The Companions Are the Source of Much Grief for Odysseus Essay Example for Free

The Companions Are the Source of Much Grief for Odysseus EssayOdysseus, the strong, courageous, dedicated hero, travelled for miles on end to turn over to his home land of Ithica and to bring with him the twelve fleet ships carrying his fast(a) companions. in time throughout this epic poem Odysseus companions abide been the bearers of much grief for Odysseus, in many another(prenominal) ways from questioning his leadership to simply dying in battle. And slowly during this epic poem each of his twelve fleet ships has been struck down.The stories of Odysseus companions begin from the in truth opening of book nine, on the coast of Ismarus home to the Cicones. Odysseus and his work force sacked the place and destroyed its custody folk after taking their women and their vast spoils, Odysseus warned his men to dispatch with haste. But they were not quick minded enough, and a tremendous battle broke out between Odysseus and his men and the Cicones. Seventy two of Odysseus men were brutally killed. We can see here that this would cause much grief for Odysseus and his sticking companions, for his men had make it through the battle of Troy and where rejoicing to be returning home to Ithica, now he would have to return to grieving families awaiting their heroes return and for some, now their heros would never return. This is a classic font of the kind of grief Odysseus feels throughout the epic poem, because this is how many of his companions have presented Odysseus with grief, through death.Whether it was falling in battle or devoured by a monstrous creature. For character when, Odysseus and his remaining companions sailed to the island of the Cyclopes, where with twelve companions, he entered the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus. This giant devoured, one after another, six of the companions of Odysseus, and kept Odysseus and his other men as prisoners in his cave. Witnessing their loyal companions cannibalistic murders right in front of them Odysseus and his men wept and raised their hands to Zeus in horror. This again must have made Odysseus overridden with grief for not only did he watch his men be killed but he was the one that led them to this ferocious one eyed monster. over again he has lost more of his men which means more grieving families at home in Ithica questioning the Gods for the death of their loved ones.However, death is not the only way that Odysseus is exposed to grief some of the monsters that Odysseus and his followers encountered would not kill his men but simply make them forget all want for home, and the nostros that they were feeling. One of these monsters would be the Lotus-eaters, a race that eat the flowery lotus fruit. Some of his companions were so much delighted with the taste of this flower that they wanted to remain with the Lotus-eaters and think no more of Ithica.This must have caused much anguish for Odysseus as he did not know how to help his compelled comrades. But being the talented and strong he ro he is he used force to bring them back to the hollow ships, and they wept on the way but once on batting order he tied them up and continued with his sweep. The sirens also allow men to forget their home for with their beautiful voices would sing bewitching songs to drive these men to their death. as luck would have it with the help of Circe the sorceress who told Odysseus that if he wanted to hear the sirens song and live that he should allow his men to tie him to the mast of his ship while they covered their ears with softened bees stand up and steer the boat onward while Odysseus listened.Odysseus, in the epic poem has also encountered Companions that have questioned and miscertain(p) his leadership this is that of Odysseus second in command of Odysseus ship during the voyage back to Ithica after the Trojan War his name was Eurylochus. In the Odyssey he is portrayed as an unpleasant, cowardly individual who undermines Odysseus and stirs up trouble. When Odysseus and his me n arrive on the island of Aeaea home to Circe Eurylochus is chosen to lead a group of twenty-two men to explore the island. While touring the island they see Circes house and all but Eurylochus enters, he himself suspects Circes trap and when the men are turned into pigs he runs back to warn Odysseus.Odysseus prepares himself to confront this witch and save his crew however Eurylochus refuses to guide him to Circes palace and urges Odysseus to escape and leave the men to their fate. This must have caused an uncountable amount of grief and pain for Odysseus for Eurylochus was his second in command, Odysseus therefore must have trusted this man with his life and thought rather highly of him. Then for him to tell him to abandon his loyal companions who have been there for him since Troy and save himself must have hurt Odysseus a great deal. After Odysseus returns from Circes palace having rescued his companions, Eurylochus insults Odysseus and threatens to kill him. Here we see Odysseu s being befriended and almost killed by his second in command obviously causing much grief for our brave hero.Overall I feel that the companions are the source of much grief for our fearless hero. However most of them did not wish to bring grief upon their leader. For most it was simply an unfortunate death leading to Odysseus grieving for the loss of them.

Electoral Systems Essay Example for Free

Electoral Systems EssayCritically evaluate the argument that electoral schemes can formulate impelling (decisive) goernment, or vocalization regime, but not both. sassy Zealands current electoral constitution is MMP or Mixed Member Proportional this is the system which will be used to evaluate the question. A comparison of MMP and FPP or the First Past the Post system will also be included, since it is organism debated as to which is better for New Zealand. MMP is an appropriately vocalism government which also creates a rather stiff government at the same clip. On the new(prenominal) hand FPP causes a seemingly effective government but is far less representative. Some electoral systems can create effective and representative government while others whitethorn not. This will be shown by firstly detailing how these systems of governance compare under persuasiveness and representativeness, followed by an explanation as to wherefore electoral systems can be both effect ive and representative and why they cannot. For a government to be classified effective it must sufficiently pass its objectives as a governing body. It also must create a strong impression on the community (dictionary. om, 2011).MMP tends to have a less in effect(p) form of law making than FPP. Under MMP the major parties must form coalition governments with the smaller parties to form a fifty per cent majority over the house. These coalitions may cause a time delay in passing legislation, as the major supporter of the bill tries to convince their support parties to agree with the legislation. MMP may take time to make decision but this doesnt mean that the government is less decisive although M both people argue that proportional forms of government lead to a less decisive and durable government.Their argument is based on the fact that the decisions must gain the support of coalition parties which cause a lower quantity of bills passing. However it is not the quantity of laws which cause an effective government it is the quality. MMP due to its more timely approach to law making allows time for scrutiny within a bill meaning any flaws which lie dormant in a bill may be fixed forwards the legislation is passed. A contrast to this is FPP with its single party majority which works very efficiently to pass laws rapidly.This is because in that location is no need for a compromise with its support parties since none are required. The effect of this rapid law making ability gives the community a view of effectiveness however the validity of the laws has been compromised. The laws passed may be riddled with flaws which really show the government is un-effective as the laws have no real impression on the community. Effective government is based smallly three criteria government durability, decisional efficacy and responsiveness (Boston, Church Bale, 2003).From these three various terms of effective government we can see how different opinions on the approx imation of effective government can differ. For a government to be classified representative it must consist of many individuals who represent a variety of different constituencies (dictionary. com, 2011). Also there must be some form of mutation among the constituencies such as race or gender differentiation. (Royal Commission, 1986) MMP is a highly representative form of governance as it uses a two votes system this allows minor party representatives to gain a seat in the house if they gain a majority vote among their constituents.The fact an MP has to win their constituency causes a close link to the electorate as they will more likely than not represent the major view of the region. This single MP vote allows the house to represent the community from a broader aspect while calm having the majority party in major power with the 2nd vote, the party vote. This causes a greater diversity among the house. When MMP was adopted Maori representation increased from 5-7% to 16% and the number of women of women doubled to 34% (Haddon, 2011). This increasing diversity has act as the royal commission predicted.New Zealands house of parliament has become more representative and diverse as shown by the 39 women, 21 Maori, 4 Pacific Islanders, and 2 Asian MPs out of the 121 in the house (Elections Commission, 2006). Also under MMP campaign promises of minor parties tend to not deal placed on the new government agenda. The minor parties must rely on negotiation with party leaders in order to get their important policies on the agenda or must wait for the bill to be drawn from the ballot box in parliament, which may never come. This causes a slight decrease in the diversification of the legislation passed.This lack of