Unitarian Universalism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Unitarian Universalism - Essay Example It then establishes the historical and philosophical connection between Buddhism and UU. Unitarian Universalism emerged primarily from Christian roots but has drawn extensively from other beliefs and faiths, a practice that has grown to include practically all religions throughout the years. The Unitarians formed in Britain in the 1500’s during the time of the Protestant Reformation, an era of religious enlightenment at least in the context of that period in history (Hamilton, 2005). The Unitarian philosophy introduced people to new ways of thinking including the concept that Jesus was only a man, not a god or the son of God. Instead they maintained, much the same as the Jewish viewpoint regarding Jesus, that he was an important prophet and teacher. Instead of blindly following the Christian or any other religious doctrine, according to the Unitarians, people should employ reasoning and reject superstition with regards to their personal spirituality. It is not only acceptable but preferable to question the authority of the church, its dogma and beliefs but their own beliefs as well. John Murray introduced Unitarianism to America in the early nineteenth century (Hamilton, 2005). His church’s membership consisted predominantly of middle and upper-class intellectuals. The Universalist religion was formed during the eighteenth century based on the belief that all people, not just Christians, receive salvation and emphasized the significance of being compassionate and helping others in need. As opposed to the Unitarian Church in the U.S., Universalism was a populist movement that drew its membership more from the middle and lower-classes. However, both groups were very much alike in that they had disassociated themselves with the traditional Christian doctrines which prescribed dogmatic trials of faith. In addition, â€Å"they emphasized individual freedom of personal belief, individual responsibility to synthesize

The capability of culture Essay Example for Free

The capability of culture Essay The capability of culture to transcend and influence people’s action and decision making processes remain to be seen since time in memorial. It tries to reach out into many diverse fields of study and tries to exemplify an explanation that these things are influenced by numerous perceptions, action and ideals present during a particular time frame. It is through this that culture can be argued to have a practical value or utility. In understanding this relationship, one must be keen to understand its notion. Since the term refers to the shared beliefs, ideals, and practices of groups of individuals at a given particular time, they continuously try to shape the actions of society as a whole (Klamer, 2002). One important notion that culture has a practical value because it individual actions can be interpreted using the sociological notion. People can create decision making processes that are influenced by the norms and traditions a particular group advocates (Klamer 2002). Similarly, its practical value spreads into different branches as individuals tries to perceive an understanding that though their action may have been independent and individualistic in orientation, it is a collective effort because their decisions are governed by numerous factors that are equally important and needs to be considered (Klamer, 2002). In addition, our own actions can be embodiments and catalyst for the creation of a new trend that can help to either catapult or move the idea of culture forward or backward. Our individual and collective decisions can contribute to the how we address the value of culture in our lives. Due to this, we can either contribute to the redefinition of what we perceive is the value of culture or play a part in formally establishing the link of the term in its utility and overall impact in our lives. Reference Klamer, A. (2002) Value of Culture. Retrieved November 17, 2008. 465-469.

Analysis of Priceline.com :: Internet Online Purchasing E-Commerce Essays

Analysis of Priceline.com Incomplete Paper Priceline.com (PCLN) may have been able to bring a dynamic reverse auction model to the market, but a cloud of doubt now hangs over the company's headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. Consumer adoption has been hurt by poor Web site functionality and a rigid bidding system that locks customers into buying products such as plane tickets without any control over specific flight details. On a bullish note, the company was recently reinstated into Connecticut's Better Business Bureau after making improvements to its Web site and customer service. But the bigger problem facing Priceline is a lack of support from investors, who have driven the company's stock down 98% from its 52-week high. Executive departures and layoffs aside, the company's delayed march toward profitability and inability to scale successfully might very well exemplify a doomed model, or a solution in search of a problem. Perhaps an emphasis on price has blinded Priceline to intangibles like quality service and a satisfying experience. It's unclear whether consumers are willing to sacrifice brand and product features to save a few bucks. The announcement in early October that the company's WebHouse Club subsidiary for groceries and gas would close, was a shot heard 'round the Web and Wall Street and signaled the model might be broken. Introduction Which is the one place where you can satisfy your every need (almost every need) at your price? Be it airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, mortgages, new automobiles, or even long distance calling time. The answer would be Priceline.com. All you have to do is know your need, state your terms, and make your offer. It doesn’t get easier than this! Priceline.com was one of the pioneer online companies to traverse the traditional limitations of the Internet and revolutionize online purchasing. It’s strategy – letting the consumer name his/her price, and matching it with a seller who is willing to fill the demand at that price and those conditions, there by providing the required service the consumer desires. Thus Priceline.com is basically an integrated, Web-based e-marketing automated system, which was one of its kinds when it started its business in the consumer marketplace. In simple word it is the ideal middleman, who gets you what you want, wh en you want it through a unique dotcom experience. Priceline.com was formed on April 6, 1998 as a limited liability company, but looking at its potential and rapid success it was soon converted into a corporation.

Reading & Writing Habits Essay

I really don’t read or write that often. I have probably read about a total of ten books throughout my entire life. I usually read for about one hour of accumulated time during a day. When I read it is usually something online from websites such as ESPN.com. I read things that are interesting to my mind like sports. Some fictional pieces aren’t bad too. When I am reading about sports I soak up the information and stories like a sponge with water. This happens because I have loved sports since I was about five years old. I need to learn how to apply the same ability when I read things that aren’t interesting to me. Sometimes I will read slower and maybe even take notes so I can remember and understand boring things to me. The only time I ever write is if I am texting on my phone or typing on the computer. When I text on the phone I don’t use good grammar, punctuation, or spelling. The reason I write so improperly on texts is for the speed and my friends usually understand what I am saying without it having to be proper. The typing on the computer I do is usually for school so I do proof read and revise items for mistakes. When I am writing for assignments in school it isn’t free writing that just comes from my mind. I have to do research and put work into the writings which isn’t fun. I like free writing whatever is on my mind. I would like to start writing because it is something new to do. Instead of doing the same old thing when I am bored, I can write. Writing can be relaxing and it can exercise the mind. Hopefully taking an English class in college will urge me start writing and reading more books to further my skills in reading and writing. Our English teacher Dr. Roy-Davis expects us to write regularly, she writes, â€Å"at least one draft or essay each we ek† (Roy-Davis). This would be huge change to me considering I don’t write any essays at all. If I start writing an essay every week it would most likely be about the events that happened to me during the week. Sometimes the essay might be exciting which would mean something good happened in my life. Other times I might have trouble writing something which means my week sucked. She says, â€Å"writing requires discipline† (Roy-Davis). One example is being able to sit in one place and think of sentences for long periods of time. That sounds kind of boring to me but if it helps me become a better writer I am willing to do whatever it takes. I have to set my own goals according to Dr. Roy-Davis. She suggests, â€Å"four hours a week in two hour sessions† (Roy-Davis). My time is very limited since I have a busy schedule due to work and school. I will try to start with that goal but I might have to change it if I start slacking in other things in my life. Dr. Roy-Davis states, â€Å" the most important skill of writing I can teach you is reading† (Roy-Davis). I would agree that reading is very important to writing because it influences the way you write. If you’re a strong reader you’re most likely a strong writer. The more someone reads they pick up on ways to write. Their pieces will sound more articulate and professional than before they became a strong reader. Reading and writing help each other through revision. Noted in the book Ways of Reading by David Bartholomae and Anthony Petrosky, â€Å"once you have completed a draft of your essay, you can step back, see what you have done, and go back to work on it. Through this activity-writing and rewriting-we have seen our students become strong, active, and critical readers† (Bartholomae 4). I agree with this completely because when I first write drafts I don’t even realize all the grammar, punctuation, and spelling mistakes that I make. When I go back and revise it I take note of these mistakes and correct them. This makes me become a better reader and writer. Becoming a better reader and writer through revising allows me to be more time efficient on essays(less drafts) and the overall product(final essay) sound better when reading it. Bartholomae and Petrosky also mention that you can read with the grain or against the grain. In their book Ways of Reading, Bartholomae and Petrosky wrote â€Å"To read generously, to work inside someone else’s system, to see your world in some else’s terms-we call this â€Å"reading with the grain†Ã¢â‚¬  (Bartholomae 10). To read against the grain, is to read critically, to turn back, to ask questions they believe might come as a surprise, to look for the limits of the author’s vision, to provide alternate readings, to find examples that challenge the argument, to engage in dialogue.† I tend to read with the grain, when I read sports stories I am usually in agreement with the author’s piece and seeing their point of view. Same with books too, I put myself in the author’s system and try to realize where they are coming from. I don’t read against the grain too often unless it is something that I totally disagree with. Most of the time the pieces that I read I don’t challenge or argue with because I tend to think the author know what he/she is talking about. Instead of challenge the author I try to see where their point of view is coming from therefore I read with the grain than against. I am willing to be more open and try to start reading against the grain though. I need to start asking â€Å"why† to some of the things I read. My whole goal is to change my reading and writing habits for the better. I want to expand my knowledge in the skills of reading and writing. By learning habits from Dr. Roy-Davis, Bartholomae, and Petrosky I can be more creative with writings and be able to read upper level material. With the habits I have had in reading and writing throughout my life I haven’t gotten very far in English classes. I agree with Dr. Roy-Davis, Bartholomae, and Petrosky with these new habits and I need to start following them. I am determined to change my habits to become a superior reading and writer. Work Cited Bartholomae, David; Petrosky, Anthony. â€Å"Ways of Reading.† An Anthology for Writers. 9th Ed. Bedford/St. Martin’s. Boston; New York, 2011. 1-19. Print Roy-Davis, Dr. â€Å"Engl 1301 Course Description.† 2011.

