Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Summary - Essay Example The article used the annual report that was allegedly published by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and was just recently made available. As disclosed, the OECD report contained as much as 565 pages and detailed an array of education-related topics relating from early childhood to the pursuit of higher education. The trends were noted to have been gathered, collected, and presented with information from members of OECD member countries such as Australia, Israel, Japan, Korea and the United States (Redden par. 1). Likewise, other relevant education trends were also gathered from specifically mentioned countries which allegedly belong to the Group of 20, but were non-OECD member countries, such as China, Brazil, and India. In discussing the topic on education and the recession, the author noted that the major developments in higher education pertained to the effect of gaining a college degree on the rate of unemployment. As stated, graduates of higher ed ucation were less affected by unemployment, as compared to high school graduates. The statistics that were noted included the following: â€Å"unemployment rates for college degree holders rose from 3.3 to 4.7 percent from 2008 to 2010, compared to an increase of 4.9 to 7.6 percent for those who had only completed secondary education† (Redden par. 2). It could therefore be deduced that for college degree holders, the unemployment rates grew only by as much as 1.4%, as compared to the 2.7% growth rate in unemployment for students who were noted to have only completed secondary education. Likewise, Redden also emphasized that those who pursued higher education and graduated with degrees were lesser prone to be affected by widening wage gaps. It was specifically cited that â€Å"while in 2008 a man with higher education could expect to earn 58 percent more than his counterpart with a secondary degree -- and a woman 54 percent more than her counterpart -- by 2010 these figures h ad increased to 67 and 59 percent, respectively† (Redden par. 3). The wage gap was more prominent for males at 9% gap from 2008 to 2010, as contrasted to the wage gap disclosed for women at only 5% from the same period. The statistics on student mobility was also expounded. Trends on students opting to study in foreign countries were most prominent during the decade where percentage increase of 99% was revealed from the 41,000 in 2000 to 4.1 million in 2010. Likewise, Redden disclosed that more than 52% of these students who travel to other countries were of Asian descent. From among the countries mentioned to be preferred as destinations for educational pursuits, the following were revealed in descending order: †United States (which attracts 17 percent of all international students), the United Kingdom (13 percent), Australia (7 percent), France (6 percent), and Germany (6 percent)† (Redden par. 6). Another interesting fact was that although the United States was the top preferred destination for pursuing higher education by foreign students, the 17% rate was actually a significant decline from a high of 23% in 2000. In discussing the degree attainment and access, Redden focused on presenting findings in terms of percentage of an identified population or age-range (25- to 64-year-olds) attaining higher education; the role and performance of gender, specifically women who pursue

Carl Gustav Jung Essay Example for Free

Carl Gustav Jung Essay In this essay I will aim to demonstrate an understanding of Jung’s Personality Types by describing and evaluating his theory and show how they might be useful in helping me to determine therapeutic goals. I will also look at some of the criticism levelled at Jung’s theory,I think this allows the therapist,ie myself to better understand the positive from the negative. I am also of the opinion that detailing Jung’s early years and background play am important role in the overall evaluation. I have particular interest in when Jung met Freud and how this meeting of minds shaped or maybe changed their individual conclusions. I will cover this later in my essay. Carl Gustav Jung was born July 26, 1875, in the small Swiss village of Kessewil. His father was Paul Jung, a country parson, and his mother was Emilie Preiswerk Jung. He was surrounded by a fairly well educated extended family, including quite a few clergymen and some eccentrics as well. By the age of just six years old Jung started to learn Latin which started an interest in language and literature, especially ancient literature. Jung read several ancient languages including ‘Sanskrit’ the original Holy Hindu language book. Jung was a distant youth whilst growing up who did not enjoy his schooling years and was not competitive. Jung’s later education was in Basel, Switzerland where he attended boarding school where he found himself the centre of jealous pestering. Carl Jung began to use sickness as an excuse, developing an embarrassing tendency to faint under pressure. Carl Jung’s first career choice was archaeology; Jung went on to study medicine at the University of Basel. Whilst working under the well-known neurologist Krafft-Ebing, he established himself on psychiatry as his career. After graduating, he took a place at the Burghoeltzli Mental Hospital in Zurich under Eugene Bleuler, an expert on schizophrenia. In 1903, Jung married Emma Rauschenbach. He also taught classes at the University of Zurich, had a private practice, and invented word association at this time. (internet  search) In 1907 Jung met Freud. Freud would be seduced by the esteem and personality of Jung and would soon see in him the spiritual son that could guarantee