diversification can decrease the representativeness of the majority. However this does not decrease the overall representativeness of the government. The diversity of MMP is contrasted by FPPs system where there are only electorate votes so people tend t o vote solely for the major parties that are likely to get into parliament. The winning party in a FPP election will get a proportionally larger share of the seats that its share of the votes this has the opposite effect for minority parties whom gain a lesser proportion of the seats that their votes.This lack of proportionality is a major flaw in representation as there is very little diversity among the house. Electoral systems can be both effective and representative, The trump out voting system for any country will not be one which meets any of the criteria completely but will be one which provides the most satisfactory overall balance between them (Royal Commission, 1986). Although systems cannot be highly representative and highly effective they still can be both.MMP shows this, it may not be highly efficient at creating effective legislation but it creates quality legislation which is effective governing. Also MMP shows its representativeness by having a largely diverse hous e of representatives but due to the need for coalitions loses some of the broader views of the minor parties. A proliferation of minor parties actually increases constancy and effectiveness (NRT on MMP threshold, 2011). This shows how a representative government actually encourages to form an effective government.The increase in the number of coalition majorities available will help to reduce the ability for any party to have strong bargaining power over another. This was shown in our most recent parliamentary election by ACT and the Maori party not having a large bargaining power with National as they both had possible coalitions with National. They were acting as a temper on the other so neither gained an arbitrary power over Nationals decision. This allowed for national to make what they saw as the best decision. This shows that MMP is representative as intumesce as being effective even if it is not top in each discipline.Many critics of MMP have agreed that MMP does lead to a government reflecting the views of New Zealanders and supporters of MMP conceded to agreeing that it leads to a more unstable government which can infer that it may be not highly effective (Palmer Palmer, 2004). While FPP contrasts MMP it shows the opposite idea. It shows that there is a tension between effective and representative government. This tension causes a highly representative government to have a very low effectiveness and vice versa.The tension has large effect on how the government operates and this can put a strain on which system will be best. FPP shows how a system cannot be both effective and representative whereas MMP seems to have the balance between being both an effective form of governance while still being rather highly representative. My research has shown that MMP is both an effective form of government and a representative form of government. However it is neither the most representative nor the most effective. The research has identified that an elector al system can be both as I have explained above.This is not to say all electoral systems are. There are always going to be strengths and weaknesses to an electoral system and a compromise between effective and representative will always be required, FPP for example is much more effective than it is representative. The tension between these two disciplines will always have an effect on how the system operates and which system is best suited to the situation. FPP is clearly a system which cannot be both while MMP is the perfect example of a system of governance which is both representative and effective.

Schema Theory: Usefulness For Language Teaching

Schema Theory Usefulness For actors line TeachingThere suffer be no doubt that solely our long-familiarity begins with experience, Immanuel Kant (1781 41).What is dodging and dodge hypothesis?A schema (plural schemata) is termed as a mental structure (which) derives from all the particular experiences we behave had (Nuttall 19827). Schema possibleness was first proposed by the gestalt psychologist Bartlett (1932), who observed that when people were asked to repeat a story from memory, they often filled in details which were non included in the original scarce related to what they already knew based on their cultural background. Schema hence is culturally bound, as shall be shown in this essay. The concept of schema provoke be found from anthropology to philosophy and has been considered for both(prenominal) instruction and assessment in style learning, examples of which will be bring upred to and considered later. Kant (1781) claimed that new culture, concepts and ideas can only have meaning when they can be related to slightlything already known by the individual. This exemplifies how the idea of background acquaintance in voice communication-related per figure outance has been around for centuries, if non actually coined as a term at the epoch. McNamara, Miller and Bransford (1991) in Clapham (1996), who referred to the theory as mental models which consist of mental tokens, agree that schemata argon engrossd in comprehension just now that it is not clear what we do with them. There argon two main types of schema that have since been termed by theorists (Cook 1997). The first is formal schema and is based on the background acquaintance of the structure of any stipulation textbook. The second is content schema and relates to the background knowledge of the content area. We can chink wherefore that all schemata relates to background knowledge of some kind. A uniform distinction can be made with edgeing skills utilize for readi ng, which is discussed later. cell (1998) states that these buttes are not mute well. In this essay I will, however, attempt to checkress the issue of schema theory along with its practical application in relation to studies that have been carried knocked out(p) in the area. In doing so, I will to a fault attempt to focus on the main skills involved and the featureors that affect its drillfulness from the perspective of a language teacher.As teachers of English, we are constantly attempting to activate schematic knowledge for all skills work, and indeed, any work at all done in class. Within the setting of a multi-skills approach, it more often than not leads to processing via receptive skills (reading and listingening) and then progresses to productive skills work (speaking and writing). Research on schema theory has had a bang-up impact on understanding both reading and listening skills, with the amount of research done betingly focussing on the former. Thus, for the pu rposes of this essay I shall refer mainly to the evidence as it is applied to reading skills. Most methodologies investigating the role of schemata or background/prior knowledge are variations on carrels (1987) paradigm. Traditionally in the study of second language comprehension, the emphasis has been focussed almost exclusively on the language itself rather than the individual attempting to image it (Cook 1997). It seems that more recently the language learner themselves, with the knowledge and ideas that they bring from the impertinent world, is perhaps as important a factor as the language itself. Carrell and Eisterhold (198380) point out that one of the most pellucid reasons why a specific content schema may fail to exist for a lector is that the schema is culturally specific and is not part of a readers cultural background. Aebersold and Field rather philosophically describe it when they say, if the topicis outside of their experience or base of knowledge, they are adrift on an unknown sea (199741). It is then surely the teachers responsibility to second learners and make sure that they are guided in the right direction by providing that which may be missing, or at the very least, component part to stimulate what is already there. In an idol scenario, it would include a combination of both factors.Application to skills processing Processing a text can be seen as a two-way process between the text and the background knowledge or memory schemata of the listener or reader (Carrell 1982). This again stresses the deprivation to take the learner into account and invokes a more holistic approach to skills work. Cook (1989) states that the mind, when stimulated by key words or phrases in the text or by the context, activates a knowledge schema. The emphasis here is on the cognitive characteristics of schema which allow us to relate incoming information to existing information. The reading process, therefore, involves such things as denomination of gen re, formal structure and topic all of which activate schemata and allow readers to comprehend a text (Swales 199089). In turn, as well as allowing for the organisation of information and knowledge, schemas also allow us to make predictions on the continuation of discourse and check whether our fit matches (Carrell 1998). If it does not, then it would be common wizard that we are fit to add to our already existing schema. It also makes sense that the more experience (both life and classroom) a learner has, the more available schemata they will have at their disposal and so the better equipped they will be.Focussing as we are mainly on reading skills, a useful distinction can be made here between top-down and bottom-up processing. The former relates to fashioning predictions based on background knowledge (knowledge-based) and the latter to building textual meaning from the individual linguistic units (text-based) (Carrell 1982101). This has also been referred to by Anderson Lynch (1988) as schematic knowledge, which is background knowledge that includes factual/sociological factors and procedural knowledge or how the language is use in discourse versus systemic knowledge, which is the knowledge of the language system and includes semantic, syntactic and phonological features. All of which, when related by context, combine to endure