A Rose For Emily By William Faulkner - 976 Words

The way that â€Å"A Rose for Emily† fits into the genre of Southern Gothic literature is obvious in the mood of the story. The mood of this story has a rather volatile, grim setting with the house that is deteriorating and the festering body. This exhibits the struggle that the character Miss Emily is facing against a society that is rather oppressive. From staying the same for years, to avoiding modern amenities, Miss Emily could be assumed to represent tradition. The story even states, â€Å"Miss Emily had been a tradition, a duty, and a care† (Faulkner 714). Miss Emily seems to live in her own world by isolating herself from many. This was obvious when she refused the numbers that were put on her house when the town finally starts using the modern mail service that delivered for free. The story states, â€Å"she would not listen to them† (Faulkner 714). It can be assumed that Emily was so stuck in the past that denied that time was passing and that so many things had progressed and changed so significantly; therefore, leading her to not participate in the changes that the town is experiencing. Much of the town is unable to comprehend Emily’s actions very well because they are so eccentric. She does not believe she owes taxes and refuses to pay them because of this belief. The story states, â€Å"I have no taxes in Jefferson. Colonel Sartoris explained it to me. Perhaps one of you can gain access to the city records and satisfy yourselves† (Faulkner 415). This is another sign that she isShow MoreRelatedA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner923 Words   |  4 PagesA Rose for Emily; A Tale of The Old South William Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi in 1897 but lived most of his life in Oxford, a small town nearby. After dropping out of high school then briefly joining the Canadian Air Force, he returned home and completed three terms at the University of Mississippi (Fulton 27). During his early twenties Faulkner spent time in New Orleans and Europe before returning to Oxford and publishing his first book of poems. In 1929 he married Estelle FranklinRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1729 Words   |  7 PagesJune 24, 2015 â€Å"A Rose for Emily† In every neighborhood there is always that one house that is a mystery to everyone. A house that everyone wants to know about, but nobody can seem to be able to dig up any answers. It’s the type of place that you would take any opportunity or excuse to get to explore. The littler that is known, the more the curiosity increases about this mysterious place or person. In the short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner, this mysterious person is Emily Grierson, andRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner949 Words   |  4 PagesIn William Faulkner’s â€Å"A Rose for Emily† it is clear how Emily’s gender affects how the individuals in the town perceive her. Emily’s gender particularly affects how men understand her. Throughout the whole piece Emily is seen as a helpless individual who is lonely and has suffered losses throughout her life. When the reader reaches the end of the story the actions that Emily has taken is unexpected because of the way she is perceived by the narrator. In the beginning of the story, when the wholeRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1577 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"A Sarah Markins Dr. Bibby ENG 107 February 11, 2015 â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, written by William Faulkner in 1931, follows a series of peculiar events in Miss Emily Griersons life. Written in third person limited, Faulkner utilizes flashbacks to tell of the period between the death of Emily’s father and her own passing. Split into five short sections, the story starts out with the townspeople of Jefferson remembering Emily’s legacy and how each new generation ofRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1552 Words   |  7 PagesRyan Dunn Mrs. Williams English 11 March 11, 2016 In the short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† by William Faulkner, the reader is given a glimpse of the internal conflict of the main character, living in the past, and the involvement of an over involved society causing the reader to look into the consciousness of an individual haunted by a past and lack of a future. The story is set in a post-Civil War town in the South. He is able to give the reader a glimpse of the practices and attitudes that had unitedRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1507 Words   |  7 Pages1897, William Cuthbert Faulkner was born in New Albany, Mississippi. He stands as one of the most preeminent American writers of the twentieth century. His literary reputation included poetry, novels, short stories, and screenplays. Faulkner won two Pulitzer Prizes for Fiction and the Nobel Prize in Literature. â€Å"A Rose for Emily† is a short fascinating story written by William Faulkner and it was his first short story published in a national m agazine. The story involved an old woman named Emily GriersonRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner883 Words   |  4 PagesIn the timeless classic, â€Å"A rose for Emily† by William Faulkner we are introduced to Emily Grierson, a matured sheltered southern woman; born to a proud, aristocratic family presumably during the American Civil War. Through out the short story William Faulkner uses many literary devices such as symbolism, metaphors and allegory to play with â€Å"time† and how time reflects upon his main character Emily Grierson. Emily being one who denies the ability to see time for what it is linear and unchangeableRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1270 Words   |  6 PagesWilliam Faulkner’s short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† thoroughly examines the life of a strange woman name Emily Grierson who lives in the town of Jefferson. If we examine â€Å"A Rose for Emily† in terms of formalist criticism, we see that the story dramatizes through setting, plot, characterization, and symbolism on how Miss Emily’s life is controlled by a possessive love she had for her father and lover. William Faulkner uses Emily’s life as the protagonist to examine from a formalist aspect. In orderRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1780 Words   |  8 PagesIn 1930, William Faulkner wrote a five-part story entitled â€Å"A Rose for Emily† that follows the life of a young woman named Miss Emily Grierson. Faulkner sets his story in the Old South, soon after the ending of America’s Civil War, and represents the decaying values of the Confederacy (Kirszner Mandell, 2013a, p. 244). One of these values which the text portrays quite often in â€Å"A Rose for Emily†, is the patriarchal custom of society viewing men as having more importance than their female counterpartsRead MoreA Rose For Emily By William Faulkner1277 Words   |  6 PagesMiss Emily Grierson, the main character in the strange short story â€Å"A Rose for Emily† written by William Faulkner. It would be best to examine her in a mental capacity as well as the circumstances that may affect her. Throughout the story, Miss Emily’s unpredictable and eccentric behavior becomes unusual, and the reader, like the townspeople in the story, is left to speculate how Miss Emily has spent years living and sleeping with the body of Homer Barron. An important quote from the story was that

A Summary of the National Response Framework Essay

A Summary of the National Response Framework Amber Cotà © Pikes Peak Community College Abstract The purpose of this paper is to become acquainted with the evolution of national incident response over the last twenty years in America; and henceforth, gain a better understanding of the current multi-agency/multi-discipline approach to national disasters and emergencies. This summary briefly reviews the history of federal planning documents over the past twenty years as context for the present day, National Response Framework; and then highlights the response doctrine and its five principles, as it seems to encapsulate the National Response Framework overall. â€Å"Response doctrine†¦show more content†¦(NFP, January 2008, page 2 and 12) The NRP formed the basis for how the federal government would coordinate with state, local and tribal governments and the private sector during the response to a national incident. It was the cornerstone for the eventual maturation to the National Response Framework. The NRP brought together best practices from a range of disciplines including: homeland security, emergency management, law enforcement, firefighting, public works, public health and the private sector and integrated them into one unified structure. This unified structure provided the ability to coordinate federal support to state, local and tribal incident managers. (NFP, January 2008, page 12) President Bush’s Homeland Security Presidential Directive Number 5 also ordered the development of the National Incident Management System (NIMS), which continues to bring together federal, state, local and tribal emergency responders into a single system for managing incidents. The NIMS enables responders at all levels to work together more effectively to manage domestic incidents no matter what the cause, size or complexity. (Homeland Security Under Secretary Kicks Off National Response Plan Workshops In D.C. April 15, 2005) The National Response Plan was then renamed the National Response Framework in 2008, to better align the documentShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Regulatory Environment766 Words   |  4 PagesThe State TBLCP manages TB activities at the state level and ensures TB interventions are implemented with the framework of the National guideline. †¢ Quarterly TB data collected from the state TBLS is collated, analyzed and findings are disseminated to the Federal and Local Governments, as well as partners within the state. †¢ There is no policy requiring PHP to notify the state or national level on TB cases †¢ There is no policy on the regulation on the sale of anti TB drugs in the non-public sectorRead MoreWhy Marijuana Should Be Legal1379 Words   |  6 Pagesthe National Drug Strategy 2016-2025 cannabis is mentioned as a priority drug as it is the most common used illegal drug (Intergovernmental Committee on Drugs 2015). As the recent news that the Australian government is planning to legalise growing of medical cannabis there a gap in the policy of how to regulate medical cannabis and cannabis used as an illicit drug (Yaxley 2015). Collins’s simple tool for policy making The theoretical framework that is used in this paper is Collins’s framework, whichRead MoreStatutory Frameworks, Code Of Practice And Guidance Regulating The Service Provision987 Words   |  4 Pagessocial care setting. There are many statutory frameworks, code of practice and guidance regulating the service provision in health and social care setting. The local Authority Social Service and National Health Service (England) Complains regulation 2009 (amendments) is the statutory regulation provide guidance on local authority in terms of how to manage complain. The Local authority here refers local council, and the National Health Service refers national public hospitals in the England. In the amendmentsRead MoreEmergency Preparedness and Disaster Response in Schools979 Words   |  4 PagesEmergency Preparedness and Disaster Response in Schools Jennifer Cox Walden University NURS 4010 Section 06, Family, Community, and Population-Based Care May 5, 2013 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE IN SCHOOLS The professional nurse uses clinical judgment and decision making skills to provide appropriate nursing care and collaborates with other health care professionals responding to the emergency or disaster. The purpose of this paper is to outline the professional nurse’sRead MoreAn Examination of Emergency Management Planning, Procedures, and Analysis of the 9/11 Scenario1408 Words   |  6 Pagesfederal levels. This work will then compare and contrast todays emergency management planning to that before the incident of September 11, 2011. I. Four Phases of Emergency Response Plan There are reported to be four phases of an emergency response plan including the phases of: (1) Preparedness; (2) Mitigation; (3) Response; and (4) Recovery. (ALN Magazine, 2012, p.1) The preparedness and planning stages involves preparations that are needed to deal with an emergency or disaster including writtenRead MoreBOFFI (A): MANAGING INTERNATIONAL IN LUXURY GOODS Essay3354 Words   |  14 Pages 2 Executive Summary – Setting of Context. (to be no more than one page) Ability to effectively present the aim of the management brief. Giving a clear structure of the brief and arguments with an explicit identification of areas of analysis and evaluation supported by relevant background information of the case study organisation INADEQUATE LIMITED ACCEPTABLE PROFICIENT ACCOMPLISHED EXEMPLARY Very brief attempt at an Executive Summary. May be more anRead MoreQuestions On The On Cyber Offense1581 Words   |  7 PagesReport 1 10/10/2014 Luke Weyrauch ICS 382 – 01 Fall 2014 Faisal Kaleem Metropolitan State University Background Cyberattacks have both the potential to devastate and intimidate. They can disable national infrastructure, disrupt communication systems, or even destroy nuclear reactors. Cybersecurity is a thought-provoking and interesting issue. The use of cyberattacks in US as a tool of policy is not sufficiently deliberated by policy makers but it’s of utmost importance to the nation. The policyRead MoreRelationship Between Accounting Principles Board And The Financial Accounting Standards Board1349 Words   |  6 Pageselsewhere that might influence their views of certain issues. 2. The structure of the board. The largest eight public accounting firms were automatically awarded one member, and there were usually five or six other public accountants on the APB. 3. Response time. The emerging accounting problems were not being investigated and solved quickly enough by the part-time members. (Schroeder Cathey, 2010, p. 8) The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB). Due to the growing criticism of the AccountingRead MorePhysical Activity in Primary School Children Essay1559 Words   |  7 Pageseffort across all sectors of the community including teachers, schools, GP’s, education and local government authorities, non- government agencies and the wider public, voluntary and community sectors, parents and carers, (Bauman et al, 2002). A national approach of mixed strategies is thought to yield optimal results in reducing the incidence of obesity at the population level. Policies, resources, projects and campaigns designed to promote three key issues; 1) physical activity, 2) nutrition andRead MoreCritical Evaluation Of Journal Article1647 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction This paper will critically evaluate the above journal article in question and offer appropriate views and aspects that have been ignored by the author in this study. Initially, a brief summary of the article will be outlined, followed by an analysis and evaluation of the theoretical framework that the article is based upon. Afterward, this critique will examine the methodology used and how it could be improved, and finally, the paper will consider the implications of the article. Overview

