5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension

5 Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension The idea that you either read for pleasure or for learning is misleading. It is, of course, possible to do both. Still, you shouldnt necessarily approach academic reading the same way you approach a beach read. In order to read and comprehend a book or article for school, you need to be much more intentional and strategic. Understand Genres and Themes In most reading tests, the student is asked to read a passage and predict what might happen next. Prediction is a common reading comprehension strategy. The purpose of this strategy is to make sure you’re able to infer information from the clues in the text. Here’s a passage to clarify this point: Clara gripped the handle of the heavy glass pitcher and lifted it from the refrigerator shelf. She didn’t understand why her mother thought she was too young to pour her own juice. As she backed away carefully, the rubber seal of the refrigerator door caught the lip of the glass pitcher, which caused the slippery handle to slip from her hand. As she watched the pitcher crash into a thousand pieces, she saw the figure of her mother appear in the kitchen doorway. What do you think will happen next? We could infer that Clara’s mother reacts angrily, or we might guess that the mother bursts into laughter. Either answer would be sufficient since we have so little information to go on. But if I told you that this passage was an excerpt from a thriller, that fact might impact your answer. Similarly, if I told you this passage came from a comedy, youd make a very different prediction. It is important to know something about the type of text youre reading, whether it is a nonfiction or a work of fiction. Understanding the genre of a book helps you make predictions about the action- which helps you comprehend it. Read With Tools Any time you read for the sake of learning, you should be reading actively.  To do this, youll need some extra tools. For example, you can use a pencil to make annotations in the margins of your text without doing any permanent damage to the book. Another good tool for active reading is a pack of sticky notes. Use your notes to jot down thoughts, impressions, predictions, and questions as you read. A highlighter, on the other hand, is usually not as effective. Highlighting is a relatively passive act when compared to note-taking even though it may seem like you are engaging with the text by highlighting it. However, highlighting during a first read can be a good way to mark  passages that you want to revisit. But if a passage impresses you enough to highlight it, you should always indicate  why it impresses you, whether on the first or second read.   Develop New Vocabulary   Its a no-brainer that you should take the time to look up new and unfamiliar words as you read. But its important to make a log book of those new words, and revisit them long after youve finished reading that book. The more we study a subject, the more it sinks in. Be sure to keep a log book of new words and visit it often. Analyze the Title (And Subtitles) The title is often the last thing to be adjusted once a writer has finished writing. Therefore, it may be a good idea to consider the title as a final step after reading.   A writer will labor hard and long on an article or book, and often the writer uses many of the same strategies that a good reader uses. Writers edit the text and identify themes, make predictions, and annotate.   Many writers are surprised by the twists and turns that come from the creative process.   Once a text is completed, the writer may reflect on the true message or purpose as a final step and come up with a new title. This means you can use the title as a clue to help you understand the message or purpose of your text, after youve had some time to soak it all in.

