My fellow student Peter Chen is debating on the topic of what is the best method to control the human population. Okay so my initial reaction to his opening statement is that wow this is pretty short and I only see one true piece of evidence.
Like I stated it is a good start, but he needs some work. First of all I felt that it was relatively short compared to a lot of the other opening statements I ob severed. I felt that he could have put a lot more effort and information into this opening statement. Second of all, I really liked only piece of facts he had, but he never really elaborated on it, he just kind of put out there. To go on about that only fact I respect that you are Chinese, but you should not just talk China because they are many other countries that are overpopulated. I think you should keep that background information, but do not allow that to overwhelm your opening statement. I also realized that you had no links, so there was no evidence to back up any of your claims. My suggestion is to figure out what you think is the best way to control human population because you do not even state what your view on this question is. There is no thesis, so try to come up with clear thesis that clearly explains what you think is the best way to control human population. You should also try to find data, evidence, and facts that support your opinion on this topic. Finally, they were a considerable amount of grammatical errors, so yeah try to fix that up.
Overall it is a good start. My main advice is to organize your ideas and find some data that supports your ideas. Got some to do work man. Good Luck.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Animal Farm Mini Essay Prompt 2
Thorughout time, language has played a key role in helping civilizations across the world to prosper and develop. Language is the main form in which most people communicate through. Without language there is no way for a civilization to communicate and without communication a civilization cannot develop and will eventually collapse. Even if there is language in a society, the society can still collapse if the language is not strong or full of bad habits. Language can make or break a civilization.
In the first two paragraphs from Orwell's famous 1946 essay, "Politics and the English language" He discuses how the English language is crumbling apart. He states, "Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it" (Par 1). To summarize this quote up, George Orwell is basically saying that the English language is in bad shape and there is nothing that people can really do to change it. This creates the assumption that the English language is something that we cannot control, if it falls apart then we, as humans, have to watch the very thing that brought us up form primitiveness collapse. This is very interesting because he contradicts himself in the following paragraph, "Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly" (Par 2). George Orwell is basically stating the opposite of what he had said in the first paragraph. He says that bad habits in the English language can be eliminated by conscious action. These contradicting quotes make me wonder what of this argument is George Orwell really on. Does he believe that we can do something about the English language or not.
George Orwell not only speaks about how the English language is full of bad habits, but he also touches on how the English language relates to the government and economy. For example, in the second paragraph he states, "Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes... but an effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely" (Par 2). Basically a language does not turn for the worse all of a sudden, there is something which causes. A decline in the economy can cause a language to decline, but it can also happen in reverse. A declining or crumbling language can lead to economic recession. It can also lead to issues occurring in stable governments. In summary a language that is in downfall can have a domino effect on various aspects of a country, society, or civilization.
I agree with Orwell when he states that bad habits in the English language can be fixed by conscious action. It is not impossible to fix a language it is just difficult. I also agree with the relationship between language and governments. I believe that a declining language can cause a government, country, society, or civilization to collapse. Language is the key to communication which is the key to civilizations all over the world prosper and develop. Basically no language equals a non working society and civilization.
In the first two paragraphs from Orwell's famous 1946 essay, "Politics and the English language" He discuses how the English language is crumbling apart. He states, "Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it" (Par 1). To summarize this quote up, George Orwell is basically saying that the English language is in bad shape and there is nothing that people can really do to change it. This creates the assumption that the English language is something that we cannot control, if it falls apart then we, as humans, have to watch the very thing that brought us up form primitiveness collapse. This is very interesting because he contradicts himself in the following paragraph, "Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble. If one gets rid of these habits one can think more clearly" (Par 2). George Orwell is basically stating the opposite of what he had said in the first paragraph. He says that bad habits in the English language can be eliminated by conscious action. These contradicting quotes make me wonder what of this argument is George Orwell really on. Does he believe that we can do something about the English language or not.
George Orwell not only speaks about how the English language is full of bad habits, but he also touches on how the English language relates to the government and economy. For example, in the second paragraph he states, "Now, it is clear that the decline of a language must ultimately have political and economic causes... but an effect can become a cause, reinforcing the original cause and producing the same effect in an intensified form, and so on indefinitely" (Par 2). Basically a language does not turn for the worse all of a sudden, there is something which causes. A decline in the economy can cause a language to decline, but it can also happen in reverse. A declining or crumbling language can lead to economic recession. It can also lead to issues occurring in stable governments. In summary a language that is in downfall can have a domino effect on various aspects of a country, society, or civilization.