the survival of psychoanalysis. The unwillingness of Jung towards the Freudian Theory referred to the role of sexuality in the psychic development. In fact Jung on no occasion completely embraced the sexual theory of Freud. From 1912 onwards Jung found himself more and more distant from Freud’s writings. By abandoning the winding and indirect of Psycho-sexuality, Jung would launch himself in the fields of spirituality and science which was understood by only an initiated few. Jung’s inner world became something for him to study and develop his theories on and during this time Jung evolved the goal of his psychology of individuation, which is the achievement of the self and other guide marks, such as the archetypes, the collective unconscious. Jung’s theory stresses the importance of understanding our personal unconsciousness (events, feeling, behaviour patterns that we have buried in our subconscious from our own direct past) and the collective unconscious (patterns, trends, traits, behaviours that all humans have no matter what background or culture have running through our lives). Whereas Freud believed the unconscious was suppressed by the human mind. Jung in the other hand believed the unconscious mind was where the conscious mind had its origins and where our psyche begins or is created from. Balance was the key for Jung, which he believed the balancing of the two sides is what drives us humans ‘towards’ or ‘away’ from goals. The foundation of the mind that consisted of the EGO (who we think we are); the SHADOW (the part of us that we deny or do not acknowledge) was developed by Jung. He continued to believe our mind was constantly developing or moving towards our true self (individuation) and this journey was fuelled by natural laws, the principles of opposites, that every aspect of our mind has an opposite force. The principle of equivalence that equal amounts of energy are given to both sides, and the principle of entropy, that everything natural winds down as energy is evenly distributed, eventually with the opposing side blending together creating a harmony. Jung believed that our  mind’s voyage followed a repeating in the ‘rites of passage’ for birth, marriage and death, mirrored throughout all cultures and peoples. Jung believed that this drive to move towards a state if harmony or individuation, was fundamentally important to us all. Jung spent a good deal of time and energy on the importance of dreams and getting to understand what their meanings meant to each individual. Jung believed that by understanding the imageries within our dreams we would benefit a better knowledge of ourselves. He indicated that dreams should not be interpreted too accurately, but considered for finding personal meanings in the imaginary or symbolism. Jung also recognised and identified two opposites of personality; 1. INTROVERSION 2. EXTROVERSION Introversion – when psychic energy is turned inwards towards our inner world. These people tend to be thoughtful people with reserved natures, preferring their own company and evading large groups, they may be cautious and uncertain, disliking change or new things, they may seem defensive and they like privacy and personal space and spend a lot of time in contemplation. Extreme forms of introversion have similar qualities to autism and some forms of schizophrenia. Extroversion – is when the movement of energy is turned outwards towards the outside world. An extroverted person would show interest in the outside world, they will be objective and frank with helpful and easy-going personalities, they like action and people around them, extreme versions of extroverts would be hopeless alone and not able to bear silence or solitude, needing continuous excitement and external inspiration to prevent boredom or unhappiness. Jung also identified four different functions (attitudes) of the mind; THINKING – when a person connects to the world via reason and intelligence. These types will have thinking searching minds, always questioning. They  will be good at judging things able to see the origin and results, and will reach logical decisions. They may be open and appear cool and detached emotionally, and will be good at adjusting to new situations. FEELING – when a person makes worth decisions about the world based on how they feel about something, putting ideas, points, and issues in order based on how they assess them and not on emotional feelings. Feeling people have a sturdy sense of traditional values and human connection is significant to them as they tend to be warm and creative. SENSATION – when a person relies sensory impressions – perceptions. These people rely on sensory impressions, how certain things appear, feel and sound. They tend to be mentally and emotionally stable people, taking things at face value, they can be seen as dull and boring which often be easy going and fun, with a calm nature. INTUITION – when the world is understood or interpreted in a particular way mainly through the unconscious – when people speak of having a hunch, gut feeling or instinct about something, this type of person is conscious of changes. Possibilities can appear distracted or ungrounded; they will get bored of uninterested or boring details which are often not practical. They can be creative and inspirational. Jung believed that a person is essentially an introvert or an extrovert and this remains equally fixed, however, an individual will rely mainly on functioning using one of these four modalities but that opposing function also had an impression on their relationships and behaviour and these functions may adjust throughout life. He combined two attributes and the four functions to eight different psychological types. Jung understood that most people are a blend of two or more types, and that understanding how your own personality type and that of people around you related to the world would offer a deeper understanding of yourself. For example; bringing you closer to individuation. Jung trusts that we understand and recognised the strengths and weaknesses of our mind; that we would improve and achieve balance. The functions and attitudes are also not fixed with one side of the  pair leading, the other becomes unconscious. Jung believed that the unconscious part then finds a way of ex pressing its hidden self. A person’s conscious orientation will be towards one of the four functions; the leading or principle function – this will decide how you respond to experiences. 