Though sportspersons do not seem to be doing much to the general well being of the public, they are given enormous benefits and rewards upon achievements.

• How right it is to say that sports icon don’t do much to public?
• How far do you endorse the rewards and honours they receive?

I do not need to think twice to say it is premature to claim that sports persons do not do much to public. They do much more than any one else, and the rewards and honours they come to experience are what they very much deserve.

Let me prove that sports persons do much to public. A sports successful sports icon is one who works as the ambassador of a nation, torch bearer for the younger generation and above all the flag carrier of the nation. Sports is a huge industry which promotes allied trades and commerce, strengthens international relations and even acts as catalysts that mend long broken diplomatic relations.

Besides all these, it is right to say that sports persons are able to transform people and influence their attitudes to social and national causes. People look at them with great expectations and they in turn live up-to the expectations of the public. Are they not doing anything to public? They are.

How are the public and nation going to reward them for all these services? Sports titles, honourary positions, degrees, entitlements and above all huge monetary rewards are a few tokens that make sportsperson motivated. For example, some governments offer monetary rewards, some universities honour them with doctorates and some institutions appoint sports icons as their ambassadors of social cause and national causes. It is all worth endorsing.

In short, sportspersons are flag carriers of a nation, and they do much to people directly and indirectly. But, for ordinary public, their service may not be that visible. And the honours and rewards they enjoy are much deserving as well.

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Ajaypeesdoc

Though sportspersons do not seem to be doing much to the general well being of the public, they are given enormous benefits and rewards upon achievements.

• How right it is to say that sports icon don’t do much to public?
• How far do you endorse the rewards and honours they receive?

I do not need to think twice to say it is premature to claim that sports persons do not do much to public. They do much more than any one else, and the rewards and honours they come to experience are what they very much deserve.

Let me prove that sports persons do much to public. A sports successful sports icon is one who works as the ambassador of a nation, torch bearer for the younger generation and above all the flag carrier of the nation. Sports is a huge industry which promotes allied trades and commerce, strengthens international relations and even acts as catalysts that mend long broken diplomatic relations.

Besides all these, it is right to say that sports persons are able to transform people and influence their attitudes to social and national causes. People look at them with great expectations and they in turn live up-to the expectations of the public. Are they not doing anything to public? They are.

How are the public and nation going to reward them for all these services? Sports titles, honourary positions, degrees, entitlements and above all huge monetary rewards are a few tokens that make sportsperson motivated. For example, some governments offer monetary rewards, some universities honour them with doctorates and some institutions appoint sports icons as their ambassadors of social cause and national causes. It is all worth endorsing.

In short, sportspersons are flag carriers of a nation, and they do much to people directly and indirectly. But, for ordinary public, their service may not be that visible. And the honours and rewards they enjoy are much deserving as well.

270 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Some people believe that monetary rewards would keep sports persons motivated to do their best whereas there are others who feel that it is name and fame that does the job.

• How powerful is money in keeping sports persons motivated?
• Do you think name and fame does have a role to play in this?


It is fact that money is a great force to reckon with in anyone’s life. This is true with regard to sports persons as well. However, the number of people who go for name and fame is sports career is much higher than those who go for money.

Money is powerful to some extent. Monetary benefits of sports are so alluring and tempting that many sports lovers pursue their career aiming at making it big with money. But the fact is that their number is much less than others who are out for name and fame. The scope for making money or the possibility of getting honoured with money is of course a drive which keeps a smaller minority motivated to do well. It is right to say the power of money is limited to a few and its attraction is not so compelling.

Name and fame, on the other hand, is what makes most of the people excel in sports. It is this that keeps the fire burning in them. Their ambition, insatiable will to excel and thereby becoming part of the sports history of their nation make them go the extra mile. In this relentless process of winning minds and making history most of them are tend to ignore the lure of money because money comes, sometimes it stays. But name and name visits one extremely rarely, but it never leaves one. So it stands great many cuts above money.

In short, excelling in sports takes a lot more than money and name and fame. Still, comparing money with name and fame, there is no doubt it is the latter that holds much sway. Name and fame keeps one performing relentlessly.


280 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Some people believe that monetary rewards would keep sports persons motivated to do their best whereas there are others who feel that it is name and fame that do the job.

Which view do you support and state why?


It is fact that money is a great force to reckon with in anyone’s life. This is true with regard to sports persons as well. However, if we juxtapose money with name and fame, I tend to believe that the latter would have much greater number of takers than the former.

The fire that keeps burning in the minds of sports persons is not fuelled by money. Rather it is their ambition, insatiable will to excel and thereby become part of the sports history of their nation. In this relent process of winning minds and making history, not many sports icons give much importance to money, and money as a force has much less impact on their performance than fame and name has. Being in the lime light, being able to bring in glory to one’s nation and becoming role models to a generation and the like are much more satisfying than being rich with money generated out of ones sports caliber.

This does not mean that money does not motivate sports icons. It does of course. But if we look at the number of people who select sports for money and those who go for name and fame, there is marked difference. For example, any one can make money, and there are innumerable ways to make money. But becoming famous and being torchbearers and flag carriers of a nation is something far beyond the reach of any amount of money. However, there may be a small percentage of sports people who keep themselves motivated by lure of money.

Looking at both the views, I find it very easy to endorse the idea that it is name and fame that make sports persons excel in their career. Money as such is a force of course, but it is for a negligibly small minority, I tend to say.

290 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Many governments resort to rewarding sports icons with enormous cash benefits when they (the latter) achieve something remarkable. But this is not so when it comes to achievements in arts, literature, science, medicine and the like.

• How justifiable is it to honour sports icons with money?
• Do you think governments need to follow this practice in other areas too?

Offering huge cash prizes for outstanding performance in sports is common everywhere. I tend to that that it is justifiable in many ways. Coming to other areas like science and medicine, it is wise as well to follow the same policy.

Let me see how justifiable it is. Sports, unlike other careers, need extreme patronage because of its being too demanding. A sports icon has a very limited career span, and in such a short period he is expected to make the maximum out of it because he or she has a long life ahead. Besides this, unlike other careers, these careers are not paid jobs. But they are forced to work 24x7. And finally, the reputation they bring in for the nation and the fire they instill in the younger generation cannot be calculated in any terms. So it is proved justifiable.

How right, by the way, it is to follow this same attitude in other areas? I feel that governments need to install a system to identify those people who are able to make exceptional contributions to mankind and honour them the same way as sports icons. For example, a medical scientist who happens to develop a vaccine for AIDS, a researcher who comes up with an industrially viable alternative fuel or a man of letters who brings in a Nobel or the like needs to be honoured with money. They are as important as sports icons. That is what I feel.

To conclude it, I find it right to reiterate that sports persons of great caliber need to be honoured with money. So should be the case with others who are able to make once-in-a-lifetime contributions to human life. This is not only for their well being, but also for the welfare of all.
290 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Five questions:

1.

Many governments resort to rewarding sports icons with enormous cash benefits when they (the latter) achieve something remarkable. But this is not so when it comes to achievements in arts, literature, science, medicine and the like.

• How justifiable is it to honour sports icons with money?
• Do you think governments need to follow this practice in other areas too?


2.

Some people believe that monetary rewards would keep sports persons motivated to do their best whereas there are others who feel that it is name and fame that do the job.

• Which view do you support and state why?


3.

Some people believe that monetary rewards would keep sports persons motivated to do their best whereas there are others who feel that it is name and fame that does the job.

• How powerful is money in keeping sports persons motivated?
• Do you think name and fame does have a role to play in this?


4.

Considering the efforts and dedication that sportspersons show towards their creed, it is right to honour them with huge monitory rewards upon remarkable achievements.

• How far do you agree or disagree with this view?

29.11.011
5.

Though sportspersons do not seem to be doing much to the general well being of the public, they are given enormous benefits and rewards upon achievements.

• How right it is to say that sports icon don’t do much to public?
• How far do you endorse the rewards and honours they receive?

Five questions on employment: 22.2.011

1.
Though nations around the world follow different age limits for retirement, there are people everywhere who believe that it is good to let workers continue till they are able to do their work according to the expectations of their employer.

• Look at the pros and cons of such an employment order.
Jaypeesdoc.22.2.011


2.
A welfare State is expected to provide meaningful and decent employment environments for all its productive citizens no matter what employment they are able to be in.

This idea is taken by some as something utopian whereas there are people who say that State is the employment provider.

• Discuss both the views, and state what you feel about it.

3.

Keeping great number of employable workforce idle for long is the worst a State could do to itself and to its citizens.

• Substantiate this view with examples.


4.

When it comes to employment, all emerging opportunities need to be open for both the genders.

• How far do you agree or disagree with this view?

Jaypeesdoc.22.2.011
5.

Keeping the employment market vibrant all the time is the primary duty of the State so that the employable workforce will be able to find livelihoods according to their likes and qualifications.

• How best can you support this argument?
• Do you think it is the State that is the employer?