Free Essays on Egos Preparation For Rebirth

After having been strengthened in the ineffable harmony of the higher world called the Third Heaven (mentioned by St. Paul in II Corinthians 12:2), the Ego has a desire for new experiences in the Physical world and begins to contemplate a new birth. This conjures up a series of pictures before the vision of the Spirita panorama of the new life in store for it, containing the principal events which begin at the cradle and end at the grave. In some cases several panoramas may be shown, so that the advanced Ego has a choice. Having chosen the life it will live, the Spirit, possessing only the forces of the four seed-atoms (the nuclei of the dense, vital, and desire bodies, and the sheath of mind), the Ego begins its descent into the Physical World. The forces of the mind of the last life are awakened from their latency in the seed-atom, and begin to attract materials from the Region of concrete Thought for which it has an affinity. The same then occurs for the desire, the etheric, and the dense bodies. This material forms itself into a great bell- shaped figure, open at the top, where the seed-atoms are. When the proper time comes, the building of the new body and its placement in the proper environment is done by the four great Beings known as the Recording Angels, or Lords of Destiny. The vital body is built by the inhabitants of the heaven world and the Nature Spirits in such a manned as to form a particular type of brain. However, the returning Ego itself incorporates therein the quintessence of i ts former vital bodies, and in addition to this also does a little original work. The vital body, having been molded by the Lords of Destiny, will give form to the dense body, organ for organ. This matrix or mold is then placed in the womb of the future mother. The seed-atom for the dense body is in the triangular head of one of the spermatozoa in the semen of the father. When the impregnation of the ovum has taken place, the ... Free Essays on Ego's Preparation For Rebirth Free Essays on Ego's Preparation For Rebirth After having been strengthened in the ineffable harmony of the higher world called the Third Heaven (mentioned by St. Paul in II Corinthians 12:2), the Ego has a desire for new experiences in the Physical world and begins to contemplate a new birth. This conjures up a series of pictures before the vision of the Spirita panorama of the new life in store for it, containing the principal events which begin at the cradle and end at the grave. In some cases several panoramas may be shown, so that the advanced Ego has a choice. Having chosen the life it will live, the Spirit, possessing only the forces of the four seed-atoms (the nuclei of the dense, vital, and desire bodies, and the sheath of mind), the Ego begins its descent into the Physical World. The forces of the mind of the last life are awakened from their latency in the seed-atom, and begin to attract materials from the Region of concrete Thought for which it has an affinity. The same then occurs for the desire, the etheric, and the dense bodies. This material forms itself into a great bell- shaped figure, open at the top, where the seed-atoms are. When the proper time comes, the building of the new body and its placement in the proper environment is done by the four great Beings known as the Recording Angels, or Lords of Destiny. The vital body is built by the inhabitants of the heaven world and the Nature Spirits in such a manned as to form a particular type of brain. However, the returning Ego itself incorporates therein the quintessence of i ts former vital bodies, and in addition to this also does a little original work. The vital body, having been molded by the Lords of Destiny, will give form to the dense body, organ for organ. This matrix or mold is then placed in the womb of the future mother. The seed-atom for the dense body is in the triangular head of one of the spermatozoa in the semen of the father. When the impregnation of the ovum has taken place, the ...

The Great Depresion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Great Depresion - Research Paper Example Poverty was a major issue of that time as above 60 per cent people lived below the poverty level. The uneven division of wealth between the rich and the poor was the consequence of unequal distribution of funds and resources between agriculture and industry. Hundreds of thousands of Americans became unemployed during the Great Depression. The Great Depression marked the commencement of involvement of the government of America into the society in general and the economy in particular. The decade before 1929 was fairly prosperous and opportunistic for the American people. Then one day, on 29 October, 1929, the Great Depression started with the crash of the stock market. â€Å"During the next three years stock prices in the United States continued to fall, until by late 1932 they had dropped to only about 20 percent of their value in 1929† (Nelson n.d.). Panic struck the Americans as the stock prices fell down without any indication of recovery. This caused Americans to start sel ling their possessions in large numbers while the number of purchasers constantly declined. The stock market that seemed an obvious means to gain financial stability, rapidly transformed into the way to bankruptcy. The first and the foremost sufferers of the crash of the stock market were the banks which had taken money from the public and had invested in the stock markets. Crash of the stock market caused those banks to get closed. Closing of the banks added to the panic of the people of America. In an attempt to save their money by withdrawing it from the banks that were still open, Americans rushed towards the banks. The open banks were forced to close by such a massive withdrawal of savings. The banks were left with nothing to do business from. Lack of the ability of people to recover their savings from the bank after it had closed caused many who could not make it to the banks in time become bankrupt. The failure of banks was so immense that above 11000 of some 25000 bank in Am erica had closed between 1929 and 1933. â€Å"[T]hroughout the whole of this period there existed in one of the chief financial centres of the world a lack of balance between long- and short- term investment which was itself conducive to disequilibrium and latent with dangers of extensive catastrophe, should anything occur to disturb the insecure prosperity elsewhere† (Robbins 2007). The Great Depression also affected the business and industry in America. Companies started to downsize and reduce the salaries of their employees after they had lost a major portion of their equity in the bank closures and the crash of the stock market. On the other hand, there was an immense decline in the number of consumers as people controlled their savings, only to spend on things they could not live without rather than things that provided them with luxury. This attitude of the consumers served as a disincentive for the businesses and they were left with no option but to fire the employees and reduce the salaries of the remnants. Some businesses completely shattered and all of the employees were left unemployed. In any of such hard times that preceded the Great Depression, one community that was always able to survive was that of farmers as they at least used to have the stock to feed themselves. The Great Depression was a hard time even for the farmers as their plains were hit by a drought and a lot of powerful storms. The drought is

