Are the SATs Irrelevant free essay sample

In her pop-De piece, It Doesnt Test For Success, (Creighton), Joanne V Creighton, PHD asserts that standardized test scores such as the Cats are no longer useful in predicting the potential successes of todays students. Dry. Creighton, who at the time was President of Mount Holyoke College, cited the errors in scoring on the SAT for approximately 4,000 students. We will write a custom essay sample on Are the SATs Irrelevant? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page She further stated that while the test may have made sense when first developed, it no longer presents an accurate portrait of the potential of todays college-bound students. While Dry. Creighton presents some valid points, I do not believe we should completely disregard the value of the Cats. This is a complex issue with many things to consider and, as the saying goes, lets not throw out the baby with the bathwater Just yet. The catalyst for Dry. Creighton article appears to be the error in reporting the SAT scores for approximately 4,000 students. This error was the result of a technical issue encountered during the scanning of the answer sheets. These 4,000 students represented less than 1% of all students taking the test during that sitting (Pope). To condemn the overall value and relevance of the test based on what amounts to a computer error is an overreaction. Although it was most certainly an inconvenience and caused stress to those involved, the error was caught, the scores were recalculated, and the correct information was communicated to the students and other interested parties. Dry. Creighton goes on to make the valid point that a one-size fits all test could not adequately assess the diverse populations of students and schools that make up the U. S. Educational landscape. (Creighton) She also points out that the most prestigious universities are primarily made up of whites, Asians, and the wealthy, while the number of students being educated from the lower end of the economic scale is extremely low. While this may not be the level playing field that the developers of the test had envisioned, I do not think it is fair to blame that statistic solely on the results of the SAT. Other influences come into play. A report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that while qualified low-income students attend college at rates similar to qualified middle-income students, college- qualified students who believe that college is unaffordable, such as low-income and minority students, are less likely to take the necessary steps to enroll in college, such as taking the SAT. (SST. John) The solution to the problem of low enrollment numbers of qualified low-income and minority students would then appear to be better communication of the ways to make college affordable. This, in turn, would increase the number of students taking college entrance exam, thereby increasing the umber of students from the lower end of the economic scale receiving college educations. The annual college rankings report by U. S. News and World Report is another measurement that Dry. Creighton finds lacking. On this point I am inclined to agree with her. This report considers information other than the academic performance of students when compiling its rankings, such as acceptance rate and alumni donations, which gives the appearance off biased report. Mount Holyoke College stopped requiring the SAT tort admission in 2001, making it optional. According to Dry. Creighton, since they stopped requiring the SAT, the school has been studying the effects as a result. Upon finding no meaningful difference in academic performance between the students who did not submit scores and those who did (Creighton), the school came to the conclusion that the SAT is unnecessary to predict future academic performance. This study also confirmed that the higher the income level of a students family, the more likely the student will take advantage of tutoring or special instruction on taking the SAT. In Dry. Creighton opinion, this calls into question the credibility of the SAT. I think this statement is a little strong. The students who cannot afford private tutors or preparation lessons for taking the SAT do have other options. The public library has preparation workbooks available to everybody free of charge. There are online resources to help prepare for the test, which can also be accessed at the public library free of charge. The answer, according to Dry. Creighton, is to look at a students overall high school reference, activities, and recommendations and to disregard the SAT scores. I agree that this approach does offer a more balanced view of the student as a whole. It is important for a student to be well rounded, and not Just an accomplished test taker. I still think that SAT scores should at least be a part of the equation. Even though a student may be well rounded, he still must be able to take and pass standardized tests in order to proceed and eventually graduate from college. I applaud Dry. Creighton persistence in encouraging colleges to look at the big picture hen selecting students to accept. It is important, however, to maintain a balance and not swing from one extreme to another. SAT scores are but one criterion of several that should be looked at by college admissions offices when selecting the right students to attend their school. Works Cited Creighton, Joanne V. Dry. Los Angles Times 13 March 2006. Pope, Justine. The Associated Press 11 March 2006. SST. John, Edward P. The Access Challenge: Rethinking the Causes of the New Inequality. Bloomington: Indiana University, Bloomington: Education Policy Center, 2002.