The Rethink Initiative: Working to Eliminate E-Waste
It is a downloaded material
With consumers and businesses constantly upgrading and replacing electronic equipment, the volume of used and nonfunctioning equipment filling up the nation’s dumps and landfills is growing alarmingly. The Rethink Initiative is hoping to change things before it’s too late.

By Carol Johnson

Every day brings the introduction of an innovative and exciting new technology that will help people do things faster, easier, or more efficiently. The plethora of new products introduced each year is growing by leaps and bounds. But unfortunately, the faster those new products emerge, the faster the outdated ones are ending up discarded in trash heaps.

Technology industry leaders have joined forces with government and environmental organizations to propose new solutions to the challenge of e-waste. Their combined efforts have been labeled the Rethink Initiative. The problem of throwing away outdated equipment is no small matter; hundreds of millions of computers, cell phones, video and stereo equipment, and other electronics either sit on shelves or end up in the garbage all across America every year. The Rethink Initiative hopes to educate and inspire consumers to make smart choices about how to dispose of their outdated equipment responsibly.

The Rethink Initiative is a combined effort between a host of corporate giants, including computer manufacturers such as Apple, IBM, Dell, HP, and Gateway; electronics manufacturers such as Toshiba and Motorola; cellular manufacturers such as Nokia and Verizon; and even retail giants such as Best Buy and Circuit City. With American consumers and businesses constantly upgrading and replacing to keep up with the endless new advances in productivity, learning, and entertainment, these companies are banding together to provide information, tools, and solutions to make it easy and even profitable for people to find new homes for outdated equipment by responsibly recycling unwanted products.

Some of the organizations involved with the Rethink Initiative offer their own recycling programs. The National Cristina Foundation (www.cristina.org) will match you with groups that need old hardware to provide job training for disabled people, and you get a tax write-off as a result of your donation. CollectiveGood (www.collectivegood.org) will take an old wireless cell phone and in return make a donation to the charity of your choice, from a list of over 300 charities. The Basel Action Network (www.ban.org) can provide a list of responsible electronics recyclers near you, so you can give old TVs and other electronics to someone who can harvest them for recyclable materials. Apple Computers offers free recycling of old PCs—regardless of their manufacturer—for customers who purchase a new Mac. The company has been named a "Forward Green Leader" by the Sierra Club, being recognized as one of the top ten environmentally progressive companies.

The issue of discarded computers and other electronics is not a trivial matter. People all around the world need to make changes right now in how they handle these products to help ensure a clean environment for future generations.

Though many organizations show great interest in recruiting women, it is found that great numbers of women jump their jobs much frequently and go for new pastures.

• Try to identify a few reasons that make women leave their jobs often?
• Suggest your own ways to retain women in the workforce.
Ajaypeesdoc

Equal gender participation is common in professional life today as many employers welcome female workforce. However, attrition is found to be common among women. Though many reasons are attributed to it, there are ways to keep them back in the payroll.

Looking at the face of the issue, the prominent reason I find is many women do not get their deserving credit from their employers. This might be due to their being with a male dominant workforce. Secondly, many female employees are reported to be suffering from aggression on their person either directly or impersonally. This harassing is too much for many women. Thirdly, unlike the women of the past, today’s young female professional segment is as aggressive and ambitious as their male counterparts. Therefore, when they come to know that there is not much to be expected from an organization, they simply go practical, and hop out for fresher avenues.

However, let me suggest a few ways to make women stay back for longer years. First thing is that men should realize that women are not second employees, and they deserve what ever males do. Secondly, since women are more biologically and socially challenged than men, they should be given convenient working hours and flexible career options. This will make them meet their personal and professional expectations. And finally, if employers can take women into confidence that there is going to be upper career rungs awaiting them, I am sure more and more women will think twice before they jump their job in hand.

Looking at the factors of female attrition, I find it right to conclude that if women are not given their dues, there will be further attrition in the days to come. Anyway the suggestions made would make great difference in this present state of affairs.

290 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Something that you would like to change in your life
What that is
When and how
What difference it will make

Well, sir, there are a few things in my life
That I personally feel like changing.

The thing I would like to change is my
poor time management skill.
Actually this problem gives me difficulties
In my personal and professional life.

Most of the time, I feel that I don’t have enough time
To do my things. At the same time
I am very much aware that I too have
24 hours like all others do.
So the problem is not with lack of time
But it is poor management of the same.

I wish like to change my attitude to time management
Say, before I fly over to some distant locations.
I know I can do with this habit here,
But In a foreign location, I am sure,
one cannot do without
Proper time management skills

Of course, such a change will make great improvements
in my life, both professional and personal.
More over, I can have great control over things
If I am able to manage my time.

So I would like to change it as fast I can.
But I am very much aware that habits die hard
If there is a will there is a way, I believe so.
So this is what I would like to change in my life.

210 words
visit: www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

HOW TO RETAIN WORKFORCE IN YOUR COMPANY
A downloaded article from www.ciliconindia.com

Bangalore: The bottom line is no industry will be immune to the workforce shortage issue. The demand for labour in general is expected to exceed availability. Factors like aging population; younger workers' shifting expectations for "work" are making workforce shortage a real thing, resulting in employers' inability to fill all the jobs. So, what should be done by the organizations to ensure that they have the talent they'll need for tomorrow?

The primary focus should be on employee retention. There is nothing more costly to a company than losing a critical employee. Retaining critical employees doesn't necessarily mean throwing money around. Successful retention is more strategic and has several key components. Here are five key management steps that can be helpful dealing with workforce shortage.

1. Recognizing the generation Y

Generation Y will comprise a large percentage of the work force so the employers should be sensitive enough to their needs to reap the benefits of A-level talent in the increasingly competitive marketplace. Offering them the chance for professional growth and development can be very effective in this regard. Showing these workers appreciation for individuality and letting them be expressive will also keep them. Remuneration, recognition and support from the senior staff and personal attachment with the junior employee can also solve the problem of shortage of workforce.

2. Reengaging and retaining mid-career workers
While the enthusiasm of the young employees can serve an organization well, the experience of the mid-career workers can double the development in the organization. There are prevalent biases against older workers. Too often, employers feel that older workers are more expensive, lacking in fresh skills, less adaptable and less technology-savvy. More flexible approaches to work, careers and retirement in later life that meet individuals' and employers' needs can be effective in holding the experienced mid-career workers back.

3. Implementing flexible work arrangements
Most of the surveys being conducted at high-technology companies have revealed that flexible work arrangement is introduced to retain the best brains. Compressed work weeks, job-sharing, reducing working hours and annualized work hours are a few tactics that can be employed to retain top talents, providing them comfort and convenience.


4. Implementing employee compensation and benefits
Employers pay to provide worker's compensation, social security pensions and unemployment payments to their employees because the law requires it. Many companies offer other benefits beyond the minimum to help reduce turnover and attract the best candidates. Employee benefit programs usually include some form of basic health insurance, life insurance and other specialty benefits as a part of the overall plan. What makes an employee more tempting than others is its flexibility that would serve employees?


5. Understanding of the composition of the future workforce
In this regard, a clear assessment of future workforce needs is of utmost importance. The assessment requires leaders to think critically about how the organization will do business in the future. Apart from this, particular attention should be paid to identifying and projecting mission-critical occupations. Here, two components should be focused: first, the estimated workload and related staffing requirements; and, second, the likely competencies and skill sets needed. The organization should compare the current workforce inventory to the assessment of the future workforce needs to identify the human capital gaps that must be filled to achieve organizational success.

A downloaded article from www.ciliconindia.com

A piece of jewelry, your favourite jewelry
• What, and where you got it from
• How it looks like
• And why you like it

Well, I like jewelry, and like any one else,
I have my own favourite jewelry, too.

It is a bangle-cum wristwatch.
Actually it is a gift.
And it was presented to me by my father
On my graduation day.
As I said earlier it is a two in one piece.
It primarily looks like a bangle,
But on closer look one can see a small case
which is oval in shape, and that case carries
a cute sparkling dial in it.

It looks like a human eye, and the inside of which is extremely beautiful with its time indicators, sparkling as they are of stone.
Something interesting about this particular watch is that it makes a beep every hour.

And my reasons for liking are many.
Firstly, it is a present from my father.
Secondly, it reminds me of my graduation day.
And thirdly, it is really precious cost-wise and other wise. Well, what what else is there about it?
Yeah, yes, it can be opended and closed, in the sense that I don’t have to push it in, rather I can open it and close it on my wrist

Yes, that is all about my favourite piece of jewelry.
Endo of the text

The graph is about the value of companies

The graph presents the values in US dollars of three companies selling farming equipments every five years and their projected value for the year 2015.

It is clear that Greenacres recorded a steady growth from 1960 to 1990. Its initial worth of 2000,000 dollars got doubled to 4000,000 in 30 years. However, it suffered a great loss soon and its value scaled down to its 1960 position in 2000. Anyway, there was quick recovery, and it touched 350,000 dollars mark in 2010. If it keeps this tempo, its value is projected to go above 4000,000 dollars in 2015.

