In many cultures men and women show great interest in getting married to each other from the same family line itself. But in some cases, the opposite is the case; they get married to new/unfamiliar families.

What advantages do they enjoy out of these two nuptial arrangements?
Jaypees.doc
When it comes to choosing a life partner, different cultures follow different approaches. Some people find it comfortable to get married to one from their own family line, while others go for an all new family. Both the options have their own merits. 45

If we look at the advantages of getting married to one from one’s own family lineage, the most important one is that there is no room for any confusion on the qualities of the bride or groom. They know each other for long, and such a marriage is an additional reinforcement of their relations. Secondly, finding a suitable girl or a boy in this world of competition and confusion really is a hectic task. So marriage from the same family line saves a lot of time, money and energy. Thirdly, such marriages are likely to remain strong and last longer. These are the major advantages. 85

In the same vein, there are several advantages for a marriage from an all new family. Primarily it is the strangeness of the parties that makes such a marriage exciting and challenging. Secondly, marriage is not simply a union of two individuals, rather it is a meeting of two families basically, and two cultures, to put it broadly. Thirdly, a marriage of two strangers offers plenty of opportunities for both the parties to exchange their family values and the same will contribute greatly to the sustenance and spreading of core values far and wide. These are the major merits. 85

As both the options offer equal number of opportunities, it is good to be following any one depending upon the cultural values and interests of the people. However, the spirit of marriage as a social institution needs to be preserved no matter what approach one takes to it. 45

Jaypees. 31.7.09
3 pm

Some people say gender based discrimination can be reduced to a greater extent if household responsibilities could be equally distributed among the family members: husband and wife, male and female children.

How do you look at this view point?

In the past, caste based discrimination, unsociability and male dominance existed in societies around the world. With strict legislations, now socialists say that they were extinguished. But traces of gender based discrimination are getting reported. This problem could be solved to a great extent if we address it from the very root of it, the family. 50 words

It is opined that discrimination between genders could be curtailed if household responsibilities are equally divided among its members. As the society is patriarchal, the practicability of the above said view point is very low. As long as the society remains concerned about the males, equal distribution of family responsibilities will not work. Although the member of the family practice gender parity at home, they may not be allowed to do so in a social platform where they live in because the rest would consider it awkward and outlandish. 80 words

However, this problem could be tackled if it is considered seriously. Firstly, awareness should be given to the public about the harmful effects and its prospects. Secondly, public should be encouraged in all possible ways to put in their best efforts to it, and those who are ready to accept changes should be welcomed accordingly. Thirdly, empowerment of women in all walks of life should be made through reservation in the government and private sectors. Finally, we should seek the help of media to change the mindset of the people. 80 words

To conclude, as long as the people remain unwilling to accept change, the measures taken towards achieving any social goal cannot be implemented effectively. With this attitude, people are doing great harm to the future generation. In order to accept changes, one should be able to identify oneself with the rest. 50 words

260 words

Written by Shilpa Liz Jacob 23/7/09
Loaded on to the net. www.jpsukam.blogspot.com

Space scientists around the world are exploring the possibilities of space tourism on a large scale as there are many takers for the same.

· Do you think it is a good idea to explore space for tourism?
· What disadvantages does such a move entail?

In this world of innovations and developments, space technology is advancing faster, and people are fascinated by this novel concept and its commercial possibilities in future. Though it is an interesting and trendsetting idea, it negative sides cannot simply be ruled out. 40 words

If a concept like space tourism becomes real, it will be one of the huge achievements for humans. Touring through the space will offer chances to experience adventures appreciate the mystery and see the unseen and it would satisfy man’s long-cherished ambition. So it is clear that there are a lot of takers for this tourism, and it can be one of best platforms to many from the otherwise useless pouter space. Those nations that achieve this technological fiat will surely enjoy international superiority. Together with this, the rich will get a chance to travel to space and they will spend more on this. Naturally, this money will contribute to the economy of the State. 105 words

