Ice Breaker Essay Example

Ice Breaker Essay Suggested Ice Breaker/Energiser Activities 1. Fear in a Hat Fear in a Hat (Also known as Worries in a Hat) is a teambuilding exercise that promotes unity and group cohesion. Individuals write their personal fears (anonymously) on sheets of paper which is then collected in a hat and read aloud. Each person tries to describe his or her understanding of the person’s fear. This leads to good discussion centred around the fears. This teambuilding exercise requires writing utensils, sheets of paper, and a hat. Allow about five minutes of writing time, plus one to two minutes per participant. The recommended group size is at least eight, but no larger than 20. It’s possible to run this activity with a large group, if the group is divided into smaller groups and if there are enough facilitators. Setting Up Distribute a sheet of paper and a writing utensil to each person. Instruct them to anonymously write a fear or worry that they have. Tell them to be as specific and as honest as possible, but not in such a way that they could be easily identified. After everyone has finished writing a fear/worry (including the group leaders), collect each sheet into a large hat. We will write a custom essay sample on Ice Breaker specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Ice Breaker specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Ice Breaker specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Running the Activity Shuffle the sheets and pass out one per person. Take turns reading one fear aloud, and each reader should attempt to explain what the person who wrote the fear means. Do not allow any sort of comments on what the reader said. Simply listen and go on to the next reader. After all fears have been read and elaborated, discuss as a whole group what some of the common fears were. This teambuilding exercise can easily lead to a discussion of a team contract, or goals that the group wishes to achieve. This activity also helps build trust and unity, as people come to realise that everyone has similar fears. 2. Call my Bluff Call my bluff is a classic get-to-know-you icebreaker. Players tell two truths and one lie. The object of the game is to determine which statement is the false one. Interesting variations of this game are provided below. This game is a  get-to-know-you icebreaker. Recommended group size is: small, medium, or large. Works best with 6-10 people. Any indoor setting will work. No special materials are needed, although pencil and paper is optional. For all ages. Running the Activity Ask all players to arrange themselves in a circle. Instruct each player to think of three statements about themselves. Two must be true statements, and one must be false. For each person, he or she shares the three statements (in any order) to the group. The goal of the icebreaker game is to determine which statement is false. The group votes on which one they feel is a lie, and at the end of each round, the person reveals which one was the lie. Variations to Try â€Å"Two Truths and a Dream Wish. An interesting variation of Two Truths and a Lie is â€Å"Two Truths and a Dream Wish. † Instead of telling a lie, a person says a wish. That is, something that is not true — yet something that the person wishes to be true. For example, someone that has never been to Europe might say: â€Å"I often travel to Europe for vacation. † This interesting spin on the icebreaker can often lead to unexpected, fascinating results, as people oft en share touching wishes about themselves. 3. Unique and Shared Unique and Shared is  a get-to-know-you game  as well as a team-building activity. The game helps people see that they have more in common with their peers than they might initially realize, while highlighting their own individual strengths that they can contribute to the group. An indoor setting is preferable. Participants will split into groups of about five people, so this activity works fine with medium, large, and even some extra large groups. Each group of five needs paper and a pen. This activity  is for all ages. Running the Activity Ask participants to form groups of five  people with the people around them. Pass out  sheets of paper and writing utensil. The first half  of the activity is the Shared part. Instruct a notetaker  for each group to create a list of  many common traits or qualities that  members of the group have in common. Avoid writing things that are immediately obvious  (e. g. don’t write down something like â€Å"everyone has hair† or â€Å"we are all wearing clothes†). The goal is for everyone to dig deeper than the superficial. Allow  about five or six minutes and then have a spokesperson from each subgroup read their list. If there are too many groups, ask for a few volunteers to read their list. The second half is the Unique part. Keep the same groups or, optionally, you can ask everyone to rearrange themselves into new groups. On a second sheet of paper have them record Unique traits and qualities; that is,  items that only apply to  one person in the group. Instruct the group  to  find at least two unique qualities and strengths  per person. Again, strive for qualities and strengths beyond the superficial and past the obvious things anyone can readily see. Allow another five or six minutes. When time is up, share the unique qualities in one of the following ways: (1) each person can  share one of their unique qualities themselves; (2)  have each person read the qualities of the person to their right; or (3)  have a spokesperson read a quality one at a time,  and have the others  guess who it was. Unique and Shared is a valuable  team-building activity because it promotes unity as it  gets people to realise that they have more common ground with their peers than they first might realise. As people become aware of  their own unique characteristics, they can also  help people  feel empowered to offer the group something unique. . Desert Island Lost on a Deserted Island is a teambuilding activity that also helps people share a little about themselves. Given the scenario that everyone is lost and stranded on a deserted island, each person describes one object that they would bring and why. This game is a teambuilding and get-to-know-you icebreaker. The re commended group size is medium, although small and large group sizes are possible too. An indoor setting is ideal. No special props or materials are required. This icebreaker works well for any age, including adults and corporate settings. Running the Activity The situation is dire — following a shipwreck, everyone  has been stranded on a deserted island! Each person is allowed to bring one object to the island — ideally something that represents them or something that they enjoy. The first part of this icebreaker is simple: each person is asked to describe  what object they would bring and why. This need not be realistic; if someone loves music, he or she might choose to bring a guitar, or an animal lover might choose to bring a dog, a food lover might choose to bring sirloin steaks, and so on. Encourage people to be creative. After everyone has introduced their object and why they have chosen that object, the  teambuilding portion follows. Divide into smaller  groups and ask everyone to work together  to improve their chances of survival by combining the various objects that they introduced. If necessary,  you can  add more objects, but be sure to use all the objects that everyone mentioned. If you wish, you can reward  the most creative group with a prize. Lost on a Deserted Island  is an approachable  way to get people to open up and share a little bit about themselves and what they enjoy or value. 5. Who am I? Prepare a card for each of your learners and write on it the name of a famous man or woman. On arrival, stick a card on the back of each learner who must then ask questions in order to find out their identity. Each question asked can only be answered with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response e. g. ‘Am I a man’, ‘yes’. As an alternative you could ask each learner to secretly write the name of a famous person themselves and stick it to the back of another learner, this encourages increased involvement. 6. ABCs of Me You have been hired by the Creative Classroom Company to illustrate a poster to help children learn their ABCs. By happy coincidence, you and your first name are the subject of the poster! 1. First, take a piece of flipchart paper and write your name vertically down the left side. 2. Next, choose a word that starts with each letter of your name. The word should describe something about you. Write those words horizontally across the paper, using the letters of your name as the first letter of each descriptive word. 3. After you have listed your words, draw an accompanying picture to illustrate each. 4. When you are finished, tape your poster to the wall. Variations Narrow the focus of the words. For instance, all words must be adjectives, nouns, or verbs related to work, related to foods you like, etc. 7. Tattoo You have just arrived at Tony’s Tattoo Parlour for a tattoo. Tony is competing for â€Å"Tattoo King of the Year,† a contest sponsored by Needle Knows magazine. Every design is a potential entry, and Tony wants each of his tattoos to say something about the person wearing them. From you, he needs a little inspiration and a design before he can start his work. Tony is excellent at lettering, animals, characters, band logos, maps, etc. 1. On your piece of paper, you are to design a rough tattoo that reveals something about yourself, your work, your hobbies, or your family, in order to help get Tony’s creative juices flowing. 2. You must also make a note about how big the tattoo should be and where you will have it applied. Variations Narrow the scope of the tattoo design: what you do at work, an animal most like you, favourite song, favourite band, adjective that best describes you, etc. 8. The Magic Lamp You and your team have just found a lamp. You rub it, and surprise! A genie appears. The genie grants you three wishes. You are allowed to make three wishes relating to your working life. 1. The facilitator will soon divide you into groups of three to five people and give your team a piece of flipchart paper and a marker. 