Critical Readings in English B. ed. 3rd Year (Eng. Ed. 433)
Critical
Readings in English
B. ed. 3rd
Year
Eng. Ed. 433
Unit: 1 Diversity Technology and
Education
Lok Raj Regmi’s “An Encounter
with the Interdisciplinary Course” , a mini research attempts to explore
the inclusion of the interdisciplinary course in education, describes the
nature of such courses: and the need of it in the present teaching-learning
situation and it furthermore highlights some of the silent features of such
courses.
· Interdisciplinarity or interdisciplinary
studies involves the combination of multiple academic disciplines into one activity (e.g., a research project) It draws knowledge
from several other fields like sociology, anthropology, psychology, economics,
etc. It is about creating something by thinking across boundaries.
· Bhattarai (2014) concludes
that interdisciplinary as a subject is characterized by participation of two or
more fields of study. It is an intellectual essence of the field, covers a
knowledge view that especially applies language from more than one academic
discipline to examine a central theme, issues, topic etc.
The
needs of Interdisciplinary Courses are:
a)
Territorial
nature of disciplinary course: They have self- territorial set up and expected
skills.
b)
Less
motivation in disciplinary course: They don’t expose new area of knowledge
rather provides alternative area of knowledge.
c)
Global
competition: They foster students in cognitive and critical skills which help
them to assimilate their novice values needs and aspiration.
Difference between multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary:
The concept of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary are
used synonymously which is wrong as Bhattarai clearly distinguishes them
as multidisciplinary can draw the topics from various disciplines like
interdisciplinary but it lacks association between the disciplines whereas one
discipline is bound to have close relationship with the other in
interdisciplinary.
- They frequently ask questions.
- They determine goals and meet them.
- They are open-minded, independent thinkers.
- They are adaptable by nature, not afraid to try new things.
- They are creative and innovative.
- They adapt textbook knowledge to the real world.
- They continue to grow and learn.
- They carry skills like: Problem-solving, Research, Writing, Oral, communication, Listening etc.
- They have team-spirited, understand group dynamics, work well in group settings, and willing to help others.
- They see the big picture (not just an area of specialization).
- They follow the concept of diversity and treat others with dignity and respect.
Repko (2014) mentions the following characteristics of Interdisciplinary Course:
b) Linkage (in contrast to disciplinary view of knowledge, interdisciplinary does not stress delineations (चित्रण/ छाप) but linkages)
c) Contemporary Global Issues ( Globalization, ecology, and environment, gender roles, economics and development, information and communication technology etc.)
d) Wider Coverage, assimilation and Competitive Skills ( Sharpens critical and objective readings, promotes assimilation and makes readers competent to face any sort of challenges)
Difference between Interdisciplinary, disciplinary and Multi-disciplinary:
Disciplinary: A course that contains only one discipline in it.
Multi-disciplinary: A course that carries topics from various disciplines like interdisciplinary but it lacks links among them.
Differences between Intradisciplinary, Cross-disciplinary, Multi-disciplinary, Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary.
1. Intradisciplinary: working within a single discipline. e.g. Bachelor in computer science.
2.
Crossdisciplinary: viewing one discipline from the perspective of another. e.g. Computer
Concepts from the perspective of Mathematics theorem.
3.
Multidisciplinary: people from different disciplines working together, each drawing on their
disciplinary knowledge.e.g. Any big project with multiple aspect.
4.
Interdisciplinary: integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines, using a
real synthesis of approaches. e.g. Study of population using ICT.
5.
Transdisciplinary: creating an unity of intellectual frameworks beyond the disciplinary
perspectives. e.g. integrating Population study outcome with the computer
graphics to obtain the real time analysis.
Interdisciplinary readings support to
enhance students’ language skills:
Regmi is of the opinion that Interdisciplinary course has an intellectual essence which blends more scientific, academic and artistic streams of knowledge. It helps students in following ways:
- It helps them deal with scientific process of analysis.
- It helps them to achieve academic excellence.
- It helps them to learn various aspects of skills developed automatically.
- It encourages them tackle with worldly wide spread issues.
- It teaches them various aspects of dealing or teaching learning with the texts.
Need of the interdisciplinary course in
the present context of English Language teaching learning:
( See characteristics of
Interdisciplinary Course)
Making Connection:
1.
Since
teaching itself is interdisciplinary, the inclusion of the interdisciplinary
course in our syllabus is inevitable. Give your arguments in favour or against
the statement.
The inclusion of the interdisciplinary
course in our syllabus is inevitable.
Obviously, the inclusion of the
interdisciplinary course in our syllabus is inevitable as we all know very well
that the syllabus that we are studying now a days contain interdisciplinary
disciplines having association with a variety of areas or topics. Thus, such
disciplines of course that deals with originality, creativity, risk taking,
challenges and many more are highly desirable in our syllabus.
Interdisciplinary Course helps students in achieving advance
Critical Thinking and Cognitive Development. It helps them develop their
cognitive abilities - brain-based skills and mental processes that are needed
to carry out tasks.
When students
graduate, they should be able to evaluate complex information to come up with
their own ideas and perspectives. Thus, Interdisciplinary
learning supports students in critical thinking by helping them to
understand multiple viewpoints.
Interdisciplinary instruction relies on multiple contents working together to develop student knowledge, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, self-efficacy and a passion for learning while supporting students' various learning styles, diverse backgrounds, interests, talents, backgrounds, and values.
As it is an approach to curriculum integration that generates an understanding of themes and ideas and cut across disciplines and of the connections between different disciplines and their relationship to the real world. Thus, it generates many positive and practical aspects of learning which supports them their real life.
2. Frequently Asked Questions about Multiple Intelligences
- by Haward Gardner
In this given
excerpt from his book Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons (1993), Gardner
mainly responds to four of the most frequently asked questions about Multiple
Intelligences (MIs).
The four questions are:
1. Is intelligence a product, a process, a content, a style, or all of the above?
2. How does intelligence relative to creativity?
3. Could one contrast a test or a set of tests for each of the intelligences?
4. What kind of general capacity is called critical thinking? Isn’t it important in today’s society? Shouldn’t we have courses that help young people develop such a faculty?
Intelligence
and it is a process:
# What is Intelligence? How is it a process?
Intelligence can be defined as the ability to solve complex problems or make decisions with outcomes.
Howard Gardner defines intelligence as "a biopsychological (behavioral neuroscience or psychobiology) potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture.
An intelligence is actually both a product and a process. The product is the actual information outcome of the process. The process, on the other hand, is a systematic way of producing this outcome. An intelligence is actually a process. It is infact a cognitive process. It gives humans the cognitive abilities to learn, form concepts, understand, and reason, including the capacities to recognize patterns, innovate, plan, solve problems, and employ language to communicate. Intelligence enables humans to experience and think.
# How is intelligence different from style?
Intelligence and
Style are fundamentally different from psychological constructs.
- Intelligence refers to the computational
power of a mental system where as style refers to the customary way in which an
individual approaches a range of materials.
- Intelligences are representation of
different intellectual abilities whereas styles are how we approach different
tasks.
- 7 types of intelligences: linguistic,
numerical, kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and spatial
intelligences whereas 8 types of styles: visual, aural, physical, verbal,
logical, social, solo and natural styles.
# What is creativity? How are intelligence and creativity related?
Creativity is defined as the tendency to generate or recognize ideas, alternatives, or possibilities that may be useful in solving problems, communicating with others, and entertaining ourselves and others.
- It broadens our perspectives and can help us overcome prejudices.
- It allows us to express our feelings, makes us happier, helps survive in troubled times, boosts our self-confidence and improve our brain.
- Gardner defines creativity as an ability that regularly helps to solve problems.
The relationship between intelligence and creativity is that both of them are functions of the brain that process information to determine a solution or an answer to a problem. Intelligence and creativity are related to each other because intelligent people are more creative than others. Creativity is the ability to perceive things in a novel manner, create new ideas and concepts, and thus, to make innovative creations while intelligence is the ability to acquire knowledge and to utilize it accordingly. Anyway, they are related to one another.
Howard Gardener’s
Theory of Multiple Intelligences is of 8 types:
In 1983, Howard Gardner proposed the theory
of multiple intelligences (MI), though he has continued to revise his theory
over the years. He felt the traditional concept of intelligence was incomplete
and instead proposed a variety of different types of intelligence, such as:
1. Linguistic Intelligence: Linguistic Intelligence deals with sensitivity to the spoken and written language, ability to learn languages, and capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. Careers of linguistic intelligence: Lawyer, Speaker / Host, Author, Journalist etc.
2.
Logical-Mathematical
Intelligence:
Logical-mathematical intelligence refers to the capacity to
analyze problems logically, carry out mathematical operations, and investigate
issues scientifically. Careers of logical-mathematical intelligence: Mathematician,
Accountant, Statistician, Scientist etc.
3.
Spatial Intelligence: Spatial intelligence manipulates the patterns of wide
space (for instance, by navigators and pilots) as well as the patterns of more
confined areas. Careers of spatial intelligence: Pilot, Surgeon, Architect,
Interior Decorator etc.
4.
Bodily- kinesthetic
Intelligence: Bodily kinesthetic intelligence is the potential
of using one’s whole body or parts of the body (like the hand or the mouth) to
solve problems. Careers of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Dancer, Athlete, Surgeon,
Mechanic, Carpenter, Physical Therapist etc.
5.
Musical Intelligence: Musical intelligence refers to
the skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical
patterns. Careers of musical intelligence: Singer, Composer, DJ, Musician
etc.
6.
Interpersonal Intelligence: Interpersonal intelligence is the capacity to
understand the intentions, motivations, and desires of other people and
consequently to work effectively with others. Careers of interpersonal
intelligence: Teacher, Psychologist, Manager, Salespeople, Public Relations
etc.
7.
Intrapersonal Intelligence: Intrapersonal intelligence is the capacity to
understand oneself, to have an effective working model of oneself-including
own’s desires, fears, and capacities—and to use such information effectively in
regulating one’s own life. Careers of intrapersonal intelligence: Therapist,
Psychologist, Counselor, Entrepreneur, Clergy etc.
8.
Naturalist Intelligence: Naturalistic intelligence involves expertise in the
recognition and classification of the numerous species—the flora and fauna—of
his or her environment. Careers of
naturalist intelligence: Botanist, Biologist,
Astronomer, Meteorologist, Geologist etc.
# How can we promote multiple intelligences in our
classroom? Discuss with examples.
Multiple
Intelligence Theory states that each person has different ways of learning
and different intelligences they use in their daily lives. While some can learn
very well in a linguistically-based environment (reading and writing), others
are better taught through mathematical-logic based learning.
Multiple Intelligences is Howard Gardner’s psychological theory about people and their different types of intelligences like logical, visual, musical, etc. How to implement multiple intelligences in the classroom, and how to benefit from them is a matter of significance.
We can promote multiple intelligences in our classroom in following ways:
-
By reading different types of
books, we can develop multiple intelligences and its application.
-
By providing students assessment
related to different intelligences, multiple intelligences can be promoted in
the classroom.
-
By visiting and observing other‘s
classrooms and schools.
-
By working in team or teaching
collaborative skills.
-
By providing plenty of group work
opportunities.
-
By using person-person communication methods.
-
By organizing programmes like
story reading, oral presentations, speech competitions, debates,
-
By using concept maps, Pictionary
game, modeling clay, taking photos and videos etc.
-
By observing different activities
taking place in the surrounding.
-
By observing art gallery and
practicing paintings, musical instruments, songs and doing physical exercises
or physical works.
-
By involving in project works of
different subjects such as science, computer science, Hotel Management, Law
etc.
-
By practicing activities that
integrate the independent study and self –taught readings.
-
By using board games, Roleplay
activities, Peer tutoring, community support activities etc
-
By having pets or plants in the
classroom, making orchards or gardens, cleaning activities in community areas, walking in natural environments,
showing films and documentary related to nature, using binoculars, microscope
and telescope and so on.
The applications of multiple intelligence
theory in education are wide. Students apply the learning in the classroom
according to their own dominant intelligence and learning style, which is
most effective for them. Combining learning styles with dominant intelligences
enhances the students' learning processes.
Importance of Critical Thinking in Education
# Why is critical thinking important in education?
Justify your answer.
Critical thinking is the analysis
of available facts, evidence, observations, and arguments to form a judgment.
It plays an important role in education. It helps students to think in an
analytic and rational way. In addition, it encourages students to make life
decisions and evaluate all aspects while solving problems. Critical thinking in
the classroom helps students think in different dimensions.
Strong teachers think critically. They
practice the thinking art of analyzing and evaluating as they consider both
day-to-day activities and long-term teaching and learning goals. They
evaluate what they have, determine what they will need, and decide how and when
to assess student progress. Students can create a rational and sensible
argument about a topic and use reflective thinking often and with ease.
When students use critical thinking skills, they are able to systematically
apply creative problem solving that assists in selecting the soundest decision.
Benefits/ Importance of Critical
thinking in education:
-
It helps to
make decisions by themselves and improves decision making.
-
It enhances
problem-solving ability.
-
It refines
students’ researching skills.
-
It polishes
their creativity
-
It stimulates
Curiosity makes them lifelong learners
-
Higher education and
jobs require critical thinking.
-
It supports students
to make better decisions about their life.
-
It prepares students
for their futures.
-
It helps students
feel happier.
Above all this crucial skill helps
with communication, improves relationships, allows for creativity, and supports
mental well-being, and so on. Critical thinking skills are vital for just about
every aspect of a student's life.
3.
Diversity Makes You Brighter
– by
Sheen S. Levine & David Starkdec
People can go wrong in a homogeneous group. Why?
- As people are surrounded by the same ethnicity or race, they are likely to copy others and go in wrong direction.
- People have faith in their race or ethnicity more than other as a result they fall in same trap.
- People of same race or ethnicity have habit of imitating others and they become wrong in decisions.
- Mistakes, missteps, mistrust and mindless imitation are the major faults found among the participants of homogeneous group.
- On the other hand, people of diverse group have different opinions regarding the matters and they have less possibility of being wrong in decisions.
Ethnic and racial diversity is important in
effective in learning. Why?
- It prompts critical thinking.
- It promotes creativity and interactivity.
- They help to detect errors found in learning.
- It protects us from miscalculation.
- It promotes sharper thinking to the members of the community.
- It benefits everyone who experience ethnic and racial diversity in community.
- It teaches them to interact and have knowledge of different fields.
1.
How is
diversity (i.e. linguistic, cultural, ethnic ) important in your own personal
life and community?
Diversity:
Diversity is about what makes each of us unique and includes our
backgrounds, personality, life experiences and beliefs, all of the things that
make us who we are. It is a combination of our differences that shape our view
of the world, our perspective and our approach. It refers to the existence of variations of
different characteristics in a group of people.
Diversity is important not only to me but also to all others in their personal as well as public life because of following reasons:
- Diversity brings in new ideas and experiences, and people can learn them from each other which lead to better problem-solving.
- Working in diverse teams promotes creativity.
- The value of diversity is true for our culture, too.
- Diversity leads to greater innovation.
- Diversity makes it easier to recruit top talent.
- Customers respond to diversity.
- Diversity can improve a brand's image.
- It Increases skills and knowledge of people.
- It helps to understand customers better.
- It raises profits.
- Diversity and inclusion boost employee engagement.
- It promotes tolerance and understanding between different cultures;
- It enriches our community through shared experiences with different people;
- It attracts more money to our economy through the growth of different businesses;
-
Having
a diverse workplace in which different voices are heard and accepted encourages
employees to actively engage in their work environment,
resulting in higher levels of productivity, increased retention, and overall
business success.
-
Students who learn about different cultures during their
education feel more comfortable and safe with these differences later in life.
This allows them to interact in a wider range of social groups and feel more
confident in themselves as well as in their interactions with others.
2.
How can we
promote diversity in Nepal through education?
Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic country. It is a country with Indigenous Nationality. Nepal can be regarded as a culturally rich country. It has been a home to people of different ethnic groups, religion, culture etc. Nepal can easily be called a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities with 126 different ethnic groups living in peace and harmony. Among these diverse groups of people, there are 123 different languages declared as mother tongues coming from different cultures. In Nepal, we can promote diversity through education in following ways:
- By educating students about the benefits of diversity in the classroom.
- By creating scenario of inclusive education at the workplace.
- By providing them wider spaces or opportunities for discussion or engagement in group or collaborative activities.