Interior and Spatial Design Contextual Studies Essay

Interior and Spatial Design Contextual Studies - Essay Example Generational change has also led to continuous shift in tastes. Spatial design comes in handy to sort these problems. For these reasons, this essay seeks to research and discuss the relationship between abstract painting and interior spatial design. Furthermore, the essay will include empirical studies of various artists and professionals in the field of fine arts and design. Through various reviews, I have learnt that painters and spatial designers are making immense contributions to the society. I have hence learnt that I will be in a position to create aesthetic appeal of homes. Through expertise in spatial art and interior design, I will be able to restore happiness and satisfaction to myself and the human race. Through appraisal of beauty, the field has enabled me to value specific objects in the society. I have also learnt the strategic use of interior design in drawing building plans taking into account interior spaces and probable rooming. In eventuality, they should award space appropriately to each section of a building. In my study of abstract paintings, I realized that they draw interests from everyone. On the contrary, I realized that a person who possesses a piece of an abstract painting could keep it for ages without having interpreted its meaning. Therefore, the value of such a work of art increases as time progresses in the sense that, it portrays not only its aesthetic value, but also the mysterious thought behind its conception. This misery behind the artistic works drew much interest from me, making me to relate commodities to their ideal values. Using an example of the value of money, I realized that everyone understands the importance of money and its value. However, people seem not to understand the real value of the money which is reflected by the purchasing potential as opposed to indicated numerical value indicated. In this respect, I have come to the conclusion that some abstract

PUBLIC RELATIONS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

PUBLIC RELATIONS - Essay Example It has five branches, namely IWM London, IWM Duxford, IWM North, HNS Belfest and Churchhill War Rooms (IWM 2012 p.1). The organization’s target is to elaborate factors and consequences of war and conflict in an attempt to influence positive change in the world. Four main principles guide the organization. Courage enables them to challenge the current knowledge in the world. It allows them to champion discussions concerning war and conflict. Authoritativeness allows them to question certain fields and establish standards of operations. Relevance ensures the content they portray targets the right persons. The fourth principle is empathy that enables the organization to document experiences and historical facts accurately while respecting opinions and views of participants (IWM 2012 p.1). The ultimate goal of IWP is to become the overall authority in conflicts. Imperial War Museum relies on several sources of funding that include government funding, donations, sponsorship and com mercial ventures. Admissions for audience are free in London and Manchester branch. However the other branches have limited capacity. Therefore, they charge tickets for visitors (IWM 2012 p.1) Analysis of the Museum strategy PESTLE analysis Political evaluation The political environment favors the activities and targets of Imperial War Museum. The museum originated in UK following the First World War that instigated this war. The UK government is on the frontline campaigning alongside IWM. It funds the Museum and supports its activities. There is minimal negative political influence in the Museum because the government supports the museum and participates actively in its plans. However, the museum’s schedule for the 2014 centenary coincides with general elections. In this period, grants are expected to reduce. IWM will feel the impact through 2014-2015(IWM 2012 p.1) Economic influence The Museum requires many funds to run and implement its plans. However, this is not a concer n because the government constantly funds the institution. IMP has projects due for completion in 2014 that require ?35 million. Funds for these projects come from a Heritage Lottery Grant, donations and its commercial operations. In addition, the government offers ? 5 Million for these projects and another ? 50 million for hundred years commemorations since First World War that is due next year, 2014. The government further allocates ? 5.3 million to be distributed among schools to enable students visit the museums and attend the commemorations. Lastly, the museum generates income to fund its activities from its commercial entities. Reports in 2011-2012 indicate that it generates at least 50 per cent of the total funds it needs for operating. According to IWM (2013) however, on the part of visitors, the increasingly difficult economic times will influence household financial decisions eventually undermining attendance to the museum events and commemorations. Social influence Social factors can strengthen an organization or weaken it (Northumbria University, 2008). IWM has sparked interest in the global society. Currently, it records 700 member organizations for the 2014 World War I centenary. According to the museums past records, it has had 1.9 million guests visit their five branches. Upon interviewing the guests, most said they would come attend certain events if