2. Once you have your materials, design your wish list for your genie. When you are finished, post it on the wall and feedback to the group 9. FILL IN THE BLANKS Ask these questions in a group setting, this allows for group members to find out more about one another. I need ____________ to make my life complete. because . . . . . If I had ______________ I would be the happiest person in the world. I  can explain my life as an animal and that animal is a ________________ I like to imagine Im the cartoon character _____________ because . . . . . A gift I can give others is ________________ A gift I would like to receive from others is ____________ If I had all the money in the world, I would _________________ I will eat anything put in front of me except _______________ School for me was ________________ If I had to give up a prized possession, it would be _______________ My dream job is ________________ My nicest characteristic is ___________________ Family means _______________ to me Again, make up your own question to best fit the characteristics of your group. Taken from: www. funandgames. org/Games_icebreakers. html www. completetrainer. co. uk/ www. businesstrainingworks. com/Icebreakers 10. Water Carry Objective To problem-solve as a group and to deal with frustration if the task is not easily accomplished. Group Size 4 to 12 participants (or break a larger group into small teams) Materials 10 paper cups filled three-fourths full with water Cafeteria-type tray Description Prior to the activity, fill ten paper cups with water about three-fourths full and place five at one end of the room (or outside area) on the ground and five at the other end. The cups should be at least twenty feet apart from each other if possible. Gather the group together in the middle of the room with a cafeteria-type tray placed on the ground and give them the following challenge. â€Å"You must retri eve all ten cups of water and place them onto the tray without spilling any of the water. You may only get one cup from one end of the room at a time. Before getting a second cup from that side of the room you must travel to the other side of the room with the tray and retrieve a cup from that side. When all ten cups of water are on the tray you must place it on the floor in the center of the room. By the way, each person can only use one foot and one hand for the entire duration of this activity and if any water spills the whole group must start over! † Most groups will try to hop with the tray at first but this spills water. The best way to accomplish the task is to pass the tray down a line and for the person at the end to hop to the front of the line so that the chain can continue all the way to the end of the line. Discussion Prompts 1. Did anyone get frustrated at any time during this activity? Why or why not? 2. Did you try different things before you came up with a solution? 3. Are you ever a part of a team and you just want to quit? When and why? 4. How do you feel when you are a part of a team and you work together to accomplish a difficult task? 11. Bridge of Life Objective For team members to work cooperatively in decision-making and planning. Group Size 4 or more Materials None Description Break the group into teams of four to ten. (This game may be played as a race or as a one-team challenge. ) Mark off an area that is wider than all the team members standing side by side. The challenge is for each team to get one member from one side of the area to the other without touching the ground or being carried. Some possible solutions are: for team members to lie down, forming a human bridge for the person to crawl across for the team to pass the person down the line in a prone position, with team members shifting position in line as necessary for the person to walk on the feet of his/her team members Discussion Prompts 1. How did you decide who would be the person who had to try to get across? 2. How did you decide on a method for getting this person across? 3. Did everyone contribute to the decision process? Why or why not? 4. What role do you usually take when part of a decision-making process? 5. Do you wish you had a different role? Why or why not? Variation Tell the group they have to get half of the team across rather than just one person. Simply challenge the entire group to get one person across a large open area. Put obstacles in the area that the group must get one person around when moving them from one side to another. Pig Personality Test 1. Give each person a sheet of paper and a marker pen and tell them to draw a pig 2. After everyone has finished drawing their pig, read out the following information: â€Å"The pig serves as a useful test of personality traits of the drawer. If the pig is drawn †¢ towards the top of the paper, you are positive and optimistic †¢ towards the middle, you are realistic towards the bottom, you are pessimistic and have a tendency to behave negatively †¢ facing left, you believe in tradition, are friendly and remember dates birthdays †¢ facing right, you are innovati ve and active, but don’t have a strong sense of family, nor do you remember dates †¢ facing front on, you are direct, enjoy playing devil’s advocate and neither fear nor avoid discussions †¢ with many details, you are analytical, cautious and distrustful †¢ with few details, you are emotional, you care lithe for details and are a risk taker with fewer than 4 legs showing, you are insecure or are living through a period of major change †¢ with 4 legs showing, you are secure, stubborn and stick to your ideals, if there are more than 4 legs, you are stupid! †¢ The size of the ears indicates how good a listener you are — the bigger the better! †¢ â€Å"Who didn’t draw a tail on their pig? † The length of the tail indicates the how much you think about sex! â€Å"OK, so who had the longest tail? † Fun Facts 1. A rat can last longer without water than a camel. 2. Your stomach has to produce a new layer of mucus every two weeks or it will digest itself. 3. The dot over the letter i is called a tittle. 4. A raisin dropped in a glass of fresh champagne will bounce up and down continuously from the bottom of the glass to the top. 5. A female ferret will die if it goes into heat and cannot find a mate. 6. A ducks quack doesnt echo. No one knows why. 7. During the chariot scene in Ben Hur, a small red car can be seen in the distance (and Hestons wearing a watch). 8. On average, 12 newborns will be given to the wrong parents daily! (That explains a few mysteries. ) 9. Donald Duck comics were banned from Finland because he doesnt wear pants. 10. There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, purple and silver. 11. The name Wendy was made up for the book Peter Pan. There was never a recorded Wendy before. 12. The very first bomb dropped by the Allies on Berlin in World War II killed the only elephant in the Berlin Zoo 13. If one places a tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion, it will instantly go mad and sting itself to death. (Who was the sadist who discovered this ) 14. Bruce Lee was so fast that they actually had to s-l-o-w film down so you could see his moves. Thats the opposite of the norm 15. The original name for butterfly was flutterby. 16. Roses may be red, but violets are indeed violet 17. By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you cannot sink into quicksand. 18. Celery has negative calories. It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery has in it to begin with. 19. Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest. 20. Chewing gum while peeling onions will keep you from crying. 21. Sherlock Holmes NEVER said, Elementary, my dear Watson. 22. An old law in Bellingham, Washington, made it illegal for a woman to take more than three steps backwards while dancing! 23. The glue on Israeli postage is certified kosher. 24. The Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from public libraries. 25. Astronauts are not allowed to eat beans before they go into space because passing wind in a spacesuit damages them. 26. Bats always turn left when exiting a cave! †¢ Five Things†¦ †¢ Answer the following questions: †¢ †¢ Ive always wondered about †¢ If I could stay at any age, Id like to be †¢ If I had the day off tomorrow, I would †¢ The most fun thing I did this year is †¢ Ive always wanted to (but never had the courage to) . †¢ †¢ You have t hree minutes! Animal Kingdom Materials: None Icebreaker Description Young people will identify themselves as an animal the most reflects some aspect of their personality. Its a great way for them to get to know a little about each other. Preparation: Choose 3-5 animals, one animal for each group you want to have. Choose animals that are vastly different from each other. Some options are: Aardvark, Albatross, Anteater, Armadillo, Badger, Bat, Bear, Camel, Cat, Chicken, Chinchilla, Cow, Crab, Crane, Crayfish, Cuckoo, Deer, Dog, Dolphin, Dove, Duck, Dugong, Eagle, Elephant, Emu, Ferret, Flamingo, Flying fox, Frog, Giraffe, Goat, Goose, Hamster, Hawk, Hedgehogs, Hippo, Horses, Hummingbird, Iguana, Kangaroo, Koala, Lemur, Lion, Lizards, Llamas, Loon, Mammoth, Monkey, Mouse, Octopus, Ostrich, Otter, Owl, Panda, Parrot, Pelican, Penguin, Pig, Pigeon, Porcupine, Rabbit, Rat, Raven/crow, Rhinoceros, Seal, Sheep, sloths, Snake, Sparrow, Stork, Swan, Tapir, Toad, Tortoise, Turtle, Unicorn, Weasel, Whale, Wolf, Wombat, Zebra Icebreaker Activity 1. Ask kids to introduce themselves by giving their name and then choosing which of the selected animals they most identify with. 2. Then have kids group themselves according to the animals they chose. (Combine the two smallest groups if either has fewer than three members. ) Debrief Direct learners to answer one of the following questions in their small groups: †¢ Are you more commonly the predator or the prey? †¢ Nocturnal or diurnal? What do think the choice of a this animal says about a person? †¢ What does the chosen animal reflect about you? †¢ What are some of the characteristics of this animal that are like you? †¢ What lessons could we learn from this animal? If†¦ If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? If I gave you ? 