English as Foreign Language (Efl) Teaching and Learning at the Undergraduate Level Treatment of Errors and Mistakes Essay Example

English as Foreign Language (Efl) Teaching and Learning at the Undergraduate Level: Treatment of Errors and Mistakes Essay Human speech is very much complicated. It cannot be explained from any single source. The first sound a child makes on coming into the world is one of discomfort, it is a cry, a reflex action and the child does not expect a response. People first learn their native languages through making all kinds of errors and mistakes, and getting the necessary correction and help from their parents and teachers. The same thing happens when people are learning their foreign languages. In this research paper, I would like to discuss whether or not linguists believe that teachers should correct their students’ errors, and if so, what to correct, how to correct, and when to correct. It is very important for teachers to know and understand this information when they teach students because how they address these issues will have great impact on students’ language learning process. Many people find these two words with similar meanings, but when we are talking about errors and mistakes in language learning, they are representing two different things. Mistake means that learners already know or understand the usage of the language, but unintentionally say or use it in the wrong form or way. However, learners will be able to notice it and self-correct it immediately, and this is called a mistake. On the other hand, the error means that learners use the wrong term, word, or form, and they are unable to recognize the problems. At this time, an error is made and it is needed for somebody to point it out to the learner to correct it. It is interesting to see how error treatment has evolved all these years. We will write a custom essay sample on English as Foreign Language (Efl) Teaching and Learning at the Undergraduate Level: Treatment of Errors and Mistakes specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on English as Foreign Language (Efl) Teaching and Learning at the Undergraduate Level: Treatment of Errors and Mistakes specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on English as Foreign Language (Efl) Teaching and Learning at the Undergraduate Level: Treatment of Errors and Mistakes specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Just a half century ago, when language teachers were enthusiastic about audio-lingual method, nobody had really considered or worried about error treatment. When using audio-lingual method, it came with different sets of dialogues; teachers only needed to guide students to practice all kinds of drills from the set dialogues, and did not need to think about how to deal with errors because students would not have the chance to make any (Hendrickson, 1978, p. 387-88). In practical, Audio- Lingual method (ALM) was not working for people whose learning purposes were communication not memorization of a set of dialogue ould deal with, and they started to modify their teaching methods to focus on communication. Due to this change, students began to make different errors while they were practicing and learning the language, and this transformation made many linguists take into account about how to deal with students’ errors. Previously, when teachers were still using ALM, the errors we re avoided, but with the new teaching approach, some linguists strongly argued that learners’ errors should be corrected immediately, and those errors were not learners’ responsibility to recognize but teachers’ to correct (Hendrickson, 1978, p. 87-88). Literature review While experimenting with different teaching methods, there were two different voices about how to treat students’ errors. One group of linguists thought that the errors students made did not need correction; however, another group of linguists felt that teachers had the obligations to correct students’ errors. The former group of linguists suggested not to correct students’ errors because they felt it was wasting of time for teachers to do that and the outcome was not sufficient since students were still making the same errors over and over again. The other main point the linguists were arguing about is that the error correction would hinder learners’ willingness to speak up in the class because they would be afraid of making any errors and being corrected by teachers. As a result, student’s tensions and anxieties would build up, they would become hesitant to speak and they would develop a lack of confidence in learning the language (Lyster, Lightbown Spada, 1999). Some people may think correcting students’ errors is appropriate; there was another group of linguists who thought that correcting students’ error is not essential for the learners to acquire the language. Just like children, when they tried to learn their native language, they made all kinds of mistakes and got corrected from their parents and teachers (Bartram Walton, 1991, p. 12-13). But the questions are how to do it – what types of errors should receive the top priority treatment, how and when to correct. Currently, linguists think that teachers should first treat students’ errors when they impede the communication (Bartram Walton, 1991, p. 32-40). In other words, when listeners have difficulty to understand the meaning of the message that students are trying to get across, teachers put their focus on making semantic feedback other than correcting syntactic ones. Bartram and Walton (1991, p. 30-31) suggest that different ways of treating students’ errors will have different learning outcomes for students, and teachers need to build up a trusting and confiding relationship with their students. Language Learners need to know from the beginning of the class that making errors and mistakes while they are learning a language is some sort of necessary process, and there is no need to feel ashamed of or embarrassed. Different people know something a little bit better or different than another person, so when language teachers give out their feedbacks on errors, they are not judging but supporting their students. If students make errors, teachers can remodel it by saying it correctly, paraphrase it by saying it in different ways, or prepare a grammar lesson at the end of a class for students. As a language teacher, I strongly believe that students’ errors are signs of learning and depending on the types of errors and situations, teachers need to offer students the correct ways or usages of the language, and students have the rights to know. Teacher needs to know when, what, and how to correct a student’s error, but it is also easy to get carried away and lose the focus. Hendrickson (1978, p. 389-90) and many linguists claimed that it is better not to stop or interfere students in a middle of a conversation or speech just because of some errors. The corrections which are done through breaking up students’ thoughts do not really have sufficient results; instead students