With a starting value of mere 500,000 dollars, Carsons Ltd kept on growing, with slight fluctuations in between, and it is projected to touch 1500,000 dollar mark in 2015, recording a three times growth.

And, finally, Farm Implements, which started trading only in 1980, had an opening value of 1000,000 dollars. Successive periods witnessed steady growth and it fared almost equally well with Greenacres’ value in 2010; around 3500,000. It stands poised to cross 3500,000 mark in 2015.

When Farm Implements and Carsons Ltd. had a constant growth over the years, Greenacres’ value spiraled down once in between and fared well ahead of all others.

Gap fills: answers with blank spaces has already appeared.

1. the values in US dollars, 2 their projected value 3. recorded a steady growth 4 got doubled to, 5 it suffered a great loss, 6 was quick recovery, 7 its value is projected to go 8, kept on growing, 9 recording a three times’ , 10 had an opening value, 11 Successive periods, 12 stands poised to cross, 13 had a constant growth 14 once in between, 15 fared well

Since being connected to the rest of the world is much more important today than it was before, many people feel that school children should be permitted to keep mobile phones while they are at school.


Argue for and against this statement.


There is heated discussion on whether children be allowed to carry mobiles when they are at school or not. If we look at this argument from an objective angle, we may be able to find several positive and negative aspects to the same.

Arguing for it, even a cursory look may reveal that sporting a mobile is a good idea because, today, children, the most vulnerable section, need to stay connected with the rest of the world, especially with their near and dear ones. A deeper analysis would again prove that being connected offers children many advantages by way of security, navigating while traveling, gathering information, and being networking. Since we are living in a world of revolutionary changes in the field of communication, it will be unfair of us, if we keep our children aloof.

On the other hand, this idea entails some serious practical difficulties. First of all, mobiles offer children many temptations to get influenced, mostly negatively. Children being credulous and vulnerable, mobiles may take children to wrong ways and the consequence may me very serious. Secondly, classrooms and school atmosphere are meant primarily for learning, and the need for being connected can be set aside. Finally, mobile phones cause some health risks and children, being exposed to the lures of mobiles, may overuse the same. So it is better students stay off their mobiles for a while.

In short, ‘mobile phones at school’ is a controversial issue worth debating. However, if children are disciplined enough to manage it for their good, it is fine. If it is the other way round, we better not allow them to be connected, for school hours, at least.


275 words

The graph is about the value of two companies selling farming equipments

The graph presents ………1……………of three companies selling farming equipments every five years and …………2……for the year 2015.

It is clear that Greenacres ……3……………from 1960 to 1990. Its initial worth of 2000,000 dollars ………4…………..4000,000 in 30 years. However, …………5………..soon and its value scaled down to its 1960 position in 2000. Anyway, there…………6……., and it touched 350,000 dollars mark in 2010. If it keeps this tempo, …………7………above 4000,000 dollars in 2015.

With a starting value of mere 500,000 dollars, Carsons Ltd………8……, with slight fluctuations in between, and it is projected to touch 1500,000 dollar mark in 2015,…………9…………..growth.

And, finally, Farm Implements, which started trading only in 1980, …………………of 1000,000 dollars. ……………………..witnessed steady growth and it fared almost equally well with Greenacres’ value in 2010; around 3500,000. It ……………3500,000 mark in 2015.

When Farm Implements and Carsons Ltd. ……………..over the years, Greenacres’ value spiraled down ……………..and ……………..ahead of all others.

GAP FILLS.
had an opening value, the values in US dollars, fared well, its value is projected to go,
it suffered a great loss, their projected value, recorded a steady growth,
got doubled to, was quick recovery, recording a three times’, kept on growing, Successive periods, stands poised to cross, had a constant growth, once in between,

1.

Studies show that urban areas are more prone to water scarcity than rural or semi urban areas. This will make urban-rural migration popular in the coming days.

Some people say that it will make cities enjoy better water security whereas some others think that urban-rural movement of population would lead to water insecurity in both rural and urban areas.

• Which view do you support and state why?

2.

Population rise, industrialization, climate change and calamities are said to be some of the factors that make many urban areas suffer from water scarcity.

• How best can urban population cope with this problem in the coming days?
• Do you think urban rural migration will be the order in the coming days?

Though disasters claim enormous amounts of money and resources every year by way of rescue, relief and rehabilitation, many governments do not seem to be taking timely and effective measures to avert or mitigate the impacts of disasters.

How far is it true that such States are depriving citizens of their right to life and property?


Right to life and property is a constitutional right, and if ever the state is found to be not doing anything against disasters, it is a clean case of constitutional violation. This indifferent attitude of the State is criminal, and the citizens can claim damages for the loss.

All democratic constitutions around the world assure its citizens of protection for their life and property. However, it is a fact that hundreds of thousands of people die every year by way of disasters of various types and dimensions. Unfortunately, the pity is that governments are able to alert people and mitigate the effects of disasters. But many States stay away from this constitutional responsibility. If a State fails to do, it can be considered as a case that deprives the citizens of their basic rights. 90

However, we cannot ignore the fact that there are disasters both manmade and natural. And many of them are either predictable or not-so-easily predictable. Still, timely intervention or appropriate pre-emptive action can cut down considerably on the impacts of disasters of any type. Needless to say, the State has the responsibility to do it, and by doing so, such States will be making great savings in the form of precious lives and property worth millions. As life is the most precious thing in this world, no State can sit idle when disasters pose threats and claim lives out of blue.

The above points make me conclude that the State has the moral responsibility to safeguard the life and property of its citizens. When disasters are left to wreck havoc on the lives of people, the States are actually depriving citizens of their basic rights at all counts.

280 words

Though many organizations show great interest in recruiting women, it is found that great numbers of women jump their jobs much frequently and go for new pastures.

• Try to identify a few reasons that make women leave their jobs often?
• Suggest your own ways to retain women in the workforce.
Ajaypeesdoc

Equal gender participation is common in professional life today as many employers welcome female workforce. However, attrition is found to be common among women. Though many reasons are attributed to it, there are ways to keep them back in the payroll.

Looking at the face of the issue, the prominent reason I find is many women do not get their deserving credit from their employers. This might be due to their being with a male dominant workforce. Secondly, many female employees are reported to be suffering from aggression on their person either directly or impersonally. This harassing is too much for many women. Thirdly, unlike the women of the past, today’s young female professional segment is as aggressive and ambitious as their male counterparts. Therefore, when they come to know that there is not much to be expected from an organization, they simply go practical, and hop out for fresher avenues.

However, let me suggest a few ways to make women stay back for longer years. First thing is that men should realize that women are not second employees, and they deserve what ever males do. Secondly, since women are more biologically and socially challenged than men, they should be given convenient working hours and flexible career options. This will make them meet their personal and professional expectations. And finally, if employers can take women into confidence that there is going to be upper career rungs awaiting them, I am sure more and more women will think twice before they jump their job in hand.

Looking at the factors of female attrition, I find it right to conclude that if women are not given their dues, there will be further attrition in the days to come. Anyway the suggestions made would make great difference in this present state of affairs.

290 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Be simple: Simple words can convey ideas much better.

When it comes to the use of the Net to children, it is rather hard to say that it is equally good for children of all age groups or it is equally bad for all. It is easier to say that, if they are directed well, the Internet has much to offer for all children. So it is right to ask another question whether it is the Net that is wrong or it is the way we and our children use the Net that makes the issue more serious.

Unfortunately, what happens is this that today, most of the children need to stay online as part of their studies, and many children are very much in need of inputs for their studies, researches and paper works. Obviously, they get enough access to computers from their school itself. And most of the homes these days have their own computers. It is either for their parents’ use or for the children themselves. This is a convenience, and many children happen to stay online even when they have their parents around.
Ajaypeesdoc.20.2.011
Here you may ask, is it not fair for parents to control their kids. Of course, they can do it. But it would do more harm than good because most of the nuclear parents these days are either employees or occupied with some income earning activities. Naturally, children get a lot a parent-free time. Here lies the problem that all the controls will go lose the moment they find their parents away. They go into doing all sorts of searches and findings. Here another question may come up.

Why can’t, then, parent install some child-safe programmes so that access to certain sites could be denied? It is possible of course. But we all need to know that our neighbourhood is full of internet cafes and booths where what is waiting for our children is nothing but limitless access to anything and everything from across the world. Let us be conscious here. Kids are kids. They try to get what they need to get.

What are we going to do with our children and the Net? It is simple, the answer I mean. We have to have a healthy parent-children understanding which would make both parties trust each other so that there is always room for control and freedom at the same time.
Ajaypeesdoc.20.2.011
Computers and their possibilities are here to stay. So are our kids. In such a scenario, what we need is the intelligence to make use of the Net both for the welfare and all round development of ourselves and our children.