10,000, what would you spend it on? If you could watch your favourite movie now, what would it be? If you could talk to anyone in the world who would it be? If you could wish one thing to come true this year, what would it be? If you could live in any period of history, when would it be? If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be? If you could be someone else, who would you be? If you could have any question answered, what would it be? If you could watch you favourite TV show now, what would it be? If you could have any type of pet, what would it be? If you could do your dream job 10 years from now, what would it be? If you had to be allergic to something, what would it be? If you sat down next to Jesus on a bus, what would you talk about? If money and time was no object, what would you be doing right now? If you had one day to live over again, what day would you pick? If you could eat your favourite food right now, what would it be? If you could learn any skill, what would it be? The YS Personality Test TEST ONE THE SINKING SHIP Youre the lone survivor of a sinking ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Theres a deserted island in the distance, one serviceable lifeboat and plenty of time for you to pick eight of the many items on board your stricken vessel to take to the shore. Since the island is uninhabited youll be totally on your own. You have no idea how long itll be before youre rescued, if ever. Pick your eight items from the list below: An electricity generator ( R ) A saw (G) A hammer and some nails (G) Your favourite computer or games console ( R) A fishing rod (G) An umbrella ( R ) Loads of bits of black polythene (G) A sleeping bag (G) Some snazzy shorts ( R) A pair of shades ( R ) A telescope (G) Loads of bits of thin cardboard ( R ) Twenty boxes of matches ( G) A radiator bleed key ( R) Five jars of Marmite ( R) A spade ( G ) A small plaster bust of Paul Daniels ( R) A ball of thick string (G) A bathtub (G) A fridge ( R) Various bags of vegetable seeds (G) A warthog (R ) HOW YOU SCORED: Mostly Green (Seven Or More) You’re a logical person. You think things through quite thoroughly. Youre fairly solid and reliable, though, which is a point in anyones favour. You also think things through before acting. Mostly Red (Seven Or More) Youd survive on a desert island for about twelve minutes. Youre probably rather scatterbrained and tend to think with your heart rather than your head. You are a nice person who likes to spend time enjoying themselves. Even Mixture Of Green And Red People might see you as wild and crazy! You probably have lots of friends and like making decisions TEST TWO PSYCHE SHAPES Take a very quick look at the shapes below. Decide which one is you. If you really cant decide, then it might be worth taking a look at the notepad next to the computer, or telephone, or meeting room there are sure to be doodles on it somewhere. Find one of your doodles and look for the predominant shape. Thats the one to pick! Squares Triangles Stars Squiggles Circles What You Picked: Square: You like to examine things and think them through. Triangle: You have good communication skills and are motivated by success. Star: You get excited very easily and enjoy life. Squiggles: You get bored easily and like to keep busy. Circle: You are a caring and emotional person. TEST THREE ITS IN THE PICTURE Grab a bit of paper and a pen and quickly draw a scene containing a house, a tree, the sun, a snake, some water and flowers. Now analyze your drawing, referring to the points below. The house represents how you see yourself and the windows reveal how open you are. Count your windows. The bigger and more numerous, the more honest and open you are. None at all? You’re very secretive. If youve put a TV aerial on the roof, youre quite a receptive sort of person. If theres a chimney alongside it you might have pent up frustrations which youll need to vent sooner or later. And if theres smoke coming out of your chimney, youre probably a little on the nervous side. The tree represents your mum. Compare the size of the house (you) to the size of the tree (mum). Does the tree positively tower over the house? Then, you have respect for your parent and look up to them. The snakes a goodie it represents how you see your own sexuality. If the snake is quite short it means that youre not particularly interested in sex, while a longer one shows more interest and less inhibition. If the nake is jolly looking then youre a bit of a flirty type if its scary then you find the prospect of sex a bit frightening. The further away from the house the snake is, the keener you are on sex. The water is your emotional state. The more water there is, the more emotional you are. If you dre w a moat surrounding the house then youre swamped by your passionate nature. A stream means youre hard on the surface but soft underneath. A pond means that you keep your emotions firmly in check. The number of flowers youve drawn is meant to indicate the amount of people you feel really close to. One particularly large flower means you have a best friend, or a boyfriend or girlfriend. [pic] Paper Step Through A novel paper-cutting icebreaker exercise, played in pairs, or threes, or as a group. The activity can be used as a bigger group problem-solving and team-working task. Equipment: Scissors and sheets of paper, A4 size or similar. Instruction to group: You have five minutes to devise a way of cutting the sheet of paper so that it creates a ring without any breaks or joins large enough to fit over both people, and then to step through the ring (in your pair/three/as a group). Depending on your purposes, situation and group, you can change this exercise in various ways, for example: †¢ Issue the cutting diagram to all participants. This should ensure that the activity produces at least one successful demonstration of the task. Do not issue the cutting diagram, but instead demonstrate the solution, and instruct the participants to remember it. This tests peoples concentration and retention. †¢ Issue the cutting diagram half-way through the exercise when (as is likely) particip ants fail to discover a cutting solution which highlights the importance of having instructions and knowledge for challenging tasks which might initially seem quite easy. †¢ Ask people to do the exercise in teams of three rather than pairs, which increases the brain-power available, but also the potential for confusion, and also the size of the paper ring necessary to fit over three people rather than two. Issue sticky tape, allow joins to be made, and add a two-minute time penalty for each join in the ring. †¢ Change the task so that the group creates a paper ring large enough to fit over the entire group allowing for only one sticky-tape join per pair of delegates. This opens the possibility for many different cutting solutions, because each pair is effectively then required merely to convert their sheet into a long length of paper rather than an unbroken ring. Activity notes: As facilitator it is recommended you practice the suggested cutting solution so that if neces sary you can demonstrate it (before or afterwards, depending on your adaptation) to the group. Beware of using this activity in any situation that could cause embarrassment to overweight people or where delegates would be uncomfortable with the inter-personal proximity required. The qualification of putting the ring of paper over a given number of people is that while standing (necessarily very close) together they are able to pass the paper ring over their heads and down to the floor, enabling them to step over and thereby through the ring without breaking it. |Here is the cutting diagram, assuming that the sheet of paper is | | |first folded. This is one solution to the exercise. If you know |[pic] | |another please send it. | | |Fold the sheet of paper in half, and cut it through both sides of | | |the paper, as shown in the diagram, in the following sequence: | | |Cut 8-12 slits (8 are adequate the diagram shows 12), from the | | |folded edge up to about 1-2cm of the open edge, each slit being | | |about 1. 5-2cm apart. | |Cut a slit between each of the above slits, from the open edge to | | |about 1-2cm of the folded edge. | | |Cut along the folded edge, but not the ends marked with blue | | |circles. | | |You should then be able to open the paper into a ring which | | |comfortably fits over two people. | |Cutting more slits increases the size of the ring, as would using | | |a larger sheet of paper. Slit dimensions can be increased for | | |larger sheets. | | You will be surprised how large a ring can be created. An A4 sheet easily makes a ring circumference of 3m. A big newspaper sheet easily produces a ring circumference of 7m. Defend the Egg Defend the Egg (also known as the Great Egg Drop) is a teambuilding activity that involves collaboration, problem solving, and creative teamwork. Groups build a structure out of ordinary materials and try to protect a raw egg from breaking when dropped from a high elevation. This exercise in teambuilding can be messy, so choose an appropriate setting where making a mess is acceptable. The recommended group size is: teams of four or five people. Several materials are needed: raw eggs, several plastic straws, masking tape, newspaper, and other materials of your choice. This activity is for people ages 14 and up. Setup for Defend the Egg This game works well with teams that are not too large. A good team size is four or five people. Pass out one egg and a limited supply of materials (e. g. our straws, a three foot strip of tape, one section of a newspaper, etc. )   This activity is more challenging with fewer materials provided, so decide how challenging you wish to make it. Game-play for Defend the Egg Explain the rules: the mission is to protect the egg from cracking using teamwork, creativity, and a good design. You will dro p each structure at least fifteen feet, and so the goal is for each structure to be able to withstand such a fall. Each team will only be given limited resources, and so they must be wise with what they have. They may not use any other resources other than what is given to them. Optionally, you can have other critera for judging including: †¢ most creative design most stylish/visually appealing †¢ (any other awards you wish) Decide on an appropriate amount of time (e. g. 20-25 minutes)  and then instruct them to begin! Tell them to place their egg  inside their structure. Be sure to supervise each team as they build their structure. When time is up, collect all the structures. Now is  dramatic finale in which the structures are dropped (or thrown! ) from at least 15 feet in elevation and then carefully inspected to see if the eggs survived. The winners are the groups that  successfully protected the egg. If you chose to have other awards, announce those winners als o. This activity is useful to illustrate the importance of teamwork. Ask everyone to reflect on how their group accomplished the task, what worked, what was challenging, etc. Fa