1.The dominant or principle function – this will determine how you react to experiences. 2. Auxiliary functions – mainly conscious. 3. The opposite auxiliary – suppressed and partially unconscious. 4. Remaining generally unconscious Jung believed when the conscious function was solid there was a trend for the opposing function to break through into the conscious occasionally in the form of hysteria, phobias and obsessions. He believed in order to achieve balance one must work with the repressed function in therapy which in this case has echoed Freud’s theory on repressed feelings and emotions surfacing unconsciously. These combinations of psychological types, Jung formulated into eight types, combining the two attitudes with the four functions; Extroverted and Introverted 1.Thinking Type, 2.Feeling Type, 3.Sensation Type, 4.Intuitive Type The above generalisation was Jung’s way of providing a structure in order to begin and to understand individual’s behaviours and feelings. Although these types are still current they form the basis of personality or psychometric testing (Myers-Briggs) which is still in use today. I believe the significance of this information is that it is an opening point from which to discover and explore our own or clients mind using a structure. Jung maintains that psychological types are mostly inborn and not acquired through life’s experiences. I concur with this belief, However, Jung  recognised that personality types were influenced as a child advances through life by factors such as parents and the amount of influence each parent has over a child, and social factors such as school, peer groups surroundings. Jung also believed problems (mental ill health) arose when external influences forced children into a pattern that goes against the natural energy flow of a person’s mind or psychological type. As with Freud, most of the theories of early pioneers are quite impossible to prove or test due to no scientific way of measuring them. Also the amount of patients used was in very small numbers and little practical work was done. Jung’s work has given foundations to many modern psychologies including theories to develop and explore further and deeper, including words that have been accepted by the modern language. For example; * Psyche * Extrovert * Introvert * Archetype These are parallels with other great psychologies – Freud, as I already mentioned and discussed, and the work of Hans Eysenck a more modern theorist. Eysenck was the first psychologist to make this trait or temperament business into something more mathematical: he gave long lists of adjectives to hundreds of thousands of people and used a special statistics called factor analysis to figure out what factors trait dimensions carry the most weight. He took results of this work and created a test called the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) instead of making these traits either-or, like Jung did, he saw them as dimensions. His first trait dimension was, like Jung, ‘extraversion-introversion’. But rather than say you were one or the other (an I or an E), he provided you a score on extraversion-introversion. Eysenck based his theories on Galen, an ancient Greek theory which was created around two thousand BC. It is one of the oldest personality theories around. Eysenck added on the two basic dimensions of temperament (like Jung) and these were based on four types (unscientifically based on the types of fluids he believed were washing  around the individuals body) a sanguine type, cheerful, optimistic and easy to be with, choleric, quick, hot tempered and aggressive. A phlegmatic type temperament, slow people who had a tendency to be sad, depressed and have a negative view of the world. Much simpler and much less sophisticated than Jung’s theory; Eysenck expands this into three dimensions of personality; 1. Introversion extroversion 2. Neuroticism emotional 3. Stability and psychoticism With five further subdivisions; 1. extroversion 2. agreeableness 3. conscientiousness 4. neuroticism 5. openness The theme of four (opposing) forces repeats throughout cultures and across time, North, South, East and West, Earth, Fire, Wind and Air. In religion(used my own as my example!) we see recurrences of types, for example; The Father The Son The Holy Ghost or the Virgin Mother The Crone Archetypal images we can recognise and begin to understand. These theories have a degree of objectivity, whilst they may give different labels to the personality types there does seem to be agreement that you begin to understand individuals if you can assess basic similar categories or repeating personality traits. Like Jung’s theory, and the teachings in the Bible (parables) perhaps these theories have value as a way of forming a framework for us to ask question, and discovering more of ourselves. CONCLUSION Jung believed each personality type or psyche was influenced by another, it is logical to assume that