Impact of the American Culture Free Essays

Impact of the Popular American Culture Melinda A. Valdez Soc. 105 March 17, 2010 Impact of the American Culture There are many advertisements being held by the media and television commercials that affect the American culture. We will write a custom essay sample on Impact of the American Culture or any similar topic only for you Order Now They do not just affect the adults but the children as well for instants, this week my children and I were watching the Disney channel and we saw a commercial of Chucky Cheese and right away my children say they want to go there, so to satisfy my children now I want to take them there so they could enjoy themselves and now I am going to have to spend money that I was not planning on and it might not even be that exciting to them as it was shown on TV. In the past three days not only was I coming across kid commercials but make up products, red lobster, and movies that are just coming out, and when you see these they encourage you to go out and get them. These advertisements are not things that I have to have in life to survive; they are stuff to pleasure me and to entertain me as well. Personally I know that the media has impacted my lifestyle in many ways even though I am aware of the influence it has on my decision making. For example, the makeup commercials, do I need the makeup more likely no but I see the commercial and see what it might make your skin look like and even though I know that they are doing it to sale there product it just looks so good that I have to try it. I honestly think I have more luxury in my house than what I really do need. Such as my television it is a sixty two inch do I really need a TV that big, no but it looks nice. Overall I do think that the media and advertising has a big impact on our American culture and yes we can say no to advertisements but we are more likely not to. How to cite Impact of the American Culture, Papers