Stalin Essay (Josif Vissarionovich Djugashvili).

Stalin Essay (Josif Vissarionovich Djugashvili). Josif Vissarionovich Djugashvili.Stalin is an important person in world history because he was the one that killed millions of people in Russia. Josif changed his last name from Djugashvili to Stalin because it meant "man of steel". He became dictator of Russia in 1929 after being appointed Secretary General of the Communist Party in 1922. Stalin didn't like some of the army officers that were part of the Russian army. Stalin changed Russia forever.Stalin was born as Josif Vissarionovich Djugashvili in Georgia, a region in the Caucasus Mountains in 1879. He was born into a poor family with his father making shoes. He married his first wife named Ekaterina Svanidze in 1904 and had a son named Jacob. She later died of tuberculosis in 1907. In 1918, he married his second wife, Nadezhda Alliluyeva. They had a son named Vasily and a daughter named Svetlana. She committed suicide in 1932.Beria's letter to PolitburoHe died in1953 of a brain hemorrhage.Stalin had a very bad method of rule/le adership. He began the Five Year Plans in 1928 which harmed the country, but it was good in the long run. In 1934, Stalin began a widespread campaign of arrests also known as The Great Purges. Stalin used these purges to take control of the Soviet society. During this time, the Communist Party falsely accused millions of Soviet citizens of committing crimes against the government. They were arrested the by Stalin's secret police (NKVD). They were arrested, imprisoned, tortured, and shot therefore, millions of people died. The purges finally ended in 1938.Even thought Stalin did very bad things during his reign in Russia, he did Russia some good. Stalin industrialized Russia by bringing agriculture under government control. The state set all prices and controlled access to farm supply. The Soviet Union...

New product development process in the aerospace industry. the Essay

New product development process in the aerospace industry. the introduction of new process - Essay Example History presents several organisations that have ceased to exist simply because of their lack of innovativeness and new products. In the present global society where products become obsolete and services out of date very quickly, new products are the key to success for any business house, be it domestic or international (Lancaster, & Withey, 2007). On the other hand, it is also true that NPD involves huge costs. In fact it is one of the most risk-laden areas among all the operational activities. Moreover, new products are often found to be struggling to achieve the expected success in the market. Failure of new product is very likely to damage the company’s reputation. New product development process of any company is subjected to several barriers which vary from country to country. This literature review includes a discussion on the barriers to new product development process in the context of UK. However, prior to that it is very important to gain insight into the details of the fundamentals that govern a new product development process. The process of new product development involves several steps. The process starts from idea generation and ends with commercialisation. In between of these two, there are steps like screening, business analysis, development and test marketing. Success of a new product depends on the diligence with which a company has followed these steps. According to David L. Kurtz, MacKenzie and Kim Snow, â€Å"traditionally, most of the companies have developed new products through phased development, which follows the six step process in an orderly sequence† (Kurtz, MacKenzie & Snow, 2009). Responsibility regarding each phase moves first from product planners to engineers and designers. In the final phase it passes to the marketers. The phased development process is effective for those firms that dominate

Figurative Language versus Literal Language Assignment

Figurative Language versus Literal Language - Assignment Example Amphiboly An amphiboly is a misleading notion that relies on either a vague word or a grammatical formation and meant to puzzle or give a wrong impression to an audience. In essence, amphiboly is created from fallacies through modification of sentence structures in such a way that the sentence will have two or more meanings. A speaker may choose to create a sentence in a careless manner in order to arouse peoples’ attention for instance in an advert. An amphiboly is best demonstrated in the advert below. â€Å"Four rooms apartments for rent inclusive of; cooking room, private phone, river sight and bathroom†. Someone might e tempted to think that the advert talks about a four bed roomed house that has a private phone, a private kitchen and a private bathroom. But in reality, the only thing that is private in this room is private phone. The other utilities are to be shared somewhere within the apartments. Analogy This is a logical argument which shows similarity between two things or situations while pointing out that if two things or situations are similar in one way, then they should be similar in others. Example; after John was jailed, he felt like a fish out of water. This means the conditions under which John was is comparable to the conditions a fish moved out of water would be. It means that he was very uncomfortable as a fish would die outside water. Flame word Flame words are words that give an impression of an insult in their use. Flame words are used in conjunction with other figures of speech when a speaker wants to give an insulting comment. Example, â€Å"You are such a snob†. The phrase can often be misused to mean that though the speaker is a liar, the subject is a better liar. This phrase may sometimes be misunderstood to mean an intentional accusation and cause a conflict. Metaphor It is a figure of speech that uses one thing to mean another. It is used to make a comparison between two things. For instance, â€Å"the old l ady cried until he became a child†. Literally the audience may be tempted to think that the lady cried until he changed into a child but this is not true metaphorically. In fact, it means that he cried like a child. Hyperbole This is the use of exaggeration to produce a comic effect. Hyperboles are therefore comparisons that are excessive and outrageous in nature. Example, â€Å"The comedy was so funny the crowd died of laughter†. The above sentence does not mean that anybody died. It rather means that fun was extreme so people laughed a lot. It is used to show extremity of actions or events. Simile â€Å"A simile is a figure of speech that gives a comparison between two dissimilar things to give a different meaning† (Myers & Smith, 2008). It uses the words â€Å"like or as† in comparison. For example, he is a coward like a hyena or he is brave as a lion. The first example compares the cowardice of the subject to that of a hyena while the second example co mpares the subject’s gallantry to a lion’s bravery. Similes are used in speech to arouse the attention of the audience. Euphemism It is a polite term that is used in place of other words or phrases to pass harsh or unpleasant information to the audience. It can also be used to pass a harsh or bitter truth in a friendlier manner. For instance, the old woman passed away yesterday. The words ‘passed away’