Analysis of Literary Devices of Jane Eyre

Analysis of the Theme of Jane Eyre and its Literary Devices Jane Eyre is an outstanding and meaningful novel which was written by Charlotte Bronte who didn’t have a fascinating appearance, a perfect figure and a glorious family and who had the similar fate with the heroine of the novel. The essay is focused on the first chapter, life at Gateshead, in which it tells us the little Jane Eyre’s miserable and menial life at Gateshead and that her cousins and Mrs. Reed treat her badly. In this chapter, the author intends to show us Jane Eyre’s resistance toward their torture and scolds. In order to demonstrate the motif, the author uses some gothic characters and depicts evil images of persons who bully Jane Eyre. Firstly, many gothic elements are adopted in this chapter in order to set the fundamental tone and manifest what a cruel and miserable life little Jane Eyre leads. It uses many delicate and horrified words to depict the weather, the season and some other things concerning the environment. Not only does it makes us feel that it’s really bad weather, but also we can feel Jane’s emotions and feelings at that time, upset, hopeless and so on, which will incite her resistant power. Secondly, Bronte is an expert in depicting characters’ images. We can find many vivid figures in front of us via reading the chapter. Take Jane’s cousin, John, as an example. From the novel, we can see that John’s mother spoils and dotes on him and she satisfies his demands no matter how ridiculous they are. Because of those, he shapes a naughty, arrogant and capricious personality. Jane is a poor girl whose parents are dead, so she has to live with her aunt. John always teases and bullies her, for she is a fragile and obedient stranger in his eyes. And what is much worse is that his mother always gives a cold shoulder to little Jane. As time goes by, John’s maleficences become more and more violent. One day, little Jane can’t stand it and she resists. She says: â€Å" you are like a murderer, you are like a slave-driver, you are like the Roman emperors. † It uses metaphor and parallelism to depict a vivid figure of John in front us. Figures of speech made the image brighter and clearer. Third, the setting of the chapter is dark, miserable and depressive. At the beginning of the chapter, a cold, dark and rainy evening was presented in front of us, which give readers a depressive impression. The description sets the basic tone of the chapter and implicates the terrible environment in which little Jane live. In this chapter, the author intends to present Jane’s resistance to life to readers. Its dark, cold and miserable setting implicates Jane’s poor living condition and her fragile emotion, which hide the foreshadowing of her resistance. Also gothic elements employed in the chapter deepen the theme. And depictions of each character promote the development of the theme.

Razed to the Ground

Razed to the Ground Razed to the Ground Razed to the Ground By Simon Kewin The englishmonarchs.co.uk web site reports that many monasteries were raised to the ground by Viking raiders during the reign of King Ethelred I. But how can a monastery be raised to the ground? Although commonly seen on the web, the phrase â€Å"raised to the ground† is almost always a misspelling of â€Å"razed to the ground†. Whilst it is possible for something to be â€Å"raised† to the ground, it would, logically, have to be below the surface beforehand. Miners could raise ore to the ground. But when talking about a building or a city the phrase should be razed to the ground. Raze which sounds the same as raise but is a completely distinct word is defined by the Compact Oxford Dictionary as follows : raze (also rase) verb, tear down and destroy (a building, town, etc.). - ORIGIN Old French raser ‘shave closely’, from Latin radere ‘scrape’. The more familiar raise, however, is from a completely different root : verb, lift or move to a higher position or level etc. - ORIGIN Old Norse, related to REAR. As an aside, raise can also be a noun, meaning an increase in salary, although this is standard only in US English. In UK English this would be called a rise. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Compared "to" or Compared "with"?26 Feel-Good Words20 Criminal Terms You Should Know

Free Essays on In The Woods With The Devil

Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown is the story of a man who was just married, Goodman Brown, and a particular night he spends in the woods. While traveling into the forest one night, Goodman Brown meets an unnamed person who looks like him so much he thinks, â€Å"they might have been taken for father and son.† As they get deeper into the forest, he soon realizes that his new friend is the devil. He tries to stop several times and insist on not going any further, but the devil tells him no and he keeps on going. While in the woods, Goodman Brown thinks that his wife Faith, is offering her soul over to the dark side. When Goodman Brown reaches out to heaven to save his wife, it is then he realizes all this was just a nightmare and soon he wakes up in the woods all alone. The central idea in the story is that faith is tempted everyday, and the devil will go to any extent to turn someone to the dark side. The main character in the story, Goodman Brown, is a simple man that comes from a very Christian family. The way both the devil and Goodman Brown are alike in appearance is significant because of the faint way the devil temps Mr. Brown. This familiarity between the two gives Mr. Brown a funny feeling of connection with the devil, thus weakening his faith. Then the devil tries to make him more comfortable by telling him of his relationship with his father and grandfather. Even though Goodman Brown’s faith looks to be strong, the devil keeps on trying to tempt him. Mr. Brown then shows his pride when he defends his family name. In the story, Mr. Brown tries to be a good man and has the will, but the skin is what is weak. The main conflict in the story is an external one. Mr. Brown is in conflict between his faith with Christianity and the temptations of the devil. Even though he seems to be a good, young Christian boy, his faith with God is put to the test when he goes into the woods that day. Goodman Brown is... Free Essays on In The Woods With The Devil Free Essays on In The Woods With The Devil Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Young Goodman Brown is the story of a man who was just married, Goodman Brown, and a particular night he spends in the woods. While traveling into the forest one night, Goodman Brown meets an unnamed person who looks like him so much he thinks, â€Å"they might have been taken for father and son.† As they get deeper into the forest, he soon realizes that his new friend is the devil. He tries to stop several times and insist on not going any further, but the devil tells him no and he keeps on going. While in the woods, Goodman Brown thinks that his wife Faith, is offering her soul over to the dark side. When Goodman Brown reaches out to heaven to save his wife, it is then he realizes all this was just a nightmare and soon he wakes up in the woods all alone. The central idea in the story is that faith is tempted everyday, and the devil will go to any extent to turn someone to the dark side. The main character in the story, Goodman Brown, is a simple man that comes from a very Christian family. The way both the devil and Goodman Brown are alike in appearance is significant because of the faint way the devil temps Mr. Brown. This familiarity between the two gives Mr. Brown a funny feeling of connection with the devil, thus weakening his faith. Then the devil tries to make him more comfortable by telling him of his relationship with his father and grandfather. Even though Goodman Brown’s faith looks to be strong, the devil keeps on trying to tempt him. Mr. Brown then shows his pride when he defends his family name. In the story, Mr. Brown tries to be a good man and has the will, but the skin is what is weak. The main conflict in the story is an external one. Mr. Brown is in conflict between his faith with Christianity and the temptations of the devil. Even though he seems to be a good, young Christian boy, his faith with God is put to the test when he goes into the woods that day. Goodman Brown is...

Story-Writing Masterclass 10 Tips for the Perfect Piece of Fiction - Freewrite Store