comprehension. So then, in relation to schema theory, it is with the former of both the above that we are most concerned. At times it can seem that theorists are also concerned with this being some kind of battle and hence, the use of the word versus above, with one aspect winning over the other. However, evidence points to reading skills involving both equally, work hand-in-hand in order to achieve the best results possible. This view is supported by Spiro (in Carrell 1998), who believes that skilled readers constantly adapt their mode of processing, changing to meet the demands of a particular text/reading situation less sk illed readers tending to rely overly on processes in one direction and thus experiencing forbid effects on overall comprehension. Overreliance on top-down processing has been referred to as schema interference, or a lack of understanding (Carrell 1998). When faced with unfamiliar topics, some students may overcompensate for absent schemata by reading in a slow, text-bound manner other students may overcompensate by wild guessing (Carrell 1988101). Swaf far-off, Arens and Byrnes (1991) in Clapham (1996) argue that most reading comprehension items only test bottom-up skills and fail to actually measure the way a reader understands, advertising the use of recall protocols in tests of reading comprehension. This view is supported by Carrell (1998) and has certainly been my experience as a teacher of English. We can surmise then that it is our responsibility as teachers to help make learners aware of the importance of both types in relation to one another and attempt to issue the right repose in order to achieve the greatest degree of comprehension possible. The form of detrimental processing mentioned here is supported by a good divide of related studies, some of the most significant of which I will now present in order to provide further validity to the concept of schema and schema theory.StudiesResearch carried out by Johnson in Carrell and Eisterhold (1983) suggests that a text on a familiar topic is better recalled than a similar text on an unfamiliar topic. Swales (1990), believes that this and other research supports the expectation that when both content and form are familiar the texts will be relatively accessible. It seems apparent(a) then that the greater the difference between the L1 and L2, the greater the difficulty in interpretation. Carrell and Eisterhold state that some key concepts may be absent in the schemata of some non-native readers or they may have alternate interpretations (198387). An obvious example we can choose to better exemplify this idea, are life rituals, such as celebrations that include weddings and festivals. One cultures concept of Christmas, for example, may contrast completely with anothers or may not, in fact, exist at all. These gaps or differences in cultural knowledge then need to be bridged in order to comprehend relevant information to be considered and worked on. In Carrells (1987) study mentioned previously, subjects remembered the most when both the content and rhetorical form was familiar to them. However, when only content or only form was unfamiliar, unfamiliar content caused more difficulty for the readers than did unfamiliar form. This has obvious implications for the classroom and language learning, and suggests the common sense idea that teachers should attempt to choose topics and texts which learners have some concrete understanding of, especially when it comes to actual content involved. The form of a text then is something that learners are perhaps better able to deal with and w hich can be analysed, in the form a model for example, and then compared with the concept of form in relation to what they already know or are aware of or vice-versa. A conclusive study was conducted by Steffensen and Joag-Dev (1984) utilize two descriptions of weddings, which found that readers comprehended texts slightly their own cultures more accurately than the other, which is no real surprise. Similarly, studies by Johnson (1981) and Kang (1992) have revealed that cultural origin of a text/story has a greater effect on comprehension than syntactic or semantic complexity. Also, results suggested that prior cultural experience prepared readers for comprehension of familiar information in a text. This again puts the emphasis on the importance of cultural background and how necessary it is for teachers to spend a good amount of time making sure that cultural concepts are considered and understood, whatever the form may be. However, the previous study showed that exposure to any unfamiliar words does not seem to have a significant effect on reading comprehension. This would then perhaps suggest that we do not need to give similar weighting to the consideration of vocabulary, though we should, of course, bear this in mind when approaching texts.Carrell (1998245) asks the relevant pedagogical question Can we improve students reading by helping them build background knowledge on the topic prior to reading, through appropriate pre-reading activities? This then, for whichever theme and skill we are about to introduce and practise, is the key question. Were it not true, the implications for current methodology, and indeed ELT materials would be vast. Fortunately for all involved, this does not seem to be the case. The available research shown above, along with the likes of Stevens (1982) and Hayes and Tierney (1982) in Carrell (1998), suggest that all the effort of activating schema or schemata, is actually worthwhile. The latter study found that presenting back ground information related to the topic to be versed helped readers learn from the text regardless of how that background information was presented or how specific or general it was. As Stevens says A teacher of reading might thus be viewed as a teacher of relevant information as well as a teacher of reading skills (1982328).LevelsDifferent pre-reading activities may be more or less effective with different proficiency take aims. Hudson (1982) in Carrell (1998) found that a more explicit pre-reading activity, such as discussing pictures and making predictions, had a significantly greater facilitating effect on reading comprehension when compared to another less specific type for example, vocabulary related. However, close analysis of the data showed that the effect was only significant for beginner and intermediate level ESL readers, with no real difference for advanced levels. This might then suggest that higher level learners are better able to deal with a lack of schema activa tion. Another significant issue is that, as lower level students may have the background knowledge but not the language skills to discuss them in English, their L1 might be used to access schemata but teachers should present the related vocabulary or otherwise a schema has been activated but learning the L2 has not been facilitated (Aebersold and Field 199777).ELT materials designWhen I first considered exactly what schema theory was, while admittedly not being fully sure, I was aware that it must have something to do with how, as language teachers, we are encouraged to doting up learners with an introduction that they can relate to and to ascertain exactly what it is that they know in relation to the subject matter and the coverage of a lesson and then to provide that which may be missing. So let us first begin by considering the actual activities that are used to introduce a topic. Carrell (1998) offers a assortment of means in which relevant schemata may be constructed, includ ing discussion, real-life experiences, visual aids, text previewing, introduction and discussion of key vocabulary, and key-word/concept association activities. I would add brainstorming and use of quotations to this list. Although helpful, Carrell (1998) is of the opinion that these pre-reading activities are probably insufficient to be used only by themselves and teachers will almost certainly need to supply additional information going on to suggest that it is probably wise to assume that pre-reading activities work best when used in a variety of combinations, believing that such activities must both build both new background knowledge, as well as activating existing background knowledge. So then, they are to be considered as a starting point and a springboard or foundation for teachers to utilise and learners to work from.The utilisation of schema theory in materials design is, in my opinion, completely evident and there for all to see. I do not feel it is necessary to include a n extensive list of ELT materials in order to provide such examples, as there is such a great amount available. I think it can safely be stated that the introductory activity types do not vary too greatly and can be found in most good ELT textbooks examples of which are Cutting Edge and (New) Headway, which are now considered classic ELT coursebooks and are widely used in the field along with many others that I have used myself in the past. Thus, I will instead focus on an example that I am currently using in my own teaching. As a teacher of English for Academic Purposes, I tend to use the Language Leader series of coursebooks along with other related materials, such as teachers books and so on, which I find both effective and user-friendly. I currently teach mid to high level learners who have an arts background and are working towards arts related courses in higher education such as degree courses, and so it is appropriate that I choose material that focuses specifically on this a rea. The beginning of Unit 9 in Language Leader Upper-Intermediate (see appendix 1) provides examples of the activities mentioned above and include, for example, a picture of a Dali painting along with a reference to consider with some related questions for discussion, before moving onto what constitutes art and asking the students to read a text (leaflet p.91) related to the theme of art This is a exemplary example of how schema theory is utilised in ELT materials and very similar activities can, in fact, be seen at the start of each unit. However, as Carrell (1998) suggests, this