Communication Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Communication - Assignment Example They are of the view that much of the information about the customers is personal in nature such as their leisure activities and family lives; that cannot be made available to all as that carries the risk of falling in wrong hands and may lead to some kind of a legal dispute in future. I am pleased to learn through your letter that the Manitoba Philanthropic Society will be holding its annual charity telethon on February 15 lasting for two days during next year. I am fully aware about the charity activities carried out by your organization to assist the victims of disaster within Manitoba province and do appreciate it. I also recognize the fact that you were inducted into the order of the Buffalo Hunt last year for your long charitable work and you greatly deserved the award. All our seasonal kitchen and cleaning staff are laid off during the winter season until April 15 each year and the resort has only a few maintenance workers during the period. Water in the resort is also turned off in winter for conservation and access roads are not plowed by then to make them usable. It is also not possible and economical to rehire workers for just two days period during the days you want to organize your charity show. However, I would like to draw your attention that some resorts do remain open all winter and Moose Horn Resort in the Riding Mountains is one of such kind. You can check with them if they are eager and ready to accommodate your charity

The Environmental Impacts Of Transportation Environmental Sciences Essay

The Environmental Impacts Of Transportation Environmental Sciences Essay Over the years, the development of road networks across the world has undoubtedly contributed significantly to the changing of the landscape. Clearly those involved in all aspects of the design and construction of roads will be very aware of the, often emotive, issues that surround this highly visible intrusion into the natural environment. According to Alo (2008) Central to any functional urban settlement is the level and extent of its transportation network. Road, rail and water systems constitute the modes of transport that have been fully exploited by major urban cities around the globe to facilitate the complete integration of the various segments of their economy thus stimulating development. Since these systems are not isolated, interaction between them and the environment often lead to not too beneficial consequences. Although, cities play key roles in the development processes, they are, in general, productive places that make more than a proportionate contribution to nation al economic growth. However, the very process of urban growth often brings with it deterioration in surrounding environmental conditions. As a locus for population growth, commercial and industrial activity, cities concentrate energy and resource use and waste generation to the point that both man-made and natural systems are overloaded and the capacities to manage these systems are overwhelmed. This situation is exacerbated with rapid urban population growth. (James, 2009) Urban systems and services (e.g., water supply, sanitation, public transport and roads) are increasingly congested due to population, commercial and industrial growth coupled with poor urban management. Natural resources (water, air, forests, minerals, land) vital to the cities economic development and to future generations are lost or misused through inappropriate urban policies. The radius of impact of cities on resources lying far beyond their boundaries is steadily increasing. Furthermore, urban areas are inu ndated in their own wastes and choked on their own emissions as a result of inadequate pollution control and waste management policies and practices. According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (2005), the degradation of transportation networks due to poor maintenance, natural disasters, deterioration over time, in addition to unforeseen attacks, leads to estimates of $94 billion in the United States of needed repairs for roads alone. Moreover, in a new era of climate change, it is expected, as documented in numerous studies (cf. National Assessment Team (2001), US Department of Transportation (2002), Smith and Levasseur (2002), Zimmerman (2003), Arkell and Darch (2006), Schulz (2007)), that the degradation of critical infrastructure, including transportation networks, can be expected to increase. At the same time, emissions generated through transportation are some of the biggest contributors to climate change and global warming. In Nigeria, the most developed of systems is road transportation with the roads mainly prominent in the various state capitals and inter-state highways. Projects limited to road rehabilitation, maintenance, minor construction, as well as to traffic management and regulation unlike new road construction, generally involve lesser environmental concerns. The roads are often constructed with no provision whatsoever to address problems such as the runoff quality vehicle emissions and other probable consequences of the road users activities. (Alo, 2008) Thus it is not unusual to find highways of mainly flushed shoulder passing through residential hubs, industrial estates and farmlands and since roads and highway surfaces are impervious, they serve as temporary sinks for various types of pollutants which are washed off during rainfall as runoff them to the proximate environment. Pollution from non-point sources such as highway runoff has therefore continued to be a major source of concern f or environmental regulatory bodies and other stakeholders the world over as they contribute to the pollutant load of the receiving environment, in most cases the water bodies and farmlands. This according to James (2009), results to a gradual degradation of the receiving water quality and an eventual impairment of the beneficial uses of such receiving environment. It is against these backdrops that this research work strives to investigate and explore the assessment of the environmental impact of the degradation of transportation network infrastructure in the form of roads. The research study therefore focuses on selected parks in Ilorin East local government. 1.2 Statement of the problem Vehicles serve as a direct and an indirect source of pollutants on the highways through normal operation and wear and via the deposition of solid materials picked up from the inner roads onto the highway surfaces respectively. Consequently, increased traffic volume tends to lead to increase in the amount of pollutants around the highway environment. (Alo, 2008) Thus busy spots on the highway have been observed to be characterized by poor runoff qualities; pollutant enriched roadside soil and obnoxious atmosphere. The resulting environmental damages or costs threaten the continued productivity of cities and the health and quality of life of its citizens. Cities have become major environmental hot spots that urgently require special attention in regional and in all environmental planning and management at the metropolitan regional scale. The Nigerian situation is further exacerbated by the reality of increasing large-scale importation of old/fairly used vehicles for use on the Nigerian highways. An Urban centre such as Ilorin has a wide network of roads which mostly bridges it numerous canals and the lagoon. Thus the need to identify, quantify and mitigate potential pollutants as a result of the transportation activities on these roads and highways is most necessary. This is why a research like this becomes fundamentally imperative for the sake of inhabitants of Ilorin metropolitan cities. 1.3 Objectives of the study The overall purpose of this research work is to investigate the environmental impacts of transportation in Ilorin metropolitan city. The study therefore is undertaken with the following specific objectives; To examine the extent to which transportation system of activities can impact on the atmospheric condition. To identify factors resulting from urban transportation activities capable of environmental pollution and degradation in the area under study. To come up with meaningful recommendation on how to improve environmental health through Transportation Projects that are environmentally-friendly 1.4 Research Questions In a bid to achieve the above stated objectives this research work will be designed to provide answers to the following questions To what extent can transportation systems or activities significantly impact on the atmospheric condition of the studied environment? In environmental education, how educated are drivers, trader in the studied parks? Do location of motor parks has anything to do with noise pollution in the society? Are there facilities for good management of transportation in the studied park? In what significant way can we improve on our environmental health through and reduce hazards that come from transportation activities? 1.5 Research Hypotheses For the purpose of this proposed research work, the following research hypothesis (Null) are formulated for statistical testing H0; 1 There is no significant relationship between transportation and environmental health in Ilorin East. H0; 2 Transportation activities do not negatively affect the atmospheric conditions of the natural environment. H0; 3 There is no significant ways through which environmental hazards can be prevented in Ilorin metropolitan city. 1.6 Significance of the Study The benefit to be derived in determining the environmental impacts of transportation in our society are immeasurable. Its benefits in enhancing public health and reduction of environmental hazards will be monumental. An important justification for this proposed study is that it will help establish the link between transportation activities and the state of human environment in Ilorin, Kwara State. It will also show us the degree to which the former can affect the latter in Nigeria. Apart from these, a study like this will serve as a book of reference to students/scholars, commercial bus companies, transport workers, politicians and road managers, who might want to further study and understand environmental impact of transportation in Nigeria. Furthermore, conclusion reached in this proposed research work will serve as a crystal guide to Government, political policy makers, ministers for road and transportation and motor park chair persons in Nigeria to identify which elements of policy area need urgent modification and which is not. This proposed study is also justified on the ground that it will serve as a frontier of knowledge to upcoming researchers who are willing to carry out similar research work. 1.7 Scope of the Study The scope of this research work will limit to examining the environmental impacts of transportation in Ilorin, Kwara State. The study therefore focuses on Ilorin East Local government are of Kwara State. The choice of Ilorin East Local Government is attributable to the convenience it promises in the conduct of the field work and fact that the local government is a metropolitan city which tend to have more operating motor parks than others in Ilorin. These include; ABC motor park XYZ motor park 123 park, and KKK park The study will focus on this area because it is an academic endeavour that is time bound. 1.8 Definition of Terms In a bid to ensure clarity, simplicity as well as avoiding ambiguity in this research work, the following major terms used in this project work are briefly defined for easy understanding. Transportation Environment Degradation Pollution Public health Please try to define the above terms, please make your definition brief and concise, you can use dictionary meaning if you want but please make the definition relevant to two things: first, your field of study (i.e., public health), 2nd it has to be define in the manner in which they are used in this project. I hope you understand?

