Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Persuasive text analysis paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Persuasive text analysis paper - Essay Example The use of this art has a notable effect on the public to which it is directed in that it can help to shape a group’s opinions on particular matters. One of the most important speeches in American history utilizes persuasion excellently. It is the ‘I have a dream’ speech by Martin Luther King Junior (King, 2002). King delivered this speech on August 23rd 1963, in Washington to a huge crowd of mainly African American people who had come to listen to him. This speech revolves around the injustices that the black community was continually exposed to during this period. He devised this speech as the start of a revolution against racism that was eating into the United States making the African Americans live impoverished lives (Stewart, 2003). It was a call to not only the black community, but also to the white people to embrace justice in order to ensure equality. As much as the blacks had been freed from slavery almost 100 years back, he explains, true equality betwe en the black and the white folk had not yet been achieved. Racism was still very much a part of their lives, and this affected their living standards significantly. His main problem was mainly the inculcation of this mentality of racial superiority to the young children who did not know any better. It is safe to state that this speechis significant   in the eradication of racism in the United States (Price, 2006). King, in his speech effectively uses persuasion as well as other styles of language that make his speech truly unforgettable. An analysis to determine how effective the art of persuasion was and what effect it had on its audience is conducted. As previously explained, the speech focuses on the problem of racism that was affecting the African American community at that time. King uses the analogy as a language style in order to persuade his audience when also relaying his intended message. An analogy is a style that uses two objects that seem not to be related to each oth er in order to bring out a point. This process is used to provoke the imagination of the listeners to which it is addressed. King uses an analogy of a promissory note that the country provided to the blacks as they were freed from slavery. He states, â€Å"America has given the Negro a bad check; a check that has come back marked ‘insufficient funds† (Lucas, 2001). His analogy employs the use of a well-known object, a promissory note that is a business document that assures or promises and individual of payment at a specified time that both involved parties agree on. King compares the United States’ assurance of equality between blacks and the whites after the abolition of slavery as a promissory note. This promissory note is not valid since it has not fulfilled the conditions it was expected to in the first place. This means that the country has not been true to its word as such; it has given the African American community a ‘bad check’. Resultantly , the African Americans have been forced to live in bad conditions since they do not have the same rights as their counterparts, the white people do. Through this analogy, King altered the way most if not all of his public thought of the issue of racism. It was a problem that they were facing, but they had become complacent since not all their attempts to alleviate the discrimination had been successful. However, this speech gave them a new strength to press for

Monday, October 28, 2019

Cambridge City A Great Place To Visit Tourism Essay

Cambridge City A Great Place To Visit Tourism Essay As we used questionnaire in our research, and we asked different questions from 39 visitors in Cambridge city centre for observing their opinions. Pie charts are used to display results in visual form. All information gathered from visitors, converted in to pie charts and displayed above. Pie charts are showing opinions obtained from real visitors with the help of questionnaire. Very first question was about their general information. General information included nationality, age and occupation. Nationality asked from visitors. Among the 39 visitors, our sample, 44 percent were female and 56 percent were male. Age of 41 percent were in between 18 to 30 years and 26 percent were in between 31 to 40 years. 12 percent were in between 41 to 40 and remaining were above 41. Question about occupation, 36 percent visitors said that they are currently unemployed and 31 percent visitors were students. 10 percent were businessmen and outside the Cambridge and 21 percent are doing job anywhere. 13 visitors out of total 39 said that they are visiting very first time Cambridge and 9 visitors sad they have second trip. 6 visitors said they have third trip and 11 visitors are enjoying their fourth or more trip. In the question in which type were asked, 33 percent were enjoying their independent trip and just 18 percent said they were with their friends and family. Large portion of visitors, 31 percent, were on their educational trip, trip to Cambridge University, ant 13 percent visitors were on business trip. How long they stay here? 13 percent said just for half day and 26 percent said for full day. 38 percent were living more than 2 days in Cambridge and 8 percent answered, not yet decided. In the question, what they do in Cambridge, 8 percent said enjoying boat tour and 18 percent said they are enjoying weather by walk. 36 percent said they are here for train trip and 31 percent said on road. 2 percent use to spend time by horse carriage trip. What services they used in Cambridge? All visitors vote for sightseeing tour with 5 percent, local transportation with 20 percent, food and beverages with 31 percent, accommodation with 9 percent and 24 percent they consumed other facilities and services. Unique question, did they enjoy Cambridge? 