Story-Writing Masterclass 10 Tips for the Perfect Piece of Fiction - Freewrite Store With the rise of self-publishing on platforms like Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing and Lulu.com, it’s never been easier to realize your dreams of becoming a published author. You can publish with Amazon - both paperback and Kindle editions - for zero cost. There’s nothing holding you back from seeing your name in print. But the availability of self-publishing for all isn’t an entirely positive thing. With no quality checks, no requirements for your books to be edited, and no painstaking procedure of submitting to publishing companies (and waiting for the inevitable rejections), there’s much less pressure on would-be authors to spend time really honing their craft. That is a travesty. Don’t be one of those writers who, just because you don’t have to worry about publishers rejecting your novel, cut corners in the writing process. Your (potential) readers deserve so much more. That’s why, in this masterclass article, I’m going to share with you my ten top tips for the perfect piece of fiction - drawing on the wisdom of some of the greatest bestselling authors of all time. 1.The Glint of Light on Broken Glass The great 19th-century Russian story-teller, Anton Chekhov famously advised: â€Å"Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.† You will, of course, recognize the cornerstone piece of advice that every fiction writer reads in every single book on writing: show, don’t tell.  Ã‚  It’s not a secret, it’s not new or revolutionary, so why is it still at the top of my list? Because it’s the single most important piece of advice a writer needs. It doesn’t matter whether you’re starting your first short story or you’ve got twenty novels under your belt, if you forget this rule, you’ll let your readers down. And even the most seasoned writers have off-days (or, more commonly, off-books) where their writing becomes more tell than show and loses its impact.    So, how do you ensure that you’re showing and not telling? For me, the magic happens when I’m editing, so I don’t worry too much about the first draft. No one is going to see that but me, so it doesn’t really matter how bad it is. When I’m editing, I’m ruthless. In fact, the more books I publish, the more ruthless I get - because, seriously, I cringe when I read back my first (traditionally) published novels and wonder how on earth they managed to get published in the first place. When I’m editing, I distance myself from the writing and imagine I’m a reader, not a writer. I get bored easily, which is a good thing when I’m looking for too much tell and not enough show. If I’m bored, there’s too much tell. What works for me may not work for you (so I’m not promising anything here). You need to find what works for you. However, when you’re editing, think of Chekhov’s words. Are you writing sentences like â€Å"the moon was shining brightly†? Bo-ring! Isn’t â€Å"the glint of light on broken glass† so much more evocative? That’s what takes you from a regular writer to a masterful writer. 2. Storm Through the First Draft - and Don’t Look Back Do you know what one of the biggest stumbling blocks for would-be authors is? The fear of the blank page. I’ve worked with hundreds of writers in my years as a writing coach, and it seems to be a universal fact that the black page (or the blinking cursor) keeps a lot of people from ever realizing their writing dreams. Don’t let that happen to you! Fearing the blank page is a totally irrational fear, but it can be crippling. You probably know exactly what I’m talking about - sitting at the computer or with a notebook in front of you for hours, worrying about somehow starting your story wrong. Here’s a secret I learned from bestselling author James Patterson: There’s no such thing as starting your story wrong. The only way you can start your story wrong is if you quit and never start it at all. Beating that fear of the blank page has one simple solution: start writing. It doesn’t matter how bad it is. It doesn’t matter whether you scrap scenes later when you’re editing. The most important thing is to get words - any words - on the page. Never edit while your writing your first draft. The moment you start editing, you start questioning yourself, and that can stall the writing process all over again. So, start writing, get words on that page, and don’t you dare look back until you get to the end. 3. To Plan or Not to Plan, That is the Question This is one thing that can divide authors into two different camps - and the debates can be ferocious. I don’t want to start an all-out war, so I’m not going to tell you which camp I sit in. Instead, let’s look at both sides of the debate - and you can decide which you prefer. Just don’t make the mistake of discussing it with your writing buddies - it can get real ugly, real fast. First, let’s tackle the dedicated planners. Bestselling authors like James Ellroy and James Patterson are firmly entrenched in this camp. Ellroy, for example, writes a synopsis for his books that can be over 200 pages long. Likewise, Patterson, who writes several books a year, puts every plot detail into an outline before he starts writing his first draft. He reckons that makes it easier to start writing the first draft. What about the non-planners, or, the write-by-the-seat-of-their-pants camp of authors. British author Ian Rankin is one of these. For him, not having a plan for his novels means that writing is much more of an adventure. It’s a bit like the novel has a mind of its own and will control its own destiny - which is a pretty cool way of looking at it. Rankin’s first draft is an opportunity to get to know the characters, and that wouldn’t work if everything was planned in advance. 4. Building Your Writing Muscles You know how if you miss a week (or six) of your gym routine, getting back into the swing of it is a real struggle? The same goes for writing. Your writing ability is, in fact, a muscle, that, if not regularly exercised, will quickly atrophy. When you’ve missed a couple of gym sessions, have you ever noticed that it’s much harder to convince yourself to go back? Are you, perhaps, like me, who, once I’ve missed a couple of weeks, then there’s virtually no chance of me going back? The same can happen with writing. You can so easily get out of practice, out of the habit of daily writing, so when you do schedule time to write, you almost have to force yourself to do something that you love to do. It’s not just about keeping up a routine, either. When you’re writing fiction, writing every day keeps your relationship with your characters fresh and the plot tight. For horror-writer extraordinaire Stephen King, a daily writing habit is essential for the successful completion of a manuscript. 5. Disconnect From Distractions The internet is amazing. It connects us to like-minded people on the other side of the world, makes researching facts for your fiction an absolute breeze, and allows you to easily communicate with your fans. But for writers, the internet is also the biggest enemy of creativity and productivity. Smartphones have made the situation even worse. There are so many distractions. Social media notifications, email notifications, websites that steal our time and give us nothing in return. The number of hours I’ve lost to aimless internet browsing is embarrassing. I’m easily distracted, and since I can’t get back the hours that I’ve lost, I now resolve to disconnect from all potential distractions. When I’m working on a novel, I deliberately turn off the WiFi. Not on my computer - it’s much too easy to turn that back on. I turn off the router, because I’m less likely to give in to temptation if I have to go downstairs to reconnect to the internet. If turning off your WiFi isn’t practical, or you have other family members to think about, a distraction-free device like Freewrite may be the perfect solution for you. With no browser to distract you, you can focus on the craft of writing - and see your productivity levels soar! 6. Creating Complex Characters One of the major keys to quality fiction is characters that your readers can really care about. Creating three-dimensional characters that seem as if they could walk right off the page is a skill that can be difficult to develop. I love to read - but there’s nothing so disappointing as a book full of flat, cardboard-cutout characters. Even the best, most riveting plotline can’t save those books for me. You’ve probably noticed that human beings can be unpredictable. For your characters to be believable, then, they also need to be unpredictable. It’s important that you’re able to show different sides to your characters because that’s how your readers get to know them. For example, beginner writers often make the mistake of having villainous characters that only ever show their menacing side. However, that kind of predictability makes villains too easy to forget - and you want your characters to stick in the minds of your readers long after they’re finished reading the book. Think about it - what’s more memorable: the villain who only ever does nasty things, or the villain who’s nasty 90% of the time but spends every Sunday afternoon teaching his kid brother self-defense? 7. The Movie Reel in Your Mind Screenwriters are usually able to make the switch to writing fantastic fiction quite easily, but fiction writers don’t find it so easy to write scripts. That’s not always the case, and there are always exceptions to the rule, but there is a really good reason why that’s the case. Writing for the screen means having a kind of birds’ eye view of your story, picturing every detail as if the movie is already made and running on a reel in your mind’s eye. When I coach writers who are struggling with mastering story elements like point of view (POV) and bringing their stories to life on the page, I often recommend a short course in scriptwriting. Having to constantly think about whose point of view each scene is from and focus on the details of the setting, what characters are doing as they speak, and even what’s visible at the edge of the shot is great practice for writing realistic fiction that really draws your readers in. There are short courses in screenwriting that you can find online - such as courses on Udemy - and it’s worth trying these out to see for yourself how your writing can improve when you’re running every scene through the movie reel in your mind. 8. Follow Your Characters Wherever They Lead If you fall into the camp of painstaking planners we discussed earlier, this one may make you feel a bit uncomfortable. Planners don’t like to take diversions. But if you’ve never had the joyful pleasure of allowing your characters to take your story in a different direction, then you’re missing something really quite exhilarating. Sometimes it doesn’t work out, and you have to go back, but other times your characters take you on an adventure of discovery that allows you to share the same sense of excitement and anticipation that your readers get to experience. To be able to follow your characters, though, you have to bring them to life on the page. It’s the larger-than-life characters that take you on the best adventures - and help you to discover the true depths of your own imagination. I love to read books that suddenly head off in an unexpected direction because I know that the author has been on one of those wonderful adventures - and their writing is so much richer for it. Never be afraid to see where your characters want to take you - what’s the worst that could happen? 9. Live Your Character’s Life Has your character eaten today? I’m serious. Have they? Did they shower this morning? You might be thinking that I’ve lost the plot (pardon the pun) but the details of your characters lives matter to your readers. Or, at least, they should. I’ve lost count of the number of manuscripts I’ve reviewed for coaching clients where I’ve started to get seriously concerned about the characters. No, I don’t need to know each time a character takes a bathroom break, but your characters need to have some level of humdrum in their lives to be believable. A really effective tool you can use to see how believable your characters’ everyday lives are is to try to live your character’s life for a day. If you get to the end of the day and you’re exhausted and grumpy because you’ve been dashing around all over the place without eating a single meal, then you might be able to see the cracks in the believability. Regular things have to happen as well as the exciting things that keep the plot moving forward - or your readers might start losing interest. 10. If You Don’t Read Regularly You’ve No Business Being a Writer That may sound a little controversial - and I am aware that there are some bestselling authors who insist that they cannot possibly read anyone else’s fiction while they’re working on their own novels. If I’m honest, I used to worry about how reading novels would affect my writing - until I realized that not reading was worse for my craft than reading ever could be. Not only does immersing yourself in another author’s creation offer the opportunity to relax and unwind, but it helps you hone your craft. Even if the book you’re reading is terrible, there’s something you can learn from it (like how not to write a novel). Reading books that bestselling authors have written is an excellent way of developing your own skills. You can enjoy a book and learn from it at the same time. Recognize the techniques that have the most power. Discover ways of using language that you haven’t considered before. Examine the pacing and the plot twists and all the myriad ways that authors show instead of telling - and pillage and plunder those same techniques for your own writing. Bonus Tip - Write For Yourself One of the biggest mistakes you can make as an author is to start to worry about what other people are going to think about your masterpiece. The moment you start staring into that particular black hole, you’re setting up a whole load of trip-wires for yourself. Don’t worry about who might - or might not - read your novel. Don’t give them a second thought - not while you’re writing. Write your novel for you. Enjoy it. Savor it. When you get too focused on the mysterious ‘potential reader’ you start questioning and second-guessing yourself, until your creativity gives a big sigh and stomps off in frustration - leaving you staring hopelessly at that flashing cursor on the blank page - right back where you started.

Qualitative Research Designs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Qualitative Research Designs - Assignment Example The research design used by the researchers for this study is review of the existing literature because the aim of the researchers was to gain an insight into the issue and explore it in its depth. Qualitative research designs have always been used on a wide scale to conduct nursing related studies (Polit & Beck, 2012). The research design used for this particular study appears to be appropriate because review of the existing literature always provides some good amount of information that can be used for any qualitative studies. There were no apparent ethical issues for this research as the researchers did not involve general public. Rather they made use of the existing literature to base their conclusions. All literature used in the study is properly cited and referenced, thus, no issue of copyright exists as well. If the study design would have been quantitative, the researchers would have followed a systemic process to gather information. Moreover, there would also have been some test relationships and an analysis of the cause and effect relationships. Polit, D. F., & Beck, C. T. (2012). Nursing research: Generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Chapter 20, â€Å"Qualitative Research Design and

The needs of future generations are being met by current policies of Essay - 3

The needs of future generations are being met by current policies of sustainable development. To what extent do you agree with this statement - Essay Example Sustainable development, therefore, is the utilization of resources (especially natural resources) in way that ensures that these resources will not be depleted while serving today’s generation and thus deny the future generations the opportunity to benefit from these resources. A simple example can be the utilization of timber for various uses such as furniture, fuel, paper production among many others; although the current generation should be able to use these resources to provide these essential products for the current generation, they must be considerate of the fact that the forest from which the timber is being harvested is not an infinite resource and can easily be depleted. In such a case, those who exploit these resources must have a strategy to protect the forest by for instance coming up with alternatives for providing the products that would otherwise be harvested from timber, or by renewing the forest by planting new trees (Jackson, 2011). It is not all sustainab le development plans that translate into positive results. Due to how important sustainable development is, it is necessary to identify whether the current sustainable development strategies are going to translate into positive outcomes for future generations. Sustainable development is important because it takes care of the future. Current human generations have a responsibility to the future generation to preserve the available resources so that the future generation can also survive in the planet. Without sustainable development, the current generation would benefit, but at the expense of tomorrow’s generation. Sustainable development is also necessary for the current generation. This is because some of the current resources, if not used well would be depleted even within the lifetime of the current generation. In this regard, although sustainable development has a focus on preserving resources for the future generation, it is at the same time a way to save