feel less motivated and upset from the correction (Lyster, Lightbown Spada, 1999). To improve the efficiency of error correction by students, teachers can be selective and systematic about the particular errors that they would like to deal with at that certain learning stage, and work with students from that point. The other problem they talked about was overwhelming students by correcting their errors. This is an important issue to consider when dealing with error treatment and I think building up a trusting and confiding relationship between teachers and students is fundamental. Suggestion for Future Teaching: The error correction task is a very hard work for a teacher. A teacher need to constantly monitor his students’ language, and in a split foreign, the teacher needs to distinguish, either it a mistake or an error. If the teacher decides not to correct that error at that moment, then he needs to keep in mind to review this problematic area with his students later. Teachers should adopt some teaching strategies about how to deal with different types of students errors. In the case of the first type of errors, the teacher may focus on is the one which confuses or impair the understanding of listeners. Though some linguists suggest of not interrupting student’s speech, but if the language that a student is using makes the other people confused, then the teacher should take step in and try to clarify what he/she means. This is why; some errors and mistakes should be corrected. The teachers may deal with this type of problem by guessing what the student is trying to say, and using the correct form and words to remodel the sentence; or he will use different words with similar meanings to understand student’s intension. While I try to clarify the meaning, students get a chance to hear how to say a particular sentence or use a specific word correctly in a natural way. However, this communication problem is not easy to deal with. To use myself as an example, while I was learning English, I often made the same error several times a day; even though my teacher corrected me more than once, I still kept saying it wrong. I had countless experience about this, and amazingly one day out of blue, I started to say it right, and use it right. Although many linguists have suggested that error correction is just a waste of time, my personally experience shows that this is not true. Those corrections did work, but it just took time for my brain to process those information and time to digest. I think I am the best example of successful error correction. Language teachers may use to solve communication errors is increasing students’ chances exposed to an English environment. Teacher may encourage their students to listen to English songs or radio stations, and watch English channels with covered up Bengali subtitle outside of classroom. In the class, teachers can give them different articles to read with varieties of interests to increase their English proficiency level. It is long been asserted that the students’ communication errors come from their lower English level and lack of exposure to English. By maximizing their chances to read, listen to, and speak in English, they will less likely to produce communication errors. Another problem area the teacher may deal with is grammar. If a couple of students in the classroom often make the same or similar errors repeatedly, the teacher may start to pay attention to the problem. The teacher may not correct them directly, but rather design a mini lesson that refers to the particular grammar problem. The teacher may try to deliver the lesson as soon as possible because I do not want other students to think that the way they say it is acceptable and adopts the same error. Sometimes a mini-grammar lesson at the end of class works to supplement and conclude that day’s lesson. For example, if students are confused about when to use past tense, first, the teacher may write down different sentences in pairs – one with correct tense, and one with incorrect tense aspect, and have students to figure out which one is correct. After they are clear about when and how to use the past tense, I would then ask them to generate their own sentences in past tense, such as what they did yesterday, before the class, or anything happened before now. When they are done, the teacher may ask them to share their sentences with the class, and pass around a big poster to let students write down their past tense sentences. After they all finish, the teacher may hang the poster on the wall to remind students about the past tense they just learned. It is significant that, when and how to correct errors, and enhance teaching the grammar concept. Teachers often feel exhausted and disappointed about the result after correcting students’ error because those errors do not seem to go away. Students are making the same error over and over again. When I ask students to write down their own sentences using the just learned grammar rules, and put them on posters, they will feel ownership of what they have just produced. They will remember that sentence or even that grammar rule longer. And by hanging the poster on the classroom wall, this is another way of preventing students from making the same or similar mistake again. If the same problem occurs, the teacher may point to the poster to remind students. Conclusion: Correcting errors is not random and massive. Teachers need to be systematic and selective about which errors they are going to correct, when and how to correct them. Before doing the research on this topic, I had never thought about how hard it could be for a teacher to correct students’ errors. After studying about this topic, I found some linguists do not believe in error correction and think it is inefficient to correct students’ errors, while other linguists think in totally opposite direction. These elements are crucial to consider because bad correction can result in negative feelings and attitudes from students, such as avoidance, hesitance, humiliation, low motivation, and embarrassment. The teacher should be flexible and open-minded in acquiring varieties of teaching and correcting methods. Having gained so much knowledge from the research, I have some ideas about how to implement error correction in my future classroom. First main point to remember is not to interrupt student’s speech: even though, there is an error, as long as everybody understands. The teacher may ask questions, paraphrase, or reformulate the sentence when I do not understand what student is trying to say. The teacher may also use all kinds of supplement reading, listening, and speaking materials to boost student’s exposure to English, which I think will reduce their chances to make communication errors in the future. When dealing with frequently appearing grammar errors, the teacher may set up grammar lesson to explicit state the rules and exceptions for students, and post the information on the wall, where students can see it constantly without any intensions.