Things Fall Apart Symbolism

Things Fall Apart Symbolism The novel â€Å"Things Fall Apart† takes a central role on the changing system of contemporary literature in Africa. The author refutes a widespread stereotype claiming that before colonization, Africa did not have a culture. It represents political and social background in a detailed realistic method. The foundations of African oral tradition which include proverbs, tales and symbols are frequently used in this novel.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Things Fall Apart: Symbolism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More â€Å"Things Fall Apart† is an exhilarating novel that uses vast literature styles such as symbolism to illustrate the principles of African cultural erosion as a result of embracing the western culture. By use of symbols, the author illustrates how the African culture was shattered by European style of life when Christianity was embraced in the African society. In this book, numerous symbols are used as discussed below. Yams This is a crop that is commonly grown by men. Growing of this crop requires intensive labor, and the work ethics of a man can be measured by the portion of field and harvest obtained. In the African set up, the sole objective of growing yams is to acquire wealth and feed the family. They symbolize a man’s ability to provide. In this novel, a man who was in possession of bulk yams was portrayed as not a failure like Unoka-he had a large barn full of yams (Chinua, 1958, p. 4). Nwakibie refuses to give the young men yams citing that they would dump them on earth rather than taking care of them as a man would do for his family to flourish. Yams are very precious and would only be owned by hardworking individuals. The central positioning of the yam highlights the defining traits of the tribe. The symbolic meaning is illustrated by its use as a source of satisfaction. Owing to the intensive efforts needed in cultivating it, bulk harvest represents yea rly achievement gained from the nature. A yam’s image is brought out as an essential necessity of the culture. Folktales According to Okonkwo, most of the folktales in the novel featuring small animals symbolize women’s behavior, for example the Ekwefl’s tale that talks about the birds and the tortoise who were invited for a feast in the sky. This blocked out the tortoise since he had no wings to fly and the birds were aware of his ungratefulness and cunning behavior, thus could not help him out. The tortoise was starving and had to sweet talk the birds in order to nurture his hunger. In their journey, the tortoise claims of a custom that demands them to take new names though the idea was to acquire the most respectable position. Since the women were all inferior, they gave in and the cunning tortoise ended up feasting on the best food leaving leftovers for the birds. The tales depicts indecisive character of women and also provides useful morals in the society. Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Fire Okonkwo is compared to fire by other characters and the narrator; he is branded â€Å"Roaming Flame in the town† (Chinua, 1958, p. 122). According to him, fire is a symbol of strength. While seated in his hut after a quarrel with his son Nwoye, Okonkwo stared on a log fire and felt a strong feeling to rise up, take up a machete and clear the Christians who Nwoye was associating with. Whenever Okonkwo would gaze at fire, a wild feeling of strength would fill his body. Mother of the spirits Mother of the spirits can be viewed as personification by the clan of Umofia and the mother of Egwugwu. At this juncture, the style of life of Umuofia is deeply disregarded and the damage committed is irreparable. The mother of spirits mourns her son’s death loudly after the unmasking night. A comparison between the clan and Mo ther of spirits is drawn, â€Å"†¦it seemed as if the very soul of the clan wept for the great evil that was coming its own death†(Chinua, 1958, p. 145). Its imperative that the Mother of spirits does not revenge her son’s death but rather mourns and weeps. People of Umuofia would not revenge for crimes committed against them. Okonkwo He symbolizes masculinity; a character deeply opposed to the Christian belief of love. The spirit of African people is represented collectively by his personality. Just like the Igbos, he is a strong person who is very independent. Weinstock and Ramadan (1978) pointed out the following in regard to Okonkwo: Okonkwo is consistently associated with masculinity, and he virtually always mistrusts, opposes and attacks anything feminine or linked with femininity. Christianity embodies and stresses the qualities Okonkwo considers to be womanish- love affection, and mercy; and he characteristically valuates the missionaries as a lot of effem inate men clucking like old hens (p.128). Okonkwo fights courageously against ideologies opposing what he valued. The death of African culture is symbolized by Okonkwo’s death. Achebe decided to illustrate the hands of Africans’ giving in to Christianity to take charge by the act of Okonkwo committing suicide rather than being killed and subsequently wiping out the culture of Africa. It is a conspiracy to have written a whole book about negativity of colonization that the last statement in the book could belong to the Britain District commissioner. He makes a remark on the suicide act by saying