Buddhist canonical texts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Buddhist canonical texts - Essay Example The latter are the various commentaries on canonical texts and other treatises on the Dharma, as well as collections of quotations, histories, grammars, etc. () However, it should be borne in mind that many divisions are arbitrary, and some texts fall between categories, or can be associated with more than one category. Canonical texts are in some way or other associated with Gautama, the historical Buddha. Different schools, however, are not always in agreement about which texts are canonical, and the various recessions of the Buddhist Canon contain widely varying numbers and types of texts. Broadly speaking, the texts come in three types: sutras (i.e. discourses), vinaya (relating to the rules of monastic discipline), and abhidharma (analytical texts). Together these three make up what is known in Sanskrit as the Tripitaka and in Pali as the Tipitaka. Both the sutras and the vinaya of every Buddhist school contain a huge variety of documents including discourses on the Dharma, commentaries on other teachings, cosmological and cosmogonical texts, stories of the Buddha's previous lives, and various lists (Skilton 50). The Theravada and other Nikaya schools believe, more or less literally, that these texts contain the actual words of the Buddha. The Theravada canon, also known as the Pali Canon after the language it was written in, contains some four million words. Later texts, such as the Mahayana Sutras, are also considered to be the word of the Buddha, but were transmitted either in secret, via lineages of mythical beings (such as the nagas), or came directly from other Buddhas or bodhisattvas. Some 600 Mahayana Sutras have survived in Sanskrit, or in Chinese and/or Tibetan translation. The most complete Mahayana Canon is in Chinese, though it was originally in Sanskrit. It contains texts from many strands of earlier tradition. Non or semi-canonical texts have been important from very early in Buddhism. Extensive commentaries exist in Pali for the Pali Canon and in Tibetan, Chinese and other East Asian Languages. Important examples of non-canonical texts are the Visuddhimagga, or Path of Purification, by Buddhaghosa, which is a compendium of Theravada teachings that include quotes from the Pali Canon. The Milinda Panha, or Questions of Milinda, is a popular condensation of the Dharma in the form of a dialogue between the Buddhist sage Nagasena and the Indo-Greek King Menander (Eddy 164). The treatise Awakening of Faith in the Mahayana (attributed by the faithful to Ashvaghosa) strongly influenced Mahayana doctrine and inspired numerous commentaries authored by early Chinese and Korean Buddhist teachers. Shantideva's Bodhicaryavatara has been influential in both Mahayana and Vajrayana, and his Shikshasamucaya contains references to texts which are no longer extant in any other form. The Platform Sutra of Huineng might be considered a semi-canonical text, it is one of a very few texts not thought to be spoken by the Buddha that has the label "sutra". One should note, however, that this distinction may be an artifact of translation: in the original Chinese, the Platform Sutra is a jing, a term that may be translated as "sutra", but is also applied to a variety of other classic texts, such as the Daodejing and the Shi Jing. In the Platform Sutra, Hui Neng gives an autobiographical account of his succession as Zen Patriarch, as well as teachings about Zen theory and practice. The Zen and Ch'an school in particular rely on non-canonical

Land cruiser vs nissan patrol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Land cruiser vs nissan patrol - Essay Example Extensively, the Toyota Land Cruiser performs its road tests in the Australian road conditions. With time, the Toyota land Cruiser’s popularity has spread globally (O’Kane 2010). A Nissan Motors, a Japanese-based company, make the Nissan Patrol 4WD. In Japan, it is known as the Nissan Safari. In Japan, it is still referred to as the Nissan Safari even if its production stops in the year 2004. During the early 1960s, the actor of the film ‘Cowboy’ liked the vehicle incredibly that he was offered a Nissan 4WD by the automaker in return for his backing. By 1964, the model cost approximately $1,616 (leppard 2008). By the 1960s, the vehicle was utilized as a military vehicle specifically in the Middle East and South Asia. Primarily, the patrol was a transport vehicle used by the Indian army in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At the Indian plant where it was assembled, it was named Jonga. The United Nations agencies in addition utilized the Patrol. The Patrol enjoys a recommendable popularity in numerous countries in the Middle East, also the United Arab Emirates. The design is now accessible with entertainment equipment, keyless start and other impressive features (leppard 2008). When launched in 2010, the carmaker made it public that they will continue producing the older generation alongside the new generation ones. The best of them all in touring is the Nissan 4WD model. The 2010 model came as a 5-doors design, along with 4.8-litre inline 6-cylinder engine as average, and the 5-speed automatic choice, with tiptronic or the 5-speed manual. In the middle 2011, a 3-door short-wheelbase design was availed with similar drivetrain, as the 2012 design (leppard 2008). The patrol contains the interior modern features like wood trim, cd/mp3 stereo, fog lamps, cloth upholstery, manual a/c 16-inch wheel, and other apparatus (leppard 2008). The Toyota has three, 4WD land cruiser model, but there is one that is

Blackberrys Social Scope as a Business Tool Research Paper

Blackberrys Social Scope as a Business Tool - Research Paper Example This papaer stresses that the initial ubiquitous team that developed the app, in the beginning made it as a mobile application. The project began under iPhone backing but switched to Blackberry because of background processing. This allows the user to monitor, as well as report, their tweeter feeds while continuing to use other apps on their platform. In business, the background processing allows the user to access their emails, browse information they do not understand, check on stock markets, and read their business Facebook and Twitter messages. These messages are pulled for viewing each time one switches back to using Social scope. Given Blackberry’s fundamental utility as a messaging device, the vibrant half-VGA display and QWERTY keyboard completes a two-way device for communication. This report discusses that the app also ensures that no delay is experienced when receiving Twitter messages, which can be crucial in an organization that relies on information. Social scope ensures that all recent messages are displayed on the screen. The entrepreneur does not require their app be left open in order to receive messages, and they do not require to re-login. The messages are just present when required, providing immediacy for the organization’s PR department. Red Robin Gourmet Burgers introduced their new burger line last month and turned to social media. Using Social scope to foster connections also allows companies to match the skills of employees working. for them across the world who, otherwise, would have found it difficult to communicate in between their work schedules. It has become especially valuable for business entities built on acquisition where the managers in the various divisions are not acquainted to one another. An American supermarket chain su ch as Shaw in Boston, has utilized Social scope for this purpose

Land cruiser vs nissan patrol Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Land cruiser vs nissan patrol - Essay Example Extensively, the Toyota Land Cruiser performs its road tests in the Australian road conditions. With time, the Toyota land Cruiser’s popularity has spread globally (O’Kane 2010). A Nissan Motors, a Japanese-based company, make the Nissan Patrol 4WD. In Japan, it is known as the Nissan Safari. In Japan, it is still referred to as the Nissan Safari even if its production stops in the year 2004. During the early 1960s, the actor of the film ‘Cowboy’ liked the vehicle incredibly that he was offered a Nissan 4WD by the automaker in return for his backing. By 1964, the model cost approximately $1,616 (leppard 2008). By the 1960s, the vehicle was utilized as a military vehicle specifically in the Middle East and South Asia. Primarily, the patrol was a transport vehicle used by the Indian army in the late 1960s and early 1970s. At the Indian plant where it was assembled, it was named Jonga. The United Nations agencies in addition utilized the Patrol. The Patrol enjoys a recommendable popularity in numerous countries in the Middle East, also the United Arab Emirates. The design is now accessible with entertainment equipment, keyless start and other impressive features (leppard 2008). When launched in 2010, the carmaker made it public that they will continue producing the older generation alongside the new generation ones. The best of them all in touring is the Nissan 4WD model. The 2010 model came as a 5-doors design, along with 4.8-litre inline 6-cylinder engine as average, and the 5-speed automatic choice, with tiptronic or the 5-speed manual. In the middle 2011, a 3-door short-wheelbase design was availed with similar drivetrain, as the 2012 design (leppard 2008). The patrol contains the interior modern features like wood trim, cd/mp3 stereo, fog lamps, cloth upholstery, manual a/c 16-inch wheel, and other apparatus (leppard 2008). The Toyota has three, 4WD land cruiser model, but there is one that is

Music and religion in South East Asia ( Philippines Christianity Essay

Music and religion in South East Asia ( Philippines Christianity Pasyon and Lant music- Culture, music, religion, and history) - Essay Example Moreover, the relation of Payson to Southeast Asian music and culture entails in this paper. The Payson entails seven major Filipino languages. The languages influence the culture, religion, and music of the Philippines Christianity in diverse and varied forms (Paul, 2002, p. 5). The languages tend to explain the cultures and religion of the natives in Southeast Asia in explaining Payson verses and it is influence to the music and culture of the Philippines. Besides, the languages consist of three thousand rhymed stanzas that comprise of five lines each. It narrates the history of salvation from the creation times to the second coming of Jesus Christ. It includes apocryphal stories, which consists of detailed account and prayerful moments of Christ. The passion and meditation of Christ also includes in the Payson. Majority of the Philippines sing Payson after meals to retain a sacral undertone according to the culture and religion of the Asians. Therefore, the introduction of Payson verses in the Roman Catholic Church has contributed greatly to the development of and influence of Philippines culture, music, religion and history. The verses consist of major teachings and ideas concerning the culture and religion of the Philippines’ in their daily lives. Therefore, Southeast Asian communities concentrate on the developments of Payson verses and ideas to enable them mature in their religion and music in the daily lives (Paul, 2002, p 8). Natives born in a protestant family have the memory of Payson in their daily lives. This is because the developments of Payson started from dramatic actions of reliving the trial, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The main participants of the dramas came from Protestant families since it was a norm for them to introduce any new member of the Payson verses. It encouraged and developed a majority of individuals,