Early American Literature free essay sample

Through literary analysis, the audience Is able to trace the dominant themes of opportunity and religion that contribute to American values in literature from the earliest letters and narratives by exploration and alongside, through the Puritan period, to the Age of Reason. Puritan ethics are prevalent throughout early American literature, stemming from the Puritans themselves, and continuing into and beyond 19th century literature. Puritans such as John Winthrop, governor and community leader, wrote many stories which religion was emphasized.In one of his most famous works, A Model of Christian Charity, Winthrop prepares the people for planting a new society In a perilous environment. His belief along with other Puritans is that God had a preordained plan (Winthrop 7) for everyone. They believed that they were the covenant people, and that hard work, spiritual health, and self-reliance would lead to eternal salvation. These religious beliefs would later become known as the Puritan ethic, and would continue to Influence the authors of early American society. We will write a custom essay sample on Early American Literature or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Literary works from the colonial period were written primarily to teach, preach the Gospel, praise God and examine religion. It was believed that through these teachings and divine revelation, God will have a heavy affliction and positive affect on the people and the land on which hey settled (Winthrop 75). This would in turn make the new world a pure and holy society. Other authors such as William Bradford and Anne Broadsheet (the first published female American author), wrote on religion, Puritans views, and Gods influence on early colonial society.During the Journey across the seas to the new land, many of the Separatist encountered many trials and tribulations, one of those being a horrible storm. Through Gods mercy and goodness and love they were able to survive the storms and safely make It to the new world. Bradford 61). The Puritan ethic emerged from the rhetoric and beliefs that God and Love Is the bond of perfection (Winthrop 80) of the early writers of America.These ethics and morals would continue to influence many writers in early American literature as they explored the value of religion, and its place in the world. Along with being a nation that was being built on the principles and beliefs of the Pilgrims and Puritans, America was seen as a safe haven from the corrupt rule of the British King and a land of opportunity and chance. Occurred was an exceptional addition to the world of American literature and this was even more obvious with publishing of his extraordinary works.Through a series of letters, he illustrates the idealized version off free society. A place where man is free, (Occurred 31 1) a country where the government Initially had no bread (Occurred 313) to feed Its citizens, but who would eventually morph Into a country of riches and wealth. Initially the new world was a place that was very poor and had very little to offer to Its citizens, but over time as able to become a more advanced and developed place for opportunity.Even discrepancies in the society. We often credit the Europeans for colonizing America, even though the Indians were the first to occupy the land. Many stories and narratives from the Colonial Age where written from the perspectives of European settlers which in turn gave our current society a skewed view of the early Native Americans. European authors would often refer to Native Americans as savage or animals who shouted and hallowed (Rowland 119) since of civilization.Along with being misunderstood as a culture, and having their homeland now occupied by European settlers, the Native Americans faced many other issues in which their society would be changed for ever. Red Jackets Speech to the U. S. Senate moreover is one that is a great example of how the Native American society wished to remain the way they were and continue in their ceremonious rituals such as celebrating their religion because they do not know of the Great Spirit that the white people serve (Red Jacket 215).The Age of Reason which began in the 18th century presents common deistic arguments; for example, it highlights the corruption of the Christian Church and criticizes its efforts to acquire political power. Thomas Paine advocates reason in the place of revelation, leading him to reject miracles and to view the Bible as an ordinary piece (Paine 329) of literature rather than as a divinely inspired text. The Age of Reason is not atheistic, but Deistic: it promotes natural religion and argues for a creator God (imagine of a clock maker).This age is here rational thinkers n which literary geniuses, such as Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson brought to the forefront the ideas and beliefs that everything has a rational explanation. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues for American independence. His argument begins with more general, theoretical reflections about government and religion, and then progresses onto the specifics of certain colonial situations. In conclusion the early American literature, its authors, and the great mind of the Colonial Age and the Age of Reason have helped to shape the land of opportunity that we call America. Early American Literature free essay sample Although it was a product of Europe in its beginnings, America came into its own as a nation with literary prestige as it grew more independent from Its European roots. Before the age of colonization, in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, America was uncharted territory. It was fresh, new, and relatively unclaimed. Because of its novelty and unfamiliarity, the first pieces of American literature were travel narratives written by Europeans who were exploring the New World.According to Dry. Watson in her lecture titled, Early Colonization, these travel rarities were written by explorers who discussed the perils of ocean passage, described the new terrain in comparison to Europe, gave advice to others who wished to brave the New World, and critiqued earlier reports (Watson). One such travel narrative is A True Relation of Virginia, which was written in 1608 by John Smith, a settler, and later a leader, In one of the Southern settlements, Jamestown. We will write a custom essay sample on Early American Literature or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In this narrative, John smith discusses the potentials of the rich American plenty, and emphasizes adventure along with his formidable encounters with the American Indians (Roland 7). Travel narratives were products of the Europeans because they were written by European explorers and requested by the European people, who financed and encouraged these trips In order to reap the benefits. However, these travel narratives are still considered somewhat American because they were written by those that explored America. Another form of early American literature is the didactic, religious, and plain writings of the Puritans.Puritanism is a protestant sect of Charlatanry that agrees with many Calvinist teachings such as the belief In predestination and Gods providence (Roland 17). Early in the seventeenth century, two Puritan groups sought religious freedom by traveling to America. The separatist sect of the Puritans wanted to break away from the Church of England, so they boarded the Mayflower In 1 620, and settled In Plymouth, Massachusetts. Another Puritan sect wanted to purify the Church of England, but saw no way of doing so in England, so they boarded the Rubella in 1630, and settled in Massachusetts Bay.The Puritans wrote in many styles, but they mostly contained similar themes, such as nature being the second book of God, life being a test or a battlefield, and Ame rica Ewing a wilderness or a New Canaan (Watson). Some Puritans, such as John Winthrop, wrote Journals or diaries to reflect on their individual lives. Others, like 1 OFF to express their inner thoughts. Still others, such as William Bradford, wrote Jeremiads which called for a return to a lost purity; and some others, like Mary Rowland, wrote captivity narratives which documented the trials they suffered while being held captive (Roland 17).Another common Puritan genre was the sermon, such as John Winthrop A Model of Christian Charity, given aboard the Rubella in 1630. In this influential sermon, Winthrop charges those listening to be a city upon a hill, one that would stand as a lesson and beacon to the entire world (Roland 11). Although given by a European Puritan, this sermon exemplifies the American dream and the American desire to be set apart from its European predecessors. As the seventeenth century came to a close, the population in the colonies began to rise. According to Dry.Watson in her lecture titled Eighteenth- Century American Literature, the increase in population in the colonies caused an increase in diversity, secularism, and sectionalism as the eighteenth century began Watson). The increase in secularism was mainly due to the revolutionary ideas of the Enlightenment. The Enlightenment was a movement motivated by reason and rationality, which began in Europe in the seventeenth century and spread to America by the eighteenth century. While the Age of Reason sparked many great changes in science and philosophy in Europe, it was largely a political movement in America.American thought was very much shaped by the ideas of natural law and individual liberty from European enlightened thinker, John Locke, so liberalism and progress increasingly became the appropriate ways to interpret the American Experience (Roland 38). The Enlightenment was a widespread movement that effected America at its very core with the writing of the Declarati on of Independence, a document that illustrates the Locked ideas of life liberty, and property and exemplifies the nations desire to be its own entity (Roland 38). Because of the great influence of the Enlightenment, many enlightened writers and thinkers even used their reason to argue for the American Revolution. Thomas Paine published a pamphlet in 1776 titled, Common Sense, where he embodied the voice of the revolution itself by logically arguing for it (Roland 57). One person that was greatly influenced by enlightened principles and ideas was Benjamin Franklin who was a Deist, a scientist, politician, American Founding Father, and even a literary critic (Roland 46).Franklin is what some would call a self-made American man because in his Autobiography, he describes his attempt to prove himself by going from rags to riches (Watson). In contrast to the Enlightenment, there was another movement exerting much influence as well, the Great Awakening. The Great Awakening was a religious movement that spread throughout the colonies by religious figures such as Jonathan Edwards, a theologian who wanted to reconcile faith with Enlightenment thought. J onathan Edwards gave many powerful sermons such as Sinners in the Hands of An Angry God and A Divine and Supernatural Light (Watson). Jonathan Edwards and Benjamin Franklin were both men who exemplified life in America in the eighteenth century and seemed to realize and sum up the changes [in] American thought and the variety within it (Roland 38). Although he was a European living in America, Occurred published Letters from an American Farmer, the first work that asks the question: What is an American? In this epistolary work, Occurred America by describing its mild government, agrarian society, and tolerance for religion (Watson).By the end of the eighteenth century, America was beginning to gain its own identity as a nation and also as one with literary prestige, but found itself caught between two contradictory claims: the need for literary independence and republican originality, and the hereditary tie for nourishing contact with the European cultural past (Roland 64). Towards the end of the eighteenth century, there was a shift from Enlightenment ideas to Romanticism because of the growing sense of individual ism in the new nation and the endless possibilities of the American landscape.According to Dry. Watson in her lecture titled Romanticism, the Enlightenment celebrated reason, wit, the society as a whole, and nature as law; while Romanticism celebrated emotion, imagination, the beauty of nature, and the individual (Watson). Washington Irving used the many Romantic themes in his innovative travel sketches and short stories, and was the first successful American author because he had an international literary reputation (Bam 25). Under the persona of Dietrich Knickerbockers, Irving penned the widely celebrated short story, Rip Van Winkle.In this short story, the character of Rip Van Winkle, an Englishmen living in America, falls asleep for twenty years and wakes up to a Post-revolutionary America (Bam 30-41). Irving uses the theme of change over time, especially the revolution and its impact, along with the romantic elements of the supernatural and nature. By employing these themes, Irving created a literature that was uniquely American and even linked nationalism to literature created in America (Watson). One aspect of Romanticism in America that separated it from its European counterparts was the concept of the American frontier.Cooper was among the most important writers of his time?a writer who helped chart the future course of American Fiction (Bam 62). In his famous Leathernecks Novels, Cooper creates the celebrated character of Natty Bumpy, the true image of what it meant to live life on the American frontier. One could either read them in the order of Natty life: The Deerstalker (1841), The Last of the Musicians (1826), The Pathfinder (1840), The Pioneers (1823), and The Prairie (1827); or one could follow the order of writing to see how Knottys image and Coopers view of fiction altered from book to book (Roland 97).In chapter three of The Pioneers, some of the people that were traveling to the West decided to slaughter pigeons for fun. Natty Bumpy was very troubled by this and said that he did not like how they shot at the pigeons in such a wicked manner (Bam 77). In his Leathernecks Novels, Cooper employs the Romantic themes of emotion and nature to idealize life on the American frontier and to stir up an appreciation for the beauty that nature has to offer.He also proved that literature in America could stand on its own by demanding respect and by fighting his literary nickname, The American Scott (Watson). Another way that American Romantic literature attempted to break away from its European roots was through Poetry. According to Dry. Watson lecture, Sentimental Poetry, most women were constrained, and felt like they could only write about a limited subject matter, such as the importance of domestic values (Watson).Lydia Sojourner, the most popular women poet of the early national and ante-bellum period, took many risks and broke out of the status quo of women writing sentimental poetry by attempting to fuse of her time, in both America and Europe, and wrote two thousand articles as well as published fifty-six books, fifty of which are volumes of verse (Watson). In Our Aborigines she employs the Romantic themes of the supernatural, emotion, and nature by personifying the forest, bringing up the Greek gods, and using words like hollow groan (Bam 116).In her poetry, and in Romantic poetry in general, nature and emotion act as teachers and guides. Sojourner is the perfect example of literature flourishing and coming into its own in America. In contrast to the American literary exemplar of Lydia Sojourner, some write rs such as Longfellow and Whittier, riding in the Boston Genteel Tradition, wished to remain closely knit to European style (Watson). Although evident in both European literature and American literature, the gothic concept of the sublime is unique in American literature because the American scenery is different from European. One author who employs the gothic style along with the grotesque and psychological is Edgar Allan Poe, a southern writer. Although Poe was from the South, he did not consider himself a Southern writer, according to Dry. Watson in her Lecture titled, Edgar Allan Poe (Watson). In the sorority of his works, Poe is difficult to understand because he uses supernatural elements along with natural and he uses grotesque elements along with psychological. This is evident in the short story, Algeria, which involves many supernatural and psychological elements.In some ways, Edgar Allan Poe does not fit with the American literary tradition because most of his stories do not even take place in America, but in the European Aristocracy. However, Edgar Allan Poe did set the tone for the modern detective story with his characters in The Purloined Letter of Duping (Roland 136). Although not a traditional author, Edgar Allan Poe did help to make the mystery story and the gothic one popular. Edgar Allan Poe exemplifies the ability of an American writer to gain popularity by mixing European and American themes in literature, while still remaining true to an American identity.From the European colonization of America to the post-revolutionary and expansive American frontier, writers in America attempted to create their own literary identity as they became less dependent on their European predecessors and focused more on their own development as a nation. Although never completely breaking apart from its European roots, as illustrated in the writings of Edgar Allan Poe, America developed into a nation with its own version of literary prestige with the works from authors such as Lydia Sojourner and James Feminine Cooper.