- By conducting programmes at public spaces of educational and cultural activities that celebrate diverse cultures.
- Teachers should try to know about their students and their cultural, historical and linguistic backgrounds.
- By acknowledging and respecting every student.
- By incorporating diversity and practicing cultural sensitivity in the class room.
- By providing students freedom and flexibility in classroom learning.
- By knowing students and their diverse talents.
4. Multilingualism: Speaking the Language of Diversity
- by Khalid Diab
English schoolmates find foreign language classes too much hassle because of following reasons:
- The students find such classes boring rather than interesting.
- Language teachers made little effort to teach the beauty and relevance of language.
- Students are not taught about the significance of foreign language at their home.
- They find it difficult to learn and it is new and something different from their day to day learning.
Multiculturalism and its advantages:
Multiculturalism
refers to the state of a society or the world in which there exists numerous
distinct ethnic and cultural groups. It is the practice of giving equal
attention to many different backgrounds in a particular setting. An example of
multiculturalism is an honors classroom with students from several different
countries and who speak different languages.
Advantages of Multiculturalism:
- It helps to stop racial discrimination.
- It develops and sustains a positive public view.
- It creates a healthier work culture.
- It promotes creativity and innovation.
- It helps to upgrade work skills.
- It supports the local economy and community life.
- It develops higher level of tolerance towards minorities.
- We learn about different cultures and their rituals.
- Life becomes more interesting with multiculturalism.
- It may help to lower tensions in school.
- It gives us a broader picture of reality.
- One can learn a new language in multicultural regions.
- One can improve confidence levels of minorities.
Economic Implications of Multiculturalism:
A diverse workforce can capture a greater
share of the consumer market. By bringing together individuals from different
backgrounds and experiences, businesses can more effectively market to
consumers from different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Multiculturalism has
several implications as such:
Companies and
employees with cultural competence thrive in the global economy. It's crucial
for companies to have diverse employees and a solid emphasis on diversity and
inclusion. Companies and employees who fully understand the intricacies of
their customers' cultures are able to offer better goods and services. It creates a healthier work culture. It supports the local economy and
community life. Furthermore, It helps to
upgrade work skills as well.
Ways to promote Multiculturalism:
- Scenario of inclusive education should be created at the workplace.
- Multilingual classes should be conducted at schools and colleges.
- History and cultures should be publicized through media.
- Museums and multilingual schools should be established in each province.
- Wider spaces or opportunities for discussion or collaborative activities should be promoted.
- Teachers should try to know about their students and their cultural, historical and linguistic backgrounds.
- Acknowledgement and respect to every student’s culture, language and religion.
- Freedom and flexibility in classroom learning should be promoted.
1.
Do you think it
is important to promote diversity in education? Justify your answer. (See answer
of 1. How is
diversity (i.e. linguistic, cultural, ethnic ) important in your own personal
life and community?- Chapter-3 )
2.
Describe linguistic,
cultural and ethnic diversity in Nepal in about 800 words.
Nepal is a land of unity in diversity. The country has people belonging to various religions, various customs, various languages and various cultures. People of Nepal belong to more than hundred different groups of ethnicity and each has varied culture, heritage and customs. Well said, Nepal is a multi-religious, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country. It is a country with Indigenous Nationality. Nepal can be regarded as a culturally rich country. It has been a home to people of different ethnic groups, religion, culture etc.
Nepal is regarded as a culturally rich country. Nepal has been a home to diversified settlements in terms of ethnicity, religion, dialect and culture since its outset in civilization. Different languages and cultures exist in Nepal, which has created a rich and unique national culture. Our national identity also depends upon this cultural and ethnic diversity. This ethnic and cultural diversity, which is also known as unity in diversity, is an important national heritage, which needs to be further strengthened.
After the Unification of Nepal by King Prithivi Narayan Shah of the Shah dynasty, the concept of Unity in Diversity was accepted by the state and thus put forward in his famous “Dibya Upadesh”, the Divine Sermon as “Nepal Chaar Jaat Chhattis Barna Ko Shajha Fulbari Ho, Sabai Lai Chetana Bhaya” (Nepal is a home to 4 castes and 36 sub-castes, may all be aware!). With the advancement of modern society, these words have been reflected and retained in the society of Nepal as tolerance, harmony, and peace in religion and culture. Despite being a Hindu state for over 2 centuries, the state has offered equality and an inclusion of every caste, ethnic group, religion, dialect, culture, and belief. Nepal is a multi-religious country in the world so different ethnic groups live with their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition. Nepal has number of a religious groups they which live in peace and harmony. Diversity is our identity and unity are our specialties. Our cultures should be protected from the undue influence of foreign ones. Religious and cultural heritages should be preserved and promoted. Religious tolerance needs to be strengthened and practiced in more practicable ways.
Above all, Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic country. Nepal has been a home to diversified settlements in terms of ethnicity, religion, dialect and culture since its outset in civilization. This note has information about the features of Nepalese society as a beautiful garden.
5. Disabled Chinese Straggled for a Good Education and Acceptance
– by Didi Kirsten Tallow
# Disabled person have different life than to a non-disabled person. How?
Life for a disabled person varies to that of a non-disabled person in following ways:
- It’s very difficult to get job, skills and education for a disabled person.
- They face many difficulties in leading a normal life while for a non-disabled person, leading life is easy.
- Disabled person have to depend on the non-disabled person for so many things.
- In society, disabled persons are behaved differently than non-disabled persons.
- Disabled persons are misbehaved and considered as omen or a bad star in some societies.
- Disabled persons remain neglected part of society and they also experience various barriers due to restriction of participation.
- Persons with disabilities face problems like stigma, discrimination, poverty, exclusion from education and employment, and barriers faced in the health system itself.
Provisions and facilities that the Chinese Government has put for disabled children are:
The author evaluates the provisions and facilities that the Chinese Government has put in place for disabled children in positive way.
- In 2008, China gave disabled citizens the right to attend mainstream, schools.
- Xu Jiacheng, a professor of special education in Beijing Union University, stated in September 2012, about 8700 disabled children began school in Beijing, with about 5700 going to mainstream schools and nearly 3000 to special schools as per government figures.
The Government needs to do following things to take care of disabled citizens properly:
- The Government should include the disabled citizens or children to mainstream of education.
- The Government should select special funds or budget for disabled people in the country.
- The Government should provide special trainings to disabled people for uplift their conditions or social status or economic conditions.
- The Government should make policies and programmes for the betterment of the special needy people.
- The stakeholders should understand the special needs and the strengths of special needy citizens.
- The Government should support them in feeding and eating procedures.
Ni Zhen: a 28 years old blind man
Ni Zhen is a
28 years old blind man. He does not like to be masseur (a person who provides massage professionally). He hates
his society since the society thinks the blind people are worthless. The blind
people are given choices either music or messenger to study. But Ni is a
rebellious so he completed a master’s degree in education at Durham University
and he is now studying law at the University of Hong Kong.
Ni has
written about disability in China entitled “Untapped Talent” in his
unpublished manifesto. He has a message for the world regarding the problems of
disabled people to life in china in particular and all over the world in
general.
Mr Giszczak:
Mr. Giszczak
states that there is no occupational therapy license in china except a ‘Kangfu’
or rehabilitation license. The profession’s low standing hampers its
development. He believes strongly in a
system of training professional therapists because he believes that there
should be armies of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech
therapists. It helps the disabled person to do some jobs and improve their
economic status in different ways.
1.
Do you think
people with disabilities are treated in the same way as able-bodied people in
Nepal? What do you think are the challenges that people with disabilities face?
How is it different from or similar to the scenario in China?
I think people with
disabilities are not well cared as able-bodied people in Nepal as compared to
China. In Nepal, people with different forms of
disabilities feel neglected and excluded.
As the state and its different agencies have failed to make the
electoral process accessible to them, depriving them of their participation in
the franchise, their fundamental right guaranteed by the country’s constitution
and its laws.
People with disabilities in Nepal
are facing numerous challenges in their day to day lives as enough attention is
not given towards catering their special needs. People with disabilities lag
behind in education and employment, while they also face discrimination
due to their condition putting them at a higher risk of violence and abuse.
A recent study, ‘Disability Inclusive
Development in Nepal: Situational Analysis’ published in the year 2020, shows
that disability is significantly linked with poverty. It has been seen
that households of people with disabilities are poorer and suffer from many economic
challenges. According to the study, people with disabilities in Nepal
struggle to find work, and remain unemployed or underpaid. It has also
been revealed that it is more difficult for disabled women to find a decent job
than it is for a disabled man in the Nepalese job market. Illiteracy
is a major issue concerning the people with disabilities in Nepal. Studies show
that children with disabilities do not complete their studies in schools.
Unlike in China, in Nepal, inclusive
education plays a pivotal role in integrating children with
disabilities in mainstream schools with sufficient support and facilities provided
to them. Many organizations are working to ensure education for people with
disabilities in Nepal. Nepal Association for the Welfare of the Blind (NAWB) works to promote the rights of visually impaired people in Nepal. It has
empowered many people with disabilities in Nepal by providing them education,
job placement and financial support. The Government of Nepal has formulated policies
regarding people with disabilities but it is yet to ensure the welfare of the
disable in Nepal. The Constitution of
Nepal, 2072 BS has ensured the right of every person to live with
dignity, the right to equality, the right to social justice as
fundamental rights. People with disabilities can enjoy these provisions in the
same way as other people.
6. What
is the Future of Technology in Education? –by Matt Britland
Ø Matt
Britland is the head of ICT at Kingston Grammar School and the director of
education consultancy Realise Learning.
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs):
MOOCs are free online courses available
for anyone to enroll. MOOCs provide an affordable and flexible way to
learn new skills, advance your career and deliver quality educational
experiences at scale. MOOCs have
dramatically changed the way people learn, and how to access
knowledge. MOOCs have the potential to help individuals enjoy learning and
acquire knowledge in a variety of ways.
MOOC help teachers learn about using
technology in the classroom through hands-on experience and allow them for a
much more interactive course structure. MOOC courses, on the other
hand, allow us to study and learn at our own pace, and certain trainings
can be started at any time, others do have a start date. The objective of this
mode of education is that they are flexible to manage our time, we can study
day or night or at any time, according to our needs. MOOCs enable access to quality education to as many as people possible
and contribute to continuous education of various social groups.
MOOCs help in social learning in following
ways:
-
It allows us to study and learn at our own pace.
-
Certain training can be started at any time.
-
They are flexible to
manage our time, we can study day or night or at any time, according to our
needs.
-
They enable access
to quality education.
-
It promotes group
work or collaboration in learning.
-
It functions both at
local level as well as at global scenario.
-
It makes our
learning sociable.
# What is the most important thing the
schools need to prepare for future education and why?
According to Matt Britland, Cloud Technology (Touch Pad,
Personal Computer, e-notebook, cellphone, data base, remote monitoring etc.)
are the most important things the schools need to prepare for future education
because they are the need of the time. They are the most significant things for
future education because of following reasons:
-
They are very fast and effective virtualization.
-
They provide users low-cost software.
-
They offer advanced online security.
-
These technologies provide
students with access to countless online resources, encouraging them to carry
out research and therefore become more independent.
-
They simplify learning
by making concepts more digestible, for example through an instructional video.
-
Furthermore, they improve adaptability, enrich collaboration, increase student fun, enhance
feedback, foster connections, promote tech skills, reduce costs etc.
-
Last and least, one of the most significant
technological impacts on education is increased interactivity, practical
learning and class engagement.
Paperless Classroom:
Its Advantages and Disadvantages/ Its Pros and Cons
Paperless classroom simply means to those
classrooms where pens, papers, books, copies, pencils etc. are not used in classroom teaching learning activities.
It is a classroom where paper documents (textbooks, homework submissions, grade
reports) are replaced by electronic documents. As the time
demands, it is a modern concept of education.
Advantages of Paperless Classroom:
-
Paperless classrooms can reduce unwanted littering of
torn papers around the classrooms.
-
It is an excellent initiative toward conserving nature.
-
Educational experts advocate the concept of paperless
classrooms due to its application and direct consequence of rapid technological
development.
-
It allows teachers to post class
schedules and resources online for everyone to see.
-
Eliminating the need to print class materials not
only saves time and reduces printing costs, but also allows for
last-minute editing.
-
It creates a more engaging environment, improves
knowledge retention, provides easy access to information, prepares students for
the future, creates learning opportunities for educators etc.
-
All
textbooks, lecture notes and students’ work can be stored on the iPad. Teachers
can upload the course content to Blackboard, and students can access and work
on course content wherever and whenever they wish, and interact with their
teacher by email.
Disadvantages/ Cons of Paperless Classroom
Setting up and troubleshooting technology can be more time-consuming and
troublesome than people might think.
The fact that devices need to be charged in order to work can be difficult
to manage, especially if there aren't a lot of available sockets in a
classroom.
-
Security Risks and Viruses.
-
Initial Costs or, Cost of new technology.
-
Difficulties in digitalizing Existing Documents, Cloud
computing knowledge is required.
-
Students misusing technology.
-
Keeping up with changes.
Teacher’s Roles in Facilitating Learning
with Cloud Technology: Trainings Teachers Need for Effective E-learning
Teacher’s Roles in Facilitating Learning with Cloud
Technology:
-
Teachers can prepare lessons that allow students to do their own research
on the internet and allow the student to be engaged outside of their classroom.
-
Their primary role is to facilitate
means for students to access technological applications for learning in a
dynamic learning environment.
-
The
teacher's main role is as a facilitator – there to offer support and
advice when needed, and to provide the necessary scaffolding and teaching of
skills when necessary.
-
The
teacher provides advice and guidance and helps students clarify ideas
and limit tasks.
-
The teacher needs to be an active participant in
online discussions.
Trainings Teachers Need for Effective E-learning
-
Teachers need
to know what
to teach, procedure to design instructions, classroom management, counseling
and advocating students, self-counseling, motivate and inspire learners etc.
through trainings procedures.
-
The essential components of an excellent
education today embodies Five C's – critical thinking, creativity,
communication, collaboration and character, as the skills that will be in
demand and will be rewarded in this century.
-
Furthermore, teachers need to know the
knowledge of how to use these cloud technologies in a right way in classroom
teaching learning.
1.
Is it possible
to implement the idea of paperless classroom in the context of Nepal? Give
argument to support your opinion in about 800 words.
Paperless Classroom
in the Context of Nepal- An Essay
A paperless classroom sounds like a
great idea in theory; it’s better for the environment by helping save trees and
may save the school some money in the long run on paper and ink. More and more
schools are starting to encourage teachers to become ‘paperless classrooms’,
where textbooks are read on a screen and worksheets are done on computers or
iPads and turned in electronically.
In Nepal, the idea of paperless
classroom and its implementation is possible if firm determinism, proper
management and supervision is conducted by the government though it may take
time. I think that there are many advantages of creating green and
paperless classroom. Going paperless in the classroom reduces use of paper
waste which consequently saves trees or natural resources on the other hand. It
enhances collaborative learning and teachers get prepared before entering into
the classroom teaching which creates actual classroom teaching learning in the
classroom. Many teachers also report greater communication between themselves
and students. Students may also find it easier to communicate with other
students in a paperless classroom. Students are also able to quickly look up
information and by posting notes and other activities they can access classwork
wherever they are. Big and heavy textbooks can be very straining on backs,
especially young backs, by having the student’s textbooks and notebooks on one
device greatly reduce the weight of a backpack.
Creating a paperless classroom also
encourages the teacher to introduce new technologies to students. As it a 21st
century skill, it is indispensible for both the teachers as well as the
learners to have access about it. Both the teachers and students need proper
trainings regarding web based applications and other cloud technologies or
technological tools for acceptable uses. Anyway, though, it is complicated
tasks to make paperless classroom, it not impossible in the context of Nepal.
Unit: 2
Globalization and Environment
7. Globalization: Good or
Bad? - by Paul Cheney
Globalization:
In simple terms, globalization is the process by
which people and goods move easily across borders. Principally, it's an
economic concept – the integration of markets, trade and investments with few
barriers to slow the flow of products and services between nations. Good
examples of cultural globalization are, for instance, the trading of
commodities such as coffee or avocados. Coffee is said to be originally
from Ethiopia and consumed in the Arabic region. Nonetheless, due to commercial
trades after the 11th century, it is nowadays known as a globally consumed
commodity.
Globalization is important in the sense it changes
the way nations, businesses and people interact. Specifically, it changes
the nature of economic activity among nations, expanding trade, opening global
supply chains and providing access to natural resources and labor markets.
