Writing Prompts

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? Parents are the best teachers. Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer. Children spend a lot of time watching television. Have you thought much about the programs and advertisements you watch. Can you tell the difference between what happens on television and what is real? Write a passage that demonstrates that you do know the difference. Customizing the Questions You can modify the questions by changing the audience. I've generally focused the writer's attention on writing a letter to the editor of a local community newspaper or the school paper. You can modify the assignment by asking students to write a letter to the principal, to a teacher, to the school board, to the governor, to a state senator (or similar politician), to the city board, to their classmates, to the PTA president (or other officers), and so on. College students might write to students attending the high school that they graduated from. 1. [School Uniforms] There has been a problem in local schools with discipline and violence. Your school board has decided to institute a school uniform policy in order to cut down on these problems, based on the positive examples that they have seen at other schools. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons. 2. [Locker Searches/Personal Searches] The principal at your school has instituted random locker and backpack/bookbag searches to check for guns, knives, and other weapons. Anyone caught with these weapons will be immediately suspended. The principal argues that the random searches will not only guard against illegal weapons at school but will also will help students feel safer. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 3. [Too Much Homework] Some of the parents at your school have started a campaign to limit the homework that teachers can assign to students. Teachers at your school have argued that the homework is necessary. What is your position? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 4. [Censorship] Your local public library has come under criticism for allowing patrons under the age of 18 to check out books that are unacceptable. The books are either explicit, describe graphic violence, or use questionable language. Most recently, a high school senior checked out James Joyce's Ulysses. The student's parents did not approve of the student reading the book and complained to the town council. As a result, the council is considering removing all questionable books from the library. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 5. [Litter] A litter problem has developed on your school's campus. Students are throwing trash on the ground, leaving empty soda cans and bottles outside on benches, and dropping napkins and other trash on the cafeteria floor rather than carrying them to the trash can. Your principal has asked students to take more care, but the litter problem persists. The principal has reacted by canceling all after-school activities until the problem is taken care of. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 6. [New Highway Exit] The state has created a plan to add a second highway exit to help shoppers access a busy shopping mall. The only problem is that the new exit will move the access road 500 yards closer to a near-by elementary school. Teachers and parents at the school complain that moving the road closer will increase noise at the school and provide unnecessary distractions. The state planners have included privacy fences to help cut down on the problems, but the protesters are unsatisfied. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 7. [Computers in the Classroom] As part of a new technology initiative, your local school district is increasing the number of computers in every school. The district plan provides for two computers in every classroom. Teachers at your school are lobbying instead to place all the computers together, creating two computer-based classrooms so that all students in a class can work at the computers together, rather than only one or two students at a time. The district is worried about the additional cost of creating and maintaining these special classrooms and is concerned about how access to the classrooms can be provided fairly and efficiently. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your point of view and supporting it with convincing reasons. 8. Bilingual Education] As part of a proposed educational initiative in your state, local school districts are responsible for providing required courses in both English language and Spanish language in order to increase the success of their programs. Because your state has a large population of Spanish speakers, the state education department believes that teaching these students in their first languag e will help them learn better and more quickly. Because of the limited budget, however, the local school board is concerned that they may not be able to provide the additional teachers or training needed for this program. They fear that they will lose state funding and accreditation even though 90% of the district's students pass their achievement tests on the first try. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your point of view and supporting it with convincing reasons. 9. [Grade Scale Change] One of the biology teachers at your school has decided to change from a ten-point grade scale (100 to 90 is an A, 89 to 80 is a B, etc. ) to a seven-point grade scale (100 to 93 is an A, 92 to 85 is a B, etc. ). The teacher is trying to encourage students to put more effort into their classes by raising the requirements. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position and supporting it with convincing reasons. 10. [Online Schools] The state department of education has provided funding for an experimental online school. All the classes will take place on the Internet, using email, online chat, and the world wide web. The students taking classes at this new online school will never meet each other face-to-face. They will only interact online with each other and with their teachers. The state is hoping this program will provide fairer educational access to students in outlying, rural areas. Opponents of the program argue that because of their lack of interaction with other students in a traditional classroom, the students who attend this online school will not develop the social skills that should be a component of their education. What is your position on this issue? Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper stating your position on this issue and supporting it with convincing reasons.

