA). The process of ending slavery was the subject of intense debate in the United States during the first part of the 19th century was a big issue for the African Americans. Slavery was abolished throughout the United States with the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1865. An estimated four million slaves were freed.Today, African Americans constitute 13.3 percent of the total U.S. population, the second largest ethnic group after Hispanics. Even after the end of slavery, however, American blacks were generally hampered by segregation and inferior education, despite the establishment of some institutions dedicated to their advancement. In the late twentieth century, the struggle by black artists to create an African American cultural identity evolved into a desire for recognition of their creative achievements as artists, regardless of their race. Over the course of the century, the production of images that focus on African American life, its history in th e United States, and its African heritage cultivated a unique artistic character and helped to overcome social injustice. We hope that this exhibition reveals the beauty of African American art, an art that defies categorization (Langston Hughes). African Americans have contributed a great deal too the American culture. There are so many famous African Americans and so many accomplishments by them such as: Jan Ernst Matzeliger invented a shoemaking machine that increased shoemaking speed by 900%.Lewis Latimer invented an important part of the light bulb- the carbon filament, Granville T. Woods invented a train-to-station communication system, George Washington Carver invented peanut butter and 400 plant products! Garrett Morgan invented the gas mask. Otis Boykin invented the electronic control devices for guided missiles, IBM computers, and the pacemaker. Dr. Patricia. E. Bath (1949–) invented a method of eye surgery that has helped many blind people to see. Imagine yourself in the shoes of these inventors. Think about being in a situation where you are the first person to break into a job where no one else like you has ever worked. Imagine how hard you would have to work to prove yourself especially being an Af rican American. (Mary Bellis). Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. whom was very important African American minister, clergyman, activist and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His lectures and dialogues stirred the concern and sparked the conscience of a generation. The movements and marches he led brought significant changes in the fabric of American life through his courage and self devotion. This devotion gave direction to the thirteen years of civil rights activities. His charismatic leadership inspired men and women, young and old, in this nation and around the world . Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. was a civil Rights leader who was well known for his famous speech â€Å"Free at Last† and who now has his own national holiday that we all celebrate (The King Center). Barack Obama an African American who became the 44th president of the United States and the first African-American President in U.S. history. After working at Business International Corporation (A company that provided international business information to corporate clients) and NYPIRG, Obama moved to Chicago in 1985. There, he worked as a community organizer with low-income residents in Chicago’s Roseland community and the Altgeld Gardens public housing development on the city’s South Side. During these years, Obama worked with both Democrats and Republicans in drafting legislation on ethics, expanded health care services and early childhood education programs for the poor. He also created a state earned-income tax credit for the working poor. And after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases. (History Channel). In the November 2004 general election, Obama received 70% of the vote to Keyess 27%, the largest electoral victory in Illinois history. Obama became only the third African- American elected to the U.S. Senate since Reconstruction. In February 2007, Obama made headlines when he announced his candidacy for the 2008 Democratic Presidential nomination. He was locked in a tight battle with former first lady and current U.S. Senator from New York, Hillary Rodham Clinton until he became the presumptive nominee on June 3, 2008. On November 4th, 2008, Obama defeated Republican president nominee John McCain for the position of U.S. President. He is now the 44th president of The United States. Oprah Winfery who launched the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986 as a nationally syndicated program with its placement on 120 channels and an audience of 10. million people, the show grossed $125 million by the end of its first year, of which Winfrey received $30 million. She soon gained ownership of the program from ABC, drawing it under the control of her new production company, Harpo Productions (‘Oprah’ spelled backwards) and making more and more money from syndication. Resulting in becoming the richest African American women in the world. (AAH). Rosa Parks as the mother of the Civil Rights Movement. Her refusal to surrender her seat to a white passenger on a Montgomery, Alabama bus spurred on a city-wide boycott and helped launch nation-wide efforts to end segregation of public facilities. Rosa Parks received many accolades during her lifetime including the Spingarn Medal, the