The Era of Reconstruction in American History and Its Aftermath Essay

The Era of Reconstruction in American History and Its Aftermath - Essay Example The 13th amendment thus gave the core natural right, that of liberty a constitutional quintessence. There arose the need for the constitutional safeguard against retrogressive laws such as the Black codes and so the 14th amendment came about. There were several clauses in this amendment, but there were five very sensitive clauses in the amendment. There was a clause that prescribed what qualified individuals to citizenship (Democracy Reborn: The Fourteenth Amendment and the Fight for Equal Rights in Post-Civil War America 204). Another section gave protection touching on the abridgment of the exemption of the American citizens. Another clause forbade the state from denying anybody their property, freedom or life outside the confines of the suitable process of the law. The state has imposed a duty of ensuring everybody was equally protected by the law, and the equity of protection is not denied to whomever. The Congress was thus through a clause in the amendment granted the powers of putting into effect the amendment (Democracy Reborn: The Fourteenth Amendment and the Fight for Equal Rights in Post-Civil War America 206) Senator Charles Sumner had a profound dedication to antislavery efforts and universal civil liberties issues. He was actively involved in efforts that opposed slavery exploits. Sumner’s campaigns against slavery, especially against the Southerners, saw a fellow Congressional Representative Preston Brooks assault him on the floor of the house. He perceived the civil war as a necessary activity aimed at abolishing slavery and consistently prodded the commander-in-chief at the time Abraham Lincoln into sponsoring legislation for freeing the people ensnared in slavery. Others among his demands concerning slavery were to demand granting of civil, constitutional rights to the slaves and enlistment of the slaves into the army of the Union.

DNA worksheet Essay Example for Free

DNA worksheet Essay Answer the following in at least 100 words: 1. Describe the structure of DNA. DNA is typically has two strands running in opposite direction and is usually referred to as a double helix. Each on the individual strands consists of a backbone that is formed by sugar molecules linked together in groups. Each individual sugar molecule is covalently linked to one of the following possible bases: Adenine, Guanine, Cytosine and Thymine. These bases are typically aligned perpendicular to the axis of the strand. As previously stated the strands run in opposite directions with the bases paired up with Adenine always with Thymine and Guanine always with Cytosine. Theses pairs form hydrogen bonds with the A/T pair having 2 and the G/C pair having 3. The extra hydrogen bond makes the G/C pair stronger. 2. How does an organism’s genotype determine its phenotype? The genotype is the organisms’ hereditary information while the phenotype is how the organism displays its properties. Another way of saying this is that the gene contributes to a particular trait while the phenotype is the expression of that gene. The genotype plays a large role in determining the development of the phenotype but other factors also play into its development such as plasticity, canalization and the environment. Even identical genotypes can differ in the phenotype that results, a good example for this would be in identical twins. It’s safe to say that while the genotype is not the final contributing factor to produce the phenotype it does play a role significant enough worth understanding 3. Describe each stage of the flow of information starting with DNA and ending with a trait. The first stage in the flow of information is DNA. It stores the necessary instructions for the building of protein. DNA is can be viewed as the blueprints required to start the process. The next stage in the flow of information is the RNA. The instructions are copied from the DNA and at this point are referred to as a RNA molecule. These copies move away from the DNA with the next stop being the cytoplasm. From here the process of converting the RNA information into amino acids begins, eventually forming a protein. The functions of an organism reply on these proteins.

The globalization of media

The globalization of media The globalization of media is a pervasive phenomenon associated with several different theories and views about its characteristics and consequences. Due to the considerable amount of transnational media which originates in the U.S, many fear that globalization will lead to an Americanization of the world, while others fear the power imbalance in media flows will weaken national sovereignty (Straubhaar et. al 2009, 531). The article Indigenity, media and cultural globalization: The Case of Mataku, or the Maori X-Files by Kevin Glynn and A. F. Tyson supports the opposing view that globalization provides the opportunity for national cultures to counter the Eurocentrism in the global media market, though the Western domination of the market does act as an obstacle against the expansion of productions by lesser known cultures (Glynn et. al 2007, 210). Despite minor setbacks in the organization and flow of the article, Glynn provides developed and well-researched arguments in support of his view, and strengthens his thesis further through the analysis of an internationally known indigenous television drama, Mataku. From the first part of the article, the authors thesis is clear: contemporary media is comprised of a multidirectional flow of information and culture, rather than a homogenic and unilateral one. The global mediasphere is complex and differentiated, with evident cultural hybridity between local and global production (Glynn et. al 2007, 211). Firstly, analyzing the alternative view that globalization is an extension of colonization shows that it is an established view with strong points in support of it. Cultural imperialists believe globalization poses similar threats to indigenous population as colonization did during the early colonial period (Rodricks 2003, 81). Similarities between globalization and colonization, as outlined by Rodricks (2003, 49) include the idea that both phenomena involve a focus on financial gain, a competition for consumers, markets, and resources, and a suppression of indigenous cultures (Rodricks 2003, 50-57). Furthermore, knowledge, as presented by global media, is described as specialized, compartmentalized, and standardized (Kawagley et. al 1999, 121) which reflects the Eurocentric view that knowledge should provide universal definitions and categorized information (Henderson 2000, 35-37). This view of knowledge directly opposes the First Nations view that knowledge should involve collect ivity, and decision-making as a community (Rodricks 2003, 79), further exemplifying the biases and Eurocentrism, evident in the global market. Glynn, although he does not deny the struggles faced by First Nations mediamakers against racism and stereotypical portrayals of minority cultures in mainstream television, has a more positive outlook of globalization as a trend that creates opportunities for establishing public recognition of indigenous identities (Glynn et. al 2007, 220). At one point he even suggests, through a quote from a Maori producer, Tainui Stephens, that the inevitable struggles against more dominant cultures in the global media market, can be an aid, as opposed to a hindrance, to the Maori quest for self-determinism, since it makes [the Maori] that much more determined to succeed (Stephens 2004, 114). Glynn raises several points to support his claim that the indigenous public sphere is continuously expanding through global media systems (Glynn et. al 2007, 211), and each of the points are specific to his thesis and backed up with historical events, such as the establishment of Aboriginal television channels, or opinions of other scholars. For instance, he refers to Kraidys conclusion that through aspects such as immigration and colonial expansion, the local and the global have long been hybridized (Kraidy 1999, 459). He also refers to Stuart Halls view that the use of global media is key for cultural and political survival of indigenous cultures (Grossberg 1996, 143), and Lisa Parks view that global media does not need to act as a tool for Western cultural imperialism, but can instead be used to establish aspects of local culture and priorities (Parks 2005, 59). By providing an array of quotations and references to a number of people, some of whom are closely associated with the s ubject under discussion the Maori, Glynn presents a well-supported and thus, convincing position. The number of quotations and references which he presents depicts his analysis as one that is evidently well-researched. However, the implementation of this research at some points in the article, acts as an impediment to the organization and flow of his argument. Because of the various different views he references to from various people, there is a section in his article where he stacks, in a sense, one point after another, where each point counters the one preceding it. He begins with the dismissing of Marshall McLuhans concept of the global village as overly idealistic (Glynn et. al 2007, 209), counters this with the point that, despite this, the concept has a romanticism about it which disregards the issue that the global village is discriminatively governed by the West. Nevertheless, Glynn mentions as a counterpoint to this concept of power imbalance, neoliberalism promotes the idea of a free flow of information, and this point is then, in turn, countered with the argument that the concept of a free market is overly simplistic, and can have a suppressive effect on cultural self-expression. The fears associated with Western domination of the global media market is briefly discussed before finally arriving at the point which supports Glynns original thesis that such a view makes the fallacious presumption that indigenous cultures do not have the ability to withstand Western imperialist power (Glynn et. al, 210). The way these points, each of which are supported by a different authors opinion, are presented sacrifices clarity since the reader may be susceptible to losing track of Glynns primary thesis due to the bombardment of other points that are raised, each in succession to the other. Despite this shortcoming, overall, Glynn presents a strong argument, with a substantial amount of support given through other opinions and relative research. The second part of the article deals specifically with Mataku, an indigenous production which has received both domestic and international success; the popularity of this drama serves as an example which encompasses each of the points raised in Glynns thesis. A strength in Glynns discussion of the issue of globalization in relation to indigenous media production is, throughout the article, and primarily in the concluding section, Glynn does not present an overly idealistic view of the positive effects which globalization can have on the growth of national cultures. Rather, he reminds us that, despite the possibilities which globalization presents in regard to this issue, the undertakings involved in the production and popularization of indigenous media must be dealt with cautiously, and the struggles of First Nations mediamakers involving the establishment of institutions, the availability of funding, and the dominant Westernized views of mainstream media, are constant challenges. Glynn thus provides a convincing, optimistic yet practical view of the ways in which the globalization of media can contribute to the growth of the indigenous public sphere and the establishing of national cultures on a global scale. References: BATTISTE Marie and James Youngblood HENDERSON (2000). What is Indigenous Knowledge?, in Protecting Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage: A Global Challenge, Saskatoon: Purich Publishing Ltd, pp. 35 38. GLYNN, Kevin and A. F. TYSON (2007). Indigeneity, media and cultural globalization: The case of Mataku, or the Maori X-Files, International Journal of Cultural Studies, vol.10, no.2, pp. 205-224. GROSSBERG, Lawrence (1996) On Postmodernism and Articulation: An Interview with Stuart Hall, in Stuart Hall: Critical Dialogues in Cultural Studies. Edited by David Morley and Kuan-Hsing Chen. London: Routledge, pp. 131-150. Joseph STRAUBHAAR, Robert LaROSE, Lucinda DAVENPORT (2009). Media Now: Understanding Media, Culture, and Technology. Enhanced 6th Edition. Boston, Wadsworth/Cengage Learning. KAWAGLEY, Oscar, and Ray BARNHARDT (1999). Education Indigenous to Place: Western Science Meets Native Reality. in Ecological Education in Action: On Weaving Education, Culture, and the Environment. Edited by Gregory A. Smith, Dilafruz R. Williams. New York: SUNY Press. pp. 121. KRAIDY, Marwan (1999). The Global, the Local, and the Hybrid: A Native Ethnography of Glocalization, Critical Studies in Mass Communication, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 456-76. PARKS, Lisa (2005). Cultures in Orbit: Satellites and the Televisual. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. RODRICKS, Warren (2003). Globalization and Corporization The Evolving Nature of Education Online at: , consulted on February 8th, 2010. STEPHENS, Tainui (2004). Maori Television, in Television in New Zealand: Programming the Nation, Edited by Roger Horrocks and Nick Perry, Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 107-15.