in all human relationships, mainly within an analyst/patient relationship, the analyst may encourage the patient so a subjective conclusion or true individuation may not be achievable. I feel it is important to recognise as Jung did that these types are not fixed and that a person’s personality or psyche changes throughout life and that energy flows and fluctuates between the opposing sides of our psyche so we understand that a person does not fit neatly into one of the boxes. Jung created this structure or framework to help work towards understanding of our own psyches and how better to relate to the world and people around us. Understanding how a person or patient feels, reacts and relates is obviously the first step to the beginning to help them. Being able to plan a patient’s healing journey will be more effectively tailored to them if we have a good understanding of why they think or feel the way they do and help them to understand this too. Jung believed that in order to heal, people need to learn to listen to messages from the unconscious mind, to follow their own path and think independently, and that in order to become a competent analyst you must ‘first understand yourself’ in order to efficiently help a client and to determine therapeutic goals,This is an ongoing journey of self discovery which this course is bringing out in me. BIBLIOGRAPHY Chrysalis – Diploma in psychotherapeutic counselling – year two – Module Three Carl Jung Resources, 2014 http://www.carl-jung.net/ What Freud really said – David Stafford-Clark WWW.Philosophy.lander.edu (Internet research) Wikipedia (Internet) Carl Jung – Dr. C. George Boeree http://worldtracker.org/media/library/Psychology/Boere Hans Eysenck – Dr. C. George Boeree http://worldtracker.org/media/library/Psychology/Boere Introducing Jung a graphic guide – Maggie Hyde Michael McGuinness Personality Types: Jung’s Model of Typology – Darl Sharp

Social Work Reflection: Experiences and Legislation

Social Work Reflection: Experiences and Legislation Kate Satchell Reflection on personal experience in practice, relating to the legislation and standards applicable in my workplace and how legislation impacts on the communication process. During this report I will draw on the information which I spoke about during my presentation. I will reflect on my personal experiences in practice, relating to legislation and standards that are applicable to my setting and research how legislation impacts on the communication process. I will draw upon my organisations practices, policies and procedures which facilitate effective communication and will identify any barriers which exist. The organisation that I work for are called First City Nursing Services and I will refer to them throughout my report, I have received confirmation that this is ok to do so. Communication is a great deal more than just speaking verbally to another person, it’s all about getting your message and point across via obtaining information, giving information, sharing ideas, opinions and views and it is important to have good communication between service users and the service providers which assists in building a good rapport. There are four types of communication which include verbal, non-verbal, written and assisted communication for example, through use of computers etc. (buzzle.com, 2010) As a domiciliary care worker I care for numerous service users with a variety of different care needs. Occasionally issues will arise if the member of staff who entered the individual’s house before myself has failed to fill in the Progress Notes/Medication/Nutrition Charts with all relevant information. This can cause inconsistencies especially where medication is involved as it may become unclear whether or not medication has been given. This may result in medication being missed, as the unrecorded dose cannot be given again in case of an overdose. First City have a very strict policy on recording and reporting and any staff member found not recording relevant information will be called in for a meeting and may face disciplinary action. (First City Handbook, 2015) Health and social care is strongly influenced by different cultures, beliefs and values but it is also influenced by the guidance which is provided by legislations, charters, and codes of practice. Organisations like First City Nursing follow the guidance within these documents as it ensures that they are within the law in their practice. A way in which legislations, charters and codes of practice influence the communication process is demonstrated by the fact that they allow the provision of equality. The current laws which guide the practice of health and social care are based on the principle of equality which does not allow discrimination of any individual, this includes staff, service users and anyone else involved in the service. (Equality Act, 2010) For example, legislations such as those which provide fair employment, sex discrimination acts, racial discrimination etc. are some of the laws which have an influence in practice. These laws create a framework of the behaviour of the healthcare professional and form the basis of how they act and how they communicate. For example: the correct way of behaving to stay within the law is implemented into the policies and procedures and job description. The consequences of going against legislations will be a critical factor in the observance of a good communication practice (Cambridge Training Development, 2000). The Data Protection Act 1984 provides a good example of legislations in communication. This act provides protection to information which is confidential and should only be used when nescarry and for reasons known by the indivudals