Advertising in Schools: in Public Education System Essay

Throughout the United States, the faltering economy has drastically affected the employment and income of its citizens, consequently resulting in the deterioration of public education system. In our San Diego Unified district alone, it is estimated that the budget deficit will reach $80 million (â€Å"VoiceofSanDiego†). The lack of funding towards public schools could possibly hinder the attendants’ ability to learn and advertising from corporate sponsorships could provide the necessary revenue to close the schools budget gaps. According to the National Education Association it is estimated that 100,000 schoolteachers nationwide lost their jobs preceding the start of the school year, to protect the employment of our districts schoolteachers drastic modifications must be implemented. Plausible solutions are to mirror the example of Minnesota’s St. Francis School District who under economic hardships gained $230,000 from the selling of ad space thus protecting the jobs of their employees. See more: The stages of consumer buying decision process essay However, critics argued the advertisements might impede a child’s learning, this problem can be solved with ease by promoting brand names in our yearbooks or scoreboards that have little affect on the education of the students and would still bring substantial profit to our school. The selling of ad space in school buses can also offset the daunting costs of educational equipment and vital school programs. Our schools transportation system has recently made cut-backs due to lack of funds, however by displaying local sponsors, the profits can be incorporated back to the schools budget. Being that the target audience is passing spectators, the ads have no negative affect on the students and â€Å"School districts say it’s practically free money and advertisers love the captive audience school buses provide,† quoted ABC News. Averaging a rate of $230 per month, one meager school bus advertisement stands to make $2,300 in the school year where a majority of the reven ue goes directly to the school district. Sponsored advertising could benefit the financial shortcomings of our schools on all aspects; yet, criticizers continue to repudiate the progress because the advertisements easily captivate a highly susceptible audience. This detrimental factor can be used to the advantage of faculty and parents with constructive advertising. Endorsements that promote a healthy lifestyle and diet rather than sugary sweets can aid in the development of our minors. Similarly, ads such as publishing associations could pay to endorse books and other didactic apparatuses in libraries or classrooms that would encourage learning for schoolchildren. For these reason corporate advertising can be accepted into our schools without the apprehension of children being negatively influenced. These economic problems pertain especially to our district and plausible solutions should be exercised. Scripps Ranch High School can adopt these techniques to ease the budget deficit; envision our school advocating a sponsor s uch as KPBS in our library or even our sports teams exhibiting sponsored attire of Puma for the sale of ad space. Our school does not have to brave this recession with only cut backs it is time to raise our commission for a change, for the sole benefit of our school. Nationwide, the current economic downturn has forced schools to employ budget cuts and teacher terminations. Advertising in our schools could become an efficient means of alleviating the budget deficit and the extra revenue would go towards preserving the jobs teachers and other school programs. This source of unrestricted revenue is difficult to deny and our school can hardly afford to surrender more extracurricular activities. To protect the sanctity of Scripps Ranch High’s superb educational system additional income must be utilized and with minimal effects, corporate advertising is an unparalleled example of a money generator.

Reactive Power compensation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Reactive Power compensation - Essay Example This is due to the fact that it has no reactive power at all. As a matter of fact, its reactive power is equivalent to zero. In this case, the power triangle mimics and horizontal line. This should logically be so noting that the opposite side which represents reactive power has a length of 0 cm. inappropriate power factor can be rectified, paradoxically, through addition of an extra load to the circuit. In essence, the added load is equivalent reactive power acting in an opposite direction. The addition cancels the effects resulting from a load's inductive reactance. Notably, only capacitive reactance can cancel the inductive reactance and hence a parallel capacitor is added to the provided circuit to act as the extra load. As a result of the impact resulting from the two reactance acting in opposite directions, and parallel to each other, the circuit's total impedance becomes equivalent to the entire resistance. This assists in making the impedance phase angle equivalent, or in the least tends towards zero. Having the knowledge that that the un-rectified reactive power is 561.724 VAR (inductive), there is a need to derive the right size of a capacitor to generate an equivalent amount of reactive power. Given that the identified capacitor will act in a direction parallel to the source, the following formula is applied in calculation and it begins with identification of voltage and reactance: But And hence, The simulation is done using a rounded of capacitor value of 29, yielding the following results, True power = 447.002 Apparent power = 447.008 For case 2, where capacity improves power factor to 0.95 lagging, Circuit sketch The circuit has both inductance and resistance and hence the two are combined to form, Given that, P = True power, Q= Reactive power, and S = Apparent power P is given as, S is given as, Q is given as, Redrawing the circuit, we have Resistive/reactive load: For power factor = 0.95 Consequently, This indicates the capacitive reactance XC m ust be Original XL - Improved PF XL = 80.2986 – 16.434 = 63.8646 ohms Simulating this, a 20 is used, as shown True power = 447.