Therefore, let us not blame the Net. Let us blame the way we let our kids harness its possibilities. Our children need to, I repeat, our children need to be online. Stopping them is like clipping their wings of inquisitiveness. They may eventually fail to become independent learners. The latter, making one an independent learner, is the very purpose of education. The former, being inquisitive, is what children are known for. That is what I feel. 500 words

Foreign exchange earnings for Egypt

The two charts break up data on foreign exchange earnings of Egypt in 2002, and income from tourism for the years from 1982-2003.

The pie chart reveals that tourism gave Egypt the highest foreign exchange earning in 2002, 26% followed by industry with 21%. When workers’ remittance amounted from 21%, Agriculture brought in ten times less than that with 2%. Finally, Petroleum and Suez Canal managed to garner 14%, 13% each.

The bar chart on revenue from tourism shows an upward spiral from 1982 to 2000. It started off with 0.3 billion US Dollars in 1982 and it kept on increasing, and after 11 years, in 1993, it rose to 1.9 billion. There was a remarkable increase in the 1995-1997 period. It shot up to 2.9 from 2.2 billion. The year 2000 recorded the highest growth, from 2.9 to 4.3 billion. However, the two periods that followed had same figures: 3.8 billion each. But 2003 had the biggest fall; from 3.8 to two billion US Dollars.

It is clear that in the 80s and 90s the growth was slower but steady, but in 2000 onwards the figures were rather stable barring 2003.

Detailed description: 170 words
jaypees

Your favourite swimming pool

Where it is
How often you go there
Why you like it

Swimming pool? Well, these days it is hard to find swimming pools in our place. It is now mostly found in hotels and tourist or holiday destinations.

However, I happened to enjoy the convenience of a swimming pool some time back. It is part of famous water theme park in our state.
And I visited this place as part of a tour programme.

It happened last year, and we, a group of friends visited this theme park called Vega land. It s some 75 kms off our place, and we were traveling by a mini bus.

Since, it is a water theme park there are many water related activities and adventures. One of such experiences is the swimming experience we had at that location.

Actually, it is big pool with the sparkling water and clean and secure surroundings.
What I like most is its conveniences like security arrangements,
like floats and airbags meant for children, and those who are not good at swimming.

There are seating arrangements, and they provide some umbrellas and sun beds for those who need them for relaxation after a swim.

Apart from all there, there is separate section with support facilities for males and females, like change room, rest room and make up rooms.

And finally, I need to add that water in this swimming pool is periodically purified. It is done at regular intervals and it is an automatic process. So we can be sure of cleanliness and be on guard against water-borne diseases.

That is all about the swimming pool I like most.
225 words
jaypees. Visit. www.jpsukham.blogspot.com

Health consciousness among people is on the rise thanks to education and free access to medical information of all types. Some people feel that it is a welcome development, whereas there are others who feel that it is dangerous.
Essay 003
• How good or bad is rising health consciousness in your opinion?

Information is both powerful and dangerous. This is more so when it is a matter of access to medical education which keeps people’s health consciousness on the high. What I feel is that rising health consciousness is good, but, unless it is wisely managed, it will be dangerous.

Compared to olden times, people today are well informed of health and the risks involved in following unhealthy lifestyle practices. This is thanks to the availability of medical information and access to the same. Actually, it is a welcome development, because many people are prepared to go for periodic medical check ups and follow diet and fitness regimes in order to lead a healthier and longer life. For example, the number of those who spend time and money for health is much higher today than it was in the past. This is really encouraging.

However, there is another side to it. Rising health consciousness at times keeps people more anxious than conscious of their health. For example, access to information on diseases, medicines and treatments makes people worry too much about their health. As a result, some people go for self medication, whereas some others go for over medication or poor medication. There are others who go doctor shopping and demand for diagnostic procedures and treatments. This is the dangerous side of rising health consciousness.

In short, any information is good if wisely made use of. This is more so with medical information and health consciousness. Needless to say, it is a blessing to be rightly aware of health and wellness, but it is dangerous too, if not properly managed.

265 Words
Ajaypeesdoc

Leisure hours per year in Someland: a report

Here we have a table of data on number of hours people of different age groups in Someland spend every year for six leisure interests.

The prominent feature of this finding is that watching TV/Video is the most liked leisure activity. While teenagers set aside 1200 hrs those who are 70+ find 1100 hrs. However, when people are in their twenties, it falls to 700 hrs. The corresponding figures for others show a regular ascent from 400 to 700 for those in their 30s, 40s, 50 and 50s.

However, Cinema is the least popular one among most age groups. Here too teens spend the most, 100 hours, and all others spare between 75 and 25 hours. Coming to Socializing with four or more people, while younger age groups spare 350 hrs, the remaining ones find 50 hrs or less than that. But socializing with four or less people is highly popular among people in their 30s, 40s, 50s.

Finally, you may see how individual and group exercise go. Here youngsters and oldies are not as interested as people in their middle years. Those in their 30s and 40s utilize 200 hrs each. Coming to group exercise, youngsters spend more time than older groups do. As they go older, their interest decreases to naught.

Ending the report, what is the conclusion by the way? Do you not find a relation between people’s age, leisure interests and the time they spare for each activity?
200 words
19.2.011
Ajaypees doc

Art and literary forms, in the opinion of some, are instruments to initiate social reforms whereas there are others who feel that they are personal expressions meant for entertaining people.

• How right it is to say that art and literary forms are instruments of change?
• How do you look at the second view?
Essay 055
It has always been a controversy whether art and literary forms have some social roles, or they are just for entertaining people. I for one am of the opinion that they are very much instruments of change and entertainers as well.

Let me see how right it is to say that they are organs of change. The primary thing is most of the art and literary genres are capable of making people think, react and reform themselves. History has innumerable examples to prove this. Let me cite a few of them. The Problem Plays of G. B. Shaw, the Comedies of William Shakespeare, comic strips of R. K. Narayan, satires and films on the follies and foibles of modern man have been able to make substantial changes in society. Needless to say, human society owes much to art and literary forms.

However, there is no denying the fact that art and literature are personal expressions. But, are they just meant for entertaining people? I would rather disagree, and I am tend to argue that all these forms have several different roles. Entertaining people is just one among them. In this respect, it is right to say almost all art and literary forms are both reforming and entertaining. But some of them; like some dance genres, music, paintings, sculpting and the like, may not be able to make social changes as such. They are entertainers per se, so to say.

Let me conclude the discussion emphasizing the fact that all art and literary forms are personal expressions capable of entertaining people. But most of them are instruments of change. So, branding them as mere entertainers is unfair.

265 Words
Ajaypeesdoc
18.2.011

Some are of the opinion that art and literature are supposed to fight against the ills and evils of the society, whereas some others say, art and literature are personal expressions meant for entertaining the people.

• How do you look at these two view points?

It has always been a controversy whether art and literature have some social role, or they are for their sake only. I feel that art and literature have a social role to play by criticizing and highlighting the evils of the society. This can be done in an entertaining way too. 45

When it comes to their responsibility of fighting against the evils of the society, it is right to look at the history of the world. We can cite innumerable examples to prove that art and literature have been instrumental to initiating changes and remedying social evils. For example, Indian freedom struggle was a success because the thinkers, artists and writers of those times had been able to project the evils of aggression, and people were able to respond to the calls of the freedom fighters by way of messages carried across the society via art and literature. 90

However, there is no denying the fact that art and literature are personal expressions. It is true that people go creative, and produce arts and literatures in order to express their feelings and thoughts. These feelings and thoughts have some social relevance and all their contributions naturally reflect the society they live in. The cartoons of R.K Lexman, the renowned Indian cartoonist, are typical examples. He has been able to express his feelings and fears he had of his society through his hilarious cartoon strips. However, there are some personal creations like music, dance etc, and they be viewed as something just to entertain people. 90

To conclude it, it is right to say that art and literature have always been powerful enough to make changes in the society and they have helped eradicate several social evils. It goes without saying that some of them are just for entertaining people. 40

265 words
Jaypees.doc. exam-going. 16/02/11

What drives women out of Engineering jobs?

Please try to frame an IELTS Tast 2 question out of the following article on why women engineers do not make it to the top in india and elsewhere. This is a downloaded article from www.ciliconindia.com


Bangalore: Even though half of the 300,000 engineers India produces every year are women, it is a sad but true fact that none of the Indian IT companies have been able to hold more than 30 percent of their women employees in their job after the first 2 years. This is despite the fact that some of the Tier-I companies have been able to bring out women-friendly policies. If you think, India is the only country facing this issue, it may not be true. Even the biggest economies like U.S. face this hurdle.

Despite years of hard academics, women comprises only 20 percent of engineering school graduates and only 11 percent of practicing engineers are women, reveals a study done at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Over 3,700 women with an engineering graduation participated in the Project on Women Engineers' Retention (POWER) which was aimed at understanding factors related to women engineers' career decisions.

The workplace climate remains to be a strong factor for women engineers choosing not to enter engineering after college or to leave the profession of engineering.