92 percent, definitely, said yes. 8 percent respond with No, due to some reasons. Quality of services used, good response seen in Cambridges favour. 0 percent vote for low quality, 8 percent vote for fair and 39 percent visitors said quality of services was good in Cambridge. 20 percent said quality of service was very good and 8 percent vote for excellent. 25 percent give no answer to this question. In the last, simple question were asked and that is will they visit Cambridge again? 58 percent, more than half of total visitors said yes of course they will surely visit. 28 percent said it depends on future conditions, they are not sure yet and 21 percent said you way, they are now finding new better place for tour. With the help of questionnaire and other methods used in our research, Tourists motivation and experience towards Cambridge, different opinion collected from real visitors. Results showed that most of visitors are male, under 40 years age, students, employed and businessmen, and visiting Cambridge for more than 2 time and willing to revisit it again. Reasons behind these answers are somehow related to culture and nature of Cambridge. Cambridgeshire is famous for University initially and then city of technology. Students like to visit the university and more than 25,000 students are resident of Cambridge. University of Cambridge is included in worlds top five universities. Thats why major portion of visitors is consist of students in different area. Cambridge city is also famous for technology. Software and bioscience are core industries operated in Cambridge and thats the reason of business trips. All technology related organizations have offices and research centres in Cambridge. Meetings and convocations are being held in this city. Other reasons behind these results are games being held in Cambridge city. Cambridge city is famous for cricket, football, rugby, water sports and varsity sports. Varsity sports are sports play under Cambridge University against different universities and have lots of attractiveness for the visitors inside and outside the Cambridge city. Strawberry flavour music and art festival are also reason behind motivations for the visitors coming in Cambridge. Questions about services used in Cambridge and quality of used services indicate that visitors like the way they enjoy in Cambridge and they liked food, transportation system and accommodations in Cambridge and they selected these services and facilities as a good quality services. This is also reason behind the motivation of being visited Cambridge again and again and some visitors visited Cambridge for more than 4 times due to facilities provided here. Cambridge skyline, Quayside, Silver Street, Kings Parade and Trinity Street, places famous for trips in Cambridge and different festivals and events are also reasons behind the tours and trips in Cambridge. Conclusion From the questionnaire, what we collect from the real visitors and tourists is data of our research and. Conclusion can be easily drawn through or finding as reasons are simple and logical behind the motivation for tourism in Cambridge. Visitors are most likely, students, businessmen, sports lovers, independents, willing to stay here for longer period because of verity of services provide and quality of services used. Primarily there are some reasons visitors used for motivation to visit Cambridge. Results shown that visitors from different area have same characteristics and main factor forcing behind motivation is age and occupation of sample visitors. Under 40 years are in large quantity visiting Cambridge and by occupation, students and businessmen are large art of tourist. People who are free also visit more Cambridge. University of Cambridge and industry of technology is main source of motivation for tourists. City of sports, festivals and events are also motivation for visitors and people who like picnic and visiting different places used these motivations for Cambridge. Question asked from sample visitors, did they like trip in Cambridge, showed the density of likeness Cambridge and question, will they visit again, showed the attractiveness of tourists toward the Cambridge. Overall, research helped to indicate the source of motivations behind the visit to Cambridge. One finding is, friends and family tours are more preferable from the tourist because of nature and culture of Cambridge city. Results indicate that tourists are more willing to use this place again for their trips and visits. Due to technological city, business world compellingly need to have visit this place. Recommendations Cambridge city is a great place to visit for family tours, educational tours, sports and music lover. Cambridge is not place where you can find some historical places ad old thing. Cambridge is full of urban tourism and based on new beauty. As Cambridge city is famous for education and technology, government must take more steps to increase efficiency in these areas because people point of view about Cambridge is good and green. Events and festivals are another sources of motivation for tourists. Local authority should promote events in worldwide in order to increase the strength of visitors. Varsity sports can be used as another