If UK accept Euro it is good or worst for UK economy

If UK accept Euro it is good or worst for UK economy Free Online Research Papers After the Second World War Europe was really devastated economically and politically and created a deep divide among the people. In general election of 2001 in United Kingdom discussed about its future participation in the European Monetary Union paying attention on issues concerning to the loss of political identity and national sovereignty. The Labour party stranded neutral wait and see policy and strong anti-euro policy by conservative party. The business community of United Kingdom such as Confederation of British Industry also expressed their attitude towards euro zone membership. EUROPEAN UNION In 1950 the six European countries Belgium, Germany, France, Italy the Netherland and Luxemburg began to join for secure peace. Then the nations took away the excise and custom duty and made a better business relation between each other. In 1973 the countries like United Kingdom, Ireland and the Denmark joined in European Union. Then in 1980 Spain, Portugal and Greek joined in European Union. In 1989 the west and East Germany were decided to join and form united Germany. The collapse of communism across the Europe results to reduce the distance between eastern and central Europe. The emerging of single market for four freedom, they were a movement of services, goods, money and people. In 1995 three new countries, Austria,Sweden and Finland were joined in European Union and they decided to open their boarders for exiting and entering the citizens of European Union without passport checking. Because of the development of new technology like internet and mobile phone, and many students came to Union countries for their higher education. Now Euro is the common currency of many European nations. These time every part of world faced problem with terrorists and the European Union countries took more precautions to prevent that .And in 2004 European Union is developed with ten new members. EURO In 1992 the Maastricht treaty agreed the plan to start a new currency. It was launched as an electronic currency and used by bank only. And in 1st January 2002 the first notes and coins were issued and became legal tender in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Italy, Ireland, Luxembourg, Portugal, Netherland and Spain. And members like United Kingdom, Sweden and Denmark did not adopted. The countries like The Czech republic, Poland, Slovenia, Cyprus, Hungary, Estonia, Slovakia, Latria, Lithuania and Malta were joined in 2004 and accepted euro as their currency. Now almost 300 million people using single currency across the European Union. The European Central Bank (ESB) based in Frankfurt, Germany controls and regulates the interest rate of euro. According to the supporters of euro because of more transparency the competitiveness is increased significantly. Increased foreign investment reduces the cost of business and results price down in the shops. On other view this causes a significant i ncrease of unemployment. One euro is divided in to 100 parts called cents. Euro notes are available in 5,10,20,50,100,500 and coins are available in 1 and 2. And cent are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents. From its introduction onwards euro is the second used reserve currency in the world after the United States dollar. As an international reserve currency euro increased its position from 17.9% to 26.5% from 1999 to 2008 ,at the same time the share of the United States dollar fell from 70.9% to 64% and the Japanese Yen fell to 3.3% from 6.4%. The rise status of euro as reserve currency was not gradual. It shows a 4.4% rise in 2002, it was the outcome of the launch of euro coins and notes. Now euro remains as a major reserve currency in both developed and developing countries. According to the International Monetary Fund the total amount of euro as a reserve currency in 2008 was equal to $1.1 trillion and a share of 22%.And 31% share of the currency reserve of developing economies. According to the former chairman of Federal Reserve Mr. Alan Greenspan it is clear that euro should replace the dollar as a reserve currency or would be trade as an one and the same vital reserve currency a s United States dollar. THE EUROPEAN MONETARY UNION The single currency (euro) was introduced as a vital currency on 1999.All members of European monetary union replaced their currency in to euro. Now Euro is the official currency of 16 European countries. The key players of European monetary union are Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Netherland. The euro is managed and controlled by the German based European Central Bank and Euro system. PERFORMANCE OF EURO AGAINST US DOLLAR After the introduction of the single currency ,its exchange rate fells heavily against other currencies including United States dollar also. But after the launch of bank notes and coins on 1st January 2002 and the all members of European Monetary Union replaced its national currencies to euro, it starts to increase steadily. The euro surpassed the initial exchange value for first time on 23rd may 2003($1.18).And in 2004 euro achieved $1.366 against United States dollar. In 2005 it temporarily weakened against United states dollar and after November began to rise steadily. The euro achieved its all time high against United States dollar of $1.599. U.S. dollars per 1 euro 1999-2009 Year Lowest ? Highest ? Date Rate Date Rate 2009 05 March $1.259 02 January $1.386 2008 27 October $1.243 15 July $1.599 2007 12 January $1.286 27 November $1.487 2006 02 January $1.181 05 December $1.333 2005 15 November $1.164 03 January $1.350 2004 14 May $1.184 28 December $1.363 2003 08 January $1.032 31 December $1.263 2002 28 January $0.859 31 December $1.048 2001 06 July $0.834 05 January $0.954 2000 26 October $0.823 06 January $1.038 1999 03 December $1.002 05 January $1.179 Source: Euro exchange rates in USD, ECB after effect of two world wars and the elimination of Ireland from the union affected the economy in a bad way. The United Kingdom is the one of the major financial power in the world. This is the sixth largest