I agree with Orwell when he states that bad habits in the English language can be fixed by conscious action. It is not impossible to fix a language it is just difficult. I also agree with the relationship between language and governments. I believe that a declining language can cause a government, country, society, or civilization to collapse. Language is the key to communication which is the key to civilizations all over the world prosper and develop. Basically no language equals a non working society and civilization.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Social Networking: Good or Bad?
Are social networking sites harmful or beneficial to society. My initial reaction to this question was, no Facebook and other related sites are not harmful, just put your stuff on private and its gonna be all good, but upon research my opinion has now changed. I now understand why so many people state that social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, etc. are harmful to society.
First of all social networking sites such as Facebook do not always provide the best security or privacy settings. For example, even if you are not friends with a person they can still send you a message or poke. My friend just recently put up a status stating "Getting poked people who are not even on my friends list... F***ing creepers bro". This shows how people you may not even know can communicate to you. What is so bad about this that random people can send harmful, provocative, or inappropriate messages. The only way to stop this is by blocking the person. Another issue with Facebook's security and privacy settings is that when using certain applications or games you have to allow access to some of information. This article for NBC Bay Area News states that Facebook will now allow access to user's address and phone number when using certain applications and games. This can be easily prevented by not posting that information in the first place, but with so many people using the site, I highly doubt that everyone will not not have this information on their profile.
The lack of privacy and security settings people are exposed to being subject to being stalked, harassed and cyber-bullied. For example, there is a new thing on Facebook named see friendship. It allows users to see everything you and another person have in common, every wall post, mutual friend liked pages in common, etc. That is very stalker and creeper status. For some time reports on The Daily Mail have reported in an increase in crimes related to Facebook have raised. This shows how Facebook does only expose you abuse and harassment, but it also exposes to crimes.
First of all social networking sites such as Facebook do not always provide the best security or privacy settings. For example, even if you are not friends with a person they can still send you a message or poke. My friend just recently put up a status stating "Getting poked people who are not even on my friends list... F***ing creepers bro". This shows how people you may not even know can communicate to you. What is so bad about this that random people can send harmful, provocative, or inappropriate messages. The only way to stop this is by blocking the person. Another issue with Facebook's security and privacy settings is that when using certain applications or games you have to allow access to some of information. This article for NBC Bay Area News states that Facebook will now allow access to user's address and phone number when using certain applications and games. This can be easily prevented by not posting that information in the first place, but with so many people using the site, I highly doubt that everyone will not not have this information on their profile.
The lack of privacy and security settings people are exposed to being subject to being stalked, harassed and cyber-bullied. For example, there is a new thing on Facebook named see friendship. It allows users to see everything you and another person have in common, every wall post, mutual friend liked pages in common, etc. That is very stalker and creeper status. For some time reports on The Daily Mail have reported in an increase in crimes related to Facebook have raised. This shows how Facebook does only expose you abuse and harassment, but it also exposes to crimes.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Animal Farm
Political power, corruption, selfish have all been topics for debate. If exposed to political does person become corrupt and crazy with power?
My answer to this question is yes I believe that the majority of the time when a person is exposed to political power they will become corrupt and greedy and mad with power. I believe this because throughout time, history has showed us that people who have been exposed to power have become corrupt. For example, great historical figures like Cesar, Hitler, Mao, Joseph Stalin, etc. have had political power and they had all abused of it. They stripped land form their people. They killed their own people. They conquered and oppressed their enemies. Its the feeling of having power and being in charge that brings out the evil and corruption that lies within every person. I believe that almost everyone I know would abuse the power if they had the exposure to it.
Although there maybe a good amount of people who have abused of their power, there have also been people who have not taken advantage of it and abused it. For example George Washington, countless presidents and leaders have not taken advantage of their power. They did not abuse their power instead they used for the benefits of others instead of themselves. It most likely took a lot to keep themselves for becoming corrupt and mad with power. Even there are exceptions to corruption and abuse, I still believe most people if the chance will take advantage of power they have. I know I would and I am not shy to say it.
