A Paper on Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is phenomenal societal problems that are plaguing human society at the present times which victims are mostly women and children.   They are usually victims of physical or sexual assault.Because women are prone to be victims of domestic violence, Feminist expressed concern about the widespread problem plaguing the present generation and struggle towards getting protection for women from the court.Although, most of the offenses were hidden under family affairs, Carol Bolimer, Jennyfer Brandth, Denise Bronson, and Helen Hartnett, in their article, Domestic Violence Law Reforms: Reaction from the Trenches, say that, Feminists are gaining success in their efforts, as criminal justice personnel are now getting   more objective investigative in handling domestic violence cases.But despite of this hundreds of thousands of American women and children suffer domestic violence each year, studies have shown that sixty percent up to seventy-five percent of families fall vic tims to domestic violence every year; and this problem has already taken thousands of women’s lives.What is domestic violence? How can one determine that he or she is standing on that very dangerous ground?   And what are the solutions to the problem, are some of the contents that this paper attempts to present.Definitions of Domestic ViolenceDomestic violence is defined as a continuum of behavior ranging from verbal abuse, physical and sexual assault, to rape and even homicide.   Most of the cases of domestic violence are perpetuated by â€Å"men against women and their children† In C.J. Newton’s article, domestic violence â€Å"an overview,† he presented a United States Department of Justice report published in May 2000 through the National Crime Victimization Survey and the FBI data, defining domestic violence as â€Å"violent crimes by current or former spouses, boyfriend and girlfriend.   In their definition of violent, it includes lethal (hom icide) and non lethal which they enumerated as rape, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.   The report mentions more than one million crimes committed against persons by the current or former spouses.Deborah Lockton, LLB, MPhil and Professor Richard Ward LLB, identified domestic violence as an act of physical and mental cruelty progressing from a slap or shore, to punch or kick, and to the more extreme manifestation of violence, in suffocation, strangulation, attempted murder and murder.†Causes of Domestic ViolenceDifferent group of people explained the causes of domestic violence, however, as one analyze the causes of the problem, they are similar in terms of gender roles which is fact has something to do with the cultural and historical origin of family.   It is also noted that, changes in terms of roles contributed a lot in the existence of this particular problem.According to feminism, one of the causes of domestic violence is the legal syst em which in their view is patriarchal on several levels. They argue that the law is â€Å"sexist in that it generally treats men better than women.†Ã‚   They emphasized that the criminal justice personnel prior to their effort to gain equal rights with men, treats domestic violence as a family matter and out of the reach of the legal system.They also reveal that police would simply â€Å"take perpetrator for a walk to discuss keeping the little woman in line† and then return her home without further action.†Ã‚   Kristin L. Anderson says Feminist emphasized that domestic violence is â€Å"rooted in gender and power and represents men’s active attempts to maintain dominance and control† (Anderson, 1997).   Feminist sociologist maintains that the main cause of domestic violence is the issue of gender and power.Anderson pointed out that Feminist contend that this is a system of which men â€Å"maintain societal dominance over women.†Ã‚   Lockto n and Ward say, domestic violence continues for years, before the victims take action which sometimes results to the death of either the victim or the perpetrator.But sociologist finds other causes of domestic violence.   They suggested that cohabiting status, unemployment and socio-economic status rank as one of the causes of domestic violence (UNICEF).They agreed that main causes of domestic violence pertain to unequal power relations.   Family institution, where traditional control lies with husband as the head of the family, is seen as breeding ground for domestic violence too.   Beliefs in male traditional superiority and other sanctions that do not recognize women’s and children’s legal rights in the society are also seen as causes of domestic violence plaguing human society worldwide.Nowadays, domestic violence includes physical aggression in which the perpetrator controls the victim by using fear and force.   It occurs usually in traditional marriages o r same-sex relationship especially when relationship is in the verge of collapse.