involved. Service users could lose trust from the service providers if confidential information is given out, making it important for laws to provide protection for this. Certain legislations are also made available to provide equality and anti-discrimination in the workplace. These factors are highly influential in shaping the communication practice and activities of people in health and social care (Moonie, 2005). The code of practice is also highly influential in communication practices especially in consideration of the fact that they can affect confidentiality and privacy of information. For instance, the use and access to the internet for health and social workers are often limited and defined by codes of conduct, depending upon the institution, to be assured of good communication practices and work ethics. An example of this may be service providers using Facebook or other social networking sites and breaching confidentiality of a service user or of the service itself. First City Nursing have a very strict policy relating to this and suggest that no photos are taken when in uniform, no information regarding work or work locations is shared and any staff member in breach of this could face disciplinary action The Data Protection Act provides restrictions and limitations on the use and access of personal information, especially those of the clients or the patients. Some of this information includes personal information, medical records, treatment history, and credit information. Record keeping is very important and should be adhered to and followed strictly. (Essays, UK. 2013) Legislation, regulations and codes of practice as looked at within this report as well as in my presentation provides a number of benefits for the health and social care sector. It sets guidelines and standards which assist with meeting the individual needs, ease of administration of procedures, making efficient administrative practices, accurate documentation, and fostering a more dynamic communication practice. (Essays, u.k 2013) Communication aids also provide assistance in improving practice, accountability, and quality of care. It allows service users and their service providers to communication effectively, enabling a person centred approach to be used by finding out the individuals wants and desires for their own care. There is a great need for improvement in communication within the health and social care sector but by being able to identify ways by which such could be improved, via reading the written communication and speaking verbally with service users and providers, the health and social care sector can begin to pinpoint ways in which communication is failing and needs to be improved, this can lead to updates of legislation and the organisations policies and procedures.

Asperger?s Syndrome and Instructional Intervention Essay -- essays res

Asperger’s Syndrome and Instructional Intervention   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) is a pervasive developmental disability first identified in 1944 by Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician. However, since his paper was written in German and published during World War II, his findings were not well known in the United States and in other non-German speaking countries. In 1981, Dr. Lorna Wing, a British researcher, brought AS to the attention of the English-speaking world. In addition to summarizing Asperger’s findings, she also pointed out the similarities between AS and autism, raising the question: Are they the same disorder or two separate ones (Ozonoff, Dawson, & McPartland, 2002)? It was not until 1994 that the American Psychiatric Association included AS as a diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Fourth Edition (DSM-IV; Myles, 2002). Although some debate exists among researchers, AS is considered part of the autism spectrum (Attwood, 1998). Autism is generally defined as having an impairment of both normal social interactions and communication (Out of the Deep Freeze, 2003). However, individuals with AS are often highly verbal (Gottlieb, 2003). Even though labeled high-functioning autism, AS may cause the greatest disability in adolescence and young adults when it comes to developing social relationships. People with AS desire social interactions, however they lack the appropriate social skills (Barnhill, 2002) and, in turn, have trouble interacting with people (Travis, 2003). They do not have the ability to read social cues and will often display socially and emotionally inappropriate behaviors: lack of empathy, one-sided interactions, pedantic and repetitive speech, and intense absorption in certain subjects (Attwood, 1998). Non-verbal communications skills are also impaired. These may include: limited use of g estures, clumsy body language, limited facial gestures, inappropriate expression, and peculiar, stiff gaze (Attwood, 1998). Additional characteristics of AS include literal thinking, poor problem-solving skills, poor organizational skills, and difficulty in discriminating between relevant and irrelevant stimuli (Myles & Simpson, 2002). Identifying an individual with AS usually does not occur until after the preschool years. The symptoms are not generally recognized ... ....nasponline.org/publications/cq313asperger_ss.html Gottlieb, S. (2003). US study shows 10-fold increase in autism over the past 20 years. British   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Medical Journal, 326, 71. Myles, B. S. (2002). Introduction to the special issue on asperger syndrome. Focus on Autism &   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Other Developmental Disabilities, 17(3), 130-131. Myles, B. S., & Simpson, R. L. (2002). Asperger syndrome: An overview of characteristics. Focus on Autism & Other Developmental Disabilities, 17(3), 132-137. Out of the deep freeze. (2003). The Economist, 336, 71. Ozonoff, S., Dawson, G., & McPartland, J. (2002). A Parent’s Guide to Asperger Syndrome &   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  High Functioning Autism. New York: Guilford Press. Safran, S. P., Safran, J. S., & Ellis, K. (2003). Intervention ABCs for children with asperger   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  syndrome. Topics in Language Disorders, 23(2), 154-165. Travis, J. (2003). Autism advance. Science News, 163(14), 212-213. Watkins, C. E. (2000). Asperger’s disorder. Retrieve June 12, 2003 from Northern County Psychiatric Association Web site: http://www.baltimorepsych.com/aspergers.htm