In a nutshell, it describes the interaction and interconnection
of people, governments, and companies around the world. Globalization allows
people, goods, services, ideas, languages, information, and commodities to flow
across national borders all the time.
Benefits
of Globalization:
-
Access to new market
-
Product development and new revenue
streams
-
Better product and lower price
-
Sharing, Technology and culture
-
Developing Universal standard
-
Spread of knowledge and technology
-
Access to diverse talent pool
-
Cross cultural change
-
A diversified workforce and workplace
culture
-
Increased flow of capital
-
Increased open-mindedness and tolerance
Challenges of Globalization:
-
Worker exploitation
-
Jobless
-
High Investment cost
-
Environment degradation
-
Taxes across borders
-
Legal compliance for employers
-
Confusing local systems
-
Weak regulation
-
Immigration challenge
Globalization is Good
for Nepal / Globalization is simply inevitable in Nepal:
Nepal adopted the
policy of liberalization, privatization, and globalization after the
restoration of multiparty democracy in the early 1990s as the forerunner of
globalization in the south Asian region.
Like other least
developed countries, Nepal has also benefited from the process of
globalisation. There have been positive effects on good governance,
people's participation, civil society and human rights.
Since water resources, human resources,
tourism, and biodiversity are the very foundation of Nepalese economy, potential
GDP could be increased substantially if there is a strong nexus (Connection)
between national economy and globalization.
Some of the positive impacts of globalization in the
context of Nepal are mentioned below:
Ø Globalization has increased the access to various goods and services at a lower price. For example, Chinese cellphone such as
Oppo, Vivo, etc,
Ø Globalization has increased the job opportunities in
the least developing countries like Nepal.
Ø Globalization has brought social-cultural transformation; as a result many countries have been celebrating each
others culture, religion, and traditions peacefully for the past few decades.
Ø The free flow of information and technology has brought various opportunities.
Ø Emerging Regional
integration such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, etc has become effective ways to overcome divisions and
in economic growth, especially in the least developed countries like Nepal.
Ø Globalization has also increased the people's participation to show support and raise voices against injustice,
inequality, and corruption.
Ø Globalization has enhanced the voice against global issues with help of social media many people
are coming forward to raise their voices against issues like climate change,
terrorism, racial discrimination, and so on.
Ø More helping hands than before can be seen in our day-to-day life, which in the
past was limited only to local authorities. For example, when Nepal was hit by
an earthquake different countries came together to help Nepal by providing
health assistance, sanitation, providing food, and other essentials.
Globalization is Bad for Nepal:
As a result of globalization, Nepal has faced
the major problem of brain drain as skilled manpower like
doctors, engineers are moving from their home country to abroad for better
opportunities, which resulted in a lack of skilled manpower for the country.
Globalization is bad for the country like Nepal because of following reasons:
Ø First
and foremost, globalization has increased the gap between
poor and rich countries. As a result, least developed
countries like Nepal have seen domestic businesses struggling to thrive because
of multinational corporation dominance.
Ø Globalization
has also resulted in the exploitation of workers in
developing countries like Nepal.
Ø
Another negative impact of globalization is it empowers
multinational companies.
Ø
Due to globalization, cultural
importance has been gradually vanishing in most countries
and people are more attracted to western culture, their lifestyles, cuisines,
and so on. For example, as we can see in today's context most youths in Nepal
prefer to speak in English, visit pubs and clubs to have some drinks with their
friends, watch Hollywood movies, wears western clothes at parties instead of
their cultural dress.
Ø
Political influence is
another negative impact of globalization for Nepal. The world powers tend to
intervene in the internal affairs and influence the leaders of the respective
nations to work for them and for their self-interest, which is not always in
the favor of the citizens of these countries. For example, the Millennium
challenge corporation (MCC) in Nepal has been on the verge of controversies since the day
it was proposed.
Ø
Globalization also results in the rapid
circulation of diseases from one place to
another. For example, the coronavirus has affected Nepal significantly.
Ø
Globalization has also brought some major challenges around the
globe, i.e. cyber attacks, communal riots, racial discrimination, environmental
degradation, climate change, and so on..
# Why do Ajay Jain, the
commentator, think that globalization is really an evil for the developing
countries like India? Do you argue with his argument? Justify your answer.
Ajay Jain points out that globalization
is really an evil for the developing countries like India. He mentions that
Globalization for developed countries is fine as the competition is equal but
in case of developing countries, it becomes unfair, evil and a sin because it
forwards more violence, prostitution etc. and finally war as per to him. Furthermore, it intervenes in the political
activities of the developing country as well. It is an evil for the developing
countries like India in the sense it transforms several sorts of fatal
diseases, has cultural influence and increases wide gap between poor and rich
people.
Globalization and
Westernization:
Ø Westernization is the changing from the
traditional cultural to the western dominance and western imperialism, but
globalization is infact the tendency in which technologies, philosophical and
economic advances can be made throughout the world with a global time zone and
boundaries.
Ø Globalization is a multi-direction trend
while Westernization or Americanization is a single-direction trend.
Dimensions of Globalization:
Manfred Steger, professor of Global Studies at the University of Hawaii
argues that globalization has four main dimensions: economic,
political, cultural, and ecological.
The
other dimensions of globalization are: social and technology.
8. Flattener #1 When the
Walls Came Down and the Windows Went Up- by Thomas Friedman
Summary:
The given excerpt from the book “The
World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-first Century (2005)” by Thomas F.
Friedman deals with the groundbreaking thoughts about globalization.
The famous Indian Economist and Nobel
Prize laureate, Amartya Sen views that the Berlin Wall was not only a symbol of
keeping people inside East Germany rather it was a way of prevailing global view of our future. There
is a very lovely and interesting story in Sanskrit, Sen added about a frog that
is born in a well and stays in the well and lives its entire life in the well
and finally dies in the well. It has world view that consists of the well. It
can’t think about other creature and types of frog. People had a similar
thought like frog of the well before the fall of the Berlin Wall.
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the
Eastern Germany people now are able to see the world. It is like a get out of
jail free card. The fall of the wall has flattened the world. There is no more
top down approach in economy, Friedman argues.
According to Amartya Sen, the benefits
of women’s freedom are as follows:
-
It promotes women’s literacy, tends to
reduce fertility and child mortality.
-
It increases the employment
opportunities for women.
-
It affects the political dialogue and
gives women the opportunity for a greater role in the local government.
Consequences of the fall of
Berlin Wall in Europe:
-
The fall of Berlin Wall in Europe
opened the way for the formation of the European Union and its expansion from
15 to 25 countries.
-
The fall of the wall flattened the
world.
-
The fall of Berlin wall with the
collapse of USSR I 1990.
-
The communist economy has changed the
then USSR people and their liberty.
-
After the dissolve of USSR, people are
now enjoying freedom, free-market, liberal communication policies and
democracy.
-
After the fall of wall, people are
communicating globally.
-
It has promoted women’s literacy.
-
It has reduced fertility and child
mortality and increased the employment opportunities for women.
-
Women have got opportunities in local
governance.
The ideas expressed by Craig
J. Mundie:
Craig J. Mundie, the chief technology
officer for Microsoft argues that the
diffusion of personal computer, fix machines, windows and dial-up modems connected to a global telephone network all came
together in the late 1980s and early 1990s to create the basic platform
that the global information revolution.
-
The use of computers has improved
productivity, Mundie argue.
-
People get their windows in their own
language and become familiar with PC.
-
The advent of new technologies has
empowered people’s life across the world.
-
He further stated that the age of ‘me’
and ‘My Machine’ has begun. It has made human life easier and faster.
-
He also opined that the computers also
helped in the wall of the Berlin Wall.
Questions:
1.
What
are Amartya Sen’s views on Berlin Wall?
2.
What
according to Amartya Sen, are the benefits of women’s freedom?
3.
Describe the consequences of the fall of
Berlin Wall in Europe.
4.
Critically
review the ideas expressed by Craig J. Mundie in the text.
5.
Write
a critical summary of the text- “Flattener #1 When the Walls Came Down and the
Windows Went Up- by Thomas Friedman”.
Free Market Economy- An
Essay
A free market is a type of market that
the government is not involved in. Since the government does not care about
what happens, the free market is also called “hands-off” or “let it be
economics”.
In the free market economy,
there are three components of the free market economy: competition, active but
limited government, and the self-interest. Competition is one of the main
components of the free market economy. Competition means that the companies
compete with one another to make more benefits to themselves.
A free market is a type of
economic system that is controlled by the market forces of supply and demand, as opposed to one regulated by government
controls.
Economists define a free
market as one where products are exchanged by a willing buyer and seller.
Characteristics of a Free Market
-
Private ownership of resources or, total control over the means of
production, allocation, and exchange of products.
-
Thriving financial markets or, financial
institutions then make a profit by charging interest or fees on transactions.
-
Freedom to participate or, companies or
individuals can produce or purchase as much or as little of a product as they
want.
Benefits of a Free Market
-
Freedom to innovate or, business owners enjoy the freedom to come up
with new ideas based on the consumers’ needs
-
Customers drive choices or, consumers decide which products becomes a
success and which ones fail.
Drawbacks of a Free Market
-
Dangers of profit motives -an objective focus on only profits and it should
not prioritize over the needs of workers and consumers.
-
Market failures -a free market economy can spin out of control, causing
dire consequences.
9. The Chernobyl Exclusion Zone is Arguably a Natural Reserve
–by Colin Barras
The Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster
} On April 26, 1986, the worst accident in the history of
the nuclear industry occurred
in Chernobyl, Ukraine. It
released more radiation than the atom bomb released in Hiroshima. Radioactive
fumes leaked for two weeks.
} Location: Pripyat, Ukrainian SSR Soviet Union.
} The Chernobyl disaster contaminated 150,000 square
miles in Russia, Ukraine, and
Belarus.
} There are 187 communities that remain abandoned. At the time
of the explosion, a massive release of radioactive material spread over
much of Europe.
Cause:
} A combination of poor design and human error caused the
explosion. The crew wanted to find out if the turbines alone
could keep the cooling safety system running.4 They could not turn the reactor off,
so they powered it down to 25% of normal. To conduct the test at this low
level, they switched off the safety system.
} Things did not go as planned. The reactor power fell to less
than 1% of normal. When they started powering it back up to the desired
level, a power surge occurred. That started a dangerous chain reaction. Without
the safety system, it quickly ruptured the reactor.
} The explosion blew off the 1000-ton sealing cap. Temperatures
rose above 2000°C, melting the fuel rods. Then the graphite covering the fuel
rods caught on fire. It burned for nine days, steadily releasing radiation.
Effects
} Two workers died immediately from the explosion. Another 28 firemen and emergency clean-up
workers died in the first three months from radiation.
} 31 Direct and 15 estimated indirect deaths upto 2011.
} At least 20,000 children got thyroid cancer from the
radiation. The rate of suicides, post-traumatic stress, and
depression increased in the population around the area. Around 330,000 people who lived near
the plant were relocated.
The Chernobyl Nuclear
Disaster
} The 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine remain worst nuclear power plant disaster. The Soviet authorities
by sending thousands of untrained people into the radio after experiencing the
nuclear disaster on an unprecedented in
} When the fire finally stopped, then, people climbed up on
the clear the radioactive. People who went
to clear the radioactive they lived for few weeks and died painfully. Nearly
485 villa surrounding countryside became uninhabitable. The huge people lives
was affected by the disaster.
} According to Sobolev,
people who were involved to pump out water and became success. It was a
great achievement due to the great sacrifice. Likewise, approximately, three
thousand and hundreds soldiers worked on the roof to clear the debris.
Finally, the soldiers died. Filin
mentions that there were around twenty five forty liquidators. The liquidators
buried houses, walls, grade vegetables and trees.
} Lyudmilla, the wife of a firefighter speak about her tragedy
mentioning that She was left killed at the Cherno disaster. He was recruited on
job of fighting fire. She left her man from bed at home and saw him eyes in bed
at hospital. She had to encounter very nerve- taking to reach her dying man
hospital. It was all a tough time.
} The misuse of technology brings destruction, alienation and
end of life. The blast of the Chernobyl power station at one routine check
caused huge loss of life and property. Its effect on environment is yet to be
analyzed. This fatal incident demolished a number of settlement areas on mass
destruction was followed, technology can be claimed fatal many ways. Disaster
keeps people alienated like the victims of blast struggled 7 to 10 days with no
help and authority to life.
Fukushima Nuclear Accident
Facts
about Fukushima Nuclear Accident:
Also known as : Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Accident/ Fukushima
Nuclear Accident
Date: 2011
Location: Fukushima, Japan, Miyagi, Sendai
Context: Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011
|
|
|
Fukushima accident, also called Fukushima nuclear accident or Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident,
accident in 2011 at the Fukushima Daiichi (“Number One”) plant in
northern Japan, the second worst nuclear accident in the history of nuclear
power generation.
The site is on Japan’s
Pacific coast, in northeastern Fukushima prefecture about 100 km (60
miles) south of Sendai. The facility, operated by the Tokyo Electric
and Power Company (TEPCO), was made up of six boiling-water reactors constructed
between 1971 and 1979.
TEPCO officials reported
that tsunami waves generated by the main shock of the Japan
earthquake on March 11, 2011, damaged the backup generators at the
Fukushima Daiichi plant.
Although all three of the reactors that were
operating were successfully shut down, the loss of power caused cooling systems
to fail in each of them within the first few days of the disaster. Rising
residual heat within each reactor’s core caused the fuel rods in
reactors 1, 2, and 3 to overheat and partially melt down, leading at times to
the release of radiation.
Because of concerns over
possible radiation exposure, government officials established a 30-km no-fly zone around the facility, and a land
area of 20-km radius around the plant—which covered nearly 600 square km was
evacuated.
Japan earthquake and tsunami of
2011: Northern Japan’s nuclear emergency
A third explosion occurred
on March 15 in the building surrounding reactor 2. At that time the explosion
was thought to have damaged the containment vessel housing the fuel
rods. (In actuality, the explosion punched a second hole in the containment
vessel; the first hole had been created earlier by melted nuclear material that
passed through the bottom of the vessel.) In response, government officials
designated a wider zone, extending to a radius of 30 km around the plant,
within which residents were asked to remain indoors. The explosion, along with
a fire touched off by rising temperatures in spent fuel rods stored in reactor
4, led to the release of higher levels of radiation from the plant.
In the days that followed,
some 47,000 residents left their homes, many people in areas adjacent to
the 20-km evacuation warning zone also prepared to leave, and workers at the
plant made several attempts to cool the reactors using truck-mounted water cannons and water dropped from helicopters,
On April 6 plant officials announced that
those cracks had been sealed, and later that month workers began to pump the
irradiated water to an on-site storage building until it could be properly
treated.
# What did the actual survey of the late 1980s
find out?
Local scientists started a programme of
aerial survey of three wild species: elk, roe deer and wild bear in the late
1980s. The survey showed slow but steady rises in the abundance of all three
species.
Similarly, Jim Smith at the University
of Portsmouth, UK reaches into the conclusion that wild population began to
recover one or two year after the accident in absence of people.
Similarly, a team of US and Ukrainian
ecologists found increment of range of volves, mice and shrews and the
diversity of species.
Effects of the
Chernobyl Nuclear Accident on Wild
Lives:
-
Negative effects of radiation on wild populations.
Two Contracting Views
regarding the effects of the Chernobyl
Nuclear Accident :
The place hit by a nuclear weapon
devastatingly before 30 years. After the accident, hundred of thousands of
people in a 30 kilometer exclusion zone around the plant had been evacuated.
The place remains largely uninhabited till today. Surprisingly, we can find the
local wildlife is growing in Chernobyl. The essayist has presented two opposite views
about the effects of the nuclear accident.
-
On the one hand, some researchers and
scientists claim that there is an abundant growth in wildlife and their diversity,
and there are no effects of nuclear
radiation in Chernobyl.
-
On the other hand, some scientists and researchers
argue that there are detrimental effects of the nuclear accident, like damage
of chromosomes and elevated mutation rates.
10. Nature and Technology: Friends and Enemies?
- by Molly Flatt
# Technology Evolves Life
Indoors, Critically Elaborate this statement.
The collective body
of technological endeavor evolves by creating new elements from within
itself. It forms a system that is constantly changing in ways that nobody
can quite predict. This evolutionary process provides the impetus in turn for
large-scale changes in science, the economy, and much of human culture.