Sense and Sensibility: A Novel of Moderation Essay -- Austen Sense Sen

  In her first published novel, Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austin brought to life the spirit of being young, in love and living in the eighteenth century. Her story revealed the heartaches and happiness shared by Elinor Dashwood, who represented sense and her sister Marianne, who stood for sensibility. Both sisters felt strongly for what they unknowingly stood for, but each needed to reach a middle ground to find true happiness. It was not until the end of the novel, through marriage, that Elinor and Marianne overcame their nature of having sense and sensibility. Although the title suggested a story of opposites, Sense and Sensibility was about moderation, and how it was applied to two individuals to create sincere joy. The Dashwood sisters were alike in many ways: they were both pretty, young and looking for a suitor. Their differences, however, far exceed their similarities. Marianne, the younger sister at seventeen, was described as "sensible and clever; but eager in every thing; her sorrows, her joys, could have no moderation. She was generous, amiable, interesting; she was everything but prudent" [sic] (p. 4). Elinor saw this with concern, for she "possessed a strength of understanding, and coolness of judgment, which qualified her, though only nineteen, to be the counsellor of her mother, and enabled her frequently to counteract, to the advantage of them all, that eagerness of mind in Mrs Dashwood which must generally have led to imprudence. She had an excellent heart; - her disposition was affectionate, and her feelings were strong; but she knew how to govern them" [sic] (p. 3). The sisters also had different ideas of what to look for in a husband. Elinor was never specific on what she looked for in a suitor; h... ...ndship, voluntarily to give her hand to another!" [sic] (p. 259). Marianne had overcome the passion she had possessed to find happiness, for she "found her own happiness . . . . [and] could never love by halves; and her whole heart became, in time, as much devoted to her husband, as it had once been to Willoughby" (p. 260). The novel Sense and Sensibility is a wonderful tale of two young sisters who were able to overcome their own personal trials to reach happiness. Elinor was able to show her passion for Edward, releasing a great burden of sadness off her shoulders, while Marianne overcame her passion of Willoughby to love another, her husband. Despite the suggestion of the title, the novel was focused on moderation, and the role it plays in creating happiness. Works Cited: Austen, Jane. Sense and Sensibility. New York: Barnes and Noble Inc., 1996.

Organizational Management and Operations Paper

ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS PAPER Juan Malfavon CJA/484 v2 July 13, 2012 Gregory Baugh * Criminal Justice Trends Paper * The Policing component is only one part of the criminal justice system (triad of justice) that includes Policing, Courts, and Corrections, and it is the primary tier that generates criminal arrests, prosecutions, restraints, criminal activity, and protects the peace. * This paper will review the policing function of the criminal justice system and will identify, compare, and contrast the policing function at the local, state, and federal organizational levels of the criminal justice system.An analysis of the organizational, management, administration, and operational functions at these three organizational levels will be assessed for similarity of leadership and differences. * According to â€Å"Police Crunch† (2012), â€Å"To be an effective police/law enforcement officer, one must understand where we (law enforcement) has been, where society believes we are and what the heck is going to happen in the future† (Para. 1). For society to continue a policing effectiveness, one must also understand the leadership aspects associated with managing personnel, and equipment at all levels of law enforcement.Keeping the peace; be it local or national requires tremendous resources, and an acutely instinctive leadership base. * Police Function Comparison Defining law enforcement capability also requires identifying agencies that work in the same capacity of law enforcement; that is, protecting the pace, enforcing laws, and combating crime. In the article Trends and Practices in Law Enforcement and Private Security by the Law Enforcement-Private Security Consortium (2009).The Consortium defines law enforcement as the following agencies; Public law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and tribal police departments; sheriffs’ departments, and federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U. S. Secret Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and many others. The purpose of identifying these agencies is to support the reader’s perspective of what law enforcement agencies are; be they local, state or federal.Policing at any level of civil capacity requires an arduous amount of time, resources, and most important; dependable personnel, and quality leadership. Technology and all its capabilities not only, but also help the law enforcement community to track and prevent possible crimes, and with the implementation of the county, state, and federal policing system, have arisen many positive attributes, one in particular is that policing agencies should model the same common goal.The prevention of crime and protection of life, to uphold and enforce the law, to combat public fear of crime, to promote community safety, to control traffic, to encourage respect for the law, and to protect the civil rights, and liberties of individuals (Heath & Terry, 2008). However; Costs associated with policing communities, educating police officers and keeping in line with the policing functions as depicted by Sir Robert Peel, are skyrocketing in the face of ever increasing criminal activity.To add to the decreasing structure of law enforcement, the lack of uniformity of leadership within these legal communities is a remarkable forfeiture in manpower development, and leadership continuity, which only serves to strengthen the criminal community. There are many varieties of police department operational functions that include: diversity in the hiring of the police officers as well as the type of training received.Many police agencies develop their own forum for training their officers in accordance with local policies. Unfortunately; not all police departments maneuver the same, and in most cases do not even operate under the same principles of policing or leadership development, thus the locale, state, and federal policing agencies have some policing similarity, but operate under completely diverse training, and operational standards, which account for operational mistakes, and unnecessary costs.One theory in relation to how some agencies are controlled is called the organizational theory, this theory argues that; a police officers’ conduct and deportment is shaped by his or her fellow officers and the culture of policing in that area. This can be true for all levels of law enforcement, and leadership at any regional setting. Some of these models are very rigid, and orderly, such as the quasi-military style model, where the organization functions much like a ilitary unit, such as the swat teams do, where battle dress uniforms are worn and military style tactics are employed for all training, this style of policing is more widely accepted at the local and state level of policing. During the authors tenure as a United States Marine, and acting in the capacity of a Military P olice Officer; training is based on military structure and much ridged, even when handling civilian personnel on or off base, the training was directive and demanded absolute aggressiveness, be it verbal or physical.There are also other less rigid programs of leadership such as the dominant style of policing model, the task force policing model, and the zero tolerance policing models (Walker & Katz). These models gravitate to a more civil capacity in handling personnel and civil issues and are more widely used by small town police forces or federal agencies. Just as people are different; so too are supervisory roles, mission statements and leaderships. Every policing organization has its common goals to adhere to such as, crime prevention, traffic, crime control, safety, and education, to name a few examples.The values and principles of policing are largely dictated by the area’s leading director, and the types of crimes that are associated with the local precinct. This uncan ny process of regional legal factors should serve to re-enforce, or to strengthen possible gaps in policing agencies, their logistics, training, and personnel issues through information sharing and innovative leadership, which is more commonly used and practiced nationwide. Organizational Similarities * With the aid of technology, and new law enforcement relationship’s established throughout the continental United States.Policing programs such as, the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and several other American agencies have established joint partnering programs with local law enforcement agencies (Fact Sheet: The USA Patriot Act – A Proven Homeland Security Tool,  2005). * This new form of joint policing has been made possible in large part because of the 911 terror attacks, and the signing of the USA Patriot act, authorizing law enforcement agencies to share information across state lines.This policing program structure has brought a significant punch to the w orld of policing at the national and international crime fighting arenas. * Although the law enforcement community has had a financial boon with the passage of the USA Patriot act, budgetary and management issues continue to have an impact on the policing community at all levels of legal enforcements, and the other tiers of the criminal justice system are also feeling the manpower, and financial pinch. It is for this reason that training programs like that of the Law Enforcement-Private Security Consortium. (2009), have established literature to support the uniformity training standards from which all law enforcement agencies can retrieve training guides, ideas, support, and assistance in improving the programs in their community and in their fight to combat crime, and secure the peace within their region or policing level, be it local, state, or federal.This program handbook is available to every policing agency and is published by the department of justice to ensure a uniformity s tructure among all policing agencies. Although there is a distinct difference between the uniforms that local, state, and federal agencies wear, there is little distinction in the mission of each agency, which is to maintain civil compliance with local, state and federal laws and to ensure the safety of its citizenry, but the underlying fact is that all agencies operate differently in leadership and with different goals. Leadership Characteristics * The federal level of law enforcement, which for the most part operates on the same level as the lower level agencies is tasked with bringing higher levels of criminals to justice such as, interstate drug traffickers, human trafficking as well as serial killers, and internationally wanted criminals. This type of program requires more funding, intelligence gathering, better equipment, and resources as well as leadership, intellect, discipline, and experience.An officer at this level should be thoroughly equipped and supported by all other agencies within the judicial system. * The state and local level leadership programs should focus on internal issues and implement programs to support the federal level agencies and to learn from the programs, and leadership characteristics that enable national and international enforcement agencies to handle such varied criminal traffic. * Close The future of law enforcement at the local, state, and federal level will have to convert to a more strategic in environment for law enforcement organizations because of the overwhelming amount of cybercrimes, human smuggling, drug trade and increased egregious crimes against humanity that are emerging within the United States and other countries. Information sharing will becomes easier and strategic in combating all crimes for law enforcement agencies, and will be the spear head to eradicating potential crimes at local, state and federal agencies. As law enforcement organizations at the local, state and federal level learn to compare, adju st, and recalibrate leadership responsibility, connect with information sharing programs and learn to work in unison to facilitate a uniformity style leadership programs, criminals and their factions will eventually start to follow a systematic shut down. * This study reviewed the policing functions at the local, state, and federal levels.An analysis of the organizational management, administration, and operational functions of these three regional law enforcement agencies revealed how law enforcement agencies at all levels have the same mission yet carry it out it in varied ways. * A view of the leadership characteristics and responsibilities showed how agents at the federal level require more training, funds, equipment and communication with lower level programs to adequately accomplish the mission of national and global policing. * * * * * * ReferencesLaw Enforcement in the 21st Century, Second Edition, by Heath B. Grant and Karen J. Terry. Published by Allyn & Bacon. Copyright à ‚ © 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. * Law Enforcement-Private Security Consortium. (2009). Trends and Practics in Law * Enforcement and Private Security Collaborations . : U. S. Department of Justice. Police crunch. com. (2012). Retrieved from http://policecrunch. com Walker, S. , & Katz, C. M. The Police In America: An Introduction (6th ed. ). New York, New York: McGraw Hill. *