Colgate-Palmolive Co (CL) Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Colgate-Palmolive Co (CL) - Assignment Example Some of the famous brands that the company owns include Colgate, Palmolive, Irish Spring, Ajax, Speed Stick, Suavitel, and Fabuloso. The financial statements of the company with a trend analysis for the last three years are illustrated below. The net margin of Colgate-Palmolive in 2012 was 14.47%. A net margin measures the profitability of a company. The debt ratio of the firm was 0.79. This metric measures the solvency of the company. The current ratio shows the ability of a company to pay off its short term debt. Colgate-Palmolive’s current ratio of 1.22 is acceptable due to the fact that is above one. The firm’s working capital was $820 million. Working capital measures the ability of a company of paying its short term debt solely using its current assets. The asset/sales ratio of the firm in 2012 was 81.91%. In 2012 the EPS of the company was $5.19. The return on assets and return on equity of Colgate-Palmolive in 2012 were 17.66% and 103.43% respectively. The table below shows a comparison of five financial ratios of Colgate-Palmolive versus the industry. The net margin of the company is much better than the industry standard which is a desirable outcome. The firm’s debt ratio shows that the company has a bit more debt than the industry standard. The liquidity position of the company as reflected by its current ratio is below the norm. The efficiency ratio of assets/sales reflects that the company is doing better than the industry. Information regarding the market value ratio of the industry was not readily

The Secret History of Forced Sterilization and America's Quest for Essay

The Secret History of Forced Sterilization and America's Quest for Racial Purity - Essay Example There was little history of the eugenics that was known to the people, thus Harry Bruinius extracted the history and wrote about it in his book with the emphasis on the forced sterilization that was approved and lead to thousands of Americans to be deprived of producing. Whether the policy was justified or not, yet Bruinius discusses the impact and the reasons behind sterilization. He talks about the cases that were brought to court and the decisions that were taken for the sterilization, in order to quest for America’s racial purity. He talks about two women in the history who were poor and who had to face the consequences of sterilization. Harry Bruinius’ book was an analysis of how the people at that time accepted this contribution of science as the national policy where it was a quest for America’s moral and social purity. He laid arguments about how the lives of women have been changed just because they were poor or unfit. His book is a descriptive writing a bout the woman who is associated with this policy and was used by the state medical authorities as a test case to bring to the court their program. Analysts have discussed that at times the way Harry Bruinius has written the detailed case is prolonged and gets into deep details like the events that leads up to her sterilization, the mental level of the victim, the recreation of the event, and also involves the technique that has been applied by the scientists to create the theories that lead to the eugenics movement. As written by Bruinius, â€Å"this book is an account of scientists who shared this dream in the past, and the ‘worthless’ class they sought to sterilize†. Despite the detailed descriptions in the book and the moralizing of the connections or relations of American eugenics with the Nazi Germany, the author has managed to keep his point of view in front of the readers in a very critical manner. His arguments are justified and clearly connect the eugen ics to the people, the state and to the rest of the world. The author is successful as his writing is influential and effective for the readers, and greatly helps to bring out the policies and events that took place at the time of the eugenic movement. His real purpose of the book stands out to reach to the readers and reveal to them the history that he believed was a secret, though it was not. However, the history and the events that took place were little known and Harry Bruinius has tried through his writing to give the information to a wide range of readers. He says, â€Å"After a century in which humankind has probed the mysteries of heredity and discovered some of the secrets of the human genome, the specter of better breeding and eugenics still attracts a host of people who long to remake their imperfect selves and breed a better type of human being†. The eugenics movement was founded by the core ideas of Charles Darwin. It started when socialists started realizing tha t the life of many humans is defected and many hold problems that come from their genes. Sociologists found that the improvement of human race can take place with the scientific control on breeding. The first eugenics movement in America was found by many of the new-world wee known biologists in the country. Supporting this group were a number of names that continued to get involved in the movement to improve the