main source of motivation for tourists because varsity sports are included large numbers of games and there is need to launch them as a regional festival. From the evaluation of peoples opinion, most of them said that beside the spots, technology and educational motivation, there is also need to motivate children for tourism. Creating attractiveness for children and young generation can be great source of tourism. Improvement in facilities and supporting services can also help to increase the attractiveness of visitors. There is need to plan for vocations in order to grape more visitors time and money. With beginning of 20th century, economy was rapidly growing so managing Cambridge is quite easy in betterment of tourism. Use of different ideas in tourism plan, can influence in future. Entertainment companies can be used for attracting tourists.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Mesopotamia Is Great :: World History

Mesopotamia Is Great The "Land Between the Rivers" has been a source of both savage barbarism and great civilizations. Mesopotamian culture reached its peak between ca 3000-550 BCE. Yet, much of Mesopotamian culture goes unnoticed, despite its rich heritage. A vast bulk of the great early civilizations developed in the land known as Mesopotamia. It can, in fact, be proven, without question, that because of Mesopotamia's extensive trade routes, its excellent leaders, and the astronomical growth in technology that occurred, that Mesopotamia was one of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed. For its time, Mesopotamian culture had the greatest trade routes. Its trade network reached from the sands of Egypt to the deserts in India. Most certainly no civilization in the western world at that time had not heard of the great cultures that existed between the Tigris and the Euphrates. Egypt, in itself, had an excellent trade route with its access to the Mediterranean sea. Mesopotamia, however, had trade routes not only in Egypt, but in many other locations to the east as well. All previous trade routes had been confined from village to village. Through its extensive trade route, it can be seen that Mesopotamia was a great civilization. Mesopotamia did not only have trade routes as a testament to its greatness, but a flourishing government as well. As Mesopotamia was racked with barbarian invasions, the rise of some of History's most fearsome and great leaders can be seen. Sargon I, for example, managed to unify one of the largest areas of civilization at that time. Sargon I is also noted having never lost a single war in his entire life. As well, with Mesopotamia, the first system-and indeed the most extensive in that point in time-of codified law. King Hammurabi's aptly titled system of codified law, the Code of Hammurabi, while seemingly harsh in today's view, was heralded as a just and fair law back in its day. History also shows that one of the greatest Ziggurats of all time was created in the land of Mesopotamia.. Nebuchadrezzar II's Hanging Gardens of Bablyon is noted as being one of the greatest marvels of the ancient world. With such a glorious string of leaders, it is obvious to conclude that Mesopotamia w as one of the greatest civilizations ever to have existed. Aside from its string of incredible leaders, History shows that Mesopotamian culture gave birth to some of the greatest technology man has ever developed.

Thursday, October 24, 2019

History of Electronic Media Essay

The history of providing information has been shaped by innovations and innovators. This paper attempts to chronicle the different factors and events that led to the media landscape of today. 1) Congress and the FCC began deregulating broadcast and cable television in the late 1970s. Describe the ideologies which motivated these deregulations. What changes in the television industry occurred as a result of these deregulations? Include two of the following in your discussion: Financial Interest and Syndication Rules, Telecommunications Act of 1996, media ownership debates in the 2000s and intellectual property regulations in the 2000s. The Financial and Syndication Rules, or more popularly known as Fib-Syn, were implemented by the Federal Communications Commission in 1970 with the objective of increasing programming diversity thus breaking the monopoly of the three major TV networks in the United States: CBS, ABC and NBC. Its rationale was to democratize UHF airwaves making it easier for independent television producers to penetrate the television market. The rules primarily targeted two areas to disempower the big networks: freeing television programs from the ownership of the networks after its first run and the introduction of in-house syndication arms in the major networks. The idea was to discourage the networks’ monopoly on tv programs and restricting the networks’ part in syndication. These steps would substantially reduce production incentive and lead to the separation of production and distribution practices in the big networks. The FCC justified the implementation of Fin-Syn as beneficial for independent television producers since it gave them the larger part of production profits and allowing them a foothold in the business of syndication. The democratization of syndication would lead to a wider distribution of shows and prevented the networks from its exclusive use in their affiliated stations. Supporters of the rule envisioned a television industry where innovative and   much more diverse programs would be available to the viewers ( McAllister , www.museum.tv). The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was