The Study of English Reading Strategies for English Majors in Ielts

The Study of English reading strategies for English majors in IELTS English Education Department of College of Foreign Languages Capital Normal University June 2012 Contents I. Introduction†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦3 II. Literature Review†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦. 4 2. 1 The definition of reading †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 4 2. 2 The definition of English reading strategy †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 5 2. 3 The reading test items in IELTS †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚ ¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 6 2. 4 The English reading strategies in IELTS †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 III. Research Methodology†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦7 3. 1 Instruments †¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 3. 2 Research Setting and sampling †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 9 3. 3 Design†¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 9 3. 4 Analyzing Procedures†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦9 IV. Results and Discussion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ 10 4. 1 Results †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦10 4. 2 Discussion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. †¦12 V. Conclusion†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. 13 5. 1 Major findings†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦13 5. 2 Implications†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦14 5. 3 Limitations†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 15 5. 4 Future studies†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦15 VI. References†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦.. â⠂¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦15 Appendix †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. 7 I. Introduction 1. Background of the research Nowadays, more and more Chinese students choose to study or travel abroad, so English becomes more and more important. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an international standardized test of English language proficiency (Wikipedia, 2011). It becomes one of the most popular exams for those who want to go abroad. In IELTS, reading is the most difficult part for many candidates, because in one hour candidates should finish 3 passages and 40 test items. And most candidates have problems either understanding the subject matter or completing all the sections. Keller, 2010) Even English majors, can not do well in the reading test. They usually lose many scores in readi ng test. Almost every examinee wants to improve their standard of reading. Although they try to use some strategies which were taught by their teachers or trainers, they can’t use these strategies effectively. Many scholars (Li, 2010;Luo, 2010;Shen, 2011;Yao, 2011;Tierney, Robert J. 2000; Readence, John E. , Hosenfeld, Carol, 2003) from home and abroad have noticed that the use of English reading strategies are very important and useful for candidates to do the English reading texts in IELTS.They also find that how to use various strategies effectively. For example, skimming is one of the most frequently used strategies in IELTS. â€Å"Skimming refers to reading a paragraph quickly to get an idea of what it is about, without trying to understand its details. † said by Dr Vivek(2009). 2. Significance of the research Although teachers and trainers have introduced many strategies of English reading, most of the students, even English majors who take the exam of IELTS, alw ays make many mistakes in the reading tests. In fact, many scholars (Li, 2010;Luo, 2010;Shen, 2011;Yao, 2011;Tierney, Robert J. 2000; Readence, John E. Hosenfeld, Carol, 2003) or teachers have already concluded various strategies for English reading test. For example, students or examinees should use the strategy â€Å"skimming† to reading a paragraph or a passage quickly to get an idea of what it is about, without trying to understand its details. However, many students, even English majors, just know the meaning of â€Å"skimming†, but cannot apply this strategy correctly and effectively to their reading test. In addition, because the time is limited, examiners do not have time to use the reading strategies he has learnt. Or maybe they haven’t developed the reading skills in his former study.Therefore, research in this area will be of great significance. This research aims to find out English Majors’ condition and the existing problem in using the readi ng strategies in IELTS. For students and examinees, it will help them to understand the basic meaning of each strategy, to form their own reading skills, and to use various strategies effectively in different kinds of reading test items IELTS and to make less mistakes in the test. 3. Hypothesis This study aims at investigating what the reading strategies are, when they should be used and how to use various strategies effectively.It can provide some suggestions of using reading strategies for English majors to take the exam of IELTS. 4. Research questions †¢ What are the English reading strategies in IELTS for English majors? †¢ When various strategies can be used in different reading test items in IELTS? †¢ How to use various strategies in IELTS reading test effectively? II. Literature Review 2. The definition of reading Far from being a â€Å"passive† skill, reading, is in fact, an active process in which readers relate information in the text to what they alr eady known. Knowledge of language allows readers to identify the printed words and sentences.The purposes of good readers are meaningful that they do not decode each letter or each word. Instead, they take in chunks of the text and relate it to what they know. Traditionally, many psychologists and teachers have insisted that reading is nothing more than decoding writing symbols to sounds. (i. e. figuring out what the printed word says). Others traditionally have insisted that reading involves not only decoding from print to sound, but also comprehending the written material. Forrest-Pressley and Waller (1984) felt that reading is not merely a decoding process nor it is solely a comprehension.Reading process is not just a â€Å"decoding plus comprehension† but reading involves even more. It involves at least three types of skills: decoding, comprehension and nature reading strategies (Forrest-Pressley & Brown, 1984; Brown, 1980). Besides, reading traditionally has been conside red as cognitive task. An unfortunate consequence of such a view of reading is that there has been no room for concern for the â€Å"executive control† that is done by a skilled reader. Only recently have several authors (e. g. Baker Brown, 1984; Brown, 1980; Myers & Pairs, 1928) suggested that reading might involve metacognition as well as cognition.Johnson (1983) has attempted to approach the issue of accessing comprehension from a rational point of view. He first considers what reading comprehension is, and then considers what factors influence it and its assessment— including reader and text characteristics. He comes to a definition of reading comprehension: That is reading comprehension is considered to be a complex behavior, which involves conscious and unconscious uses of various strategies, including problem— solving strategies, to build a model of the meaning, which is assumed to have intended.The model is constructed using schematic knowledge structure s and the various systems, which the writer has given (e. g. words, syntax, macrostructure, social information) to generate hypotheses, which are tested using carious logical and pragmatic strategies. Most of this model must be inferred, since text can never be fully explicit and, in general, very little of it is explicit because even the appropriate intentional and extensional meanings of words must be inferred from their context. (1983). 2. The definition of English reading strategyIt would be helpful to review a concise definition of reading strategies, but unfortunately, there is no consensus among researchers. At least, three problems persist. First, it is not clear how to differentiate reading strategies from other processes that might be called thinking, reasoning, perceptual study or motivational strategies. Weinstein and Mayer (1986) defined cognitive strategies as a broad array of actions that help to control behavior, emotions, motivation, communication, attention, and co mprehension.Although each kind of strategies might influence reading, not all researchers would classify them as reading strategies. A second problem concerns the scope strategies— are they global or specific? Levin (1986) argued that strategies include multiple components that must be carefully analyzed, whereas Derry and Murphy (1986) distinguished strategies as general learning plans that are difficult to demarcate when they are embed in complex sequences of behavior or hierarchies of decision. The third problem involves internationality and consciousness, considering these opposing viewpoints. To be a strategy, the means must be employed deliberately, with some awareness, in order to produce or influence the goal. † (Wellman, 1988) â€Å"Also, it is now recognized that strategies function at its best occurs without deliberation. It is more reflexive than voluntary† (Pressley, Forrest-Pressley & Elliot-Faust, 1988) Since the 1970s there has been no shortage of L2 (Second Language Learning) theorists advocating teaching students to use a variety of reading strategies in order to read better.There strategies run argument form the traditionally recognized reading skills of skimming and scanning, contextual guessing or skipping unknown words, tolerating ambiguity, reading for meaning, critical reading and make inferences, to more recently recognized strategies text structure (Block). Researchers in the L1 (First Language Learning) and L2 fields have demonstrated that strategy used is different in proficient readers. More proficient readers use them in different ways. 2. The reading test items in IELTS †¢ TURE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN †¢ SUMMARY †¢ HEADING MUTILPCHIOCE †¢ COMPLETION †¢ SHORT ANSWER †¢ TABLE †¢ MATCHING In our research, we will focus on the two kinds of reading test items in IELTS: TURE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN and MUTILPCHIOCE. In IELTS, these two kinds of test items are used with high frequency. Many of the examinees in IELTS often make mistakes in these two kinds of test items. Therefore, we will carry out research of reading strategies on these two parts and figure out whether English majors use reading strategies to do these two kinds of test items in IELTS. 2. The English reading strategies in IELTSSearch reading is the strategy likely to be used by candidates to help them find specific information and answer as quickly and accurately as possible in reading examinations. Search reading is defined by Urqhuart and Weir (1998) as the strategy used to locate and comprehend discrete pieces of information on predetermined topics in order to answer a set of questions or provide data. According to the authors, the readers do not necessarily have to start by reading the whole text to get the gist. Moreover, search reading seems to be compatible at different points with scanning, skimming and ‘careful global reading’ (i. . comprehension of the main ideas in the text). That is, t he first step in search reading involves the process of locating (scanning) the words that are noted in a question and matching them to the same or related information in the text. Skimming is then used to select the specific text that seems important to answer the question. Consequently, the text selected will be read more carefully to find out if it definitely answers the question, which means careful global reading will then take place (by reference to the parts of the text selected and not to the whole text, as discussed above).Search reading is also addressed by other authors such as Dreher (1992), Guthrie and Kirsch (1987), Symons and Specht (1994), as well as Enright et al. (2000) specifically in relation to English language reading examinations. III. Research Methodology 1. Instruments In this research, we will use â€Å"individual interview† and â€Å"think aloud† as our research methods. The main advantage of face-to-face or direct interviews is that the rese archer can adapt the questions as necessary, clarify doubt and ensure that the responses are properly understood, by repeating or rephrasing the questions. Peter,2010) The researcher can also pick up nonverbal cues from the respondent. Any discomfort, stress and problems that the respondent experiences can be detected through frowns, nervous taping and other body language, unconsciously exhibited by any person. We will design several questions related to our topic. A notable advantage of think aloud protocols over individual interviews as a data collection method with respect to information behavior is that they are at least able to elicit data at the time of the experience in question and the accuracy of the material contributed will therefore not be affected by lapses in memory. Manguel, 2008) To investigate whether a search reading strategy is used in reading examinations, a questionnaire asked 40 international postgraduate students who had done IELTS which strategies they used w hen reading text and answering questions in the academic reading task. The questionnaire was composed of a single question, which asked participants to choose the steps they followed and to put them in order (as illustrated in Appendix A). These steps were based on the steps recommended for the IELTS reading module (Jakeman & McDowell, 2001), but three steps were added to extend the scope of the questionnaire.Participants reported that they underlined the key words in the questions (23 participants), scanned the passage to find the key words (23 participants) and read the text around the key word carefully after finding it (30 participants). These results, therefore, suggest that the most common strategy used when reading under time pressure in examinations is compatible with search reading (as described at the beginning of this section). Furthermore, it seems that two distinct aspects of selective processing are involved in search reading: perceptual and conceptual processing of te xt.This distinction is based on Masson's (1982, 1985) characterization of cognitive processes in skimming stories. Applying Masson's theory to English language reading examinations, candidates may look for visual features, i. e. key words, in the text relevant to the question, which is a perceptual process. Having located the pertinent information, they then more carefully read the phrases containing the key words so that the answer can be found, accurately comprehended and extracted to answer the question, which is a conceptual process. 