Preparing for the BMAT (biomedical admissions test) Essay

The biomedical admissions test was created to assist medical and veterinary schools in the admissions process. Some of the universities have much more applications than places and the majority of these applications are strong. The BMAT allows the universities to filter out the strongest candidates based on exam performance. The BMAT exam lasts for 2 hours and is split into 3 sections. The examination test date is 31st October 2008. This article will aim to provide you with some advice and give an overview to students who are planning on taking the BMAT exam. †¢ aptitude and skills (1 hour) †¢ scientific knowledge and application (30 minutes) †¢ writing task (30 minutes) The universities which currently require you to take the BMAT are: †¢ The university of Cambridge †¢ The university of Oxford †¢ Imperial college London †¢ The royal veterinary college †¢ University of central London Aptitude and Skills This section aims to explore your problem solving skills, your ability to understand and interpret data and your analytical skills. It is multiple choice for the most. This is the main reason as to why you should guess intelligently, take a look at the given data and take a guess. Practice is key in this section. For the problem solving element of this section look at all the given data carefully. Here are some techniques to help you. †¢ Divide and conquer technique: Break down any large chunks of data into smaller chunks, making the smaller problems which are easier to solve and then once you have solved them put the data back together and form an answer. †¢ Trial and error: Use different approaches to come to a final conclusion and answer. †¢ Working backwards: start with one of the possible answers and work backwards from it. †¢ Incubation: This is a last resort method which seldom works. Put all of the starting details relating to a problem in your mind picture them and then stop focusing on them and carry on with the examination (take an intelligent guess). Your subconscious mind may come up with an answer during the rest of the examination The understanding and interpreting subset involves using the information in front of you, do not make assumptions unless it is appropriate to the question. Analyse all data given carefully not leaving anything out. The data analysis subset involves extracting certain points out of the data and using these to make suitable conclusions, to give the answer. Depending on the starting data you are provided with this could include using statistical methods, interpreting graphs, curve fitting or even eradicating unwanted information and prioritising said data. Scientific knowledge and application This section attempts to make students utilise their scientific knowledge to help them answer questions. Again this section is multiple choice, so make informed guesses when there is a need using the data given. This section also requires practice and revision of scientific principles in order to score high marks, so we advise you do some revision covering the basics of biology, chemistry and physics. Writing task The writing task is asking you to create an essay from a given question. Here are some general pointers to help you achieve a great score. †¢ Read: Read articles, newspapers, journals and book. This will help you to gain an understanding of how to put forward logical thought and will also help improve your English writing skills †¢ Partake in group discussions/debate forums: By doing this you will develop the skills that allow you to analyse certain situations and statements, in addition to developing the ability to generate a fair argument looking at both sides of the situation and can help you produce good conclusion. †¢ Good structure: Ensure you have an introduction, Main body and conclusion. By having an assigned essay structure your ideas will flow more freely and will follow a logical order that makes it easier for the reader to understand. †¢ Snappy conclusion and introduction: the introduction and conclusion can be the sections of your essay that sell it to the reader. Because these are the first and last things they read and so will remain in their mind the longest. An extremely good conclusion will stick in the readers head and maybe it might help you to boost your mark. Conclusion One key aspect for revision regarding the UKCAT is to sit some mock BMAT examinations; this will allow you to get a feel for the allocated time slot for the exam and thus ensure that you can finish all the questions. Some final general pointers I would like to add are 1. Don’t waste too much time on one question. 2. Generate a short plan for your writing task, just pointing out what you are going to cover and in what order. 3. Make sure you get plenty of rest before the exam. 4. If you have time available at the end of the exam use it to check over your answers.