Top games Essay Example for Free

Top games Essay Nearly all the children could do the above I therefore suggest that the game is appropriate for the age range I planned it for. Throughout this observation the children have gained developing co-ordination and control over the cards. They have used fine motor skills to lift a turn over the cards, for the first few times the children turned over the cards they had a little difficulty all of the children discovered however that if they slide the card to the edge of the table it was easier to pick up. They have also been learning about sharing and turn taking and how everyone has to have fair turns and not to hurry them along. They have been thinking about ordinal numbers (first second etc) and what number comes next, and also through my open-ended questions, about lengths and sizes of the lines. B F Skinners theory of positive and negative reinforcement also fits in here. If a child gets a number and puts it in the correct order, they may be praised, told well done. There actions have been reinforced (positive reinforcement). On the other hand a child may not come first the first time they play the game, they may not like this feeling which would inspire them to really try the next time, although if they do not come first again the may take a disliking to the game. I was fully prepared for the activity as all I needed was the game cards, I didnt need any additional resources. I discussed with my placement supervisor the suitability of the game and whether she thought it to be age and stage appropriate to these children. I was mostly completely planned and ready for this activity although it would have been helpful if I could have more time, there was enough time to play quite a few games, but not all the children in the class got a chance to play and not also was that unfair to some of the children I could have benefited from seeing the whole class dealing with the game to support my evaluation more. As I have said the number of children in the group was correct it was easy to manage the situation. I think that I gave clear instructions although it may have made more sense to the children if I had set down some firm ground rules at the start. Again the only thing that did not go to plan was the amount of time I had allocated for the game. The resources I made was suitable for its purpose it lasted quite well and was quite durable as they were backed onto card I think in future I would laminate the cards so they were more durable. It did help the children to learn, but I think it would have been more helpful to them if the numbers were higher as most of the children already knew their numbers one to five quite well. I could also have made different versions of the game such as, instead of trains I could do flowers or animals depending on what the subject they were focusing on at the time was. Mind map-China-I think that including the whole class was suitable because the children all gained feedback off each other. Although it was quite difficult to tell how many of the children could count the suggestions as they all counted at the same time, some of the children could have been following what everyone else was saying. When the children were asked (separately) how many suggestions to make twenty? they took a little longer than I had expected to work it out but got it right in the end. Some of the children had a little prompting as how to work it out. As the suggestion about Chinese writing came up a lot I wasnt sure if the children were copying the first child who suggested it or whether they were going to suggest it in the first place. Tassoni and Beith (2002 p 400) state that between the ages of four and six years a child should normally be: Showing more understanding and using reason based on their experiences ? Starting to use and understand symbols e. g. reading and writing Again nearly all the children could do the above I suggest therefore that this activity is appropriate for the age and stage of these children. The children have been learning in the area of knowledge and understanding of the world they have been thinking of past events that they could link with the subject of China (e. g. I had a Chinese last night). The children have expanded in their knowledge of listening, not interrupting and waiting to be asked before speaking. They have also learnt a bit about how to discuss with people. They have also been learning about mathematics by counting how many suggestions are on the board and calculating how many more Again with this activity I can see where B F Skinners theory fits in. in a similar way to the first activity if a child comes up with good suggestions they will get a well done. This will encourage them to think deeper to think of another suggestion to get the same praise (positive reinforcement). B F Skinner also says that by ignoring certain behaviour it may disappear which could be done with the children that interrupt. Tassoni and Beith (2992 p 223) state that adults need to extend childrens vocabulary and help them to use language as a way of thinking, open questions can be used when working with children. This means asking questions where children have to give more than one worded answers during my activity I believe I covered this as I asked a few open ended and the children responded well. Children also need to learn the skills of listening and this means that we must be good role models for them by listening to them although the children were good at listening I still believe that I acted as a good role model to them by listening to all of the suggestions and not being dismissive. I wasnt prepared for the amount of suggestions that the children gave it may have been helpful if I had a spare piece of paper for such circumstances. I had discussed with my placement supervisor the suitability of this activity I discussed whether it was age and stage appropriate and whether it was stimulating enough for the children to sit there for a while and pay attention. I think that the time I had allocated for this activity was appropriate; the times were roughly similar when the children started to run out of suggestions and when we had to start the next activity. The activity was a success there was good feedback later on throughout the day and the children were also asking to have other people suggestions explained to them (showing they were interested in the subject). I had extra support from my supervisor to manage all of the children as it was a class of twenty-eight so it was managed quite well. I gave clear instructions about what we were doing but not about how they had to sit or that they had to wait to be asked. I think that it would have been beneficial to explain this before the activity was started to set down the ground rules. Other than this all went to plan with the activity. Recommendations The train game when I asked the children the questions I often got one-word answers, in order to help them expand on the subject more, the adult in the situations asking more open-ended questions about the subject could do this. During the game I had two children with the same favourite colour I dealt with this by playing two games, it may have been easier to ask the children to swap in the middle of the game or to not let the children choose at all I could just deal the cards to them. I could also for future games keep the colours the same (starting cards one colour, number one cards another colour etc). In order for the children to progress, I could make other cards numbered up to ten, if this proved to difficult because of the amount of cards on the table they could be separated into two piles one to five and six to ten. I could also play the game backwards if they had managed it the original way well. I could make the cards colour co-ordinated e. g. either they have to get the whole set of one colour to win or that the aim is to make a pattern. The best way I think to extend this activity would be turning it into a quiz each child is asked a maths question, if they get the question right they can turn over a card if they get it wrong they will wait until their next turn. In this activity whatever the version an adult would need to be present to make sure the game is being carried out in the way planned, that the children are all taking turns and that the children are being sensible with the cards.