Critique of Quantitative Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Critique of Quantitative Research - Essay Example However, the authors of this article have not given a statistic of what others have done on the same study. It is however important to note that the investigators have provided sense in their research since the organization of the research study is such that there is a research question, followed by how the study was conducted and the results. The investigators have also reinforced sense in their study by using scientific method relate variables to the outcome. The investigators in this research article have clearly stated that there are problem of fall prevention among elderly adults in nursing home settings. However, the investigators have not given a comprehensive statistics to validate the existence of the problem. For instance, when the investigators states that 1.6 million residents fall each year, it is important to state how many of these are elderly (Gray-Miceli et al, 2010). It is also important to note that the authors have not clearly stated the limitations of the current fall prevention strategies for elderly residents. Researchers would have given statistics to show insufficiency of the current based practices, for example statistics showing increasing falls in order to reinforce problem statement and clearly show that current best practices for fall prevention are not effective. Research questions for this have not been clearly stated by the investigators. Research question is important since it outlines what the researcher wants to find answers to. The investigators have merely stated the purpose and outlined the problem but have not clearly stated research question. However, the researchers have listed a number of variables but have failed to relate the variables to research question. Nevertheless, the study in this article is very important since it provides a turning point nursing practice especially in caring for the elderly adults. This is because the findings in this study are important in improving evidence

Performance-Based, Portfolio, Nonverbal Assessment Strategies Essay

Performance-Based, Portfolio, Nonverbal Assessment Strategies - Essay Example By utilizing informal assessments, educators can target learners’ precise problem areas, adjust instruction, and intercede earlier before it is too late. Constant assessments are mainly significant for English language learners (ELLs). Regular tests in English do not normally echo ELLs' true content abilities or knowledge. However, informal assessments can offer a better-rounded image of their abilities, skills and ongoing progress. The No Child Left Behind act agitates that thorough records should be maintained on the growth of ELLs (Colorado, 2007). Storing these records will make it much easier when questions of grading, program placement and special services arise. There are two normally used informal techniques: portfolio assessment and performance-based assessment. Both techniques make use of typical classroom events to measure growth towards curricular objectives and goals. These actions can be witnessed and recorded by educator observation, as well as student self-asse ssment. This paper will explain at least three informal language proficiency instruments an educator can use in his/her classroom to determine Maria’s level of comprehension.d in classroom instructions, as well as everyday tasks (Tannenbaum, 2009). An educator can utilize performance-based assessments to evaluate ELLs' language proficiency, as well as academic success, through presentations, oral reports, written assignments, demonstrations, as well as portfolios. These assessments can comprise of both products (e.g., group projects) and processes (e.g., numerous drafts of a writing sample). An educator can use observation checklists and scoring rubrics to assess and grade his/her students. These tools can help in aiding ELLs' growth over a short period of time (Colorado, 2007). When using performance-based assessments, it is vital to set up clear and fair criteria from the start. It may be useful to develop these criteria together with other specialists or teachers at the sc hool (Colorado, 2007). Performance-based assessments encourage a broad range of responses. They normally do not generate one single, accurate answer. Hence, evaluation of learner performances and products should be rooted in a teacher’s judgment, using the criteria set for each and every task. An educator can develop assessment actions, which are specified to his/her ELLs' level of English understanding. Performance-based assessment actions can center on reading or oral communication. Some of the activities comprise of: reading in groups, narrating tales, role playing, providing descriptions using visual prompts, telling a tale through a sequence of a couple of pictures, completing dialogue through visual prompts, debating, brainstorming, playing games and completing incomplete stories. When using performance-based assessments with intermediate and beginner English proficiency level, it is advisable to assess less than three items at a time (Tannenbaum, 2009). For instance, d uring role play, an educator might assess the learner’s abilities to reply to "where" and "what" questions; respond to clarification and read telephone numbers or addresses. Portfolio Assessments Portfolios are convenient ways of evaluating student work all through the academic year. With this method, an educator can thoroughly collect evocative

