As I wrote in 'My writing experience I,' writing is not just another skill, but it involves not only a long process but also a great effort.
All along this year, I've gone through this process and I've also put a great deal of effort, even though sometimes it was not enough. However, if I compare the way I used to write and the way I write now, I see that I find myself at a different stage. Now, it is simpler for me to start writing any piece. This may be due to the fact that I was given the tools, I assimilated them and I also tried to applied them to the piece I wanted to write. I found it extremely useful the peer- feedback and the teacher- feedback sessions since they trained me to pay attention not only to grammar but also to other important details that I tended to forget such as range, register, style, organization and content. It seems as if they made me realise that a piece is not just made of grammar, but also of many other things that make it look like a composition.
Having used each novel as a brainstorming for each of our compositions was both creative and motivating. This method was really fruitful for me since I tended to run out of ideas in the middle of my compositions. Having in mind a book we'd read and discussed in class helped me to solve this problem on several occasions. Our oral discussions in class were also a useful resource when I didn't know how to go on my piece.
Another strategy that I'd like to highlight is that we were asked to write different genres. When I started Language III, I expected everything to be related to essays. To my sorprise, we didn't even mentioned the word 'essay' until June. I consider it to be a positive strategy since most of us used to believe that each of the language courses were aimed to make students write a particular genre. This year we've learnt to write other things, not only essays.
To conclude, though I still consider that I have to go on improving my writing skills, I think it has been a great experience since now I'm more aware of the way I have to run to get my aim!
sábado, 12 de febrero de 2011
Language shapes the speaker's mind (essay in class)
Political correctness is a rather controversial topic. Whereas some speakers believe it to limit their ideas and thoughts, some others consider it to be necessary to establish social relationships. It is the arguments for and against political correctness that are worth analysing in this essay.
It is believed that language expresses people's ideas. Consequently, whenever speakers utter a word, they should be responsible for it since people are thought to be aware of the choice they are making. When speaking, people decide how to get across a message. It is this selection that should be made consciously so that speakers are able to take responsibility for their own speech.
Saying the first thing that enters a speaker's mind seems not to be the most accurate way of communicating. As members of a community, speakers are expected to respect others. Not taking into consideration other members' feelings may cause speakers many problems, mainly social ones.
As regards the arguments against political correctness, it may be stated that it is said to limit speakers' freedom of speech. Some speakers do not agree with the idea of having their speech restricted since they seem to prefer to go straight to the point than to beat about the bush.
It is claimed that uttering nice words to express ideas or opinions will not change the way speakers are. According to some people, political correctness tends to be used as a tool to hide speakers' real feelings and thoughts, thus it seems to be a great strategy so as not to let the listener know who the speaker really is.
As a conclusion, it can be stated that the arguments for political correctness are that speech expresses ideas and opinions and thus, it may hurt other members of the community's feelings. On the contrary, the arguments against political correctness are related to the fact that it limits speakers' freedom of espression and , as Nash argued in his article, it does not change the way speakers are.
It is believed that language expresses people's ideas. Consequently, whenever speakers utter a word, they should be responsible for it since people are thought to be aware of the choice they are making. When speaking, people decide how to get across a message. It is this selection that should be made consciously so that speakers are able to take responsibility for their own speech.
Saying the first thing that enters a speaker's mind seems not to be the most accurate way of communicating. As members of a community, speakers are expected to respect others. Not taking into consideration other members' feelings may cause speakers many problems, mainly social ones.
As regards the arguments against political correctness, it may be stated that it is said to limit speakers' freedom of speech. Some speakers do not agree with the idea of having their speech restricted since they seem to prefer to go straight to the point than to beat about the bush.
It is claimed that uttering nice words to express ideas or opinions will not change the way speakers are. According to some people, political correctness tends to be used as a tool to hide speakers' real feelings and thoughts, thus it seems to be a great strategy so as not to let the listener know who the speaker really is.
As a conclusion, it can be stated that the arguments for political correctness are that speech expresses ideas and opinions and thus, it may hurt other members of the community's feelings. On the contrary, the arguments against political correctness are related to the fact that it limits speakers' freedom of espression and , as Nash argued in his article, it does not change the way speakers are.