I think that George Orwell would agree with me because in his book "Animal Farm", a pig is the one to come up with the idea to throw over the humans. When the animals successfully threw over the humans the pig took over power because a pig had come up with the idea to over throw the humans. This shows how the pigs had the access to power and they used to control the other animals.
My answer to this question is yes I believe that the majority of the time when a person is exposed to political power they will become corrupt and greedy and mad with power. I believe this because throughout time, history has showed us that people who have been exposed to power have become corrupt. For example, great historical figures like Cesar, Hitler, Mao, Joseph Stalin, etc. have had political power and they had all abused of it. They stripped land form their people. They killed their own people. They conquered and oppressed their enemies. Its the feeling of having power and being in charge that brings out the evil and corruption that lies within every person. I believe that almost everyone I know would abuse the power if they had the exposure to it.
Although there maybe a good amount of people who have abused of their power, there have also been people who have not taken advantage of it and abused it. For example George Washington, countless presidents and leaders have not taken advantage of their power. They did not abuse their power instead they used for the benefits of others instead of themselves. It most likely took a lot to keep themselves for becoming corrupt and mad with power. Even there are exceptions to corruption and abuse, I still believe most people if the chance will take advantage of power they have. I know I would and I am not shy to say it.
I think that George Orwell would agree with me because in his book "Animal Farm", a pig is the one to come up with the idea to throw over the humans. When the animals successfully threw over the humans the pig took over power because a pig had come up with the idea to over throw the humans. This shows how the pigs had the access to power and they used to control the other animals.
Friday, January 14, 2011
The perfect Country
OK so in the past few days we have talked about the perfect or ideal government or country. To me the perfect/ ideal government/country consists of many things.
First of all, everybody should have equal rights. For example, gays and lesbians should be allowed to be married and they should also be allowed to be in the military without having to face harassment. Men and women should be treated equally for their actions. The actions of a man should not weigh more than the actions of a women. People of all race, gender, and sexual orientation should not have to face any discrimination under any circumstances.
Another characteristic of the perfect country/ government is that all law enforcement and military must have a college degree. I find to be very important because I know many cops that are, I am going to say it, stupid as f***. I mean half of the time I do not think they know or realize what they are doing. I believe that having a college education will help law enforcement in making better decisions and keep the public safe. I also believe that weapons such as firearms, explosives, etc. should only be allowed to be accessed by the government. Firearms would no longer be sold to the general public. This lack of weapon of exposure should keep the general public safe.
Undocumented students should also be allowed the right to an education because even they do not have papers they are here in this country for the right reasons. They are fighting an looking for a better future not only for themselves. but for their families as well. Some of these undocumented students could be the first in their families to go to college.
Finally I believe that health care should be provided to every single citizen at no cost. Health care should not be luxury for the ones who have money, rather it should, no it is a necessity for every person in the country. Every day we are exposed to the possibility of injury and we should know that we have the medical expenses covered if an injury were to occur.
First of all, everybody should have equal rights. For example, gays and lesbians should be allowed to be married and they should also be allowed to be in the military without having to face harassment. Men and women should be treated equally for their actions. The actions of a man should not weigh more than the actions of a women. People of all race, gender, and sexual orientation should not have to face any discrimination under any circumstances.
Another characteristic of the perfect country/ government is that all law enforcement and military must have a college degree. I find to be very important because I know many cops that are, I am going to say it, stupid as f***. I mean half of the time I do not think they know or realize what they are doing. I believe that having a college education will help law enforcement in making better decisions and keep the public safe. I also believe that weapons such as firearms, explosives, etc. should only be allowed to be accessed by the government. Firearms would no longer be sold to the general public. This lack of weapon of exposure should keep the general public safe.
Undocumented students should also be allowed the right to an education because even they do not have papers they are here in this country for the right reasons. They are fighting an looking for a better future not only for themselves. but for their families as well. Some of these undocumented students could be the first in their families to go to college.
Finally I believe that health care should be provided to every single citizen at no cost. Health care should not be luxury for the ones who have money, rather it should, no it is a necessity for every person in the country. Every day we are exposed to the possibility of injury and we should know that we have the medical expenses covered if an injury were to occur.