Barring these brighter sides of this innovative concept, this has its own darker sides as well. The most prominent one is that this project requires huge investments by way of developing space vehicles, training of personnel; making space stations for stay etc. Another point is that it is very risky because the chances of success are equal to that of failures. Therefore, it will be a life and death proposition. In addition to all these, it may not be an accessible concept for the not-so-well off as it is highly expensive. Do we need to go for such an ambitious project for a few? 85 words

Thus, from the above inferences, it can be concluded that space tourism has equally powerful positive and negative aspects, but it does not seem to be bothering the negligibly small minority of the world that awaits it to become real. 35 words

Written by Anu Susan
23/7/09
Loaded on to the portal
www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

Space scientists around the world are exploring the possibilities of space tourism on a large scale as there are many takers for the same.

· Do you think it is a good idea to explore space for tourism?
· What disadvantages does such a move entail?

In this world of innovations and developments, space technology is advancing faster, and people are fascinated by this novel concept and its commercial possibilities in future. Though it is an interesting and trendsetting idea, it negative sides cannot simply be ruled out. 40 words

If a concept like space tourism becomes real, it will be one of the huge achievements for humans. Touring through the space will offer chances to experience adventures appreciate the mystery and see the unseen and it would satisfy man’s long-cherished ambition. So it is clear that there are a lot of takers for this tourism, and it can be one of best platforms to many from the otherwise useless pouter space. Those nations that achieve this technological fiat will surely enjoy international superiority. Together with this, the rich will get a chance to travel to space and they will spend more on this. Naturally, this money will contribute to the economy of the State. 105 words

Barring these brighter sides of this innovative concept, this has its own darker sides as well. The most prominent one is that this project requires huge investments by way of developing space vehicles, training of personnel; making space stations for stay etc. Another point is that it is very risky because the chances of success are equal to that of failures. Therefore, it will be a life and death proposition. In addition to all these, it may not be an accessible concept for the not-so-well off as it is highly expensive. Do we need to go for such an ambitious project for a few? 85 words

Thus, from the above inferences, it can be concluded that space tourism has equally powerful positive and negative aspects, but it does not seem to be bothering the negligibly small minority of the world that awaits it to become real. 35 words

Written by Anu Susan
23/7/09
Loaded on to the portal
www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

An essay skeleton:develop 250 words out of these 20 or so words.

Space scientists around the world are exploring the possibilities of space tourism on a large scale as there are many takers for the same.

Do you think it is a good idea to explore space for tourism?
What disadvantages does such a move entail?

Intro:

Fascinating
Possible
Future
Good
Problems.

Good:

Revenue
Enormous
Superiority
Free
Takers
Unexplored

Disads:

Investment
Stations/stay
Not for all
Competition
Pollution
Dispute

Concl:

Open
Takers
Good
Concern
Address



Write 275 words on the above frame

Data on the popularity of Valentine ’s Day gifts among men and women in the US.

The given pie charts show information on different types of gifts that men and women in the US buy for each other on Valentine’s Day. 25 words

It is obvious that the most popular gift is card. Twenty-seven percent of women buy it for their loved ones. On the other hand, only 18% of men go for the same. The most common gift that men buy comes under the category called ‘other’, 25%, while it is only the third most one for women, 17%. Candy, the second most preferred gift among women, 21%, comes fourth when it comes to men, 14%. Sixteen percent of men and 11% of women buy flowers for each other. 80 words.

Jewelry as a gift is almost equally popular among both the genders. Nine percent of women and 10% of men buy it for each other. Rest of the gifts: perfume or cologne, spa or personal care items and lingerie, are the choices of four, six and seven percent of men and 10, one, and four percent of women respectively. 55 words

I may be observed that among all the gifts card is the most preferred one and spa or personal care item is the least like one. 25 words