Discrimination in the classroom: the teacher's role (essay in class)
Here there is some advice to put an end to this situation
The only way to uproot discrimination from everyday life is by educating people. The problem is what to do when discrimination takes place at school or, more precisely, in the classroom. Here is some advice that any teacher may find useful when discrimination becomes a problem.
Some people may claim that discrimination is almost null at schools and that what really occurs has to do with the fact that students are, in a way, forced to establish relationships with their classmates. They may argue that it is only natural not to get on well with everybody and that arguments among students are to be expected, particularly if students are teenagers who are going through a time of transition in their lives.
On the contrary, people who are totally convinced that discrimination actually exists at schools tend to believe that one can find racial, social and even physical discrimination in the classroom.
As is well known, the teacher's role is basically to teach. When I say 'teach,' I do not mean just pass on theoretical content, but moral values as well. Part of their job also consists of teaching students how to respect their peers, teachers, parents and the rest of the people who are part of their community.
Whenever students discriminate against their teacher or against any of their peers, the teacher should remind them of how important it is to respect others so as to be respected in return. If it were the case that a general talk does not work, the teacher should ask the troublesome student for an individual talk outside the classroom.
Another possible way of dealing with a case of discrimination at school could be through a teacher-parent conference. This is advisable because teachers may find the support of the family useful to help the child to solve the problem. Moreover, it is absolutely important to rely on the family since both institutions are in charge of the children's education.
This article has attempted to provide teachers with some useful tips to be able to face the problem of discrimination in the classroom.
The only way to uproot discrimination from everyday life is by educating people. The problem is what to do when discrimination takes place at school or, more precisely, in the classroom. Here is some advice that any teacher may find useful when discrimination becomes a problem.
Some people may claim that discrimination is almost null at schools and that what really occurs has to do with the fact that students are, in a way, forced to establish relationships with their classmates. They may argue that it is only natural not to get on well with everybody and that arguments among students are to be expected, particularly if students are teenagers who are going through a time of transition in their lives.
On the contrary, people who are totally convinced that discrimination actually exists at schools tend to believe that one can find racial, social and even physical discrimination in the classroom.
As is well known, the teacher's role is basically to teach. When I say 'teach,' I do not mean just pass on theoretical content, but moral values as well. Part of their job also consists of teaching students how to respect their peers, teachers, parents and the rest of the people who are part of their community.
Whenever students discriminate against their teacher or against any of their peers, the teacher should remind them of how important it is to respect others so as to be respected in return. If it were the case that a general talk does not work, the teacher should ask the troublesome student for an individual talk outside the classroom.
Another possible way of dealing with a case of discrimination at school could be through a teacher-parent conference. This is advisable because teachers may find the support of the family useful to help the child to solve the problem. Moreover, it is absolutely important to rely on the family since both institutions are in charge of the children's education.
This article has attempted to provide teachers with some useful tips to be able to face the problem of discrimination in the classroom.
A true tale of Argentine life
Everything seemed to be perfect until a month after my fifth birthday. It was a rainy day of June. It was getting dark and there was the whole family about to have dinner: my mother, my father, my eldest sister and me. I was watching T.V. with my sister when angry shouts were heard from the kitchen, where my mother and father were. We could not hear what they were saying to each other because the TV was too loud. Suddenly, a shadow could be seen as the door shut with a slam. My sister and I looked at each other, we both had a puzzled look on our faces. We turned off the T.V. and went directly towards the kitchen to find my mother sobbing like a little girl. We gave her a huge hug but we did not ask anything since we both knew it was not the right moment to do so. Never did I hear about my father in my whole childhood again.
My mum was not able to get over this terrible loss . After this incident, she never uttered my father’s name again. Moreover, she destroyed everything that had to do with my father and their relationship. Unfortunately, my mother’s decision was against my own interest since I could not remember his features unless I was shown a picture. I wanted to know about my father in spite of the fact that I knew perfectly well that what he had done to the family was terrible. As my mother was not the right person to ask for information about my father, I turned to my sister, who was –at the time our father abandoned us- two years older than me. Being seven years old, my sister was not of too much help but, at least she remembered more events than I did.