Ethical Nursing Essay Example Essay Example

Ethical Nursing Essay Example Paper Ethical Nursing Essay Introduction The aim of this essay is to discuss an ethical issue encountered whilst on placement. The discussion will focus on the influence of the key ethics theories of deontology and utilitarianism, ethics principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice on decision-making in practice. It will consider the patients’ and staffs’ values and beliefs, legislation and professional practice. Confidentiality will be respected by using a pseudonym, Carol, in accordance with the Nursing and Midwifery Council [NMC] (2008) guidelines on confidentiality. Carol, a 56 year old lady, was going through the menopause and was admitted to the gynaecology ward in hospital in the north west of England with symptoms of extreme lower abdominal pain and problems with urination. Following investigations she was diagnosed with a uterine prolapse which was causing involuntary urine loss and retention, and constipation. A clear explanation of the condition was given by the consultant who re commended that she undergo a hysterectomy to which she agreed because she was in severe pain. While reading the informed consent papers before theatre, Carol made an explicit request that she should not be transfused with blood or blood products even in the case of extensive blood loss following surgery. Her reasons for this were that she belonged to a group of Jehovah’s witnesses, and it was simply against her beliefs. Ethics can be defined as the philosophical study of the moral value of human conduct and of the rules and principles that should govern it. Ethical Nursing Essay Body Paragraphs It is the code of behaviour considered correct especially that of a particular group, individual or profession (Orme-Smith Spicer, 2001). The ethics theories of utilitarianism and deontology are most prominent in health care. Utilitarianism, which can be defined as ‘doing the morally correct event in the act of good’ (Winifred Tadd, 1988,) focuses on the consequences of actions, choosing those that do least harm. Linking this in with Carol’s case, if her hysterectomy was to go wrong and result in significant plasma volume loss, a decision would have to be made in her best interests. If she were to be transfused her life could be saved but her future happiness as a practicing Jehovah’s Witness would be adversely affected. However, legally and ethically, Carol is assumed to be able to make decisions regarding her own body which should be respected. The NMC (2008) states if this was to result in a deterioration of health, or even death, in terms of ethics, it is simply not permitted to go against a patient wishes, whatever the cost. As health care professionals, we have a duty of care which we must pursue at all times. Deontology, another ethics theory, focuses on the rightness or wrongness of intentions or motives behind action such as respect for rights, duties, or principles, as opposed to the rightness or wrongness of the consequences of those actions (Orme-Smith Spicer, 2001). The deontological moral theory was proposed by Immanual Kant, where he puts great emphasis on to the duty of care. He also proposed that the principle of respecting autonomy was of most importance. Carol has distinctly refused any blood products of any kind, so the duty of care given would be to do everything in power to solve the situation – except transfusion. Being a duty-based theory, deontology would require health care professionals to follow any rules, regulations, protocols or procedures laid down by the National Health Service and trust regar dless of whether this was what the patient wanted. It can be seen that neither theory respects or works for the patients’ best outcome so a mixture of the two will normally be used to aid decision-making (Butts, 2005). To translate the theories into practice, Beauchamp and Childress (2001) suggest that an ethics theories framework which includes autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice is helpful. Autonomy concentrates on self-directing freedom and moral independence. It is the right for patients to make their own decisions and for health care professionals to respect these at all times, whether they consider it to be the right choice for her or not (Kenworthy, 2002). Carol is an able-minded, 56 year old lady, who has been involved in the Jehovah’s Witness beliefs and values for a number of years. She is capable of making such a decision after being made completely aware of the situation, including the pros and cons of her decision. Non-maleficence is the obl igation to do no harm. Beneficence, simply means to do good, and is having the quality to be kind and considerate. Upon looking at these theories as a whole, there is no doubt about a conflict between these principles. Many moral problems faced by nurses stem from conflicts between obligations generated by the principle of respect for autonomy, against obligations generated by the principles of non maleficence and beneficence. Treating a patient against their specific wishes applies to carols case. Autonomy can sometimes not be respected, with certain constraints such as the urge to act beneficently. In Carol’s case, this would be to transfuse if there was no other solution during her surgery/ aftercare, and it would be for the good of Carol, and acting in a way as to not harm her further (non maleficence). The nurse’s role is to assist the patient in making informed and appropriate decisions, in accordance to their own values or lifestyles (Chadwick Tadd, 1992). This means that morally no blood transfusion should take place as it is the patient’s decision that counts and should be respected. All medical interventions, whether diagnostic, therapeutic or for research – have the potential to violate patient autonomy. (Patient centred ethics, 2006). It is always for the patients’ best interests, and in Carol’s case she has put her religion before her potential life threatening surgery. This is still her choice, and no doctor or nurse should influence her decision in this. There is always going to be a potential clash. Another important patient-centred ethical theory is Paternalism. Paternalism is a denial of autonomy, and a substitution of an individual’s judgements or action for their own good (David Jeffrey, 2006). None medical aspects to a persons life has more impact and significance to the patient then the illness/procedure at hand. Carol’s religion pays a big part in her life and everything surroundin g it, i. e. lifestyle, family, and Doctors have limited qualifications to enable them to sum up the harms and benefits which acting in beneficence can cause. The consequences of Carol receiving blood products of any kind against her will, would lead to her becoming shunned by her religion, something that obviously is top priority and could ruin her life, destroy her morals and everything she believed in. The refusal of a lifesaving blood transfusion by a competent adult Jehovah’s Witness, resulting in the death of a patient whose life could have been saved is an example of a true ethical dilemma. If Jehovah’s Witness patients are forced to accept a blood transfusion that is contrary to their beliefs, their autonomy as patients is clearly dishonored. If patients die as a result of refusing this therapy, there is a sense that â€Å"harm† has been done and that a medical â€Å"benefit,† commonly available to others, was not available for these patients (Davi d Jeffrey, 2006). Justice, another crucial ethics principle, where the underlining obligation is to respect the fact that everyone has the right to health care, no matter what their beliefs or values, gender, sexual orientation or race. This is an ethical framework that focuses simply on an individual’s rights risks being unfair to others, as issues of autonomy may cash with principles of justice (Verena Tschudin, 1992). Alliteratively, justice can be understood in terms of fairness whereby a person’s claim to something is based upon a morally relevant property such as need (Fletcher, 1995). Informed consent is a vital factor without which the treatment could not ethically, legally or professionally take place. In current practice the emphasis has shifted from health professionals being obliged simply to disclose information to patients, to ensuring the quality of information exposed really enables the patient to make an autonomous decision (Fletcher, 1995). The NMC (2 008) states that: â€Å"You must ensure that you gain consent before you begin any treatment or care†. There are two main forms of consent – verbal/ action and informed written consent. These must be asked before any kind of care or treatment can take place. In Carol’s case, she had filled out a consent form, which listed all the limitations and health risks having her operation could entail. It was on this form that the possible need for blood transfusion occurred, and Carol expressed her belief issues with receiving this treatment if necessary. Doctors generally feel that respect for the patient’s autonomy requires that this wish should be obeyed. They have sound legal reasons for this too, as to administer blood in the face of refusal by a patient may be unlawful and could lead to criminal and/or civil proceedings. Although Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot accept blood, they are open to other medical procedures (Garnet, 2000). Moving on ,in exercising authority, a health care professional is bound by the mental capabilities act (2005), which says that acting in good faith means acting with honesty, integrity, and due diligence. They must look after the person who lacks the capabilities to act in good faith towards them. Informed adults who are capable of understanding news on their health have a legal right to refuse treatment, intending that refusal to take effect when they no longer have any capability of refusing treatment themselves. Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes — including public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions — that directly affect people’s current lives (Bob Gates, 1994). Therefore, advocacy can be seen as a deliberate process of speaking out on issues of concern in order to exert some influence on behalf of ideas or persons. Based on this definition, Gates (2001) states that â€Å"ideologues of all persuasio ns advocate† to bring a change in people’s lives. However, advocacy has many interpretations depending on the issue at stake, which can be different from this initial value-neutral definition. 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Essay Sample on Animal Testing Solutions and Resolutions