185 words

Over emphasis on industrialization is one of the major reasons for the mounting energy crisis. So it is a good idea to observe industrial holidays for some time as to achieve energy supply-demand equilibrium.
Do you think it is worth a try?
How can we meet the ever-mounting energy demands?
Energy security is the driving force behind the success of all nations. But of late countries around the world are facing problem with it, as the demand supply equilibrium is being upset due to over industrialization. It’s true that industrial holiday is a good idea worth trying though there are many other ways to offset this imbalance. 55 words
Though industrial holidays, suspending work for sometime, are being looked at with suspicion as they are likely to halt progress, it is worth a try because there are certain power crazy industries which may be halted for sometime; for example, manufacturing of luxury goods. Though the rich may not be happy with such a move, we can try it in select areas. There are certain industries which do not need to be working all year long. So power could be supplied to industries on a priority basis, and the power so saved could be channeled to meet the demands of other power needy sectors. 95 words
Besides this, there are many other ways to maintain energy demand supply equilibrium. Firstly, wise management of available energy. It can be done by cutting down on transmission loss and plugging theft. Secondly, consumers need to be educated about the value of power, and ask them to shun luxuries. And finally, there are enormous renewable energy sources around us like wind, solar and tidal energy. They could be tapped to meet the mounting power demands. 75 words
To conclude, it is true that over industrialization is no good, but we cannot observe industrial holidays much frequently. So there needs to be initiative from all quarters to manage power and make other power sources work for the power grid of the world. Energy security leads to better life. 50 words
Jaypees. 12.30. 275 words
.jpsukham.blogspot.com

Some people say globalization causes brain drain as developed nations increasingly exploit human resource from around the world, whereas some others say it leads to mutual global gains as the world is able to make better use of brains for the well being of the whole humanity.

How do you look at these two view points?
Cite examples to prove your point.

Globalization is an international arrangement reached among nations of common interests for the benefit of all. But there is heated discussion on the views that rich nations are causing brain drain on the one hand, and on the other, it is an adjustment for mutual gains of all. What I feel is that both the arguments are partly true. 55 words

When it is looked at from a brain drain angle, it is an undeniable fact that many rich nations are making use of the brains from poor nations. For example, a great number of scientists working in the NASA and various research labs of the US are scientists from the third world nations. The technological and financial superiority enjoyed by such rich nations is made possible greatly by human resources from the rest of the world. Though these resources are paid handsomely, intellectual property cannot be equated in terms of money. 90 words

On the other hand, it is also indisputable that great amount of human resources is being wasted in poor nations for want of opportunities. For them, today’s concept of global village comes handy and many of them find great chances for employing their intellectual properties and expertise elsewhere. Of course, their contributions to the rich economies are likely to percolate to other parts of the world. For example, mutual transfers of know-hows. So exploiting brains, wherever they are from, is a better proposition than under-utilizing or not utilizing them at all. 90 words

So it is right to conclude that globalization offers both opportunities and inconveniences. But, if the member nations could exploit the opportunities for the betterment of the whole world, a few inconveniences, whatever that may be, could be sorted out. So it is a win-win for all. 45 words

280- words. Written by jaypee:
20/07/09.

Some people believe that luck is something that favours a select few people, while others are of opinion that is the result of sheer hard work.

How do you look at these two viewpoints? Prove your points with examples.


Though luck makes great differences in the lives of some people, there are differing views on whether luck is something that favours a few or it is the outcome of hard-work. An objective analysis may reveal that it is hard work that makes even the luckiest stay so all through his or her life. 45 words

It is obvious that luck favours some in the form of opportunities, unexpected wealth, birth right or providence. Some people are lucky by birth, some get lucky when they make use of the opportunities rightly, and there are some who happen to be lucky by winning some raffles or lotteries. In all the cases, being merely lucky is not enough to be successful all through one’s life. For example, if a poor man, who happens to get a million dollar lottery, is not able to manage that fortune effectively, he will end up nowhere and he may even become poorer than what he was. 90 words

On the other hand, there are innumerable examples to prove that some people are lucky just because of their grit, determination and hard-work. What makes them lucky is nothing but their being able to identify the hidden fire in them. Once it is identified, they would do everything possible to foster it and get the best out of it. For example, our former President A.P.J Abdul Kalam had a very humble beginning. But he was able to identify the scientist in him in his very early age itself. He kept on chasing that dream through great difficulties. He later proved himself to be not only lucky but world-famous as well. Had he not been working harder, would he have ever been lucky or popular? No. 100 words