Twenty years later, a rainy day of June, there were the three of us having dinner when we suddenly heard a knock on the door. At the beginning, we got paralysed with fear. Then, my mother took a wooden stick and holding it in her two hands, she ordered my sister to open the door. My sister did as ordered. Both my mother and sister were speechless at the sight of a middle aged man standing at the door. As I did not understand the situation I said: ‘Mum,who is he?’ and my mother answered with tears on her eyes, ‘your father, darling! He’s your father.’
My mum was not able to get over this terrible loss . After this incident, she never uttered my father’s name again. Moreover, she destroyed everything that had to do with my father and their relationship. Unfortunately, my mother’s decision was against my own interest since I could not remember his features unless I was shown a picture. I wanted to know about my father in spite of the fact that I knew perfectly well that what he had done to the family was terrible. As my mother was not the right person to ask for information about my father, I turned to my sister, who was –at the time our father abandoned us- two years older than me. Being seven years old, my sister was not of too much help but, at least she remembered more events than I did.
Twenty years later, a rainy day of June, there were the three of us having dinner when we suddenly heard a knock on the door. At the beginning, we got paralysed with fear. Then, my mother took a wooden stick and holding it in her two hands, she ordered my sister to open the door. My sister did as ordered. Both my mother and sister were speechless at the sight of a middle aged man standing at the door. As I did not understand the situation I said: ‘Mum,who is he?’ and my mother answered with tears on her eyes, ‘your father, darling! He’s your father.’
What's going on with the Education System?
The Education System has shown signs of deterioration in the last decades. There may be many factors that cause this system to be falling to pieces gradually. The aim of this essay is to analyse these factors from different perspectives.
The first factor to taken into account is the social one. Students' behavour is sometimes appalling. Consequently, before starting giving a lesson, the teacher may need to set some limits. Nowadays, students respect neither their teachers nor their peers. This problem may be related to the fact that students' ethic and moral values are not set in the home, thus it becomes the teacher's job to establish them. As a result, teachers seem to be forced to leave behind the theoretical teaching part.
One also needs to consider the economic factor when analysing what is wrong with the Education System. Teachers' salaries are not on a par with the difficult job they have to face. Corrections and plans are examples of extra activities that any teacher has to do but extra money is not paid. If salaries were higher, teachers would be more motivated and they would feel that their effort is taken onto consideration. It is imposible for teachers to be able to foster motivation in their students precisely if they lack the motivation needed to start helping students in their long learning process.
Lastly, from the political point of view, it seems to be essential for populist governments not to improve the quality of the Education System as illiterate people tend to be manipulated more easily than literate ones because they would not oppose ideas if they lack the arguments to do so. There seem to be politicians who prefer illiteracy to be widespread because the more illiterate people are, the less critical of politicians' administration they will be.
To conclude, it can be said that what is going on with the Education System can be analysed takingo into caccount social, economic and political aspects. If what is wanted is to go back to the Education System that was installed in Argentina fifty years ago, society should be aware that everyone is to blame. Once awareness has been raised, then, there may be a slight possibility that some changes do take place.
The first factor to taken into account is the social one. Students' behavour is sometimes appalling. Consequently, before starting giving a lesson, the teacher may need to set some limits. Nowadays, students respect neither their teachers nor their peers. This problem may be related to the fact that students' ethic and moral values are not set in the home, thus it becomes the teacher's job to establish them. As a result, teachers seem to be forced to leave behind the theoretical teaching part.
One also needs to consider the economic factor when analysing what is wrong with the Education System. Teachers' salaries are not on a par with the difficult job they have to face. Corrections and plans are examples of extra activities that any teacher has to do but extra money is not paid. If salaries were higher, teachers would be more motivated and they would feel that their effort is taken onto consideration. It is imposible for teachers to be able to foster motivation in their students precisely if they lack the motivation needed to start helping students in their long learning process.
Lastly, from the political point of view, it seems to be essential for populist governments not to improve the quality of the Education System as illiterate people tend to be manipulated more easily than literate ones because they would not oppose ideas if they lack the arguments to do so. There seem to be politicians who prefer illiteracy to be widespread because the more illiterate people are, the less critical of politicians' administration they will be.