2.Research Setting and Sampling We did our research in Capital Normal University. In this research, we chose three English majors to be the interviewees. First, the three interviewees attended the interview one by one. They were asked some questions about English reading strategies. These might help us researchers know more about the interviewees and their knowledge, opinion and recognition of reading strategies. Then, the three interviewees attende d the think-aloud one by one. We researchers chose one piece of IELTS reading passage for the interviewees to finish.During the test, they were asked some questions about the test items and their feelings about reading test while they were doing the test. The whole passage: Search begins for ‘Earth' beyond solar system (shown in the appendix) 3. Design During the interview, we will ask interviewees to answer some questions about reading strategies, such as their recognition of English reading strategies, the usage of reading strategies, the effect of using reading strategies, etc. During the think-aloud, we will give each of them a piece of IELTS reading passage, and ask them to finish all the exercises after the passage.When they are doing the exercise, we will ask them one or two questions of each test item about English reading strategies. 4. Analyzing Procedures Step 1: Select three English majors from the CNU in different levels. Step 2: The three interviewees will be int erviewed individually. Several questions about reading strategies will be asked. Their answer will be record in a excel file. Step 3: The three students will attend the think-aloud interview one by one. During they do the reading test, several designed questions will be asked. Step 4: Collect their answers and compare with each other. | |When did you begin |Will you use reading |Reading strategies can help|Would you like to |How about your | | |Do you know what is reading|to know reading |strategies during reading |you improve your English in|know more about |reading scores? | | |strategies? |strategies? |texts? Please lay out these|which aspects? |reading strategies? | | | | | |by using frequency. | | | | | |Candidate A | |The first question: replace the original words by using the four choices. | |Question 2 – 5: rereading the text, and then finding out the key sentences and translating. | |The first question: using exclusive method to leave out C and D, and then using sca nning. | |Question 2 – 5: using skimming strategy firstly to find out these statements, and then using scanning strategy to get the right | |answers. From the above table, we can find out exclusive method, skimming and scanning are three reading strategies most frequently used by candidates. Usually, when candidates finish multiple choice questions, they would like to use exclusive method to ignore one or two interferential choices. And then they can choose possible answer from rest two choices, so they have 50% opportunity to get right answer. Question 2 to question 5 are true or false questions. Candidates used skimming to find out where are these sentences in the original text.When they focused on one sentence, they will use scanning to search for certain words to figure out whether the statement is true or false or not given. 4. Discussion The purpose of the study was to investigate the condition of English reading strategies for English majors in IELTS. The findings clea rly suggest that most students have learnt and used the strategies in their reading. For the multiple choice items in the IELTS exam, scanning is the most useful strategy. We can find out the relational part of the key words in the item.The students who have learnt the reading strategies outperformed those who didn’t know the reading strategies in every aspect as shown by their performance during the think-aloud part. (The first student and third student have learnt English reading strategies before, while the second student did not know reading strategies before. So he used longer time finishing the same number items but failed in the exam. ) They showed particular strengths in the IELTS reading section, suggesting that the reading strategies they have been taught really help the students to understand and focus on the test of their reading.It also seems to be the case that skimming should become a natural first step to any kind of reading readers do —- articles, book s, newspapers, and even advertisements or bus schedules( , 1999). In the short answer questions part, skimming is becoming more helpful for examinees. Skimming the text means reading very quickly. Just look at the headings, subheadings and the first lines of each section or paragraph. The examinees need to catch the key points of the test in limited time, so skimming can save up much time than reading the test one word after another.Another reason for the benefits of reading strategies may be that scanning is a search for information which is often some specific information ( , 1997). This supports and adds to the findings of Wang Li (2011), who showed similar results for English reading strategies. In the true/false/not given items, scanning can not be more proper than any other strategies. Scanning a text means looking for a specific piece of information or specific words. Ignore the information that is not relevant to your purpose.Scanning is a useful strategy to apply when the q uestions ask for factual information. This study has taken a step in the direction of justifying the effect of English reading strategies for English majors in the IELTS. These reading strategies can not only promote students’ understanding when they do reading exercises, but also improve students’ reading ability. It may be the case that students who do not familiar with the reading strategies may be easily fail the IELTS compared to those who have already learnt and use reading strategies before.It is also not clear whether skimming and scanning are the most useful reading strategies for IELTS, such as note-taking and summary would succeed to the same extent. The approach outlined in this study should be replicated with other students in other classes, as well as at other levels in order to be able to recommend the effect of English reading strategies for IELTS for English majors. V. Conclusion 5. Major findings 1. English reading strategies in IELTS From the whole r esearch, we find that although there are so many reading strategies in reading text, informants use skimming and scanning most frequently.In IELTS reading test, there are 8 types questions — true or false questions, summary, heading, multiple choice, completion, short answer, table and matching, while, scanning and skimming can be used in most kinds of questions. In other words, scanning and skimming are the basic reading strategies in IELTS reading test. 2. The proper way to use various reading strategies in IELTS It is generally believed the first passage is easier than the second and third. Sometimes, however, this doesn't hold true. So, before attempting the passages, informants do an overview to get an idea about the subject matter.Different strategies can be adopted to attempt different passages. These may be skimming and scanning, reading intensively and a hit-and-trial method. In this research, we will just focus on two kinds of reading strategies—-skimming and scanning. The formats of the questions in the IELTS are: multiple choice, gap-fills, short answer questions, matching and true/false/not given. Skimming the text means reading very quickly. Just look at the headings, subheadings and first lines of each section or paragraph. Also notice the key words repeated throughout the text.The main purpose is to understand the gist — the general idea of the text. When you need to give a title of the test, skimming can help you. Also, matching part acquire you to skim the test in a short time. Scanning a text means looking for a specific piece of information or specific words. Ignore the information that is not relevant to your purpose. Scanning is a useful strategy to apply when the questions ask for specific factual information. For example, in the multiple choices, gap-fills, true/false/not given items, scanning can not be more helpful than any other strategies. . Implications As it can be seen in the findings and discussion, English majors do know some English reading strategies while they are doing reading tests. In IELTS, the reading strategies for different kinds of reading test items are various. So this research may help English majors understand more about the English reading strategies for different reading test items in IELTS. They may get higher scores in IELTS after knowing and making full use of the various reading strategies. 5. Limitations In all, the research findings are limited by the very nature of the method used.For example, the interviews are finished only in one university and the interviewees are only three. The data may not be accurately. The study of the English reading strategies and the reading test items in IELTS are limited. We just conduct the research on some of the strategies and two kinds of test items. However, due to the physical condition, time limitation, etc, the limitations cannot be overcome. 5. Further studies In the future, we may focus on the study of the rest kinds of English reading strategies and reading test items.It is believed that reading strategies come to help for students or examinees to take exams. The further studies may be helpful for English majors to do reading tests better in IELTS. VI. References 1. Camboune, B. (2001). Why do some students fail to learn to read? Ockham’s razar and the conditions of learning. The Reading Teacher, 54, (8), 784-786 2. Csaba Csikos and Janos Steklacs, Metacognition-Based Reading Intervention Programs Among Fourth-Grade Hungarian Students, 2010 3. Davis, M. , & Lyons, S. (2001). Improving reading †¦Reading: ideas from two teachers. Voices from the Middle 8, (4), 51-57. . Dr Vivek. (2009) Tips for Reading, IELTS Section AIPPG, Retrieved from http://www. aippg. com/ielts/reading-tips-ielts. html 5. Dr Vivek. (2009) Tips for the Reading Test, IELTS Section AIPPG, Retrieved from http://www. aippg. com/ielts/strategies%20for%20reading. htm 6. Dreher, M. J. (1992). Searching for information in t extbooks. Journal of Reading, 35 (5), 364–371. Web of Science ® Times Cited: 14 7. Enright, M. K. , Grabe, W. , Koda, K. , Mosenthal, P. , Mulcahy-Ernt, P. & Schedl, M. (2000). TOEFL 2000 reading framework: A working paper. TOEFL Monograph Series Report No. 17.Princeton, NJ: Educational Testing Service. 8. Forrest-Presley and Waller (1984) Metacognition About Reading Is Related to Reading Performance: A comment About Jacobs and Paris Educational Psychologist Volume 24, Issue 2, 1989 9. Guthrie, J. T. & Kirsch, I. S. (1987). Distinctions between reading comprehension and locating information in text. Journal of Educational Psychology, 79 (3), 220–227. CrossRef,Web of Science ® 10. Hosenfeld, Carol A Preliminary Investigation of the Reading Strategies of Successful and No successful Second Language Learners http://eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini. sp? _nfpb=true=EJ162478=no=EJ162478 11. Hurst,C. O. (2000). Guided reading can strengthen comprehension skil ls. Teaching Pre k-8 31, (2) 70-71 12. Jakeman, V. & McDowell, C. (2001). IELTS practice tests plus: Teaching not just testing. Harlow, Essex: Longman. 13. Johnson, P. (2002). Strategies that work: Teaching comprehension to enhance understanding. Instructor, 111 (8), 30-43 14. Keller, J. M. (2010). IELTS Reading Strategies. Tcyonline. Retrieved from http://www. tcyonline. com/betterthink/ielts-reading-test-strategies 15. Macmilland Dictionary ttp://www. macmillandictionary. com/dictionary/british/IELTS 16. Masson, M. E. J. (1982). Cognitive processes in skimming stories. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 8 (5), 400–417. CrossRef,Web of Science ® 17. Masson, M. E. J. (1985). Rapid reading processes and skills. In G. E. MacKinnon & T. G. Waller (Eds. ), Reading research: Advances in theory and practice, Vol. 4. (pp. 183–230). New York: Academic Press. 18. Symons, S. & Specht, J. A. (1994). Including both time and accuracy in defining text search efficiency. Journal of Reading Behavior, 26 (3), 267–276.Web of Science ® Times Cited: 5 19. Tierney, Robert J. ; Readence, John E. Reading Strategies and Practices: A Compendium. Fifth Edition. http://eric. ed. gov/ERICWebPortal/search/detailmini. jsp? _nfpb=true=ED448405=no=ED448405 20. Urqhuart, S. & Weir, C. (1998). Reading in a second language: Process, product and practice. London: Longman. 21. Wikipedia http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/IELTS 22. . (2011) , ,Retrieved from http://bj. xdf. cn/publish/portal24/tab16996/info647081. htm 23. [J]. . 010. 10 24. [J]. ( )2010. 9 25. [J]. ( ). 2011. 7 26. [J]. . 2011. 12 †¢ Appendix 1. Individual Interview Questions: 1. Do you what is reading strategies? 2. When do you begin to learn about reading strategies? 3. , , Do you usually use the reading strategies in doing reading tests? What kind of strategies did you use? Please put them in order according to frequency. 4. Do you think reading strategi es do help in your reading test? And how? 5. , What’s your reading score in the extensive reading? 2. The whole passage: Search begins for ‘Earth' beyond solar system Staff and agencies Wednesday December 27, 2006 Guardian Unlimited 1. A European spacecraft took off today to spearhead the search for another â€Å"Earth† among the stars. 2. The Corot space telescope blasted off aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan shortly after 2. 20pm. 3. Corot, short for convection rotation and planetary transits, is the first instrument capable of finding small rocky planets beyond the solar system.Any such planet situated in the right orbit stands a good chance of having liquid water on its surface, and quite possibly life, although a leading scientist involved in the project said it was unlikely to find â€Å"any little green men†. 4. Developed by the French space agency, CNES, and partnered by the European Space Agency (ESA), Austr ia, Belgium, Germany, Brazil and Spain, Corot will monitor around 120,000 stars with its 27cm telescope from a polar orbit 514 miles above the Earth. Over two and a half years, it will focus on five to six different areas of the sky, measuring the brightness of about 10,000 stars every 512 seconds. . â€Å"At the present moment we are hoping to find out more about the nature of planets around stars which are potential habitats. We are looking at habitable planets, not inhabited planets. We are not going to find any little green men,† Professor Ian Roxburgh, an ESA scientist who has been involved with Corot since its inception, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. 6. Prof Roxburgh said it was hoped Corot would find â€Å"rocky planets that could develop an atmosphere and, if they are the right distance from their parent star, they could have water†. 7.To search for planets, the telescope will look for the dimming of starlight caused when an object passes in front of a star, known as a â€Å"transit†. Although it will take more sophisticated space telescopes planned in the next 10 years to confirm the presence of an Earth-like planet with oxygen and liquid water, Corot will let scientists know where to point their lenses. 8. Measurements of minute changes in brightness will enable scientists to detect giant Jupiter-like gas planets as well as small rocky ones. It is the rocky planets – that could be no bigger than about twice the size of the Earth – which will cause the most