Chapter Review The Epic First Voyage

Chapter Review The Epic First Voyage The chapter under analysis introduces the details of the formation of Vasco da Gama’s first trip to India. It traces the progress of expedition from the African coast to the Cape of Good Hope in late 1497. The focus of the chapter is made on Da Gama’s relations with the indigenous population of South Africa, as well as the difficulties the explorer faced while invading Swahili coast in 1948, particularly the prevalence of the Muslim world.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Chapter Review: The Epic First Voyage specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In particular, Da Gama had to resist the attack of the local sultan on the Portuguese fleet. The final destination of the traveler was Malindi, the place where Da Gama had to gain experience in navigating the fleet to India across the Arabian Sea. While describing the details of the journey, the chapter points out the way the Portuguese fleet under the auspices of Va sco da Gama confronted different cultures, religions, and societies in the pursuit of new scientific and technological discoveries. From the very beginning, the author introduces the detailed description of ships that were chosen for the trip. Specific attention was given to the preparations made by the Bartolommeo Dias who ensured the comfort, seaworthiness, and space for Vasca Da Gama and his crew. The choice of the emblem and flagship was also an important issue for the trip and the chapters provides a detailed account of this process. There are many other preliminary processes and preparations that are described in the chapter to emphasize the essence of da Gama’s readiness to discover new lands and possibility for economic and commercial development in his country. Further deliberations in the chapter are dedicated to the challenges that the Portuguese crew faced while dealing with the Arabian and Indian indigenous population. Within this context, the author describes th e first encounters of da Gama’s crew with African tribes: â€Å"The Khoikhoi had also learned to forge metals, and, beginning about 1300m they had then spread south to the Cape region usually in individual clan organizations numbering in the hundreds that may been part of largely loosely structure political groups† ( Ames 28-29). Although the voyagers were not concerned much with customs and traditions of the indigenous population, they were still involved in cultural interaction through commercial activities. The main objects of trade were honey, spices, copper, and gold. Apart from Khoikhoi, da Gama and his crew also had an interesting experience in establishing relations with Nguni tribes.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Detailed overview of the Da Gama voyages, as well as their encounters with the African tribes, reflects the author’s main themes and t opics examined in the book. In particular, the author attains much importance to the analysis of cultural interaction between the European and the African people. More importantly, the detailed description of their experiences also reveals the reactions and perceptions of the Portuguese people toward alien cultures. A thorough examination of customs and traditions, as well as religious issues, also provides a better picture of how social and economic life developed in Portugal and other countries in fifteenth and sixteenth century. Further details exposed in the chapter are dedicated to the analysis of Muslim world and its religious influence on commercial relations. Trade activities on the Swahili Coast provided the Portuguese travelers with the valuable experience, as well as expanded their knowledge about cultural and religious peculiarities of communication. While establishing favorable relationships with the Arab world, da Gama’s crew was not recognized as supporters of Christianity. On the contrary, most of the Muslims could even believe that the foreigners can have deep knowledge of their religion. In the course of explorations, Vasco da Gama did not only master the art of commerce, but also gained greater awareness of the influence and importance of culture in fostering trade relations. Once again, the author emphasizes these cross-cultural relations standing at the core of the global economic and social development. More importantly, the chapter highlights the impact of Christianity on the development of economic and commercial roots between the Western and Eastern world, as well as da Gama’s contributions to these developments. Further in the chapter, the author attains much importance to the aspects of cordiality and hospitality as the underpinnings for establishing fruitful relations between the two economies. Da Gama, therefore, was a pioneer applying cultural knowledge to enriching practical skills of cultural interaction. To explai n the process of cultural integration, the author refers to the depiction of da Gama’s initiatives in arranging the dinner Arab negotiators. Hence, creating a hospital and friendly atmosphere was the first step in forwarding successful exchange of products. Demonstrating respect for the Muslim religion was another efficient approach that da Gama applied to gain confidence in foreign traders. In particular, the explorer kept the Koran so as to demonstrate respect for religion and culture.