promulgated by the FCC to address issues regarding the rapid development of telecommunication technologies in the United States. It contained new rules and regulations regarding TV, Radio, Cable, Telephone and Internet services. President Clinton, when he signed it into legislation, proclaimed that the act would â€Å"stimulate investment, promote competition, provide open access for all citizens to the Information Superhighway† (Clinton, White House press release 1996). Upon closer inspection, the Telecommunication Act of 1996 was the final step in disassembling the provisions of Fin-Syn Rule. The act loosened rules on media ownership in traditional media forms such as TV and radio, thus empowering them to compete with emerging media technologies such as cable and the Internet allowing for the development of new and innovative services. However, the implementation of both the Financial and Syndication Rules of the FCC and the telecommunications Act of 1996 met harsh criticisms once they were fully implemented. The introduction of Fin-Syn bred more problems than solutions. Most critics pointed out that instead of empowering independent TV producers, it just shifted the competition from one Goliath to another. Instead of   competing with the big networks, the independent TV producers where now pitted against large production organization such as Disney/ABC and   Warner. In the end, it was these larger TV production companies that benefited financially from producing television shows with independent companies opting to produce cheaper productions such as talk shows and game shows. Thus, it produced more conventional shows rather than innovating the television industry. Eventually, television groups especially television distributors called for a change in the implementation of Fin-Syn which eventually led to FCC totally removing the rule in 1995. Studies showed that although there were periods of diversity on TV programs from 1970s to the 1990s, the general conclusion was that there was no significant changes in the programs in the implementation of the FCC rule (Einstein, p. 5). With the disappearance of the rule, productions and distribution companies started to merge especially in the big three networks. This culminated in the emergence of FOX Network and its merger with Paramount and Warner Bros., a step followed by Disney when they bought and merged with ABC Network. The deregulation that resulted from the implementation of the 1996 Telecommunications Act fueled much debate on media ownership and responsibility. Questions arose on whether the the Act did deliver its promise of innovative media services from increased competition and serve the public interest with increased diversity in media programs and information. Critics cite that the only ones who benefited from the Act were media moguls who were able to merge with other media corporations and in essence creating media monopolies that could have the power to control information. William Melody reveals that media entrepreneurs will always look for profit and economic efficiency leading to media monopolies which threaten freedom of speech (Melody, p. 32). Concerned groups have also reasoned that public interest have always been the core value of media regulation and not profit, and to diminish government control on ownership would mean violating public inters. Deregulating media ownership can only lead to a monopoly of information resulting in less diversity, Neumann noted that the creation of media conglomerates have led to the mass media having similar â€Å"content and world-view† (Neumann, p.130). On the other hand, those who were in favor of the Act identified it as a much needed move in revolutionizing media. By allowing media corporations to merge, it has led to a more comprehensive and cohesive delivery of information. Supporters also point out that instead of eliminating diversity, viewers have had much more program options with th emergence of 24 hours news channels such as CNN and FOX News and specialized channels such as Discovery and History (Compaine, www.reason.com). In fact, Adam Thierer revealed that instead of the lack of diversity of programs, audiences are actually experiencing â€Å"information overload† due to explosion of media options. He pointed out that today’s media environment is â€Å"diverse and characterized by information abundance† (Thierer, p.2). The issue, as FCC concluded in revising the Telecommunication Act, â€Å"was whether media companies will be able to dominate the distribution of news and information in any market, but whether they will be able to be heard at all among the cacophony of voices vying for the attention of the Americans (FCC proceedings, p.149) 2) The three broadcast networks ABC, CBS and NBC did not face a broadcast network competitor until Fox emerged in the 1980s and the WB, UPN and Univision grew in the 1990s. Why did these networks emerge when they did? What regulatory changes aided their growth? How did they differ from the other networks in terms of their relationships with their affiliates? What audiences did they target and what types of programs did they use to do so? How did they change as they grew? You may choose one or more network(s) to illustrate your points. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the big three networks dominated the American airwaves. Independent and local television networks would occasionally penetrate the national airwaves but most of these did not survive due to financial constraints. It was in 1986 however that the first rival to the big three emerged with the establishment of   FOX Network.It started out dabbling in TV business by producing and distributing shows for the three big networks. In 1985, Rupert Murdoch bought 50% shares in the 20th Century Fox   movie and television studios. When Murdoch finally achieved full ownership of the studios, he proceeded to buy television stations owned by Metromedia which gave Murdoch a foothold in the major U.S. cities such as New York, Washington, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Chicago (www.teletronic.co.uk). This move would spur Murdoch to create a â€Å"fourth network†. In a brilliant move, the new Fox network labeled their new venture as a â€Å"satellite-delivered programming service†(www.teletronic.co.uk). This enabled Murdoch, who was not a citizen, to bypass FCC rules such as foreign-ownership and the definition of FCC of a â€Å"network† as â€Å"airing more than 20 hours of programming per week†. These enabled Fox to operate unhindered by the FCC rules on networks, thus being able to still distribute its TV productions to other networks but only airing 2 hours of primetime shows as opposed to the 3 hours of the big Networks. When it was launched in October 1986, almost 96 stations were connected to Fox enabling it to reach 80% of American audiences. Before making it big, Fox had to start from scratch in expanding its audience share. The network first major release was the â€Å"Late Show† with Joan Rivers. They hoped to capture the 11:30pm late-night slot and targeting young audiences. This strategy however failed as ratings fell with viewers switching back to their previous stations. Despite these failures, Fox continued to lure the younger to middle -aged viewers with shows such as â€Å"Tracy Ulman† which won the station its first Emmy, â€Å"Married†¦with   Children† which would be its first biggest hit and â€Å"21 Jump Street† which was its first drama. These shows were some of the first forays of the network into the Sunday prime-time slot. Although they were received lukewarmly at first, these shows would gain momentum in the coming years. The success of Fox would lead to FCC relaxing the Fin-Syn rule and redefining their concept of â€Å"network†, which would finally result in t he elimination of the Fin-Syn Rule in 1995. (www.museum.tv) The success of its first primetime shows would lead to Fox introducing documentary-style shows such as â€Å"America’s Most Wanted† and â€Å"Cops†. But their biggest success would come in when Fox reintroduced animation to the primetime slot with â€Å"The Simpsons†. The animated show would penetrate the top 30 primetime ratings and would then become the longest running comedy show on television (www.teletronic.co.uk). Soon, Fox found its niche by veering away from conventional shows, like game shows and   talk shows, by introducing reality-based shows and shows that targeted the young viewers. Fox owner Rupert Murdoch would change the media landscape when it snatched exclusive rights to air the National Football League in 1993 (Kimmel, p.162). This move would cement Fox’s role in the ratings game. As of today, Fox’s main draw is its reality-based shows such as American Idol that have dominated airwaves since its release in 2002, capturing much of the 18-49 viewer demographic (tvbythenumbers.com). With success comes controversy. Such was the case of the Fox news network as critics accused it of being biased towards the U.S. Republican Party (Greenwald, p.4). Despite these, Fox shows and its affiliated cable channels still rake in much of the ratings with Fox News attracting 2.4 million viewers in the first quarter of 2009 (Gold, www.latimesblogs.latimes.com)

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Assignment SWOT Analysis due Sun

I selected PC Repair   sample business plan. PC Repair is a S Corporation type of business that will be available to local small businesses and home computer users with computer related issues. PC Repairs offers computer and technical consulting such as repairs, training, networking, and upgrades. PC Repair’s has many strengths that will benefit local businesses and home pc users with all the computer consulting and services it offers. This computer consulting business offers excellent quality services to their clients. They have on-site repair, which is better for the client to eliminate transport of the computer to PC Repair’s office. They offer extended maintenance contracts for clients to work with a single item expense. Their main focus in on small businesses, who don’t have a full-time IT person, but have full-time IT needs. They offer affordable on-demand services to these businesses. They can offer maintenance agreements for small businesses for additional monthly income. They offer flexible, affordable, helpful services for the residential clients. The computing industry is expected to grow at a rate of 12% (Business Week). The expansion of processor speeds through the years will provide a rich resource for sales. PC Repair will use an aggressive advertising plan to exploit its competitor’s weaknesses and to make the name common to the community. They have established relationships with local distributors that will provide them with rapid services, but will be more expensive. They have reasonable prices for the high quality service they offer. They offer pick-up and drop-off service. PC Repair is not only interested in selling new components, but maintaining existing computers and finding client solutions. I can name a few weaknesses I came across first, PC Repair is a new player to the computer consulting