Influence Of Cultural Identity On Learning English English Language Essay

Influence Of Cultural Identity On Learning English English Language Essay 1-Background of the study: The disadvantages faced by migrant Muslim women in Australia in trying to acquire proficiency in English may result from their diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds as well as the ethnic, religious and cultural barriers based on gender discrimination. Due to their religious and cultural beliefs the needs of the Muslim women are different from other NESB (non English speaking background) communities in Australia. Not being able to access their English language entitlements isolates these women and limits them from participating in the general Australian community. Muslims from Asia first migrated to Australia from the 1860s as divers from Malay and as Afghan cameleers to work for the European settlers. Describe English language as a global language and why interested for people for example: (Non-native speakers of English study the English language for different reasons. For migrant non native speakers of English, bilingualism may be matter of importance to them as their the mother tongue is usually reserved for the domestic and social domains while English speaking skills are acquired for use in the public domain. For Muslims, the issue of bilingualism is much more complex as language for them is not only tied to culture and tradition but also has strong links with religion and religious practices. These religious practices impact both the domestic as also the public realm. For Muslims who do not speak Arabic as mother tongue, the language of religion is different from that of the private space where the mother tongue may be retained. This is further complicated by the impact Islam with its strict doctrines on the roles of men and women in domestic and social life has on the publi c and private domains. The three main languages spoken by Australian Muslims are Arabic, Turkish and English. Add in text from Lambert Gardner and Lambert (1959, as cited in Jahan and Roger, p.3) have summed the orientation of English learners into two: integrative and interpretative. The term integrative entails institutionalizing the English language and this is more common in countries where English native speakers occupied as colonizers (Gardner and Lambert, 1959, as cited in Jahan and Roger, p.3). Meanwhile the term interpretative entails a more personal level of learning wherein the objective is use the language for business purposes and other functional and utilitarian purposes; this may also be characterized as having a higher degree of learner?s interest (Crookes and Schmidt, 1991, as cited in Jahan and Roger, p.3). 1-1-Teaching English as a global language: English has long become the lingua franca for most countries. As English grows in importance as a global language, so does the dependence of people on it from across the world. This is perhaps because the language of science is English and most of the scientific development has been recorded using English as the medium of interactive communication. The inter-dependence of nations in the world is growing as businesses and multi-national corporations across the globe develop and grow. That is the reason why English will perhaps remain the most active and dynamic language for global communication. This ubiquitous presence of English in almost all streams of life and human activities may be attributed to the colonization of most parts of the world, by the Europeans. England had covered vast areas in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Australia during colonization and it only reflects as the language most in use in these areas. Implicitly, this distinction may be a clue to how English is viewed in a particular country- for instance, either as a foreign language (true for interpretative orientation) or as a second language (true for integrative orientation). On a very practical level, globalization reinforced the status of English as the world?s lingua franca. Historically, the spread of English results from colonialism (Le Ha, 2008, p.73) and imperialism. Now, at present context, as Tollefson Tsui (2007, p.1) affirm, there are two tools of globalization- technology and English. Indeed, the study of English by individuals with a non-English speaking background (NESB) is now recogniz ed to be of an utmost importance for practical and useful purposes- English is used for the promotion of global economy, trade and even in humanitarian functions (see Garcia Otheguy, 1989, p.3, as cited in Le Ha, 2008, p.72). The trend of acknowledging and promoting this importance is easy to see. For instance, there is the ever-increasing statistics of NESB individuals studying English anywhere in the world (Jahan Roger, 2006, p.1). For instance, in East Asia, Japan and Korea (Tsui Toleffson, 2007, p.4) considered the study and use of English as political and economic strategy to assert presence in the global village (Albrow, 1990, 1996; Giddens, 1990, 2000, as cited in Tollefson Tsui, 2007, p.1). Then try to connect this paragraph to the next paragraph. For example according to important of english to people in the world in general, english is very important for migrants in Australia especially for muslim in particular, in the next subtitle I will explain why english matters for immigrants in Australia. Always make connect with the next subtitle. Status of Muslims in Australia 1-2-Why learning English language matters to Muslim immigrants in Australia :-I want you first to explain the status of immigrants ( in general) in Australia , for example why they leave their home countries and came to Australia( you have to focus on forced immigrants, for example you have to say that they leave their home country because they looking for safe and because the bad security situation in their home countries and the reasons in details then talk about forced Muslim immigrants ,why they leave their home countries and come to Australia, and mention that they leave some members of their families behind them, explain in details(you have to focus on forced immigrants because they will help you in the literature review in next chapter when you talk about longing, belonging and Diaspora because they are forced immigrants and leave part of their family members like fathers or mother or sisters) then talk about Iraqi Muslim immigrants( for example; in the case of Iraqi Muslim im migrants women ,many Iraqi Muslim families leave the Iraq, they left Iraq because their husbands were working as interpreters with the coalition forces(Australian army) , the terrorists in Iraq consider or identify any body working with the coalition forces as a spy, therefore they left Iraq. According to the Islamic/Arabic culture, the husbands consider as a guardian for their wives. Therefore their wives left Iraq with their husbands and left their parents and Islamic community and lived in Australia so the Iraqi Muslim women were forced to leave Iraq and came to Australia. Explain in details by using your own writing.( use citations in the paragraph to support you writing), it is important to make connect with the next subtitle. Why immigrants need to learn English- Then you have to mention why the immigrants must learn English in Australia, for example to integrate with the Australia society, for successful settlement, and to get a job?explain in details, Problems of language learning for adults Then you have to mention that some immigrants facing difficulties in learning English for many problems. In the case of Iraqi Muslim women, they facing many challenges related to their Islamic/Arabic/Iraqi cultural identity. That what want to investigate in this research, the influence of their cultural identity on their learning English as ESL at language centre in Australia. 1-3- Example from my real life as a migrant and ESL learner in Australia:( rewrite this example by your own words , it is very important) Problem of Muslim identity in Australia I and my wife were came to Australia as forced Immigrants, as I mentioned above, I was one of the interpreters who were worked with the Australian Army in Iraq. Therefore, I left Iraq with my family looking for safe in Australia. When arrived in Australia, my wife started learning English at AMES language centre. After three weeks study English at AMES, my wife was much complain and uncomfortable in learning English at AMES language centre. She explained to me that these challenges related to her identity as a Muslim. For example she said that (her Veil/Hijjab represent her identity, so it is important for me to respect the values and traditions in my cultural identity when I learning English language at AMES in Australia. She said that some students in my classroom were aware when I wearing my Veil/Hijjab.in addition to the English teaching materials in Australia reflect the real life in Australia. These values are opposite to my values as a Muslim. Also she explained to me that she is not interest in interact with the Australian Society, because there are many factors in Australia prevent me related to my cultural identity. So learning English is not important for me because one day I will return back to my home country, Iraq). Because the system in the AMES Language centre allow to students to study at Home by sending Tutor to them to their home, My wife selected this choice and started study English at Home. From my wife experience learning English at AMES, I was confused because I thought these factors are not real challenges affect my wifes learning English. And I thought that my wife will back to AMES one day. But later on I realized these challenges that faced my wife when I got a job in Australia. In the first day of my job, my Boss, he was Russian, was angry because he saw me at lunch time praying, he told me it is not good to pray here, I explain to him that I am Muslim and I have 30 minute lunch time and it is the time of pray. The boss told me, you are not in Iraq, you are in Australia. Therefore, I left this job. At this time, I got directly to my wifes challenge in learning English, She tried to maintain her identity by wear her veil and avoiding different and strange values when she learning English. And I tried to maintain my identity as a Muslim by praying. 1-4-The rationale for the study: -To be able to communicate with the Australian community, most immigrants learn English as a second language at AMES language centre in Melbourne, Australia. As I, my wife and many Iraqi Muslim families immigrated to Australia in 2008, most of them of started learning English language at AMES language centre at the same year. My wife explained to me that there are many issues related to her identity as Muslim women has affected her English learning at AMES language centre. At that time I was interest to investigate the same issues with the other Muslim women from Iraq who immigrated to Australia. 1-5-The aims of the study: -Because Iraqi Muslim women are a part of other NESB women, this research focuses on the problems Iraqi women face when pursuing their studies at an English language centre in Australia. In particular, Does maintaining the Islamic cultural identity when learning English in western society is the main challenge facing women with Islamic cultural background? Therefore I will conduct qualitative in which Muslim womens experiences and perceptions are tapped by using in-depth interviews. 1-6-Research Questions: 1- What perspectives of Iraqi cultural identity do Iraqi Muslim women bring to English learning at AMES language centre in Australia? 2-To what extent does Iraqi Muslim identity impact on Iraqi womens learning in western society (Australia)? 3-Why do Iraqi women in Australia prefer learning English at home instead of AMES language centre? 4-To maintain their cultural values, do Iraqi women prefer learning English away from English culture? 5- What are some implications for Adult ESL providers? 1-7-Organization of the thesis: This study consist of five chapters, following this introductory chapter, chapter two is the argument on identity, according to some western scholars identity is always changing according to the place and time because also they thinks religion is a part of culture while the Islamic identity in the Islamic concept is divided in to essentials qualities and non- essential qualities, the essential factors in the Islamic identity will never change. Therefore Muslim women must maintain these essential factors in her identity. So when Muslim women maintain these factors as her identity, there will be many factors in western society (Australia) will affect their learning English in Australia. Also, I will discuss the implications of acculturation in Second language learning to investigate the challenges of Iraqi Muslim women in learning English when they maintain their essential factors in their identity. Chapter two: Literature review: (5000 words) *overview 2-1-1-Definition of identity: 2-1-2- Concept of identity in Western view (it is very important to use many citations in each subtitle with mention Author name,year,page number) Here you have to talk about identity, because Western Scholars affirm that identity is always changeable and not stable according to time and place. How the identity construct. Also they affirm that religion is a part of culture. Depend on Hall, Norton and others. Also some of them asserted that there are multiple identities. Use many citations. (Be careful that you will discuss the concept of identity from Islamic view later on in other subtitle, so prepare for that subtitle here) 2-1-3- language: Use many citations when you talk about language learning. 2-1-4- The relationship between identity and Language learning: (use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-1-5- The Application of Acculturation Theoriesand models in Second Language Acquisition: (use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year. When explain here take in your consideration the immigrants, explain in details about acculturation strategies for immigrants in second language learning and how immigrants deal with strategies? be aware that you will based on because later on in the findinigs chapter 4 ,i wiil investigate why iraqi women separated, because they want to maintain their identity tnen that influenced their learning english 2-1-6- Consideration of identity in Acculturation: Explain the role of identity in acculturation and how it affects. (use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-3-Concept of identity in Islamic view: Explain that identity according to Islamic scholar is not always changeable because there some essential factors in identity will never change such as pillars of Islam and articles of faith. Also they consider culture is a part of religion. How the identity construct. Explain in details and then talk about viel/Hijjab as a part of articles of faith to prepare for the next subtitle. (Use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-3-1- Veil or Hijjab as a Muslim women identity: Explain what veil means in Islam for example as identity of Muslim women. Why the veil is important, what veil means for other Muslims, why veil important in Islam, which values that veil refer to. (use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-3-2- The role of Iraqi culture in English teaching materials:( use citations to support these writing and rewrite this paragraph according to your own writing) In the case of Iraq, it has a closed-culture society where tradition and the impact of culture and religion are strong even in education. The obstacles that may impede hitting the teaching and learning target goals include: (1) the teachers? attitude and (2) the learners? attitude (Doukas, 1996. pp.187-188). Iraq is a country with 28, 506, 000 population). It is a country in the Middle East that is rich with its Islamic and Arabic traditions. These traditions are the strongest factor that exerts a very solid influence on the conduct of everyday life of its citizens, as well as, quite reflected by country?s social structures. These traditions also established a shared set of ideologies among its people. Iraqi culture is a non-western way of life that forms the key foundation in the locals? education. For Iraqis who stayed mainly in Iraq most of their lives, influence is strongest. Iraqis have very strong beliefs in their own system of beliefs, tradition and culture and they readily re ject anything which they recognize as foreign, especially if they are confined in Iraq. This strong affinity with what they own locally is readily apparent in their well-preserved ways of life. As an Iraqi myself, I say that Iraqis tend to respect cultural differences but when it comes to cultural conflict, they reject anything considered as foreign. To utilize the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach to teach English in Iraq using western resources can then be a very challenging position. Iraqi educational culture is essentially teacher-centered. It is readily observed anywhere in Iraq that the mentor posses the concentration of power and authority. The mentor takes the role of knowledge communicator. It is expected that teachers are the ones to give ideas and information. In other words, student- teacher interactions are less frequent and restricted. These interactions always base from respect and so, it is rarely that students would challenge the point of view of their teachers. Indeed, while this may be viewed as characterizing ?a limited, narrow-minded people, whose inert intellects lay fallow in incurious resignation? (Porter, 1994, p.155; cited in Penycook, 1998; as cited in Le Ha, 2004, p.51), it is more of attitude of respect for teachers dictated by the local culture. On the surface, it may seem that Iraqi students would simply take in whatever is fed to them but there is more to it than simply accepting and eventually echoing the information received. In my view, it is never possible to echo what is just received because in the end, students will always process information and take the meaning from the whole, and not in fragments. Additionally, interactions among students are also less frequent and discouraged. In Iraqi culture, interactions like this are considered more as noise or unnecessary disturbance and are thus, prohibited. Lastly, educational resources used are essentially based on the local culture. This comes rather obvious considering how mono-cultural the society is, and where exposure to non-Iraqi local practices is quite less 2-4- Factors that affect Muslim womens English learning at AMES Language centre: 2-4-1-Negative stereotype held by the host society against Islam and womens veil: explain how negative stereotype against Islam and veil affect Muslim learning Englishin general do not mention iraqi women talk about muslim in general in Australia. Please make connection between negative stereotype and its affect on learning English. How the events after 11 September?.. how media affect on in image of Islam?.then talk in details about veil. (Use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-4-2-longing and belonging: explain longing and belonging affect women learning English. They forced immigrants?..(use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-4-3-Diapora: explain how Diaspora affects women learning English, (use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number ,year 2-4-4- A clash of learning culture: explain how when people learning new culture especially muslim affect their learning.(use many citations) use in-text referencing with author name, page number , year The Application of Acculturation Theories in Second Language Acquisition Second language acquisition (SLA) is the process by which individuals learn a language other than their native language (mother-tongue) leading to bilingualism (Norton, 198, 4). The easiness, ability and success with which the second language- in linguistic terms referred to as the target language (TL) is acquired depends on various socio-cultural and psychological factors, which can either encourage or hinder the learnerà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s motivation. Various theories of SLA have been formulated to explain how learners acquire a second language, and the factors that influence the outcome. The acculturation theory explains that social and psychological factors determine the extent to which a second language can be learnt. It is the gradual process by which immigrants or second language learners (2LL) get immersed into the culture of the target language, and as a result learns about that language, à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"through social and psychological integrationà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  (Schumann, 1986, 379). Intercultural differences, however, sometimes make it difficult for immigrants to earn a second language in a new culture. This is especially the case for adolescents and emerging adults (Schwartz, et al, 2006, 2), who are still in the process of identity development. Among Muslim immigrants in the US, for instance, factors such as culture shock and dominance may hinder SLA. Culture shock occurs when immigrants are introduced to a new culture, with a lifestyle different from their ethnic background, such as dressing and socialization patterns. In terms of p sychological factors, the immigrantsà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ attitudes about the TL and level of motivation to learn determine the success rate. It affects the level of contact between people of different cultures, and the degree of language learning that takes place as a result (Berry, 2001, 16). For instance, a negative attitude towards the Western culture and way of life will discourage social interaction and hence learning. Nonetheless, second language learners employ a number of acculturation strategies in response to the challenges encountered in the new culture (Bhatia Ram, 2001, 4). They can range from racism to ethnocentrism, both of which can significantly discourage acculturation and in effect, the rate of second language acquisition (Norton, 1986, 13). By assimilation, the 2LL loses their home culture and instead acquires the host culture, such as language and lifestyle. Integration takes place when the 2LL are able to retain their home culture in a culturally plural society (Berry, 1998, 12), while learning and accepting the culture of the TL. On the other hand, separation occurs when the individual refuses to get assimilated or integrated into the new culture. Finally, marginalization takes place if the immigrant suffers rejection, depression and anxiety, and as a consequent gets distanced from both their home and host cultures. In conclusion, second language acquisition is a product of interacting socio-cultural and psychological factors. The acculturation theories identify these factors as responsible for the rate at which immigrants acquire a new language when they are exposed to a different culture. Professor Abdullah Saeed (2004). Muslim Australians. Melbourne: National Capital Printing. [Accessed 30 August 2010]. Available from: http://www.abdullahsaeed.org/book/muslim-australians-their-beliefs-practices-and-institutions.