Cross-cultural Funeral Service Rituals Essay -- Participant Observatio

As a family member participant in the service, little field preparation was needed. However, the observer did complete the following tasks in preparation for the observation: 1. Reviewed the following resources on participant/non participant observation, ethnography, and the sociology of the African American funeral: Merriam, S. B. (2009). Being a careful observer. Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation, ch, 6 and Hazell, L. (2013). Cross-Cultural funeral service rituals. 2. Visited the church to review size, space, objects, and arrangement. 3. Selected a small note pad to record notes. 4. Secured a program on January 18, night before service to review. 5. Prepared a list of possible questions and areas to consider in observing. 6. Arrived at church early to be sure to get a seat in an appropriate location for observation. Field Note Taking Process The participant/observer/recorder for the funeral service of Lorena White. The observer used a small note pad and the provided funeral program to take notes. The program was gotten and reviewed the night before the service and used to record anecdotal jotting as the service progressed. The advance review of the program helped in being able to jot down appropriate content rapidly and inconspicuously. It also alerted the observer to look and listen for particular phenomena and events in the service. The note pad contained previously determined observer questions and areas to be used to help determine â€Å"what is transpiring here?† The program was the more efficient for recording in this setting. Upon entering the church the observer selected the seat she considered to be most obscure and which would allow her to visually view the most area while still ... ...es of the other participants, nor did it jeopardized the validity of the data collected and conclusions reached. This field experience certainly allowed the observer to begin to draw preliminary connections to her personal research interest based on what was learned about covert observation, note taking, ethnography study, and qualitative research. â€Æ' Works Cited Hazell, L. (2013). Cross-cultural funeral service rituals. Retrieved from http://www.funeralwise.com/customs/cross-cultural-funerals/#sthash.OeUEeixE.dpuf Kawulich, B. (2005). Participant observation as a data collection method. Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 6(2). Retrieved from http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0502430 Merriam, S. B. (2009). Being a careful observer. Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. San Francisco, CA: Jossey Bass.

Breaking Norms of Society

â€Å"Norms are rules which specify appropriate behavior in a given range of social contexts. A norm either prescribes a given type of behavior, or forbids it† (Giddens 1997, p. 583). The importance of norms in our society is not negotiable. Those who follow the norms of our society have better chances to find stable social position, and will hardly lose it. Those who do not treat social norms properly or neglect them risk being rejected by the society within which they exist. However, as we live in extremely diverse society, breaking the norms of society does not always lead to uniformly negative reactions.My experiment has proved this assumption. It is not rare that informal (folkway) norms go against the formal (legal) norms of the specific society. For example, many nations still praise the principles of vengeance against the legal ban on murder. In his book, Newman spoke about the military obedience and the legal limits of warfare in the hands of a military. For a militar y during the war, â€Å"one legal justification for killing is warfare† (Newman 2006, p. 18), but this does not mean that killing should be massive and meaningless. I had a chance in my life to get acquainted with the people of Russian origin.I always kept to the thought that Russian people preferred drinking alcohol during their parties, and when I was invited to their party I was prepared to that. I was already looking for excuses because I did not drink. However, it was the informal norm that each guest had to taste the host’s home-made alcoholic beverage. No one evidently knew or even imagined that I would be able to refuse and to simply neglect that long lasting informal tradition. Yet, I did refuse. In addition, I simply did not like drinking. I felt uncomfortable, because I knew that I was breaking an important norm, and still I could not step over myself.As I later understood, different nations treated their informal traditions in a similar way: they preferred when other people followed them even against their will. Legal norms are frequently neglected or are not respected, but not to follow informal traditions often means not to be accepted into particular society. Moreover, I was extremely interested in tracing the reactions of other people towards my behavior. When I was offered a drink, I refused. I was surrounded by Russian people, and my refusal was extremely surprising to them. Later I noticed that the different people displayed different reactions in terms of my refusal.I spent the rest of the party with them, and I was hearing them talk about me here and there. Some people openly expressed their displeasure with my behavior as they were talking to each other. The host of the party came up to me and whispered that I should not have behaved as that. I also heard that some people still did not reject my position, and they were even trying to justify my conduct. No one with the exception of the host has expressed his view openly. Non e of the Russian guests ever tried to explain me why my conduct could be negative or why I would have to follow their traditions.Ultimately, I was never invited to this house again. From the viewpoint of sociology, norms are rather complex sets of meanings for a particular society. As I have later understood it was extremely important for the Russian host that I followed their principles and informal traditions. The fact that I was never invited to their house again told much to me, but the reactions of people at the party had told me even more. First of all, I now realize that the reaction of people at breaking informal norms is never uniform, even when these people belong to one particular society, the norm of which was broken.It is very probable that they had also broken their own norms for various reasons, and breaking social norm once may turn into the regular process of routinization. Once people â€Å"have taken the initial step, they are in a new psychological and social si tuation in which the pressures to continue are powerful† (Newman 2006, p. 25). One important fact meant a lot to me: none of those who supported me in my behavior openly expressed his position to me. This was evidently another way not to break the norms of the society in which they found themselves, and not to face the risks of being rejected.When my Russian acquaintances stopped contacting me, I understood that I was not accepted into their society due to my refusal to drink. Probably, they could accept such conduct within their circles, but not from a person who was actually alien to their traditions as I was. I still realize that if I appeared in similar situation once again, I would have to analyze the informal traditions before I came into a new society, and would openly explain to other people why I would not perform certain actions. ConclusionThat type of experiment had led me to several serious conclusions. First, societies treat their informal traditions more obedient ly and more thoroughly than they treat the commonly held legal norms. In my case, there were no legal norms which would make me drink, yet I was not accepted into the Russian society again. Second, the reaction of other societal members at breaking folkway norms is never uniform. In this context, there are far reaching sociological implications for such conduct: even when people accepted my position they never expressed it openly.This meant that for a person to be within his own society was much more important than expressing his own thoughts and ideas which went against the norms and traditions of that particular society. I have expected that the reaction of people towards my conduct would be somewhat different: I anticipated that they would be open with me and would even try to explain why my behavior was wrong or to what consequences it could lead. However, they tried to create an impression that they were indifferent towards what I had done.Their indifference was only surface, b ecause in their minds they were trying to weigh all pros and cons of my actions. It was evident that the way people treated their folkway traditions ultimately determined the way they behaved towards those who broke those traditions. The host of the party was one of those for whom informal traditions were extremely important: he was the only one to express his displeasure to me. References Giddens, A. (1997). Sociology. London: Polity Press. Newman, D. (2006). Sociology: Exploring the architecture of everyday life. 6th edition. Pine Forge Press.

Diversity Issues Essay

Share some contemporary examples of cultural diversity issues. Some contemporary examples of cultural diversity issues, for example, are law enforcements inabilities to understand completely some of the minority group’s language, traditions, beliefs, lifestyles, religions, stereotyping, and profiling of minorities. Law enforcement also encounters cultural diversity issues with the different moral beliefs of ethnic groups, therefore, can interfere with relating to other minorities when faced with a situation. Law enforcement officers should focus on education, training, and gain knowledge of their local minorities to form a universal relationship with those minorities to avoid the cultural and ethical issues, which may raise suspicions when in turn it is the beliefs, morals, etc. of that minority rather than hiding something, or under the influences of drugs or alcohol. An example is with Asian and Hispanic females. Females in both these minority family environments are considered subordinate to men, and many are expected to take a role as the mother while the male counterparts are allowed to participate in social activities such as jobs, sports, clubs, afterschool activities, and such (Shapiro, 2002). Law enforcement encounters much problematic issues regarding the subordination of females by the male counterparts in these minorities, resulting in calls to the school systems because female Hispanics are prone to be hostile toward peers because of stress, which derives in the family and the attempting results to conform-assimilate with youths in America (Shapiro, 2002). Reference: Shapiro, M. (2002). Asian Culture Belief: Vietnam. Retrieved September 29, 2011, from http://www.ntac.hawaii.edu/downloads/products/briefs/culture/pdf/ACB-Vol2-Iss5-Vietnam.pdf https://www.google.com