NAACPs highest award. She also received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award. On September 9, 1996 President Bill Clinton awarded Rosa Parks the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest honor given by the U.S. executive branch. The next year, she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest award given by the U.S. legislative branch. In 1999, Time magazine named Rosa Parks one of the 20 most influential people of the twentieth century. (History Channel). Malcolm X A Controversial Civil Rights Activists Influential Advocate of Black Nationalism In the four years of the American Civil War, the United States began to redeem itself. African Americans as human beings went through so much in their days from the 250-year-long tragedy of slavery.While some people have proposed the offering of reparations, there is a belief that this will never happen due to the unwillingness of white people to make an effort. The call for reparations seems to have been adjusted to merely a call for an official government apology. Some white people argue against an apology for slavery because they dont feel responsible for the acts. This would justify the call for reparations. At the time this text was originally typed, African Americans have not received reparations or an official government apology for slavery. Some feelings and attitudes toward slavery have changed very little in the past 400 years. Throughout this time frame, white people have continued to collectively hold higher socioeconomic positions than Black people in the United States. (African American Atlas). This position of power and wealth may make the issue of reparations seem almost like an attack because it seems to be Black people trying to take things from white people for something that happened long before these people were born. Black people still suffer from the effects of slavery and some can still see the need for reparati ons, or an official apology for African American slavery. Therefore, the discussion and conflicts may continue for a long time. Other ethnic groups fought for reparations for many years, finally reaching their goal. Perseverance is a part of being black, and while we cannot determine the outcome of all the call for reparations,Or if the issue will be important in the future, we can be assured that our people will not allow the importance of our struggles to be forgotten. (American Atlas). As anyone can see, the preceding people faced suffering at the hands of others. Slavery was wrong. Yet, each person persevered and won his or her own battles one way or another. It took years and a lot of work. Being a part of history should be respected as just so. These people should be remembered and studied, but not necessarily glorified. Some slaves earned freedom by hard work; yet others took different approaches that weren’t always admirable. In addition, the people of today’s generation should not be blamed for what happened in the past, which is beyond our control. (African American History). America is made up of different languages and cultures, and though we are different in heritage we need to unite as a country. Nothing can be done to repair the wrongs of slavery. No matter how much time goes by, slavery will always be a ghost in Americas past, spooking anyone who looks back. Now America needs to look forward to a tomorrow where slavery doesnt exist, where blacks and whites are equal, and where racism isnt a factor. We need to make that happen. I believe reparations to be ones in a new generation of Americans. Perhaps the most America can do for its people is to apologize for slavery, promise it will not ever happen again, and then concentrate on working towards a better tomorrow. African Americans overcame many trials and tribulations during the 19th century. In conclusion, many people doubted African Americans but we have come a long way today in the 21st century. We’ve come from being slaves; someone owning us, to President of the United States. This proves that we are all equal no matter what your race or religion is. It also proves you can be anything in the world if you really want. If you set your mind to something you really want to do you can do it. References â€Å"African American History: Heritage, not Hate.† 123 HelpMe.com13 Mar 2009 Encyclopedia: Lincoln, Abraham. (2004). The History Channel website. Retrieved 19:13, May 9, 2006, from historychannel.com/thcsearch/thc_resourcedetail.do?encyc_id=214843. â€Å"To Be A Slave.† 123HelpMe.com. 13 Mar 2009 The African-American atlas: Black history and culture / Molefi K. Asante and Mark Mattson. New York: Macmillan, 1998. Reference E185.A79 1998 [Chapter 2: The Transatlantic Journey. African American History, Microsoft ® Encarta ® Online Encyclopedia 2008 http://encarta.msn.com  © 1997-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All Rights Reserved Research Papers on African American History Report19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XHip-Hop is ArtBringing Democracy to AfricaThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationCapital PunishmentComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoWhere Wild and West MeetPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and

Preparing Students for the Testing Season