it was possible to dedicate Okonkwo a paragraph in his book. This slightly contradicted the theme meant by Achebe since portraying Africans as primitive differed from what Achebe wanted to demonstrate. By using the symbol of Okonkwo’s death through suicide, Achebe points out that Africans should also be blamed for letting in foreign ideologies to develop in their land.Adv ertising We will write a custom essay sample on Things Fall Apart: Symbolism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nwoye’s personality Nwoye’s personality was a symbol of Christianity. His father always fought against feminine behavior. His conversion to Christianity was to strengthen the symbol created by Achebe. Okonkwo’s joy and pride was his family while Nwoye’s conversion to Christianity was the last pain he would endure. Owing to his son’s rejection of his lifestyle, the only option left was to cease living. Nweoye’s adoption22 of a new name His decision to take up a new name, Isaac, with the importance it carried confirms his loyalty to Christianity religion. Though the exact name that he picks imply significance beyond the immediate sense of personal salvation, it brings out memories of the Biblical story of Abraham where an animal was substituted for his son, Isaac. Adoption of this name by Nwoye’s portrays the complete meaning of his conversion which was the key sign of liberation from limitation of the family creation. Weather Weather takes up a crucial role in the lives of Nigerians especially the Igbos. Availability of rain or its unavailability illustrates that the tribe was dependent on weather for survival. Weather limits the extent to which their crops grow and the flow of the rivers which in turn influence their water and food supply. On sunny days, the sun is utilized by the crops and in warming up things. Nevertheless, excess rain or sun is likely to cause damage (Rand, 1966). Locust invasion Invasion by locusts symbolizes grand invasion with devastating destruction. Two important events are considered to establish the locust link. In the text â€Å"†¦At first, a fairly small swarm came†¦ implying that †¦they were the harbingers sent to survey the land†¦ (Chinua, 1958, p. 43). He pointed out the first arrival of whites and othe rs on the way. This link of events was done deliberately. The cognition gulf is linked up by the myth of locust through establishment of the unknown and known. People were not aware of locusts though it was the myth behind them and the danger of economic failure. The author illustrates the locusts that invaded the village using allegorical phrases which foreshadowed the coming of white men in African land. Their intentions were to exploit all the resources of Igbo tribe. Owing to the fact that Igbo consumed locust, it shows that they are not offensive. In the same way, individuals who were simulated to Christianity overlooked negative impacts; the white people’s culture would impact to their culture. The language used by Achebe in describing the locust invasion depicts their symbolic reputation. Use of repetitive style draws emphasis on the pervasive presence of locusts and a hint in the manner in which the white settlers would occupy Igbo’s land by surprise. It is not ed that the locusts were too heavy, and that is why they broke the branches of a tree. This was a symbol of how the traditions and culture of the Igbo’s would fracture on attack by colonialism as well as white settlement (Oyekan, 1993).Advertising Looking for essay on literature languages? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Okonkwo death The death of Okonkwo is a heroic death that is analogous to a warrior who is attached to his people. This symbolizes catastrophic demise that great people face. This is because committing suicide is regarded as abomination contrary to the earth and thus should not be buried by clansmen. But in the right of African style, Okonokwo’s death could not be considered as a heroic death; rather, it can only be seen as a shameful death. The irritating final words Obierika casted to the District Commissioner hold indisputable ambiguity within Igbo point of view, in memory of heroism and shameful act of killing himself (Okonkwo). From the novel, he was portrayed as the greatest man in Umuofia and was forced to commit suicide and buried in a disrespectful manner (David, 1998). Conclusion Things Fall Apart is a thrilling novel that uses symbolic literature style to demonstrate the credo of Africa cultural erosion through embracing of the western culture. Most of the Africans were not ready to give in to the white man’s way of life, and as such, Okonkwo would rather cease living than adopt the white man’s way of life. Colonization plays a bigger role in the society, and the culture takes up a central role. Symbolic events and characters are used to help the reader have a deeper understanding of the society. References Chinua, A. (1958). Things Fall Apart. New York: Heinemann Education Books. David, K. (1998). The African Novel and the Modernist Tradition. New York: Peter Lanng publishers. Oyekan, O. (1993). A History of Twentieth-century African Literatures. Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska. Rand, B. (1966). Contributions in afro- American studies. Greenwood: Greenwood press. Weinstock, D., Ramadan, C. (1978). Critical Perspectives on Chinua Achebe. Washington D.C: Three Continents Press.

Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 8

Final Exam - Essay Example The world had just experienced an economic depression and majority of the Germans had lost hope in recovering their lost funds that they had invested in stocks. The Nazism provided the much needed hope to help the citizens something which the Weimar government had failed to do. This attracted majority of the populations to the support of the Nazis hence they had a great following. Hitler then became even stronger by unification with the national conservatisms party in Germany which became a major power. The World War II was majorly caused by the aggression of countries such as Japan, Italy and Germany. This was majorly influenced by the economic depressions that had hit the country’s leading to high inflations in the economy. Majority of the citizens from this countries opted for military use to gain what they wanted. Japan military attacked China and even set up Manchukuo in China so that they could get access to the minerals to help their countries. This led to bombings in cities such Guangzhou that resulted into war crimes fuelling the world tensions. Invasions of Nazi attacks and the Soviet Union’s, for instance Germany attacked Poland and acquired Sudetenland of the Czech Republic without their consent. Italy on the other hand carried attacked on Austria and expanded into East Africa regions such Ethiopia to acquire wealth that made the League of Nations to announce them assailant. As a result, the Britain and France came in to help the vulnerable nations from ag gressions of the dictatorship regimes. This led to the rise of the Second World War II. However, this war could have been avoided if Britain and France had no soft spot for the hard-line positions held by Germany as they acquired other territories or if the European countries had addressed the economic depression that had affected the various nations. They had resources and always allowed

Making decisions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Making decisions - Essay Example aineà ­s† (Iris Kempe) Most of the decisions political decisions taken in Ukraine seems to be like the decisions of an emperor rather than a democratic country. â€Å"In November 2004, fraudulent presidential elections in Ukraine touched off seventeen days of mass protests whose goal was to overturn the official result† (Regina Smyth) Though the elections were held in an appropriate manner, the agitations started to began against the legally elected prime minister which is extra ordinary when we compare the elections of a democratic country. Since the Ukrainian people were unaware of the principles of democracy, because of the extended communist rule before, the public began to start agitations against even an elected government. lections on March 26, 2006. International observers noted that conduct of the Rada election was in line with international standards for democratic elections, making this the most free and fair in Ukraines history On April 3, 2007, On April 3, 2007; President Yushchenko dissolved the Supreme Rada and called for preterm elections. Months of political stalemate followed, with the Anti-Crisis Coalition continuing to hold Rada sessions, even after opposition parties Our Ukraine and BYuT resigned their seats and deprived the parliament of a constitutional quorum. On May 27, Yushchenko, Yanukovych, and Rada Speaker Moroz reached a political agreement on new elections, which were held September 30, 2007. (Ukraine) Even though the elections were conducted in an appropriate manner, President has got other ideas which are still unknown to the public. In a democratic setup mostly only after the prime minister loses the confidence of the parliament, the president will dissolve the parliament if no other options are available. But in Ukraine’s case the political observers looking suspiciously over the motives of president in dissolving the parliament. Reports showed that the president and the parliament (Rada) speaker have taken the decisions of