Social Darwinism Essays - Herbert Spencer, Darwinism, Social Theory

Social Darwinism Essays - Herbert Spencer, Darwinism, Social Theory Social Darwinism Social Darwinism Social Darwinism was a late nineteenth-century social theory that was based on the theories of evolution of scientist Charles Darwin. The ideas and behind Social Darwinism came directly from his theories of evolution and, survival of the fittest. The theory was used to explain how the economic growth of America was coming along. This theory also said that economies grew and operated like ecosystems and weeded out the weak and allowed the strong to flourish. The ideas of Social Darwinism were used to explain how the United States economy was so competitive and to justify the elimination of so many less ambitious industries. This was also a way to be able to increase the economys personalization to the consumer and to be able to offer competitive prices and cheaper and better products. The idea of Social Darwinism changed how the people thought of the economy by making it a battlefield instead of a playground. The way that social Darwinism has changed the views and realities of the economy has allowed it to be able to advance and provide a good, competitive place for people to make money and offer their goods and services. Also, the ideas of Social Darwinism still are around today, especially in the dot-com world. The idea of only the strongest survive, is still a relevant analysis of how todays economy works. The way that the larger, better-funded companies are eliminating the smaller more personalized businesses is the basis behind the Social Darwin theory. In conclusion, the ideas of Social Darwinism were an analysis of how the economy of America works. It summarized how people needed to be stronger, faster and smarter than the competition. Also, it justified the elimination of many weaker industries to make room for the corporate companies to run the economy. Social Darwinism affected the growth of the economy by making everything more competitive and allowing people to want to eliminate their competition, not accommodate them. Bibliography none

PSAT Practice Testsâ€Updated for New 2015 PSAT

PSAT Practice Tests- Updated for New 2015 PSAT SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you're looking for PSAT practice materials, you've come to the right place. This guide contains all free PSAT materials, which you can download- including 10 PSAT practice test PDFs. Unfortunately, since the PSAT's 2015 makeover, the College Board hasn't released a ton of practice tests. Luckily, though, you can still use old PSAT practice tests effectively to prepare. Before getting to the practice questions, we'll go over some of the changes made to thePSAT in 2015. If you care about your PSAT score, read carefully so you don't waste your time studying the wrong things! How Did the PSAT Change in 2015? Let's start by going over some of the main changes to the PSAT so you'll be able touse older PSAT practice tests with a critical eye. In 2015 the College Board changed the PSAT in an attempt to make it more relevant and useful to students. It's possible they were also trying to addresscriticisms of inequityand find a way to stay competitive with theincreasingly popular ACT. The content on both the PSAT and SATis meant to be evidence-based and grounded in real-world situations. Rather than testing obscure vocabulary and rarely used concepts, the PSAT now reflects the skills and abilities you'll need to succeed in both college and your career. Below, we'll take a closer look at the content and skills changes on each of the three PSAT sections: Reading Writing and Language Math If you're using old PSAT practice questions, it's important to be aware of these changes so that you can ultimately study the right material! PSAT Reading Changes Here is a brief overview of the major changes to the PSAT Reading section: The current PSAT does not have isolated Sentence Completion questions. Instead, it tests more commonly used vocabulary words within the context of passages. Reading passages often include charts, graphs, and/or pictures.You will be asked about the relationship between a passage and the data being represented. You are expected to practice evidence-based reading. You will have to find a specific line in a passage that demonstrates style, tone, point of view, theme, etc. You will also be asked to identify the one or two lines in a passage that helped you answer a previous question. The following official sample question shows how the PSAT will ask about your understanding of a relatively common vocabulary word in the context of a larger passage (passage not shown): PSAT Writing and Language Changes The PSAT Writing and Language section has changed in two key ways: The PSAT now asks youto edit the grammar of sentences within passages, rather than that of stand-alone sentences. Passages on PSAT Writing often includegraphs, pictures, and/or tables. Here's an example of a PSAT Writing questionthat deals with data (graph not shown): PSAT Math Changes Here are some of the main ways the PSAT Math section has changed: PSAT Math questions now relate far more to real-life situations in areas such as business, science, and the social sciences. Grid-in word problems have multiple parts. The Math section focuses far more on algebra and data analysis than it does on geometry. Here’s a sample PSAT Math question from the College Board: Now that you're aware of these major changes, you can adapt your approach as you prepare with practice materials from the last few years. Read on to see the PSAT practice tests,and learn how to use these tests to get a high PSAT score. Bonus: Aiming for a National Merit Scholarship? If you're not sure you can self-study your way to a qualifying PSAT score, you'll love our PSAT prep program, PrepScholar. We designed our program to learn your strengths and weaknesses through advanced statistics and customize your prep to be as effective as possible for you. When you start with PrepScholar, you’ll take a diagnostic that will determine your weaknesses in over forty PSAT skills. PrepScholar then creates a study program specifically customized for you. To improve each skill, you’ll take focused lessons dedicated to each skill, with over 20 practice questions per skill. This will train you for your specific area weaknesses, so your time is always spent most effectively to raise your score. We also force you to focus on understanding your mistakes and learning from them. If you make the same mistake over and over again, we'll call you out on it. There’s no other prep system out there that does it this way, which is why we get better score results than any other program on the market. Check it out today with a 5-day free trial: Official PSAT Practice Tests (2015-Present, Current Version) The College Board has released bothonline sample PSAT questionsandtwo PSAT practice tests with answer keys. You can download both tests as PDFs along with the scoring guides and answer explanations to use after you finish your practice testing: PSAT Practice Test 1 - Score Your Test- Answer Explanations PSAT Practice Test 2 - Score Your Test - Answer Explanations In addition, the College Board created an online prep program in partnership with Khan Academy. While this program is geared specifically toward the SAT, it can help you prepare for the PSAT, too, since the two tests are so similar. Although free practice materials for the current version of the PSAT arerather limited, you can still find a large number of practice test PDFs for the old version of the PSAT. Find the tests below, and then read on for some tips on how to make the most of both new and old practice tests. Official PSAT Practice Tests (Pre-2015, Old Version) We’ve compiled eight old official PSAT practice test PDFs for you to practice with. Download them here (note that the answer keys are included in the last few pages of each PDF): PSAT Practice Test PDF 1 PSAT Practice Test PDF 2 PSAT Practice Test PDF 3 PSAT Practice Test PDF 4 PSAT Practice Test PDF 5 PSAT Practice Test PDF 6 PSAT Practice Test PDF 7 PSAT Practice Test PDF 8 You can also find decent-quality PSAT questions from Peterson’s, which offers a half-length PSAT test if you create a free account with them. As you know, these older PSAT materials don't reflect the format or content of the current version of the PSAT. However, most still test the same fundamental skills and knowledge. So how can you use these old PSAT questions to get ready for the PSAT? How toUse PSAT Practice Tests Effectively: 3 Key Tips Regardless of whether you're using current or old PSAT practice tests, it's important you know how to use them effectively.Our three tips below can help youmake the most of PSAT practice tests in your prep. #1: Take the Test in a Realistic Environment Part of getting the most out of PSAT practice tests is making them feel like the real deal. On test day, you'll take the PSAT in a quiet classroom with other test takers; therefore, you'll want to find a similar environment to take your practice tests in, such as a library. If you try to take a practice test at a park or at the same time your family's watching TV, you'll likely find it difficult to focus, thereby lowering your score. This score will not be an accurate snapshot of your strengths since you didn't take the test in a realistic environment. Additionally, it's best to take each test in one sittinginstead of spread up over several days. This way, you'll not only get a realistic testing experience but can also get used to the length of the test bybuilding up your test-taking endurance. #2: Abide by Official Time Limits While it's important to take each PSAT practice test in one sitting, it's also important to take the test in accordance with official PSAT time limits.What do I mean by this? Basically, never give yourself more time on any section, as doing so can dramatically raise your score and give you an inflated sense of how you're actually scoring on the PSAT. To help you out, here are the time limits on each section of the PSAT, along with the approximate time you'll have per question: PSAT Section Total Time # of Questions Time per Question Reading 60 minutes 47 77 seconds Writing and Language 35 minutes 44 48 seconds Math No Calculator 25 minutes 17 88 seconds Math Calculator 45 minutes 31 87 seconds The Reading section offers the most time and also has the most questions. Meanwhile, despite the differences in total time and number of questions in the two Math sections, you'll still have around 87-88 seconds per math question (No Calculator and Calculator). The Writing and Language section has the second-highest number of questions (44) but gives you the least amount of time per question (48 seconds), so be sure to work fairly quickly here. Note that it'll be more difficult to replicate these time frames on old PSAT tests since the sections and questions are so different. (We'll talk more about how to use old tests in the following section.) #3: Review Your Answers Once you finish taking a PSAT practice test, it's time to check your answers and score your test. But don't just look at your score and call it a day- take some time to go through all the mistakes you madeand figure out what your biggest weaknesses are. The best way toreview your mistakes is to record the types of questions you got wrong, as well as the specific mistakes you made, in a "mistakes" journal. For example, if you missed an algebra problem, you'd write "algebra" as the question type and the specific reason you think you got the question wrong, such as "forgot formula." Make sure to use your test's answer guide to help you figure outwhy you might've missed certain questions. After you've gone through your test, look at your mistakes journal to determine whether there are any patterns to your mistakes. For instance, do you typically struggle withevidence-based Reading questions? Math word problems? Writing questions dealing withfragments and run-on sentences? Once you know what your weaknesses are, you can then customize your PSAT prep to focus more on honing the skills that are most challenging for you. How to Make the Most Of Old PSAT Practice Tests Although many official PSAT tests are outdated, they're certainly notuseless. In fact, these old ones test many of the same reading comprehension, grammar, and math problem-solving skills you'll need for the current PSAT. To make the most of these older official practice tests, you just have to shift your focus toward the skills that are still relevant while ignoring questions that no longer matter. Here are our seven tips for doing this effectively: Focus on evidence-based Reading:The current PSAT is all about using evidence and context to find an answer.If a set of passage-based Reading questions asks you about tone, style, or argument, don’t just try to look for the right answer among the options you're given. Instead, find the specific line in the reading passage that provesyour answer is right. Ignore Sentence Completion questions:You'll no longer encounter these questions on the PSAT, so just skip them entirely. Shift gears with vocabulary: Practicedetermining meaning through context, and make sure you understand subtleties of connotation. Focus on structure and organization:The current PSAT tests your understanding of the structure and organization of whole passages rather than that of stand-alone sentences. Therefore, as you’re reading a passage, take notes on its organization and make sure you understand its main and supporting ideas. Pay attention to graphs, tables, and charts:Try to understand the data and information represented in graphs. If there's no accompanying passage, trywriting your own paragraph to describe the information. On the flip side, consider how the data presented in a passage could be represented visually. For practice, useproblems from your math/science classes, as well as data interpretation questionsfrom the ACT Science section. Choose your math problems: Focus onalgebra, data analysis, and word problems,and spend far less time on geometry. Since the current PSAT involves multi-step grid-in problems, be sure to write out all the steps you take to answer a question. Also, remember the age-old adage: show your work. Learn the grammar rules tested:Both the old and current PSAT testsimilar grammar rules. Be sure to learnthese, as you'll need to be able to recognize grammatical errors in context. How Else Can You Prepare for the PSAT? Since the PSAT is so similar to the SAT, materials for the SAT are good practice. The PSAT is also very similar to the ACT, so ACT prep can be helpfulas well. Another tip is to challenge yourself in your classes. Develop advanced reading and writing skills by reading a variety of genres and writing frequently. In your math and science classes, focus on data analysis and work on your ability to interpret or represent data in graphs, charts, tables, etc. All of this preparation will not only help you get a high PSAT score, but will also help youget ready for theSAT. Since both exams are meant to test and sharpen your real-world reasoning skills, this kind of preparation should behelpful forall kinds of problem-solving in your day-to-day life. What's Next? High scorers on the PSAT might qualify for National Merit.Learn what it takes to becomea National Merit SemifinalistandNational Merit Finalist, as well as how towin the scholarship. Are you wondering whether to take the PSAT before your junior year? Check out these guides to consider whether you should take the PSAT as a freshman or sophomore. Are you curious about how the PSAT compares with the SAT? Read this complete guide to the SAT and learn all about the test. Want to improve your SAT score by 160points? Check out our best-in-class online SAT prep program. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your SAT score by 160points or more. Our program is entirely online, and it customizes your prep program to your strengths and weaknesses. We also feature thousands of practice questions, 10 official SAT practice tests, and personal feedback on your essays from an expert instructor. Check out our 5-day free trial:

External and Internal Environmental Analysis Essay

External and Internal Environmental Analysis - Essay Example Discussed below is the internal and external environmental analysis of Bayou Inn; a hotel in the lodging industry (Nadine & Pahl, 2009). Recommended Vision Statement Success in the hospitality industry can only be achieved if a company models its vision statement to target the customers it intends to provide services (Briggs, 1999). The vision statement must be brief, clear and concise. It must indicate the general direction the hotel aims to head, while capturing the dream of the founders of the company. Therefore, the recommended vision statement must highlight the high regard in which customers are held by the employees, management and shareholders of the hotel (Briggs, 1999). In the case of Bayou Inn, the vision statement can highlight how the business intends to look in a specified duration of time. In such a scenario, the capturing of Bayou Inn’s aspirations occurs. An analysis of vision statements of the biggest hotels in the hospitality industry indicates that these st atements capture the aspirations of their founder; for example, Conrad Hilton’s vision statement for the Hilton chain of luxurious hotels, â€Å"To achieve extraordinary things, you must first dream magnificent dreams† (Briggs, 1999). ... Drucker also emphasizes that the customers rely on the mission statement to figure out the services it provides (Briggs, 1999). Rarely do people look at the statutes, articles or names of an organization to determine the role it plays. Therefore, it is crucial to capture the main goals of the organization in the mission statement. The format of Bayou Inn’s mission statement ought to follow the guidelines used in the determination of objectives (Briggs, 1999). Meaning, the goals stated in the mission statement must be S.M.A.R.T ones. The acronym represents measurable, attainable, specific, realistic and time-bound goals. As a result, Bayou Inn can formulate strategies which will prove viable after the time allocated for their implementation (Briggs, 1999). SWOT Analysis A SWOT analysis helps an organization in the identification of the strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats (Nadine & Pahl, 2009). As a result, they are able to strategize with the information gathered i n mind. Capitalizing on the opportunities detected, eliminating the weaknesses found, relying on the strengths noted, and avoiding the threats becomes easier for a company (Nadine & Pahl, 2009). The procedure followed when conducting a SWOT analysis involves the analyzing of both the micro and macro environments of a business. The micro environment entails the functions found within an organization whereas the macro environment covers the aspects outside of the organization. The macro environment is further split into the broad and narrow categories (Nadine & Pahl, 2009). Information gathered from a SWOT analysis of the microenvironment reveals the employees’ outlook on the firm’s

Concerto genre Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Concerto genre - Term Paper Example For the purposes of this genre study, I seek to research and discuss concerto genre. Particularly, I will work on piano concerto by Frantz Liszt. Frantz was renowned for his exemplary virtuosic skills with the piano. Many people still claim that his level of perfection with the piano matched Paganini with his violin. I really like his piano concerto No. 1, which was done in E-flat major. The concerto can listen on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KggSgpm8XuY. I would really love and welcome anyone who would help me deconstruct and analyze this concerto. I have listened to it several times and compared the concerto with others with the same artist. I wish to compare Frantz Liszt’s piano concerto No. 1 with one of the latest piano artists named John Ireland. His music can be found on http://www.rhapsody.com/artist/alan-rowlands/album/john-ireland-piano-music. After listening to the two set of music, I found some similarities albeit not much. Any assistance on comparison would be v ery welcome.Response to Post Number 2I like your approach since it is almost similar to mine. We are both exploring piano artists although yours focuses on sonata while mine focusses on concertos. Certainly, Robert Schumann did complicated pieces of sonatas. Although you have not yet generated a rhapsody URL for both artists, your link for Robert Schumann works and is good for both his history and music as well. Perhaps you should explain more about how his elements of insanity are reflected in his music.

Formal organizations Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Formal organizations - Research Paper Example Microsoft Company has various divisions depending on the functional aspects and the products produced at the divisions. At the head of the hierarchy are the two parallel but complementary positions; there is the CEO who is concerned with product development, sales and marketing, operations, administration, consulting and support, as well as financial management. The Chairman and Chief Software Architect is charged with the responsibility of developing the technical strategy in order to help in planning for the future operations of the organization. The discussion shall be concentrated on the business solutions under business divisions. c. Connection to a specific social institution Microsoft companies have a connection to several social institutions. It particularly has an important relation to the economic growth and development in a given society. The company is a developer and distributor of a variety of computer software and employs tens of thousands of professionals worldwide. The software developed by the company is useful in small businesses and the large enterprises as well. This helps in promoting the business operations hence encouraging economic growth. d. Connection to one or more ‘essential tasks’ of the social institutions Just like any other institution, Microsoft Company has an elaborate system for hiring employees and replacing the old employees who have left or died. We have also seen cases where a top serving officer in the organization resigns from his position and establishes a strategic senior position to help manage the organization. This was seen when the former Chief Executive Officer, Billy Gates, surrendered the position to be the Chairman and Chief Software Architect of the company. Another essential task performed by social institutions is producing, distributing, and consuming goods and services. In deed, Microsoft is the leading world producer of computer packages that are applicable in many sectors of the economy. 2. Using micro sociology a. Routine day to-day interaction patterns in the organization The day-to-day interactions are not very common at the organization at the lower level. The employees are often charged with individual responsibility under certain rules and regulations. The nature of the tasks that require consistent inventive and innovative abilities call for limited interactions. b. How concepts

The Society effects of Drugs in the community of Milwaukee Essay

The Society effects of Drugs in the community of Milwaukee - Essay Example 2). This report also found that heroin and other opiates have come into play which means that the population of abusers has changed. Now Caucasian males and females from small towns and suburban areas come into Milwaukee to purchase these higher scale drugs. Unfortunately, the mean age of the abusers has also change; adolescents are now experimenting with these stronger drugs. This report suggests that most of the activity is through Hispanic gangs with Asian and African American drug dealers as secondary problems. The Hispanic and African American gangs create problems for residents in the local neighborhoods as they spend time recruiting from those neighborhoods as they distribute their drugs. The drug dealing is often brought into the neighborhood by gangs and distributed. The dealers often come from Chicago and other nearby cities. As an example, a drug bust just found 19 people who were distributing drugs within the city limits. These dealers had a distribution going that came out of Chicago and distributed in Milwaukee each week (Halter, 2008, par. 5). This problem is difficult because many of the street gangs operate in a very sophisticated way. As an example, the National Drug Intelligence Center reports that the Hispanic gangs are very well organized, they have a hierarchical structure and they have established manifestos ("Drug Trafficking Organ izations"). This enables them to distribute drugs faster. They are also using prepaid cellular phones and social networking sites like MySpace to connect with buyers and each other. There are also turf wars from gang problems. Law enforcement predicts that there will be an increase in heroine abuse among young offenders by prescription opiate users because it is cheaper and easier to access. (p. 18). The residents in this area are suffering and have been told by the police to keep their doors locked and

ECON ARTICLE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ECON ARTICLE - Essay Example The LCD-panel manufactures had been producing flat screens faster than the TV industry could absorb and thus were forced to cut their wholesale prices by as much as 30%, which lowered their profits. Now they demand that TV makers, distributors, and retailers should cut their margin in order to generate more sales. On the other hand retailers complain that their margins are not really much because the high cost of storefront display and marketing TVs does not leave high profits for them. In addition, they have to invest heavily in training sales personnel also. They further have a lot of money tied up in inventories of the costly TVs. Moreover, the average selling price of flat screen TVs have dwindled to about $3000 from $5000 two years ago. The LCD panel makers, meanwhile, face stiff competitive pressure from other screen technologies such as Plasma and High Resolution Projection TVs. Since September 2004, plasma TV prices have plummeted and contributed to high market share gains over LCD sets. Retailers of plasma screen also apply a similar margin to plasma sets as well. But plasma screen factories are not as costly to erect as LCD screen plants, and there is less competition among plasma screen makers, so the profit squeeze is not as bad. A slightly encouraging trend that the flat TV producers can find relief in is that the low price is likely to increase the sales volume. Though there is a gradual decrease in prices and an increase in sales of flat screen TVs, most analysts predict that it won’t take off as quickly as flat screen computer monitors. Monitors primarily being used for commercial purposes, the purchasing has been driven by businesses while TVs are chiefly purchased for domestic use by consumers. These customers rather tend to be more sensitive to price than any other consideration. Due to increased production, the supply of flat TVs has