Essay Sample on Animal Testing Solutions and Resolutions Introduction Today as I trot through the forests of my homelands, I feel free knowing that my life is free from torture. For me, there will be no new products tested on my body or any body of any organism. My life is safe now from all manufacturers and scientists. My life is no longer open for testing. Although this may be true for my generation and me in the year 2050, it unfortunately was not for my ancestors. Long ago, I was walking through the forests of my homelands. It was a cold morning; so I wasn’t really worried about many predators, just something to eat. As I foraged, I began to sense something. My left ear turned 40 degrees to try and catch a sound to help me find out where and what it was I was hearing. Was it a predator or just a rabbit foraging like myself? I wasn’t sure, so I forgot about food for a little while and started to fear for my life. Little did I know that my life wasn’t going to end with a quick bullet through the heart like other rabbits. I began to walk away from my foraging site; slowly, then faster and faster. Still not sure of what had made me so paranoid, I began to run. But as I jolted off, a net fell on me, preventing my escape. I began to frantically flop on the ground like a fish on the bank of a pond on a hot summer day. I finally gave up as I heard a human chuckle at me and mock my futile attempts at escape. My muscles ached and started to cramp because of the strain put on them from my useless attempts to shimmy away from the net I was so entangled in now. As the end of the net was grabbed, I was dragged off; I did not fight because I knew it was useless now. The bed of the truck felt cold on my skin where my fur had been folded because of the tightness of the net against me. Still in shock because of the capture, I just laid there in a daze, staring blankly into the gray sky. When the truck stopped, the human came around and grabbed the net with me in it and went into a building. The man took me in another room. There were bright lights in the room which seemed focused on a long metallic table. I was tossed onto it, and the metallic surface reminded of me of the lonely ride in the back on the truck. A man with a long, light colored coat came over to me, observed me and said, â€Å"Thanks Charlie, this rabbit will do just fine for the tests.† Part of my fur was shaved off, then a man rubbed some kind of liquid like substance on me. It burned badly, but I could do nothing to tell him. I could not squirm, I was tied down and all I could do was lie there with the unbearable pain hoping it would end soon. It did, I fell asleep and did not wake up for what seemed a very long time, along with the other animals in that laboratory. These tests are still being performed today, keeping the issue of new product testing alive. The history and background, the players and their positions, and possible resolutions and solutions, must all be explored in fully researching this issue. History and Background Throughout the history of biological testing, no subject has caused more debate than product testing. The issue of testing products on living things dates back near the 17th century (All 1). Around then, a philosopher named Rene Descartes stated that, â€Å"Animals are not able to reason and therefore do not feel pain and suffering,† (All 1). During the same time period another famous philosopher by the name of Jeremy Bentham strongly disagreed with Descartes statements on animals. Bentham’s belief on the issue of animal testing was that living creatures are able to suffer and enjoy and their ability or inability to reason is immaterial to the issue of the treatment of animals. Bentham’s philosophy was, â€Å"The question is not, can they reason, nor can they talk, but can they suffer?†(All 1) The animal testing of cosmetics began in the early 1930’s in response to a lady using Lash Lure mascara on her eyelashes (All 1). First, the woman experienced a burning sensation in her eyes. Soon after this, she suffered blindness and in due course died (All 1). The moral dispute for using living things in experiments and testing pivots on the idea that animals are inferior to humans because they are not as intellectual as human beings and are incapable of reasoning (Animal Experimentation 1). Some people believe that this conclusion has a defect in that if we were to follow it, testing could begin on the mentally disabled or on children (Animal Experimentation 1). As human beings, we do not base value or give rights to people based on their intellectuality (Animal Experimentation 1). We give rights to people based upon empathetic knowledge that not doing so could cause undue pain, harm and suffering. Morally, we have a responsibility as humans to acknowledge the potential harm we cause to living creatures and should attempt to end their suffering. The scientific side of this issue is a result of a century’s work in using living creatures for medical studies in the search for cures and treatments of illnesses. Over the years the number of scientists who are finding animal testing to be obsolete and inaccurate has been rising steadily (Animal Experimentation 1). Scientists question the ability to accurately test and apply knowledge gained by animal testing to humans. Humans do have some of the same qualities and characteristics as those creatures used in laboratories, but the dissimilarities are very considerable (Animal Experimentation 2). For example chimpanzees, although known for being closely related to humans because they have 99 percent of the same genetics, are not vulnerable to some diseases including AIDS. In addition, they do not react similarly to humans when taking a drug or experiencing a medical procedure (Animal Experimentation 2). Because of this, some humans have suffered greatly, died, or even suffered from a disease that has gone undiscovered (Animal Experimentation 2). One example of this is with cigarettes. When experimented on using a variety of living creatures, scientists were led to believe that cigarettes did not cause cancer; therefore cigarette boxes went unlabeled with no cancer-causing label for many years (Animal Experimentation 2). In testing new products on animals to conclude the safety of the product, there are two primary methods; the LD50 (lethal dose) test and the Draize skin and eye irritancy tests (Protest 1). For more than 600 years these test methods have set the standard for safety with new products. The LD50 test procedures were invented in 1927 by J.W. Trevan. These tests were used to verify the potency of digitalis extracts, diphtheria antitoxin, and insulin and were used to determine proper dosages of certain drugs to obtain specified results for certain illnesses (Protest 1-2). The LD50 test method is composed of a group of animals that are given the same substance, the number of times administered is not specified, and are observed until 50 percent of the animals in the test group have died. Observing the test animals till death occurred was to determine lethal doses of the substances. The substance is administered in a number of ways. The test group is either force-fed or placed in a gas chamber to test products for inhalation safety, or the substance is applied to the epidermis (Protest 1). The testing can potentially cause paralysis, severe distress together with convulsions, shock, and blood loss through the nostrils, mouth or anus. Within 5 years of the invention of th e LD50 tests, the tests received major criticism on ethical and scientific grounds (Protest 2). Despite the major criticism, tests continued because of the straightforwardness of the tests and the solid numbers that were quickly observed. The straightforwardness of the tests comes from the idea if the test animal(s) is dead, don’t use the product, and if the test animal(s) is alive it is safe to use. The other primary animal test method to determine safety is the Draize test, named after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientist John Draize (Protest 3). During the early 1940’s, the FDA assigned Draize and other scientists to develop a testing method to determine skin and eye irritancy; a rabbit or species of rodent was usually used (Protest 2). During the eye irritancy test, a substance was placed into the eye of the test animal and observation was done for up to seven days (Protest 2-3). Observers looked for signs of opacity, ulceration, redness, swelling, hemorrhage, and discharge in differing intervals (Protest 2). Just as the LD50 test received major criticism, so did the Draize test. Just like the LD50 test, the Draize test continued because of the straightforwardness of its procedures and its ability to produce raw numbers quickly (Protest 3). A major company that used both tests was Revlon, which stopped in 1990 because of animal rights campaigns (Protest 3). Tod ay, the Draize and LD 50 tests are diminishing due to the use of the in vitro test method known as Eytex. Eytex measures eye and skin irritancy using a vegetable protein from jack beans (Animal Testing 1). Although some companies may still use the Draize and LD 50 tests, they are now becoming the minority. Players and Positions The issue of new product testing seems to be only two-sided. People either support product testing on living things or oppose it. Either way, each player has a solid reason for his/her position. Scientists and physicians are where most people look for solid numbers, for example if the test group lived or died, and factual information. Most researchers and scientists publicly speak out against tests or experiments done on animals stating their position by saying they are â€Å"outdated studies† (Drug 1). The tests are considered outdated because they have been used since the 17th century (All 1). In addition scientists speak out against these tests because of the inaccuracy of the results when compared to humans. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) believe that, â€Å"Human reactions to drugs cannot be predicted by tests on animals because different species (and even individuals within the same species) react differently to drugs. Britain’s health department estimates that only one in four toxic side affects that occur in animals can actually occur in humans,† (Drug 1). Even though the species used for the experiments are very similar to hu mans, the results can still vary greatly (Animal 2). For example, penicillin would not be available today if it had been tested on guinea pigs, a common test animal, because penicillin kills guinea pigs (Drug 1). Another example is morphine. Morphine would not be available if it had been tested on cats, goats, or horses because although it is a depressant to humans, to such animals it is a stimulant (Drug 1). Difficulties occur when trying to relate data gained from animal tests to human beings, and these difficulties have caused multiple problems over the years (Animal 2). Animal rights activists and groups, such as PETA, support most scientists and physicians and share their position, but activists add a new dimension to the issue. Activists believe that product testing on animals should stop, not just due to inaccuracy of results but also because of the raw cruelty. With such test methods as the Lethal Dose 50 (LD 50) and Draize irritancy test that involve substances forcefully placed on. A professional organization called American for Medical Progress Educational Foundation (AMPEF) has documented evidence supporting the testing of new medicinal products and procedures on animals and how beneficial and vital it has been to the human race. An example benefit would be polio. If it had not been for the tests done on animals with the polio vaccine, polio would still kill or cripple thousands of unvaccinated humans this year and years to come (Without 1). In addition, millions of American’s diabetics who need insulin would not have insulin, and would be dead without the tests performed on animals to come up with insulin for diabetics (Without 1). Similarly without the testing of chemotherapy on animals, 70 percent of the children that suffer from lymphocytic leukemia would die (Without 1). Over a million people who live in this nation would go blind in at least one eye because successful cataract surgery would not exist (Animal 1). Rehabilitation techniques would not be available for thousands who suffer disability from strokes or head and spinal cord injuries. Bone marrow and corneal transplants would not have been developed if not for the tests done on animals. Progresses in cardiology such as, coronary blood flow, coronary bypass methods and high blood pressure medication are another result of animal tests. The use of AZT to prevent HIV transmission from mother to newborn is another example of a medical advancement from animal testing. Such vaccines for smallpox, tetanus, diphtheria, polio, measles, lyme disease, hepatitis B and chicken pox have been available because of tests preformed on animals (Without 1). Over 80 medicines originally developed for humans after being tested ended up being used to treat animals instead of humans, medicines including anesthetics, painkillers, and animal tranquilizers, which means animal testing can benefit both animals and humans (Animal Research 1). Other medications, procedures, or medical breakthroughs that resulted on tests done on animals and ended up being regularly used for treatment are skin grafts for wounds, organ or tissue transplantation methods, treatment for parasites, orthopedic surgeries, and for all pet-lovers the prevention of heartworms (Without 1). Millions of farm animals and pets are now safe from anthrax, distemper, canine parvorvirus, feline leukemia, and rabies thanks to researching on animals. With benefits for both for the animals and the humans, AMPEF makes a strong statement for the testing of products on animals. Another activist that would like animal testing to continue is the National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) (NABR 1). They believe, â€Å"Virtually every major medical adcance of the last century has depended upon research with animal,† (NABR 1). An impressive figure, in favor of their argument, is that 70% of American’s supports the necessary use of animals is research (NABR 1). Another figure put out by the United Sates Department of Agriculture (USDA), stated that 1,267,828 animals are used in biomedical research in 1997 (NABR 2). These animals include cats, dogs, non-human primates, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, and other animals (NABR 2). One of the major concerns animal rights activist groups have with testing on animals is the pain that is endured during testing. However, research done by the USDA proves that 92 percent of the tests done was not painful to the animals involved (NABR 2). Also, in over 50 percent of the cases involving animal testing, the animals were not subjected to any painful procedures (NABR 2). Solutions and Resolutions The scientists, researchers, and activists see only one way to solve the problem that they have with product testing on living things; it is to end product testing as soon as possible. But professional organizations like Americans for Medical Progress Educational Program (AMPEF) do not see why these tests must be stopped because of the benefits humans and some animals receive. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the John Hopkins Center for Alternatives to Animal Testing (CAAT) have developed many solutions to the issue of product testing and have developed a program for students called CAATalyst (CAATalyst 1). CAATalyst was developed to teach students and their teachers about concepts to alternatives of animal testing. CAAT has worked with scientists for over two decades to find new test methods to replace the use of animals for laboratory experiments, to reduce the quantity of animals tested, and to refine indispensable tests to stop pain and distress on both humans and animals (Untitled 1). CAAT supports companies or scientists trying to change their ways by supplying grants for scientists developing methods that do not include animals, workshops that talk about alternative test methods, and books, newsletters, and other publications (Untitled 1). CAAT defines alternative tests by, â€Å"The three R’s – reduction, refinement, and replacement,† (CAATalyst 1). A reduction alternative is a test that uses fewer animals (CAATalyst 1). A refinement alternative is a test that improves the well-being of animals being used for testing (CAATalyst 1). A replacement alternative is a test that uses an in-vitro or computer method instead of a whole animal (CAATalyst 2).† By law, companies must test some of their products on animals to insure the safety of consumers. A group of companies, in response to the concerns of people, donated one million dollars to fund a center dedicated to in- vitro, or literally meaning â€Å"in glass†, and other alternative test methods rather than testing on animals to insure safety of thousands of animals (CAATalyst 2). A 2000 animal rights activist newsletter called â€Å"All for Animals† listed some alternatives to animal tests. Much of the tests involve the in-vitro test method which actually means â€Å"in glass† (Animal Testing 1). The in-vitro test contradicts the in-vivo test methods, which actually means â€Å"whole animal† (Animal Testing 1). In-vitro tests have prospered because of the progress in tissue culture techniques and many other analytical methods (Animal Testing 1). Such tests are the Eytex, Skintex, EpiPack, neutral red bioassay, testskin, TOPKAT, Ames test, and the Agarose diffusion method (Animal Testing 1). The Eytex test is a test that measures eye irritancy by means of a protein alteration system; it has replaced the Draize eye irritancy test in some laboratories (Animal Testing 1). The Skintex test is a test that uses pumpkin rind to imitate the reaction of the human skin to a foreign substance (Animal Testing 1). The Skintex and Eytex tests methods can accurately test and measure up to 5,000 substances (Animal Testing 1). The EpiPack test method uses cloned human skin tissue to measure the potential harmfulness of a substance. Cloning is a relatively new procedure, which makes cloned human tissue difficult to find. The TOPKAT test uses computer software which measures toxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and teratonogenicity (Animal Testing 1). The effectiveness of such alternatives is not yet known, but such big companies as Avon an d Estee Lauder use these alternative test methods (Animal Testing 1). Those that are in favor of animal testing have only one solution; that is to continue with current practices without interference from activist groups or protestors. Such groups as AMPEF and NABR continue to lay bare the advances made possible by animal testing. Conclusion The history of new product testing has deep roots on both sides of the issue. Philosophers began arguing over the moral issue of testing on animals in the 17th century, and the actually animal testing dates as far back as anyone can remember (All 1). But with tests as gruesome as the LD 50 and Draize irritancy the opposition’s argument is understandable (All 1). Although the LD 50 and Draize tests were after the times of the arguing philosophers such as Bentham and Descartes, I’m sure test methods were not less gruesome even further back in time for the philosophers’ generations. Although the tests improved as far as the welfare for the animals is concerned, the amount of criticizism did not lessen. Instead more and more animal rights activist groups grew rapidly around the world, making product testing the issue it is today. Such groups as PETA, ASPCA, All For Animals, and several Anti-Vivisection Societies around the world speak against companies that have tested on animals for many years. Those groups oppose testing on animals because of the raw cruelty of it; and I concur; there is nothing classy about watching a rabbit’s eyes hemorrhage (Eye 1). However, major progress in the field of medicine, including diagnoses, medications, and treatments for diseases such as polio, measles, and smallpox have been developed as a result of animal testing. These diseases are among many known to have killed millions of people. Today we have vaccines that have nearly wiped out these diseases and other dreadful diseases because of animal testing (Without 1). The alternatives to product testing on animals seem to be more update usage in-vitro methods and computer software rather than just dropping some substance into or onto a living, breathing creature (Animal Testing 1). As the researcher of this project,I find myself supporting the testing of new products on animals, simply because of the medical advances that have resulted from these tests (Without 1). Testing using computer software may give results on a new product more efficiently than testing on animals, but by saving a few animals we may have killed millions of humans. In testing on a computer that cannot react like a living creature, we may miss the opportunity to develop a cure for cancer, HIV, or AIDS. Although my point may be exaggerated with the cure for cancer, HIV, and AIDS, such major medical breakthroughs have occurred because of the tests done on animals (Without 1). I do not enjoy hearing or researching about killing and torturing animals, but I will not stand in the way of medical advancements for the human race. We have cloned a sheep, although this is not the only option to make up for the ones killed in order to save millions upon millions of human lives. Currently, there is no definite solution to the issue of new product testing. Companies continue to test on animals. Due to the major advances, without animal testing these would not be possible (NABR 1). However, animal rights activist groups such as PETA and newsletters such as â€Å"All for Animals† will not stop with their protests until animal testing is completely obliterated. 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Role of Motivation in Second Language Acquisition Research Paper