economy in the world. The economy mainly depends on service and oil production industry and less depend on agriculture. Bank of England is the national authority to set base rate and regulate the economy. United Kingdom has strong business links with many nations particularly the United States and all deal are based in United States dollars. The economy has more relation with United States than Europe. United kingdom is the biggest European investor in United states and vice versa. The current economic recession and credit crunch harshly affected the economy. The Gordon Brown government offered huge package to retain the economy which includes reduction of taxes, nationalisation of banks and so many. The Bank of England reduced the base rate from 2.5% to 0.5% which helps to re duce the banking interest rates. ADVANTAGES OF PARTICIPATION IN EURO 1.Exchange Rate stability If United Kingdom joining the Euro it helps to reduce the volatility of exchange rate with the main European Union trading partners .By the use of single currency results the enhancement of European single market .The single currency would decrease uncertainties and risks experienced by exporters and investors in their business dealings all over the zone. However the pound is very volatile. The pound lost almost one third of its value against the German Mark between 1989 and 2000, although it recovered. But if UK does not join in euro it will be very difficult to recover if the pound will lose more value against single currency. 2. Inward Investment Joining the Euro results a significant increase in Inward investment. Foreign investment is one of the essential part of every economy. But last some years show a significant decrease in the foreign investment in UK. Some of the major foreign investors are expressed their interest to United Kingdom to join the euro, so if United Kingdom not joins it will lose much foreign investment. After the introduction of euro the foreign investment increased in Euro zone countries at the same time the percentage of foreign investment decreased in United Kingdom. Ireland attract more inward investment because of they are the only English speaking countries in the eurozone If United Kingdom joins they can enjoy the benefit also. 3. Economizing foreign currency reserves More economizing of foreign currencies would beneficial to finance sector. It will be easier to perform insurance and banking sector with this single currency. It could be very easier to buy or sell German shares in the stock market of United Kingdom. 4. Low inflation The participation in euro helps the country to make a strong framework of anti inflation. 5. Increasing value of euro The participation of many countries in a single currency will make a great challenge for the dollar. This results an increase in the investment in participating countries and more countries move forward to take euro as their reserve currency. This trend would tend to raise the value of euro. And the participation of United Kingdom in to the Eurozone also helps the euro to increase the value. 5. Free from conversion charges If UK joins single currency, the economy can enjoy reduced or no currency exchange charges. This will help to save a huge amount in every year. People would be able to get euro to other countries with in the European Union and this currency would be accepted. 6. Price transparency The usage of single currency results to increase price transparency, it means a product price in European Union members is almost equal. There would not be much difference in price for a particular product in all members. So it will be very easily to compare the price of a product because of single currency. 7. Trans National Corporations Adopting euro in UK will create more establishments of Trans National Corporations. This provides more job opportunity and increases the income and help to reduce the effect of credit crunch. DISADVANTAGES OF UK TO JOINING EURO On other hand participating euro is a discouraging aspect of loosing tradition, freedom and independence. If UK joins Euro the control of economy will be handed over to European Central Bank situated in Brussels. And affect the economy and economic policies like monetary, fiscal and exchange rate, all of these provide control and balance and with in the economy. 1. Independent monetary policy loss Which involves restrict of growth in total demand by the increase and decrease of base rate. For example if government increase the base rate because of the higher demand and raising prices , will reduce the demand and it results to lower consumer expenditure and there would be a high motivation to save and more cost of borrowing. On joining the Euro-zone the interest rate would be decided by the European Central Bank. This rate is based on the economic situation of all EU member countries. There are very clear economic structural differences within the members of European Union. So the decrease or increase of aggregate demand results a positive impact on an economy at the same time negative to another one. UK would not able to make any change in their monetary policy based on their economic situation if they join in Euro. 2. Fiscal policy Fiscal policy is used to control aggregate demand and it is closely related to monetary policy. Fiscal policy regulates the amount of taxation and government spending. Expansionary fiscal policy involves an increase in taxes or government expenditure and deflationary policy involves the opposite. Increase in taxation results lower income which causes to go down consumer expenditure and results decrease in aggregate demand. Adoption of euro severely affects fiscal policy means after that UK cannot raise the amount of government spending to boost total demand. 3. Exchange rate policy It is the revaluation and deflation of a currency in order to contract with equilibrium of payment deficit. After the membership this right changes from the British government to European Central Bank. History shows that care selected devaluations can help an economy to overcome difficulties. The lack of exchange rate affects the method for adjusting inequality between the nations that can come up from various shocks to their economies. 