Journalism Essahe

Critically evaluate the extent to which the key economic/technological challenges facing political journalism in the UK democracy are undermining the ability of the quality news media to play the role demanded of them within competitive and participatory democracies (as defined by Stromback). The quality of the Uk’s new’s media is often scrutinised and mocked for their unashamed bias political opinions, going back to the fundamentals of journalism and the diversion of right and left wing politics, it was inevitable that quality news would disintegrate into a playing field for them to dig the opposition.However, the cause of this could be down to economical and technological challenges facing the news media today, along with the decrease in political interest came the rise in commercialisation. Competitive and participatory democracies include a range of requirements from journalists to act a certain role in society.As described in The Future of Journalism in Advanced De mocracies â€Å"a competitive democracy requires of journalism the following: it should act as a watchdog or burglar alarm† giving the public the honest and truths within politics for them then to make and adequate decision based on sufficient information. A participatory democracy â€Å"requires that journalism should mobilise the citizen’s interest and participation in public life† it also states that journalism should â€Å"focus on the solving of problems and not just the problems themselves. (Anderson & Ward, 2006: 47) There are a range of economical factors, which have affected the quality of news and the role in which they are depicted to play in competitive and participatory democracies, as defined by Stromback, therefore, these have effected the roles in which journalists play in society. Increased Leisure has become a challenging factor in competing with other entertainment provisions; the various opportunities such as Sunday shopping have proven a ne gative impact on Sunday newspapers.Sunday has always been a day of rest, therefore before technology had evolved people would spend this time reading newspapers and conforming an opinion based on the quality news provided, â€Å"if we are to understand what media communications people are actually exposed to and what message content they actually receive, it makes sense to ask how people come to pay attention to a particular medium; in short, why are people moved to watch, listen to, or read a particular program or story? † (Alger, 1995: 33) ince this as drastically changed it has resulted in the commodification of news media and undermining the quality of news by selecting stories and information which attract the public’s interest and not necessarily stories of important and prominence. â€Å"Journalism has always entertained and as well as informed. Had it not done so, it would not have reached a mass audience. But today, say journalism’s critics, the instin ct amuse is driving out the will, and depleting the resource, to report and analyse in depth. (Hagreaves, 2003: 104) In addition to this, social fragmentation has multiplied and caused a decline in cohesion; at one time it was clear that there was only a limited number of views, which brought together a large number of people who had the same ideologies and preference. Now, due the increased number of major media corporation and accessibility to over-seas news there has been a massive break down in social groups.This gives the market only to options, to either supply to a niche market, targeting a particular social clad which would cause a massive loss in profit and interest for the media corporation or, to continue to target the mass market and conform to commercialization and sensationalism to attract the reader. Large corporations need the funds to run the ‘business’ and without this would simply mean a decline and eventually a complete collapse and therefore they ha ve to rely on either readers or sponsor each wanting a certain type on context.Further economical challenges facing journalism today include that increased wealth has led to the ‘culture of contentment’ theory written by Galbraith. This has resulted in the lower-class, those with fewer beneficiaries has caused a lack of interest in news media, this is due to the under class choosing to almost ignore the current political situation as it does not affect them for any good reason. â€Å"Many of the national papers are overtly and emphatically partisan.The ownership and editorial orientation are overwhelmingly toward the Conservative party and ideology, and the trend toward ownership concentration over the past couple of decades has intensified the press skew towards the Conservative party. † (Alger, 1995: 408) This shows that the upper classes fail to think about the future consequences of political decisions, as all of the UK’s news corporation are privately owned it means that the ball is in their court, however, due to the decisions being made and the lack of public interest displayed in the news media today it has unintentionally ‘shot itself in the foot. This has then led to a reduction in political interest, due to the â€Å"compression of the gap between right-wind and left-wing politics† (Anderson & Ward, 2007: 27) this occurred as a result of commercialization, as news media started to concentrate on market values rather than the role they where traditional made for it became apparent that editors where increasing the number of stories which aligned with their political stance and more so, they would glamourize this by omission of important information.It system became blurred and peoples views on politics had changed, the traditional bonds and conformations had broken down. The under class would consider the future benefits of their decisions, they would condone things which in the long run would serve them greatl y however the upper class ignored the future consequences of their decisions and this led to a collapse in political conforms. Today is the perfect visual representation of the extent to which this has occurred; the current coalition government is a product of the news media and the lack of adequate and sufficient information.Other change that evolve and continually challenge political journalism are technological and at the fast pace it is moving news media is finding it difficult to conform to traditional news values and keep the quality of news among the most popular. The development in multi-channel television has created fragmented viewing habits for the audience; this has led to a decline in some of the highest forms of quality news such as, The 10 O’clock News.This has led to conglomeration and concentration of ownership, which creates a dominated market of privately owned corporations. Although this plays an essential part in reducing costs and pressures of news media it often conforms to market driven attitudes that are in complete opposition to the roles depicted by competitive and participatory democracies. â€Å"Murdoch’s orientation towards his newspaper â€Å"properties† is a centerpiece of the current trend. As he has said: â€Å"All newspapers run to make profits†¦.I don’t run anything for respectability†. Therefore, today’s quality newspapers â€Å"have descended to the slimy and sensational- a process that might better be called Murdochization. † (Alger, 1995: 408) This also led to the declining diversity in news provisions, as competition increased it was soon wiped-out by the conformation of large corporate companies which where then driven away from their traditional role to act as a watchdog and instead, more often than not, conform around commodification such as Murdoch’s. The most nfluential and fast-paced form of technology affecting the quality of news media has to be, the birth of the Internet; this offers unlimited access to news providers all over the world and outside of the journalism profession. â€Å" ‘What the hell were we all smoking that weekend? Is the question now asked at Time Warner, according to Rupert Murdoch, reflecting upon the decision by Time Warner to sell itself into a merger with American Online at the very peak of dotcom valuations, with the result that it inflicted huge, medium term misery on it’s own shareholders. (Hargreaves, 2003: 237) The Internet was curated by news media and only to be the destroyer, since the birth of the Internet the quality of news in traditional newspapers and television has plummeted only to become the start of another line of challenges facing journalist’s everyday. The internet expanded the news media market excessively creating a mass amount of jobs, â€Å"there were so many jobs, it became difficult to recruit people into journalism training courses† (Hargreaves, 2003 : 236) Newspapers where now battling not only with their paper based competition, but a whole new level of news media.As the online market grew at a phenomenal rate its affects on newspapers included trivialisation and commercialisation, as they had to compete for the readers. Newspapers where in decline â€Å"fewer people are reading these newspapers and circulations continue their steady decline from the peak year of 1989 reflecting, at least in part, the expansion of local radio, the spiraling costs of newsprint and growing access to the internet. (Allan, 2005: 140) Journalists ethics where thrown out the window and instead superiority was given to market values, again this moves away from the traditions of the news role in UK democracies. However, without the internet, news media would have never reached the mass audience it has. It became possible to communicate all over the world which led to word news, â€Å"the global nature of the new communications network means that ind ividuals can consume journalism all over the world. This allows journalists to, in one sense increase their skills to act as the watchdog role over society, â€Å"journalism today is a two-way street or rather a multidirectional process of boundaryless space† which gives them the ability to give us information which has prominence to us. Although this has created massive opportunities in some respect, it will always revolve around profit hungry organisations, one would not exist without the other. With the increase in technology an increase in a journalist skill also applies, the newsroom requires a multi-skilled journalist to be able to source and construct relevant stories.However, due to the decreasing news media market journalism has been led to ‘downsizing’ therefore, journalists are now required to do more, with this comes a failure in the idea of democratic media, omission being one of the key factors undermining todays news media quality. As journalists b ecome pressured it is apparent that a lack of important information can be an accidental mistake, â€Å"Evidently more journalists than ever are feeling alarmed about their professions credibility problems with the public, due in part to their perception that standards of accuracy are in decline. (Allan, 2005: 6) With an endless amount of content, this is inevitably going to apply to news media if they continue to make cuts; this in itself proves the undermining role of quality news in todays democracies, they are willing to sacrifice the important information and acting as a watchdog role, over making cuts to increase on profits. As the internet continues to build a news media empire, newspapers are inclined to follow suit and this is where the lack of journalist ethics appears. Editors, pressured by intense competition for readers, demand that staff cut ethical corners; and competition among staff encourages some to respond† (Hargreaves, 2003: 221) with the pressures to dow nsize journalists are forced to reconcile their role in society and conform to the multi-news corporations and their needs for increased profits.This has also resulted in a decline in independent journalist sources, newspaper are now relying on PR material to build a sustainable story, however, this causes the quality of news to disappear completely, they are building a headline to attract the viewer and then using bogus, second-hand information and sources to build the context. â€Å"The majority believes that the news media pay too little attention to complex stories. † (Allan, 2005: 7) This is a result off multi-corporate news organisations who often ignore the role in which journalism should play in the UK’s democracies defined by Stromback. Journalists in a commercial setting are primarily working for their shareholders’ profits† (Hargreaves, 2003: 178) as a result the quality of news has decreased and it merely concentrates on entertainment news. To conclude, quality news has decreased as a result of technological and economical challenges. The extent to this bares down to the journalist and their ethics, most of which have conformed to different ideologies by large news corporations.The role in which Stromback demands of the UK’s political journalism is highly unachieved in today’s society; this is due to the increased pressures from large competition in the global news media market today. â€Å"Underlying this global expansion are specific economic factors, First, media products have relatively low reproduction costs. Second, they can be resold without requiring any additional outlay by producers, and hence once production costs are covered, they generate pure profits for their owners. (Curran & Gurevitch, 2005: 94) It has become an unavoidable need to concentrate on the market values due to the high number of privately owned news corporations, as a result of this journalist ethics and intentions within a democ racy, outlined by Stromback are completely ignored. The news media is now in a situation where it coexists with market values, it is unavoidable and an inevitable fact that this has resulted in the commercialisation and sensationalism of quality news. British local press is characterized by a sustained decline in the number of published titles, publisher’s readers and circulations although, paradoxically, this decline coexists with robust and expansive advertising revenues and profits. † (Allan, 2005: 141) it is now unavoidable and can not be undone, without multi-channel television or the birth of the internet would not have come this global force which allows the public to explore willingly, the news media, whether it is written professionally or not. Word Count- 2265

Family Health History Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Family Health History - Research Paper Example Cigarettes are often used to cover up uncomfortable feelings like anger and nervousness. Nicotine is known to be poisonous, and it could result in a fatality when taken in large amounts. Secondly, Nicotine produces pleasurable feelings even when taken in small amounts this makes the smoker crave for more. Thirdly, smokers usually suffer both psychological and physical withdrawal symptoms whenever they stop smoking; this is due to the usual dependency on nicotine. Some of the withdrawal results include irritability, nervousness, and headache. Smoking harms nearly every organ resulting in many diseases and reducing health in general. Smoking damages the entire cardiovascular system, and it boosts the blood sugar when nicotine hits your body; it also causes blood vessels to tighten thus restricting blood flow (Sturm 21). Smoking leads to the  blood pressure and lowers good cholesterol level this can result in stretching of arteries and buildup of bad cholesterol it also raises the risk of blood clots forming. Weakened blood vessels and blood clots in the smoker’s brain increases the risk of stroke. There is an increased risk of recurrent coronary heart diseases for smokers who have heart bypass surgery and in long-term smokers are at a greater risk of blood cancer. Nevertheless, smoking has a risk to non-smokers too; breathing secondhand smoke has an immediate effect on the cardiovascular system this leads to heart attack and coronary diseases. To tackle this problem, I will encourage the smoker to seek medical consultation. One of the medical solutions is nicotine replacement therapy.  