Chinese Popular Culture Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Chinese Popular Culture - Term Paper Example Chinese great political icons like Mao have changed the social, political and cultural outlook of the country. Today China has surpassed major nations in economic development, education and technological advancement. Once a poor nation, China now has a population indulge in modern cars, technological gadgets, meat – based diet and luxury clothing. Moreover, the Chinese media has evolved in to dynamism that has transformed the day to day life of people of the nation. â€Å"The embrace of a market economy, with all its attendant risks, has forced the development of new governmental and social policies to stabilize China’s social structure through the conceptual category of the ‘middle class†. Today, China has become a world competitor and the super powers of world are looking up to China to understand their excellence in hard work, political strategy and social reform. Chinese Popular Culture The Chinese popular culture had been anchored due to the open door policy implement by the country in the 21st century. As per (Latham 20)â€Å" Since the open door policy and economic reform in mainland China in the 1980s tension between the two Chinese territories have gradually esed†.Westernization is the key aspect behind Chinese popular culture as new generation is imitating West in their daily life. China has a lasting cultural heritage and the emerging China is more on a conflict on adopting whether to adopt western or Chinese culture. According to (Wu 2)â€Å" With their different positions and experiences in the world, China and the west cannot establish the same culture tradition†. The Chinese popular culture has transformed its population into diverse and intensely sophisticated class. Chinese people are influenced more by popular culture rather than politics of their country. They have shifted their interest to fashion, luxury, comfort and globalization. For example, one of the examples of Chinese popular culture is hero w orship where in sports icon and other celebrities are admired overly. They worship domestic celebrities, whether it is sports, movie, music or art related. As per (Ren) â€Å"In the business realm, Chinese heroes have also arisen to carry the torch of China’s aspirations. People like Li Yan Hong and Robin Li, founders of Baidu.com, or famed entrepreneur Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba group, which owns the most popular e-commerce sites, or Pan Shiyi and wife Zhang Xin, the Donald Trumps of China†. Another example of it is the upsurge of fast food outlets in big cities of China. People have started to adapt to international fast food chains like KFC , Mc Donalds and Pizza hut in their attempt to align with western culture. Chinese Media and Popular Culture In Chinese media legacy, the Chinese writing, paper money, printing process and lithography has a prominent role to play. Preceding mass media, hand writing and printing were the main source of communication in China and as technology progressed, electrical, technical and mechanical devices replaced it. As far as Chinese history is considered, two forms of media that has shaped Chinese people’s lives are radio and computer. Radio has been the media which has influenced Socialist China greatly. In socialist China, wired radio, loud speakers and radio

Unemployment in America Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Unemployment in America - Research Paper Example Unemployment in America The analysis then is extended to examine a variety of macroeconomic concerns that have been argued to contribute to unemployment. In these regards, the research argues that Federal spending and the increasing National Debt are major areas of concern regarding investment that could contribute to improved unemployment. It then demonstrates that the very nature of the American political and economic sectors contain significant structural elements that are contributing to the country’s high and rising unemployment rate. Background After the Great Depression, the United States experienced unprecedented economic growth and progress almost until the end of the XX century. During the early years of the XXI century, this growth continued in sometimes staggering proportions with house prices steadily rising and Americans enjoying sizeable employment success. In 2008, this stopped. With the sub-prime mortgage crisis leading the charge, America and, eventually, the world economy experienc ed perhaps the greatest economic collapse since the Great Depression. American unemployment rose to staggering rates, leaving citizens and politicians equally perplexed about the future. Even as some progress has been made in staving off the tide of unemployment, including lackluster reform policies, in great part the American economy is still experiencing a large number of problems, most prominently in terms of employment. One of the overarching considerations in regards to unemployment in America is the unemployment rate. The unemployment rate, as the name indicates, is a statistical measure established by the United States government; it indicates the amount of Americans that are currently unemployed. The American unemployment rate over the last decade demonstrates a number of trends, some of them highly problematic. Unemployment Rate 2002-2007 While the unemployment rate was at a slightly high but manageable 5% at the beginning of the ten-year period, it lowered significantly through 2007 (Hupp 12). While the exact causes of this lowered rate are complex and multi-varied, a reasonable assumption can be made that the infusion of capital into the American economy coupled with technological innovation that placed the United States at the forefront of development greatly contributed to these shifting trends. Still, perhaps more problematic is the recognition that this declining unemployment rate  œ nearly reaching 4% in 2007 – is greatly contrasted with the startling spike caused by the 2008 recession (Hupp 12). Unemployment 2007-2009 The spike in the unemployment rate during 2007-2009 demands specific consideration be given to the juxtaposition of these rates and the potential causes of the Great Recession. This research argues that the declining unemployment rate between 2003 and 2007 is at least partly attributable to a bubble economy that was brought on by inflated home prices. The eventual mortgage crisis that would lead to the recessionary period and spike in unemployment was at least partially caused by a correction in the true value and production of the American economy. The Economist points out that even when the economy begins to recover certain job sectors may never see pre-recession employment figures. It argues that: â€Å"The past decade’s jobs in retail and in entertainment were largely supported by household borrowing. Not only is a new wave o f borrowing unlikely to develop after the