business, which may affect initial sales. PC Repair lacks credibility it needs to be more involved in the industry to enhance it. The owner of PC Repair’s home equity is collateral for its short-term loan is a threat if it has no steady monthly income. Offering limited software support is weakness, which I think unlimited would be best. Another weakness is that PC Repair doesn’t have enough computer technicians because if computer services/troubleshooting are in demand and if there are not enough employees, then there might be a overload of clients you need assistant immediately. First year, a one-man home-office to possibly a 3-person business at a leased location I believe is a major weakness because a 1-3 person computer consulting business needs maybe at least 5-8 persons to operate. I also find that PC Repair’s start-up funding requirements to be too high for one-man operation. Their business only works in a 15 mile radius/local area for both business and residential clients. PC Repair’s market segmentation states client’s age range who they will provide services. They only provide services to small businesses or home users. This business plan has determined that small business’ pc needs are more urgent than residential users. The opportunities of PC Repair are that there are potentially huge markets to begin. With the consideration of the many marketing options it will help with the growth of PC Repair. An important characteristic for PC Repair in its marketing plan is the diversity. PC Repair each quarter needs to evaluate their results. Implementing frugal operating procedures and practices will help outgrow their competition and be in a better position in the market. The ability to understand the expectations of clients, having clearly definite responsibilities for their clients, knowing the best person to decide is the client and to know that PC Repair’s solutions address their client’s needs. The rapid rate of technological development creates constant need for PC Repair’s services. Clients tend to be loyal if they provide excellent services and satisfy client’s needs. In the Service Business Analysis it explains how their local competitors have serious weaknesses so there will be no significant barriers entering the market. There are many threats for any type of business, especially computer consulting services like PC Repair. The lack of new computer information may hurt PC Repair. Increasing prices may result in reduced profitability. Downsizing and poor client spending in all markets are results of economic recessions. They have only two main competitors for this type of business in the local area. Competitor A is well known and is efficient.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

What Is the PSAT 10 Complete Guide

What Is the PSAT 10 Complete Guide SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Most high school students have heard of the PSAT NMSQT- aka the practice SAT that doubles as a qualifying exam for the National Merit competition. Fewer have heard of the PSAT 10, which is a version of the PSAT designed specifically for sophomores. What exactly is the PSAT 10, and why should you consider taking it? Learn all about it here. What Is the PSAT 10? The PSAT 10 is a practice SAT exam that debuted in the 2015-16 school year. It is aligned to the SAT,meaning it has similar question types and the same Reading, Writing, and Math sections. Its scores are based ona total scale of 320-1520. Unlike the SAT, which is designed for juniors and seniors, the PSAT 10 is designed specifically for sophomores in high school. As a result, its questions are not as difficult as those on the SAT. It's essential to know that the PSAT 10 is the same test as the PSAT/NMSQT, which is designed for both sophomores and juniors.In other words, all questions, sections, and time limits are the same for these two tests. So why do these exams have different names then? Here are the two major differences between the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT: The PSAT 10 is offered at a different time than the PSAT/NMSQT is: While the PSAT 10 is offeredonce a year to sophomores in the spring, the PSAT/NMSQT is offered once a year in the fall.School districts can choose when to administer the PSAT 10. This year, it must be between February 25 and March 29, 2019, or April 1 and April 26, 2019. The PSAT 10 doesnotqualify you for National Merit as the PSAT/NMSQT does: Even if you get a really highscore on it, don't expect to win any scholarships or awards. It's just an SAT practice test- that's it! What Is the PSAT/NMSQT? As stated above, the PSAT NMSQT is, content-wise, the same test as the PSAT 10. Like the PSAT 10, the PSAT/NMSQT is a practice SAT exam and is thus highly similar to the SAT.However, since the PSAT NMSQT is designed specifically for sophomores and juniors in high school, it's not nearly as difficult as the SAT is. We’ll explore the different difficulty levels in detail below. The PSAT NMSQT can qualify you for the National Merit competition but only ifyou take it as a junior and get a high enough scoreon it. While sophomores may take this test, too, they're not eligible for National Merit, no matter how high their scores might be. Finally,the PSAT NMSQT is offered only in the fall, typically in October. This year, the test will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2018; there will also be a Saturday option on October 13, and an alternate date on Wednesday, October 24. Want to get a head start on the PSAT NMQST? We have the industry's leading PSAT prep program. Built by