Our daily activities
can be done with technological materials. We can do our household
chores, regular activities with the small robotic system. Shopping,
food delivery, transportation, and healthcare are performed with advanced
technology.
Modern technology has paved the way for
multi-functional devices like the smartwatch and the smartphone.
Computers are increasingly faster, more portable, and higher-powered than ever
before. With all of these revolutions, technology has also made our lives
easier, faster, better, and more fun.
Technology has
brought forth several positive effects in our life as such :
-
Higher Standards of Security for
Organizations.
-
Safer Management of Money.
-
Fast and Easy Data Retrieval.
-
Improved and More Effective Advertising
Options.
-
Easier Access to Education.
-
Technology Simplifies Everyday Life.
Today,
technology has special importance in everyone's life because it not only helps
in the development of the individual but also plays an important role in the
development of the country and the world.
Technology affects the way individuals communicate,
learn, and think. It helps society and determines how people interact with
each other on a daily basis. Technology plays an important role in society
today. It has positive and negative effects on the world and it impacts daily
lives. From planning
the logistics of feeding thousands of refugees, to delivering vaccines, to
providing education, to creating job opportunities or to advocating for human
rights, technology tools are used to improve the outcomes and often
directly deliver the social benefit. It can provide empowerment, knowledge,
awareness, access, and community. As we develop the technology of the
future, we can work towards creating a better world long term. This means many
different things as technology merges with all parts of our lives.
Over time, technology will enable
financial stability and discipline without the need for people to gain relevant
knowledge. AI and machine learning advisors will become ubiquitous,
constantly recommending the next gig, next investment or next online class to
us, truly democratizing growth and financial wellbeing.
# “We never were part of nature; we were
part of technology.” Argue for or against this statement.
I am against this statement: “We were part of nature; we
were part of technology.”
Truly speaking, we don't see
ourselves as separate, rather as another species in a larger ecosystem of the
natural world. Nature isn't an “other” rather it is part of us and we
are part of nature. This shifts our relationship to nature. We understand
that nature and people are part of one system.
Man lives in the sphere of nature. It
includes the thin layer surrounding the earth, the soil cover, and any living
creature. Without nature, human beings can't live normal lives. In other words,
man needs nature more than nature needs him. Nature can exist without man, but
humans can't exist without nature.
Our every breath, our food and
water- our very existence comes from nature. Our very survival
depends on the laws of nature all working perfectly together and in harmony. We
need healthy forests and oceans to regulate global temperatures from rising.
As humans and nature are inextricably coupled,
and people depend on the plants, animals and microorganisms that supply
important ecosystem services, it is really important to find ways to reach the
minds and hearts of all people and to create a better understanding of nature
and what loss of biodiversity means. Nature gifts many benefits to humans. From
the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, nature
enhances our wellbeing and freely provides the essentials for our survival.
On the other hand, technology
has obviously changed every aspect of our daily life and we are able to do many
things with technology. Technology has most improved our lives through education, communication,
and medical treatment. We surely can’t think anything without technology in the
future but our relationship with nature is interdependent and obligatory.
1. What do you mean by biomimetic? Where is it used?
Biomimetic, also known as biomimicry is the study of the
structure and function of living things as models for the creation of materials
or products by reverse engineering.
It is especially used in the field of engineering.
2. Make the list of outputs of technology mentioned in the text.
-
Nature is not all puppies and
waterfalls.
-
Technology is helping in a valuable way
to share real time updates as nature disaster unfold.
-
Google’s Person Finder was created to
reunite relatives during 2011’s Japanese Tsunami.
-
Federal Emergency Management Agency’s
(FEMA’s) app allows stricken communities to crowd source crisis relief.
In recent times, technology has been employed to fast
track disaster relief efforts. For instance, drones and robots have been
used to locate survivors and transmit information to emergency teams.
3. Write Joppa’s views on technology in your own words.
Lucas Joppa is the chief environmental officer at
Microsoft. Joppa says that technology is not going
to solve all of the conservation problems of today. However, it can be
fantastic tool in the toolbox.
11. Krishnamurti’s Journal –
by J. Krishnamurti
1.
Describe the journey that you recently
enjoyed.
Pokhara- the Most Beautiful City of Nepal
My tour of
destination was- Pokhara, the Most Beautiful City of Nepal. We class ten students
along with our four teachers visited it eagerly. We went there by school bus. I
enjoyed the natural beauty of the place a lot there. We started our journey at
8 p.m. and we arrived there at 7 a.m.
The
lakeside city of Pokhara is said to be the tourism capital of Nepal, I enjoyed
a lot the panoramic beauty of Phewa Lake and the temple located in the middle
of lake. We went the by boating. We feed maize to fish there.
We saw lots
of tourists in the city, especially around the lakeside area which is riddled
with various restaurants and shops catering to tourists. Furthermore, there are
also numerous temples and gumbas in the city, with many temples
serving as combined places of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists, much like
the Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. One of the first places that I visited in
Pokhara was the Bindhyabasini Temple, followed by the World Peace Pagoda, “the
Shanti Stupa”. I got a beautiful panoramic view of the Annapurna range, Pokhara city
and Phewa Lake from the pagoda.
Pokhara
had many attractions as well, like the Mahindra cave and the Davis Fall. The
all natural setting of Pokhara contributed to its large influx of tourism, both
from within the country and outside. During the evening, I leisurely strolled
around the lake side area, enjoyed a tranquil boat ride on the lake and visited
the Tal Barahi temple- which is located right in the centre of the Phewa Lake.
I had the constant view of the Annapurna range, and the beauty of Pokhara
lulled me into a beautiful expectation of visiting Sarangkot- a vantage point
near the city.
In the early
hours of dawn the next day, we were driven to Sarangkot. I finally get why
people fall in love with sunrises now; as I stood on the hill station at
Sarangkot, I saw the rising sun from amidst the Annapurna Himalayas. It was
majestic and I will never forget the moment. The panoramic view of the lovely
Pokhara city also provided me with a postcard perfect picture. We returned from
thee at 4 pm.
2. Avial J. Krishnamurti publications from your
liberary or elsewhere. Write a review of one of his books in about 500 words.
J. Krishnamurti’s – The Book of Life- Daily
Meditations: Book Review
About J. Krishnamurti:
Jiddu Krishnamurti
was born on 11 May 1895 in Madanapalle, a small town in south India. He and his
brother were adopted in their youth by Dr Annie Besant, then president of the
Theosophical Society.
Krishnamurti is
regarded globally as one of the greatest thinkers and religious teachers of all
time. He did not expound any philosophy or religion, but rather talked of the
things that concern all of us in our everyday lives, of the problems of living
in modern society with its violence and corruption, of the individual's search
for security and happiness, and the need for humankind to free itself from
inner burdens of fear, anger, hurt, and sorrow.
He communicated to
his listeners a deep sense of respect for nature. His teachings transcend
belief systems, nationalistic sentiment and sectarianism. At the same time,
they give new meaning and direction to humankind's search for truth. His
teaching, besides being relevant to the modern age, is timeless and universal.
Krishnamurti spoke not as a guru but as a
friend, and his talks and discussions are based not on tradition-based
knowledge but on his own insights into the human mind and his vision of the
sacred, so he always communicates a sense of freshness and directness although
the essence of his message remained unchanged over the years. When he addressed
large audiences, people felt that Krishnamurti was talking to each of them
personally, addressing his or her particular problem. Krishnamurti was one of
the most influential and fascinating spiritual thinkers of the twentieth
century, and by many accounts, one of history's most important philosophers.
About His Book: The Book Of Life- Daily
Meditations
The Book Of Life-
Daily Meditations is inspired by his perception that "truth is found
through life itself and not away from it." It deals with self-Knowledge,
attachment, passion, transformation, etc. The book is orderly and divided into
all the months of the year covering 4 lessons each. The book of life summarizes
the philosopher's idea in a beginner-friendly format.
The BOOK OF LIFE presents 365 timeless daily meditations, developed thematically
each week. As the year unfolds, the selected passages illuminate the full scope
of Krishnamurti’s teachings, from authority, belief and relationship early in
the year, to sex, intelligence and violence. July and August’s themes include happiness,
hurt and truth, with thought, time, transformation and love being key themes
September through November. Similar to many Krishnamurti talks, the year ends
with religion and meditation. For everyone who has come to cherish the wisdom
of this extraordinary spiritual sage, as well as anyone discovering
Krishnamurti for the first time, The Book of Life is
a profound collection of insights to treasure every day. ‘The story of mankind
is in you, the vast experience, the deep-rooted fears, anxieties, sorrow,
pleasure, and all the beliefs that man has accumulated throughout the
millennia.
The book is published
by Krishnamurti Foundation India. it is an initiative by the foundation to keep
alive and spread his teaching among all of us. The tone throughout is
conversational. It is presented in the form of 365 quotations, one for each day
of the year. Although the book is written in easy language the material is
heavy. This book provides each individual to get clarity about life. The book contains
absolutist language, authoritarian tone, anti-belief religion, tradition,
contradiction, rational approach and so on.
To wrap up,
the book is an invitation to know and listen to ourselves in order to find
equilibrium in life in general. The more one reads, the more he/she realizes
how socially constructed our lives are. We do things without thinking if they
really fit us, sometimes the society requires them to be done in a certain way.
The book covers everything that happens in one’s life, his
understanding of religion is incredible. It's magical, brilliant and essential.
3.
‘The religious spirit includes the scientific temper. The religious mind is
alone, not lonely. It is in communion with people and nature.’ Explain.
The religious spirit and the scientific mind
Krishnamurti’s
perception is that all knowledge like scientific and technological or many
others is the same; it belongs to the realm of the known. Even all the
religions of the world belong to the realm of the known. But in this knowledge-of-the-known
realm, he differentiates between that knowledge-mind which is ‘scientific’ (in
the sense of ‘seeing things as they are’) and that knowledge-mind which is
non-scientific. And, then, there is, Krishnamurti points out, the other realm,
which is the truly religious sphere.
Krishnamurti
unfolds these two realms, when he speaks of two types of spirits, two types of
minds that exist in the world and says that they are the only spirits-minds
that matter. He says that the religious spirit contains the scientific spirit.
Both move from ‘fact to fact’. But the scientific mind does not necessarily
have the long vision, and is limited as it is not one of love. The religious
mind holds within it the scientific temper. The religious spirit is never utilitarian
and cannot be traded in the market place.
For Krishnamurti,
a cultured human being is one who has a mind with both spirits. He points out
that emphasizing one or the other only leads to insensitivity, and that would
destroy. If both the spirits (scientific and religious) marched hand in hand,
then we would live intelligently, with love, cultivating the whole field.
Though he does not explicitly speak of how we can get the two spirits to flow
together, he does speak of “attention from moment to moment”. That is the key:
to look and to listen to everything and everyone, to look and to listen with
love. To look and to listen with love means to be free of the self. And to be
free is to end the centre. But “to be free of the self is one of the most
difficult things, because it hides under different rocks, under different
trees, different activities.” (24 June 1983, Brockwood Park) The self, he
writes in a letter to the schools (dated 15 June 1979) “is like a shadow. It is
never captured. It is always there, and it slips through your fingers, through
your mind … you corner it here, it turns up there.”
Krishnamurti saw
and described the prevalence of these two cultures— the scientific and the
religious—and he went beyond. It is “the seeing of what-is and going beyond it
[that] is intelligence. Intelligence is a total movement, like love. It is not
fragmented, and that which is whole has a peculiar way of working in darkness
with its own light.
(Source: http://www.journal.kfionline.org/issue-20/the-religious-spirit-and-the-scientific-spirit)
Exploring the Text
1. Why do you think that Krishnamurti starts his journal entries with the
description of nature?
Krishnamurti starts his journal entries with the description
of nature to allure his audience with panoramic beauty of nature and make them
connected to it. He was enchanted by the beauty of nature as he walked through
mountain, forest, river side etc. and watched the flying cloud and dazzling
sky. This all provided the author a source to his creation. Through all this, he provides the human
predicament and man’s ancient quest for the transcendental. As he walked amidst
the pines and rocks, he was thoughtless and his teaching received inspirations
to move forward. Thus, his journal entries include the closeness to nature.
2. “The mind mustn’t be filled with
the rocks and clouds of the earth. It must be empty as the newly made vessel.”
Explain this statement.
Krishnamurti argues that the mind mustn’t be filled with the
rocks and clouds of the earth. It must be empty as the newly made vessel. By
this, he means to say that the mind must not be filled unnecessary substances
or ideas to have fun in life. As our mind is filled with useless thoughts, it
can’t take something new and significant things because it is already
full. On the other hand, if our mind is
empty like empty vessel, we can pour necessary thoughts, natural panoramic views,
spiritual thoughts, and required ideas in it. Thus, our mind must be empty like a newly made
vessel to get connected with the amazing beauty and spiritual thoughts of
nature.
3. How can we say that thought has no depth?
4. Does “silence” have depth? How?
Krishnamurti uses two terms ‘thought’ and ‘silence’ to deal
with the sense of depth. First he states that thought is an activity of the
outer world and all the activities of thoughts have no depth as it passes
superficially. On the other hand, as he talks about the word ‘silence’, he
associates it with depth and love in the sense silence can never be measured
with scientific equipment. It can only be imagined, realized and felt. It is
beyond human limitation. It is said that
silence is immeasurable, as love while thought is measurable, as time. Therefore,
it is infinite and so depth which has great significance in the life of human
beings.
5. What is consciousness? How does consciousness help to understand the
world?
Consciousness, at its simplest, is awareness or conscious of
internal and external existence
The Oxford Living Dictionary defines
consciousness as "The state of being aware of and responsive to one's
surroundings.”
Consciousness is
significant in our life to understand the world and its activities as we are
conscious, it becomes easy for us to understand the world easily. It facilitates
rapidly adjusting one’s behaviour in response to changes in the world. It
includes four aspects -thinking, feeling, sensing and intuiting. These aspects
help us in learning. They suggest us that learning requires
consciousness, and not attention, and further strengthen the idea that
consciousness is separate from attention. It further states that thought is
superficial whereas consciousness is internal and depth.
12.
Green Rebellion, The Terrestrial Greenhouse and The Gaia Hypothesis –
Charles Van Doren
The given excerpt “Green
Rebellion, The Terrestrial Greenhouse and The Gaia Hypothesis” is taken
from A History of Knowledge: Past, Present and Future (1991) by Charles
Van Doren. It is about the progress of knowledge in the Western civilization
since antiquity. In the given excerpt, Doren presents the growing awareness of
environmental among the people in the face of the global environmental crisis.
Also, he sheds light on the hypothesis that the Earth is a conscious being.
Exploring the Text
1. What is Green Rebellion? What is its goal?
2. What do Environmentalists support? Why?
Green Rebellion is
an international- ecological movement of the environmentalists to support
everything that is good for the earth.
Its goals are:
-
To give longer life the creatures of the earth.
-
To make earth beautiful and pollution free.
-
To good things for the protection and preservation of the
earth.
-
The earth, its greenery and its environment is its main
concern.
-
To support ecosystem and the entire water cycle.
3. Why did Plato say that the earth is a living organism?
Plato said
that the earth is a living organism in the sense it has life and it has the
same span of life like other living creatures. It is born, it is surviving and
it seems as if it will die soon like a living organism. Therefore, it is duty
and responsibility of we human beings that they should take care of this living
organism for its longer life by keeping its environment neat and clean and keeping
it balance in every aspects for healthy life
not only living organism of the earth but also the living organism earth
itself.
4. What is Gaia hypothesis?
The Gaia hypothesis, named after the ancient
Greek goddess of Earth, posits that Earth and its biological systems
behave as a huge single entity. This entity has closely controlled
self-regulatory negative feedback loops that keep the conditions on the planet
within boundaries that are favorable to life.
In Greek, the word for Earth is 'Gi'
(pronounced 'gee'). The name 'Gaia' comes from this word and was the
name of the Earth goddess. Considered the mother goddess, she was the
personification of the Earth's spirit. From her the world was born, and her
creation brought calm to an otherwise chaotic universe.
The Gaia Hypothesis is the idea that life,
or Gaia, plays a critical role in maintaining Earth's habitability,
including its oxygen-rich atmosphere, the salinity of its oceans, and its
relatively stable climate.