Afghanistan and Iraq invasions by U.S. Essay Example for Free

Afghanistan and Iraq invasions by U.S. Essay In recent years, the United States of America president, George W. Bush has vowed to continue with his invasions in both Iraq and Afghanistan simultaneously. His administration has declined against United Nations objections to war on these two nations early this year. The United Nations has suggested that the United States has erred in underestimating the obligation of pacifying the two nations but instead rushed to fulfill the Bush Doctrine that was floundering (Roberts, 2003, pp. 37). Bush has therefore shown the unwillingness to swallow his pride and has persistently compromised the international community. Bush has demonstrated the same rigidity in attacking what he described as Osama Taliban allies in Afghanistan. This has led to slashing of Afghanistan prisoners openly and thus denying them the right accorded to combatants during war time. The war on these two nations has been considered unfair since US has produced an evidence that Iraq had the capability of producing biological and nuclear weapons in the near future but not now. It has also abandoned the claims that Iraq had introduced a nuclear program. This means the nations were not legitimate enemies (Roberts, 2003, pp. 27). Interesting enough, these attacks have been characterized by racial discrimination that seems to be deepening day in day out. Arabs and Muslims have been treated as the victims of the bigotry in Afghanistan. The reports that have been released by bodies that protect human rights indicate clearly that acts of discrimination against Arabs and Muslims have increased by a margin of 1700% since Bush announced the war on both of these countries (Cordesman, 1999, pp. 40). These two tribes have been discriminated in the lines of cultural discrimination that is concerned with hatred against crimes, discrimination in employment and perpetration from those who get misinformed about them through airwaves, street corners and schools of the United States of America. The other areas in which discrimination has been pronounced include the policies that have been enacted by America relating to the immigration control procedures and ethnic profiling. These policies have damaged and frustrated the lives of many Muslim and Arab families that were innocent (Cordesman, 1999, pp. 30). It is mostly viewed all over the world that America’s occupation of these two Muslim nations is a move to Americanize the zones culturally, politically and economically. This is the reason why all international organizations are crying foul upon America troops to leave these two nations alone. This call has however received a great resistant and harsh response from America. The occupation of these nations has led to freezing of charity assets and promoted anti Islam media campaign that has angered many Muslims. This behavior has made Muslims feel that they are treated as potential terrorists not as potential individuals. According to Bush, a good Muslim allows occupation of his land, freezing of financial assets, killing of his people and destruction of social fabric. These are not acts to curb violence and terrorism but driving the country to political and economic sabotage (Dale, 2004, pp. 34). According to Article 51, chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, the concept of the Right of Self Defense has been violated by Bush. This is because it states that a country should not be disrupted by force so long as it is willing and able to provide defense for itself. Occupation of these two countries has been treated as mayhem by their nationals because they feel that they should be left alone because they have the ability to protect their citizens and their assets.This is supported by the continuous attacks of US troops by their Muslim counterparts (Dale, 2004, pp. 35). Reference: Roberts Jeffery, 2003. The Origins of Conflicts in Afghanistan. Mahwah, NJ, Praeger Publishers, pp. 27, 37. Cordesman Antony, 1999. Iraq and the War of Sanctions: Conventional Threats and Weapons of Mass Destruction. Mahwah NJ, Praeger Publishers, pp. 30, 40. Dale Stephen, 2004. The Garden of the Eight Paradises: America and Afghanistan. Oxford, Oxford University Press, pp. 34, 45.