The tiring working conditions, too much travel, lack of advancement or low salary has been noted as the main reason behind nearly half of women opting out of engineering. It was found that one-in-three left the profession for reasons being they did not like the workplace climate, their boss or the culture while one-in-four left to spend time with family. Interestingly, those who left had the same interests, self-confidence, and positive expectations as the current engineers.

A third of participants who did not enter engineering after graduation cited their perceptions of engineering as being inflexible or the workplace culture as being non-supportive of women as the reason. Nearly thirty percent said they were no longer interested in engineering or were interested in another field. A good number of women who did not join engineering stated that they use the knowledge and skills gained in their education in a number of other fields.

A combination of psychological factors and organizational climate has been noted in common among women who choose to say in engineering. They stick on to the profession because of some key supportive people in the organization like supervisors and co-workers. Women expressed greatest levels of satisfaction in companies that value and recognize their contributions and invest substantially in their training and professional development.

Women who are treated in a condescending, patronizing manner and were undermined by their supervisors and co-workers would in most cases want to leave their organization. Women leaving their firms usually consider leaving the field of engineering altogether.

The current working engineers expressed that only fewer work-life benefits are available to them. Work-role uncertainly and a work environment that consistently undermined them can be said to be the factors that most negatively influence women's satisfaction level at work.

Most women engineers contemplate on quitting their job when they feel a lack of confidence in their abilities and fail to manage multiple roles. Leaving job seems to be the only option for women when they are not being positive about the outcomes they expect from their engineering tasks.

What could be a possible solution for this waning number of Women Engineers? We invite our readers to put forward their valuable suggestion in the form of comments. We believe that the ideal solution comes from people who have experienced these scenarios. We also encourage women engineers to write their stories to us at editor@siliconindia.com.

Global Disaster Management Mechanism: The need of the hour.

Is it not fair for ourselves to be doing what ever is required to keep the planet going? Are we not entitled to live safely in this planet so that the upcoming generations will also have the same? How best are we going to make the world know that humanity is a single whole and no one is free from perils? Japan answers all these questions so vociferously that the world is forced lent its ears…..
Vaatupura A. Jayaprakash
The latest developments in Japan tell the rest of the world a few things or so on issues that we normally simply take it for granted. What is in store for the rest of the world by way of disasters is nothing short of devastation of unimaginable magnitudes, and the preparedness the world has for itself is not only inadequate but it is dangerously incompetent given the indicators that Japan offers.

The neighbouring world is under radiation threat, millions of people have gone broke and a land that once came up like phoenix from the ashes of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is vying hard to cope with the after effects of a series of Tsunamis and earth quakes. Here it is right to add that when one part of the world suffers from one calamity or the other, the rest of the world cannot be safer or comfortable. Globalization is applicable not only for international gains; but it is binding for international losses as well. That is what Japan tells us really conspicuously.

In this respect, there is enough room for a rethinking on the way the rest of the world keeps itself prepared to face any calamity. Yes, all nations have their own nation-specific disaster management mechanisms in place. It is good as well. But how about an internationally encompassing disaster like a Tsunami! Are individual nations able to sit back and rest thinking that we have our own system to meet such challenges? No. No nation can.

Human actions coupled with nature’s reaction have made human life really miserable and vulnerable, and the whole world stands at crossroads. There is no one immune to disasters. Australia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Japan, Philippines, and so goes the list. So what are we going to do for ourselves before another disaster strikes the world? In this respect I find it right to make my readers ponder over a few pointers listed down here.
1. Today, no nation is immune to disasters.
2. No nation is able enough to meet today’s disasters.
3. Nation-specific disaster management systems are inadequate.
4. Poor nations are unable to keep their own systems in place.
5. Rich nations are better positioned to help the poor in this respect.
6. Today’s disasters are so devastating that it takes ages for recovery.
7. Disaster management is not just rescuing people.
8. Extending helping hands at times of distress is not enough
9. When part of the world suffers, rest of the world feels the pinch.
10. No man is free from the perils man himself has created.
11. This world is either safe or dangerous, not simply unsafe.
12. This globe demands a global approach to disasters.
It is the last proposition that makes me strike a code here. Today, the world needs a globally binding disaster management mechanism in place. It is alright for all nations to have their own systems. But when it comes to disasters of greater magnitudes, it is important to have larger systems to meet the challenges of modern times.

A nuclear disaster following an earth quake is a double tragedy the effects of which may transcend to ages and ages. So is the case with a tsunami leading to reactor failures, chemical leaks and the like. Man will be forced to stand nonplused at the after effects of his own deeds and the resultant upheavals.

Therefore, it is high time the international community took initiatives to press for the need of an international disaster management system funded by its member nations. Such a system offers great advantages for all the nations in general. Though there are geographical limitations in its application at times, it is better to keep the world prepared to take on any eventually either manmade or natural.

In this respect it is worthwhile adding that when it comes to disasters, it is the timely intervention of men, machinery, technology, medicine and their mobility that matters most. The golden hours, the time between a tragedy and help, are so crucial that the success and failure of disaster management depends solely on this.

So it is important to remember that when tragedy strikes, it is timely intervention that matters most. Here the international community sponsored disaster management system may not be able to spring into action when a tragedy strikes at a far off geographical landscape. But this inadequacy does not rule out the need for such a system because, disaster management involves not only timely intervention and evacuation or the like.

Rather some disasters demand ages to make the affected get back to normal life. Evacuation, moving, rehabilitation and reconstruction are huge responsibilities no nation can boast of being able to do them all by itself. Here we need a globally applicable and funded management system so that all nations, rich and poor, can get benefited. This is the need of the hour, and the time is ticking out and nature has its own ways, and it never knocks at our doors before it strikes. So it is our responsibility to ensure the safety of the whole globe.

Is it not fair for ourselves to be doing what ever is required to keep the planet going? Are we not entitled to live safely in this planet so that the upcoming generations will also have the same spirit of keeping the world safer for their followers? How best are we going to make the world know that humanity is a single whole and no one is free from perils?

Japan answers all these questions so vociferously that the world is forced lent its ears and do what is needed to see that no disaster is going to keep man stalled for ages and his incessant will to surmount all odds gets bogged down.

“What ever the field be lost
All is not lost………..
what is else not be overcome?

These words of John Milton hold true here. A Japan is instrumental. A globally applicable disaster management system funded by all member nations can go a long way in keeping the world prepared to face the wrong deeds of man and rightful ways of nature. We need a global disaster managements system very very badly. 1000 words

A distant place (with a beautiful environs) you visited
Two minutes’ exercise: Cue card

Well, I am fortunate to have visited so many distant places in my life.
Some of them are known for great environs, of course.

The one I am going to talk about is a hill station.
It is called Kumili. It is border point in the Idukki district.
It is located some 90 kilometres away from my place.

I went to this place a few years’ back as part of a pleasure trip.
It was in September 2004, if I remember right.
Actually it was a pleasure trip we friends organized all by ourselves.
We were five, and were traveling in a car.

We started off in the early morning itself.
I need not say that the trip itself was really fascinating.
The road to Kumili is really adventurous and breathtaking.
As the road was winding with sharp hairpin curves,
It took nearly 3 hours to get there.

Right after reaching there we took our breakfast
They we went for sightseeing.
Yes, Kumili has great things to offer for tourists.
It is a calm and quite place with beautiful environment.
There are many things that attract people to this place.

Primarily, its height and the resultant weather.
It is cold up there, and the whole hill lock is full of trees.
The road, at some places, is highly dangerous.
Because they are cut along the hillside
and these is huge raven at some sides.

Secondly, Kumily has some beautiful streams and small water falls
We visited some of them, and we had a beautiful natural bath at one.
That was a rejuvenating experience. The water was so cold and feel was great.
We took a lot of photographs on the way, too.
On our way back we stopped at some places
for enjoying the natural beauty from distance.

We had a different experience out of that one-day trip.
That is all about the distant place I visited.

Please note the TENSE Sensitivity of this answer. How sentences alternate with present and past tenses. The examiners check this skill. To speak in different tenses at a time.

Take this as a token answer, and you may select your destination: moonnar, idukki, vazhachal, ponmudi, ooty, nilgiris or whatever, and develop an answer in accordance with their significance. Please try to apply the frame of the above answer. Words, steps, personal phrases, vocabulary, divisions and conclusion. Good luck.

Waste management is becoming a serious problem world over. Many people suggest that there should be a new tax called waste-management tax to be imposed on those who generate waste.
Essay 057
• How warranted is this idea in your opinion?

We need to impose a new tax on manufacturers who pack their products in non-degradable materials. It has become impossible these days to buy something without a little waste attached with it. Therefore, I feel it is a good idea to impose some waste management tax on manufacturers.

Our life has come to a new phase, where waste has become a by-product of our comforts, and since there seems to be no U-turn from this state of affairs, we need to find ways to recycle or manage the wastes that get generated on a daily basis. Moving and managing waste has become a severe headache to the corporations, municipalities and local self government organs all over the country. Also, there are innumerable instances of fund and infrastructure shortage to manage the waste. Coupled with these is the outbreak of contagions.
Waste management tax is highly warranted. It goes without saying.