Preparing Students for the Testing Season Spring  is traditionally the  season  of beginnings, and for middle and high school students, spring is often the beginning of the testing season. There are district tests, state tests, and national tests for students in grades 7-12 that begin in March and continue through the end of the school year. Many of these tests are mandated by legislation.   In a typical public school, a student will take  at least one  standardized test  annually. Those high school students who enroll in college credit courses  may take even more tests. Each of these standardized tests is designed to take a minimum of 3.5 hours to complete. Adding up this time over the course of  the six years between grades 7-12, the average student participates in standardized testing for 21 hours or  the  equivalent of  three full  school days. Educators can first provide the information that helps students better understand the purpose of a specific test. Is the test going to measure their individual growth or is the test going to measure their performance against others?   Two Kinds of Standardized Testing for Grades 7-12 The  standardized tests  that are used in grades 7-12 are either  designed as norm-referenced or as criterion-referenced tests. Each test is designed for a different measure. A norm-referenced test is designed to compare and rank students (similar in age or grade) in relation to one another: Norm-referenced tests report whether test takers performed better or worse than a hypothetical average student Norm-referenced tests usually are simple to administer and easy to score because they are usually designed as multiple-choice tests.    The criterion-referenced  tests are designed to measure student performance against an expectation: Criterion-referenced  tests and  assessments  are designed to measure student performance against a fixed set of predetermined criteria or  learning standards Learning standards are descriptions by grade level of what students are expected to know and be able to do.  The criterion-referenced tests used to measure learning progress can also measure gaps in student learning.   Preparing Students for the Structure of Any Test Teachers can help prepare students for both  kinds standardized tests, both norm-referenced  tests and criterion-referenced  tests. Educators can explain to students the purpose of both criterion referenced and  the norm-referenced test so students will have a better understanding when they read the results. Most importantly, they can expose students to the pace of the exam, to the format of the exam and to the language of the exam. There are practice passages  in texts and online from different tests that will allow students to become more familiar with  the format of the test. To prepare students for the pace of the exam, teachers can offer some practice testing under conditions that mimic the actual test. There are released tests or materials that mimic the test that students should be encouraged to take independently. A timed practice text is particularly helpful is giving students the experience so they will know how fast they have to move to answer all the questions. Multiple practice sessions for timed essay writing should be offered if there is an essay section, for example, like the AP exams. Teachers have to coach students to determine a pace that works for them and recognize given how much â€Å"average† time they will need to read and answer an  open-ended question. Students might practice how to survey the whole test at the beginning and then look at the number of questions, point value, and difficulty of each section. This practice will help them to budget their time. Exposure to the format of the exam will also help student distinguish the amount of time that might be needed in reading multiple choice  questions. For example, one standardized test section requires students answer   75 questions in 45 minutes. That means students have an average of 36 seconds per question. Practice can help students adjust to this speed. In addition, understanding the format can help students negotiate the layout of a test, especially if the standardized test has moved to an online platform. Online testing means a student must be proficient in keyboarding, and also know which keyboarding feature is available for use. For example, the computer-adaptive tests, like the SBAC, may not allow students to return to a section with an unanswered question.   Multiple Choice Preparation Educators can also help students practice with how tests are administered. While some of these remain pen and paper tests, other tests have moved to online testing platforms. A part of test preparation, educators may offer students  the following multiple choice question strategies: If any part of the answer is not true, then the answer is incorrect.  When there are identical responses, then neither is correct.Consider no change or none of the above as a valid answer choice.Students should eliminate and cross off those distracting answers that are absurd  or obviously incorrect.Recognize transition words that  describe relationships between ideas in choosing a response.  The stem or start of the question should agree grammatically   (same tense) with the correct answer, so students should quietly read the question aloud to test each possible response.Correct answers may offer relative qualifiers such as sometimes or often, while incorrect answers are generally  written in absolute language and do not allow for exceptions. Before taking any tests, students should know if the test gives a penalty  for incorrect responses; if there is no penalty, students should be advised to guess if they dont know the answer.    