Impact Of Work Related Stress On Health Social Work Essay

Impact Of Work Related Stress On Health Social Work Essay In our everyday lives we are faced with situations that do require us to work extremely hard. Whereas this is a very vital thing in every success of an organization, employees suffer severe health problems. This is because pressure emanating from this tight and demanding work conditions has with it several negative aspects. Amidst believes that pressure is necessary for an organization to achieve its mission it has greatly affected many lives. All organizations should educate themselves to be able to cope with this inevitable challenge and instead use it to make the health of workers less vulnerable. Also, an understanding as to the causes of work-related stress should also be studied. Introduction Today, most workers are faced with great challenges due to their work demands. Majority of organizations and companies invest a lot on labor. In this regard, workers play a vital role in the economic prosperity of the company they work. The profits realized are deemed to be equivalent to the amount of efforts put in by the workers. Employers, in most cases lay blame on the employees if in case their business does not perform effectively. In such circumstances employees suffer entrenchment or sucking, strict work conditions, lots of pressure among other worse conditions. This study seeks to demonstrate some of the health hazards posed to workers due to increased pressure at work. Stress at Work Place It is true that we all need some amount of pressure in all that we do to be able to appreciate our work and even derive satisfaction from it. This is also a valid reason why one will rush to meet deadlines. If our work environment is devoid of deadlines, workers involved would not have much to do and may even find themselves bored. This is a waste as far as their career is concerned since results and profits depend on how much we are able to deliver within certain time lines. Again, life today is full of struggles and up and downs, frustrations and endless demands. For almost everybody, stress is the order of the day and an inevitable aspect in our lives. As it has been widely believed that stress is harmful, some are of the opinion that it is not always bad. It acts as a catalyst for people to perform more productively, a means to cope with pressuring situations and pulls out the best from them. It becomes worse if the subjects are not able to control it or if the demands outweigh t heir capacity to handle situations. It is at this point that ones mind and body pay the price. This becomes the beginning of many other health problems. Everyday, economic activities are changing and almost all employers are struggling to have in place products that can meet consumers needs. Due to this, a lot is demanded from the workers so that they can participate fully to meet the challenges and demands of the time. As demand for certain products change with time so do the expertise of the workers change, for example, a company dealing with phones may discover that mobile phones without internet services are no longer in demand. The company will put in double efforts to ensure that they have enough stock ready for the market. This increased changes occasion stress. Work-related stress poses a great danger to health both physically and socially and psychologically. This is because a workers efforts involve energy and muscle, emotions and thinking. For example, if an individual st rains in manual work like carrying a heavy load he or she may experiences body pains, the same case applies to that individual who spends a lot of time doing mental management leading to psychological imbalances. Therefore, it cannot be assumed that stress at work place only affects the health of the workers physically but also the effects extend to their soul. Stress at work place is indisputable and it has even been argued that stress is useful. It is seen as a way to motivate workers and drive them to been more productive. As mentioned earlier, most organizations are faced with changes in time and environment; hence pressure at work place instills fire in the workers to cope with the modern circumstances. Most governments have taken cognizance of the fact that work places pose a great danger to health. Policies to ensure the safety of the workers have been put in place. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) developed a summary of levels of interve ntions and categories of prevention. Intervention in the primary level refers to efforts to protect the health of people who have not yet become sick. Secondary prevention involves early detection and prompt and effective efforts to correct the beginning stages of illness (for example, reversing high blood pressure, building up of plaque in the arteries, or chronic insomnia, before a heart attack occurs). Tertiary prevention consists of measures to reduce or eliminate long-term impairments and disabilities and minimize suffering after illness has occurred (for example, rehabilitation and return-to-work after a heart attack) (Landsbergis, 2009). Impact of Work Place stress on Health Rapid growth in economic activities and rise in consumer needs may create a pace unfavorable to the workers. As a result workers may be unable to cope with the situations. It is in such circumstances that pressure evolves among workers. Depressing stress grows and majority of workers may succumb to depression or insomnia. There are also occupational consequences for example, dissatisfactions in ones job, less dedication to the organizations vision, decreased performance and failing to report to duty or non attendance. Ellis argues that in the early stages job stress can rev up the body and enhance performance in the work place thus the term I perform better while under pressure. However if this condition is allowed to go unchecked and the body is revved up further, the performance ultimately declines and the persons health degenerates (Allis, 2005). There exists a great variation on how people get affected by work-related stress and this also depends on how long they have been subjected to the source of stress and the amount or level of the stress itself. Typical symptoms of job stress can be: Insomnia, loss of mental concentration, anxiety, depression, sexual problems, alcohol and drug use, diabetes, heart disease, migraine, headaches, high blood pressure, digestive problems, skin rushes, sweating, blurred vision, tiredness and sleep problems, muscular tension, stomach problems and back problems. Stress at work place interferes with family life. There are cases where spouses fail to fulfill conjugal rights of their partners. The emotional life of the employees is normally affected and their libido lowers as such. It is from this that there are mood swings, poor appetite and low spirits. In a random sample of just over 300 medical doctors and consultants throughout Germany, various job-related variables were assessed together with sociodemographic data including time-related parameters work, and specific categories