Coming to who is to be held responsible for this: the consumer or the manufacturer? I think it is the duty of the manufacturer to chip in a share of his profit to raise a national fund on waste management. It is not civic to let any organization: local, national, or multi-national, come up and operate their businesses anywhere and go scot-free when it comes to the after-effects of their products’.

To conclude it, there needs to be a new tax regime to earmark a sizeable share from the turnovers of all manufacturers, and allocate those funds for the wise management of wastes. This is primarily for the general well-being of the public.

260 Words
Ajaypeesdoc

In developed countries governments encourage farming and do everything possible to satisfy the interests of farmers. This attitude to farming and farmers, however, is not so common in poor countries where there is great scope and need for farming.

• What reasons do you attribute to these two differing attitude towards farming in rich and poor nations?
• How does it affect poor nations?


When it comes to farming, there should have been equal priority both in rich and poor nations. Unfortunately, it does not happen in poor nations. There are reasons for this differing attitude, and the effects of which are dangerous.

What are the major reasons? First world economies are financially well off to support farming. For example, they invest hugely in technology to produce high yielding crops and ensure great returns to farmers. This is not so in poor nations where the economy is poor and they have several other pressing priorities.

Secondly, poor nations are hugely populated, and they think that industrialization is the only way out to become rich. In fact, many nations try to get industrial at the cost of farming, whereas in rich economies, farming itself is highly industrialized. They understand that it is food security that leads to growth. If we juxtapose this with poor nations, all the needs and scope for farming notwithstanding, they stay still stay conventional in farming practices.

Coming to the effects, life will be very difficult. Prices will go through the roof, the nominal farming community will get exploited by market forces, and finally, the rich will be able to enjoy higher buying power at the expenses of the poor. Apart from all these, food insecurity will lead to social disharmony and there will be rich poor divide, ill-health, malnutrition and falling health indices, to mention a few.

Looking at the causes and effects, it is right to conclude that ignoring farm sector is suicidal, and poor economies need to take cues from the rich and ensure food seucurity. This is for the good and welfare of both the rich and poor.

280 words
A jaypeesdoc

Today children in their younger age itself happen to spend a lot of time online. For some people this rising Internet time is a matter of a little concern whereas there some others who feel that today’s children cannot do without being online.

• Do you think the first opinion has got some relevance?
• How far is it right to say that being online is inevitable for children?

The Net is here to stay and not many can do without it. As a matter of fact, the rising internet time found among young children leaves a little room for worry. However, the fact remains that it has become part of their life in more ways than one.

When it comes to the concerns, it is right to say that there are some pitfalls. Children are children and they are prone to influences of all types. Naturally, the Net, being a virtual platform that remains spread across the world, poorly informed and misguided children may fall prey to many unhealthy practices. For example, community cites like Facebook, Tweeter and Blogs are useful only if they are wisely managed. Else, children may get trapped in cyber based snares and their associated criminal, asocial behaviours. There is a little danger, of course.

All the dangers notwithstanding, modern children cannot keep themselves off the possibilities of the Net. Inquisitive and enterprising little kids can reap great benefits out of the borderless possibilities out of the Internet. This is more so when it is juxtaposed to today’s fast changing academic ambience. Here every child is expected to find material and information to meet their specific academic requirements and personal expectations. For example, today’s curriculum is more activity and research oriented than text-based or teacher-centered. Here the Internet can do children great favours.

In short, what I feel is that Internet-based problems and prospects for children are just relative. So it is difficult to say that it is all the way harmful for all children or it is equally useful for all. It depends on how children are guided to the Net. Better parenting needs to make the Internet child-safe.

285 words
jaypeesdoc

Five questions on banking and currency management
1.

Almost all banking organizations these days promote internet banking among their clientele. Though this is the fastest way of banking, there are people who are doubtful of its reliability.

• What do you think are the advantages of Net banking?
• Do you think it is as reliable as traditional banking?

2.

With the rising popularity of plastic money, the importance of paper currency is getting reduced. This is advantageous in many counts.

• What do you think are the advantages of plastic money?
• Do you think days of paper currency are going to be over sooner?
Ajaypeesdoc. 16.2.011

3.

Today, people across the world enjoy better finance management services by way of information technology enabled services exploited by bankers, buyers and sellers.

• How is this development getting reflected in your place?
• What advantages do people enjoy out of this easy money management?

4.

The need for doing banking exercises faster is being felt much more today than ever, and people take great advantages out of this fast money management regime.

• Why is it important that money should move faster?
• What all advantages do you see in faster banking exercises?

5.

In all societies money is a great force to reckon with and today, thanks to technology and competition, financial instruments move much faster than ever.

• Do think this development is equally advantageous for bankers and public?

Ajaypeesdoc. 16.2.011

Since today’s globalized world order is one of mutual gains, there is an argument that there needs a global system for the management of losses like disasters, both manmade and natural, that happen much more frequently today than ever.
Essay 039
• How feasible is this idea in your opinion?
• What advantages such a system would offer the world community?

Today the world functions on a principle of mutual cooperation and the gains thereof. In such a scenario, a global disaster management system is of greater significance today than ever. I for one find this idea highly feasible, and it would offer great benefits to people across the world.

Let me see how feasible the idea is. First of all, rich economies are in a better position to take part in any disaster management efforts thanks to their being strong in almost all walks of life. Secondly, mobilizing the most important things to manage disasters like men and machinery, technology and essential supplies like medicine, food, clothing, roofing etc. is much easier today than ever. Finally, since mutual benefit is being appreciated world over, mutual participation in distress management is but a reasonable idea, and not many nations would fail to comply.

Coming to the advantages, the foremost thing is that people living disaster prone areas will have great relief. Secondly, a global system will be able to mitigate the gravity of disasters by way of reduced casualties, faster rehabilitation, reconstruction and normal life. Thirdly, all nations would be bound to keep their own disaster management systems in place. For example, if a disaster strikes India, India’s immediate neighbours like Bangladesh, Pakistan and China will be bound to press their disaster management system into action. It is immediate action that makes greater differences in the gravity of disasters.

In short, a universal disaster management system is of paramount importance to- day as the world is frequently being threatened by calamities. Since human welfare is a common cause, such a system will be beneficial for all across the world.

275 words

Disasters: Five different questions.

1.

The whole world is increasingly becoming insecure due to human actions leading to disasters, both manmade and natural. Therefore, it is argued that there needs a global disaster management system funded by all nations.

• Do you think the advantages of such a system outweigh its disadvantages?


2.

Today managing disasters - both manmade and natural - are far beyond the reach any Economy. So it is a good idea to have a globally binding disaster managements system.

• What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of such a system?

3.

Developed economies contribute much more to the imbalances in nature, leading to many natural disasters, than poor nations do. So some people argue that these rich nations need to compensate for all the losses these disasters cause to poor nations.

• How far can you endorse such a stand point?


4.

When a disaster strikes a nation, the world community springs into action and does whatever is possible to salvage the affected.

• How best is this tendency getting reflected in your place?
• Whose responsibility is it any way to manage disasters?


5.

Today the world is forced to cope with disasters of different natures and magnitudes. This situation is attributed more to human actions than to natural developments.

• How far do you agree or disagree with this view?
Ajaypeesdoc. 15.2.011

Longer and harder working hours with hefty pay packages and fewer and flexible working hours with decent pays are the two options today’s professionals are left to choose from.
Essay 004
• What do you think are the major advantages these two options offer for professionals?

Today, professionals are inundated by opportunities, but when it comes to work pattern and remuneration, their choice is limited. Longer and harder days may bring in huge pays, but flexible work may not be that attractive. However, there are brighter sides for both.

The first proposition makes me say that, in today’s skyrocketing cost of living and consumeristic world order, a hefty pay package would do great benefit to professinals. Those, who are ready to have extra times back in their office and are ready to bear a little occupational hazards, will climb up higher career rungs at shorter periods, enjoy personal satisfaction, achieve material success and social status. Above all, such professionals will pick up a work culture of extreme hard work. Hard work! It does pay.

Coming to flexible and fewer working hours, the primary advantage is that such people will be able to enjoy better work life balance. This is very important today, because, great number of professionals find their life miserable due to their inability to take their profession and life in an even manner. Therefore, when there is enough balance, there is more to life than to profession. Thereby, profession becomes part of life. Above all, such employees will pick up the art of meeting both ends meet with whatever they earn out of shorter flexible working hours.

Looking at both the choices, I find it right to conclude that it is a matter of how one looks at these career choices. It is not how long or how hard he or she works; rather it is how one takes one’s job that matters most. It’s all about attitude.

275 words
Ajaypeesdoc

Environmental Damage:_What will your future hold?
It is a downloaded material and I have any claim over it or its authenticity.

From a spiritual perspective, planetary changes which will have an impact on many are imminent because of the poor ecological state of the planet.
Most people expect change to happen, perhaps in their lifetime, but most do not expect it to be so soon. It will not be long, however, before planetary change will be upon us; humanity is running out of time.