To conclude, it can be said that what is going on with the Education System can be analysed takingo into caccount social, economic and political aspects. If what is wanted is to go back to the Education System that was installed in Argentina fifty years ago, society should be aware that everyone is to blame. Once awareness has been raised, then, there may be a slight possibility that some changes do take place.
A tour around Buenos Aires
In the ranking of places that are worth visiting in Buenos Aires, there are three at the top of the list.
Argentina is a wonderful country with many sights of interest for tourists, which range form historic buildings to beautiful natural sights in the centre of the country. The most important tourist sights are located in the main towns of each province. In the case of Buenos Aires, they are located in the town centre.
Among many attractions that Buenos Aires has to offer there are 'El Obelisco,' 'La Boca' and 'Puerto Madero.' These are three symbolic places that are worth visiting. No tourist has left the country before exploring them.
Most people go to see 'El Obelisco,' ?La Boca' and 'Puerto Madero' during their stay in Buenos Aires because the first and the second places are symbols that represent the foundation of this city, whereas the third one is popular because of the broad variety of activities that offers visitors. These places are probably the most common to see in postcards.
'El Obelisco' was built to commemorate the anniversary of the first foundation of the city. It is located in the centre of the Plaza de la República, where the Argentine flag was flown for the first time in Buenos Aires. Tourists are allowed to climb up the stairs for a spectacular view of the city. The chances to see the inside if this building and to have this stunning sight of Buenos Aires are too good to miss.
Also worth visiting is 'La Boca.' There is a narrow street called 'Caminito' there, which retains a strong European flavour. This street attracts tourism because it clearly shows Argentine culture. It is said to be the best place to learn the typical Argentine dance 'tango.' Visitors will find the Museum Street 'Caminito,' De la Rivera Theatre, the 'Bellas Artes' Museum of La Boca and the 'Vuelta de Rocha,' where one has a great view of Nicolás Avellaneda Bridge.
Another significant place to explore is 'Puerto Madero.' It is full of wonderful restaurants, where tourists can taste typical traditional Argentine food and any kind of food. Thousands of foreigners come to see how the old docks that once stocked products to be sold abroad, now have become one of the most luxurious and modern areas in Buenos Aires.
'El Obelisco,' 'La Boca' and 'Puerto Madero' among many others are places where tourists can get in touch with Argentine culture. In the case of Puerto Mader, tourists can taste typical Argentine food. As regards La Boca, foreigners can learn how to dance the typical Argentine dance, Tango. El Obelisco also gives tourists the possibility of getting in touch with the Argentine History. Any tourist who is interested in those aspects of Argentine culture will-for sure- enjoy these three extraordinary places.
Argentina is a wonderful country with many sights of interest for tourists, which range form historic buildings to beautiful natural sights in the centre of the country. The most important tourist sights are located in the main towns of each province. In the case of Buenos Aires, they are located in the town centre.
Among many attractions that Buenos Aires has to offer there are 'El Obelisco,' 'La Boca' and 'Puerto Madero.' These are three symbolic places that are worth visiting. No tourist has left the country before exploring them.
Most people go to see 'El Obelisco,' ?La Boca' and 'Puerto Madero' during their stay in Buenos Aires because the first and the second places are symbols that represent the foundation of this city, whereas the third one is popular because of the broad variety of activities that offers visitors. These places are probably the most common to see in postcards.
'El Obelisco' was built to commemorate the anniversary of the first foundation of the city. It is located in the centre of the Plaza de la República, where the Argentine flag was flown for the first time in Buenos Aires. Tourists are allowed to climb up the stairs for a spectacular view of the city. The chances to see the inside if this building and to have this stunning sight of Buenos Aires are too good to miss.
Also worth visiting is 'La Boca.' There is a narrow street called 'Caminito' there, which retains a strong European flavour. This street attracts tourism because it clearly shows Argentine culture. It is said to be the best place to learn the typical Argentine dance 'tango.' Visitors will find the Museum Street 'Caminito,' De la Rivera Theatre, the 'Bellas Artes' Museum of La Boca and the 'Vuelta de Rocha,' where one has a great view of Nicolás Avellaneda Bridge.