Role of Motivation in Second Language Acquisition - Research Paper Example Through a questionnaire that sought to ascertain the level of their motivation and anxiety towards English acquisition as a second language, I was able to set up the base for a formal research to examine the level of motivational and anxiety patterns as a result, of second language learning. More significantly, the subjects of the research were Saudi student who was studying English for their general academic purposes and latter use in their careers expressed dissatisfaction in their early education. More so, the students indicated that both social and psychological problems caused them difficulty when studying English as a second language in their earlier education at primary, intermediate and secondary schools for a period of seven years. Literature Review In most cases, motivation as a way of enhancing second language learning is important for an individual to acquire successfully language competence. Therefore, this section of the research gives an overview of literature that is considered relevant in establishing my research objectives. More than often, it is hard to describe the motivation because of it complex phenomenon in different facets of life. Shuib & Al-Tamimi (2009) put more emphasis on the fact that, proper motivation remains relevant among learners of a second language as a way of enhancing their language competence. More significantly, both the social and individual decisions in the degree of effort and emphasis people make, as they set their goals in second language depends on the source of motivation.... More than often, it is hard to describe the motivation because of it complex phenomenon in different facets of life. Shuib & Al-Tamimi (2009) put more emphasis on the fact that, proper motivation remains relevant among learners of a second language as a way of enhancing their language competence. More significantly, both the social and individual decisions in the degree of effort and emphasis people make, as they set their goals in second language depends on the source of motivation. On the other hand, Ghazi et al. (2010) described the motivation as the voluntary forces that give an individual the will to develop direction, arousal, and persistence of goal-directed towards achievement of success in second language acquisition. In addition, they believe that motivation acts as a driving force that compels, energizes and prompts an individual to develop interest in a second language learning within a particular time in which focus is set on attaining a specified goal. Rubenfeld et al. (2007) describe the motivation as self-determination, which drives an individual’s motives towards their goal pursuits as inspired by either intrinsic or extrinsic aspirations. More so, the goals that drive an individual’s motive is aimed at attaining both the basic and psychological needs that later on leads to external approval and rewards (Dekker & Fischer, 2008). As a result, students undertaking English learning, as their second language in their studies derive their motivation from extrinsic goals. Even so, learners of second language could be driven by intrinsic goals as they intend to enhance their sense of belonging within the community that uses a second

Technical report on hydrogen experiment Assignment Essay

Technical report on hydrogen experiment Assignment - Essay Example figures Figure 1 preparation of the electrolyzer module 6 Figure 2 Filling the syringe with distilled water 7 Figure 3 Placing inner containers 7 Figure 4 Connecting tubes 8 Figure 5 Using fuel cells and solar panel 8 Figure 6 Inserting batteries 10 Figure 7 Assembling electrical fans 10 Figure 8 Connecting the motor to reversible fuel cell 11 Figure 9 Using solar panel 11 Introduction Hydrogen derived from renewable sources such as wind and solar is clean, self-sufficient and a permanent energy solution for sustainable development. A kilogram of hydrogen is roughly equivalent to a gallon of gasoline in energy content. (Johanna L, 2007) This makes hydrogen a technology of the future in reducing reliance on imported fuel and greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen could be produced from fossil fuels using steam reforming, which emits CO2 and expensive ways such as catalytic cracking without CO2 emissions. This pathway is more cost-effective. Water electrolysis is an efficient and expensive way because of its high electricity requirement. For instance, a study (Khan M.J., Iqbal M.T., 2005) stated that assuming an electricity cost of $0.05/kwh, nearly nowadays price of wind produced electricity; hydrogen made from water electrolysis costs more than $2.84/kg based on higher heating value. Hydrogen produced from photovoltaic is also expensive because of high PV electricity cost.( Sherif S.A. et al, 2005) Wind produced electricity, on the other hand, is becoming more competitive nowadays. Therefore, it can produce less expensive hydrogen. Electrolysis: The general principle in electrolysis is that water is supplied to an electrochemical cell, and hydrogen evolves at the anode while oxygen evolves at the cathode when the supplied energy is greater than the zero current cell potential. Alkaline electrolysis is commercially available technology. It takes place at a temperature around 800C and pressure of 1-30bar.( US department of energy, 2010) Fuel cells: Fuel cells are ele ctrochemical devices that convert chemical energy in fuel to electrical energy with high efficiency and low environmental impact. Because combustion is avoided, they produce power with minimum pollution. They contain electrodes anode and cathode separated by an electrolyte. Fuels such as hydrogen or hydrogen rich synthesis gas, are supplied to the anodes while the oxidant is fed to the cathodes. The most common oxidant is oxygen from air. Electrochemical reaction occurs in the electrolyte producing current while deriving external load.( Fuel cell Handbook, 2010) Materials and Methods Preparation of the Electrolyzer Module and Solar Powered Hydrogen Production 1. Insert the reversible fuel cell, terminals on top, into the slot on the base. Cut 2 x 4cm length pieces of rubber tube and insert a black pin into the end of one tube. Place the tube with the black pin into the top pin on the hydrogen side (with black terminal). Place the other tube firmly onto the top input nozzle on the ox ygen side. Figure 1 preparation of the electrolyzer module 2. Fill

China Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

China - Research Paper Example The paper attempts to look into areas addressed by experts, organizations and nonprofit bodies and the conclusions drawn by them. The study will reveal that resource depletion cannot be controlled, since their consumption is inevitable, unless the variables which have potential adverse effects on this issue are monitored. Problem Statement: The ecological footprint of China has increased two fold since 1960’s and its demand is twice than what their ecological system can sustainably provide (WWF). The coming 20 years will be decisive relative to what path the Chinese will take for sustainable development and consequently the effects it will have on the Asian economy. Method: This paper will look into the published research on sustainable development in the modern world specifically China. The majority of the analyzed papers are from last 10 years. The projections and findings identify what variables are perpetuating this problem, the works of the concerned bodies, efforts by th e Chinese government and the regulatory authorities. The reports on issues of sustainable development in China, by World Wide Fund for Nature (one of United Nation’s coveted organization) are pivotal to the research input that has been utilized. Background: Chinese consume more industrial and agricultural goods than the United States of America. According to Earth Policy Institute, China is the world’s largest consumer of steel, coal, grain and meat with a booming economy holding 1.3bn people (BBC News). This increasing demand consequently results in more frequent utilization of China’s natural resources which is proving to be a burden on China’s ecological system’s capacity. Ecological Footprint is a very relative term while discussing the limitations of the world’s ecological system. Ecological Footprint is one of the most comprehensive measures of an individual’s average demand from the nature. Ecological Footprint of a nation is d efined as the total threshold area which is required for food production, fiber and timber that the inhabitants consume, capacity of land and depth of waste absorption, and the space for its infrastructure (WWF). This demand of nature is compared to the planet’s biocapacity, which means the area which is biologically productive and sustains life. In comparison to the world, Asia-pacific region has a lower size of ecological footprint. This region holds 50% of the total world’s population and its demands from nature constitute about 40% of total biocapacity of this planet, the current world demands 25% more than the planet can provide (BBC News). Introduction: China is significant in this region because of its large ecological footprint which is due to its large population. China’s massive use of goods from grain to platinum has made it a raw material economy. China is suffering an ecological deficit since quiet a long period of time. The emission of carbon dioxi de from the fossil fuels is one of the biggest sources of this deficit in China. Chinese import resources to meet their ever mounting needs. This indicates that the consumption of natural resources in China is also influencing and integrated with other countries’ consumption of natural resources too. This also points out to the fact that China’s need for resources is more than the capacity of its land. They import from