Summary and Analysis No Name Woman by Maxine Hong Kingston, Both Ain't Essay

Summary and Analysis No Name Woman by Maxine Hong Kingston, Both Ain't I A Woman by Sojourner Truth and No Name Woman - Essay Example But I do know what it is like to be excluded from the sisterhood and I do know what it's like to know that the plans around my birth were very different from the reality. She delivered her speech at the Woman's Convention in Akron. Women were beginning to respond to the mistreatments of chivalry and the way that they were infantilized by the dominant rhetoric, but Truth pointed out that both white men and white women assumed things that excluded systematically a black perspective. Truth had never known chivalry from men, at least white men: She had known the lash and starvation. She had never known being a domesticated baby factory: Instead, she was a career woman because she was a slave and she was not a mother of a troupe of children not because she didn't have those children but because they were sold into slavery. One could point out, bitterly, that even a black male slave would prefer to live like a white woman. The truth was making an appeal for the sisterhood, the emerging fem inist movement, to represent all women, and to bear in mind that what women need varies from group to group. I have known many a time where I felt excluded from a sisterhood that portrayed them as the archetype of femininity. Whether cheerleaders or well-meaning young feminists, I've seen people repeatedly act as if they were advancing â€Å"just us girls† when they were, in fact, trampling over me. She feels possessed by a ghost, the ghost of her aunt, who feels that Kingston should take her place. It wasn't the raid by the villagers.

The Society effects of Drugs in the community of Milwaukee Essay

The Society effects of Drugs in the community of Milwaukee - Essay Example 2). This report also found that heroin and other opiates have come into play which means that the population of abusers has changed. Now Caucasian males and females from small towns and suburban areas come into Milwaukee to purchase these higher scale drugs. Unfortunately, the mean age of the abusers has also change; adolescents are now experimenting with these stronger drugs. This report suggests that most of the activity is through Hispanic gangs with Asian and African American drug dealers as secondary problems. The Hispanic and African American gangs create problems for residents in the local neighborhoods as they spend time recruiting from those neighborhoods as they distribute their drugs. The drug dealing is often brought into the neighborhood by gangs and distributed. The dealers often come from Chicago and other nearby cities. As an example, a drug bust just found 19 people who were distributing drugs within the city limits. These dealers had a distribution going that came out of Chicago and distributed in Milwaukee each week (Halter, 2008, par. 5). This problem is difficult because many of the street gangs operate in a very sophisticated way. As an example, the National Drug Intelligence Center reports that the Hispanic gangs are very well organized, they have a hierarchical structure and they have established manifestos ("Drug Trafficking Organ izations"). This enables them to distribute drugs faster. They are also using prepaid cellular phones and social networking sites like MySpace to connect with buyers and each other. There are also turf wars from gang problems. Law enforcement predicts that there will be an increase in heroine abuse among young offenders by prescription opiate users because it is cheaper and easier to access. (p. 18). The residents in this area are suffering and have been told by the police to keep their doors locked and

Summary and Analysis No Name Woman by Maxine Hong Kingston, Both Ain't Essay

Summary and Analysis No Name Woman by Maxine Hong Kingston, Both Ain't I A Woman by Sojourner Truth and No Name Woman - Essay Example But I do know what it is like to be excluded from the sisterhood and I do know what it's like to know that the plans around my birth were very different from the reality. She delivered her speech at the Woman's Convention in Akron. Women were beginning to respond to the mistreatments of chivalry and the way that they were infantilized by the dominant rhetoric, but Truth pointed out that both white men and white women assumed things that excluded systematically a black perspective. Truth had never known chivalry from men, at least white men: She had known the lash and starvation. She had never known being a domesticated baby factory: Instead, she was a career woman because she was a slave and she was not a mother of a troupe of children not because she didn't have those children but because they were sold into slavery. One could point out, bitterly, that even a black male slave would prefer to live like a white woman. The truth was making an appeal for the sisterhood, the emerging fem inist movement, to represent all women, and to bear in mind that what women need varies from group to group. I have known many a time where I felt excluded from a sisterhood that portrayed them as the archetype of femininity. Whether cheerleaders or well-meaning young feminists, I've seen people repeatedly act as if they were advancing â€Å"just us girls† when they were, in fact, trampling over me. She feels possessed by a ghost, the ghost of her aunt, who feels that Kingston should take her place. It wasn't the raid by the villagers.