5. What do you mean by salvation? Why is it important in human life?
By salvation, the author
means the continuation of existence of humanity. Salvation simply means to be saved, or
delivered, from the result of sin—eternal death. In Christianity, Salvation is possible
through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It is the conclusion of the conversion
process. Salvation means being saved from
sin, and Christians believe that salvation is essential to have a
relationship with God while on earth, and to have eternal life with God in
heaven after death.
It is important in human life
because it brings a change of direction and life. Salvation gives us
conversion and transformation.
Making Connection:
1. What are the major environmental problems in your
community? Describe the factors responsible for these problems.
Environmental issues are issues related to human impact on the living
environment, habitats, land use and natural resources. My community has
following major environmental problems:
· Air quality: It leads problems such as air pollution,
ozone pollution etc. which cause human health with asthma and other diseases.
· Climate change
is another problem which leads global warming, greenhouse effect, loss of
glaciers, climate refugees etc.
· Deforestation: It causes illegal logging, impact of fires, rapid
pace of destruction, etc.
· Endangered species:
loss of species, impact of chemical use on species, species extinction,
invasive species, etc. are its effects.
· Environmental
degradation: poor environmental quality causing poor health in
human beings, poisoning etc.
· Natural disasters
linked to climate change, desertification, deforestation, loss of natural
resources such as wetlands, etc.
· Overfishing :
depletion of ocean fish stocks
· Pollution :
air, water, land, toxins etc.
· Population growth and
related issues, like overpopulation, access to reproductive health etc.
· Waste : landfills,
recycling, incineration, various types of waste produced from human endeavors,
etc.
· Water pollution : fresh
water and ocean pollution, Great Pacific Garbage Patch, river and lake
pollution etc.
Factors
responsible for these environmental problems are:
Ø
Landslide and Soil
erosion.
Ø
Pollution, Fire, Overgrazing,
Illegal Trade, Hunting and Smuggling.
Ø
Economic growth,
Population growth, Rising energy use and Transportation.
Ø
Poverty still
remains a problem at the root of several environmental problems.
Ø
The burning of fossil fuels like oil, gas
or coal.
Ø
The exhaust fumes from your vehicles.
Ø
The mismanagement of landfill waste caused
by garbage pollution.
Ø
The harmful fragrance or off-gasing from
plastic production, paints and so on.
Ø
Rapid industrialization, indiscriminate use
of natural resources, deforestation and unplanned urbanization.
# Ways to protect nature and maintain the
clean environment
Our environment
provides a wide range of benefits, such as the air we breathe, the food we
eat and the water we drink, as well as the many materials needed in our homes,
at work and for leisure activities.
There are several ways to protect nature
and environment or the earth. Some of them are followings:
·Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Cut down on what you throw away.
·Volunteer for cleanups in your community.
·Educate people.
·Choose sustainable development
·Shop wisely.
·Use long-lasting light bulbs.
·Plant a tree.
·Replace disposal items with reusable items.
·Conserve water and electricity.
·Support environmental friendly practices.
·Refuse plastic wherever you can.
·Invest in a refillable glass water bottle.
·Love your old bags!
·Donate unwanted goods.
Unit: 3
Travel, Sports and Health
13. Respect for Woods
–by Bill Bryson
Making Connecion:
1.
Write an on
“Respect Trees to Preserve Greenery.”
Respect Trees to
Preserve Greenery: An Essay
Greenery
absorbs the polluted air and so it is enjoyed by everyone for the freshness and
purity. It is very good for the lungs. A walk in the greenery has the power to
alleviate your stress and to relax. A lot of the natural green is being lost
due to speedy urbanization.
Trees provide oxygen and limit carbon in the
atmosphere. They reduce air pollution, provide food and shelter for wildlife,
minimize erosion and maintain healthy soil, increase rainfall, and absorb
sunlight as energy. Simply, trees are an essential component of life on Earth.
Forest are not just vast areas of land where
only trees prevail, but they are a complex Eco-system, made of a group of
productive organisms (green plants), and a range of consumer objects which
could increase or decrease depending on the density and diversity of
vegetation, in addition to a range of degenerative objects, which are in
constant interaction with the non-living remains. They are considered one of
the significant renewable natural resources, due to their ability in achieving
both environmental and economic balance at once. Despite all, forestry
development has faced, and is still facing many problems, because investment in
the field of forests is a long-term investment, which does not attract
investors seeking a quick profit.
Importance
of Trees/ Greenery:
- Trees are very important for the environment
as well as human beings.
- Without trees we can not imagine about life
on the earth.
- It is a wonderful creation of god.
- The trees provide us shade and the coolness.
- Trees provide shelter to the birds.
- It beers fruits and the beautiful flowers.
- There are a various types of trees which have
the medicinal values also.
- We get rubber, wood, gum, lac and a lot of
important things from the trees.
- The climate is influenced by the trees.
- It helps to make cool the air.
- The rain is attracted by the trees.
- The root of the trees prevents the soil
erosion during the rains and the floods.
- It takes in the carbon dioxide and gives out
the oxygen.
- Now a days, we can see that how humans are
using trees carelessly.
- They are cutting the trees for making houses
and the furniture.
- The earth can become very warm if all the
trees are cut down.
- It becomes our responsibility to save the
trees and conserve the environment as well.
- We get essential oils from the trees.
- The trees are our most important asset, so we have to save it
for survive as well.
- We should take right steps towards it. We can
organize the tree plantation program and also make people aware for planting
the trees by driving the campaign as well.
2.
Recall one of
your long walks and write about it in about 600 words.
A
Long Walk I have had
Walking can be a great exercise for maintaining
your health and at the same time the simplest activity.
It was on a Sunday morning, I was too lazy to
pull out of my bed after a long week. But I was determined in going to walking
on that particular day because one of my childhood friends had returned from abroad
and said he will join me today.
My best friend, with whom I grew up in school
days accompanied me. As he has returned to the native after several years, we
planned to walk in the areas where we spent our school days.
As we are neighbors, we started our walking
from our home, and visited our school which was nearby. We spent a few moments
there and went to the park where we would play cricket, hide and seek, etc. Due
to renovations, the places have been changed but our memories of us being there
was still intact.
We crossed through several houses, where I was
able to find many little children playing happily, elderly people having a
chat, women cleaning their houses, and men taming their animals. Finally, we
reached the shop and bought the necessary flowers and returned differently,
seeing new places. Then we continued walking towards the shop we used to
drink juice and returned home.
Every day I go walking, but this particular day
was special to me because we were both talking and recalling our memories which
took us to our past. We felt refreshed and the smile the memories caused in us
were remaining even after hours.
Walking is not only good for physical health,
but it also gives a good relaxing feel to our mind. This walk was very
memorable for me. The stills we have taken during this walk remind me of the
fresh environment I was able to enjoy there. You meet a lot of people and a
small smile exchange may create a new boost in your mind. So keep walking.
Exploring the Text
1. Dill
Bill Bryson, the writer, and his friend Kats have a smooth or bumpy ride in the
back of the pick –up truck? Give some pieces of evidence from the text to
support your answer.
Dill Bill Bryson, the writer,
and his friend Kats had a smooth or bumpy ride in the back of the pick –up
truck because they didn’t get the things to drink on the way. They were hanging
in the back of the pick-up with their hiking boots. The trail they were having
was not easy rather it was full of complications. They got hurt and bled in
several places. They were alike wrestling with bears.
2. The
writer, upon totting up the miles he has walked, says, “I had done 870 miles…”
Based on this, describe his passion for hiking. Refer to the text to support
your answer.
Bryson had a strong passion to
hike the Appalachian Trail. He sat on a
table in the kitchen of his home and
calculated that he had completed the journey of only 870 miles which was
only39.5% of the total distance of the trail. Even if he was happy to have
crossed such a mile through hiking as for him, it was not such a small distance
as he says. He faced many obstacles though he was hopeful which provokes that
he was determined to complete his journey at any cost.
Bill
Bryson: Bill Bryson is the narrator of
the travelogue. He narrates his hiking experiences and his feelings as he hiked
along with his friends to the
Appalachian Trail. He is very deterministic and optimistic who loves the beauty
of nature a lot as he continued his hiking despite his friends’ rejection to
hiking. He completed 870 miles though it was only 39.5% only but for his it was
not a joke as the journey was full of obstacles.
Stephen
Kats: Stephen Kats is the friend of Bill
Bryson. He is very fat and he has very little experience of hiking. He quit
hiking and returned to Des Moines as he could not enjoy the beauty of nature.
He loved hiking but he could not fact obstacles during journey.
Joan
Bishop: Joan Bishop is the owner of the Boarding house. She welcomes Bill
Bryson and Stephen Kats in her guest house. She is a snowy hairy lady.
14. Travelling with Bruce Chatwin –by Salman Rushdie
The given excerpt is from
Imaginary Homeland (1991) - a collection of essays by Salman Rushdie where he
recollects his travels with Bruce Chatwin in Central Australia in early 1984.
Critical Analysis: “Imaginary
Homeland” By Salman Rushdie
INTRODUCTION-:
Salman Rushdie is
the most controversial writer among Indian writing in English. His book
published under the title “Imaginary Homeland” is the collection of the essay
written between 1981 and 1992. All the essays are based on Salman Rushdie’s
experience of the contemporary time scenario. This book is the collection of
the controversial issues of the decade.
The seed of the
imaginary homelands were sawn in the Indo-Anglian seminar at London, where
mighty pens of Indian English writing were present.
The book
‘Imaginary Homelands’ divided into six sections. They are.
1) Midnight’s
children.
2) Politics of
India and Pakistan.
3) Indo-Anglian
literature.
4) Movie and
Television.
5) Experience of
migrants, -Indian migrants to Britain.
6) Thatcher/ flout
election –question of Palestine
“IMAGINARY
HOMELANDS”
This essay was
written after the publication of the Midnight’s Children. This
never was well responded in western countries but, in Indian it was rejected by
Indians, and it was a request from a diasporic writer to the country of
his origin to accept him.
It is written out
of anguish to go to the roots of one’s origin. The desire of belonging to
somewhere, it is the desire of an individual to claim a country as his/her
homeland. .
Problems with
‘Midnight’s Children’
Rushdie starts his
essay with a photograph which was taken in 1946 before his birth in India. This
photo was an inspiration for the novel ‘Midnight’s Children’. When he was
writing ‘Midnight’s Children’ very far from India, it is India from macrocosm
view. He says. “it may be that writers in position exiles or emigrants or
expatriates, are haunted by some sense of loss. The physical alienation
from India almost inevitably means that we will not be capable of reclaiming
precisely the thing that was lost; that we will in short create fiction, not
actual cities or villages, but invisible ones, imaginary homeland, India in
mind.” Thus, it is India of his memory and of his perspective. There he presented
his version of India. Presentation of the dark picture and political matter in
‘Midnight’s Children’ drags the work in political controversy. And as an answer
to that he gives explanation.
He felt that if
its sub-continental rejected the work, he should have thought it as a failure,
no matter what the reaction in the west.
Diaspora -:
‘Imaginary
Homelands’ is all about the feeling of belonging nowhere. The Feeling of
insecurity always remains there in his mind which got reflected in his work. His
life experience as always, a member of marginalized group, member of Indian
Muslim family in Bombay, then as Pakistani, and as present time as British
Asian. Thus, there is not a fix identity/root which he can claim. Even in
Britan he is not accepted as a member of that country. His experience is no
better as he wrote in his essay titled ‘New Empire Within New Britain.’
Diasporic writers
held up in such situation that they wish but they could not claim their
belonging to the country once they leaved or forced to leave. And they even
could not completely mingle with the new one, as the memory of the past doesn’t
allow them to accept it. They held up between two cultures, two languages, two
nations, and lost identity. He declared that to live in British society is to
face everyday problems of definition
What does it mean to be an Indian outside India?
How can culture be preserved without become ossified?
How to change without seeming to play into the hands of our racial enemies?
How to turn away our self which one goes to another country?
How are we to live in the world?
Conclusion: -
A work of
literature is an expression of feeling, experience, but it doesn’t mean to
force him to leave the country, we Indian really need to understand it that the
freedom of thinking can bring better life in society by the writer and free
thinkers like Salman Rushdie. It is the limitation of the diasporic writers
that they were protesting, what they really want is to be accepted as a human
being, they need little more freedom of expression, and we have to accept them
as they belong to somewhere.
(Source: http://milanparmar94.blogspot.com/2015/10/critical-analysis-on-imaginary.html)
Making
Connection:
1. Write a
narrative essay based on the memory of your travel with your friend or family
members. Focus on the time, location, person you travelled with, persons you
come across, conversations and most memorable events in your narratives.
2. The essay
by Rushdie was taken from collection of his essays “Imaginary Homeland (1991).
Search the internet and write a couple of paragraph about this book.
Exploring the Text:
1. What does
the writer refer to by the expression, “but so many of the songlines are lost,
their people exterminated by white settlers? Why does he think that “It ‘s
impossible to rebuild the whole map?”
The writer
refers, “but so many of the songlines are lost, their people exterminated by
white settlers.” By this, he means to say that the indigenous people of
Australia were ruled and exterminated by white settlers. He further says that
it is impossible to rebuild the whole map of these natural and cultural
heritages.
2. The writer
makes reference to aboriginal people every now and then. Who are those people?
What is the writer’s view on them?
The writer
makes reference to aboriginal people of every now and then. Infact, they are
the aboriginal people of Australia. Through this, he wants to create the
history of the aboriginal people of Australia.
He states
that these people are on the way to self-destruction; may be due to
psychological cause of white settlers.
3. How can be
unwritten book be a burden for person? What does the writer mean by this? Have
you ever felt your unexpressed ideas being a burden of burden for you? Describe
your experiences.
Obviously, an unwritten book
becomes a burden for a person or the author
in the sense the book is not completed means the it still needs
hardships and many more efforts as same as it is for a pregnant woman who has
not given birth to the baby and is still waiting for delivery.
As people have feeling of death as
they are in the mouth of death. Sometimes people have poison and suffer a lot
as the poison shows its effects on them. I had also same types of feeling as I
was once seriously sick.
15. A journey of Exploration –by Lizzy Hawker
The given excerpt is from Runner: A Short Story About a Long Run (2015) by
Lizzy Hawker who here shows what is truly means to live life to the absolute
fullest, step out of your conform zone and to truly test your limits.
Hawker’s “A Journey of Exploration”
is about a celebration of her achievements
as a runner. It is about the memories of the author, Lizzy Hawker which starts from as she received a text
messages from Rich at night. She was sleeping at Everest Base Camp during the
time and Mean a while she woke up again due to bade weather of smattering of
snow.
She praises the way the Nepalese
salute people saying ‘Namaste’ to each other. The author gets bemused at times
in the story in several times as such:
-
When
she comes to know that the weather conditions are out of control.
-
As she walks from Everest Base Camp to
Kathmandu for the first and second times.
-
As
she sees panoramic beauty of nature and catchy mountain scenes in Nepal.
The writer had made up her mind to
be a good runner especially in the mountains of Nepal. This is the dream she
had most often in her life. Nepal is her dream, her passion, her bewilderment
and her wonder. The writer had her first
experience in 2005 in the expedition to Kalang. She has experienced different races
like long, short faster running, extreme height, mountains, trails and many
more. She has won five UTMB, a gold medal at the 100 km. World Championships, a
24 hour world record with outright win. She never tired of all this. She had
seen dream of running in Himalaya in 2006.
The writer says, “Nepal is the
place where I have lost my heart.” Nepal
is the place that has deepened love and intensified passion. This place has
challenged her and given her solace. The beauty of the country has filled her
brain with life. Nepal has become a place that holds her curiosity, her
passion, her bewilderment, her wonder and so on. Then, she says Nepal is the
place where she lost her heart she finds it as a really a beautiful country.
UTMB (Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc):
UTMB is the most incredible trail
running event. Each year, the best athletes meet in Chamonix and more than10000
runners participate in UTMB World Series Finals.
Created in 2003, the UTMB is
"the most mythical and prestigious trail running race in the world"
with 171 kilometers and 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain around the
Mont-Blanc through Italy, Switzerland and France.
It is especial for Lizzy Hawker in
the sense her first UTMB attempt opened a door for her into a new world.
Furthermore, it led her into the world of competitive running.
Exploring the Text:
1.
The author gets bemused at times
in the story. Explain the junctions at times where you find her in bemusement.
2.
Explain the dream the writer had
in mind from the very beginning of her running career.
3.
The writer says, “Nepal is the place where I
have lost my heart.” Explain.
4.