Change has already begun through weather changes, but most of humanity has not noticed this yet. Climate change has begun to impact already and will begin to worsen within the next few years. Around 2011 most people will begin to see that the consequences of climate change will be far more severe than currently understood.

At present the general consensus is there could be minor consequenses resulting from the damaged environment; however, the truth is that the outcome of the present ecological devastation will be worse than expected.
As the planet is under enormous geological stresses, which are continuously increasing, it will in the future no longer be able to support its population. Scarcity of resources, overfarming, lack of clean air, not enough clean drinking water and drought are some of the issues that will all play a much greater role in the near future.

The kind of future we will have will depend on everyone of us. It will depend on how all of humanity will start to contribute in creating lifestyles that will support the ecology and all the life forms living on the planet.

Humanity has created enormous ecological devastation in trying to create lifestyles it likes and is benefiting from. The lifestyles of many people are improving at a fast rate, however, this will eventually result in a lack of some precious resources. When this scarcity begins to happen people will no longer be able to have sustainable lifestyles.

The planet cannot cope with the enormity of the ecological devastation that is taking place on every continent. This ecological devastation is not coming to a halt, instead it is still increasing and making it worse for the planet to support its population.

It is important to understand that everyone plays a role in the overall process of life. Each person's decision can ultimately affect the future. These decisions, all combined, can have a very good result on what the future will be like for humanity. So please bear in mind the future is not predetermined, but is dependent on the choices we, as a collective group of human beings, make in the NOW moment.

The future is not always how we see it. This is true for many aspects of living and is in particular true for global warming, as global warming has many implications that most people have not yet fully understood.

While more and more people are becoming aware of climate change and other environmental problems associated with global warming, not all are fully understanding how far-reaching its effects will be.

These effects are such that most people will not believe or accept what we have to say about this future, as most people do not wish to make changes. Most of the human race is aware that the planet is not functioning well, however, they do not understand that this is creating a major problem for the future survival of humanity.

From a spiritual perspective every person holds the key to a much improved future, should they wish to make the necessary changes to reduce their impact on the environment and help create a more sustainable future.

List of environmental problems

Today the earth’s environment is in a sorry state. Wherever one looks, one encounters pollution. Forests are disappearing. The green patches in the city are being replaced by concrete buildings. Waste products are being dumped indiscriminately. Water is too toxic to drink. The air is unfit to breathe. Global warming has become a menacing issue. There is a question mark over the survival of life on the earth. The human race is at the brink of a self-created disaster. Truly there is a surfeit of environmental problems today.

There are a number of significant environmental problems today. They are as follows:
• Loss of forest cover. Forest are being cut down for timber, construction and for obtaining extra agricultural land.
• Air pollution. This is caused by polluting industries and vehicular traffic. Burning incinerators, furnaces and stoves cause it. Wind is responsible for spreading air pollution. The Ozone layer has been damaged because of the use of CFC’s (Chlorofluorocarbons) which are used in a number of industrial, commercial, and household applications.
• Water pollution. Industries and factories release toxic wastes into the water. Leakage from oil tankers causes pollution of the sea. Pesticides and fertilizers also cause water pollution. Sewage released by cities into water bodies. It is predicted that there will be conflicts among nations because water will become scarce.
• Overpopulation. The increase in human population increases demands for the water resources. More land is required for housing. There is increased demand for food for which more agricultural land is needed. More fuel is required. More automobiles cause more pollution.
• Erosion of soil. When trees and plants are destroyed that causes increase in soil erosion.
• Climate change and Global warming. Human activities cause climate change like increase in temperature. Many animal and plant species may be destroyed by climate change.
• Introduction of genetically modified species. Humans are tinkering with the genes of various plants and animals. We do not fully understand how the introduction of new species will affect the environment.
• Destruction of biodiversity. Many plant and animal species have become extinct or are approaching extinction because of human activities. These endangered species may have important uses in medicine and science for humans.
• Devastation of natural habitats. Species such as tigers and lions are reducing in numbers because humans are steadily destroying the natural habitats which sustain them.
• Diminishing natural resources. Mankind is using up natural resources at an alarming rate. Fuel, water, minerals, timber are being consumed rapidly. Oil and natural gas resources are expected to get over by the end of this century.
• Marine habitats are being polluted. Overfishing has led to the extinction of many fish species. The oceans are vast but still vulnerable to pollution.

While conventional games were physically, socially and intellectually charging, new generation games are found to be the other way round; making participants passive and enervating.
Essay 014
• To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Games of olden times had many dimensions; social, physical and so on. Such games, naturally, fostered many faculties in several different ways. However, what we have today in the name of games, to a greater extent, are not so involving as to make the participants any better.

The roles games play in the mind and body of children are decisive. A game can either foster or spoil their faculties depending on the nature of the games. Fortunately, children of the past had several such physically, socially and intellectually involving games. For example, in our culture, there used to be many country games like throw ball, hide and seek, treasure hunt, chase and catch etc. These games involved group of children and they had been able to pick up better physical health, intellectual acumen and socializing skills by playing such games.

On the other hand, the games children play today are less involving and more isolating? Primarily, most of such games are individual games or maximum for pairs. Secondly, today, it is all supported by technology and children happen to use many gadget and devices which are more programmed than intellectually charging. For example, there are video games of all types, snake and ladder and the like. However, there are a few games like scrabble, jigsaw and crossword puzzles which are some way able to benefit children.

In short, I don’t think there is much disagreement on the view that older games were more involving and encouraging, and children picked up many skills and faculties. But today, barring a few games, most of the activities children do in the name of play are less involving and rarely fostering.

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Ajaypeesdoc

There is a new approach to retirement age limit which guarantees certain number of years’ service for all from the date of joining, say 30 years, of course with a minimum and maximum age limit for joining.

• Look at the advantages of service-period based retirement system?
• Do you think its advantages outweigh the advantages of age-based retirement?
Ajaypeesdoc. 9.2.011

When should one retire? It has been a pestering question for ages. Now, there is new approach to it called service-period based retirement, Let me look at its advantages and see whether it can outweigh the merits of age based retirement.

How good is this new system? It needs scrutiny. First of all, it ensures certain number of service for all the employees. Secondly, when there is provision for a fixed number of years’ service, obviously, the nation can make better use of its human resources. Thirdly, it is right to say that all those who get paid employment can make substantial contributions for themselves in particular and for society in general. There is greater scope for young bloods as well.

Age-based retirement, by the way, is of course able to accommodate youngsters every year provided the set age is affordable. Besides, this system makes whole service sector organized in the sense that there is a particular date for every one’s retirement. Say for example, in Kerala 55 years is the age limit. But the retirement date is at the end of the financial year. This is a blessing for many.

But for one who is waiting to fill the gap left by retirees it is a huge problem. But there is a problem that people who join service at the cut of date of joining may get only a few years’ service. This is not so in service-period based system where one is assured of certain years’ service no matter when he or she joins. In this system some people are retiring from service everyday and some are joining too. Waiting for year-end retirement does not happen here as well.

In short, looking at the advantages of conventional retirement practice and the new one, the latter one stays a cut above the former. Anyway, the new approach needs to be tested to be accepted by all.

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Ajaypeesdoc

There is a new approach to retirement age which guarantees certain number of years’ service for all from the date of joining, say 30 years, of course with a minimum and maximum age limit for joining.

• Look at the advantages of service-period based retirement system?
• Do you think its advantages outweigh the advantages of age-based retirement?
Ajaypeesdoc. 9.2.011

answer will follow

A machine that was developed lately
What it is
When it was developed
How it works and helps man

Well, our times have a seen a lot developments
And I would like to talk about a new medical machine
Developed recently, and it is going to be a great help to man.

The machine is called ultra sound signal chain
Which, the developers say, would help doctors and patients alike.
It’s the latest development in medical care, and
The developers Frost and Sullivan says that this machine
Can be commercially developed within a few months

When produced commercially, this machine will be small
Enough to be made portable, and it is designed to
Fit in ICUs, ambulances and similar mobile triage situations.

When it comes to its medial application
It works much more efficiently than any other ultra sound based
Diagnosing device. It is very simple, and almost sound proof and
It works on a new microchip which functions like a chain does,
Identifying ultrasounds one after the other and ending up with the
Last possible detection; that is even the indecipherable sound beats
This is best suited for people
who are suffering from age related ailments.

I think this chip-supported machine will revolutionize
The way geriatric care works these days

As our century is bound to look after greater number of
Aged people than it was before, this is medical machine
Will give the aged population a little relief.

Yes, this is a great development, that is all about it sir.


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In developed countries governments encourage farming and do everything possible to satisfy the interests of farmers. This attitude to farming and farmers, however, is not so common in poor countries where there is great scope and need for farming.

• What reasons do you attribute to these two differing attitude towards farming in rich and poor nations?
• How does it affect poor nations?