Renegotiating Contractual Terms under PPPs

Renegotiating Contractual Terms under PPPs Renegotiating contractual terms under PPPs- Moral Hazard or Practical Solution? Table of Contents (Jump to) Executive Summary 1. Introduction 1.1 Evolution of PPP model in India 2. PPP mechanism in India 3. Current status of PPPs in India 4. PPP model and schemes 5. Why closed approach to contract renegotiation? 5.1 Risk Involved in PPP 5.2 Case Study of Delhi Metro Express Line 6. Moral hazard or Practical solution? Executive Summary The development of the India depends on the extent to which the ongoing and planned projects are successgully executed. In twelfth five year plan 2012-1017 a total of $1 trillion is envisaged to be expensed on infrastrucural development and out of which around 50% will be catered by private sectors. The basic principle of partnering with public entity is profit maximization. Any disputes can adversely effect the project. This delay comes with a cost and loss of revenue for private partners. Thus, the effectiveness of partnership lies in the Dispute Resolution System (DRS) of the country. The practical solutions such as amicable settlement, mediation concilliation, arbitration and expert adjudication by statutory bodies are some of the measure to settle disputes. Other solutions can be mutual concessions and adjustments which can merge the differences between a concessionaire and the contract-granting government entity. Re-negotiation in a transparent and equitable manner can be the key adjustment solution for dispute resolution. This dissertation delves in the fundamentals of public-private partnership (PPP) model in India. It reflects on evolution, mechanism, current status, models and schemes, renegotiation factors. It concludes by giving recommendation on residing to practical solution of renegotiation rather than considering it a moral hazard. 1. Introduction A public-private partnership (PPP) is a joint agreement between government and private sector for the purpose of provisioning of public service or infrastructure. In order to develop a world class infrastructure for huge Indian geography and economy, mammoth investment is needed which posed liabilities to government sector. The partnership with private sector to develop public infrastructure is a possible solution to cater infrastructure bottlenecks. It shares knowledge risk and resources for development. Lack of adequate and improved infrastructure from public transport, housing, ports, education, and healthcare may turn out to be an impediment to growth. The rapid increase of population need and demand creates budgetary constraints in building large projects. Involvement of PPPs into the development framework is a more effective, disciplined, efficient and commercial way of approach. 1.1 Evolution of PPP model in India The evolution of PPP model in India dates back to mid-18th century where railway and tramway services were built on this model. There wasn’t much development in infrastructural development post-independence until the year of liberalization in 1991. Later which the government and private players jointly built large projects. The overall concept and implementation is still nascent in India when compared to developed nations. The policy framework of legal, institutional and regulatory are in evolutionary stage. Today, it is the favored model of project execution involving resource management by private sector. India Infrastructure Finance Company Limited (IIFCL), a government owned body incorporated by Ministry of Finance to provide long term debt finance to infrastructure projects and help central and state government in capacity building. Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC) approves project proposal worth Rs. 100 crore or more. The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, IMF and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) aims to promote aggressive PPP policy in India and help in attaining long term vision of development. 2. PPP mechanism in India The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance manages the PPP mechanism in India. The process starts from Phase-1 of project identification where various projects are identified through strategic planning and pre-feasibility analysis. A detailed sustainability of the project as PPP is studied and evaluated against alternatives. Other parameters such as value for money, internal clearances and suitability checks are carried out. Value of Money analysis helps in decision making and choosing between PPP procurement and conventional procurement options. It gauges project on the three basis of: Viability- Will the project meet desired expectations? Desirability- Will the project outweigh costs? Achievability- Will the project be completed within stipulated timeframe? The ultimate goal is to maximize the profit of all stakeholders involved which can done by identifying risks and understanding mitigate measures. The partnering party must commit to adhere to the contract legislation and abide by them throughout project lifetime. Phase-2 of full feasibility ensures the commitment of contracting parties. It starts from PPP project development, structuring, contract making, getting project clearances and necessary approvals. The implementing agencies undergoes: Economic assessment- understanding project need, cost-benefit for all stakeholders and impact of micro and macro-economy. Financial analysis- revenue source model, cash flows, net present value (NPV) using discount rate (cost of capital), rate of return and other critical financial ratios. Affordability analysis- land acquisitions, environment and regulatory clearances, rehabilitation resettlement policies, tariffs and user charges etc. A qualitative assessment of value for money is performed to know the systematic risk of project. This risk must be optimally allocated between implementing parties rather than unequally transferring to private party. Phase-3 is related to project procurement and award. In order to imbibe public confidence, these procurements must be unbiased, competitive and non-discriminatory. It must be allocated timely and encourage maximum participation from several parties involving in competitive bidding. All applications must follow PPP rules and procedures as framed by Government. Request for qualifications (RFQ) and Request for proposals (RFP) have to be submitted by parties after expression of interest (EOI). Technical and financial proposals must also be submitted in case of large and complex projects. A prescribed bidding procedure and model documents