What is Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc
(UTMB)? Why is UTMB special for Lizzy Hawker?
Making
Connection:
1.
This Story is, in a way, a
celebration of Lizzy Hawker’s achievements. Do you agree? Give reasons to
support your answer. (See
Summary)
16.
Face to Face with Jackie Chan – by Peter Dockrill and Joel Poon
About
Jackie Chan:
Jackie Chan, originally Chan Kong-sang,
(born April 7, 1954, Hong Kong), Hong Kong-born Chinese stuntman, actor, and
director whose perilous acrobatic stunts and engaging physical humour
made him an action-film star in Asia and helped to bring kung
fu movies into the mainstream of American cinema.
Jackie Chan is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer,
filmmaker, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter,
entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his
acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and
innovative stunts.
Ø Jackie Chan
is Asia’s biggest movie star who is famous for acting. He was born in a poor
Hong Kong family in 1954. He is well-known for his comic performances and
dangerous stunts.
Ø He wanted
to do some social services and to give something for someone on his birthday as
he doesn’t like to receive anything.
Ø Jackie
says, “I am a bad boy. Doing charity works turns me into a good person.” By this, he means to say that helping others
makes a person good man. Therefore, he
loves doing social services and charity works for the sake of others.
Ø As per the
song “Man-Made Walls” by Jackie’s
son,
- The first
wall is the father
- The second
wall is the mother
- The third
wall is the teacher
- The fourth
wall is the people surrounding him
By breaking
these walls, one can be free.
Ø
Peace
for Jackie Chan is more and more love and services to humankind. It is peace
that makes the world a better planet to live. It is the path he takes for
bringing growth and prosperity to society.
Ø
Jackie
wants to establish a school and recruit students all over the world in the
future. He wants these schools perform
tasks for protecting their cultures, working collaboratively and making films.
Exploring
the Text
1. Who
is Jackie Chan? What is he famous for?
2. What did Jackie Chan want to do on his
birthday? Why?
3. “I
am a bad boy. Doing charity works turns me into a good person.” What does
Jackie Chan mean by this statement?
4. What do different walls refer to in the song
“Man-Made Walls?”
5. What
is peace for Jackie Chan? Why does he need peace in the world?
6. What project does Jackie Chan want to do in
the future? Why?
Making
Connection
1.
Has any Nepali movie star influenced you? Describe how he or she
has contributed to community development?
Sitaram Kattel: Dhurmus Suntali Foundation
The Nepali movie star who has influenced me a lot is Sitaram
Kattel. Sitaram Kattel popularly known by his serial name Dhurmus is a Nepalese
scriptwriter, actor, comedian, director and social worker. He is one of the
main characters of the Nepali TV series Meri Bassai.
He also acted in the 2013 Nepali box office hit Chha
Ekan Chha in a lead role along with Deepak Raj Giri, Kedar Ghimire, Neeta Dhungana, and Jeetu Nepal. His other
movie Wada Number Chha was also a blockbuster. He is also an
active social worker.
Kattel
has worked in earthquake relief. He and his spouse have built a residence for
them and other earthquake victims. He is also building international cricket
stadium in Chitwan (via Dhurmus
Suntali Foundation).
Dhurmus Suntali Foundation is a Nepalese charity founded primarily for
victims of 2015 Nepali earthquakes. Since then, the foundation has
expanded its projects like Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium.
The charity was founded by well-known Nepalese comedians Sitaram
Kattel and Kunjana
Ghimire.[1][2][3] Famous persons like Rekha
Thapa and those from different countries
have contributed to this charity.
Dhurmus
Suntali Foundation (DSF) conducted a brief flood victim relief campaign in 2074
BS. The founders themselves participated on the campaign and marked the
beginning of the starting of the long loved foundation- Dhurmus Suntali
Foundation.
2. Do you agree that children these days are
spoiled? Why? Why not?
Yes, Children
are spoiled these days. I never really got some of the things these kids are
getting. Some of the reasons are as follows:
-
I even hear that 4th graders are getting
phones. I don't even have my 1st phone at all until I get a job and I can pay
for one.
-
In fact, in the question of kids are spoiled
these days. Take a parent. ask him if his kids are spoiled. 90% will say yes.
5% will change the subject. 3% will walk away. Only about 2% will say no and
mean it.
- Well, in my point of
view, SOME kids are definitely spoiled as their parents kind of over-showered
their love for them. It is a good thing to know that some parents really care
for their children but spoiling them with materialistic goods doesn't seem to
be a correct way.
- I once even read a
news about parents buying a Mini Cooper for their daughter who is still in 6th
grade just mainly because of her excellent achievement in her exam.(which was
an easy public examination) That was plain ridiculous. She hasn't even get her
driving license yet.
- If some parents keep
on their irrational way of rewarding their children like this, their children
might fail to realise the value of every single thing in life as they have the
mindset that they can receive tremendous reward by a little effort. Sooner or
later children will be greedier and whinier and their demands will be getting
more absurd and impossible. For instance, if the girl receive a car just for
her first public exam, what will she get for her next exam? A house?
- Sometimes real and
long lasting happiness doesn't come from materialism, but from the simple
pleasures in our lives. :
Times have changed and are changing. Yes, it may seem like
kids are being spoiled with all their gadgets and toys, but this has now become
the norm in most developed societies. Modern kids these days are influenced
heavily by technology and will be asking for phones, gaming consoles and
computers etc. for presents.
17. Exercise! 14 Whys and Hows
–by
Reader’s Digest Association: Looking After Your Body in Reader’s Digest (Sep.
2008)
Exploring the Text
1.
How do exercises help in increasing
the period of deep sleep?
Exercises
improve our sleep quality by contributing it to more sound and restful sleep.
It increases sleep amounts. It increases the period of deep sleep by reducing
stress and relieving anxiety. Not only this, deep sleep helps to boost immune
function, support cardiac health and control stress and anxiety. Some studies
in the USA have concluded that aerobics can lengthen the sleep hours.
2.
List out any five advantages of doing
regular exercises.
Advantages
of Doing Regular Exercises
Regular physical activity is one of the most
important things one can do for his/her health.
Its advantages are:
o Regular exercise improves your
memory and brain function of all age groups.
o It helps weight management.
o It reduces the risk of chronic disease.
o It strengthens bones and muscles, and
improves your ability to do everyday activities.
o It lowers blood pressure and improves heart health.
o It improves the quality of sleep.
o It reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.
o It improves mood and boosts energy.
3.
How does aerobic exercise benefit us?
Aerobic Exercise and Its Benefits
Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your blood pumping
and large muscle groups working. It’s also known as cardiovascular
activity. Examples of aerobic exercise include:
- brisk walking
- swimming
- heavy cleaning or gardening
- running
- cycling
- playing soccer (Football)
Benefits of Aerobic Exercise:
1. It improves cardiovascular health
condition.
2. It lowers blood pressure.
3. It helps to regulate blood sugar level.
4. It reduces asthma symptoms.
5. It reduces chronic pain.
6. It provides sound and healthy sleep.
7. It supports weight management.
8. It strengthens immune system.
9. It improves brain power.
10. It
boosts mood and reduces risk of falls by promoting better balance and
agility.
4.
What four ideas does the author suggest
to develop the habit of doing regular exercises?
Four
ideas the author suggests to develop the habit of doing regular exercises are
followings:
- Call it by another name.
- Do it to music.
- Do it with words.
- Don’t sweat it.
5.
Discuss the ways of developing a safe and fun
routine of doing exercise.
Ways
of developing a safe and fun routine of doing exercise are as follows:
1.
Begin your exercise with warm up
session.
2.
Be aware of your
surroundings.
3.
Keep correct posture to
protect your back and neck.
4.
Take regular breaks and
drink plenty of water during exercise for
refreshment.
5.
Use tools and machinery
properly
6.
Easy access to emergency
exits.
7.
Report unsafe conditions
to your supervisor
8.
Reduce workplace stress
during exercise.
9.
Wear the correct safety
equipment.
10. Clear out
plenty of space needed for exercise.
Making Connections:
1. Write an essay on: The Importance of Physical Exercise in
about 500 words.
The
Importance of Physical Exercise: An Essay
Introduction:
Physical exercise means the
exercise of our limbs. ‘Such exercise is most essential for the full
development of a human personality because the mind and the body are
complementary to each other. A healthy mind grows only in a healthy body. So it
is said that health is wealth.
Different Physical Exercise:
Physical exercises are of
different kinds. Walking, swimming, rowing, riding, and playing various games
like football, volleyball, basketball, hockey, badminton, and tennis are all
exercises of different kinds. In addition to these, there are also instrumental
exercises with instruments like the barbell, dumbbell, and spring, and freehand
exercises like asanas. However, walking is the simplest and one of the best
forms of exercise. It is good for all kinds of people including the old and the
diseased.
Usefulness of Exercise:
Physical exercise is the key to
good health. It helps us to digest our food and the blood to circulate. A man
who takes regular exercise enjoys good health. Good health keeps a man cheerful.
Such cheerfulness is necessary for the proper concentration of the mind. A
healthy man can do a thing better and faster than others because he or she is
always hopeful and energetic. A beggar with good health is happier and luckier
than a king with poor health.
Disadvantages of Not Taking Exercise:
Those who do not take any physical
exercise are poor in health. They become easy victims of various diseases.
Consequently, they develop frustration and lethargy. Their poor health prevents
them from concentrating on anything. This makes them dejected and
short-tempered. They worry over everything and life becomes a burden to them.
The mind of an unhealthy man is like cloudy weather. It can not bring pleasure
to anybody.
When to Begin Physical Exercise:
Physical exercise should be taken
from early life. Because at that time, the body remains supple and receptive.
In advanced age, the human body becomes resistant to a new thing. Therefore,
there should be provision for regular exercise in schools and colleges.
Moderation if Physical Exercise:
Like too much of everything, too
much exercise is also not good. It harms our health. So exercise should always
be moderate. Moreover, exercise after food is not advisable. Morning and
evening are the best times for it.
People who do mental labour need
physical exercise more than manual labourers do, because the different kinds of
work done by the latter are themselves physical exercises.
Conclusion:
Physical exercise is indispensable
to make a man complete. All work and no play make Jack a dull boy. In his early
life, Mahatma Gandhi had neglected games and exercises. But he repented this
neglect in his later life. So, we should regularly take some physical exercise.
(Source: https://gyanshalatips.in/essay-on-physical-exercise-in-200-300-500-words/)
2. What
are your suggestions for the people in the following situations: people who are
in their sixties and above; people who are busy in their hectic jobs and
schools and college level students? Write a short article in about 500 words to
be published in the local newspaper.
Importance of Physical Exercise for
Elderly People, Busy People and School and College Students.
Physical
activity is essential to healthy aging for all age group people. As an older adult, regular physical activity is
one of the most important things they can do for their better health. It can
prevent many health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps their
muscles grow stronger so they can keep doing their day-to-day activities
without becoming dependent on others.
Adults
who are sixties and above or older ones need to do exercise like:
- Brisk walking 30 minutes a day or activities such as
hiking, jogging, or running.
- 2 days a week of
activities that strengthens
muscles.
- Activities to improve balance such
as standing on one foot about 3 days a week.
Older adults should move more and sit less throughout the day.
Older adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous intensity
physical activity gain some health benefits.
In
the same way, busy people and school and college students can also perform
several activities like Yoga, Meditation, Jogging, and so on which they can
maintain as per their time and place. They can do physical exercises which are
essential to them. In fact, it helps to maintain
the ability to live independently and reduces the risk of falling and
fracturing bones for elderly people in their old ages. It reduces the risk of
dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon
cancer, and diabetes. Exercise holds so many
solutions for college students. It has definite value for them. Staying
fit can relieve stress and help to lift your mood. It has direct benefits to
the brain, improving concentration, allowing for better engagement in learning,
and improving memory.
18. Freedom From
Unhappiness –by Echart Tolle
The given excerpt is taken out from “The
Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” (2001) by Echart Tolle, a
spiritual teacher who here brings home to us the fact that there is a way out
of suffering and into peace.
Exploring the Text:
1. How do we make our present moment an
enemy?
Echart Tolle in his essay “Freedom From Unhappiness”
argues that most of the modern people feel displeasure towards their jobs and
their present time. We people are mostly unhappy as we see other’s irritating
behaviours and unconscious activities. We are disturbing ourselves by thinking
over unnecessary situation and taking everything negatively. As we are
resisting everything that goes around us, we are making our present moment
enemy.
2. What is inner psychic pollution? What
does it do?
Eckhart
Tolle is talking about "psychic pollution." He serenely explains that
psychic pollution is the negative thoughts in our minds: judgments,
criticisms, blame, anxiety, stress, anger and fear. On the other hand, it means the pollution lies
unconsciously in the inner side (in
heart) of the individuals. This harmful energy not only touches us as
individuals, but spreads like a virus of which no one is immune. It spreads
negative waves in human beings in their outer world and makes life and
situation worse than it was before.
3. How
does negativity harm human beings? How can we drop it?
Negativity
harms human beings as they make people dislike themselves and others, and
reduce people’s confidence and self-esteem, and general life satisfaction. They get their roots in the hearts. They not
only give pain and unhappiness rather they are more likely to make
people suffer from degenerative brain diseases, cardiovascular problems,
digestive issues, and recover from sickness much slower than those with a
positive mindset.
We can drop it by making our mind set
clear and healing it before it enters in our mind and removing our inner
psychic pollution from the inner core of our hearts.
Main Message: - Drop out our negativity/ inner psychic pollution..
Making Connection:
1. Write a reflective essay describing how
you practice happiness.
Happiness- An Essay
Happiness is something which we can’t describe in words it can only be
felt from someone’s expression of a smile. Likewise, happiness is a signal or identification
of good and prosperous life. Happiness is very simple to feel and difficult to
describe. Moreover, happiness comes from within and no one can steal your
happiness.
Can Money Buy
You Happiness?
Every day we see and meet people who look happy from the outside but
deep down they are broken and are sad from the inside. For many people, money
is the main cause of happiness or grief. But this is not right. Money can buy
you food, luxurious house, healthy lifestyle servants, and many more facilities
but money can’t buy you happiness.
And if money can buy happiness then the rich would be the happiest
person on the earth. But, we see a contrary image of the rich as they are sad,
fearful, anxious, stressed, and suffering from various problems.
In addition, they have money still they lack in social life with their
family especially their wives and this is the main cause of divorce among them.
Also, due to money, they feel insecurity that everyone is after their
money so to safeguard their money and them they hire security. While the
condition of the poor is just the opposite. They do not have money but they are
happy with and stress-free from these problems.
In addition, they take care of their wife and children and their
divorce rate is also very low.
Happiness
Comes from Within
As we now know that we can’t buy happiness with money and there is no
other shortcut to happiness. It is something that you feel from within.
In addition, true happiness comes from within yourself. Happiness is
basically a state of mind.
Moreover, it can only be achieved by being positive and avoiding any
negative thought in mind. And if we look at the bright side of ourselves only
then we can be happy.
Happiness in a
Relationship
People nowadays are not satisfied with their relationship because of
their differences and much other reason. But for being happy in a relationship
we have to understand that there are some rules or mutual understanding that
keeps a relationship healthy and happy.
Firstly, take care of yourself then your partner because if you
yourself are not happy then how can you make your partner happy.
Secondly, for a happy and healthy relationship give you partner some
time and space. In addition, try to understand their feeling and comfort level
because if you don’t understand these things then you won’t be able to properly
understand your partner.
Most importantly, take initiative and plan to go out with your partner
and family. Besides, if they have plans then go with them.
To conclude, we can say that happiness can only be achieved by having
positive thinking and enjoying life. Also, for being happy and keeping the
people around us happy we have to develop a healthy relationship with them.
Additionally, we also have to give them the proper time.
(Source: https://www.toppr.com/guides/essays/happiness-essay/)
19. Can Green Tea Boost Your Brain Power and Treat
Disease?
– By Meera Senthilingam
Exploring the Text:
1. What is the major finding of recent studies about green
tea?
The major finding of recent studies about green tea is that one
particular compound inside green tea, known as EGCG can improve the functioning
of one particular part of the body: brain. This recent studies state that it
can improve the connectivity of neurons and boost the brain power.
2. What are the major
reasons that have attracted the attention of the scientists to green tea?
The major reasons that have attracted the attention of the scientist to
green tea are as followings:
The green tea is related to calmness, purity and relaxation.
It relieves people from various diseases.