of accidents (moving vehicle and work-related). Occupational stress was related to number of weekly working hours, duration of the lunch-break, as well as age. Moving vehicle accidents were significantly correlated with the incidence of work related accidents during the last year. There was no evidence that medical doctors working longer weekly hours were more likely to be involved in a driving or work-related accident per se, but they did tend to report more accidents during house visits. Moving vehicle accidents were best predicted by the onset of working day as well as the number of dependent children (more children associated with fewer accidents). Furthermore, work-related accidents were significantly more frequent in larger communities and when surge ries were later in finishing (PsycINFO Database Record, 2009). Look around. One of ten people you see at work, at the store, and wherever you go in your daily live is over stressed at any given moment. Scientists agree that stress causes actual chemical changes in the brain, and these changes can influence the state of your health (Cornforth, 2007). There has been an on-going observation on the impact that stress has on the entire health of a person. Stress is associated with many backaches complaints and cancerous effects and chronic fatigue syndrome. Women may succumb to failure in menstruation or unusual blood loss. Hormonal imbalances as a result of stress may propagate the symptoms of fibroid tumors and endometriosis as well as make pregnancy difficult to realize for married partners with cases of infertility or impotence. Heart problems, high blood pressure, heart attacks and stroke are also stress related cardiovascular conditions. The effects go to the extent of interfering with the sexuality of women and sexual dysfunctions such as decreased desire and vaginal dryness. As outlined earlier, case of emotional problems may also arise such as depression, anxiety and lack of sleep. Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, ulcers and lower abdominal cramps. In most cases, people undergoing work related stress will have more i nfections in form of colds and other infections due to lowered immune system responses. . As noted earlier, work related stress not only affects our physicality but also extends to our psychological realm. In deed, it has severe psychological coercion. It is in the work place that busy schedules, arguments between colleagues or line managers with their junior staffs, accountants under pressure to settle bills or inconveniences as a result of traffic jam cause a lot of stress. Here, the body undergoes very strong reactions similar to the reactions faced when one is challenged and has to make a choice between life and death. This is never a pleasant situation and a lot of bodily tension occurs. Workers with lots of duties and responsibilities and worries due to deadlines, their response to stress is always on high alert. In fact, there are workers who succumb to such situations in the entire working life. Such long-term exposure to stress may can translate to grave health problems and complications. This is what can be referred to a chronic stress which actually disorganizes almost every system of the body. It is in such instance that one can fall victim of blood pressure, heart attack, impotence and even the person is more vulnerable to grow old prematurely. It would be of paramount importance to not only look into the effects of work related stress on health but also understand the causes of such stress and how to manage it. In most cases a big percentage of employees globally will confess that their work is the source of stress in their lives. No wonder comments like I had a very busy day or had a stressful day with my client or my boss does never understand and many others. As noted in an article published by Bupas health information team†¦ Health and Safety Executive survey, one in six of all working individuals in UK reported that their job is very or extremely stressful. Work-related stress is also one of the biggest causes of sick leave (Bupa, 2008). Some of the causes associated with stress include vulnerable and miserable working conditions, prolonged working periods, type of relationship with colleagues since team work is entrenched on this fact, diminished job security, means of transport may be unfavorable to some employees hence challenges in trying to commute to and from work, management of the company and low salaries and wages to mention a few. There are employees who feel under worked or overworked or feel that their job designation does not match their qualifications. For example, when one is supposed to serve as an accountant but assigned as the front office manager or a receptionist. These from the word go does not give satisfaction to the employee. In rare cases will one posit a particular cause of work-related stress. All in all it can evolve due to sudden, unexpected pressures and more so due to the combination of stressful factors that develop as time goes. . As mentioned earlier, pressure is an indisputable fact or in any work place. In strict sense, no work without pressure, therefore employees need to educate themselves on how to deal with stress successfully. The negative aspects of job stress need to be pruned in a number of ways. For example, every employer should seek to understand how they function at work. This builds their self esteem at all times. Good time management to avoid inconveniences, for example, in the case when one is caught up in a traffic jam and cannot get to work in time. It would be prudent to start moving early. If one is faced with many deadlines and tasks to perform, one can prioritize them in order of importance and urgency. Through team work, one can delegate some of the work to other colleagues. Break and relaxation is also highly recommended. There are employees who want to do many tasks at the same time instead of doing one task and after its completion take on the other. Managers should create a conducive atmosphere for all where each employee feels comfor table and accepted. . Organizations should at least, have a health and safety officer who can ensure that proper mechanisms have been put in place to safeguard the workers from unnecessary causes of work-related stress. Conclusion In deed, work-related stress is an omen that will keep on affecting the lives of many organizations. We have seen the symbiotic relationship there is between pressure and any work environment. I strongly agree that much is on how to deal with work related stress. It is clear that we cannot eradicate it in our reality as workers. Any government must put in place measures that address the basic needs of workers or rights of workers and essentially to protect them from risks posed to their health due to job stress. Any employer or organization who deliberately fails to provide a comfortable work environment should be said to commit a crime punishable by law and. In addition, a compensation policy should also be entrenched to reward all workers who suffer unjustly from work related stress.