If there is a difference in the point value of a question, students should plan on how they will  spend time on the more weighted sections of the test. They should also know how to split their time between multiple choice and essay answers if that is not already separated by section in the test. Essay or Open-Ended Response Preparation Another part of test preparation is  teaching students to prepare for essays or open-ended responses. Students to write directly on paper tests, take notes or use the highlighting feature on computer tests in order to identify sections that can be used for evidence in essay responses: Follow the directions by looking carefully at keywords: Answer A  or  B vs.  A  and  B.Use facts in different ways: to compare/ contrast, in  sequence or to provide a description.Organize facts  based on headings in informational texts.Use transitions with enough context in a sentence or paragraph to make the relationships between facts clear.Suggest that  students answer easiest questions first.Suggest students write on only one side of the page.Encourage students to leave a large space at the beginning of a response, or to leave a page  in between,  in the event a student ends up with a different thesis or position or would like to add or to change details later if time permits.   When time is limited, students should draft an outline by listing key points and the order they plan to answer them.   While this would not count as a complete essay, some credit for evidence and organization may be credited.   Which Tests Are Which? Tests are often better known by their acronyms than why they are used or what they are testing. To get balanced data  from their assessments, some states may have students take  norm-referenced tests as well as  criterion-referenced tests in different grade levels. The most familiar  norm-referenced tests  are those designed to rank students  on a  bell curve The  NAEP  (The National Assessment of Educational Progress)  reports  statistical information about student performance and factors related to educational performance for the nation and for specific demographic groups in the population (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender);The SAT  (Scholastic Aptitude Test and/or  Scholastic Assessment Test);  Scores on the SAT range from 400 to 1600, combining test results from two 800-point sections: mathematics, and critical reading and writing.  The following states  have opted to use the SAT as a high school  exit exam:  Colorado,  Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia*, Idaho* (or ACT), Illinois, Maine*, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island*. (*optional)  PSAT/NMSQT  a precursor to the SAT.  The test is composed of four sections: two Math Sections, Critical Reading, and Writing Skills used to determine eligibility and qualification for the  National Merit Scholarship Program.  Students in grades 8-1 0 are the target audience for the PSAT.  The  ACT  (American College Test) is four  content area tests  scored individually on a scale of 1–36, with the composite score as the whole number average. The ACT does have elements of  a criterion-referenced in that it also compares how a student performs compared to ACT College Readiness Standards which are regularly reviewed.  The following states  have opted to use the  ACT  as a high school  exit exam:   Colorado,  Kentucky,  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  Tennessee,  Utah. ACT Aspire  tests map learner progress from elementary grades through high school on a vertical scale which is anchored to the scoring system of the ACT. Challenges to the tradition of norm-referenced testing came with  the expansion of  criterion-referenced tests in 2009 when tests were designed to measure  the impact of the  Common Core State Standards (CCSS).These  criterion-referenced  tests determine how college and career ready a student is in English Language Arts and in mathematics.   While initially embraced by 48 states, the two testing consortiums have the remaining states committed to using their platforms: The  Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers  (PARCC) in the following states  Colorado,  District of Columbia,  Illinois,  Louisiana,  Maryland,  Massachusetts,  New Jersey, New Mexico,  Rhode IslandThe  Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium  (SBAC)  The states that use this  SBAC computer adaptive testing include:  California,  Connecticut,  Delaware,  Hawaii,  Idaho,  Iowa,  Michigan,  Montana,  Nevada, New Hampshire,  North Carolina,  North Dakota,  Oregon,  South Dakota,  U.S. Virgin Islands,  Vermont,  Washington,  West Virginia The College Board  Advanced Placement (AP)  exams  are also criterion referenced. These exams are created by the College Board as  college-level exams in specific content areas.  A high score (5) on the exam may award college credit. At the conclusion of the spring testing season, the results of all these tests are then analyzed by different stakeholders in order determine student progress, possible curriculum revision, and in some states, teacher evaluation. The analysis of these tests can guide the development of a schools educational plan for the following school year. Spring may be the season for testing in the nations middle and high schools, but preparation for an analysis of these tests are a school year long enterprise.