Time to make a decision Essay Example for Free

Time to make a decision Essay Life has always been filled with numerous surprises. Sometimes, the little things that we take for granted are the things that matter the most. Like any other individual, I am one of those people who give importance to detail. Every time when I open my wallet, a little tiny picture never fails to attract my attention. Four people are in it-my parents, my younger sister, and I. If I remember it correctly, I was twenty five years old and have just been discharged from the military service when the said photo was taken. That was also the time when I was planning to move to the United States to continue my education. Relocating to another land and being far away from the family would become difficult, and the picture would become my only memory with them while I was away. The said picture also served as my inspiration whenever I was in doubt and feeling hopeless; and I would be reminded that everything would turn out alright. It was also the very picture that made me nostalgic about the particular period in time that forever changed the course of my life. 2 I am originally from Korea, making me Korean. In our country, every man is obliged to indulge in two years of military service. At twenty two, I was still a university student and relied for the care and support of my parents. All my life, they have always been there for me attending to my needs and desires in life. However, they wanted me to become independent and learn to stand on my own two legs. I though about it and realized that entering the military would help me to fulfill this wish. The service would help me to improve myself and become an independent individual ready to serve my country. More importantly, it became the opportunity for me to delay time and weigh my options before I graduated from college. 3On February 2003, I decided to put my education on hold and enter the military service. This decision allowed me to see that I was no longer interested in my intended major, which was Environment Science. I realized that the course was becoming more popular in our country, making it more difficult for me to acquire a job in the said field after graduation. In addition to this, I became confused about my future, for the economic outlook in my country was becoming hazy. Certain situations have backed up my decision, making me tremble and think about my future further. I had to carefully whey my options, at the same time be prepared for what the future has in store for me. So I decided that it was just but proper for me to do military service for the next two years. 4Being involved in the military service meant that I had to be away from my family. It was the first time in my life that I had to survive on my own, and without the help of my parents. This instance allowed me to further think about the life that I was about to live. I wanted to try new experiences that can help me improve myself and become a better individual. During these times of ordeal, my parents advised me to indulge in alternative service rather than join the army. Most people would opt to join the army, but I decided that it was better for me to take the alternative service; in this case was join the police. My parents and I agreed that entering the service would come to my advantage and help me to become successful in the future. The two years I spent at the Department of Police was a very useful experience. Compared to being in the army and battling out in wars, my work was similar to that of office work. I also experienced stress from time to time, but I clearly understood that social life is also part of the military service. Furthermore, I realized that aside from my numerous experiences in the service, I had to expand my intellectual horizon further in order to become an important person in society after I have finished my military service. 5Two years have passed, and I was finally discharged from military service. However, I felt that something else was missing. Serving the military for two years was not enough for me to become fulfilled in life. It was as if my purpose in life was not completely over. Then I began to realize that military service was not enough for me to expand my intellectual horizon. Although the rigorous trainings in the military have turned me into a manly figure, I felt that I was still an immature young man with a superficial view of everything. I struggled to help myself by going out and expanding my horizons, but still I failed. I pondered on my life and began to ask for the assistance of my parents. I felt that it was necessary for me to study abroad and see beyond what is being laid in front of me. I convinced them that I want to find my purpose in life by studying in another country, and that I would be back in Korea sooner than expected. They agreed, and so I packed my bags and moved to the United States. So goes the rest of my story. 6As I look back on the decisions that I made in the past, I cannot help but feel proud about myself. For the first time, I was able to prove to myself that I could leave the shadow of my parents and stand up for my self. I felt that moving to the United States was a fairly brave decision, for not all people would have the guts to move to a different country to enhance their education. Adjusting to a world that was far different from what I was accustomed to became difficult at first. My English vocabulary was limited, and I did not know enough people in the country. Unfortunately I received news that my father has left the company he has been working for due to the depleting economy, and has decided to open his own business instead. For that time being, I had to find ways to support myself for that would mean that my father would have difficulty sending financial aid during my stay in the United States. I was being emotionally challenged, for I could feel the heartache that my family, especially my father was having at that particular time. He had difficulty sleeping, and would stay up even after midnight smoking cigarette one after the other completely consumed by his thoughts. Eventually my parents talked me into moving to the United States. I saw through their eyes, and I felt that they were not yet ready for such brave move, with my mother trying to hide her fears. Again, I felt sorry for my parents and the condition that my family may go through. However, I began to remember the days when my parents would talk to me about seeking a better life, and supporting me when I decided to study abroad. 7I am currently a college student studying in the United States, fulfilling my dreams of someday becoming a successful individual. I am also a young Korean man who has finished mandatory military service for two years in my country. The two years that I have spent in the service were the hardest in my life, although these experiences have contributed into who I am today. Time has passed and it has been three years since I left my home country. Still, I cannot forget the good times and bad times I spent with my family in Korea. The distance also allowed me to appreciate my parents more, and learn that life is short. I would forever be thankful for the opportunity that my parents have given me, especially in my quest for further knowledge in an unknown land. Seeing the world in a different light may seem difficult for many, but I believe that now is my chance to shine and plan for my future. I know that studying in the United States would not be easy, and when this happens I would think about the difficult times I spent in the military. Doing so would make me believe in myself and in my capacities. Now, I believe that I am ready in all aspects. I have this unstoppable thirst for learning new and exciting ideas. I believe that completing my education in the Untied States would become a cool cup of water that will soothe the many years of thirst.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina Merjema Aletic Introduction The very definition of Foreign direct investment is controlling ownership in a bussiness enterprise in one country by an entity based in another country. The collapse of the former Yugoslav Federation, Croatia and Slovenia declared independence in 1991 while paramilitary origins from Serbia occupied several Bosnia and Herzegovina towns killing civil Bosniaks and Croat. In this clash of ethnic groups, BIH was confronted with serious humanitarian and social problems in which thousands of people died. The conflict lasted (1992-1995) until the Dayton Peace Agreement was signed in Paris in December 1995 between the counterparts (Malcolm 2002). With one confederation, two entities, ten cantons in the Federation, five administrative areas in the Serb Republic, a special Brcko district, plus municipalities and local government unit presents a very complex political system in the world which conceals meaningful barriers and bureaucratic obstacles that will need to overcome (Ilgun, 2009). Many aspects of the regulatory quality reforms have stagnated over a number of years, making BiH among the least competitive economies in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. To enhance the prospects of the country as a destination for foreign investment further steps were taken, especially by establishing the Promotion Agency (FIPA), privatization and incentives for foreign investors. Literature review Foreign direct investment (FDI) plays an extraordinary and growing role in global business. It has long been recognized that the benefits of FDI for the host country can be significant, including knowledge and technology transfer to domestic firms and the labor force productivity spillovers, enhanced competition, and improved access for exports abroad, notably in the source country (Demekas et al, 2005 and Botric, 2010). Due to the low domestic savings there is need for attraction of foreign direct investment for future economic growth (Botric, 2010).The consensus view in the literature is that the benefits of FDI tend to significantly outweigh its costs for host countries (Demekas et al, 2005). There are two types od FDI: Horizontal FDI (HFDI) is market-seeking investment, aimed primarily at the domestic market in the host country, when local production is seen as a more efficient way to penetrate this market than exports from the source country, and Vertical FDI (VFDI) is cost-mini mizing investment, when a multinational corporation chooses the location of each link of its production chain to minimize global costs (Demekas et al, 2005). As a result of these differences in motivation, a number of host country factors, such as market size, trade restrictions, and transport costs, can have different effects on HFDI and VFDI. Predictable policy environment that promotes macroeconomic stability, ensures the rule of law and the enforcement of contracts, minimizes distortions, supports competitiveness, and encourages private sector development can be expected to stimulate all private including foreign investment (Demekas et al, 2005). Among the macroeconomic and political environment factors it is the political stability as the most important factor that influences investment decision. Furthermore in the case of the institutional environment, protection of investors is one of the important factors. Those can be the tax systems, lack of corruption, the ease of starting up a company, law of contract, transparency, safeguarding of property rights and efficiency of justice (Ilgun, 2009). Although Serbia and Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are slightly lagging behind the other countries, they are on a good path to make further progress in this area of reform implementation (Penev and Rojec, 2004). High poli tical risks in the region in the past decade posed one of the greatest obstacles to FDI inflow although this varied amongst countries. Private foreign capital is very sensitive to any investment risk, so that the countries with an unstable political and economic environment are almost unattractive to private foreign investors (Penev and Rojec, 2004). After the political failure, BIH has also started a wide reaching process of reconstruction and development of its political, economic, social and legal systems of the country (Ilgun, 2009). All Southeastern European countries, each to a different degree, need to make further efforts to simplify complex tax and customs laws and regulations, facilitate access to land and construction permits, strengthen the judiciary, accelerate the resolution of commercial disputes, and eliminate remaining discriminatory provisions against foreign investors. It is found that high unit labor costs, a high corporate tax burden, and, to a lesser extent, a high level of import tariffs discourage FDI (Demekas et al, 2005), while a liberal foreign exchange and trade regime and advanced reforms in the infrastructure sector encourage FDI (Penev and Rojec, 2004). Reforms in Bosnia and Herzegovina related to FDI The role of FDI in economic growth and development is now widely acknowledged, and all countries are actively seeking to attract it. Several forms can be used for capital investing abroad: investment in a joint venture with a local firm, acquisition of a foreign firm (mergers acquisitions) or construction of a facility (wholly owned) (Ilgun, 2009). In order to create and improve bussiness climate Bosnia and Herzegovina accelerated Economic Reform process. The aim of BH is to eliminate legal and administrative obstacles for doing business in BH, as well as create the most attractive business environment in the SEE (FIPA). Many aspects of the regulatory quality reforms have stagnated over a number of years, making BiH among the least competitive economies in the Europe and Central Asia (ECA) region. BiH currently ranks 131st out of 189 economies on the Doing Business indicators for 2014 (World bank). The business environment in BiH is the least friendly in the region, as it is burdene d by a large and complex public administration system and layers of administrative approval authorities which increases costs (World bank). World bank (2013) supports BiH’s business environment reforms and includes areas such as reducing the time and cost for registering a business, streamlining procedures for obtaining construction permits, and facilitating trade across borders shown in Figure 1. Based on IAB results (2010), countries tend to attract more FDI if they allow foreign ownership of companies in a variety of sectors, make start-up, land acquisition, and commercial arbitration procedures efficient and transparent, and have strong laws protecting investor interests. For instance, studies have shown that 70% of countries miss out on foreign investment due to deficiencies of investment promotion institutions in providing potential investors with accurate and up-todate information (IAB, 2010). These policies target improving BiH’s competitiveness, helping to facilitate the country’s dialogue with the EU on accession, and promoting economic growth. The May 2014 floods are estimated to have caused around US$2.9 billion in damages and losses, the equivalent of nearly 15 percent of GDP in 2014. Figure 1. Fastest and slowest countries for starting a foreign business. BiH is in a delicate position, caught between the â€Å"middle-income trap† (too poor to be a world-class innovator and service provider, but too rich to compete for low-cost manufacturing) and legacy issues on the one hand, and having the potential and opportunities to improve the business environment and attract more investment on the other (world bank, 2013). The main goal of BH is EU membership. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a potential candidate country for EU accession and BH has signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement with the European Union, which is a step toward EU membership (FIPA, 2012). Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), creating a free trade zone with access to a large consumer market. Also,the process of negotiation to join the World Trade Organisation is underway. Privatization in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an overall process, through which attractive investment opportunities are opened up to foreign investors in sectors such as the energy sector and telecommunications. Bosnia and Herzegovina is accelerating the privatization process for companies of strategic importance in order to increase economic growth and enhance the volume of foreign investment. The existence of free zone as part of the customs territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is specially fenced and marked and where business activities are carried out under special conditions in accordance with the Law on Customs Policy of BH and the Law on Free Zones of BH (FIPA). Any industrial, commercial or service activity, (banking, insurance and reinsurance of property and persons, etc.), can be carried out in the free zone. The users of free zone do not pay VAT and import customs, so investment in the free zone, transfer of profit and transfer of investment are free of charge. One of t he main reasons for investing in BH is also favorable tax system. Bosnia and Herzegovina has one of the lowest rates of VAT (17%) in the region and Europe, as well as the very acceptable corporate tax rates that are also among the lowest in the region and Europe (10%) (FIPA). Bosnia and Herzegovina has Agreements on avoidance of double taxation with the following countries: Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland (FIPA). Agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation, which mean that companies only have to pay tax in their home country, accelerate the flow of investments into the signatory countries, encourage joint ventures, create more investment opportunities, expedite the transfer of technology and constitute a legal framework to bolster economic cooperation and enhance strategic economic partnership (FIPA). With the purpose of facilitating trade, creating preconditions for the increase in exchange of goods (and particularly expor t), the creation of a favorable environment for domestic and foreign investments, Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded certain number of bilateral/multilateral free trade agreements. Bosnia and Herzegovina has signed the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA), in effect as of November 2007, with the following countries: Albania, Serbia, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, UNMIK/Kosovo (FIPA). BH has also signed a Free Trade Agreement with Turkey which provides additional free access to this consumer market with 70 million people. Bosnia and Herzegovina has 40 Agreements on Promotion and Protection of Investments with the following countries: Albania, Austrua, Belgium and Luxemburg, Belarus, Canada, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, India, Iran, Italy, Jordan, Kuwait, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova, Netherlands, OPEC Fund, Pakistan, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom and USA OPIC (FIPA). Foreign investors concerned about risks of transfer restrictions, expropriation, war and civil disturbances and denial o f justice, can be insured against these risks with the European Union Investment Guarantee Trust Fund for Bosnia and Herzegovina, administered by the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA, member of the World Bank Group). According to the Central Bank of BH (CBBH) annual data shown in Figure 2. And Figure 3., total amount of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina till December 2013 was 11,044 million BAM or 11 billion BAM (5,647 million EUR or 5.6 billion EUR). The inflow of FDI in 2013 amounted to 418 million BAM (214 million EUR). Figure 2. Foreign currency reserves, in million euro Source: FIPA Figure 3. Flow of FDI in Bosnia and Herzegovina, by years, million â‚ ¬ Source: FIPA; *preliminary data withouth reinvested earnings The biggest amount of investments in BIH was made by companies from Austria (27.1 %) and Serbia (15.6%). Croatia (11.7%), Slovenia (11.4%), Switzerland (6.8%), Germany (5.5%), Russia (5%), The Netherlands (2.5%), Italy (2.1%), USA (1.9%), Turkey (1.3%), and other countries (9.1%) follow them (Table 1). Table 1. Top investor countries in BiH, Country Amount (Million Euro) Percent Austria 1,446 27.10% Serbia 832 15.60% Croatia 626 11.70% Slovenia 610 11.40% Switzerland 364 6.80% Germany 294 5.50% Russia 268 5.00% The Netherlands 134 2.50% Italy 114 2.10% USA 99 1.90% Turkey 68 1.30% Other Countries 487 9.10% TOTAL 5,300 100% Source: FIPA – Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2012), Investment Opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, February 2012, Sarajevo. A part of the efforts aimed at attracting foreign investors, the Bosnia and Herzegovina Parliamentary Assembly adopted the Law on Foreign Direct Investments, which established political directions for favorable treatment of foreign investors and protection of their interests. Foreign investors enjoy the following benefits (APF 2009; FIPA 2012): Exemption from customs duties on investments; Unlimited right to open and keep an account in all commercial banks in the entire territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in domestic or any other foreign convertible currency; The right of free and undisturbed foreign transfer of all income realized by investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina in all convertible currencies; Equal property rights with all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina; Protection from nationalization, expropriation, requisition, or measures with similar consequences; The right to employ foreign citizens in accordance with Bosnia and Herzegovina laws on labor and immigration. International Development Agency (IDA) and Investment Guarantee Agency (IGA) provide guarantees for protection from political risks for short term and medium term commercial transactions between Bosnia and Herzegovina companies and foreign companies, suppliers and banks. Conclusion The main advantage of FDI is its contribution to economic growth in host countries. The extent of such growth enhancing responses depends on country specific characteristics such as liberal trade regimes, accumulation of human and physical capital and macroeconomic stability (ilgun, 2009). Bosnia and Herzegovina is accelerating the privatization process for companies of strategic importance in order to increase economic growth and enhance the volume of foreign investment. BiH’s business environment reforms includes areas such as reducing the time and cost or registering a business, streamlining procedures for obtaining construction permits, and facilitating trade across borders. With the purpose of facilitating trade, creating preconditions for the increase in exchange of goods (and particularly export), the creation of a favorable environment for domestic and foreign investments, Bosnia and Herzegovina concluded certain number of bilateral/multilateral free trade agreements. Due to the good reputation and long industrial tradition of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the manufacturing sector received the largest amount of FDI (32%). A significant share of investment has been in banking sector (22%). References APF Agency for Privatization in Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, (2009), http://www.apf.com.ba Botric, V. (2010). Foreign Direct Investment in the Western Balkans: Privatization, Institutional Change and Banking Sector Dominance. Economic Annals. Voolume LN, No. 187. The Institute of Economics, Zagreb. Demekas, D.G., Horvath, B., Ribakova, E., Wu, Y. (2005). Foreign Direct Investement in Southeastern Europe: How (and How Much) Can Policies Help? IMF Wroking Paper. European Department. FIPA – Foreign Investment Promotion Agency of Bosnia and Herzegovina (2012). Investment Opportunities in Bosnia and Herzegovina. March 2012, Sarajevo. Investing Across Borders. (2010). Investment Climate Advisory Services. World Bank Group. Ilgun E., Coskun A. (2009). Foreign Direct Investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina: Banking sector example. Vol. 4. No. 2. Alatoo Academic Studies Malcolm, N. (2002). Bosnia: A short history, Pan Books, Pan Macmillian Ltd. London Penev, S. Rojec, M. (2004). Foreign Direct Investment and Investement Climate in South-East Europe. Economic Annals. Economic Institute, Belgrade. World Bank Group – Bosnia and Herzegovina Partnership: Country Program snapshoot. (2014). http://www.worldbank.org.ba 1