Gothic conventions Essay Example

Gothic conventions Essay Example Gothic conventions Essay Gothic conventions Essay Gothic conventions consist of writing that would scare and excite the reader. Gothic writing was popular during the late 18th, early 19th century. Gothic features include supernatural forces, medieval castles, dungeons and darkness. The type of language is very melodramatic in its style of stereotyped characters. Gothic characters typically include spectres, monsters, demons, corpses, skeletons, evil aristocrats, vampires and Dracula. A Goth is one of a German tribe who invaded Eastern and Western Europe. They are normally barbarous, foul and uncouth. Gothic conventions usually involve journeys, quests, strange creatures and sinister buildings. Gothic novels are created to frighten their readers. In Gothic productions imagination and emotional effects exceed reason. Dracula was first published in 1897, other versions have adapted from the original. The main characters in Dracula include Jonathan Harker, Mina and Van Helsing. Throughout the story, Bram Stoker uses Draculas abilities, actions and appearance to create suspense for the reader. The novel opens with an extract from Jonathan Harkers journal relating to his journey. In the journal Jonathan Harker expresses his feelings; these include his worries and fears as he travels to Castle Dracula. Bram Stoker uses strange customs and sights to generate anxiety in Jonathan Harkers journal to the reader. : I did not sleep well, though my bed was comfortable enough, for I had all sorts of queer dreams, this creates fear to the reader because it explains there was weird existence during the sleep because it caused discomfort that was not visible. Sometimes we saw little tows or castles on the top of steep hills such as we see in old missals; sometimes we ran by rivers and streams which seemed from the wide stony margin on each side of them to be subject to great floods Jonathan Harker describes the strange sights and interpretations of his journey which can create suspense for the reader. The strangest figures we saw were the Slovaks, who were more barbarian than the rest, with their big cowboy hats, great baggy dirty-white trousers, white linen shirts, and enormous heavy leather belts, nearly a foot wide, all studded over with brass nails. A very descriptive view of the Slovaks, gives the reader a clear understanding of what Harker saw during the journey. When Jonathan Harker arrives at his destination he is greeted curiously by the innkeeper, He and his wife, the old lady who received me, looked at each other in a frightened sort of way. Harker discovers the innkeeper has an odd relationship with Dracula, When I asked him if he knew Count Dracula, and could tell me anything of his castle, both he and his wife crossed themselves, and, saying that they knew nothing at all, simply refused to speak further. This creates suspense for the reader by implying the innkeeper knew Dracula but was frightened to admit it as he may not be allowed to or may know something secreted. Later in the novel, Bram Stoker describes Draculas abilities to create suspense as they are beyond nature. This vampire which is amongst us is of himself so strong in person as twenty men, this specifies how strong and threatening Dracula can be. He is of cunning more than mortal, for his cunning be the growth of ages, Bram Stoker uses a comparison with mortals to be more accurate for the readers understanding, Stoker also uses a particular type of language that is complex to an extent to create tension. He is brute, and more than brute, he is devil in callous, and the heart of him is not; he can, within limitations, appear at will when, and where Bram Stoker explains Draculas abilities in great detail using comparisons and metaphors to excite the reader regarding Draculas abilities. Strange creatures defy logic, therefore are most likely to be scary or beyond nature. In the novel, Bram Stoker uses Draculas abilities to create disturbance towards the reader. He uses language to make a vivid picture. Gothic conventions usually include sinister buildings to produce suspense in the atmosphere. An example of this can be found of Draculas crypt. A crypt is an obvious location to set action related to death and suspense. The crypt is not a place the living normally spend time in, it is a place where the dead are at home. Bram Stoker sets the scene for Draculas crypt by using dark language to explain the atmosphere, the whole place was thick with dust gives the sense that the place is old and has been isolated for a long time. The floor seemed inches deep explains the extent of how long the place has been remote. The walls were fluffy and heavy dust, and in the corners were masses of spiders webs, whereon the dust had gathered till they looked like old tattered rags as the weight had torn them partly down, Bram Stoker uses very descriptive language to illustrate the atmosphere, Stoker uses similes to make the image more clear to the reader consequently creating a more mysterious understanding. Bram Stoker creates tense situations which cause the reader to feel to feel insecure. He creates tense situations by using descriptive language to express the atmosphere. The language he uses involves elements of mysterious and creepy surroundings, through these frowning walls and dark window openings it was not likely that my voice could penetrate. The reader shares a sense of fear with Jonathan because Stoker uses the first person narration to make the reader feel involved.