Social and Politic Influences Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Social and Politic Influences Paper - Essay Example These relationships more often than not are shaped by the need to accomplish common goals. Usually, social forces (social influences) emerge in this process and whose consequences either facilitate or impede learning. According to Hirschy and Wilson (2002), these social influences are categorized into role relationships, social status, and structural inequalities. Sociologists often look at how these influences affect people in the classroom in a social setting (Hirschy & Wilson, 2002). Mehan (1998) describes social status in a classroom context as to include the gender, race, age, and social class of the students and the tutor (Hirschy & Wilson, 2002). For instance, students coming from poor family set-ups may often find challenges adjusting to college life compared to their higher status counterparts. According to Gardner, Dean and McKaig (1989), the college environment often reflects the social relationships at different levels i.e. upper-level, middle-level and low level. It is often the case that although students from low-level or disadvantaged backgrounds can grasp tacit rules quickly, they still have a sense of being outsiders. Social influence of role relationships usually come out clearly when assessing the interaction patterns that occur between the tutor and learners and among student peers. Usually in every class, the rules and norms have a huge bearing on the interactions among class participants. According to Hirschy and Wilson (2002), the various norms of discourse determining the patterns of participation. These are those who take part and those who do not. Moreover, it depends on whether one has the drive to disagree with the instructor and other students. In addition, it shows how best to handle conflicts; the types of questions that are acceptable, and how to act appropriately in the classroom. Students often hold an unequal position of power and this, according to Gamaron (2001) often brings a negative influence

Difference between intelligent and wisdom Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Difference between intelligent and wisdom - Essay Example The need to find the truth behind the functioning of different world phenomena and nature makes knowledge equally necessary for humankind. Knowledge, from the philosophical standpoint, may include that which emanates from an individual’s intellect or possession of wisdom. The debate on the distinctions that exist between intellect and wisdom attracts the consideration of several philosophical concepts. From a philosophical perspective, it is incontrovertible that both intelligence and wisdom constitute knowledge. This brings the question of how knowledge based on intelligence differs from that with a foundation on wisdom. Many philosophical attributes to intelligence relate it to the ability to embrace rational reasoning. Rationality, as pertains to reasoning, involves individuality of thought and reasoning. Knowledge gained through experience after an expansive span of time would bring wisdom. Lifelong education coupled with the various instances, through which one acquires k nowledge, are avenues that contribute to the acquisition of wisdom that individual posses. However, there is difference between information acquisition over a long time and the level of an individual’s wisdom. ... Wise individuals tend to concentrate on the desire and enthusiasm of redefining old truths and philosophical perspectives and ideas that may present confusing and divergent opinions. Wisdom, therefore, is a basis on which there is the gain of a deep understanding of ideas beyond existing theories. Generally, this comes with high advancement in an individual’s age. The relation of redefinition of phenomena to old age emanates from the necessity to relate past events to present situations. This renders the elderly part of the population well advanced, in age, to relate events over time. The various concerns that wisdom explore include the search for humanity and morality in the society. Knowledge of intellects and the wise may also differ in their forms of approach. An intellect would acquire knowledge through scientific means that are explainable in a way that detaches the individual from the context in study. It is purely abstract an explained through theoretical points of vie w. This renders intellect as impersonal and unrelated from the person. Intellectual knowledge, therefore, is self-governing through contextual explanations rather than based on attributes to the person who posses it. Wisdom, however, adopts a contrary approach from intellect. It assumes a spiritual approach to defining different phenomena. The wise are anxious about life-defining issues as the significance of life. In the definition and contextualization of most subjects, wise individuals adopt a personal approach. The premises in the discourse to finding an answer to a situation and concern do not depend on rigid theories that have empirical proofs. Instead, the wise finds solutions based on their personal feelings and their experience, over time, that helps in explaining their opinions.

Conflicting Obligations Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conflicting Obligations - Assignment Example In inquiry number 15, the psychiatrist has the obligation of informing the police of the crime committed by the violent man and the psychiatrist has the obligation of not informing the police of the crime committed by the potentially violent man. In inquiry number 16, the company president has the obligation of firing her executive following an angry letter from high government official that she criticized official policy positions and the president has the obligation of not firing her executive following an angry letter. In inquiry number 18, the carpenter has the obligation of doing the job though he is aware that the walls could warp due to architect’s specification violation and the carpenter has the obligation of not doing the job though he is aware the wall could warp due to the architect’s specification violation. The law of contradiction, also referred to as the law of the excluded middle, involves the law of thought that something can be and cannot be at the same phenomena. In plain terms, it states that two contradictory statements cannot be true at the same phenomena, or that something cannot receive an affirmation and receive a denial at the same time. The law is quite significant in ethical analysis and reasoning. The law helps one to think critically of the consequences of any actions pursued. It helps in determining the correct, ethical action by deciding the one that brings greatest balance of beneficial consequences over the bad consequences. This calls for critical consideration of a situation and classifying the negatives and the positives of the situation. When reconciling conflicting obligations, one has to identify the beneficial and the grave of each of the conflicting obligations. One should look at the positive consequences in choosing any of the obligations, and if the obli gation chosen fulfills the intended

Denver Art Museum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Denver Art Museum - Essay Example In the year 1918 the name was finally changed to Denver art museum and several galleries were moved to the museum. In the year 1954 the first wing called the Morgon Wing was built. The museum offers well over 1000 pieces of African art and in addition to this there are several exquisite pieces of Asian art too. This museum is run by Non-profit organization, this is separate from the state of Denver, it is primarily run on the sales tax collected and it also gets donations. These two things form the base of its existence. "Founded in 1893, this seven-story museum has two distinct buildings. The main 1972 building, designed by Gio Ponti, is wrapped by a thin 28-sided wall faced with 1 million sparkling tiles. The second, a jagged, avant-garde addition, designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, opened in fall 2006, doubling the size of the museum and giving Denver a unique architectural highlight in the process." (Denver Art Museum) There are special tours that the museum offers; From Tuesday to Saturday the visitors can have a good look at the collection in the museum. There are various gifts shops also in the museum.

Burberry clothing Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Burberry clothing - Research Proposal Example One of the companies that is fast establishing itself as a force in the market is Burberry Clothing Co. which is one of the most iconic British fashion firm. The company has been in existence for more than 5 decades, making its name as one of the most proffered clothing and general fashion company. With the advent of technology, the company has managed to create online shops from where it sells its products and reaches a number of its clients located in different parts of the world. This paper presents a marketing plan that can be used by the company in reaching its new target markets and expanding its market share. Burberry Clothing, in its new approach to the targeted markets is supposed to ensure that it makes a proper description and analysis of its markets as it rolls out its products. For instance, the company often makes clothes that fit the different people that it serves; it has clothes for men, women, children and even the old people. This is a important attribute considering that clothes and fashion are products that can be consumed by all groups of people in the market. Perhaps what the company needs to realise is the different composition of these targeted populations in terms of their demographic factors. In terms of their geography, the company will have to put in place excellent mechanisms that will enable it bridge the aspects of place utility (Greenwood 76). In this regard, the company needs to establish distribution centers in strategic places that it will find effective to enable it reach its products to those markets as soon as they are needed. The company needs to have an understanding of its clients’ needs and demands so that it can meet them effectively, for instance, some people have different purchasing behaviors that are identified from their purchase preferences. Having this understanding will enable the company to reach and consolidate its markets in the best way that will give