So, looking at both the angles, it is right to conclude that luck is something that needs to be identified rightly and pursued relentlessly through hard work. Of course, there may be stray instances in which one may remain lucky with no reason at all. But real luck hardly favours whose who are not hard-working. 45 words

280 words.
jaypees. Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

Since every mistake is taken as an opportunity to do better, some people believe that children should be given enough freedom to commit mistakes, whereas some others say they should be instructed to avoid mistakes as it enables them to be careful and conscious.

What is your opinion on these two view points? 20/7/09

There is a controversy on the whether children be given enough freedom to commit mistakes or they should be encouraged to avoid mistakes. But it is an accepted fact that committing mistakes is an opportunity that makes children do well. I think pressing children to avoid mistakes hampers learning. 50 words

Not many would deny the fact that learning is a complex process involving a lot of exercises. One such exercise is doing and learning. For example, when children are given freedom to commit mistakes, while engaged in some learning activity, they are likely to feel at home and do err. When the teacher or the mentor highlights the mistake and rectifies them, the ward happens to get the gravity of the mistake s/he has done. It helps her/him correct it once and for all. This is applicable in almost all learning exercises. In order to further prove the point it is right to look at the saying, ‘the more you err, the better you perform”. 90 words.

On the contrary, if we insist our children to avoid mistakes, what happens is that it hampers the learning process, because, children are free learners and it is their sense of freedom that makes them at ease. Still, wanting them not to commit mistakes is good to some extent because it makes children conscious of what they are doing. This conscious approach to learning process cuts down on the number of mistakes. However, forcing them to do things right all the time is not an encouraging idea. 85 words

Looking at both the arguments, I am of the opinion that it is a good idea to let children commit mistakes. Trial and error method in learning is an excellent concept being promoted world over. Of course, if children could avoid mistakes all by themselves, it is not bad either. 50 words

275 words jaypees.

Some people say gender based discrimination can be reduced to a greater extent if household responsibilities could be equally divided among the family members; husband and wife, male and female children.

· How do you look at this view point?
· Suggest your own ways to cut down on gender based discrimination.


Gender based discrimination is a social evil seen everywhere, and the seeds of this evil are sown in the family itself. If families could make some changes in their attitude to family responsibilities, this evil can be eliminated to some extent. Besides the same, there are other means, too. 41 words

It is of course a good idea if member of the family divide the responsibilities among themselves, there will be a sense of equality in the family itself, and the growing generation will pick the basic lessons of gender equality from the family. For example, there is a general belief in all families that there are certain jobs which are meant for boys and there are some others for girls. But, this is not true. Every one is able to perform almost all family responsibilities. Since family is the basic unit of a society, any change in people’s attitude to the members of the society needs to be made in the domestic setting. So division of responsibilities is a good idea. 100

However, there are several other ways to plug this menace from spreading. First of all there needs to be a system for ensuring equal education for both the genders. Secondly, there should be a legal frame work to ensure that equally qualified people get their deserving positions. And thirdly, schools and similar social organs have to have gender parity mindset, and the same need to be imparted to children as they grow older. And, finally, gender equality is the need of the hour, the general public needs to be educated of the same. 90

To conclude it, all other alternative ways to cut down on gender based discrimination notwithstanding; it is a better idea if family responsibilities are divided among the members of the family. This will make an attitudinal change in the family first and the society next. 50 words


280 words
jaypees. 10.7.09
Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

Data on estimated and actual number of shoppers

Of the two charts, the first one furnishes monthly data on actual and estimated number of shoppers who shopped at a newly opened supermarket, and the second one is about sales in percentage terms for the first quarter.

To begin with, in the first two quarters, January to June, the estimated numbers were much less than actual numbers. The figures stood between 20,000 and 40 thousand. But the actual figures ranged between 40,000 and slightly above 60,000 except in January.