Harvard grads and SAT full scorers, the program learns your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics, then customizes your prep program to you so that you get the most effective prep possible. Check out our 5-day free trial today: Timing and Scoring of the PSAT 10 The PSAT 10 is two hours and 45 minutes long, the same length as the PSAT NMSQT. Here are the details of each test section: PSAT Section Total Time # of Questions Reading 60 minutes 47 Writing and Language 35 minutes 44 Math 70 minutes 48 Even though there are more Reading and Writing questions than there are Math questions, Math is worth half your total score,between 160 and 760 points. Reading and Writing are combined to give you a single Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section score, also between 160 and 760 points. Therefore, the PSAT 10 is scored between 320 and 1520 (160–760 each for Math and EBRW). Score scale for the SAT, PSAT NMSQT, PSAT 10, and PSAT 8/9, via the College Board. This puts the PSAT 10 and the PSAT/NMSQT on a similar scale as the SAT, which is scored between 400 and 1600 (200 and 800 for Math and EBRW, respectively). The idea behind these similar scoring systems is that the PSAT can be used to predict your score on the SAT; however, it can't predict an exact score since the SAT is a more difficult test. This is why the scoring scales don’t match up exactly. What Does the PSAT 10 Test? The content and format of the PSAT 10 is identical to that of the PSAT/NMSQT and very similar to that of the SAT. The only major difference is that the PSAT 10 is shorter than the SAT is, and its questions do not get as difficult since they're designed for students at the sophomore level. Fortunately, the College Board offers specific guidelines as to how the PSAT differs from the SAT, primarily in terms of difficulty and content.We will summarize this information by section to give you an idea of what to expect on the PSAT 10. PSAT 10 Reading Section All questions in the PSAT 10 Reading section are multiple choice and based on passages.You'll have 60 minutes to answer 47 questions. Read below for more on what the passages are like and how difficult the questions are. What Are the Passages Like? The Reading section passages are drawn from American and world literature, history/social studies articles, and science articles. You'll get four passages and a set of paired passages for which you'll be asked to compare them. Some passages include informational graphics, such as charts, graphs, and tables, and it’s your job to be able to break those down and interpret them accurately. In other words, the Reading section goes beyond your basic "read the passage, answer the questions" standardized test. According to the College Board's comparison of the PSAT and SAT Reading tests, both sections cover text levelsfrom 9th grade to 10th grade,as well as some postsecondary, or college-level, texts.In addition, the difficulty of the graphical representations are deemed "somewhat challenging to challenging" for both the PSAT and SAT. So what does all of this mean? While the difficulty of Reading passages are generally the same for both tests,the total number of words in these passages differs. The SAT contains 3,250 words total in its passages, whereas the PSAT contains just 3,000 words total. What Are the Questions Like? Both the SAT and PSAT emphasize the following skills, or subscores, in their Reading sections: Analysis in history/social studies passages Analysis in science passages Interpretation of words in context Command of evidence Analysis of history/social studies and analysis of science mean that you'll have to analyze patterns in the writing and choose answers explaining how and why certain phenomena are true. Interpretation of words in context means that you'll be asked to define a word’s meaning given its context in the passage.Note that you won’t be asked obscure vocab questions. Finally, command of evidence tests your ability to identify parts or words in a passage that support or give evidence for specific claims, conclusions, and/or interpretations. Take a look at theofficial PSAT example question below to get an idea of what a PSAT 10 Reading question looks like. Notice how the emphasis is on what the sentence means in the context of the passage (not shown): PSAT 10 Writing Section For the PSAT 10 Writing section, you will also be working with passages. But for these questions, you'll be put in the role of an editor who is improving a passage. Like the PSAT 10 Reading section, all questions are multiple choice.You'll have 35 minutes to answer 44 questions. What Are the Passages Like? Passages on the PSAT 10 Writing section are either arguments, informative/explanatory texts or nonfiction narratives. They address topics related to careers, history/social studies, science, and the humanities. Some passages come with informational graphics, such as charts, graphs, and tables. Passages are long and require you to answer questions about the whole passage’s organization and meaning. However,there is also more fine-grained editing. For example, you might have to determine the correct placement of a comma in part of a sentence. The texts vary in complexity, from those found in high school classes to college-level. Again, the PSAT 10 covers a very similar variety of texts as those on the SAT Writing section. What Are the Questions Like? Just like on the Reading section, the Writing questions will emphasize the following four subscores: Analysis in history/social studies passages Analysis in science passages Interpretation of words