It treats cancer patients.
It improves cognitive power.
3. The use of green
tea can improve the functioning of brain. Explain this statement.
4. What was the view of the Borgwadt about green tea and
human brain?
Obviously, the use of green tea can improve the function of brain. Green tea also contains an amino acid called
L-theanine, which has been found to help reduce stress and boost your
mood.
Research shows that the combination of caffeine and
L-theanine improves brain function by strengthening working memory and
attention, and reducing anxiety. Researchers
have found, for instance, that drinking tea lowers levels of the stress hormone
cortisol. And evidence of long-term health benefits is emerging, too:
drinking at least 100 millilitres (about half a cup) of green tea a
day seems to lower the risk of developing depression and dementia.
Borgwadt teams’ study in 2014
stated that drinking green tea
improved memory in healthy people and it is helpful for several diseases too.
It is more natural kind of medication.
David Nutt, the head of the Centre for Neuropsyhopharmacology at Imperial College, London, found that consumption of green tea can be practised as
a therapy which may treat many patients of the biochemical abnormalities.
5. List any six benefits of drinking green tea with reference
to the text.
The benefits of drinking green tea with reference to the text are as
follows:
·
It improves brain function or brain power.
·
It increases fat burning.
·
Antioxidants present in lower the risk of
some cancers and blood pressure.
·
It protects the brain from aging.
·
It improves memory power.
·
It is medication for several ailments.
·
It is beneficial for physical and mental
disabilities.
·
It reduces bad breath.
·
It helps to prevent type 2 diabetes.
·
It helps to prevent cardiovascular disease.
·
It contains
healthy bioactive compounds.
6. What do you mean by Down syndrome? Also mention its some
symptoms.
Down syndrome is a
genetic disorder caused due to abnormal cell division. It is caused due to
the presence of an extra chromosome 21 also known as trisomy of chromosome 21.
In other words, it is a condition in which a
person has an extra chromosome. Chromosomes are small “packages” of genes in
the body. They determine how a baby's body forms and functions as it grows
during pregnancy and after birth.
Symptoms of Down Syndrome:
-
A flattened face, especially the bridge of the nose.
-
Almond-shaped eyes that slant up.
-
A short neck.
-
Small ears.
-
A tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth.
-
Tiny white spots on the iris (colored part) of the eye.
-
Small hands and feet.
-
A single line across the palm of the hand (palmar crease)
-
Low muscle tone, short stature, and a flat nasal bridge.
7. Discuss Dierssen’s view about the Down Syndrome and its
treatment.
According
to Dierssen, Down syndrome is the most
common form of intellectual disability and results from one of the most complex
genetic perturbations that is compatible with survival, trisomy 21.
Its
treatment:
-
Use Green Tea.
Few side effects from excessive
consumption of green tea are:
- Anxiety
- Stomach problems
- Sleeplessness
- Anaemia
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Bleeding disorders
- Liver problem
- Irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
Making Connections
1.
Argue for or against the statement “Drinking green tea improves memory in
healthy people.”
2.
Write an essay on: The Importance of Green Tea for Human Life.
The
Importance of Green Tea for Human Life: An Essay
Green tea is made from unoxidized leaves (dried) and is
one of the least processed types of tea. People used green tea in traditional
Chinese and Indian medicine to control bleeding and heal wounds, aid digestion,
improve heart and mental
health, and regulate body temperature.
Green tea may have a number of health benefits. For
example, it may help weight management, skin inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.
Green tea has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants of any tea. It
is naturally low in calories and contains less caffeine than black tea and
coffee.
The popularity of green tea is very
much in full swing, with the young, the not so young and pretty much everyone
jumping aboard the green tea train. It is a thrilling scenario to see green tea
finally taking up lots of well-deserved place in our lives. Emerging from
China, but enjoyed all over the world, this wonder leaf has captured all
imaginations. The love affair with green tea has grown with time and some of
the most exquisite varieties of green tea are available in the market, which
has enchanted our minds.
Green tea should ideally be consumed in-between-meals to
make use of the entire goodness it has! This implies, the best time
to drink green tea is at least two hours before or two hours after
the meal. It is said that drink green tea in the morning around 10:00 to 11:00
AM or early at night.
It
is helpful for skin as it acts as a potent ingredient that combats signs of
ageing. Drinking or applying green tea also fights skin cancer by limiting the
damage caused by harmful UV (Ultra Violet) rays. The high content of polyphenols
in Green Tea helpful and useful for fighting bacterial infection, acne &
redness to maintain healthy skin. Sipping the green goodness can be a salutary
part of the modern lifestyle. Many claims they don't like the flavour of green
tea, however, this is because they're purchasing the mediocre quality or
probably brewing it inaccurately.
Unit- 4 Gender and Equality
20. The Woman Who
Battled the Bureaucrats
- by Lavinia Edmunds
in Reader’s Digest
Lavinia
Edmunds’ “The Woman who Battled the Bureaucrats” is about the story of a
courageous woman named Gertrude Williams who as a teacher as well as a
principal of a public school struggled a lot in solving the problems of her
schools giving its setting in the bureaucratic mind set in the USA in the
1980s.
Exploring
the Text:
1.
How did Williams
become principal of Barclay school?
Williams
became principal of Barclay School after many efforts. She served in the
Baltimore Public School, for 25 years and then she was recruited as the
Assistant Principal of Barclay School. She continued her hardships as an
Assistant Principal for four more years and then by the enthusiastic support of
parents and teachers, she became the Principal of the school.
2.
What difference did
Williams find between her Barclay School and the school she was visiting,
Calvert School?
The
differences that Williams found between her Barclay School and Calvert School
are as follows:
|
Barclay School (Public School) |
Calvert School (Private School) |
|
1. It has
not as good academic environment as Calvert School. 2. Students
not only get lower marks rather they get failed in tests, too. 3. Parents
were less concerned and motivated to their children’s studies. 4. Students
took lessons through old methods of learning. 5. It
provided no home study materials to
the students. |
1. It has
better academic environment than Barclay school. 2. Students
succeed with higher scores. 3. Parents
were much concerned and motivated to their children and their studies. 4. Students
took lessons through latest methods and teaching materials. 5. It
provided home study materials to the students.
|
3.
What were the major challenges
she faced initially as the principal of school? Discuss the attempts she made
to solve some of the problems of her school.
She faced a number of challenges initially as
the principal of school which are as follows:
Ø The number of drug dealers and criminals were
increasing surrounding her school which affected the children to go to school.
Ø Central bureaucracy even kept high tax on the
school and thus, it was not supportive.
Ø Officials said that they didn’t have enough
money to purchase a textbook for each child.
Ø Her proposal submitted to Alice Pinderhughes,
Baltimore’s superintendent of public school in favaour of her school, was
rejected.
She made following attempts to solve some of
the problems of her school:
Ø She took support from her teachers and parents
in favour of her school.
Ø She organized meetings, seminars and press
conference to enhance the status of her school.
Ø She gave interview on social media and in
several other places for promotion of her school.
Ø She delivered public speeches in several
places.
Ø She prepared a proposal and did hard labour
to improvement of the school.
4.
How did Williams
feel when she knew that her proposal was officially rejected?
When
Williams knew that her proposal was officially rejected, she was very sad and
upset. Atfirst, she didn’t know what to do and she made her mood to quit the
job or take retirement earlier. As she was thinking of enhancing the status of
her school, she was very disappointed by the rejection of her proposal for the
betterment of the school.
5.
What was her
mission and what strategies did she use to accomplish it?
Her
mission was to begin Calvert School’s curriculum in her school. She conducted
following strategies to accomplish it:
Ø Guardian
meetings
Ø Press
conference
Ø Interviews
Ø Public
awareness programmes
Ø Public
speeches
Ø Good
relationship with local government
Ø Struggle
with bureaucratic system
Making
Connections:
11. Public schools are better than private schools. Argue for or
against this statement.
Obviously,
I support public school and provide my opinion in favour of public schools in
comparison of private schools due to following reasons:
·
Public schools are the center of
learning owned by the government.
·
They have been seen as a go to
place for low and middle class citizens who can’t afford to enroll their
children in private schools.
·
On the other hand, private school
are the centre of learning owned by individuals or organizations where mostly
children study whose parents can afford the enrollment fees and other school
charges.
·
Public schools cost a little or
almost nothing. They are more budget –friendly than private schools.
·
Public schools have no religious
tradition. Kids
may be exposed to a greater diversity of cultures and ethnicities than in some
private schools that may be religion-based.
·
Public schools have better teachers
in comparison to private schools as their teachers are well screened and
examined before them to teach the school children.
·
Unlike private schools, any student
can be admitted into public schools with no discrimination whatsoever. They
provide access to education for every child in the community.
·
Children become more sociable by
interacting with other kids from various racial, ethnic and religious
backgrounds in public schools.
·
Public schools have more academic
opportunities like scholarship opportunities, competitive and gatherings that
broaden the horizon of the students and keep them enlightened.
·
Public schools offer specialized programs that speak to a
child’s interests.
Thus, this debate between the comparison
of private and government educational institutes will go on till eternity. Both
have their own significance in their respective fields. But because of above
mentioned reasons, I support public schools.
2. In Nepal, women remain
an extreme minority in leadership positions. What can be done to enhance
women’s access to and participation in various leadership positions in
educational, political, administrative and economic sectors of Nepal?
In Nepal, women remain an extreme minority in
leadership positions. Women empowerment is required for over all development of women to
enhance women’s access to and participation in various leadership positions in
educational, political, administrative and economic sectors of Nepal. Here, by women empowerment means making women powerful to make them capable of deciding
for themselves.
Following
things can be done for promoting women’s access to and participation in various
positions in education, political, administrative and economic sectors of
Nepal:
In case of Education Sector:
- Girls education should be given priority.
- Scholarship should be provided to them.
- Awareness programmes should be launched in remote areas and
other several areas.
- Family should be discrimination or gender bias free in case
of education.
- Curriculum should include about great and famous women of the
world.
In
case of political and administrative sectors:
-
Prioritize
women’s representation and leadership in the creation, implementation and evaluation of several plans
and policies.
-
Ensure
women’s involvement in specialized groups or task forces, as well as
legislative, policy, and budgetary decision-making processes.
-
Collaborate
with women’s organizations and feminist activists and take their concerns into account in pandemic
response and recovery measures.
- Design
and implement gender responsive laws, policies and budgets by
identifying gender-specific needs and priorities.
In
case of Economic sector:
- Women’s economic empowerment contributes to their ability to
pursue their right to a healthy life.
- Discrimination in job sectors should be removed.
- Due to economic upliftment, women have chance in decision
making processes like marriage and pregnancy.
- They should get opportunity and participation in business and
in decision making process of national level issues.
-
Women in rural areas need education,
awareness, and skill training to increase their personal income and
this economic input in the family helps to initiate women empowerment. Skill
training of any handicraft product, rising agricultural productivity can be an
efficient way to increase women's income in a family.
-
A girl with an education is less likely to be
forced into child marriage, experience violence or suffer from poor health; she
is more likely to be able to break free from the cycle of poverty, contribute
to a country’s economic growth and have a healthy family.
-
Last and least, they should get easy loan for
improvement of their social and family status.
The Status of Women in Nepali Society: An Essay
The
status of women in Nepal cannot be said to be too good. More than 60% of women
are illiterate. The status of women varies as per to regions, castes, economy,
religion, and structure of the community.
Nowadays
some reservation and empowerment programmes are being held to encourage the
women. Though they have equal right in the articles of constitution but in
practical life, there is wide gap. They are not permitted to attend the public
affairs due to the dominant ideology of culture being practiced. Their
suppression stems from the concepts of hierarchy the caste system, traditional
though about food, and the high value of chastity.
The
dominant Hindu religion and culture have popularized a belief that women should
be dependent on the males for income from cradle to grave. Men are considered
the sole breadwinners of families; and women are viewed only as domestic and
maternal. Women’s work is confined to the household. Their responsibilities are
thought to include cooking, washing, maternity, collecting fuel and firewood,
fetching water, engaging in agriculture, and service to males and other family
members.
The
workload of Nepalese women is immense. They work about 16 hours every day in
agricultural works, carpet Industries, and wage labour activities. Furthermore,
Nepalese women are compelled to resort to prostitution and to be sold as
commercial sex-workers.
As
we know very well that man and woman are the two wheels of a cart and the cart
needs both of them to work properly. Mahatma Gandhi said, "A Woman
especially the mother is the steering of the family." Therefore, if women
are not provided proper education and economic rights, over all development of
the family is not possible.
21. Woman Fighting Sex Slavery Named CNN Hero of the Year
(Source: retrieved from
http://edition.ann.comm/2010/LIVING/11/21/cnnheroe.of.year)
CNN (Cable News
Network) is a multinational news channel and
website headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Founded in 1980 by American media
proprietor Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld as a 24-hour cable news channel.
Anuradha
Koirala: CNN Hero 2010/ Founder of Maiti Nepal
- Anuradha Koirala is the founder and director of
the non-profit organization, Maiti Nepal, which advocates against human
trafficking and protecting women in Nepal. She is a Nepalese social activist
who is dedicated to helping victims of sex trafficking. Maiti Nepal currently
operates a rehabilitation home in Kathmandu, as well as homes in the Indo-Nepal
border towns.
- Ms. Koirala
was honored as CNN Hero of the year 2010 and has won many
international and national honors and awards for her work. Her effort has
brought a huge change in Nepalese society. The girls trafficking rate has substantially
reduced and the government now recognizes 5th September as an anti-trafficking
day. She was appointed as 1st
Governor of Bagmati Province from by the Government of Nepal.
- Ms. Koirala is the woman who
rescued more than 12,000 girls from sex trafficking. It is believed that the same number of girls
and women trafficked to India each year is same. As a survivor of oppression herself, Ms. Koirala wanted
to empower women. ‘Don’t beg, do something. You
have the capabilities,’ she encouraged women around Pashupati who
were begging by telling this. She was juggling with her circumstances – being a
single mother and teaching at a school, all the while she began helping women
around her.
Top 10 CNN Heroes 2010 (awarded with $2500 to each) in
alphabetical order:
1. Guadalupe
Arizpe De La: the founder of a hospital in Juarez, Mexico that provides
quality health care for about 900 people daily.
2. Susan Burton: the founder of a non- profit organization named A New Way of
Life Reentry Project and a former drug
addict provide sober housing and other support services to formerly
incarcerated (prison) women in California.
3. Shape Up Vicksburg, Linda Foundren: She supported women of her Mississippi hometown by
providing free fitness activities and nutrition classes who have lsot nearly
15000 pounds to date.
4. Anuradha Koirala: the founder of Maiti Nepal who prevented the trafficking and
sexual exploitation of Nepal’s women and girls and helped to rescue and
rehabilitate more than 12000 victims.
5. Narayanan Krishnan: He provided hot meals and dignity to India’s homeless and destitute -365 days per
year- through his non-profit Akshaya Trust.
6. Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow: He provided
free daily meals to more than 400,000 children around the world through his
program Mary’s Meals and dedicated his life to helping in need.
7. Harmon Parker: He supported by building 45 footbridges over perilous rivers
in Kenya which connected isolated villages to valuable resources and protected
people from flash floods and predatory animals.
8. Aki Ra: He and his Cambodian Self Help Demining
Organization cleared about 50000 mines and unexploded weapons since 1993 and
made life of the people safe.
9. Evans Wadongo: He is a 23 years old young man who supported rural
families in Kenya with solar power by providing about 10000 free solar
lanterns to replace smoky kerosene and
firelight.
10. Dan Wallrath: He was a Texas Home
Builder who provided injured Iraq and Afghanistan veterans (ex-member of arm
forces) homes of their own- mortgage free.
1.
What are the
common threads among the various recipients of CNN award?
The common threads
among the various recipients of CNN award are as follows:
-
They work to support human beings
who are in need and for humanity.
-
They support to needy children and
women.
-
They run programs especially in
remote areas, war trodden areas, poor and backward communities and establish
organizations related to these fields.
-
They provide people to basic needs
like food, clothes, shelter, health and other familial supports.
-
They support homeless, parentless,
orphan and natural disaster victims.
2.
How is Anuradha
Koirala motivated to do the work that she does?
3.
Why do you think
she choose to fight trafficking?
Anuradha Koirala
motivated to do the work that she does because of following reasons:
-
She considered trafficking as a
heinous crime or an extremely bad evil for the society and its people.
-
She took it as a hindrance for the
development of the society and its people.