Irony as an Instrument Essay -- Ironic Irony Essays

Irony as an Instrument Its 7:09 am and Olivia is woken up by a wetness between her legs. She looks down and finds that the wetness is actually her water that broke. She anxiously wakes up her husband John, and the two of them quickly gather their things. After nine long months of waiting, John and Olivia are finally on their way to the hospital to welcome their first child into the world. The two have already chosen Jacob Alexander as the baby's name and have the nursery ready for him at home. Once at the hospital, Olivia and John meet with their doctor, Dr. Rodriguez, who assures the anxious couple that everything will be fine and their new son will be in their arms in just a matter of hours. It is now 8:22 am and the pain from Olivia's contractions is beginning to grow stronger. Several hours later, Olivia is in crucial pain but is only dilated 4 1/2 centimeters and is beginning to bleed. Knowing that something is wrong, Dr. Rodriguez realizes that the baby's heart rate is declining and that Olivia's blo od pressure has significantly dropped as well. Worried about the health of both the baby and Olivia, Dr. Rodriquez decides that emergency surgery would be the only way to have a successful delivery. Before preparing for surgery, he once again reassures the family that everything will be just fine and shows John to the waiting room. After hours of surgery with several complications, Dr. Rodriguez has successfully delivered baby Jacob but unfortunately could not save Olivia. Soon after Jacob was born, Olivia began hemorrhaging and there was no way for Dr. Rodriguez to stop the bleeding. She simply lost too much blood and he was unable to save her. With his pounding heart caught in his throat and a feeling failure, Dr. Rodri... ...on why readers respond to irony is because it catches them off guard. By incorporating the element of irony, the author has an opportunity to provoke desired emotions within the reader then change them within an instant. In both stories, the thoughts and expectations of the reader were altered and the truth was revealed. No matter who the author, one truth about irony remains: there will always be an inconsistency between what you predict and what will actually transpire. Now isn't that ironic? Works Cited Bierce, Ambrose. "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 8th Edition. Eds. Dana Gioia, X.J. Kennedy. New York: Longman, 2002, 513-520. Gioia, Dana, X. J. Kennedy. "Glossary of Literary Terms." Literature: An Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama. 8th Edition. New York: Longman, 2002, G1-G32.

Barbed Wire By Mary Emeny :: essays research papers

Mary Emeny’s poem, â€Å"Barbed Wire,† depicts war as a negative force, destroying every decent aspect of human existence. Written during the Vietnam War, the work displays Emeny’s negative views on war. In one way or another everyone experiences and identifies with the presence of war. Although some wars are fought for justifiable reasons, every war tears into the lives of those undeserving. The tragic effects of war consume the innocent creating an unconquerable path of entanglement. The physical effects of war overwhelm the naà ¯ve causing pain and suffering. Initially, war entangles the lives of youth, destroying the innocence that they experience as an aspect of their life. The girl â€Å"glid[ing] gracefully down the path† (1) and the boy â€Å"rid[ing] eagerly down the road† (9) have their enjoyable realities striped by the harshness of war. Likewise, war enters women’s lives creating turmoil. The woman who works â€Å"deftly in the fields† ( ) no longer is able to experience the offerings of life. The â€Å"wire cuts,† ( ) pushing her away from the normal flow of life. In addition, man undergoes tragic obstacles as a result of war. â€Å"A man walks nobly and alone† ( ) before the horrible effects of war set in on his life causing disruptions. War enters the life of man destroying the bond man shares with his beloved environment ( ). Although a great deal of physical effects exist in Emeny’s work, the spiritual consequences of war serve as the most devastating ones. The will and spirit of those amidst the harshness of war diminishes because of the seriousness of war. Prior to the complexities of war, the â€Å"spirit flees gleefully to the clouds,† ( ) illustrating the freedom one expresses without repression. As soon as the â€Å"wire catches,† ( ) or the war commences, and intervenes with the lives of innocent bystanders, the innocence is lost. Furthermore, the hearts of the untainted human beings experience demolition due to the irrationality of war. Before the tragedy of war enters the picture, a heart â€Å"goes openly to the street,† ( ) showing the freedom that one possesses until the â€Å"wire snares,† ( ) and the sense of innocence disappears. Significantly, as a direct result of the entanglement of war, man’s mind suffers pain and misfortune. A man’s min d â€Å"grows in searching† ( ) preceding the brutality of war, exhibiting the ability of man to explore his surroundings without interference.