should be followed by implementing agencies after getting approvals from competent authorities such Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) or Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee (PPPAC). E-tendering and online auction are also conducted to invite participation from large number of agencies. The contract draft containing legal rules, regu lations and standards are provided to prospective parties before bidding. Arrangements are made for speedy implementation of project. Phase-4 of contract management and monitoring is done after project allocation. It actively supervises project as per contract throughout the project life cycle. It is a phase where majority of dispute occurs and is most crucial due to changing business and economic scenarios. A credible and efficient dispute resolution mechanism is set up to deal with any differences. It must be in accordance to contract that has been made during bidding process. Project monitoring Committees are formed to assist parties and resolve issues among implementing agencies. 3. Current status of PPPs in India The sector wise distribution of PPP projects shows that 53% out of 758 projects are in road projects having worth of 46% by total value (Figure) mainly because of small size of projects. Urban development project accounts for 20% of total number of projects. Ports having larger project size accounts for only 8% of total number but 21% by total value. The expansion plans of highways, inadequate berth at Ports, inadequate capacity at airports, saturated routes with low payload to tare ratio in railways and energy shortages are some of the factors that drives the need of infrastructural development in India. The total cost of all the project is INR 3,833 billion. Some states have taken this model to far more extent than others. Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat with 104, 96, 86, 78 and 63 projects are top five states following PPP based development. It can also be seen that states and municipalities have much larger role to play in boosting private investments in healthcare, e-governance and education sectors which seems to be untapped across India. National Highways Authority of India holds maximum of 155 projects and fall under Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) or Build-Own-Operate-Transfer (BOOT) type of PPP. Government policies in favor of alluring private participation as well as innovation in implementation has rewarded success. Most of the contracts are awarded by domestic or international competitive bidding while remaining are awarded by negotiated MoUs. The valuation graph shows that almost 78% of total project worth 500 or more. 4. PPP model and schemes PPP model was formulated in order to improve public sector infrastructure and services. It includes whole spectrum of partnership between private and public agencies through contract making and revenue sharing. This arrangement includes significant risk due to imbalance in project finance and future uncertainties. Precautions are taken to keep the process flexible and discernible during contract formulation through various models and schemes which are summarized in figure xx. 5. Why closed approach to contract renegotiation? A big question is that why India does not have a defined and established legal and regulatory dispensation to address the issues relating to renegotiation and life-cycle management of PPP infrastructure assets? The struggle for reset of imported coal based projects for Adani Power and Tata Power, the GMR and GVK break up from mega-highway projects, The Gurgaon Expressway case, Delhi Metro Rail Express Line case of arbitration and private telecom operator case for fighting against government bodies poses a very clear demand for policy change. An independent, impartial and credible body should be set up in line with others created in emerging economies such as Infrastructure Concessions Regulatory Commission in Nigeria, the PPP Advisory Unit in Ghana, the PPP Centre in Philippines and the PPP Unit in South Africa. This empowered body should dispense judgment related to disputes in contract renegotiations. An overview of more than 1,000 PPP concessions studied by the World Bank Institut e in Latin America and Caribbean from 1985-2000 throw up these characteristics of PPP renegotiation: Some expert believes that perception among investors that PPP model will never face contract renegotiation related problems is a root cause of dispute. How can a large project having life of more than 20-30 years be expected to be never renegotiated? Several international case studies shows that it is rare to see project without renegotiations. In fact, in changing times, no human ingenuity can predict zero problems over a life cycle of PPP project. 5.1 Risk Involved in PPP Figure below shows some of the risks associated with public and private partnership that can result in conflict. 5.2 Case Study of Delhi Metro Express Line The Reliance Infrastructure and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) partnered subsidiary DAMEPL was the country’s first PPP project in railways. The airport express line project was commissioned in February, 2011. The dispute in this project was not a surprise as it was into controversy from day one on safety clearances and technical glitches. The tussle between parties was on payment of delay penalty. After commissioning of the project, the issue became severe and resulted in operational closure of service for six months. It settled only after payment of fees by Reliance infra who later claimed along with its lost reputation as penalty. Analysis: The fiasco that resulted in withdrawal of Reliance Infrastructure from airport express line of Delhi metro questioned the policy of PPP in India. The major factor for dispute of Express Line PPP was wrong projections of daily passenger traffic by DAMEPL. The actual passenger never exceeded 20,000 per day which was against the expected 40,000 per day. This skewed the financial liabilities towards the Reliance Infrastructure. Some critics suggests the private party to meet the commitment of concession agreement without asking for contract renegotiation. The penalty of Rs. 795 crore slapped by the private partner set the stage for a long drawn legal battle between the two agencies. Had the terms of contract been renegotiated, and financial implications been revisited, the dispute would have never been raised. A practical solution of dispute resolution by an independent government body could have rescued the parties entering into dispute and later penalty payments.