-
Koirala said it was the “unbearable pain of victims” that
motivated her in this mission. She further added, “When I see their pain —
their mental pain as well as physical pain — it is so troubling that I cannot
turn myself away. This gives me strength to fight and root this crime out.”
-
Watching Mother Teresa's work when she was
studying in Calcutta influenced and inspired her greatly. As a survivor of
oppression herself, Ms. Koirala wanted to empower women.
4.
How does her
organization help the women they rescue?
Ms. Koirala’s Maiti Nepal has two rehabilitation homes
in Kathmandu and Sunsari district that have been helping women cope with
their traumas and gradually get back to their lives.
As part of Maiti Nepal's reintegration program, the
women and girls receive job placements for economic empowerment,
sustainability, and growth. It organizes several activities including awareness
campaigns regarding sex trafficking, rescue operations for the trafficked women
and girls, apprehending traffickers, providing legal support to the needy,
women empowerment programmes, and providing anti-retroviral therapy (ART) to
HIV infected children and women. It provides legal services, health
counseling, and assistance to destitute women, survivors of girl trafficking
and victims of gender violence. Rehabilitate survivors by providing them
with education, counseling, and a safe home.
Making
Connections:
1.
We can see that
Anuradha Koirala has won many accolades (an expression of approval or praise)
for her work against girl’s trafficking, and many others also seem to see the
issue with great concern. Why do you think trafficking is such a serious issue,
and how it affects the society?
Girl Trafficking:
A Serious Issue
Girl trafficking is a social crime in which innocent and illiterate girls
from rural areas are sold inside the country or overseas either for
prostitution or for forced labor. It is also defined as the selling and buying
of girls illegally. It is one of the major social crimes in Nepal that is being
closely monitored even by the international agencies. It has been spreading
rapidly in the remote areas of Nepal where people are ignorant, uneducated and
poor. Traffickers in Nepal reportedly sell the girls in India making it one of
the evilest social crimes of all time. However, various researchers suggest
that around 12000 children are trafficked to India for sexual exploitation. The
condition of Girl Trafficking for forced prostitution is even worse. On the
other hand, trafficking of girls from Nepali land to Indian premises for
forced prostitution is one of the busiest trafficking routes in all over the
world. Nepali girls are especially desired as prostituted in India as they are
considered more attractive and are believed to be prettier than others.
Thousands of Nepalese young women become prostitutes every year in the hope
of a good job and comfortable life. This social evil has stigmatized our
dignity and invites many social disasters and crimes. The trafficked girls have to serve as many
clients in a day and are not allowed to get outside. If these girls get HIV
positive or other severe diseases, they are sent to their home with empty hands
and are not accepted by their family as well. They pass on HIV to youths in
Nepal, it affects in the prosperity of human civilization. Presently, the
status of girl/human trafficking is worse in Nepal.
Major Causes of Girl Trafficking
in Nepal are:
-
Extreme poverty,
-
Illiteracy,
-
Unemployment,
-
poor law enforcement,
-
and open border between India and
Nepal
Impacts of Girl Trafficking are:
-
Physical health problems reported
included headaches, fatigue, dizziness, back pain, memory problem, stomach
pain, pelvic pain, gynaecological infections, weight loss, lesions or warts,
unwanted pregnancies and abortions.
-
Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
-
Victims are also at a high risk for sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) including tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS.
Solutions/ Measures to Girl trafficking are:
-
Volunteer and support
anti-trafficking efforts in your community by taking support of your local,
state, and federal elected officials.
-
Be well-informed about everything.
-
Education initiatives, as a form of awareness raising and
information campaigns, or toward women and girls who are vulnerable to being
trafficking.
-
There are a number of ways that information can be
disseminated to the public- through press conferences, media campaigns, public
service announcements, distribution of informational leaflets, documentary
films and email and the Internet, for example.
-
Find girls who are at risk of being trafficked and
support them.
-
School should teach girls about effects of girl
trafficking.
-
NGOs and INGOs should run awareness campaigns.
-
Eradicate discrimination between sons and daughters.
-
Hard punishment to brokers.
-
Proper supervisions in border areas.
2.
Human trafficking is just one of the many
problems that we face in our society. Can you think of one of such problem that
you want to solve as a social worker. Discuss the problems and the strategies
that you like to implement to solve it.
Racism/
Racial Discrimination in Nepal
Racism,
being a negative side of Nepal has affected the country in various ways. The
lifestyle in Nepal varies from Himalaya and Terai. The people from Terai are
often termed as Madhesis and are discriminated on their color.
Racial discrimination is any discrimination against any
individual on the basis of their skin color, race or ethnic origin. Individuals
can discriminate by refusing to do business with, socialize with, or share
resources with people of a certain group. The indigenous peoples of Nepal have been politically
demoralized, economically exploited, culturally and socially discriminated
against. The feudal nature of the caste system also prevents Dalits from
leaving their prescribed work.
Causes of Racial Discrimination are:
- Many experts believe racist beliefs were developed to justify
self-interest and greed.
- Policies that discriminate by race reinforce racist beliefs.
- Representation of different
races in media, books, TV, movies, and
music has a big impact on how society views race.
- “Good” people who don’t
challenge racism. Racist ideas
flourish when “good” people refuse to talk about them.
- Failing to recognize racism in
oneself
- For individuals, finding community with people who share the same
beliefs about race can strengthen racist thinking. As an example, if someone
grows up surrounded by racist family members or friends, they’ll likely share
those beliefs. They’ll repeat racist jokes, believe the same stereotypes, and
seek out others who agree with them.
- People are quick to judge others based on their appearance, clothing,
how they talk, and other physical traits.
- Scapegoating (बलिको बोका)
: Society always looks for a scapegoat when things
aren’t going well and when people experience personal struggles, they may blame
others rather than themselves.
(Scapegoating : a person who is blamed for
the wrongdoings, mistakes,
or faults of others)
Measures/ Solutions to Racial
Discrimination are:
- Focusing on the core values, beliefs, and perceived strengths can
motivate people to succeed, and may even buffer the negative effects of bias.
- Special measures aim to foster greater equality by supporting
groups of people who face, or have faced, entrenched discrimination so they can
have similar access to opportunities as others in the community.
- Special measures are sometimes described as acts of 'positive
discrimination' or 'affirmative action'.
- Respect cultural and racial differences in the workplace.
- Refuse to initiate, participate, or condone discrimination and
harassment.
- Avoid race-based or culturally offensive humor or pranks.
- Give equal respect to the people with low income.
- Treat people belonging to all religions equally.
22. I Want a Wife –by Judy Syfers
Judy Syfer’s “I Want a Wife” is about different
types of duties and roles conventionally assigned to a wife and her anger and
frustration to the roles and duties expected to be carried out by a married
woman.
Ironical
The essay “I want a wife” begins with her kairos
(writing situation) to write something why she wants a wife. She finds one of
her male friends divorced his wife and he was in search of another wife. By
this, she means to state that the life of a man is not easy without a wife. She
argues that a man needs wife for several reasons such as biological,
recreational companionship, admiration, acceptance, economic, physical,
academic social, sexual fulfillment, and satisfying life and so on.
Exploring the Text:
1. What does the essay say about gender roles in society?
Syfer’s “I Want a Wife” opines with several conventional gender roles
assigned to female or a wife in a society such as cooking, washing, cleaning,
feeding, rearing children, and many more. The use of anaphora ‘I want a wife’
reveals the essayist’s satirical opinion how the females are maltreated in the
society. As being a woman, the essayist states that she needs a wife which
means to state that she is protesting against patriarchal values existed in the
society.
2. What responsibilities of a wife does the essayist highlight in
the essay?
3. What does the author mention about a wife’s domestic duties?
The essayist highlights following responsibilities of a wife that the
male expect from them in the essay:
- The male expects his wife to take care of his kids and visit to the
doctors if for their treatment if required.
- She should arrange everything for the schooling of their kids.
- She has to satisfy male physically and sexually.
- She should support in study, refreshment, cooking food and as such.
- He needs to wash his clothes, iron them and mend them as well.
- He needs a wife to show courtesy and hospitality to his friends and
provide fun to them as well.
4. Do you think the author is happy with responsibilities she has
to attend to? Give reasons.
I don’t think the author is happy with responsibilities she has to
attend to. It is so because of following reasons:
- She has collected several duties and responsibilities of a woman to
satire on them.
- Her opinion to need a wife or to be like a male also reflects the same
view.
- She is angry and satirical as she expresses her opinion towards female
responsibilities.
- She says that females are confined in the household activities only.
- She finds the roles assigned to women is biased.
5. What does the author compare the gender roles between a man and
a woman in marriage?
In the essay “I want a Wife”, the author compares the gender roles
between a man and woman in marriage. She finds several traditional roles
assigned to a woman in marriage. She should be an obedient wife, rear kids,
provide sexual pleasure to her husband, and work inside the four wall of a
house with chastity. She should be faithful to her husband. On the other hand,
a man is permitted to have extra marital relationship. Sometimes, the man
replaces his former wife for freedom and extra fun as well. Thus, the essay
presents limited roles to woman and flying bird as man in marriage in the
society.
Making Connections:
1. What do you think of the gender roles in marriage? Do you
think the roles are assigned? What changes do you think may be necessary?
Gender roles (what it means to be a boy, a girl, or somewhere else on
the gender spectrum) shape all of our relationships, especially in our
families. Gender roles influence how partners share household chores, how
family members communicate with one another, and how parents interact with
their children.
Gender roles in marriage are representatives of various
forms of behavior for both men and women. The existence of diverse characters
in different cultures proves that several factors shape roles.
As per to Communities and countries the vision of the
responsibilities and functions of each partner in a marriage varies. Therefore,
they are not unified like a woman or a man, but they are husband or wife or
mother or father. Gender roles change every day, and women have gained
significance in the job market. They have come out to be respected and valued
as employees and receive equal compensation as Men. They also receive
comparable growth and opportunities for self-development. In modern society, women’s
financial independence is not a surprising factor after all. Females have been
known to work in all business areas. They have also been getting promoted to
top positions in companies and organizations. That has contributed to the
overall growth and progress of communities and the overall society.
In society and marriage, the man is the breadwinner
according to the traditional understanding. There has not been a significant
change in the role of a man for the past century because women are still viewed
as being responsible for the children and the house, and they’re usually more
engaged in the chores than men. Social changes have impacted how people
perceive married and have made them change their preferences to rely on a more
egalitarian relationship just after the 60s.
In traditional marriage perception, men earn
money and support the house; and women assuming the duty of being a mother and
being responsible for housework.
In my opinion, following changes may be necessary to
adopt for asserting equality to both the man and the woman and for overall
development of the family and society.
- Provide education to women.
- Be collaborative and cooperative in household chores.
- Woman should be allowed for outside work or office
work.
- Support mother and wife.
- Encourage women in work.
- Pay equal salary to the woman as well.
- Discuss gender equality with family members.
- Promote gender equality at home.
- Quotas for woman representation.
23. A Solution to Housework –by David
Barry
David Barry’s “A Solution to Housework” reminds the
readers of the fact that “People have been avoiding housework for millions of
years”. He also describes his own habits. He opens the essay with all housework
associating them with hard and dangerous such as ovens and toilets, cracks
between bathroom tiles, germs on wooden furniture and floor and so on.
Exploring the Text:
1. How does the author interpret working
women in the essay?
The author interprets working women as bold,
courageous, hardworking, tactful and energetic in the essay. They can conduct
household chores as well as the outside works such as common household works
like cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, mending etc. and other like business,
decision making, marketing, social service etc.
2. Why do you think the author calls all
housework dangerous?
The author argues that almost all housework is hard and
dangerous as it involves household works like ovens and toilets, cracks between
bathroom tiles, germs on the wooden furniture and floor.
The author states that home chores like cooking to
cleaning the house is really a difficult task. We find the house and garage are
full of gadgets, tools and devices that can injure the person who clean them.
In the same way, Heavy chores include washing floors and walls, defrosting
freezers, cleaning ovens, cleaning attics and basements to remove fire and
health hazards, woodcutting, changing storm windows, heavy yard work and snow
shoveling.
Similarly, the other housework that can be dangerous
are: keeping wet clothes indoor leads moisture, bacteria, fungi etc., cleaning
the oven, vacuuming the carpet, cleaning toaster sticking a knife and so on.
3. Why does the author say that men should be made to do the
housework for the next 6000 years?
The author says
that men should be made to do the housework for the next 6000 years because of
following reasons:
- They have developed the concept that whatever males do is hundred
percent right.
- They say that the way they do any work is the best way to do thing and
that way is significant.
- The author states that if the males perform work in the best way then
they should do housework for next 6000 years as a compensation by exchanging
their roles woman go to office and the men are at home.
Making Connections:
1. How does this essay “A Solution to Housework” deal with the
issue of gender roles? Discuss.
David Barry’s “A Solution to Housework” reminds the
readers of the fact that “People have been avoiding housework for millions of
years”. He opens the essay with all housework associating them with hard and
dangerous such as ovens and toilets, cracks between bathroom tiles, germs on
wooden furniture and floor and so on.
The author interprets working women as bold,
courageous, hardworking, tactful and energetic in the essay. They can conduct
household chores as well as the outside works such as common household works
like cooking, cleaning, washing, ironing, mending etc.
On the other hand, the author says that men should be made to do the
housework for the next 6000 years as they have developed the concept that
whatever males do is hundred percent right. They say that the way they do any
work is the best way to do thing and that way is significant. They think so and
they are excellent I doing work in their field therefore they perform task in
business. Thus, the essay presents men and women in two different sides of the
same coin but they have different perspectives.
Brain
Drain: An Essay
Migration of a significant number
of educated and talented people from a country is termed as Brain Drain. It takes
place because of better job prospects in other countries as compared to one’s
own country. The term, brain drain is often used to describe the emigration of
scientists, doctors, engineers and other high profile professionals such as
those in the banking and finance sector. Their emigration has a negative impact
on their places of origin.
The term ‘Brain Drain’ was first
used by the United Kingdom in 1960 when the skilled workforce started
emigrating from the developing or under-developed countries to the developed
countries (first world countries). It refers to the situation when highly
qualified and trained people leave his/her own country to permanently settle
down in other developed countries. It is also known as human capital
flight.
This concept of Brain Drain is a
matter of serious concern for any nation because it takes off individuals from
their homeland to another foreign land. It is also known as the mass departure
of skillful resources from a country. It brings a potential economic decline to
the nation. Brain Drain subjects to a vital threat before a country. Often
people go abroad to pursue higher education and settle there because of better
work and attractive pay packages. Talented, skilled, and experienced
professionals migrate to other countries for better career prospects. They get
attracted by better standards of living and quality of life, higher salaries,
access to advanced technology, and more stable political conditions in the
developed countries which lead to migration from less developed countries.
The factors for the rise of Brain
Drain are also called Push and Pull factors.
Push Factors: Factors
connected to the country of origin.
- Political
instability.
- Poor
quality of living.
- Limited
access to health care facilities.
- Less
economic opportunity.
Pull Factors: Factors
connected to the country of destination.
- Better
Economic prospects.
- Better
Research facilities.
- Employment
Opportunities.
- Relative
Political Stability.
- Modern
Education System and a better chance of advancement.
Three Types of Brain Drain
Geographical Brain Drain:
Geographical Brain Drain refers to
the emigration of highly skilled professionals to other developing countries in
search of better-paying jobs. It creates a negative impact on the economic
development of the homeland.
Organizational Brain Drain:
Organizational Brain Drain refers
to the departure of experienced and talented individuals from one organization
to another. It can be very harmful to organizations.
Industrial Brain Drain:
Industrial Brian Drain refers to
the movement of skilled and trained workers from one industry to another for a
better salary. This causes a shortage of experienced workers in the industry
from where they depart.
Overall, Brain Drain is a
widespread phenomenon these days. Many developing and under-developed countries
are suffering from the loss of talents and skilled professionals like India,
Africa, and Arab countries. The governments and private firms should take some
strict measures to control this by aiming towards a better and friendlier
atmosphere. They should provide better working conditions, improve
infrastructure in educational institutions, create more employment
opportunities, increase salaries and develop rural places. Making laws
and strictly implementing them should check discrimination and bias at
workplaces. Incentives should be given to youngsters from going abroad in
search of work. These action plans can solve the problem of Brain Drain.
(Source: https://www.vedantu.com/english/brain-drain-essay)
In Progress..........
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