is not enough and so, we as teachers are handed the responsibility of deciding exactly what to do with it. There are, of course, teachers books that help to provide ideas for usage which can be super beneficial for inspiring ideas, especially for teachers without the experience that helps to know how to approach such an activity. In using the material in the classroom myself, I have taken what is ther e and, as Carrell (1998) has suggested, added variety to it and attempted to bring it to life. For example, rather than just using one picture that is in the coursebook, show learners a effigy of examples that include a variety of genres and will then railroad tie into later activities that require learners to consider what constitutes art and include such examples (see activity 1b). Learners might also be encouraged prior to the lesson to bring in their own examples and thus start the activation and thinking process before the lesson has even begun. It could, and arguably should, link to work done in previous lessons that may include visits to art museums and galleries. This then is a kind of controllable variable in that we hopefully already have an idea of the background knowledge that learners will bring in from previous learning and the outside world. Thus, the more we know our students, the more it makes sense that we are in a position whereby we are better able to know what might work best. This is an area that I feel could be expanded upon and explored in greater detail by those who carry out studies pertaining to the area of schema and schema theory. While the learner is indeed now taken into account, the actual birth and depth of shared and common knowledge between the teacher and their learners, plus amongst learners themselves, is something that rarely seems to be mentioned.Further application As well as in relation to teaching, schema theory can be applied to testing also whether it be for diagnostic or assessment purposes. Of course, there are far too many examples of testing for us to consider here but it can be said that many of these forms of testing are very limited. As an IELTS examiner, it can sometimes seem as though one is preparing learners with strategies and techniques in order to pass a test, rather than to actually improve their English language skills. With all the skills being tested individually, we could apply schema theory ac ross the board and suggest that the test-taker is not constantly prepared with necessary schematic knowledge before actually taking the exam. However, not all will be aware of the usefulness of this, and instead take the test(s) cold. They will then be anticipate to respond to and answer questions that they have a very limited knowledge of, which is a major criticism of the exam. For example, if they have not previously considered the effects of globalisation, they will not have the necessary schematic knowledge needed to answer the question. A better method, in my opinion, would be to make the exam more combinatorial and thus testing more than one skill at a time. For example, rather than testing receptive and productive skills separately, a combination could be used in which learners read a text or listen to an extract and then have to respond by writing or speaking about that which they have just been exposed to. That way we are then better able to actually provide the necessa ry information which might not be there in the first place. For example, learners might be asked to summarise a text or extract after reading or listening to it. It makes sense that test-takers will more likely come with the formal schema but not necessarily the content schema required. It will be interesting to see how the new Pearson Test deals with this aspect, especially being a computer based exam.Conclusion Despite the current popularity of pre-reading/listening activities, there might be restrictions to their use in ELT and they may not always work as intended. Cook (1994) stated that schemas can be restrictive even if they allow us to process communication. It has been proved that applications of schema theory do not always mean that comprehension has been improved, particularly where there is insufficient attention to the details of a given text, or where schema-interference increases due to the activation of dominant or negative schemata (Stott 2001). Also, there is eviden ce that the contextual and background information given may not always necessarily be adopted by the learners. However, there is little doubt that schema theory has positively influenced the teaching of reading and listening and that pre-activities can help to improve a learners comprehension in many situations. Therefore, it makes sense for teachers to use such activities but not be assumptive that what we expect is in fact reality. In other words, teachers should make sure that they check the usefulness of the activities used and pay close attention to possible schema-interference or non-activation. In essence, we must do the most possible in order to increase comprehension, and thus, maximise overall performance.BibliographyAebersold, J. and Field, M. (1997) From Reader to recital Teacher. Cambridge Cambridge University mechanical pressAnderson, A. and Lynch, T. (1998) Listening. Oxford Oxford University Press Bartlett, F. (1932) Remembering. Cambridge Cambridge University Press Carrell, P. (1982) Cohesion is not tackiness TESOL Quarterly Vol. 16, No. 4Carrell, P. and Eisterhold, J. (1983) Schema Theory and ESL Reading Pedagogy, in Carrell, P., Devine, J. and Eskey, D. (eds) (1988) Interactive Approaches to Second Language Reading. Cambridge Cambridge University PressCarrell, P. (September, 1987) Content and Formal Schemata in ESL Reading TESOL QUARTERLY. Vol. 21, No. 3 Southern Illinois UniversityCarrell, P. (1988) Some Causes of Text-boundedness and Schema Interference in ESL Reading, in Carrell, P., Devine, J. and Eskey, D.E. (eds) (1988) Interactive Approaches to Second Language Reading. Cambridge Cambridge University PressCarrell, P. (1998) Interactive Approaches to Second Language Reading. Cambridge Cambridge University PressClapham, C. (1996) Studies in Language Testing The Development of IELTS 4. Cambridge Cambridge University PressCook, G. (1994) conversation and Literature. Oxford Oxford University PressCook, G. (January, 1997) Key concepts in E LT ELT Journal. Volume 51/1 Oxford University PressCook, G. (1989) Discourse in language teaching A scheme for teacher education. Oxford Oxford University PressJohnson, P. (1981) Effects on reading comprehension of language complexity and cultural background of a text TESOL Quarterly 15(2), 169-181.Kang, H. (1992) The effects of culture-specific knowledge upon ESL reading comprehension School of Education Review, 4, 93-105.Kant, I. (1781) Critique of pure reasonMaslow, A. (July, 1943) A theory of kind motivation Psychological Review Vol. 50(4), 370-396.Nuttall, C. (1982) Teaching Reading Skills in a Foreign Language. HeinemannSinghal, M. (1998) A Comparison of L1 and L2 Reading Cultural Differences and Schema, http//iteslj.org/Articles/Singhal-ReadingL1L2.html last accessed on 14.11.09Swales, J. (1990) Genre Analysis. Cambridge Cambridge University PressSteffensen, M. and Joag-Dev, C. (1984) Cultural knowledge and reading, In J. Alderson A. Urquhart (Eds.), Reading in a Foreign La nguage (pp. 48-61). New York LongmanStott, N. (November 2001) Helping ESL Students Become Better Readers Schema Theory Applications and Limitations The profits TESL Journal Vol. VII, No. 11Tannen (1993) Framing in Discourse. Oxford University Press US

TATA Steel: UK Case Study

TATA stain UK Case StudyNicolson MustaphaTata stigma UK is one of the largest and geographically most diversified mark producers of atomic number 63 which is operating(a) in 26 countries and cook its commercial byices in around 35 countries around the globe (Tata marque, 2017). They feed been serving variant commercializes such as elan vital and power, automotive, lifting and excavating, packaging, aerospace, anatomical structure etc. with their innovative products. The success of their business lies in their operations being centered on benefiting the society on the whole and do cooperative relationships with customers. The main business values of Tata stigma UK involve excellence, understanding, responsibility, integrity and unity (Tata stigma, 2017).The proposed forthline for Tata sword at corpo score level is commercialise incursion magical spell the proposed business dodge for penetrating in the market is the hybrid of follow leadership and product differ entiation. Tata marque has the capacity to penetrate into its market because it has a watertight brand see and hot customer base but due to change magnitude planning of steel from China and decreased contend, the revenue generated in the cultivation period was a bit less than expected. In a dynamic environment, the foremost priority of a business is to keep an eye on the outer environment. So, to cope with the changes taking place in the external environment, Tata firebrand has to penetrate the market for maturation its market sh be. The cost leadership stinkpot be achieved by the capacity involution and employment of smart technology. The newfound technology would be used for differentiating its products from those of its competitors.Tata steel UK is one of the largest and geographically most diversified steel producers of europium which is operating in 26 countries and have its commercial offices in around 35 countries around the globe (Tata Steel, 2017). They have been serving different markets such as energy and power, automotive, lifting and excavating, packaging, aerospace, construction etc. with their innovative products. The success of their business lies in their operations being centered on benefiting the society on the whole and making collaborative relationships with customers. The main business values of Tata steel UK include excellence, understanding, responsibility, integrity and unity (Tata Steel, 2017).This paper demonstrates the importance of understanding and in-depth knowl meet that a firm m obsoleteinessiness