John Dalton :: Essays Papers

John Dallton John Dalton was born in September 5,1766 in Eaglesfield in Cumberland, England. Dalton and his family lived in a small country house. His family had been Quakers since 1690. Quakers where members of a society of friends. John had a brother named Mary and A brother named Charles, when he was born his brother was twelve years old and his sister was two years old. Dalton's birth was not recorded, so when he grew up older he asked one of his relatives and got and answer which was his birthday. His parents were honest people and good workers. His dad Joseph had land he had inherited were Dalton and his brother Charles help out with the crop. His mother Deborah Greenup homespun textile Dalton's sister help her too. John Dalton's family were poor but "although they were never hungry they were poor" Dalton was lucky he was a Quaker , other boys received little or no education, but as Quakers Dalton received a fair education at the closest Quaker school . For Dalton it was an achievement going to school since in those times only one out of two-hundred and fifteen people could read. John Dalton went to the Quaker school at Pardshow Hall. Dalton was quick when it came to studies and in mathematical problems he was good and seem to be tireless of them. John Fletcher was Dalton's teacher, he was a smart man who didn't use a rod to hammer in learning to Dalton, he was to provide Dalton with a excellent back-round and lifelong quest for knowledge. Then came Elihu Robinson a rich Quaker gentlemen. who become Dalton's mentor, and was another person to lead Dalton to mathematics , science, and specially meteorology. John Dalton had an intense fascination for meteorology he even in fact kept careful daily weather records for forty six straight years. When Dalton was twelve he opened his school in Eaglesfield. He was smaller than some boys so he was threatened by the older boys who wanted to fight with the young teacher. He managed to control the kids for two years, but eventually due to poor salary Dalton return to work the land for his rich uncle. In 1785 Dalton and his brother opened another school this time at Kendall where Dalton had recently moved in. The school offered English, Latin, Greek, French, along with twenty one mathematics and science subjects.