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Chapter Review: The Epic First Voyage specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More While managing conflicts, da Gama’s expedition crew proved that trade relations could be based on the principle of expressing both cordiality and power. In fact, the explorers demonstrated that they were able to protect themselves and attack the foreigners. In this respect, the chapter provides an example of da Gamaâ €™s capture of several African Muslims during negotiations to demonstrate their ability to protect and defeat. Thus, although peaceful intentions on the part of da Gama’s crew were obvious, the two sides of commercial debates were on the guard of expressing hostilities. Despite these challenges, the Portuguese merchants ready to avoid critical situations and reach the consensus over the terms of the commodity exchange. Despite the success in managing foreign negotiation, da Gama and his crew faces serious challenges and conflict with the indigenous population in Africa. The experience described in the chapter can also serve as a valuable guide in the modern world of trade and commerce to avoid conflict situations. More importantly, the emerged contradictions also show the situations under which the negotiations were conducted. Understanding the details presented in the chronological order, one can trace valuable patterns of arranging trade and shaping a favorable climate for promoting commercial activities. Highlights from da Gama’s dramatic life provide an extensive overview of trade issues in a broader context. As the explorer conquered new cultural and territorial boundaries, he made more valuable contributions to the evaluation and development of new markets that are still considered in the modern world. Although the chapter exposes a chronological, detailed account of Vasco da Gama’s life, accurate and day-by-day description often prevents the reader from deducing important information about the role of the Portuguese explorations in shaping economic and commercial relations at the international market. Nevertheless, heavy reliance on details allows the readers to understand the evidence-based approach used by the author to render the importance of historic events. While exploring the African territories and India, Vasco da Gama and his people revealed themselves as exceptional seamen, skillful military leaders, and peaceful negot iators. By trials and errors, the Portuguese fleet gained much experience in negotiating with African and Indian indigenous population. Using hospitality and cordiality as the basis for establishing commercial relations, the crew discovered efficient marketing strategies that fostered trade activities and widened the European influence on the Muslim world.Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While confronting the religious issues in the Indian world, da Gama faced less friction with the indigenous population. In particular, the chapter provides an overview of the crew’s experience in communicating with the Indian Christian and analyzing the differences in their perception of religion. In addition, the explorers paid close attention to the role of language in successful interaction and negotiation with both Africans and Indian peoples. In conclusion, it should be stated that the chapter provides a detailed account of the journey of the Portuguese fleet, particularly their experience in facing different cultures, societies and religions. The chapter also focuses on aspects that have a potent impact on the development of fruitful commercial relations in the Muslim world and India. By evaluating the commercial techniques, the author points out the contributions of Vasco da Gama and his crew to the development of international relations, as well as to trade activities between the Western and Easten world. More importantly, the biographical account also fosters readers’ understanding of how commerce has been developing in the course of time. Finally, the overview of the historic journey provides a wider picture of confrontations and conflicts between cultures, as well as how those confrontations were managed by the parties. Ames, Glen. The First Epic Voyage: Preparations and the Coasts of Africa. Vasco da Gama: Renaissance Crusader. Ed. Glen Ames. New York: Pearson, 2004. Print. 17-43