have for the formulation of its strategies from time to time. The environment in which the businesses have been operating currently has become dynamic and it is necessary for the businesses to adapt themselves with such environment by constantly updating their strategies to carry out the business (Hitt, Ireland and Hoskisson, 2003). The previous depth psychology conducted about Tata Steel suggested that it has strong brand equity and value- string efficiency due to which it has grow its operations overseas in the foreign markets. One of the main militant advantages for Tata Steel UK is that there products be incomparable and innovative but there atomic number 18 similarly certain threats for the survival of business i.e. change magnitude competition, changing economy of UK and the fall in demand from China (Schram, 2015).The first part of this paper discusses different strategic options that are available to Tata Steel UK or to propose a strategy at corporate level, second part deals with formulation of business strategy, opus the third part deals with the evaluation of strategy on the basis of suitability, acceptability and feasibility. The main objective of this paper is to see the Tata Steel UK from strategic counseling perspective. unalike models and frameworks from previous academic literature have been used for the social occasion of analyzing the industry and proposing a releva nt strategy for the selected firm.Strategic options have been defined as the capable substitute action-oriented reactions to the major external trends faced by an organization. These options are exercised by taking into consideration the factors, trends, threats and opportunities in the external environment in which an organization is operating. These options are usually taken into consideration for the think of increasing the sales and profits of our business (Trigeorgis and Reuer, 2016). The main objective of Tata Steel UK is to become a global benchmark for creating value for the customers and corporate citizenship by offering innovative products and service.Ansoff Matrix Strategic options provoke be outmatch explained with the abet of Ansoff matrix that takes into account existing and new products and markets. There are four strategic options available to a particular firm (Jeyarathnam, 2008). These are explained as fol startle-gosSelling existing products to existing mar ket which is know as market penetrationDeveloping new products and selling them to existing market which is kn suffer as product developmentTaking existing products to new markets segments which is cognize as market developmentDeveloping new products for newer markets segments to a fault known as diversificationThe strategic options or Ansoff matrix is presented in the effigy as followsTata steel UK suffer expand its customer base with the help of market penetration strategy. This strategy is used for the figure of growing our business. The current market deal of Tata Steel UK is 60% sales to the manufacturers of different products in UK while 40% comes from sales to main Europe and 15% outside the Europe. The main products that direct to the sales revenue of Tata Steel include automotive, construction, packaging, aerospace, and energy and power. The corporate strategy of Tata Steel UK is to become a global benchmark by creating value for the customers at global level. The ra tionale behind using the market penetration strategy is to sell existing products to existing consumers. match to the SWOT analysis conducted for the Tata Steel Europe and some new(prenominal) sources suggest that it is losing the market because of various factors including decreased demand from China, changing economy of Europe, increasing international competition and steel available at cheaper hurts. Tata Steel UK can penetrate the market by making its products unique from those of its competitors. It should append its investments in the projects which helps in differentiation of its products by improving the boilersuit marketing concoction and getting closer to customers by forming collaborative relationships. The unique and innovative products as compared to competitors will give Tata Steel UK a competitive edge in gaining the largest market share. This product differentiation requires Tata Steel to develop cutting-edge manufacturing and production technology and to impro ve their business cycle to a greater extent to make the products sustainable for the customers as head as for the environment.Tata Steel UK should strive to upgrade their manufacturing and distribution operations because it will help the firm in providing on time products and services to their consumers. An efficient cede chain and closer production plants help in increasing the effectiveness and optimization of services to customers. The presence of competitors can non threat the existence of Tata Steel unless it is continuously striving to improve its business operations and differentiation of products and services. Overall, in improving the business operations and product differentiation of Tata Steel, it must not compromise the corporate responsibility it owes towards the environment and all its stakeholders (Jha and Arora, 2013).The main point to be considered in the market penetration strategy is the cost-benefit ratio. Market penetration specifically deals with increasing a lready captured customer base. The fact sheet of Tata Steel UK represents that 25% of Tata sales revenue is generated by automotive industry, 30% by construction, and 10% by packaging. It likewise exports 80% of its energy and power products to big firms such as Shell, Chevron and Total etc. it besides has 10% global market share for the supply of aerospace products (Kelsey, 2016). The main competitive advantage of Tata Steel UK is its brand identity i.e. it is a well-known brand for its quality products, so its customers have loyalty with its products. The factsheet about Tata Steel UK suggested that the demand for its automotive products is increasing in the mainland Europe as well as in other countries because the annual car production rate is increasing at a greater pace. So, this is an opportunity for Tata Steel UK to penetrate the market by using its world-class manufacturing and distribution facilities.The market penetration strategy requires Tata Steel to strengthen its ow n manufacturing, production and distribution infrastructure to manufacture differentiated products as compared to its competitors. By using this strategy it will be able to increase its sales revenue in the existing market by strengthening the manufacturers of different products across Europe. Own manufacturing and production plants will be helpful for Tata Steel in reducing the cost of manufacturing and achieving the economies of exfoliation.Tata Steel has the capacity and resources to penetrate into its existing market e.g. it has a string brand loyalty, it is producing the products in an environmentally sustainable way, it has its own cutting-edge manufacturing and production plants that just need upgradation. The commitment of Tata Steels towards manufacturing unique and innovative products can help them conquer the market and increase their market share sexual congress to their competitors.After a successful scrutiny of internal factors touching the business and a radical s can of external business environment, the next stage is to conjecture an ideal strategy for business which is capable of achieving the desired objectives. Business strategy is designed for the purpose of getting to the place where we want to see ourselves. Business strategy requires careful planning and implementation and it also requires a lot of resources that must be used handy to maintain the cost benefit ratio (Teece, 2010). According to a model proposed by McKinsey, it is necessary on the part of organization to have talented staff, an integrated system, proper structure, a unique style, skills, a correct strategy and shared values to achieve the desired business goals. According to Johnson et. al (2011), strategy clock is a perfect framework that can be used to analyze the customer focus for the prices and differentiation among the products.For Tata Steel UK, it is analyzed that the market penetration strategy could be used for increasing the market share of the company. An d it has been already known that it has a strong brand name and also a very good customer base. But the recent statistics of financial measure confirmed that the earnings and sales revenue of Tata Steel was not up to the mark and didnt meet the forecasts set earlier (Markets.ft.com, 2017). This requires Tata steel to penetrate into its market with the help of hybrid strategies i.e. cost leadership and product differentiation.Cost leadership is an intensive growth strategy in which the company tends to decrease the cost of its products for the purpose of increasing its sales. Tata Steel UK can exercise the cost leadership strategy either by reducing its costs to increase the profits and charging average industry price for its products or it can increase the market share by reducing the price of its products (Jha and Arora, 2013). For practicing this strategy, a firm must make sure that it will roost number one in terms of low-cost producer and wont be easily attackable by other low cost producers. This requires the firm to have liberal capital for making investment in the technology that reduces the overall cost of producing the products, have efficient logistics and being sustainable in terms of its resources and environment. For Tata Steel UK, all of these options are exercisable so they can easily penetrate their existing market with their existing products.One of the main competitive advantages of Tata Steel is capacity expansion i.e. it can expand its capacity of manufacturing and production which will ultimately reduce its cost of producing the products. The quality and sources of raw materials are spicyly secured from various captive mines which can be used for the enhancement of production capacity. The manufacturing plants of Tata Steel are already located in many countries