4. Instability of External Economy The effect is same as like in sole trading. In a sole trading death of a one partner would lead the whole business to loss or face more difficulties to run. Likewise there is a partnership between European Union members in the use of single currency. The European Union economy as a sizable significance when compared with the United States and Japan, they gained an vast success because of the integration of overall region. This makes sure that the integration of overall region has a vital role in economic development of any country. So any problem with economies of member states will affect the development of British economy also. 5. Difficulty to recover from recession It is very difficult to getting out from a recession because if UK is unable to reduce interest rates, it will be not easy to boost demand. 6. Sensitivity to interest Rates The nature of the housing market of UK shows the economy is too responsive to changes in interest rates. Unlike other countries of Europe most of UK residential has their own house and the variable mortgage is a high proportion of their returns. So a minute change in interest change can dramatically influence disposable income. 7. The cost of replacement There will be huge expenses to replace or alter the present systems and machineries like IT system, coin machines and the training cost for staff training. 8. More Fraud rate Detecting forgeries would be highly complicate because euro notes are come in more varieties compare with pound. BRITISH GOVERNMENT VIEW ABOUT JOINING THE EURO ZONE The government of United Kingdom proposed a five economic test, depends upon the results only they will decide to join or not in euro 1. Flexibility Ensure the ability of the economy of United Kingdom to response to the economic changes will be efficient and quickly. And also make sure that shock would not last for long. 2. Convergence By this test they need to ensure that it is practical that a single interest rate is good for a long period of time for all the members of European Monetary Union. 3. Financial services It is test for analysing the financial position of eurozone before and after the participation. 4. Investment To ensure that there no problem for any investors they are willing to invest for a long term for eurozone. 5. Growth, stability and employment If joining in eurozone, how affect the stability, growth and employment for public. They need to sure that all these will be secu Based on this analysis the government of United Kingdom decided to not join eurozone until the five test will pass in the future. CONCLUSION To conclude there is a lot of positive and negative aspects if United Kingdom joins the European Monetary Union. It is sure that euro would be the most important currency in future. Consider with the current financial crisis no one can predict the future of world economy and how it will recover from the recession. So there will be a chance to euro replace the United States dollar as a trade currency and reserve currency. And it is a true that euro shows more stability than pound sterling. At the same time If United kingdom joins with euro it will face so many problems, mainly because of the current economic recession. United Kingdom would loss its right for independent policies. And country is completely suffering due to the recession so it is not practical to take any decisions which affect the economy. If there is any change in base rate the reaction of highly sensitive mortgage market is unpredictable. The participation of single currency will give some more benefit to the bigger business mans and investors at the same time it will not be good for whole British market in present situation. The results of government’s five economic test also suggest this not good time to join with euro. And the government also take a ‘wait and see’ policy. To analysing all advantages and disadvantages it is clear that If United Kingdom joins with single currency it will face a lot of difficulties. And it is not a good decision whether United Kingdom decide to participate single currency now. . REFERENCE http://wiki.w2n.net/pages/Euro.w2n economicshelp.org/europe/benefits-euro.html economicshelp.org/europe/costs-euro.html economicshelp.org/europe/benefits-euro.html managementjournals.com/journals/finance/article87.htm historylearningsite.co.uk/euro.htm http:// rope.eu.int/comm./economy_finance/euro/benefit_2en.htm Research Papers on If UK accept Euro it is good or worst for UK economyAssess the importance of Nationalism 1815-1850 EuropeAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2Definition of Export QuotasPETSTEL analysis of IndiaTwilight of the UAWAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaBringing Democracy to AfricaThe Effects of Illegal Immigration19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice

Carter Cleaning Co. Case Study Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Carter Cleaning Co. Case Study - Research Paper Example The article goes on to state that discriminatory practices could include employment decisions that are based on certain stereotypes regarding the work ability of males versus females or even in regards different ethnic groups (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2009). Hence, a defense that women and minorities make up most of the company’s employees would be no solid defense at all. The company could be alleged to be restricting their hiring to women and minorities based on pre conceived assumptions about how women or minorities perform work as compared to males or non-minorities. The company could also be accused of having a misguided perception that women and minorities would be less demanding in the amount of compensation required, and hence given preferential treatment in hiring over males or non-minorities with the same qualifications. In the latter case, the Equal Pay Act could be applicable, and this law applies to all employers regardless of the size of the company or number of employees it has employed (Small Business Notes, 2009). The Equal Pay Act prevents discrimination based on sex where essentially the same job duties are performed (Small Business Notes, 2009). In addition, during employment interviews, only minorities were asked about arrest records and credit history. Also, only women were asked questions regarding childcare. The questions themselves are illegal for Carter Cleaners to ask of any applicant, but also indicates racial and sex discrimination which are in violation of Title VII of The Civil Rights Act of 1964 (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 2009). According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (2010), it is not lawful to harass an individual, applicant, or employee because of the person’s sex. This includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other harassment of a sexual nature (U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,