In the third quarter, August and September had higher estimated numbers and lower actual numbers. The former was nearly 60,000 and the latter slightly above 40,000. In the last quarter, there were remarkable changes. Estimated numbers for October and November were a little above 40,000, but between November and December, there was great increase in the number of actual shoppers. It shot up from nearly 50,000 to 160,000, recording a three times’ increase.

Coming to the horizontal bar chart, it is seen that clothes and food constituted 25% of total sales followed by ‘others’ claiming 20%. When electrical goods accounted for 15%, computers followed it with 10%. And finally toys took 5% of
total sales.

Task II 40 mnts. No less than 250 words

High-rise buildings are springing up like mushrooms even in semi-urban areas of developing nations, and this spurt in real estate sector can be attributed to many factors.

• What do you think are the factors that lead to this trend?
• What impacts does it have on the environment?
Visit.www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

It is true that there is a spurt in infrastructure development, especially in real estate, and it can be seen everywhere in developing nations. This boom can be attributed to many factors, and the same has far reaching impacts on the environment. 40 words

Looking at the factors that lead to the mushrooming of high-rises, the first thing than come to surface is the mounting need for accommodation resulting from rural urban migration and population. It is followed by the sector most influential factor called the rising power of money. Rising middle class in poor nations record high incomes and they prefer to be in touch with the latest. However, the presence of market forces cannot be ignored here. That is, the business class, especially the ones in real estate, is able to make hay when it shines. So they have been commercializing this middle class surge which in turn leads to what we call real estate boom. 100

Naturally, high-rise buildings urban and semi-urban areas do impact the environment in more ways than one. Primarily, these concrete edifices blocks natural flow of wind and raise mercury levels. This leads to global temperature rise adding to warming. Secondly, many huge buildings are raised by removing great amount of green cover. This is really not good for the environment. Thirdly, when great number of families stay at a particular place, they happen to generate heaps of wastes of all types, and this will harm the environment to some extent. And, finally, high rise buildings demand a lot of natural resources and the same pressurizes the environment in many ways. 90

Concluding it, it is right to say that high rises are here to stay, and there are going to be many more in the pipeline. The most important thing we have to keep in mind is that development should not be at the cost of our own existence. We need environment-friendly buildings. 40 words

270 words.
Jaypees. 12.50 3.7.09

Visit.www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

Task II 40 mnts. No less than 250 words

High-rise buildings are springing up like mushrooms even in semi-urban areas of developing nations, and this spurt in real estate sector can be attributed to many factors.

• What do you think are the factors that lead to this trend?
• What impacts does it have on the environment?
Visit.www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

It is true that there is a spurt in infrastructure development, especially in real estate, and it can be seen everywhere in developing nations. This boom can be attributed to many factors, and the same has far reaching impacts on the environment. 40 words

Looking at the factors that lead to the mushrooming of high-rises, the first thing than come to surface is the mounting need for accommodation resulting from rural urban migration and population. It is followed by the sector most influential factor called the rising power of money. Rising middle class in poor nations record high incomes and they prefer to be in touch with the latest. However, the presence of market forces cannot be ignored here. That is, the business class, especially the ones in real estate, is able to make hay when it shines. So they have been commercializing this middle class surge which in turn leads to what we call real estate boom. 100

Naturally, high-rise buildings urban and semi-urban areas do impact the environment in more ways than one. Primarily, these concrete edifices blocks natural flow of wind and raise mercury levels. This leads to global temperature rise adding to warming. Secondly, many huge buildings are raised by removing great amount of green cover. This is really not good for the environment. Thirdly, when great number of families stay at a particular place, they happen to generate heaps of wastes of all types, and this will harm the environment to some extent. And, finally, high rise buildings demand a lot of natural resources and the same pressurizes the environment in many ways. 90

Concluding it, it is right to say that high rises are here to stay, and there are going to be many more in the pipeline. The most important thing we have to keep in mind is that development should not be at the cost of our own existence. We need environment-friendly buildings. 40 words

270 words.
Jaypees. 12.50 3.7.09

Visit.www.jpsukham.blogspot.com