Accuracy of Home Glucose Monitoring Devices

Accuracy of Home Glucose Monitoring Devices The Accuracy of Home Glucose Monitoring Devices during Hypo and Hyperglycaemia Self – monitoring of blood glucose at home is useful for the management of diabetes as it helps to monitor symptoms of hyper and hypoglycaemia (Diabetes UK). Testing of blood glucose also helps patients to adjust dosages of medication such as insulin and sulphonylureas, monitor the effects of exercise on blood glucose levels, and plan meals (Diabetes UK and Nipro Diagnostics, 2011). The FDA (US- Food and Drug Administration) (2014) refers to a trial in 1993 for control and complications of diabetes which stated â€Å"that good glucose control using home monitors led to fewer disease complications†. For these reasons blood glucose meters that aid self- monitoring most be accurate. Nipro Diagnostics (2011) in the â€Å"Accuracy Study of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems† states that the â€Å"use of blood glucose meters and test strips are effective in controlling blood glucose values†. There are currently different brands of meters on the market ranging from expensive to less expensive. The accuracy of meters has been questioned by patients and consumer blog groups such as the† American Association of Retired Persons† and therefore the FDA and MHRA (UK-Medicines Healthcare Products and Regulatory Agency) monitor medical devices to ensure they work safely and provide accurate results. At a worldwide level the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) provide standards and regulations which manufactures must meet when producing self-monitoring glucose meters. All brands of glucose meters are subject to the ISO standards (Nipro Diagnostics, 2011) Incorrect blood glucose readings may occur with blood glucose meters due to software issues but may also occur due to operator errors, effects of oxidized uric acid and abnormal haematocrit levels (ADDE, 2013, Bode, 2007, and FDA, 2014). Inaccuracies due to operator error or short cuts, maybe due to poor technique, use of expired test strips, the use of un – calibrated meters, or meters calibrated with expired control solutions, unwashed hands before testing, applying too much or too little blood to the test strip, testing from sites damp with alcohol and from meters and testing strips not stored and handled according to manufacturer’s instructions (ADDE, 2013 Bode, 2007, and FDA, 2014). Oxidised uric acid may lead to falsely low glucose levels by the home glucose meter (Bode, 2007). Dehydration causes haematocrit levels to be elevated resulting in low glucose reading, whereas, high levels caused by anemia, for example, cause low levels of haematocrit resulting in high glucose readings (Bode, 2007). In 2013 the ISO updated the ISO 15197:2003 standards for the â€Å"self – testing glucose monitoring Systems† (ISO 15197:2013). The improved standards will enhance even greater accuracy for glucose meters for patient use (ISO, 2013). In 2013 a meeting of the Diabetes Technology Society researchers, presented evidence from studies done in the USA and Germany concerning accuracy of blood glucose meters using the ISO 15197:2003 standards (ADDE, 2013). The evidence presented showed that many meters did not meet the ISO standard that requires 95% of results to be within range of +/- 20% of the true value (ADDE, 2013). The new international standards ISO 15197:2013 require meters have increased accuracy especially with glucose reading over 4.2mmol/l, and 99% of all results to be within  ±15% of true value (ISO, 2013). The FDA (2010) report as cited on Diabetesnet.com says that a potential inaccuracy with glucose meters between 1992 to 2009 were associated with 100 deaths and 12,672 injuries from 2004 to 2008. American Diabetes Association reported that up to 50% of home glucose meters did not meet the  ±20% of the true values (Alto et al, 2002). The MHRA in April 2013 issued a Medical Device Alert (MDA/2013/022) about â€Å"Home Use Blood Glucose Meters†. These meters were recalled due to a software fault. At very high glucose concentration patients were given a â€Å"falsely low reading with One Touch Verio Pro and no results were recorded with One Touch Verio IQ†. A recent alert (MDA/2014/009) was issued from the MHRA March 2014 about â€Å"FreeStyle Mini ® and FreeStyle ® blood glucose meters†. The meters were recalled because they may be â€Å"reporting incorrect low blood glucose reading† (MHRA). Alto et al (2002) in a study of 111 patients using 21 different brands of meters found that 84% were within the  ±20% of the true value even though patients took short cuts. The study highlighted that patients were not always calibrating meters due to the price of strips and the use of expired control solutions (Alto et al, 2002). Overall, the blood glucose values obtained in this study were clinically useful (Alto et al, 2002). On the other hand, another study â€Å"The accuracy of home glucose meters in hypoglycemia† concluded that some meters were inaccurate in reporting hypoglycaemia (Aydoqdu et al, 2010). There is evidence that home glucose meters are associated with inaccuracies. These inaccuracies maybe due to software problems associated with the meters or due to the operator. The operator plays a very important role in the accuracy of home glucose monitoring. The operator should follow the manufacturer advice about use, technique, storage and calibration of meters to achieve optimum results. Diabetes UK (2014) and the FDA (2014) encourage patients to check accuracy of home glucose meters by comparing to results of blood processed in a laboratory (Collazo – Clavell, 2012). ISO has tightened requirements in 2013 for home glucose meters to ensure higher accuracy for all new meters. References Diabetes UK (2014)– â€Å"Blood Glucose Meter Guide† [Online]. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/ (Accessed 23 March 2014) FDA (2014) US Food and Drug Administration, ‘Medical Devices’, Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices’. [Online]. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/ (Accessed 23 March 2014) Nipro Diagnostics (2011) â€Å"Accuracy Study of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems† http://www.niprodiagnostics.com/ (Accessed 23 March 2014) Bode, B.W, (2007) â€Å"The Accuracy and Interferences in Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose†, Blood Glucose monitoring, US Endocrine Disease, pp. 46 -48. [Online]. Available at: http://www.touchendocrinology.com/ (Accessed 30 March 2014) MHRA (2013) ‘Medical Devices Alert’ Home use blood glucose meters: Lifescan OneTouch Verio Pro; Lifescan OneTouch Verio IQ (MDA/2013/022 [online]. Available at: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/ (Accessed 23 March 2014) MHRA(2014) ‘Medical Device Alert’ FreeStyle Mini ® and FreeStyle ® blood glucose monitoring systems manufactured by Abbott Diabetes Care (MDA/2014/009)[Online].Available at: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/ (Accessed 24 March 2014) ISO (2013) â€Å"More accurate self-testing results for diabetes patients with new ISO standard† [Online]. Available at: http://www.iso.org/ (Accessed 23 March 2014) AADE (2013) ‘American Association of Diabetes Educators’ Practice Advisory Blood Glucose Meter Accuracy [Online. Available at: http://www.diabeteseducator.org/ (Accessed 24 March 2014) Alto, W.A., Bryson, P, Kindig, J, Meyer, D, and Schneid. J (2002) ‘Assuring the Accuracy of Home Glucose Monitoring’, Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 15(1). [Online]. Available at: http://www.medscape.com/ (Accessed 30 March 2014) Aydoqdu, A, Erbil, M.K, Kilic, S, Kutlin, M, Serdar, M, Sonmez, A, Tapan, S, Taslipinar, A, Uckaya, S, Yazici, M, Yilmaz, M.I, and Yilmaz, Z (2010) ‘The accuracy of home glucose meters in hypoglycemia’ Diabetes Technol Ther 12(8), pp. 619-26. PubMed. [Online]. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ (Accessed 30 March 2014) Collazo – Clavell, M (2012) ‘Diseases and Conditions’, Sometimes my blood glucose monitor seems to give incorrect readings. What can I do to make sure the measurement is accurate? Mayo Clinic [Online]. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/ (Accessed 30 March 2014)

Environment and Economy of Kuwait :: Geography

Environment and Economy of Kuwait Kuwait is not self-sufficient in agriculture but the country will be in the future. Its production of cereals, vegetables and fruit grown in the oasis of Jahra and scattered smallholdings is not sufficient for the population's needs, due to limitations of water supply, fertile soil, climate and manpower. Much of its food needs to be imported but government investment and the work of the Kuwait Experimental farm have led to improvements whereby existing resources are more efficiently utilized. Kuwait is a small arid desert land of about 6200 square miles. There is virtually no natural source of fresh water. Climatic conditions entail occasional high winds and dust storms, little or no rainfall, and summer temperatures as high as 120Ã ¸F. "Consequently, arable land amounts to less than 9% of total acreage."1 Soil deficiencies and the intense heat and sunlight allow continued cultivation only by expensive underground pipe-fed irrigation or by hydroponics. Ordinary irrigation under these conditions results in gradually increasing soil salinity. this phenomenon has been the cause of the estimated 1% annual decrease in arable land for the region as a whole. Hence, development of traditional agriculture is severely restricted. Kuwaitis are under no illusion that self-sufficiency will take less than 20 to 30 years to attain and even then it cannot include such items as beef and cereals. For Kuwait cereal production is considered too expensive and unnecessary. Self-sufficiency in poultry, vegetables and fruit is a visible goal: already Kuwait produces 60% of the eggs it needs, 40% of the poultry meat and 100% of the tomatoes. The next emphasis is likely to be on dairy farming and animal husbandry to increase the 25% of the required milk supplies that is produced in the country. The Kuwaitis are very conscious of the fact that urban growth and the hunting of animals which used to live in the desert has meant the virtual extinction of wildlife. Kuwait is importing from many countries animals such as cows, chickens and sheep. In view of Kuwait's extremely unpromising natural environment which was made even worse after the Persian Gulf War, the key to all its hopes for self-sufficiency lies in research and experiments. Their experimental farm research farm:Omariya, the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research and the Kuwait Fund for the Advancement of Sciences are engaged in a variety of projects concerned with the hybridization of plants, animal breeding, the increase of yields in desert conditions, the treatment of brackish water and effluent water, irrigation methods, etc.