Another significant place to explore is 'Puerto Madero.' It is full of wonderful restaurants, where tourists can taste typical traditional Argentine food and any kind of food. Thousands of foreigners come to see how the old docks that once stocked products to be sold abroad, now have become one of the most luxurious and modern areas in Buenos Aires.
'El Obelisco,' 'La Boca' and 'Puerto Madero' among many others are places where tourists can get in touch with Argentine culture. In the case of Puerto Mader, tourists can taste typical Argentine food. As regards La Boca, foreigners can learn how to dance the typical Argentine dance, Tango. El Obelisco also gives tourists the possibility of getting in touch with the Argentine History. Any tourist who is interested in those aspects of Argentine culture will-for sure- enjoy these three extraordinary places.
Should abortion be legal?
Abortion has always been a rather controversial topic. Whereas some people believe that it should be banned, some others are in favour of its legalization. It is therefore interesting to look at the arguments to put foward to defend and to oppose abortion.
First of all, decriminalizing abortion would reduce the current death rate. If abortion were legal, there would not be so many cases of death because of backstreet abortions, since it would be carried out in public places, such as hospitals. Consequently, women would not run any risk at all.
Abortion should definitely be allowed in cases of rape. Lately, there have been many of them in which eleven or twelve-year-old adolescents were involved. It is in this situation that abortion should be granted because it is impossible for such young girls to bring up a baby. Apart from that, getting pregnant at that age may affect their state of mind for the rest of their lives. In the case of older women, they should have the freedom to choose whether they wanto to deliver this undesired baby.
As regards the arguments against abortion, some people claim that abortion may cause psychological pain and stress. A pattern of psychological problems known as Post- Abortion Syndrome (PAS) have been identified by researchers on the effect after abortion. It has been discovered that women suffering this syndrome may experience problems such as sexual dysfunction, repeated abortions, damage self- esteem and, in some cases, attempt to commit suicide.
Moreover, adults are supposed to take responsibility for their own actions. If a woman gets pregnant, the couple -or single mother- has the duty to deal with it in a more mature way. Furthermore, there are other options to solve the problem without resorting to having an abortion. One of these options is adoption. The couple or single mother can put the child up for adoption once it is born.
To conclude, this essay has attempted to put forward the main arguments for and against abortion. The former are the reduction of the rate death due to illegal abortions and the need of it in cases of rape; the latter are the psychological effects that it has on women and the couple's responsibility. Even though the two positions justify clearly what they support, people seem to be uncertain about which way to take. Consequently, abortion keeps on being a rather controversial issue.
First of all, decriminalizing abortion would reduce the current death rate. If abortion were legal, there would not be so many cases of death because of backstreet abortions, since it would be carried out in public places, such as hospitals. Consequently, women would not run any risk at all.
Abortion should definitely be allowed in cases of rape. Lately, there have been many of them in which eleven or twelve-year-old adolescents were involved. It is in this situation that abortion should be granted because it is impossible for such young girls to bring up a baby. Apart from that, getting pregnant at that age may affect their state of mind for the rest of their lives. In the case of older women, they should have the freedom to choose whether they wanto to deliver this undesired baby.
As regards the arguments against abortion, some people claim that abortion may cause psychological pain and stress. A pattern of psychological problems known as Post- Abortion Syndrome (PAS) have been identified by researchers on the effect after abortion. It has been discovered that women suffering this syndrome may experience problems such as sexual dysfunction, repeated abortions, damage self- esteem and, in some cases, attempt to commit suicide.
Moreover, adults are supposed to take responsibility for their own actions. If a woman gets pregnant, the couple -or single mother- has the duty to deal with it in a more mature way. Furthermore, there are other options to solve the problem without resorting to having an abortion. One of these options is adoption. The couple or single mother can put the child up for adoption once it is born.
To conclude, this essay has attempted to put forward the main arguments for and against abortion. The former are the reduction of the rate death due to illegal abortions and the need of it in cases of rape; the latter are the psychological effects that it has on women and the couple's responsibility. Even though the two positions justify clearly what they support, people seem to be uncertain about which way to take. Consequently, abortion keeps on being a rather controversial issue.
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