Survival of the Marine Corps Essay -- essays research papers fc

SURVIVAL OF THE MARINE CORPS The Marine Corps historical characteristics after the Civil War could be based in part on survivability and the need for the Marine Corps to prove its worth to the United States as a Military Force. The Marine Corps part in the Civil War had been small and not altogether impressive. Both the Army and the Navy did not regard the Marine Corps as useful. This paper will in effect touch on the Marine Corps history from after the Civil War to World War I. It will then converge on a discussion with regards to the fight against the disestablishment of the Marine Corps. (Simmons/Moskin 1998) The Marine Corps found its mission in the amphibious landings of several countries â€Å"to protect American lives and property". Some of these countries included China, Formosa, Japan, Korea, Samoa, Hawaii, Panama, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Haiti, and Egypt. The United States, having conquered much of North America, was expanding overseas. Marines made small-scale landings in response to real or perceived affronts to U.S. diplomatic or economic interests. (Simmons/Moskin 1998) In 1883 the motto of the Marine Corps, "Semper Fidelis" (â€Å"always faithful†), was adopted as the official motto of the Marine Corps. Since 1812 the motto, although unofficial, had been "Fortitudine" ("with courage"). The Marine Corps adopted this motto in part because of the fact that there has never been a mutiny, or even the thought of one, among U.S. Marines. (Website For Young Marines, Online) When America became involved in the â€Å"splendid little war† against Spain when they landed in Cuba. The Marine Corps involvement was again modest with their major feat being the taking of a coaling station for the Navy. (Simmons/Moskin 1998) The day after the war with Spain ended, August 12, American troops began the occupation of Manila. Two battalions of Marines were involved in the attacking the fortified town of Novaleta. After a third battalion arrived in December the pacification of the Philippines continued. (Simmons/Moskin 1998) The Marine Corps continued to justify its means through World War I. The Marine Corps was involved in the Boxer Rebellion in China, Columbia, Cuba, Nicaragua and once again in the Philippines. Although most were minor scuffles, Marines were about to make their first significant mark in World Wa... ...me. (Warfighting Planning Course Online) It seems from the end of the Civil War to the beginning of the Korean War, there were always certain affiliations that did not see a need for a Marine Corps. In theory this would be correct as even today you can make that argument. Aviation we have the Air Force, for Naval Power we have the Navy and for ground assaults we have the Army. Being a Marine myself I am a bit sensitive on the subject. Although I think there are a multitude of reasons I believe there will always be a Marine Corps, but only one reason makes all the others seem mute. There will always be a Marine Corps because the American People want a Marine Corps. BIBLIOGRAPHY Millett, Allan R., Semper Fidelis: A History of the United States Marine Corps (New York: The Free Press, 1991). Simmons, Edwin Howard, ed. and Moskin, J. Robert, ed. The Marines: The Marine Heritage Foundation, Levin Associates, 1998. Sturkey, Marion F., Warrior Culture. Heritage Press International, 2nd Ed., 2003. wanaki@infi.net, RE:Macauthor, Online. Warfighting Planning Course: USMC in National Military Strategy Website for Young Marines: Common Sayings and Quotations, Chadduck Enterprises. 1999

Generation Gap Essay

How many times have you felt that your parents don’t understand you, that they have no respect for you as an individual? How often do you shake your head in frustration and blame it on the ‘generation gap’? Parents! They are like aliens from another planet altogether! You and they are in different camps; strangers forced to live under the same roof Right? Wrong! There is a way of bridging what appears to be a yawning chasm. If you genuinely want to improve your relationship with your parents (and give them a big shock in the bargain! ) try listening to them, treating them just like you would listen to a valued friend. Instead of always whining, ‘You don’t understand me†, stop and think. Do we ever try and understand them? Parents are under a lot of stress, too. When we are worrying about our upcoming Math exam, they are worrying about the boss in the office, and just how they are going to pay for our braces. Like us, they have days when someone humiliates them at work. Sometimes, they don’t know where the money for all the applications you send to foreign universities is going to come from. Your mom may seldom have a chance to go out and enjoy herself. Your dad’s colleagues may deride him because he cannot afford membership to a club. Yes, weird though it may sound, parents are human too. They may have dreams they’ve sacrificed because they want you to realize yours. Once you step into their shoes and try to look at things from their point of view, two wonderful things happen; one, you feel a new respect for them, and two, you will find that you can actually get your own way without heated arguments. Today, when you come back from school or college, ask your mom or dad, â€Å"How did your day go today? † or â€Å"Tell me a little more about your job. † or â€Å"Is there anything I can do to help you around in the house? You’ll see the visible difference it makes to the atmosphere at home. And each day, try to keep your promises – to do your homework, to clean your room and to write letters or telephone if you are living away from home. Seventy five per cent of the youngsters claimed that the teenage years were a time of stress and anxiety for them – anxiety about exams, jobs, parental expectations, peer pressure, love lives, the need to look good and dress smartly, and well, even the state of the nation. Generation gap means difference in attitude, or lack of understanding between younger and older generation. This generation gap has always been there but these days it has reached to an explosive stage. The values and patterns of life have changed to a great extent. Today, everybody likes to live and behave in his own way. This attitude has widened the generation gap, which can never be filled. It is now destroying family life completely. The elders look after the children and make all sorts of sacrifices to bring them up. Naturally, they feel they have a right over them. They want their children to follow their instructions as they have certain expectations from them. But the children, when they grow up, want a complete freedom in their thoughts and actions and unfortunately their thoughts and actions are just opposite to those expected by the elders. They revolt when any kind of restrictions are imposed on them. Consequently, the family breaks up and everything gets ruined. In India, we are yet in the initial stages, but the gap has appeared and it is going to grow bigger day by day. So it is not only the responsibility of the younger but also of the elders to fill this gap with their love, affection and trust. The problem, in fact, has grown and intensified due to the rise in complexities of life. These complexities have arisen in the wake of modernism where everything allied to tradition, custom and the world was to be turned upside down. The problem arises mainly when parents forget how did they behave, what problems did they encounter and what feeling did they feel when they were children, especially teenagers. When the children enter the stormy teens the problem of generation gap comes out with greater intensity then ever. Children too fail to see their parents’ point of view and blindly stick to breaking rules. For them, at this age, their friends suddenly become important dislodging the parents from the vantage point. This causes great anxiety to parents and the friction increases between the children and the parents. At this time, grandparents can play a constructive role in order to bridge the gap of thought, attitude, and way of life and approaches to it. Generation gap is not that serious a problem if families can learn to sit over dinner and talk or sit in the living rooms over a cup of hot comforting coffee and talk the things out, ironing the difference and sharing the experiences. When this communication barrier is transcended and the ice broken, the problem does not remain that serious anymore. Talking it out calmly and coolly, with the idea of sorting things out, changing for each other and changing for better can be the most helpful instrument in bridging the generation gap. Family outings, vacations, tours, to picnic-outings, often with the family etc can be effective ways to initiate intimacy between parents and children. Watching movie and discussing them, putting forth the different viewpoints can be a beginning to inculcate the habit of a healthy dialogue between members of the family. Such small things and steps can do wonders in initiating a healthy family atmosphere and reducing friction between two generations that are right in their own respects. Their only fault is that they are viewing the same object from opposite directions. Age, time and experience or the lack of it, forces them to do so. Generation Gap Summary: It is a fact of life that the generation gap or â€Å"clash† is something that has existed and will continue to exist as long as man exists on this earth. It is not restricted to certain parts of the world, to certain times of human history or to certain cultures. That is why this â€Å"clash† is a fact of a life accepted by all generations, all over the world and through all time. Generation gap is a more modern term for the difference between generations, or milder than the extreme definition which calls this difference as the â€Å"clash† between the opinions, the attitudes and the behaviors of the younger and the older generations. The inevitable progress of time and technologies makes the introduction of new ideas, new believes, and new values unavoidable. As a result this difference in the general outlook at life arises which is manifest in the difference of opinions and social values, in addition to the difference mannerism and behavior between young people and older people within the family as well as within the social contexts. Perhaps, the gap generation that exists now between the younger and older generation can best be indicated by the difference of ideas between the young people and the older people in the family, namely the grand parents and the aunts or uncles who might be much older than their nieces and nephews, as is the case in â€Å"such† societies. Where bigamy is legal. The technological advances play a great rule in enlarging the gap as the younger generations are quicker to accept and adopt these technologies so that they consider the conservative and technologically suspicious elders of their families very old fashioned in their, tastes, opinions and out looks toward life. On the other hand, the older people despise the modern values which they call the† internet† and â€Å"globalization† values. They consider the young generation shallow, lacking knowledge and moral depth. This difference can best be seen in the difference of interests and hobbies. The young people of today get their knowledge from the â€Å"internet†, and they hardly read other than light magazines, while the elders of their hard-earned, profound book based knowledge. The difference includes the moral and social values, as the different generations see notions such as marriage, love, happiness, decency, and decorum from different perspectives.