including USA, Canada, Sweden, Germany, France, and Belgium etc. These plants can be used for the purpose of increasing the global sales revenue and market share of Tata Steel b y offering diversified products and services to the customers.Technology and the manpower are ii most essential resources that are required for increasing the innovation and uniqueness in products of Tata Steel. The up-to-the-minute technology can be used for producing larger rime of steel and aluminum products differentiated from its competitors, available in various designs and colors and are sustainable for the community which is using the products. Recently in 2013, Tata Steel make an investment of 250 million pounds to set up two blast furnaces in Port Talbot, 25 million pounds investment at Hot Strip Mill, and 15 million pounds investment in Stockbridge plant in 2015 which will improve the operations of Tata Steel to a greater extent thereby reducing the overall costs of production (Kelsey, 2016).Product differentiation is another strategy through which Tata Steel can penetrate its market. Customers switch products or brands solely when they are not satisfied of the quality and prices of the products. A bit of value added to the products and services can increase the customer loyalty and improves the brand image (Anderson and Vincze, 2004). Tata Steel is providing a full range of its products to the most renowned and big companies around the globe. Tata Steel can increase its market share by offering customized products to its customers e.g. for automotive industry it can provide customized products right from initial design to the fully manufactured vehicle or they can provide effective solutions related to steel in the construction projects. For consumer goods, customers prefer reliability and after sales services and it can also gain a good market share by offering sustainable packaging products to packaging firms. The bottom line is that Tata Steel can use its nerve center competencies for gaining the market share. A summary of core competencies of Tata Steel is presented in the followers table.Core competenciesCost leadership and product differ entiationTechnologyDifferent manufacturing plants of Tata Steel UK located across the Europe must use the cutting edge technology for the production of superior quality and low cost products. Installation of technology helps in the mass production which achieves the economies of scales hence making the firm low cost leader and technology also improve the quality of products by presenting more immaculate outlook and product design to the products.Supply chain managementThe supply chain of Tata Steel is very sophisticated because it has its own distribution and processing units across the Europe, USA, Middle East and many other parts of the world. This is the competitive edge for Tata Steel because they dont have to make the customers wait longer for the products rather they provide on-time delivery of their products due to their numerous production hubs. Efficient supply chain also helps in making the products differentiated and low cost because there are no additional tariffs and r aw material import costs incurred on the products.Quality and customer focus Quality and price of the products are the two essential elements that customers look for in the products. The research and marketing department of Tata Steel continuously tries to analyze the customer preferences for products and tries to invest in the projects which offer the best marketing mix i.e. best price for the products and differentiated products as compared to the customers (Tata Steel, 2017).Based on the core competencies listed in the above table, the competitive advantage of Tata Steel i.e. capacity expansion, and the financial position of Tata Steel UK (SWOT analysis), it is evaluated that Tata Steel can competently reduce the cost of its operations for increasing its revenues and earnings as well as increasing its market share. Moreover, these strategies are also useful for Tata Steel to exist its penetrating market everywhere its operations are in process.Evaluation of strategy is as import ant as the formulation of strategies because the strategic management process requires a lot of resources for implementation. So, it must be made certain that we are not wasting our resources or using them in a wrongful manner (Atkinson, 2013). Strategic evaluation is carried out in order to know whether the strategy that has been designed will be able to achieve the required objectives or not. Three criteria are used for the purpose of strategy evaluation i.e. suitability, acceptability and feasibility.1.1. SuitabilitySuitability refers to the overall objective and rationale of the proposed strategy i.e. whether the strategy proposed will be able to achieve the economies of scale or not or will it acquire the proposed strategic objectives to improve the overall position and outlook of business. For the purpose of measuring the suitability of market penetration for Tata Steel, it is important to analyze the trends and key drivers explained in the assignment 1.Trends The current tren ds for the Tata Steel are not good because there is an overall decrease in demand due to cheap supply from China. other reason is stricter regulation changes on the part of European Union and lower wage laws as well as expensive cost of production in Europe (Islam, 2016).Key drivers The key drivers that prove to be helpful in boosting the sales revenue of Tata Steel include reduces costs of renewable energy, tractableness in emission regulations placed in by European Union and support provided to UK for numerous steel construction projects to increase the job market for people.So based on the trends in the market and key drivers, it is evaluated that Tata Steel can overcome the cost of production in UK by employing the expatriate labor into its steel industries so that the cost of labor is reduced. The employment of technology in all of its production plants can improve the production rate as well as differentiate its products in terms of quality. The reduced cost of energy i.e. 3 0% reduction in electricity bills and in throttle valve prices is also a favorable driver for employing the technology in UK plants. Government should also make its regulations flexible so that Tata Steel can invest into steel projects and provide jobs to numerous people. As a result of evaluation, it is suggested that the proposed strategy can work well with Tata Steel because it has enough capacity to expand its operations, have ameliorate infrastructure to add value to its supply chain and have enough competencies to take the market as a cost leader.1.2. AcceptabilityAcceptability of strategy relates to the concern with which it meets and exceeds the expectations of its stakeholders. It is obvious that changing the cost of operations and prices of the products also affect the overall revenue of the business which in turn affect the dividend payment to its shareholders, flexibility in regulations involves government and change magnitude production affects the environment (Atkin son, 2013). The key stakeholders of Tata Steel are presented as followsinfleuntial stakeholdersactive particpantsStakeholders that imposeThe most powerful shareholders of Tata Steel are its customers, competitors and the environment in which it is operating. The reduced costs of operations will reduce the prices of products which is beneficial for the customers. Competitors will have tough time imitating the strategy of Tata Steel. For environment, it is certain because Tata steel is producing environmentally sustainable steel.Government and suppliers are the most active participants in the business operations of Tata Steel. It is good that UK has been provided flexibility to invest in steel projects and the supply chain management of Tata Steel is already better and sophisticated and will be enhanced with the help of capacity expansion.The BODs, employees and shareholders of Tata Steel are better off with this strategy because increasing the markets share will eventually increase the market share and profits of the company. Shareholders, employees and BODs are the stakeholders who know the vision and mission of the company so at the end they are confident that market penetration strategy would pay some issue off to them.The acceptability criteria of strategy evaluation suggests that market penetration strategy will be acceptable to all of the stakeholders of Tata Steel. It can be evaluated in more detail by using the stakeholder matrix of power and interest. The matrix is as followsWhen the power and interest of stakeholders in an organization is high, it is necessary for them to be both engaged and influential while in case of low power and interest, they only need to monitor the company or keep an eye upon the company. While those stakeholders who impose the company strategy have both high power and high interest in the company. Tata steel UK is safe on all ends because the strategy is acceptable for the customers due to quality and price of products and f or shareholders to receive the increased dividends. The most influential stakeholder in case of Tata Steel is environment because the production may impact the environment in an adverse way but it is operating in an environmentally and social sustainable and responsible manner. The strategy of market penetration is meeting the needs and expectations of all stakeholders of Tata Steel UK.1.3. FeasibilityFeasibility means that the strategy is good in terms of resources available to the organizations for its implementation (Atkinson, 2013). It has been studied that the main competitive advantage of Tata Steel is its ability to expand or capital expansion. Different elements have been taken into account for the purpose of checking the feasibility of strategy.The most important enabler affecting the implementation of market penetration is the cost and quality of products. The cost of products can only be reduced when a high cutting-edge technology is employed for the manufacturing and pro duction of products. The RD of Tata Steel