in context Command of evidence Moreover, two other subscores calledexpression of ideas (i.e., topic development, organization, and rhetorical effectiveness) and standard English conventions will be tested. What these mean is that in addition to analyzing passages’ meanings, you'll also have to correct their content on a technical level. Check out the two official sample PSAT Writing questions below: PSAT 10 Math Section For the PSAT Math section, you'll get 70 minutes to answer 48 questions.Most questions will be multiple choice, but there are some student-produced (grid-in) responses;these account for about 17% of Math questions. Like the SAT Math section, the PSAT Math section is divided into two parts: a No Calculator Math Test, for which use of a calculator is not permitted, and a Calculator Math Test, for which use of a calculator is permitted. Note that you will get grid-ins on each subsection. Here is a brief overview of each Math subsection: PSAT 10 Math Subsection Total Time # of Questions No Calculator 25 minutes 17 Calculator 45 minutes 31 The emphasis in the Math section is on problem solving, modeling, using appropriate tools strategically, and recognizing and using algebraic structures. In practice, this means more story/situation problems than the old SAT/PSAT had. Pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, basic statistics, and trigonometry are all tested on the SAT. As the College Board notes,the PSAT 10 generally contains fewer advanced algebra, geometry, and trig questions.That said, you can still expect a pretty thorough test of pre-algebra, basic algebra, and basic statistics. Below are two official PSAT Math questions. The first is from the No Calculator subsection, and the second is from the Calculator subsection: Should You Take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT NMSQT? Now that you understand what the similarities and differences are between the PSAT 10 and PSAT NMSQT, which test should you take? Below, we give you a few key tips to help you decide whether to take the PSAT 10 or the PSAT NMSQT: As a junior, you should definitely take the PSAT/NMSQT.Doing this will give you a shot to qualify for the National Merit competition should you score high enough for it; you'll also get the most rigorous practice for the SAT. As a sophomore, you can take either test, depending on your goals.However, if you have your heart set on getting a National Merit Scholarship, then it's best to take the PSAT/NMSQT as a sophomore (possibly in addition to the PSAT 10 if you want even more practice). Though you can’t qualify for National Merit as a 10th grader, youcan get in some helpful practice and learn exactly how difficult the exam is. You’ll also start more rigorous SAT practice early. If you’re a freshman or younger, consider taking the PSAT 8/9- yet another version of the PSAT specifically designed for older middle school students in (you guessed it!) the eighth and ninth grades. The PSAT 8/9 will introduce you to SAT-type questions without overwhelming you with difficult content. What’s Next? Get a complete guide to the SATandthe PSATso you can understand how to prep for these two important tests and what you'll need to know to do well on them. Not sure exactly when you should aim to take the SAT? Get an answer to that question here. What exactly is National Merit? Learn more about the program here and then get tips onhow to win the scholarship. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points?We've written a guide about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Monday, October 21, 2019

Privacy vs. Justice essays

Privacy vs. Justice essays The events of September 11th came as a great shock to everyone, save the terrorists who were responsible for what occurred that morning. However, it was a series of events that could not be stopped a situation that suddenly arose from the crisp, early morning air over New York and forever changed people all over the world. A great many people lost family members, friends, and loved ones that morning however, a question even greater than that loss of life also ascended from the events of that day more than a year ago. As I shuffled through my daily routine for the remainder of that week and heard news of airports resuming traffic under enormously tightened security, I wondered to myself something then that is still very much on my mind today: will the freedom and diversity that have made the United States a shining light amongst the other countries of the world be put on the chopping block because of the events of September 11th? There is no argument against the fact that the events of September 11th were the worst abuse of American freedoms in the past hundred years, or in the history of the country. It is for this reason that many people who sit in places of power and control the direction of this country have and will be incredibly tempted to restrict valuable freedoms such as the abilities to travel spontaneously, keep private matters confidential, and to speak freely and anonymously that we as normal Americans possess. Greater pressure will soon be brought on the people who develop communica tions mediums to include unconstitutional surveillance devices and methods in communications networks and trade mediums that such things should not exist across. It is things like this that make me wonder how Americans will react to the policies that have and will undoubtedly be put in place in regards to September 11th, 2001. It is my personal fear that the people of this country will be slowly led to accept policy that at ...