The history of the Islamic faith Essay Example for Free

The history of the Islamic faith Essay Introduction This is a topic on the Muslims {Islam}. I will be covering the history of the Islamic faith. I will also be talking about the mosques and I will give a drawing on one. I will mention Ramadan and what it is like for a kid to fast in the month of Ramadan. I will write about a birth and marriage and also death. So please read on. The History Of Islam The Islamic faith first started of when a man called Muhammad. Lived in a city called Makkah, 1,400 years ago. He was being troubled by his destiny and poverty. One day when he was in the rocks of Makkah, he saw an angel. In the hand of the angel was a cloth, on the cloth was some writing, and Muhammad could not read the writing so the angel told him what it said. The cloth was explaining how much power Allah had, and that he should be worshiped more. So Muhammad went back to his village and told everyone about Allah and the angel. Mekkah Mekkah is the holy place for Muslims. They have a rule that you must be a Muslims to enter Mekkah. It is most important place to Muslims because, it is were Muhammad live years ago. Muhammad was at the age of 40 when he saw the angel at the top of the massive pile of rocks. In the town of Mekkah there is a massive building called the Kaba. Kaba is cube-shaped shrine, covered in a black and gold velvet. The Muslims for good luck kiss the Kaba. Quran We believe the Quran (also written Koran) contains the words of Allah, which the angels revealed to Muhammad. Muhammad learned the words off by heart, and friends wrote them down for him. The words are in Arabic, and Muslims try to learn the Quran, the Quran is the words that were given to Muhammad. The Quran is treated with great respect and is only touched by people that are clean all over. It is wrapped in an ornate cloth to keep it in neat condition. The Quran is written in different styles of Arabic because it was written in a period of 23 years so different people wrote the Quran. Ramadan Ramadan is a fast every 9 months. During he month of Ramadan Muslims must fast (not eat or drink) from dawn to dusk. Adults eat breakfast before daylight and then nothing until dinner after sunset. Part of the reason for Ramadan is to make us aware of the needs of others. There are some people who are permitted to eat during daylight; they are pregnant women, to keep their baby healthy, and women who are feeding their babies. Also the very young or very old are permitted to eat. If you are a sportsman/woman and are training a lot in the day you are allowed to drink. The sick and disabled are also allowed to eat and drink. Birth This is what happens when a baby is born:- The first ceremony takes place as soon as a baby is born. We believe that a child is a gift from Allah and must be brought into the faith as quickly as possible. The baby is washed and the call to prayer is whispered in its right ear. A second call to worship is whispered in the babies left ear. Next honey or a piece of sugar is placed on the babies tongue as a sign of a happy life. Marriage A Muslim marriage is usally a lot of fun, with partys and colourful cloths. Many marriages are arranged by the brides farther, although our law is that the bride cannot be forced to get marred. The wedding ceremony is not a religious ceremony. The man proposes, and the woman accepts in front of witnesses. They both sign a contract (document) to make it legal. Also the man gives the bride a sum of money that is only the brides to spend. Death This is what happens at a burial or death:- When a person dies, the body is wrapped in white sheets and buried as soon as possible. Friend call on family to show there respect and support. Muslims believe that one day the dead will rise to life and be judged by Allah. It is to be said that the good will go to paradise, and all the others will go to ever lasting fire. Mosque The word Mosque comes from an Arabic word, meaning Place of Prostration. It is the house of prayer, where Muslims gather together to worship Allah. There are many different styles of Mosque, and they reflect the traditional architecture of the countries in which they are found, however, all of them share common design features. Perhaps the most distinctive element of a Mosque is its minaret, the tall slender tower designed to be seen from a distance as a reminder of Allahs presence. Before you enter a Mosque you must be clean all over, e.g. wash hands, legs and arms etc. You must also take off your shoes for cleanliness and health. Conclusion I learnt too much in this topic to right it all down, so I will give some ideas of what I learnt. One of the main things that I learnt is how the Islamic faith stared, and that the Quran was some words on a piece of cloth show to Muhammad by an angel sent by Allah .I also learnt that Ramadan is hard to keep and it is I good thing to show what it is like for poor homeless beggar.