Current role of fire and technology in automobiles, and where the Research Paper

Current role of fire and technology in automobiles, and where the technology is heading - Research Paper Example The role of fire in creating light and heat in the combustion of bodies paved the way for utilization of the most innovative invention of all times, the automobile. Continued over reliance to traditional fuel sources ultimately affects the future of automobiles, particularly in ensuring that they run as efficiently as expected. With all the developments in technology, its functionality and aesthetic value, the fact remains that vehicles consume a vast amount of fuel. In this regard, this essay aims to discuss briefly the current role of fire and technology in automobiles, and where the technology is heading. The following concerns would likewise be addressed: (1) what type of alternative fuel will have the most success meeting transportation needs in the nearby future? Why? (2) How would alternative fuel types evolve in later generations?    Due to the susceptibility for car fires, automobile manufacturers have used the latest developments in technology to ensure that passengers are protected and kept ultimately in safe condition while travelling. In addition, technology is heading for the discovery of cost efficient and safe automobiles utilizing alternative fuels to run them. According to Toyoland (n.d., par. 3), â€Å"there are about half a dozen flammable liquids associated with a vehicle. There are an additional number of flammable solids, or â€Å"solid propellants,† that contribute to fire. There are, depending on the vehicle, any number of hoses and pumps that move flammable materials past hot areas of the engine. Any leak in a hose or pump can pour flammable liquids onto the hot engine block or electrical systems- resulting in a fire.† Elliot (2004) averred that â€Å"about 70 percent of our oil consumption is used for transportation†. The United States is identified as the biggest consumer of oil from among all the countries in the world. The EurActiv Network (2007) identified â€Å"three alternative solutions are seen as promising: biofuels, natural

Scottish Traditions And Cultures

Scottish Traditions And Cultures This is my English assignment on Scotland. I am going to talk about the history of Scotland, the culture and traditions of Scotland and about the Sports in Scotland. The Culture and Sports are very close but I think they have to be explained a part. I hope you and myself learn from this assignment and have fun with reading. (As long you can have fun)The history of Scotland. The land that now forms Scotland was in the prehistory part of the continent that now forms North-America, so Scotland isnt really part of Europe but a part from Laurentia. During the last interglacial, around 130,000 and 70,000 BC, Europe was warmer than now and the Neanderthals found that there was a mild spell in Scotland around 40,000 BC so they settled in Scotland, but no traces of early humans have been found. After 40,000 BC Britain was torn apart by glaciers and Scotland wasnt inhabitable any more. After 9600 BC the ice retreated and Scotland could be inhabited again. In 8500 BC there were hunter-gatherers in Scotland and several settlements have been found and the first permanent settlements were found in around 3600 BC. In 2500 BC the Bronze Age entered Scotland and there has been found some hill forts from probably 900 BC which shows us that the people in Scotland were quite good in building settlements and monuments. Around 800 BC the Iron Age entered Scotland and till th e invasion of Roman Empire Scotland was a peaceful inhabited by Celtic tribes. This was a short summary of the prehistoric history of Scotland but no written records were found till the invasion of Scotland buy the Romans, now Im going to talk about the Roman Invasion of Scotland and what happened after that. England was invaded by Julius Caesar in 54 BC but Scotland fought more than 100 years later because Caesar couldnt get to Scotland. In AD 43 Britain was invaded again and they lost a few battles giving ground to the Romans. Agricola was the first one who attacked the people in Scotland itself and he got quite far but even though he had to let Scotland go after he didnt got re-elected for being the governor of Scotland. In 122 AD the Romans tried to protect themselves from the attacks of the Caledonians by the famous Hadrian wall. The Hadrian wall was started by governor Hadrian and ended six years later to protect them for the raiding tribes. The Romans tried to build a second wall to conquer more land called the Antonine wall but broke it off because it was unnecessary. When the Romans retreated from Britain in 407 AD Scotland of now was set in 4 parts with each part its own king and people. They were the Picts, the Scots, the Angolans and the Britons. In 563 AD Saint Columbanus, a monk, came to northern Scotland and Christianity spread rapidly. In 843 the Picts and the Scots united under king Kenneth MacAlpines reign in Alba (later Scotia). The weird thing was that the Picts just threw their culture away to take the Scots culture. The Angolans went south to England and the Britons lived in the lowlands and since 890 the Vikings lived in the western Isles and operated from there their attacks on Scotland. The next kings and queens were crowned on the stone of scone (stone of