Food in Eritrea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Food in Eritrea - Essay Example The fight for freedom, which lasted for approximately 30 years, left the country in a state of destruction, especially in the agricultural sector. This is due to the fact that most of the lands which could be used for farming are littered with unexploded ordinances, which pose a security hazard to the farmers (Rena, 2007). In this context, any person trying to cultivate in these lands risks the possibility of triggering the explosion of landmines, which were buried during the war, but failed to explode. Tensions that continue to exist between Ethiopia and Eritrea have contributed to more installation of these landmines as a defensive mechanism at the expense of the farming communities (Zwi, 2005). The temporary security zone, which is considered to have been the most productive agricultural land measuring approximately 25km2 remains unutilized as a result of these landmines, which have kept away more than 50000 inhabitants, who were displaced by the war, regardless of the fact that n o more fighting takes place in this area (Zwi, 2005). With these developments, food production is deemed to remain low and as such, more people will continue to be affected by extreme hunger. This is also due to the fact that the government has continued to spend a lot of the already scarce resources to finance and facilitate the war with Ethiopia. For instance, it is estimated that more than 300 000 men and women are serving in the army instead of letting them engage in farming activities (Gebre, 2009).

Private Finance Initiative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Private Finance Initiative - Essay Example TUPE enables these individuals to enjoy the status of being public and private workers simultaneously. This arrangement is intended to relieve the government of a heavy burden of initiating and funding projects across the country. The PFI is a program that began Britain and Australia before spreading to most of the Western countries and eventually to the rest of the world. Since early 1990s, PFI has grown into one of the common ways to develop public investments1. The program is being used to develop many different types public infrastructure. With a PFI, private organizations can place bids on these infrastructure projects, and reverse the conventional trend, whereby developing public projects were solely the responsibility of the government. The private investor that emerges the winner in the bidding process is normally awarded the contract to develop and maintain the infrastructure project. FPI enables private companies to benefit from a permanent profit from such an initiative2. In most cases, governmental organizations are not ready to handle big projects, but they do want to make sure the projects are. By engaging the private sector through a PFI, this is tenable. Apart from relieving the government of the burden of laying infrastructures, a private finance initiative reduces the amount of tax being channelled to such projects. When the private investors shoulder the larger percentage of the funding, the government can then concentrate on other important projects. PFI projects In many cases, the method of construction that is implemented by governments has been based on placing the burden on the PFI contractors to design, bid and build the public assets. Under these criteria, the public organizations often come up with a design for a public infrastructure project. This work may be done by internal experts, or it may be awarded to a private company specialized in architecture. Once the plan is authorized, the government then invites bids from privately own ed construction companies, thus paving way for the winning bidder to construct the facility3. Many projects for government facilities have conventionally had extended private sector contacts to cater for maintenance. Typical cases of a PFI are court facilities and government offices that have been built on privately owned buildings. The health care industry is also not left out: many small government-owned health care facilities are operating in private sector premises. Better Service Delivery Private finance initiative has been implemented in the United Kingdom, where the government emphasized its significance and contribution toward better service delivery to citizens. In 2002, the government announced that it would engage the private sector more, especially to improve the quality of services in the healthcare industry4. The government made public its intention to ensure that quality services were achieved by approving contracts that had met the thresholds of quality. But whereas PFI can be more costly to implement as compared to conventional government funding, since public institutions enjoy lower lending rates than the private investors, most of the governments around the world have held the belief that the increased costs of amassing the needed finances by the private sector will remain etched in the better services for a far longer period of time5. Additionally, proponents of a PFI believe that there will be efficiency in savings. Market forces have also proved the government wrong: private companies have