continuously strives and works hard to know preferences of customers for newer and innovative steel products. Another important consideration is workforce of Tata Steel. Although the workforce is highly talented and able to boost the revenue generated by Tata Steel, Tata Steel should pay them a delightful amount of salaries to them. They should invest in their workforce to boost their confidence to increase the market share. The financial viability of this strategy is considerably favorable because Tata Steel have enough resource for capacity expansion and reducing the overall costs of operation. Capacity expansion will generate the increased outcome thereby leading to increased market share.The new strategy proposed for Tata Steel is the market penetration using hybrid strategies of cost leadership and product differentiation. The analysis is conducted on the basis of thorough internal and external analysis of Tata Steel and it has been ev aluated that the strategy is perfect in terms of its suitability, acceptability and feasibility. Tata Steel should adopt market penetration strategy for the purpose of boosting its market share because it has the capacity to expand its operations by using newer technology, the power of its labor and its efficient supply chain. Tata Steel UK has strong brand image and identity which will be very helpful to penetrate into its current market. It has to reduce the costs of its operations so that the products become a bit cheaper and attracts a new market share. This strategy will be helpful because China has been supplying the steel to the market at much lower price so for its survival and growth, Tata Steel has to adopt cost leadership along with product differentiation strategy.Strategy formulation starts with the thorough analysis of internal and external factors affecting the business. The external analysis for Tata steel UK suggested market trends for steel industry and the key dri vers that are helpful for boosting the industry. Formulation and implementation of strategy is based upon the environmental analysis of Tata Steel. Market penetration is the best alternative for Tata Steel to increase its market share. It can be done with the help of cost leadership and product differentiation. The cost leadership can be achieved with the help of expansion of business because capacity expansion is the main competitive advantage of Tata Steel.ReferencesAnderson, C. and Vincze, J. (2004). Strategic marketing management. 1st ed. capital of Massachusetts Houghton Mifflin.Atkinson, D. (2013). Dynamic capabilities implications for marketing strategy formulation and implementation. International Journal of Business Environment, 5(3), p.252.Hitt, M., Ireland, R. and Hoskisson, R. (2003). Strategic management. 4th ed. Australia Thomson/South-Western.Islam, F. (2016). Understanding The Steel Crisis 10 Key Points. Sky news. online addressable at http//news.sky.com/story/under standing-the-steel-crisis-10-key-points-10223034 Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.Jeyarathnam, M. (2008). Strategic management. 1st ed. Mumbai Himalaya Pub. House.Jha, V. and Arora, S. (2013). Strategic leadership for corporate sustainable development at Tata Steel. International Journal of Indian cultivation and Business centering, 7(3), p.283.Johnson, G., Scholes, K., Whittington, R. and Johnson, G. (2011). Exploring strategy. 10th ed. Harlow Financial Times Prentice Hall.Kelsey, C. (2016). The facts and figures about Tata Steel UK. Wales Online. online Available at http//www.walesonline.co.uk/business/business-news/facts-figures-tata-steel-uk-11258131 Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.Markets.ft.com. (2017). Tata Steel Ltd, TATASTEELNSI forecasts FT.com. online Available at https//markets.ft.com/ data/equities/tearsheet/forecasts?s=TATASTEELNSI Accessed 15 Jan. 2017.Schram, B. (2015). Redcar and Tata Steel Four reasons why the UK steel industry is struggling to survive. International Business Times. online Available at http//www.ibtimes.co.uk/redcar-tata-steel-four-reasons-why-uk-steel-industry-struggling-survive-1524375 Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.Tata Steel, (2017). At a glance Tata Steel in Europe. online Tatasteeleurope.com. Available at http//www.tatasteeleurope.com/en/about%E2%80%93us/at-a-glance Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.Tata Steel, (2017). Our values Tata Steel in Europe. online Tatasteeleurope.com. Available at http//www.tatasteeleurope.com/en/about%E2%80%93us/values Accessed 14 Jan. 2017.Teece, D. (2010). Business Models, Business Strategy and Innovation. Long Range Planning, 43(2-3), pp.172-194.Trigeorgis, L. and Reuer, J. (2016). Real options theory in strategic management. Strategic Management Journal, 38(1), pp.42-63.Multicultural Analysis of japan Traditions and ReligionsMulticultural Analysis of lacquer Traditions and ReligionsLand of the Rising Sun JapanJapan is a country filled with old and rich traditional history that cant be found anywhere in the Western world. J apan and America share quite an interesting stupefy with one another. The bond between them seems to infer that they have most of their trust in each other, but trusting the notorious nation, China, is something that they can both get on terms with. Disagreements between the two powerful nations can form, for example, one being Japans role in regional security. The old nation is located in the continent of Asia, being an chain of islands, it is surrounded by the Sea of Japan ( East) and Pacific Ocean (West).Japan or Nihon as it is said in Japanese, translates to the suns origin. It is also known as, by its nickname Land of the Rising Sun. The old nation consist of a series of islands, which is close to around 6,852 islands. There are also four main islands as well, which include Hokkaido, Honshu largest island, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Although there are no bordering countries since the country is a chain of islands, there are some neighboring countries by Japan, promptly consisting, but not excluding South Korea, North Korea, China, Taiwan, Russia, and the Philippines. The current size of Japan is around some 145,932 mi and compared to the U.S. which is some 3,536,695 square miles. The country of Japan has the third-largest economy, after the United States and China, in the modern world. The country exports vital goods such as automobiles ( ex. Toyota, Honda, Mazda), computers, and other electronics. etc. Not to mention the fact that Japan born(p) resources that it exports items such as fish and other seafood, gold, silver, magnesium, oil, Japan greatly depends on foreign/imported natural resources and fuels to keep manufacturing industries functioning and thriving. Some industries in Japan include shipbuilding, textile, mining, bioindustry, processed foods, and construction. Besides noting Japans economy, the old nation is known for its unique physical features. The geography of the country consists of a mountainous terrain with basins, valleys, plains, and c oral reefs while also having temperate weather and consisting of four seasons.The country has many cultural traditions and holidays throughout the year. Obon, Lantern Festival, ( August 13- 16) is a buddhist festival that is held within the month of August, it that pays tribute to transmittable spirits by lighting lanterns in from of home and on rivers to guild spirits back home and to the underworld. Cultural Day ( November 3rd ) was previously known as the day of commemorating the birthday of the Meiji Emperor, but it was renamed to Culture Day to rejoice the Japanese Constitution as well as peace and freedom. Another holiday is Marine Day (Umi no hi July 3rd ) which commemorates the blessings of the oceans and its significant importance for Japan as a nation. Both Japan and America share unique cultural difference, but their main difference is concerning education, not to mention the fact that recreation among them is quite the same. Similarly Japanese and American elementary s chools last for hexad years. The difference is the in Japan junior high last for three years, while in America it lasts for two. Another distinction is that students in Japanese high schools go to school for three years, while in American high schools students go to school for four years. Japanese and Americans typically do the same thing the same things for fun sports, shopping, hanging out with friends, and using electronics. Meals consumed by the Japanese are mainly homemade meals which may consist of a bowl of rice, miso soup, preserve vegetables, fish, and (or) meat.Religion is a thing that sets Japan apart from most countries. Religions in Japan are Shinto, Taoist, Confucian, Buddhism, and surprisingly Christianity. As far back as historians can date, Shinto was the most popular religion and oldest among the Japanese and even today it is. Buddhism was brought by monks in the 6th century. Both religions have been coexisting with each other in harmony for quite a long time, an d most classify themselves as either Shinto or Buddhist, but in some cause both. Christianity on the other hand was introduced to Japan ( 1506- 1552) by a man named Francis Xavier. Although its not the most popular religion in Japan it still is dear by some individuals. Surprisingly religion doesnt play a major role in the everyday lives of ordinary Japanese citizens. People may bawl out shrine or temples on New Year and participate in local festivals, all in which hav religious (historical) background.As an island nation, Japan has flourished and bloomed into a well known nation full of old traditional and modern ways of life. One may find that the nation is some like any other nation a rich and old history, recreation, and important holidays/traditions. The fact that Japan is no bigger than the state of California may surprise foreigners at best and that although its a nation with the tenth highest population, its population is slowly decline every year. Such rural and old histo rical seem to be present in Japan to this day, hopefully this countrys unique history shall never fade.