The spy genre

The spy genre The spy genre is intellectually satisfying for its thrilling blend of espionage, international setting, assassinations, secret agencies, ruthless villains, and fast moving action. The Bourne Trilogy does not disappoint viewers with a predictable plot; rather it reinvents the genre with an appealing protagonist, Jason Bourne who is regarded with sympathy throughout the narrative of the films, despite the suspicions cast over him at times. The pursuit and pursued formula that characterises spy genres is cleverly sustained in the Bourne films. The Bourne Ultimatum has an interesting twist in terms of the expected spy plot, as Bourne is the pursuer. The films psychologically portray the themes of betrayal, corruption, power, and greed in a way that is glamorised, while at the same time highlighting tremendous injustice. The Bourne Ultimatum is renowned for its cleverly arranged film structure in that the story is set in several different time frames. These time frames are the story of Bourne being chased, but also Bournes numerous flashbacks that take place throughout the film; at 415 East 71st Street, where Bourne meets Albert Hirsch, who ran Treadstones psychological conditioning programme many of these occur. Hirsch was the one who broken down Bourne in order to make him trainable as a Treadstone agent. In this scene, there is a particularly spectacular flashback in which Jason is shown, deprived of sleep sitting at a table. Dr Hirsch tells Bourne: â€Å"Really give yourself to this programme. [Treadstone]†. Bourne is then shown holding a gun and quickly fires two bullets at a tied up hostage. Hirsch then tells Bourne that he is no longer David Webb (his real name). This is a turning point in the plot as it shows when Jason Bourne lost his real identity. The films structure is also clever in that the majority of the films events precede those of the Bourne Supremacy, filling in the interim from when he left Moscow and went to New York City. An example is in London where Bourne meets Simon Ross, a journalist and finds out about Blackbriar. He then tries to protect Simons life, as the CIA have picked up on Simons knowledge about Blackbriar from a phone call that he made through ECHELON, a call monitoring service. However, Bourne fails to protect him, as Simon does not follow Bournes instructions. Another example is when he is Tangier with Nicky searching for Neal Daniels, who was involved in Treadstone. However, Daniels is killed by Desh, a Blackbriar operative before they can interrogate him. Other places that feature in the storyline are Moscow, Paris, London, Madrid, Tangier, and New York City. The story from these places takes up about two thirds of the film, after which point the conclusion / resolution to the Bourne trilogy is sh own. Another unique point of the Bourne trilogy, but particularly The Bourne Ultimatum, is that the spy genre is more intellectual, and requires more thinking to unravel the story. When Bourne tells Landy to meet him at Tudor City alone, Landy goes, followed by Vosen and his team. Bourne phones Vosen: â€Å"Where are you now?† and Vosen replies â€Å"Im sitting in my office.† Bourne then says that he doubts that as if he were in his office, they would be talking face to face. Bourne then hangs up and opens Vosens safe ingeniously, using a recording of Vosens voice. This scene is fast-paced and set in low light, common in spy-genre films. As Bourne hangs up, fast-paced music, non-diegetic sound starts and the viewer immediately knows that a chase scene will follow. By the third instalment, scenes like this such one are the audiences expectations, as the spy-genre becomes increasingly more intellectual and involves increasingly more advanced technology with each instalment in the trilogy. The Bourne Ultimatum has been described as â€Å"an oasis in a sea of contrived, overreaching action films† which shows that it is appreciated for its impressive new take on the spy genre. The structure of each film in the series, in detail follows a common pattern with an opening scene of intrigue, followed by a mission that Bourne undertakes to answer questions and concludes with some form of resolve. In the Bourne Identity, Bourne is found lying in the ocean and is rescued by some Italian fishermen, and cannot remember who he is. He discovers that he can speak several different languages and has a wide range of skills that he can use, as when he ties a knot in a rope on the Italian mens fishing boat, without thinking. It is later revealed that he has these skills due to his partaking in a programme called â€Å"Operation Treadstone†. In Operation Treadstone, the agents would be broken down and then trained to do what was required of them, as in Bournes case usually assassinations. Later in the film, he regains pieces of his memory through stimuli, like when Conklin says: â€Å"For Christs sake, youre the one who picked the yacht as a goddamn strike point!† He then has a flashback and remembers the attempted assassination where he was supposed to kill Nykwana Wombosi, an African dictator. At the end of the Bourne Identity, he goes to a scooter rental shop in Greece where Marie is working. The camera zooms in to a medium close up shot in order to show Marie Jasons reactions other after last seeing each other at Eamons house in the French countryside. Non-diegetic sound, namely the theme music (Extreme Ways by Moby) starts to play signifying the end of the film and that they are reunited. This non-diegetic sound In the Bourne Supremacy, Bourne and Marie are together in India and Bourne does not wish to work for the CIA and wants to be independent, as cited in the Bourne Identity, when Bourne tells Conklin: â€Å"Youre gonna go tell them [the CIA] that Jason Bourne is dead†. This is said in a commanding way and highlights Jasons desire to be free from his pursuers. Marie is later killed by a Russian assassin, who was targeting Bourne. Bourne travels to Italy to find out why he is again being pursued. Bourne is pursued by the CIA for the murders of two men, of which he is framed by Ward Abbott who has his fingerprint planted. Bourne later interrogates Nicky Parsons, a CIA agent who was involved in the logistics arm of Treadstone, and discovers that Conklin was not the head of Treadstone, rather it was Abbott. Bourne goes after Abbott and records a conversation with him, and holds a gun to his head, Abbott in response saying: â€Å"Go ahead, go on. Go on! Do it! Do it!† at which p oint Bourne replies â€Å"She [Marie] wouldnt want me to†. This shows Jasons love for Marie, even after her death. After this Bourne goes to Moscow, where he is pursued in a car chase by Kirill, a Russian Blackbriar operative. Bourne eventually kills Kirill by forcing his car to crash into a concrete divider in a tunnel. He then goes to see Irena, the daughter of Vladimir Neski, the Russian politician that he killed. He tells her that he was responsible for their deaths and on leaving, says â€Å"Im sorry.† The viewer is sympathetical toward Bourne in this scene, because they know that Bourne was trained as a Treadstone operative and thought at the time that he was doing the right thing. At the end of the film, Pamela Landy is speaking on the phone to Bourne and says: â€Å"Why dont you come in and well talk about it.† Bourne replies â€Å"Get some rest, Pam. You look tired.† At this point Landy looks out of the window trying to pinpoint where Bourne is. Bourne is then shown walking through New York City. The way this sequence is filmed is interesting, as in the Bourne Supremacy, Landy is shown speaking, however Bourne is also shown speaking, allowing the viewer to see his reactions to the phone call. In the Bourne Ultimatum, this is shown once again, but with different camera angles. Bourne and Landy are shown speaking on the phone, but there is a flashback during the phone call, which is evoked by Landy telling Bourne his real name, David Webb and his date of birth. During the conversation, Noah Vosen and a group of CIA agents are listening in on the conversation and attempting to trace the phone call. As Bourne tells Landy that she â€Å"looks tired † the agents and Vosen realises that Jason is very close. In the Bourne Ultimatum, before the events that lead up to the phone call mentioned, Bourne is a fugitive in Moscow. He manages to evade the Moscow police long enough to treat his wounds in a pharmacy. He is confronted by an officer, whom he renders unconscious. He holds another officer at gunpoint. The officer asks Bourne not to kill him, and Bourne replies in Russian, â€Å"My argument is not with you.† This is typical of spy-genre films, as most spies featured in the genre will only kill people who they have to, or who are directed to kill. There is a role-reversal in this Bourne movie, as Bourne is the pursuer. Bourne is then shown in Paris, where he meets with Maries stepbrother to inform him of her death. Bourne searches for the individuals who trained him in Operation Treadstone throughout the film, through many sources; namely Nicky Parsons, Treadstones former logistics and mental health manager and who is suggested to have had a romantic relationship with Bourne befor e the Wombosi incident. He discovers that Neal Daniels was one of his trainers. Daniels is killed in Tangier by Desh, a Blackbriar operative who then goes after Nicky under CIA instructions. Bourne kills him and sends Nicky away on a bus for her safety. Bourne then searches through a burnt briefcase that belonged to Neal Daniels and discovers the charred remains of a CIA document, with the CIA New York substations address on it. Bourne then enters another building and spies on Pamela Landy and Noah Vosen in the CIA building. Bourne notices that Vosen has some documents on Blackbriar in a safe in his office. He then calls Pamela Landy: â€Å"I hear youre still looking for me. What do you want?† Landy: â€Å"I wanted to thank you for the tape. Its all tied off. Its over.† Landy then tells Bourne that his real name is David Webb and his birthday is 4/15/71 (US date format). This is the same scene as at the end of the Bourne Supremacy. After telling Pamela, that â€Å"she looks tired†, a chase ensues after Bourne sends Landy a text message telling her to meet him at Tudor City. It is later found out that Bournes birthday is actually 13/9/70. The CIA immediately picks up on this and discovers that it is a code to the former Treadstone training facility. Here he meets Albert Hirsch, one of the men who trained him as a Treadstone agent. Bourne points a gun at his head, but does not kill him as he says that Hirsch doesnt deserve â€Å"the star that they give you at Langley†, a reference to stars on the wall in the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia that are a memorial to agents killed in action. At the end of the film, Bourne is shown on the run from the CIA. A Blackbriar operative then points a gun at him, but after hearing Bournes speech: â€Å"Do you even know why youre supposed to kill me? Look at us. Look at what they make you give†, the agent spares Bournes life and Bourne is shown running toward the edge of the rooftop. However as he jumps off headed into a river, Noah Vosen shoots at him. He falls into the water, the viewer neither knowing if he survived or was killed and his body is shown not moving in the water with eerie downbeat music starting to play. The focus then switches to Pamela Landy giving a speech to US senators. She tells them of the Blackbriar programme, saying: â€Å"The file indicates that Ezra Kramer [Director of the CIA] authorised six illegal†¦Ã¢â‚¬  the focus then switching to a reporters voice on a television, with Nicky watching. The reporter says that there is â€Å"a growing scandal† over â€Å"an alleged government ass assination programme code-named Blackbriar†. It goes on to say that, Ezra Kramer is under criminal investigation, Landy obviously having managed to have him prosecuted. The reporter then says that Hirsch and Vosen have been arrested and â€Å"Meanwhile, mystery surrounds the fate of David Webb, also known as Jason Bourne, the source behind the exposure of the Blackbriar programme†. It says that Bourne was reported to have been shot and fallen from â€Å"a Manhattan rooftop into the East River ten storeys below.† Finally, the reporter announces that even after a three-day search, â€Å"[Bournes] body has yet to be found.† Nicky smiles at this, realising that Jason must still be alive. The theme music (Extreme Ways by Moby) then starts to play, and Bourne is then shown swimming away down the river. This leaves a hint that possibly the series is not over, and that there is room for a sequel. In many films of the spy-genre, there is a hint that the series will carry on, and the Bourne Ultimatum is no exception. The language used in the three films is cryptic and there are many codenames used. Operation Blackbriar is a more advanced version of Operation Treadstone that allows the CIA in the Bourne Ultimatum to use lethal action if required, without consent. It is referred to frequently throughout the film, including when Simon Ross, the journalist who has been informed of Blackbriar, is hunted down; his source later turns out to Neal Daniels. The way that the characters speak also plays a major part in the film. Their way of speaking in emotionally detached, but not business-like, as they do not always explain all clearly to the audience. Usually this is rectified later in the films. The main people who speak in this way are the CIA, namely Pamela Landy, Abbott, Conklin, Kramer and Noah Vosen, amongst others. They speak in this way so as to create a theme of mystery and intrigue, which leaves the viewer curious, wanting to see more of the film. One scene of intrigue is when Bourne is with Simon Ross in Waterloo Station Concourse. Bourne has read one of his news stories about Jason Bourne and goes to meet him. Meanwhile, the CIA has picked up on a keyword that Ross said on a phone call through ECHELON. He becomes hunted by a number of the CIAs Blackbriar operatives. Bourne meets Ross near a newsagents in Waterloo Station. The lighting is low, and there is a lot of diegetic sound; passengers talking and announcements in the train station. Bourne asks Ross: â€Å"Whos your source? Whats his name? Whats your sources name?† Ross asks Bourne: â€Å"Look, whats going on? Why are these people after me? Bourne replies that the reason is because Ross found something and spoke to someone involved with Treadstone. Bourne asks again, who the source is and Ross replies â€Å"You know I cant tell you that.† Bourne tells him that he underestimates the CIA, and that they will kill him if needs be. Ross asks him if they are af ter him because of Blackbriar. Bourne discovers that it is a â€Å"Treadstone upgrade† as described by Ross. Bourne then sees one of the Blackbriar operatives; the first time that he realises what operation they are working for and tells Ross that they have to move. Fast-paced action music starts to play, indicative of the start of an important action sequence. The mise-en-scene at this point is a terminal swarming with passengers. This makes the scene slightly harder for the viewer to follow, and makes them pay more attention. Bourne tells Ross to answer his phone and Bourne continues giving him instructions via his phone. As Bourne is walking at a distance behind Ross, he notices numerous CIA operatives and tells Ross to tie his shoelace. The agents walk past and Ross unnoticed is told by Jason to walk along the far wall. Ross does this but sees a man with a waste trolley and believes him to be one of the operatives. He thinks that the man is reaching for a gun and runs thr ough the crowd away from him. Meanwhile, in New York, Vosen and his team are watching the CCTV cameras in the station and see Ross running through the crowds. The operatives are given the location of Ross and once again try to catch him. The lighting during this scene is bright/daylight, which means that the operatives, Bourne and Ross must be careful of their actions. One of the operatives them follows Ross and Bourne tells Ross to move into a shop, while Bourne knocks the asset unconscious. Bourne then tells Ross to go into the back of the store and locks the door. Ross does, but as he does this, two operatives see him and try to open the door unsuccessfully. They are seen walking out of the store by Bourne and he follows them, as they try to find another way into the back of the store. One aims to shoot Ross, but as he does so is rendered unconscious by Bourne. The music is fast paced at this point and in the back of the store, the light is artificial and bright. Numerous other o peratives then enter the room and Bourne manages to knock them all out. Diegetic sound is in the form of grunts from the men as Bourne does so. The mise-en-scene is bare, albeit with bodies strewn over the floor. Bourne realises that there is a camera in the room and that he and Ross have now been seen. Vosen in New York sees these images and believes Jason to be Ross source; that Ross is in league with him. There is a tense atmosphere in the CIA room, with computers and high-tech gear everywhere. Vosen is watching the station through CCTV on three large screens. He orders for all the exits of the station to be blocked and for Bourne and Ross to both be assassinated. While this happens, a Blackbriar operative has climbed a stairwell and is now stationed behind a revolving billboard. Bourne and Ross are now in a small room and are watching through a small window in the door for any operatives. Jason confronts Ross and tells him that he is going to get them out of there, but that Ross has to do exactly what he says. He confronts Ross, who is panicking and tells him â€Å"this isnt some story in a newspaper. (A reference to him being a journalist) This is real. You understand me?† Ross replies â€Å"OK† and Bourne exits the room, on the lookout for any operatives. The Blackbriar operative is seen behind the billboard, in a dark dingy environment, readying a sniper rifle. Vosen is then shown in the CIA substation again and tells his team: â€Å"Call all agents back. Give Bournes location at the back of the store to the asset. The asset then receives a message showing Bourne and Ross identities. Vosen orders the cameras to be â€Å"killed†, specifically not pointed at the concourse where the sniper would presumably be firing. Bourne is still communicating with Ross by phone. Bourne tells him that he feels that â€Å"something isnt right† (an excellent perception by Bourne, which shows that he has been trained as an expert). Ross says to Bourne via phone: â€Å"I can see the entrance from here. If I go now I can make it. Bourne tells Ross to remain. Ross then tells Bourne that he does not think they should wait and, panicking again says he thinks, â€Å"Someones coming†. Bourne meanwhile has seen something move when the billboard revolves. Ross then says, â€Å"Im going for it.† Bourne, desperate shouts at Ross â€Å"No, no, no, no, no!† but Ross does not listen and tries to run quickly out of the room. The sniper then quickly shoots Ross in the head from behind the billboard. There is diegetic sound commotion is this part, people screaming and police officers whistles. Bourne manages to take Simons notes from his pockets and slip away unnoticed. Meanwhile, the sniper searches for Bourne in the crowd, but sees him coming closer, and realising that Bourne knows where he is, quickly starts to escape. A chase between Bourne and the sniper, with Bourne as the pursuer quickly ensues. Bourne spots t he sniper and runs after him, chasing him down a dingy stairwell and a London Underground station. The camera movement in this scene is shaky and handheld, and adds to the excitement factor that the music already brings. The sniper manages to slip onto a train and the doors shut just as Bourne reaches it. Bourne then comes face to face with his enemy as the train leaves, a moment of extreme tension. The focus then cuts to Vosen. Another interesting scene is the scene in which Bourne and Nicky enter Tangier via ferry. As they enter the ferry terminal there is a lot of diegetic from passengers and low, action music with a quickening beat. The focus then switches to Desh, a Blackbriar operative. He leaves Tangier airport, where diegetic sound can be heard, aeroplanes taking off and landing and airport announcements. He is shown entering a taxi. The focus switches to Vosen quickly, a man saying, â€Å"Asset has arrived at the airport†. The use of the word asset shows the CIAs ruthlessness; if an asset is killed, another one can be used. Bourne and Nicky are shown walking down a busy street, full of civilians. They are shown entering a hotel room and Nicky sets up a laptop. In the meantime, Neal Daniels is shown hurriedly leaving a taxi. Vosen is shown in the dark CIA substation in New York and says: â€Å"Give the asset subject [Daniels] location and the route between the subjects hotel and the bank.â₠¬  Desh is shown in a taxi receiving this information. Nicky logs in securely to the CIA on her laptop. Desh is then shown entering a dark gloomy garage, where a motorbike is parked. All the time these events happen, anticipative music is playing in the background. Nicky then searches on the CIAs service for Daniels location, but is blocked by the firewall. She tells Bourne â€Å"Theyll get one of the operatives to terminate him.† Again, this highlights the CIAs ruthless nature. Bourne tells her to â€Å"find out who.† They discover that it is Desh. They plan to follow him in order to find the location of Daniels. Desh is shown preparing for the assassination when Nicky sends him a message, telling him to meet her at a local cafà ©. He then closes the phone, and a remote-detonating bomb is shown. He then sets off through Tangier by motorbike. An aerial image of Tangier is shown, as in many spy films there is an international setting and this interests the viewers fur ther to see the skyline of the city, which sets the scene. Vosen and his team are shown in New York again, and a woman tells Vosen: â€Å"Sir, the asset is deviating off course.† Vosen responds by saying not to take any action. The deviation is of course due to Nicky telling Desh to meet her at a cafà ©, specifically â€Å"Cafà © de Paris†. A congested street is then shown with diegetic sound and non-diegetic sound, the diegetic being the honks of car horns and the non-diegetic sound being the tense music building up to scene of climax, of which there are numerous in this film. Bourne is shown behind a tree watching Desh go past on moped, while Nicky is sat at a table in Cafà © de Paris. Desh stops and gets off the moped, while Bourne watches, unnoticed and Vosen and his team see Deshs â€Å"unscheduled stop† on a digital map. Desh picks up the phone that Nicky has left on the table for him, and Bourne then follows him, ingeniously grabbing keys for a moped f rom someones hand without their knowing; another indication of Bournes intensive training. Bourne is then shown starting the moped, ready to follow. Vosens team are shown and tell him â€Å"Subject is on the move, en route to subject. [Daniels]† Wills, part of Vosens team then tells him that there has been a breach of the CIA protocol. They discover that instructions were sent to Desh, and then discover that they were sent from Nicky Parsons computer. Vosen asks where the deviation occurred, and when he is satisfied tells a member of the team: â€Å"When were finished with Daniels, send the asset after her† (to assassinate her). Pamela Landy asks what he is doing, and he refuses to answer. She asks him on what basis he is continuing the operation on, and he responds that on the basis that Nicky has â€Å"compromised a covert operation†. Landy responds by saying that the operation is about the assassination of Daniels, not of Nicky. Vosen believes that she has be trayed them, whereas Landy believes that these could be exceptional circumstances; she could have been pressured into sending the message by Bourne. The conversation intensifies and Vosen says that she is in league with Jason Bourne; he believes that this is sufficient evidence to kill her. Landy shouts at him: â€Å"You do not have the authority to kill her!† â€Å"Oh yes I do.† Responds Vosen, â€Å"And you had better get on board.† Landy argues, saying that Nicky is a member of the CIA, and that: â€Å"You start down this path, when does it end?† Here Landy is saying that once he kills one member of the CIA, how many more will he kill? Vosen defends by saying that â€Å"It ends when weve won.† Here the intense argument ends, but Landy stares at Noah grudgingly, and there is a huge sense of tension in the air. Desh receives a message from the CIA, telling him to kill Nicky and Bourne after he kills Daniels. Desh looks in the motorbikes side-view mirror and sees Bourne, realising that he is following him. Vosen tells the bank in Tangier to release the funds. This is used as bait for Daniels to leave the hotel. He receives a phone call telling him this and leaves the building, while Desh continues on the moped. He stops and parks the moped, and Bourne does the same, albeit a distance away, as Bourne believes that Desh has not noticed him. Daniels is shown driving not far away. Desh drops a backpack near a car and as he sees Daniels come down the road, stands in the middle of the road telling him not to come further, when Bourne realises that Desh has tricked him, and the bomb is located on a moped parked directly next to Daniels car. Bourne tries to warn Daniels, but fails as Desh detonates the bomb, destroying his car and ultimately killing Daniels. Bourne, who is very close to the bombs impact, is knocked to the ground, and Desh seeing this believes that Bourne is dead and goes after Nicky. The success of the Bourne trilogy is in the fact that it reinvents the spy genre, by including increasingly more intellectual elements and being unique from other spy films because of this. Jason Bourne, the protagonist of the series has a strong appeal to the viewer throughout the series, despite the viewer knowing that he is an assassin and has killed many people ruthlessly before. Thus, throughout the series at no point does the viewer lack sympathy for Bourne, as they realise that his actions are dictated by desperation and the need for survival of him and those close to him, Marie for example. The themes in the film are of a serious tone, such as the idea of the CIA sending countless people after Bourne and those close to him, for him and those people mentioned to be assassinated. In the films however, particularly The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy, there exist a number of less serious themes, such as Bournes affection and love toward Marie in The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy, and his innocence throughout the series, particularly in the first film, when he cannot remember who he is. Overall, the series is pleasing for the viewer as it presents a unique take on the spy genre, with a more serious tone, yet still managing to mix less serious themes with these.