Reasons for not Encrypting Data Essay Example for Free

Reasons for not Encrypting Data Essay Encryption of data involves using particular software such as PGP to put it in the form only understandable by the intended recipient. However, encryption does not fully guarantee the security of the data nowadays with introduction of sophisticated malwares by hackers. Most of the popular emails used –yahoo, Gmail, and hotmail- encrypts passwords and information on transit automatically and thus it more or less important to first encrypt your emails. For instance, yahoo applies SSL tools to encrypt all data. Using encryption software involves a lot time as one has to validate every email before sending it with a key. A person who has initiated the use of encryption service has to publish hi/her key so that other have access to it as well as other person’s public key. Besides, the key has to be unique and complex to mitigate possible hacking. Consequently, the recipient of the email must be using encryption software as well as have the necessary public and private key to decrypt the information. This means that communication with individuals who are not using encryption software is difficult. A situation whereby a person is the solitary user of software among the others could probably arise (Shankland, 2010). Additionally, key management is challenging to anyone who is not conversant with IT because of vulnerabilities to encryption, such as `brute force` cracking and `back doors`. It is via using lengthy keys and genuine software that can mitigate this although not totally (NetAction, 2001). According to Whitten (1999) if you are using encryption software, one is forced to back it up and some other of user’s action are delicate in that they are irreversible. Thus, a high risk of losing valuable data and they include deleting private key accidentally, publicizing one’s key accidentally, revoking a key accidentally, and forgetting a pass phrase. If a private key is deleted, it is totally gone whereas forgetting lengthy key for instance â€Å"S411!! y are: #1 i/\/! mY! b00k!!! † terminates the usefulness of the encryption program. Reason being that one can no longer be able to decrypt information/data that he/she encrypted earlier. References Whitten, A. (1999). Why Johnny Can’t encrypt: A Usability Evaluation of PGP 5. 0. Retrieved July 28, 2010 from http://gaudior. net/alma/johnny. pdf Shankland, S. (2010, January). Want really secure Gmail? Try GPG encryption. Retrieved July 28, 2010 from http://news. cnet. com/8301-30685_3-10434684-264. html NetAction. (2001). Do you need encryption? Retrieved July 28, 2010 from http://www. netaction. org/encrypt/guide. html#vulnerabilities

Cellular Reproduction :: science

Cellular Reproduction Cellular Reproduction is the process by which all living things produce new organisms similar or identical to themselves. This has to happen because if a species were not able to reproduce, that species would quickly become extinct. Reproduction consists of a basic pattern: the conversion by a parent organism of raw materials into offspring or cells that will later develop into offspring. The reproductive process, whether asexual or sexual always involves an exchange in hereditary material from the parents so that the new organism may also be able to reproduce. Reproductive processes can be categorized into either asexual reproduction or sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction is any form of reproduction that does not require the union of male and female reproductive material (sperm or egg). Most single celled organisms reproduce by the asexual process known as fission, which is commonly called mitosis. Fission is The splitting of a nucleus into two roughly equal parts accompanied by the release of a pretty large amount of energy. Interphase, the first phase of the cell cycle and also the phase before mitosis, starts as soon as the cell is born. Interphase is broken up into three phases, G1, S, and G2. During the G1 phase, the cell increases in mass except for the chromosomes, which stay the same. Protein synthesis is also occurring during this phase. If a cell doesn't divide further, it remains in the G1 phase. Next is the S phase, in which the mass of the cell continues to increase, and DNA is duplicated, and then the chromosomes divide. During the G2 phase of Interphase, the cell becomes double its mass at birth, the chromosomes beg in to shorten and coil, and the centrioles appear, the cell is now ready to enter into mitosis. In the first phase of mitosis, prophase, the chromosomes become visible and the centrioles split in half and then move to opposite sides of the cell. At this point chromosomes have formed into two chromatids separated by a structure called a centromere. Spindle fibers are barely visible. During metaphase, the second phase of mitosis, the two chromatids line up along the equator of the cell. Each chromatid has its own spindle fiber. Next comes the third phase of mitosis, Anaphase, in which the centromeres break in half, causing each of the two chromatids to start to be pulled to different sides of the cell.