Structural Properties of Timber

1. Introduction During this assignment different types of wood will be discussed every bit good as the value of lumber used in interior applications. The headers will be organised consequently: 1.1 Chipboard versus Plywood 1.2 Autochthonal Hardwood versus Softwood 1.3 Laminates and veneers 1.4 Timber joinery. Each of the descriptions will incorporate a briefly written account, discoursing the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing the peculiar merchandise or fixture within an interior application. Photographs of the merchandise every bit good as a peculiar application of this merchandise will be included. It will be stipulated why the peculiar applications is either successful or less successful. Assorted lumber fall ining methods will be researched every bit good as peculiar applications thereof.1.1 Chipboard versus PlywoodChipboardChipboardcan be defined as a low class board that consists of tight wood french friess, bound together with a man-made rosin. This low grade composition board can besides be used as a stiffener for exposure and as a backup for paper tablets. ( Dictionary.com,2014 ) . Chipboard is besides available in a figure of densenesss: normal- , medium- and high denseness. Normal denseness is reasonably soft and high denseness is solid and difficult. ( Design-Technolog y, n.d. ) A positionadvantagesof hardboard include, cost efficiency as it is used for an alternate to solid wood for the building of furniture, usually the sort of furniture that is meant for ego assembly by the consumer. Chipboard is besides an advantage to the environment as it is made out of 70 per centum recycled stuffs. This means that alternatively of utilizing solid wood, fewer trees will hold to be chopped down when people choose to utilize chipboard alternatively. Chipboard is besides really strong and performs good under force per unit area. If hardboard is used alternatively of solid wood, it creates no weak musca volitanss in furniture. As hardboard can be covered with a broad assortment of coatings, it allows the consumer to take a coating to his or her liking. The hardboard can be made to imitate any type of wood every bit good as the best quality of wood without defects or knots. ( Grand Wood China, 2013 ) Somedisadvantagesof hardboard may include, H2O harm ; as hardboard can falsify, snarl and damage when exposed to wet. Because of this hardboard should non be installed in damp environments such as bathrooms. ( Grand Wood China, 2013 ) . Chipboard is chieflyusedfor counter tops in kitchens, where it will be laminated with cyanuramide, and fire doors. Work surfaces and flat- battalion furniture is made out of hardboard with a veneered surface. High denseness hardboard is heavy, stiff and hardwearing, these types of hardboard is chiefly used as the shell for kitchen units, worktops and flooring. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) .Successful or Less SuccessfulPlywoodPlywoodcan be defined as a structural board that consists out of an uneven figure of thin beds ( lower limit of three beds ) of wood glued together under force per unit area, ever with the grain of one bed at right angles to the grain of the bordering bed. ( The Free Dictionary, 2014 ) . Advantagesof plyboard are the layering of the wood that creates strength, this besides prevents the boards from writhing, checking and falsifying under force per unit area. Plywood is besides less expensive than solid forests. ( Make It Yourself, 2011 ) . Marine Plywood is specially made for the usage under H2O, this stuff should be protected with vanish or pigment and the plyboard is fixed with rainproof adhesive. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) The plyboard will go even stronger depending on the sum of beds added. The coating of plyboard can change, as some contain knots and other consist of attractive grains. Plywood can be used in insides every bit good as outsides, depending on the H2O opposition adhesives that is used. Plywood can be nailed or screwed and it can be curved because of the flexibleness of the stuff. The most common thicknesses of plyboard are 4,6,9 and 12 millimeter. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) . Plywood has a fewdisadvantageslike H2O harm due to the layering which makes the material porous. Plywood will acquire heavy when moisture and should hence be covered when left out-of-doorss. ( Make It Yourself, 2011 ) . Plywood is normallyusedfor walls, roofing, flooring and decks. Plywood can be used for insides every bit good as outsides, plyboard can even be used for the building of boats. Because plyboard is a lasting and strong stuff, it is first-class for the usage in building. ( Make It Yourself, 2011 ) . Plywood can besides be used for cladding, sheds, furniture and shuttering boxes, this is normally used in building to incorporate concrete while it sets. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) Harmonizing to ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) , â€Å" Exterior class plyboard ( WBP – Weather and Boil Proof ) . This type of plyboard can be used outside. Water-repellent adhesives are used and can defy a certain sum of wet. Weather boiled cogent evidence plyboard requires pigment or varnish to protect the outer veneer from the elements. Internal plyboard does non incorporate water-repellent adhesive. The codification used to stand for this plyboard is ( Int.interior use merely ) . Other codifications used on the surface of plyboard are: Bromines: -Boil Resistant, MR: -Moisture Resistant. †Successful or Less SuccessfulIn decision to the research provided refering hardboard and plyboard, it is hard to compare the two stuffs as they are really much the same. Chipboard is more aesthetically delighting and is non every bit harmful to the environment but can damage easy and plyboard is more cost effectual and is stronger than hardboard and it is used for a larger assortment o f merchandises.1.2 Autochthonal Hardwood versus SoftwoodAutochthonal HardwoodDefinition of Autochthonal Hardwood: Advantages of hardwood include, toughness, hardness, strong, the closer the grain is the more it can defy daze and wear, lasting, easy to utilize, elastic, does non divide easy, can be used under H2O, due to the oil content, it is of course lasting to wet and it will non eat Fe or steel adjustments. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) . The disadvantages of hardwood include, falsifying, heavy and expencive, dividing can happen, hard to paste because of the oil content, will blunt tools really rapidly, does non smooth every bit good and it is hard to complete. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) . Hardwood is chiefly used for furniture, floors, veneers, wooden plaything and decorations, boat edifice, gate stations, decks, store adjustments, Sillss, Gatess, doors, and stepss. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) . Successful or Less SuccessfulSoftwoodSoftwoodcan be defined as wood that comes from an cone-bearing tree. Softwood are in general softer than hardwoods but there are a few exclusions. ( The Free Dictionary. 2014 ) There are advantages of deal, viz. , wood like pine, redwood and Scottishs pine are readily available and reasonably inexpensive, lasting, easy to work with, attractive grain and available in long and broad boards. Wood like Western Red Cedar are immune to insect onslaught due to natural preservative oils every bit good as conditions and dry putrefaction. It is besides knot free, H2O resistant and lasting. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) Softwood has disadvantages every bit good and they include, the fact that they are non as strong, does be given to falsify, splits easy and expensive. ( Design-Technology, n.d. ) Softwood can be used for stairwaies, furniture, cladding for outside of edifices and general outside work. ( Design-Technology, n.d. )Successful or Less SuccessfulDecision1.3 Laminates and veneersLaminatesLaminates can be defined as two or more thin sheets of stuff, bonded together to cover or cover another stuff. ( The Free Dictionary, 2014 ) Advantages Disadvantages Uses in an Interior SpaceSuccessful or Less SuccessfulVeneersVeneerscan be defined as cosmetic, thin surface bed, glued to a base of low grade stuff to give the feeling that it is made of high quality stuff. ( The Free Dictionary, 2014 ) Veneers have advantages and disadvantages. An advantage of veneers are AdvantagesVeneer wood furniture begins with thin beds of wood glued together with the grain at right angles over a thick nucleus. This mark design reduces the opportunities of splitting or snap. Plus, the gum is the every bit strong, rainproof adhesive used in aircraft and marine building, so the terminal consequence is really stronger than the natural wood. Many people erroneously assume that veneered furniture is inferior to or cheaper than solid wood ; nevertheless, veneers rather frequently are used in high terminal furniture pieces and it can be more dearly-won than solid wood.AdvantagesofVeneer Woodhypertext transfer protocol: //www.horizon-custom-homes.com/2014Disadvantages Uses in an Interior SpaceSuccessful or Less SuccessfulDecision1.4 Timber JoineryJoinery is all right woodwork executed on wood working machinery in the protection of a workshop, in contrast to woodworking, which is unsmooth woodwork executed on the edifice site. The modern joiner makes purpose made closets, doors, Windowss, architraves and counters in solid wood, plyboard, fiberboard and hardboard, on modern woodwork machinery.249 Chipboard is an economical board made of harsh timber french friess bonded together under force per unit area. The criterion for hardboard is SANS 50312. Board made with phenolic type adhesive is suited for external usage, that made with melamine-urea methanals adhesive is suited for floor stuff or research lab worktops that are infrequently wetted. 251 The criterion for plyboard is SANS 929. Plywood can be of commercial, marine or structural class. The figure of hemorrhoids is ever uneven ( lower limit of three ) sing that the grain of the two outer beds runs parallel to guarantee a balanced board. Plywood can be dead set and shaped by wetting the board and determining it under heat and force per unit area, e.g. chair seats.251 Hardwood- The criterions for hardwood for furniture is SANS 1099. This includes a description of 29 local and imported species. Hardwood is supplied in three class: clear class ( marked red ) ; semi-clear ( pronounced blue ) ; knotty class ( marked viridity ) . 249 Softwood- The criterion for sawn industrial deal is SANS 1783. Softwood is grown locally and is supplied in six classs: clear class for high quality furniture ; semi-clear class for furniture and joinery ; cutting class ; visual aspect class for furniture, floors and shelves ; public-service corporation class, where visual aspect is non of import ; packing class for palettes and crates.250 Cosmetic laminates are fictile sheets with a cosmetic face. Cosmetic Laminates sheets sizes are 3.5 ten 1.2 m. There are several high and low force per unit area cosmetic laminate types, each with its ain application: general intent type ; for worktops, doors, shortss, light responsibility type ; for door- and drawer foreparts, carcases, shelves, cabinet liner type ; for internal liner of closets, angel type ; for contrary sides of boards to forestall uneven soaking up of wet of the substrate, specific purpose type ; for doors, dividers, walls and floors, high-wear type ; for industrial worktops, fire retardent type. All cosmetic laminates are made from rosin and paper. Melamine rosin and paper are used for surfaces, and phenol rosin and trade paper for nucleus building. Melamine is a thermosetting rosin type that is immune to high temperatures, chemicals and wear. Resins can be modified for specific intents like station forming and fire retarding. 252 Particle board, and fibreboard with at least minimal denseness, may be covered with veneers or cosmetic laminates. Veneer is a thin Peel of largely hardwoods. 2522. Decision3. BibliographyDictionary.com. 2014.Chipboard. [ Online ] . Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dictionary.com [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] . Grand Wood China. 2013.The Advantages of Chipboard.[ Online ] . Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.grandwoodchina.com/ [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] . Design-Technology. n.d.Chipboard.[ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.design-technology.org [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] . The Free Dictionary. 2014.Plywood. [ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thefreedictionary.com [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] . Make It Yourself. 2011.Plywood Advantages and Disadvantages.[ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.doityourself.com/ [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] . Design-Technology. n.d.Plywood.[ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.design-technology.org [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] . The Free Dictionary. 2014.Laminates. [ Online ] . Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thefreedictionary.com/ [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] The Free Dictionary. 2014.Veneers. [ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thefreedictionary.com/ [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] The Free Dictionary. 2014.Softwood. [ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.thefreedictionary.com/ [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ] Design-Technology. n.d.Hardwoods and Softwoods Table. [ Online ] Available at: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.design-technology.org/ [ Accessed 5 May 2014 ]