Status of women in ISLAM

Outline woman-as vital to life as man himself Islam gives woman rights and privileges, never grated before Quran addresses men and women Jointly Modern woman seeks rights by force Woman has equal share In every aspect of life She is equal In responsibilities She is equal in pursuit in knowledge She is entitled to equal freedom of expression Islam determines her share in inheritance A misconception regarding this share & her witness to civil contact Some advantages woman enjoys more than the man Veil-not a hindrance rather a blessing for woman ConclusionThe status of woman In Islam constitutes no problem. The attitude of the Qur'an and the early Muslims bear witness to the fact that the woman Is, at least, as vital to life as man himself. Had it not been for the impact of foreign cultures and alien influences, this question would have never arisen among the Muslims. The status of woman was taken for granted to equal to that of man. It was a matter of course, a matter of fact. and no o ne. then. considered it as a problem at all. There is a lot of talk about woman's rights in Pakistan and other Muslim countries these days.The Western media is projecting a very gruesome and poor plight of woman in Muslim countries with the intension of distorting the true image of Islam. Unfortunately, this propaganda is proving quite effective and the entire west and a small section of females in our society have misinterpreted Islam as being the cause of their troubles instead of the Aryan culture that we have inherited. In order to understand what Islam has established for woman, there is no need to deplore her plight in the pre- Islamic era or in the modern world ot today.Islam has given woman rights and rivileges which she has never enjoyed under other religious or constitutional systems. This can be understood when the matter Is studied as a whole In a comparative manner, rather than partially. The rights and responsibilities of a woman are equal to those of man but they are not necessarily identical with them. Equality and sameness are two quite different things. This difference Is unaerstanaaDle Decause man ana woman are not laentlcal out tney are created equals. With this distinction in mind, there is no problem.It is almost impossible to find even two identical men or women. Islam was revealed at time when people denied the humanity of the woman. Some were skeptical about it; and still others admitted it, yet considered the woman a thing created for the humble service of the man. With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The woman's dignity and humanity were acknowledged for the first time. Islam confirmed woman's capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and observations of the commands that lead to the heaven.Islam considers woman as a worthy human being, with an equal share in humanity to that of the man. Both are two branches of a single tree and two children from the same father, Adam, and mother, Eve. T he status of woman in Islam is something unique that has no parallel in any other religion. In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine revelation echoed in the wide desert of Arabia with a fresh, noble, and universal message to humanity: â€Å"O mankind!Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and woman†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (An-Nisa:l)†. Stressing this noble nd natural conception, then the Holy Quran states: â€Å"He (God) it is Who did create you from a single soul and there from did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)†. (Quran 7:189) In the early days of Islam when a girl was born, she was buried alive. This custom is still observed in Hinduism.However, the Holy Quran forbade this custom and considered it a crime like any other murder. The Holy Quran says: â€Å"And when the female (infant) buried alive- is qu estioned, for what crime was she killed? † (Quran 81:8-9) Far from saving the girl's life so that she may later suffer njustice and inequality, Islam requires kind and Just treatment to her. The saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in this regard, is following: â€Å"Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favour his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise†.The Holy Quran provides us a clear- cut proof that woman is equal in all respects with man before Almighty God in terms of her rights and responsibilities. The Holy Quran states: â€Å"Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds† (Quran 74:38) In terms of religious obligations, such as ffering daily prayers, fasting and pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. In some cases indeed, woman has certain advantages over man. For example woman can and did go into the mosque during the days of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and thereafter attending th e Friday prayers is optional for them while it is mandatory for men.This is clearly a tender touch of the Islamic teachings because of the fact that a woman may be nursing her baby and thus may be unable to offer prayers in mosque. They also take into account the physiological and psychological changes associated with her natural female functions. The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of males. When Islam enjoins the seeking of knowledge upon Muslims, it makes no distinction between man and woman. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: â€Å"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim†.This declaration was very clear and was implemented by Muslims throughout history. According to a hadith attributed to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he praised the woman of Madina because of their desire religious knowledge, â€Å"How splendid were tne women 0T tne Ansar; sname a a not prevent tnem Trom Decomlng learned In tne aith. † Under Islamic law, m arriage was no longer viewed as a â€Å"status† but rather as a â€Å"contract†, in which the woman's consent was imperative. The dowry, previously regarded as a bride-price paid to the father, became a nuptial gift retained by the wife as a part of her personal property.The Holy Quran clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society and its objectives are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases are love and mercy. The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature. In onsideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have equal rights and claim on each other, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. This is a matter which is natural in any collective life and which is consistent with the nature of man. Status of women in ISLAM Outline woman-as vital to life as man himself Islam gives woman rights and privileges, never grated before Quran addresses men and women Jointly Modern woman seeks rights by force Woman has equal share In every aspect of life She is equal In responsibilities She is equal in pursuit in knowledge She is entitled to equal freedom of expression Islam determines her share in inheritance A misconception regarding this share & her witness to civil contact Some advantages woman enjoys more than the man Veil-not a hindrance rather a blessing for woman ConclusionThe status of woman In Islam constitutes no problem. The attitude of the Qur'an and the early Muslims bear witness to the fact that the woman Is, at least, as vital to life as man himself. Had it not been for the impact of foreign cultures and alien influences, this question would have never arisen among the Muslims. The status of woman was taken for granted to equal to that of man. It was a matter of course, a matter of fact. and no o ne. then. considered it as a problem at all. There is a lot of talk about woman's rights in Pakistan and other Muslim countries these days.The Western media is projecting a very gruesome and poor plight of woman in Muslim countries with the intension of distorting the true image of Islam. Unfortunately, this propaganda is proving quite effective and the entire west and a small section of females in our society have misinterpreted Islam as being the cause of their troubles instead of the Aryan culture that we have inherited. In order to understand what Islam has established for woman, there is no need to deplore her plight in the pre- Islamic era or in the modern world ot today.Islam has given woman rights and rivileges which she has never enjoyed under other religious or constitutional systems. This can be understood when the matter Is studied as a whole In a comparative manner, rather than partially. The rights and responsibilities of a woman are equal to those of man but they are not necessarily identical with them. Equality and sameness are two quite different things. This difference Is unaerstanaaDle Decause man ana woman are not laentlcal out tney are created equals. With this distinction in mind, there is no problem.It is almost impossible to find even two identical men or women. Islam was revealed at time when people denied the humanity of the woman. Some were skeptical about it; and still others admitted it, yet considered the woman a thing created for the humble service of the man. With the advent of Islam, circumstances improved for the woman. The woman's dignity and humanity were acknowledged for the first time. Islam confirmed woman's capacity to carry out Allah's commands, her responsibilities and observations of the commands that lead to the heaven.Islam considers woman as a worthy human being, with an equal share in humanity to that of the man. Both are two branches of a single tree and two children from the same father, Adam, and mother, Eve. T he status of woman in Islam is something unique that has no parallel in any other religion. In the midst of the darkness that engulfed the world, the divine revelation echoed in the wide desert of Arabia with a fresh, noble, and universal message to humanity: â€Å"O mankind!Be dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife [Hawwa (Eve)], and from them both He created many men and woman†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. (An-Nisa:l)†. Stressing this noble nd natural conception, then the Holy Quran states: â€Å"He (God) it is Who did create you from a single soul and there from did create his mate, that he might dwell with her (in love)†. (Quran 7:189) In the early days of Islam when a girl was born, she was buried alive. This custom is still observed in Hinduism.However, the Holy Quran forbade this custom and considered it a crime like any other murder. The Holy Quran says: â€Å"And when the female (infant) buried alive- is qu estioned, for what crime was she killed? † (Quran 81:8-9) Far from saving the girl's life so that she may later suffer njustice and inequality, Islam requires kind and Just treatment to her. The saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), in this regard, is following: â€Å"Whosoever has a daughter and he does not bury her alive, does not insult her, and does not favour his son over her, God will enter him into Paradise†.The Holy Quran provides us a clear- cut proof that woman is equal in all respects with man before Almighty God in terms of her rights and responsibilities. The Holy Quran states: â€Å"Every soul will be (held) in pledge for its deeds† (Quran 74:38) In terms of religious obligations, such as ffering daily prayers, fasting and pilgrimage, woman is no different from man. In some cases indeed, woman has certain advantages over man. For example woman can and did go into the mosque during the days of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and thereafter attending th e Friday prayers is optional for them while it is mandatory for men.This is clearly a tender touch of the Islamic teachings because of the fact that a woman may be nursing her baby and thus may be unable to offer prayers in mosque. They also take into account the physiological and psychological changes associated with her natural female functions. The right of females to seek knowledge is not different from that of males. When Islam enjoins the seeking of knowledge upon Muslims, it makes no distinction between man and woman. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), said: â€Å"Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim†.This declaration was very clear and was implemented by Muslims throughout history. According to a hadith attributed to Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he praised the woman of Madina because of their desire religious knowledge, â€Å"How splendid were tne women 0T tne Ansar; sname a a not prevent tnem Trom Decomlng learned In tne aith. † Under Islamic law, m arriage was no longer viewed as a â€Å"status† but rather as a â€Å"contract†, in which the woman's consent was imperative. The dowry, previously regarded as a bride-price paid to the father, became a nuptial gift retained by the wife as a part of her personal property.The Holy Quran clearly indicates that marriage is sharing between the two halves of the society and its objectives are emotional well-being and spiritual harmony. Its bases are love and mercy. The rules for married life in Islam are clear and in harmony with upright human nature. In onsideration of the physiological and psychological make-up of man and woman, both have equal rights and claim on each other, except for one responsibility, that of leadership. This is a matter which is natural in any collective life and which is consistent with the nature of man.