Consequences of Tattoos

Acquiring tattoos without thinking of the consequences COM / 150 March 07, 2010 Michaela Roessner-Herman Tattoos: The 21st century status symbol. Individuals are crowding the tattoo shops to become part of this new wave crossing the country. This symbol admits them to the greatest show on earth. They become part of an elite group who has a sense of belonging and able to express their personalities without limits. Tattoos have been a part of history for hundred of years and cultures adopted tattooing for different symbolic meaning.In the Brief History of Tattoos and Body Arts (2007), some cultures tattoos symbolized strength, bravery, and spirituality while other cultures tattoos symbolized a form of punishments, outcast, and slavery. In today’s society, tattoos are simply body arts and a way of expression. Tattoos popularity is increasing among teens and young adults. Peer pressure is a cause for many young adults’ tattoos without thinking of the consequences this decis ion will have on their future. For some, a tattoo is a way of fitting in, feeling a sense of belonging and making a fashion statement.Reality shows, newspaper ads, TV ads and the Internet are all big influences regarding tattoos. These media sources depict tattoos as cool and creative status symbols. Athletes’ tattoos symbolize their strength, rappers’ their sense of accomplishment, Armed Forces for honor, actors, and actresses simply as body art. Other individuals’ tattoos represent personal meaning for a love one. Although tattoos can be nice, they carry negative connotations. Gang members’ tattoos are part of an initiation and show what gang they are with and prison inmates tattoos display membership to a certain groups as well as a part of a coding system.Even with the pain a person go through for a tattoo, he or she seldom think about the risks. Considered as cosmetics, the one thing tattoos have in common are health risks. Think before you Ink: Are Tattoos Safe? (2009), explains tattoo inks are not approved by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) and many reports of bad reactions has started an investigation into tattoos safety. In Tattoos: Understanding risks and precautions (2010), when acquiring a tattoo; a tattoo artist uses a tattoo gun to apply color ink under the skin with needles.This process breaks the skin allowing bacteria to penetrate developing skin infections. Skin infections cause increasing redness, pain, swelling, and rashes. Tattoos are performed with needles increasing the development of other health risks such as Hepatitis, tuberculosis (TB), HIV and AIDS. A person who suffers from allergies can have an allergic reaction to the color ink (especially red dye that is non-hypoallergenic) that cause swelling, itching, hives, and with sever allergies, anaphylactic shock – a fatal systemic reaction. Health risks are not uncommon with tattoos.Many people frequent tattoo shops and have to depend on the sh ops employees to sterilize their equipments in effective and safe way. With of the popularity of tattoos, corporate America is beginning to see more tattoos in the workplace. Young adults with entry-level desire to work in corporate America faces judgment especially if the corporation fears employees’ tattoos will hurt their professional appearance. In some corporations with older executives, strict policies regarding visible tattoos are written in the company’s policy and enforced.Individuals with tattoos working in corporate America believes they are protected by the First Amendment rights to freedom of expression. This is not the case in the workplace. The article titled Body art in the workplace, confirms that â€Å"companies have a constitutional right to ban employees with tattoos. Companies can limit employees' personal expression on the job as long as they do not impinge on their civil liberties. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), employers re allowed to impose dress codes and appearance policies as long as they do not discriminate or hinder a person's race, color, religion, age, national origin, or gender. † KnowledgeHR International (2010). Body art in the workplace. Retrieved February 2010. People entering corporate America believe they can cover up their tattoos. This is true depending on the size of the tattoo and how many he or she has. All too often people allow their emotions to dictate the numbers and size of their tattoos.Unfortunately, this choice connects them to the negative association that was once attached to bikers, gang members, and prison inmates. This bias assessment is a barrier to career advancement. Promotions’ overlooked because visible tattoos are unprofessional looking and during interviews denied employment. This type of prejudice has led many people regretting their tattoos. Individuals who regret their tattoo is causing the dermatology industry to rocket. This decisi on, in some cases, has become a barrier for employment and for others; the symbol that once had meaning no longer exist.One of the most regrettable tattoo people insist on receiving is the name of a boyfriend, girlfriend, wife, or husband. (Hudson, 2009). Tattoos are meant to be â€Å"forever† and there are times when relationships or marriages are over and the constant reminder of his or hers name inked in the skin presents an expensive problem. Depending on the size and the location of a tattoo, the removal can be costly and painful. Hudson (2010) states several options for tattoo removal to include Laser, Intense Pulsed Light Therapy (IPL), and do- it-yourself creams.The laser removal is the most common for tattoos removal. Considering the size of the tattoo and the ink colors, removal can take from one to 10 sessions with no guarantee of scarring; each session costing in the range of $250 – $850. Despite the expense and pain, people are willing to go through any le ngths to have this process performed. Individuals have choices. With choices come consequences. Consequences can be in the form of a positive or negative outcome. When making a permanent choice, think about not only the moment; consider the future.