destiny) in scone. In 1034 under Duncan I his reign Scotland was united except the parts of the Vikings. In 1040 Duncan I was killed by Macbeth, who got beaten by Duncan I his son Ma lcolm III. In 1066 England was defeated by William the Conqueror and in the years after that, Malcolms son David I Scotland conquered a part of north England. After that till 1268 Scotland started to grow economically and culturally. In 1268 Alexander III died and with no follower than 3 year old Margaret, forced Scotland to crown Margaret as queen. In 1290 Margaret died and not less than 13 men said they had right at the throne. But Edward I of England called David I as king of Scotland. David I and France started an alliance against England. As response on this Scotland lost parts of the lowlands to England . In 1290 Robert I tried to recapture them and In 1320 Scotland was announced as independent country by Robert I but England didnt recognized this declaration till 1328. From 1371 till 1603 there were some conflicts with England and Scotland tried to increase their relation with France and it all happened under the reign of the Stuart family. The last Stuart king was Henry V wh o got the throne in 1603 but he made so much trouble with his lust for power that he had to flee to northern England, and caused a civil war in 1642. The civil war was won by Oliver Cromwell with his New Model Army. He called England, Ireland and Scotland as one republic without a monarchy. But in 1660 Cromwell was dead already and Charles II came on the throne. James VII followed him when he died but was set off by the parliament and Willem of Orange was called to be king of Britain with his wife Mary. James V fled to France but some of the Scottish were still faithful to James VII (the Jacobites). The Jacobites on 27 juli1968 Willems army lost a battle from the Jacobites. In 1702 Anne followed Willem as queen of Britain but the parliament was determined to keep the Stuarts of the queen. So they parliament went to Sophie of Hannover the granddaughter of James VII and they told Scotland if they accepted her they would get trading privileges. But England and Scotland had to reunite i n one parliament. In Scotland there were some riots but in 1707 the offer was accepted and Scotland wasnt a state anymore and had no parliament. Economically it was a good case for Scotland but there were still people especially highlanders who wanted the Stuarts as kings and queens. Charles Edward Stuart was a grandson of James VII and he started a war with his Jacobites against England in 1745. But in 1746 he got defeated after the battle of Culloden and had to flee to Italia. After this battle it was forbidden to wear any skirts, play bagpipes and the clans were not allowed to exist anymore. They switched from livestock-farming to sheep cultivation and potatoes were the most important food in the highlands. When the potato harvest went wrong loads of people went to America (not the VS) and the big cities for work and food. This was a period of grow in economics, literature and culture so Scotland changed in the 18th century from one of the poorest countries in Europe to a normal economically growing land. In 1999 many years later Scotland got its own parliament again. It counted 127 seats in the parliament these are the partys who got seats: 47 Scottish National Party, 46 Scottish Labour Party, 17 Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party, 16 Scottish Liberal Democrats, 2 Scottish Green Party, 1 independent

1960s Counter Culture and its Saga Essay -- Sixties Culture USA Histo

1960's Counter Culture and its Saga After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, America's hope for Camelot fades and life began to look a little more complicated. Congress deemed President Lyndon Johnson's "Great Society" implausible as Johnson backed the country into a war that was not ours. Then, while many Americans began to realize that the War in Vietnam could not be won, there was major public outcry about ending our involvement in a war for the first time in the country's history. The liberals in the country failed to reach the working class, and President Richard Nixon, a conservative, ascended to the Office as a champion of the "silent majority." While the government was slogging our country through devastating affairs, the culture of the times was reinventing itself. Due to various movements, such as the Civil Rights Movement in the South, the Feminist Movement, and the Anti-Vietnam War Movement, Americans, especially energetic young citizens, began to learn that there was ground to be gained f rom being pro-active. Out of this feeling of possibility and need of young adults to be recognized by the government came the 1960s counter culture. Too many factors figure into society to pinpoint one as the reason for the counter cultural revolution. Still, one of the major factors that contributed to the counter culture was the folk, rock, and "acid" music of the 1960s. The music also serves as a way to illustrate and explain the 1960's counter cultural phenomenon. Each variation of the music genre contributed to the way that Americans felt about themselves, their government and their society. As "mindless drivel," according to noted historian John McMillian, bombarded the airwaves and rose to number... ...al rebellion. Instead, they took the movement out of the counter culture and made the struggle about telling the government to basically leave them alone. If they wanted to do drugs, the government should let them since it is their own bodies. If Jim Morrison wanted to masturbate onstage, he is affecting nothing besides his body, counter culturalists would argue. Therefore, in contrast to descriptions of the counter culture as a movement, it was really an outpouring of emotions of a group of people who wanted to either have their rights recognized or left alone. The counter culture decided that if the government cared little enough about them to send their peers into the Vietnam War, they should not have a say in how each person treats their mind and body. Musicians of the time helped clarify their message and reflected the message in their lyrics and actions.