When it comes to farming, there should have been equal priority both in rich and poor nations. Unfortunately, it does not happen in poor nations. There are reasons for this differing attitude, and the effects of which are dangerous.

What are the major reasons? First world economies are financially well off to support farming. For example, they invest hugely in technology to produce high yielding crops and ensure great returns to farmers. This is not so in poor nations where the economy is poor and they have several other pressing priorities.

Secondly, poor nations are hugely populated, and they think that industrialization is the only way out to become rich. In fact, many nations try to get industrial at the cost of farming, whereas in rich economies, farming itself is highly industrialized. They understand that it is food security that leads to growth. If we juxtapose this with poor nations, all the needs and scope for farming notwithstanding, they stay still stay conventional in farming practices.

Coming to the effects, life will be very difficult. Prices will go through the roof, the nominal farming community will get exploited by market forces, and finally, the rich will be able to enjoy higher buying power at the expenses of the poor. Apart from all these, food insecurity will lead to social disharmony and there will be rich poor divide, ill-health, malnutrition and falling health indices, to mention a few.

Looking at the causes and effects, it is right to conclude that ignoring farm sector is suicidal, and poor economies need to take cues from the rich and ensure food seucurity. This is for the good and welfare of both the rich and poor.

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A jaypeesdoc

Time Management in Listening
Time is really crucial in listening

Imagine, you have got a test with the following divisions of questions.

Questions Questions
Section one 1 to 10 Section two 11 to 21
Section three 22 to 30 Section four 31 to 40

There can be subsections for all four sections, or at least for three sections.

For example, Section one: First, look at questions Nos 1 to 6
Now look at questions 7 to 10

Here you have a little liberty on two things. First you have a little time before the real test begins. You’ll get a minute. You can read the first few questions clearly, and are better positioned to answer the initial questions, for you have a better idea about what is asked for.

By the time you come to answer question number 6, you’ll have the freedom to wait till you get the last word of the audio of that particular subsection. You need not be confused on whether the audio part of a particular question is over or not.

This is helpful in two ways: firstly, you will get a better answer because, you do not have another question following, or, you are not under any pressure. Secondly, you are going to get a little time before the next section begins. Here the presenter has to interfere to tell you to look at question numbers 7 to 10.

When the second sub-section begins, you are better positioned to answer the first question, that is question number 7. Then you are taken forward to read and answer questions 8 and 9. By the time you reach at question now 10, you have a few more advantages.

First thing is that the section itself is over. Secondly, you are relaxed and glad to know that there is 30 seconds left to go back to your answers. Thirdly, you can have a little ‘reading ahead’ of the following section provided you have written all your previous answers well or not so badly. Time saved by writing legible/clear and right answers in the first attempt itself will give you the advantage of minimum 20 seconds to read ahead the following section.

Now let us see the section Number. 2

First the presenter will tell you what is going to happen. The moment you know of the topic, you can go to questions straightaway. When the presenter tells you, ‘look at questions ‘11 to 16’, ‘11 to 17’ or even ‘11 to 20’ (taking the whole section in a single go), you are not surprised, because you know what is in store. You can follow the same pattern as you did in the first section.


The only difference you would find in one section after the other is that you will be asked to answer different types of questions. Apart from that, what you are going to do to answer questions, say 21 to 28 or 31 to 36 or whatever, the process involved is the same. But the freedom you get is much more, primarily because, at the end you have the sweet feeling that the test itself is over.

Secondly, you have got 30 seconds to check your answers together with a 10 minutes to transfer your answers. These times are to be better managed to perform better in listening.

Student problems:

• Different accents, at times, in the same test.
• Falling and rising tones. Falling tones at times go poorly heard or virtually inaudible.
• Homophones: words with almost same pronunciation but with different spellings.
• Spellings of some regional, geographical, cultural and social words and expressions.
• Long discussions leading to an answer in multiple-choice questions.
• Quick answers: a sentence carrying more than one answer.
• Answers not in succession.
• The last word of a talk becoming an answer.
• Adjectives that make or mar an answer. E.g. 'a job' instead of 'a challenging job'.
• Phrasal verbs, idiomatic expressions, jargons and regional/dialectical expressions

Solutions.

1. Listen to various TV programmes. News bulletins, talk-back programmes, discussions, interviews, phone ins, commentaries and so on.
2. Listening to interviews, both audio and audio visual, is good.
3. List out for common homophones and familiarize them.
4. List out typical English expressions and be in touch with them.
5. Doing comprehension passages and reading. Eliminating the wrong ones, culling out the right one, ignoring the unattended one, selecting only the attended options etc. are simple ways to find the right answer.
6. Listen. Listen and listen to see how packed a sentence could be.
7. Comprehension of passages. Attending lectures and talks.
8. List out common phrases and idioms, practice them while writing speaking and listening. An associative approach to learning is needed.

A jaypeedoc. 05/02/011

Personal savings as a percentage of personal income

The table breaks up particulars of personal savings as a percentage of personal income for selected countries in 1970, 1990 and 2000.

In 1970 people of Italy saved 29.5 percent of their personal income, but it kept on decreasing over the years and when it was 1990, it came down to 17.6 and 11.4 in the following periods. The next nationals to save more of their income in 1970 were the French with 18.7%. Here also we find a decreasing trend with 1990 and 2000 recording 12.5. 13.6% respectively.

The corresponding figures for Japan are 17.6%, 12.1%, 13.6%. It is seen that Germans saved 13.8% of their income in 1970 and 1990, but the figure came down to 11.8 in the following period.

The people of UK and USA saved much less than 10% of their income in all three periods, except in 2000 wherein UK citizens’ savings went above a little in 2000, 11.1%. When it comes Canadians, their sayings in 1970 was 5.6%, but it went up to 11.5 in 1990, it fell far less to 1.9% in 2000.

Factors motivating young professionals to succeed: Bar chart on Survey result

The bar chart presents the result of a survey conducted on 1000 young professionals, aged between 20-30, to find out what motivated them to succeed in their life. 27 words

To begin with, 80% participants responded that personal satisfaction and ambition were the major factors that contributed to their success. Following them were another 75% who said that it was family pressure. Sixty percent respondents were of the opinion that pressure from the society drove them whereas 50% had the impression that desire for material things and rivalry were forcing them to be successful. 60 words

When peer pressure and money encouraged another 45% each to succeed, slightly above 30% youngsters found pressure in feeling inadequate. Envy/jealousy pushed 30% to succeed followed by another 25% who had the impression that it was fear of failure that made them strive hard. 36 words

Though different people have different views on factors leading to success, fear of failure motivates the least number of youngsters and ambition and money motivate the most. 28 words

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jaypeedoc. 4/2/11


Factors that make working environ pleasant: a survey result.

The bar chart breaks up the findings of a survey conducted on two different age groups- 18-30 and 45-60 – to find out factors that make their working environment pleasant.

These factors can be divided into external and internal factors. The internal factors are team spirit, competent boss, respect from colleagues and job satisfaction. The external factors are chance for personal development, job security, promotional prospects and money.

On the internal factors, above 50% in each age groups agreed that team spirit, competent boss and job satisfaction are essential for making their environment pleasant. Whereas on the external factors, there are contrasting findings. On the chance for personal development and promotional aspects 80% to 90% of the younger groups were in favour while less than 50% of the older groups thought so. A similar pattern is noted on job security. With regards to money 69% to 70% of both the age groups said it is essential.

In conclusion, the internal factors have similar responses from the two age groups while they had dissimilar opinions on external factors.


170 words

Today children in their younger age itself happen to spend a lot of time online. For some people this rising Internet time is a matter of a little concern whereas there some others who feel that today’s children cannot do without being online.

• Do you think the first opinion has got some relevance?
• How far is it right to say that being online is inevitable for children?

The Net is here to stay and not many can do without it. As a matter of fact, the rising internet time found among young children leaves a little room for worry. However, the fact remains that it has become part of their life in more ways than one.

When it comes to the concerns, it is right to say that there are some pitfalls. Children are children and they are prone to influences of all types. Naturally, the Net, being a virtual platform that remains spread across the world, poorly informed and misguided children may fall prey to many unhealthy practices. For example, community cites like Facebook, Tweeter and Blogs are useful only if they are wisely managed. Else, children may get trapped in cyber based snares and their associated criminal, asocial behaviours. There is a little danger, of course.

All the dangers notwithstanding, modern children cannot keep themselves off the possibilities of the Net. Inquisitive and enterprising little kids can reap great benefits out of the borderless possibilities out of the Internet. This is more so when it is juxtaposed to today’s fast changing academic ambience. Here every child is expected to find material and information to meet their specific academic requirements and personal expectations. For example, today’s curriculum is more activity and research oriented than text-based or teacher-centered. Here the Internet can do children great favours.

In short, what I feel is that Internet-based problems and prospects for children are just relative. So it is difficult to say that it is all the way harmful for all children or it is equally useful for all. It depends on how children are guided to the Net. Better parenting needs to make the Internet child-safe.

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jaypeesdoc