Response To Andy Tsang
Reading through the different blog posts I found an interesting quote that appealed to me by Andy Tsang.
Much like Andy I also had an interesting 6th grade math experience. Unlike Andy, I was at the top of my math class in 6th grade I would have like A and I would sleep thorugh class and not take notes because I found everything very easy, but my teacher did not much appreciate this so she put me and ten other students in upper level math to give us a challenge. That was an interesting experience because for once I felt challenged, but at the end of the day that is what pushed to be the student I am now.
Probably not as passionately, but math is also one of my favorite subjects. It may have been the fact that the answers are so direct, or that my past teachers could teach it very well, but I have always had a strong sense of mathematics, ever since sixth grade. At that time, I was doing extremely poorly in math, barely holding up a D. But then, after one parent teacher conference, I realized that had to change. I spent all my free time trying to make up my work and studying for test, and before I knew it, I ended the year with a solid B.This quote stood out to me because I also find math to be my most disliked subject, but my easiest well up until about last year when my grades started to just drop. See I usually got a high B to low A in math, but last year I just settled for the C. I think my grade droppped because the teacher was very loose and just let the class move on there own and I guess that looseness is what got me lazy which is what caused my grades to drop. I got lazy and dropped my guard and I let my assignments pile up and I did not take my tests and quizzes serious. I wish I could go back and fix that math year up and do much better
Much like Andy I also had an interesting 6th grade math experience. Unlike Andy, I was at the top of my math class in 6th grade I would have like A and I would sleep thorugh class and not take notes because I found everything very easy, but my teacher did not much appreciate this so she put me and ten other students in upper level math to give us a challenge. That was an interesting experience because for once I felt challenged, but at the end of the day that is what pushed to be the student I am now.
Elite Colleges overated or underated?
OK I have many mixed feelings about elite colleges and whether or not they make a person's life better and successful. Reading the seven responses about whether or not Elite Colleges make a person's life better made me kind of rethink my initial thoughts.
The one article which I found least convincing and persuasive is the response called "Access to Money and Power". I found this article to unpersuasive because the main points were not very strong. First of all the author spoke a lot about how students with high SAT Scores that go to elite colleges graduate at a higher rate then the very same qualified students who went to a non elite college. I just found these SAT facts and numbers to be confusing, wordy, and cluttering. The author also made it seem as if SAT scores were the only thing that colleges look at when in reality colleges look at your GPA, extra curricular activities, personal statement, etc. Another reason that I find it unconvincing is that towards the end the author states that elite colleges are only meant for the elite people, but this is just an opinion there is no real evidence to back it up. The author also does not explain what an elite person is. Is an elite person rich or are they highly educated.
On the other hand, the article which I found to be very persuasive the "What You Do vs. Where You Go" response. I found this article to be persuasive because I really liked the beginning in which it shows multiple successful, rich, and powerful people that either dropped out of college or went to a non elite college. This showed how an elite college is not necessary in order to achieve a happy and successful life. This article also gave more of student point of view as supposed from listening to an expert.
At the end of the day I think that elite colleges are beneficial but it really depends on what career you are pursuing.
The one article which I found least convincing and persuasive is the response called "Access to Money and Power". I found this article to unpersuasive because the main points were not very strong. First of all the author spoke a lot about how students with high SAT Scores that go to elite colleges graduate at a higher rate then the very same qualified students who went to a non elite college. I just found these SAT facts and numbers to be confusing, wordy, and cluttering. The author also made it seem as if SAT scores were the only thing that colleges look at when in reality colleges look at your GPA, extra curricular activities, personal statement, etc. Another reason that I find it unconvincing is that towards the end the author states that elite colleges are only meant for the elite people, but this is just an opinion there is no real evidence to back it up. The author also does not explain what an elite person is. Is an elite person rich or are they highly educated.
On the other hand, the article which I found to be very persuasive the "What You Do vs. Where You Go" response. I found this article to be persuasive because I really liked the beginning in which it shows multiple successful, rich, and powerful people that either dropped out of college or went to a non elite college. This showed how an elite college is not necessary in order to achieve a happy and successful life. This article also gave more of student point of view as supposed from listening to an expert.
At the end of the day I think that elite colleges are beneficial but it really depends on what career you are pursuing.
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