A Helpful and Concise Summary of Othello Act 1

A Helpful and Concise Summary of 'Othello' Act 1 Hold tight and delve into William Shakespeares tragedy Othello with this summary of Act 1.  This analysis covers  the entire play, starting from the opening scene in which the prolific playwright wastes no time  establishing Iagos hatred of Othello. Better understand  this beautifully written drama  with this  scene-by-scene guide. Act 1, Scene 1 In Venice Iago and Roderigo discuss Othello. Roderigo immediately addresses  Iago’s disdain for Othello; â€Å"Thou told’st me thou didst hold him in thy hate,† he says. Iago complains that instead of employing him as his lieutenant, Othello employed Michael Cassio who has no experience for the job. Iago was employed as a mere ensign to Othello. Roderigo responds; â€Å"By heaven, I rather would have been his hangman.† Iago tells Roderigo that he will stay in Othello’s service only to exact revenge upon him when the time is right. Iago and Roderigo do not refer to Othello by name in this scene but rather by his race; calling him the moor or the thick lips. The pair plot to inform Brabanzio, Desdemona’s father, that his daughter has run off with Othello and married him and that he is an unsuitable match, citing his race and impulsivity. The audience discovers that Roderigo is in love with Desdemona, as Brabanzio points out he has already warned him off her; â€Å"In honest plainness thou hast heard me say my daughter is not for thee.† This explains Roderigo’s hatred of Othello. The pair goad Brabanzio, and Iago says, â€Å"I am the one sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.† Brabanzio checks Desdemona’s room and discovers she is missing. He launches a full-scale search for his daughter and regretfully tells Roderigo that he would prefer him to be his daughters husband and not Othello; â€Å"O would you had had her.† Iago resolves to leave, as he does not want his master to know he has double-crossed him. Brabanzio promises Roderigo that he will reward him for his efforts. â€Å"Oh, good Roderigo. I will deserve your pains,† he says. Act 1, Scene 2 Iago tells Othello that Desdemona’s father and Roderigo are pursuing him. Iago lies, telling Othello that he challenged them.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Nay, but he prated, and spoke such scurvy and provoking terms against your honor that with the little godliness I have, I did full hard forbear him,† he says. Othello answers that his honor and services to the state speak for themselves, and he will convince Brabanzio that he is a good match for his daughter. He tells Iago that he loves Desdemona. Cassio and his officers enter, and Iago tries to convince Othello that it is his enemy, and he should hide. But Othello shows strength of character by staying. â€Å"I must be found. My parts, my title, and my perfect soul shall manifest me rightly,† he says. Cassio explains that the Duke needs to speak to Othello about the conflict in Cyprus. Iago tells Cassio about Othello’s marriage. Brabanzio arrives with swords drawn. Iago draws his sword on Roderigo knowing that they have the same intention and that Roderigo will not kill him but will collude with the pretense. Brabanzio is angry that Othello has eloped with his daughter and again uses his race to put him down, saying that it is ridiculous to think she turned down wealthy and worthy gentleman to run off with him. â€Å"She shunned the wealthy curled darlings of our nation, †¦t’incur a general mock, run from her guardage to the sooty bosom of such a thing as thou,† he says. Brabanzio also accuses Othello of drugging his daughter. Brabanzio wants to put Othello in prison, but Othello says that the Duke requires his services and will also need to speak to him, so they decide to go to the Duke together to decide Othello’s fate.

Film Theory Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Film Theory - Research Proposal Example Bazin regards cinema as an idealistic phenomenon with technical features resting only in the background. As a humanist, he thrives on the view that the idea is precedent to the invention and is therefore superior to the technical means used in achieving it. In his book The Evolution of the language of Cinema,2 he asserts that the necessity for an idea towards technical means is one that requires new form or style. Bazin states that the cinema is much elevated as compared to photography because of its ability to record the event in time and posits that filmmakers must refrain from false subjective manipulation owing to the complexity of reality which the cinema characteristically pursues. There has been confusion in the domain of film theory concerning Bazin's writings, which can be traced down to the image being filmed and its life counterpart, in which he says that the photographic image is one that may be described as a kind of transfer. It is the object itself which is freed from the conditions of time and space governing it. There is a commonality in the photograph and the object itself whose sameness is pursued by a fashion of the fingerprint.3 (Referring to Andre Bazin's essay, "The Evolution of Film Language", analyze the ways in which William Wyler explores the moral and emotional conflicts experienced by... The film is considered a masterpiece of cinematic craftsmanship in which first-rate support actors gave life to their roles.4 Wyler's film shows details that depict Bazin's ideas in The Evolution of Film Language. Cinema as an idealistic phenomenon5 which Bazin explores in his essay is embodied in The Little Foxes with the film's portrayal of greed and avarice having the real message it wants to convey - that of the consequences of evil acts which men must avoid. As Bazin generally describes a film as a medium of duplicating reality, Wyler was able to successfully convey this duplication in real-life experiences of wealth and greed in the Hubbard and Giddens family, in which surefire downfall awaits people of extreme greed. Wyler explores the moral conflicts experienced by his heroine Regina Giddens with the use of depth-of-field photography through the captured emotions needed to surface from a villainous character. How other characters were portrayed, such as that of being kind (Ho race and Alexandra Giddens) reinforced the evilness of the heroine through implied comparison. The moral conflicts are tackled in the story with wealth and money as the groundwork of the exhibited behavior of the characters, whether acting upon it or away from its influences and corruption. Regina Giddens is in a situation which might be considered a maze in which she was to succumb to social norms of this time where a woman does not bring money with her when she gets married regardless of the family's wealth. Hence, she must rely financially on her husband. The social norms had placed her in a stringent situation totally not giving her a space to express her fondness for money. An attempt to put her daughter Alexandra in marriage to Leo, Alexandra's

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 99

Assignment Example I will prepare an aquarium with water, a total of five. I will prepare first 5 various water samples with varying degrees of dissolved oxygen: 0, 2, 6, 12, 18 ppm. Then I will put in several fish in each of the 5 samples of water, perhaps 15 each and count the fish that will stay alive in it after 6 hours or so. The independent variable is the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water because it does not depend on any factor and it is the one being manipulated for the experiment. The dependent variable is the number of fish because it depends on how much dissolved oxygen is in the water. The control group is the one which is marked 18ppm, assuming that this is the average amount of dissolved oxygen in water. It depends on the average value of dissolved oxygen in water and that should be the control group. The purpose of the control group is to serve as the basis against which other experimental data will be compared. 6. (1 point) What type of graph would be appropriate for this data set? Why? See p. 18-19 and the two types of graphs. Dont forget that the x-axis (horizontal) represents values for the independent variable (the factor you change or that you want to see what effect it has on a specific outcome) and the y-axis (vertical) are values for the dependent variable (the factor that you predict will change). 7. (2 points) Graph the data from Table 2. Explain the reason for the type of graph you selected and dont forget to include a title, labels for the x-axis and y-axis (include the units). You may submit the graph as an Excel or other attachment. 5. A local grocery store was holding a contest to see who could most closely guess the number of pennies inside a large jar. The first six people guessed the number 735, 209, 390, 300, 1005, and 689. The grocery clerk said that jar actually contains 568 pennies Part 2: Write the numbers below in scientific notation, incorporating what you know about significant digits. For the exponents use