Who Was Benjamin Franklin Religion Essay

Who Was Benjamin Franklin Religion EssayBenjamin Franklins ideas on God and adult male record were significantly different from the puritan norm at the sequence. period Franklin maxim God as a pricy and wise creator, the puritans feared Him as an noble being. The puritans saw hu man nature as the ultimate conduit for sin, while Franklin believed that humans as products of God were good at heart. Franklin believed in a God distinguishable from both mans activity on earth and the puritan ideal of who He was, and in humans not as slaves to sin and redemption, unless as get the hang of their own extremity.Puritanism was a very widely held belief system in the early colonies. A direct descendant of Calvinism, Puritanism had strong roots among a massive number of the colonists throughout early American settlements. As a sect of Christianity, they believed in the bible as the word of God, and Jesus as Gods son. It was common for puritans of the time to fear God and look at all misfortune that befell them as punishment for their sins. And as it struck my hand, so it struck my heart for I perfectly rose up and went into a wood and on that point I cried bitterly, and now concluded that God, God had found me out. (Dane, 4) The puritan God can almost be seen as a tyrannical leader one who strikes fear into the hearts of His subjects, yet demands their love and respect.Franklins semi-present creator-God was distinctly different from that of the punishing overseer of the puritans. Franklin was one of hardly a(prenominal) deists at the time. It is said that had he published his deism tract thirty years earlier, he would have risked imprisonment and execution in the British Empire. The norms of the time, the puritans, were an enkindle majority. The puritan God was always there, always watching over his creations. As John Dane repeated from his mother, Go where you will, God he will find you out. (Dane, 2) The puritans fagged their lives with the ever present notion of Gods wrath hanging over their shoulders. Franklins God was not the same entity. He was the creator, and that to Franklin was as far as His relationship with man went. God did not inspire man to write the books of the bible, nor did he send His Son to die on a cross for mans sin. after doubting by turns of several points I began to doubt of Revelation itself. (Franklin, 5) Franklins God gave man breeding and free will, and then gave him the reigns to control his own destiny.The puritan conception of human nature was based on the idea of original sin. Original sin is a term used to describe the bibles story of Adam and Eve eating the harvest-time from the tree of good and evil under temptation of Satan. Puritans believed that because of this original sin, humans are all inherently corrupt and impure of mind because man is innate(p) into sin, it is impossible for him to escape it. Your best duties are tainted, poisoned, and mingled with some sin, and therefore are most odio us in the eyeball of a holy God. (Wigglesworth, 4) In the eyes of the church, the just now redeeming quality of human nature was that they themselves were made by God. They were obedient to God and His word because they were afraid of his punishment. The only hope the puritans had in life was that they might be chosen in Gods eyes as worthy of redemption.Franklin saw the nature of humans in a very different light. While he did look to God for wisdom and insight, he believed that man could be good without God. He came to this conclusion not with religion, but with intellect and logic. He created a list of thirteen virtues that he believed could bring a man to moral perfection. These too were not created with any particular religious sect in mind, but rather with the idea that all people could better themselves through them. that vicious actions are not hurtful because they are forbidden, but forbidden because they are hurtful, the nature of man alone considered (Franklin, 15) He be lieved that evil or morally wrong actions were wrong, not because God said so, but because they were hurtful to humanity. Human nature by itself was not corrupt, and it was possible for a man to be truly good.Franklins beliefs on human nature were different in many ways than that of the puritans. While the puritans saw man as essentially evil from conception, Franklin saw man as able to create his own destiny. While both parties believed in God as being important to the life of men, Franklin saw his importance as more of a guide, and less as a strict path like that of the puritans. The Puritans had only one way to achieve completion in life to earn Gods redemption. Franklin believed that as man tried to be a better person, he was achieving his destiny in life. tho I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of obtaining I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it (Franklin, 14) The puritans did not believ e this was the case, as good works to them meant nothing if God did not give favor. Your good duties cannot save you, yet your bad works will damn you. (Wigglesworth, 4)The separate parties idea of human nature was directly affected by their respective ideas of God. The puritans believed in a God that was almighty and all encompassing. They thought of themselves as unworthy beasts without purpose, and only with the favor of God did they have any chance of happiness on this earth or after it. everyone sinned in Adam and everyone deserves eternal death (Wigglesworth, 4) Franklin saw a God that was less involved in the lives of men. He put much more emphasis on the worth of a persons works and endeavors, and less on whether or not this person had been chosen by God. there was in my scheme no mark of any of the distinguishing tenants of any particular sect. I had purposely avoided them that it might be serviceable to people of all religions (Franklin, 15) Both groups ideals were founde d in belief, and were distinctly different because of the differences in the belief of each respective God.As much as the puritan ideals were similar to that of the deist Benjamin Franklin, the differences of each doctrine is what defines them. Franklin believed in a God based in logic, while the puritans God was founded in faith and tradition. From this belief in separate Gods, separate belief in human nature arose the puritans believing in Human nature as evil and Franklin believing in it as independent and just. Franklin found that the path to obligation could be obtained through good works that bettered humanity while the puritans believed that only strict adherence to the guidelines set forth by God could bring salvation. to each one point of view has its own foundations and each gives historians a different yet equally relevant perspective on life in the early American colonies.

SOCIETYS SLAVES :: essays research papers

The books Brave New World, by Aldrous Huxley, and 1984, by George Orwell, are alike because they have comparable organizations. By using brainwash techniques, censorship, and the obliteration of history, the leaders in Brave New World and 1984 control the thoughts and recollections of the people in their societies. Without using these techniques, the societies being controlled could non exist, because the people would not be disciplined like they needed to be. The citizens in these societies are slaves of the leaders, but cannot resist or do anything to change things for themselves.     Chiefly, brainwashing was essential to accomplish while the children were one-year-old because then it would ensure that they would grow up to be model citizens in the society. Principally, love was disallowed in both societies, by the virtue that it would cause problems. Fights would begin everywhere relationships that would cause uncertainty that was not needed in the society . When the citizens Brave New World were young, they were involved in sexual games that would introduce them to sex and portray it as something casual.                ".this little boy seems rather reluctant to                join in the ordinary erotic play."                                   (Brave New World, pg. 30)As they got older, they were not able to know love, or would not be able to distinguish it from sex, so it became the norm to have everyone. In 1984, marriages were allowed, but on the grounds that the two people getting married were not in love. They wanted the people to feel like they were only getting married to be of service to the party (when their children were set up working with the Spies, growing up to be pawns for the Party). The one they were supposed to love was Big Brother.           "You must love Big Brother. It is not enough to obey him          you must love him." (1984, pg. 201)Everyone was designed so that people would feel like they were existing for the Party, and the Party is virtuous. Peoples reactions towards death was also deteriorated in Brave New World, so people would not show anguish if one of their friends died.           "What are these filthy brats doing here?          Its disgraceful."          "Disgraceful? But what do you mean? Theyre being death           conditioned." (Brave New World, pg. 208)They would just continue on subsisting in the society, as existing happily and productively wa s their purpose. In 1984, emotions about occurrences like death was frowned upon as well.

The Use Of Irony In The Stone :: essays research papers

Irony is an important literary device in many stories and in that location are manyexamples of it in The Stone Boy by Gina Berriault, Animal Farm by GeorgeOrwell, and The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare. Inall of these works, chaff plays an important exercise in the plot of the paper.In The Stone Boy, the title of the story is a good example of ridicule. The title indicates to the reader that Arnold has no feelings and is like a stone. The irony here is that Arnold cares more about Eugie than anybody, he justdoesnt know how to express it. Although Arnold did not start out as astone boy, by the end of the story the other characters actions forcedArnold to build a wall around himself so his feelings couldnt be hurtanymore. George Orwell also used irony in the plot of Animal Farm. In the rootage of the story, Old Major talks about rebelling from Mr. Jonesadministration. Mr. Jones way of running things was in a sense a form ofcapitalism. The animals had an idea a bout a collectivistic form of government. This existed for a short period of time when the animals had all the power. When Napoleon took charge, he gradually gained power and after a while thefarm was soon under the rule of a capitalist. This change in governmentultimately led to the downfall of the farm. This a good example of irony,because capitalism was the thing the animals were seek to get away from,and in the end it led to their downfall. At another point in the story, whenBoxer is being taken to the hospital, he is really being taken to a slaughterhouse. The animals think that Boxers life is going to be saved, when it wasreally being taken away from him. In The Tragedy of Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare usesdifferent forms of irony in many ways. First of all, the Friar marries Romeoand Juliet to end their families feud, but the marriage ends up leading to theirdeath. This is an example of situational irony. Another example of irony iswhen Juliets parents are think a wedding for her, when she is already