Gilmans The Yellow Wallpaper -- Feminism Literature

American playwright and active feminist Clare Boothe Luce once pronounced, â€Å"Because I am a woman, I must make unusual efforts to succeed† (â€Å"Clare Boothe Luce Biography† n.p.). Societies primarily controlled by the male gender have been the vast majority since the origination of the first civilization. Throughout history, many women lived feeling superior to men only in a domestic setting. This domestic way of life generated considerable false judgments and stereotypes about the female gender as a whole. However, some chose to venture past what society deemed appropriate. These women often sought only for an opportunity where their voices could he heard. As Luce expressed, she and a great number of others found themselves fighting a remarkably hard battle as a result of gender inequality. Luce noticed that when a man articulated his thoughts, others listened. The perpetual request for females to simply be heard is still frequently denied today. A multi tude of women instead turned to writing books and stories in order to communicate the problems they faced. With symbolism, metaphors and other aspects of figurative language, authors, such as Charlotte Perkins Gilman, found themselves making a point without directly speaking their intention. In The Yellow Wallpaper, the narrator represents a woman’s ability to express her beliefs and that disregarding this right only hinders the oppressive, male-dominated society. Charlotte Perkins Gilman, in The Yellow Wallpaper, tells the tale of a woman who documents the hardships she must endure living with a condition known as nervous depression. The story begins as the narrator marvels at the grandiose nature of the home she and her husband will be residing in for the summer. Her... ...re drastic compared to the nineteenth century, but we are still nowhere near having a perfect equality. I honestly feel that we will make one more step toward a solution if more people read Gilman’s story and understand the message she clearly portrays. Every individual’s voice matters regardless of gender, race, or religion, and with The Yellow Wallpaper, readers can easily see what happens when this crucial fact is ignored. Works Cited â€Å"Clare Boothe Luce Biography.† Henry Luce Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2010. . Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper.† College of Staten Island Library. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Dec. 2010. . Weiten, Wayne. â€Å"Stereotype Vulnerability as an Explanation.† Psychology Themes and Variations. 6th ed. 2004. Print.