Middle Childhood and Adolescence

Changes in Peer Relationships in Middle Childhood and Adolescence Statistics say that in the stages in middle adolescence 30% of the child’s social life and interactions there are a great stage of peer pressure. These results were compared to the 10% that is experienced during the early childhood. They show that they are competent by demonstrating their behaviors in these peer groups. During the elementary years in school, children have to prove to others that they understand and that they are capable of handling the different situations they find themselves in. They must keep a certain criteria in order to have friends. The main concern during these peer groups is to be accepted and most of these concerns are experienced during middle childhood. Researchers have been focusing in the friendship among the children. Friendship is one of the most important parts of the social group between early stages of childhood. Friends fill that special need we have inside and for a child’s development that is one of the most important parts. They fulfill the special needs and they help with communication, interaction, acceptance, companionship and social skills. Peer is more related to the social and popularity status and its acceptance and friendship represents more that relationship that is built on appreciation, respect and most importantly being liked. When the child has reached its adolescence stage, they will experience support from their friends and this will help in their social skills. When they are younger, they don’t experience this as much. So, the more friends they have, the more acceptances they will feel from the larger peers. Adolescent Egocentrism Jean Piaget theory of cognitive development derived from concept of egocentrism. Adolescents Egocentric explains how a teenager feels about him or herself. During the development of adolescence the human body experiences several mental and physical changes. According to Elkind (1967), adolescent’s mental abilities heighten his or her self-consciousness. Adolescent egocentrism actually reflects a weakness in their thinking that is distinctive of early formal operations. Egocentric thoughts develops in two aspects which includes the awareness that an individual sees things in a different perspective and doesn’t seem to understand that others may hold thoughts, emotions, and views different form his or hers. Egocentric is a complex concept that encompasses a wide range of questions of early cognitive development. Studies have shown that female’s egocentrism is more prevalent during their early adolescent period and gradually slows down during their later period of adolescence. The main aspect of egocentrism is both social and cognitive because it reflects o more of how individuals want others to perceive them (Sanrock 2007). For example, many teen spend more time grooming themselves than any other factor in his or her lives. According to Elkind (1967) transitions of the formal operations stages involve its own differences about egocentrism. Personal fables also encourage the adolescent egocentrism that reflect on how an individual relates to others. Adolescence experiencing egocentrism is often seen as a non-positive aspect part of their thoughts because adolescents become taken in with who they are and are unable to function properly in society due to their bias translation of reality. Formal operational thinkers view things in greater complexity and to perceive many different aspects of a situation. Studies today have explained that egocentrism is not always present in the late stages of adolescence. However it depends a great deal on the environment whereas he or she was raised. Peer Pressure Adolescents are faced with a plethora of pressures during this crucial stage in their lives. They are exposed to the difficulties of peer pressure including drugs, alcohol and sex. Peer pressure comes from several different directions. It can come from the media, parents, other family members and friends. An adolescent’s self-esteem plays a critical role in peer pressure and often will set the stage for whether a teenager will succumb to their nagging peers or abstains. At this age, one of the greatest influences comes from older peers and their â€Å"experiences† with life. Older siblings and friends tend to pressure younger adolescents into indulging in activities that may be detrimental to their well-being, often using status to gain their trust. Status quo and acceptance are important to a young mind. If an adolescent does not have the much needed support from their parents and a positive self- image going into this stage of life, they may be more susceptible to peer pressure. Pressure to use drugs and alcohol are two of the most common forms of peer pressure hat an adolescent will experience. At this stage, when a child is coming into their own, they are very impressionable beings. When another peer offers up what sounds like an amazing experience many adolescents will follow suit and give in. Even with the knowledge that drugs and alcohol have a profound effect on the human body, some adolescents will still relinquish their better judgment to â€Å"look cool† in front of their peers. Again, status quo comes into play with substance abuse. Most youth aren’t really interested in the taste of cigarettes or alcohol, but because their friends are doing it, they ill at least try it. Just trying any substance can lead to addiction as the chemicals in the brain become heightened and the impressionable being indulging in them begins to feel a sense of â€Å"euphoria† or finds the substance allows them to â€Å"let loose†. It is very important that parents are aware of the dangers that face adolescence today. As with anything, communication is key. Parents must warn their children of the risks associated with substance abuse while also being compassionate and understanding to this stage of development.

Tips for Learning French As an Adult

Tips for Learning French As an Adult Learning French as an adult is not the same thing as learning it as a child. Children pick up language intuitively, without having to be taught grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. When learning their first language, they have nothing to compare it to, and they can often learn a second language the same way. Adults, on the other hand, tend to learn a language by comparing it to their native language - learning about similarities and differences. Adults often want to know why something is said a certain way in the new language, and tend to be frustrated by the usual response thats just the way it is. On the other hand, adults have an important advantage in that they choose to learn a language for some reason (travel, work, family) and being interested in learning something is very helpful in ones ability to actually learn it. The bottom line is that it is not impossible for anyone to learn French, no matter what their age. Ive received emails from adults of all ages who are learning French- including a woman of 85. Its never too late! Here are some guidelines that can help you learn French as an adult. What and How to Learn Start Learning What You Actually Want and Need to KnowIf youre planning a trip to France, learn travel French (airport vocabulary, asking for help). On the other hand, if youre learning French because you want to be able to chat with the French woman who lives down the street, learn basic vocabulary (greetings, numbers) and how to talk about yourself and others- likes and dislikes, family, etc. Once youve learned the basics for your purpose, you can start learning French related to your knowledge and experiences- your job, your interests, and from there onto other aspects of French. Learn the Way  That Works Best for YouIf you find that learning grammar is useful, learn that way. If grammar just frustrates you, try a more conversational approach. If you find textbooks daunting, try a book for kids. Try making lists of vocabulary- if that helps you, great; if not, try another approach, like labeling everything in your house or making flash cards. Dont let anyone tell you that there is only one right way to learn.Repetition is KeyUnless you have a photographic memory, youre going to need to learn and practice things a few or even many times before you know them. You can repeat exercises, answer the same questions, listen to the same sound files until you feel comfortable with them. In particular, listening and repeating many times is very good- this will help you improve your listening comprehension, speaking skills, and accent all at once.Learn TogetherMany people find that learning with others helps keep them on track. Consider taking a class; hiring a private tutor; or learning along with your child, spouse, or friend. Daily LearningHow much can you really learn in an hour a week? Make a habit of spending at least 15-30 minutes a day learning and/or practicing.Above and BeyondRemember that language and culture go hand in hand. Learning French is more than just verbs and vocabulary; its also about the French people and their art, music, etc.- not to mention the cultures of other francophone countries around the world. Learning Dos and Donts Be RealisticI once had a student in an adult ed. class who thought he could learn French along with 6 other languages in one year. He had a terrible time during the first few  classes  and then dropped. The moral? He had unreasonable expectations, and when he found out that French was not going to magically flow out of his mouth, he gave up. If he had been realistic, committed himself to one language, and practiced regularly, he could have learned a lot.Have FunMake your French learning interesting. Instead of just studying the language with books, try reading, watching TV/movies, listening to music- whatever interests you and keeps you motivated.Reward YourselfThe first time you remember that difficult vocabulary word, treat yourself to a croissant and  cafà © au lait. When you remember to use the subjunctive correctly, take in a French film. When youre ready, take a trip to France and put your French to the real test.Have a GoalIf you get discouraged, remember why you want t o learn. That goal should help you concentrate and stay inspired. Track Your ProgressKeep a journal with dates and exercises to make notes about your progress:  Finally  understand  passà © composà © vs  imparfait! Remembered conjugations for  venir!  Then you can look back over these milestones when you feel like youre not getting anywhere.Dont Stress Over MistakesIts normal to make mistakes, and in the  beginning,  youre better off getting several sentences out in mediocre French than just two perfect words. If you ask someone to correct you all the time, you will get frustrated.  Learn about how to  overcome speaking anxiety.Dont Ask Why?There are lots of things about French that youre going to wonder about- why things are said a certain way, why you cant say something another way. When you first start learning is not the time to try to figure this out. As you learn French, you will start to understand some of them, and others you can ask about later.Dont Translate Word for WordFrench is not just English with different word s- it is a different language with its own rules, exceptions, and idiosyncracies. You must learn to understand and translate concepts and ideas rather than just words.Dont Overdo ItYoure not going to be  fluent  in a week, a month, or even a year (unless maybe if youre living in France). Learning French is a journey, just like life. There is no magical point where everything is perfect- you learn some, you forget some, you learn some more. Practice makes perfect, but practicing for four hours a day might be overkill.   Learn and Practice Practice What Youve LearnedUsing the French youve learned is the best way to remember it. Join the  Alliance franà §aise, put up a notice at your local college or community center to find people interested in a  French club, chat with French-speaking neighbors and shopkeepers, and, above all, go to France if at all possible.Listen PassivelyYou can get extra practice by listening to French during your commute (in the car, on the bus or train) as well as while walking, jogging, biking, cooking, and cleaning.Vary Your Practice MethodsYou will almost certainly get bored if you just do grammar drills every day. You might try grammar drills on Monday,  vocabulary work  on Tuesday, listening exercises on Wednesday, etc.Act FrenchSome people find it useful to use an exaggerated accent ( la  Pà ©pà © le  pou  or Maurice Chevalier) to help them get into their studies more. Others find a glass of wine loosens their tongue and helps gets them into the French mood.Daily FrenchPra cticing every day is the single most important thing you can do to improve your French. There are numerous ways to  practice every day.