Baldwin Notes of a Native Son Analysis Essay

â€Å"Notes of a Native Son† is a first person narrative about James Baldwin who lived with his family in Harlem during a difficult time for the equal rights movement in America. Racism through Baldwin’s experience shows its potential to feed off of itself in a vicious cycle, with one person’s hate leading to someone else’s. He has first hand experience with this through his father, a man who, while considered free, felt the pressures of racism throughout his life. The hate Baldwin’s father had towards white people was a reflection of the current state of equal rights in the country. Baldwin finally understands his father’s feelings when he moves to New Jersey and sees racism for himself. He eventually comes full circle to realize the true problem with racism, but he is too late to reconcile with his father. The story begins with a nineteen-year-old James Baldwin at his father’s funeral. Looking back on the time he spent with his fathe r, Baldwin realizes that he very rarely spoke to his father and had almost no relationship with him. Baldwin credits this partially to the fact that both him and his father were stubborn and prideful, but also maintains his father â€Å"could be chilling in the pulpit and indescribably cruel in his personal life and he was certainly the most bitter man I have ever met; yet it must be said that there was something else to him, buried in him, which lent him his tremendous power and, even, a rather crushing charm† (Baldwin 588). This bitterness is a natural reaction to the racial tensions during Baldwin’s father’s life. Baldwin remembers his father as an angry man who distrusted all white people because he was among the first generations of free men and, during his time, racism was very prevalent in the United States. His father had been ill a long time and ended up dying of tuberculosis. However, he was also sick with paranoia; this â€Å"disease of his mind allowed the disease of his body to destroy him† (Baldwin 590). Baldwin actually comments that throughout his whole life, he never remembers a time where any of his brothers or sisters was actually happy to see their father. His father always warned his children not to trust white people, and often warned that some of them may be nice from time to time, but that none of them were to be trusted. However, as an innocent child, Baldwin wanted to believe that white people were not all inherently evil like his father said. This hope was e mbodied by one of Baldwin’s teachers who helped him and his family for a time when ’s father got laid off from his job. However as Baldwin grows  older, he begins to see why his father was so bitter toward white people. He moves to New Jersey where he realizes, to his surprise, that even in northern states, to be a negro meant that â€Å"one was never looked at but was simply at the mercy of the reflexes of the color of one’s skin caused in other people†(592). While living in New Jersey, he feels everyone trying to â€Å"eject† him (592); he is fired from his job and re-hired three times in one year. On his last night in New Jersey, he goes to Trenton with a friend for drinks and a movie. When they went to the â€Å"American Diner† they were refused service because the diner â€Å"didn’t serve negroes† (593). Soon after, he was refused service again and nearly assaulted a waitress. This represents the moment where he truly understands his father’s anger. He now feels upset and has a wish too reconcile with his father, but obviously no longer has the opportunity to do so. Baldwin reminisces on a time when he went to see his father during the illness, and the last time before he died. He had put off seeing him for so long because he did not want to see his father in the state he was in. He had hated his father for the man he once was but seeing who he had become only made Baldwin feel sorry for him. He realizes that he shouldn’t have hated his father for how he felt and wishes he were there to talk to him. Baldwin understands that hatred not only hurts the people being hated, it also destroys the man who hates, and real change will only happen if we can separate ourselves from this hate on both sides. Baldwin sees many different sides of racism throughout his life; from a child who disagrees with his father’s hatred of white people, to an adult that also caught the â€Å"illness† that his father had. These experiences eventually bring him to the realization of the underlying problem of racism. Baldwin sees the sickness that the country suffers from does not stem solely from one side spreading hate, but from both sides equally making it that way. Although whites spread racism and hate, blacks responded in a similar fashion, which only made the situation worse. When one group hates another, that hatred not only hurts the victims, but also destroys those who hate. â€Å"Hatred, which could destroy so much, never failed to destroy the man who hated and this was an immutable law† (603). The only hope to abolish racism and the hatred that comes along with it is for both sides to try and understand each other to overcome the hate. I agree with Baldwin when he  says , â€Å"it now had been laid to my charge to keep my own heart free of hatred and despair† (604). It is up to us to separate ourselves from the hate so all can understand and improve the lives of others instead of destroying them.