Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Theory on Smoking Cessation

The Academic Decathlon †How to Prepare for the USAD Test

The Academic Decathlon – How to Prepare for the USAD Test The Academic Decathlon – How to Prepare for the USAD Test Academic competitions are common. There are spelling bees and robotic competitions on a national level, for example. There are school-wide, regional, and state competitions. One of the most interesting national academic competitions is the Academic Decathlon, a product of the U.S. Academic Decathlon Association (USAD). The competition was created in 1968 by the Superintendent of Schools for Orange Country, California just for California. It was later expanded to a national competition, and today most states and a few international schools now participate. What is Unique About the Academic Decathlon Most competitions involve the very best students that schools can put together as competitors. But this one is different, in the following ways: Each team is made up of 9 students. 3 are considered â€Å"honors† with GPA’s between 3.75-4.0; 3 are named â€Å"scholastic, with GPA’s between 3 – 3.74; 3 are named â€Å"varsity† with GPA’s of 0.00 – 2.99). There are ten events, and all students compete as individuals in their classified divisions. Team scores are determined by taking top scores from each division in each of the events and then added up for a total score for the team. Competitions begin at the local level, and the winning team from each state then moves on to the national competition. Tests of the Competition The ten events of USAD cover all academic disciplines that typical high school students study. These are as follows: 7 multiple-choice tests in language literature, math, science, social studies, economics, art and music. There is a Super Quiz that is either in science or social studies There is an essay to write, based upon optional prompts Each student must prepare a speech on a pre-selected topic Each student will be interviewed by judges. Obviously, the multiple-choice tests are objective measurements. The other three events are assessed subjectively by the judges, although the judging criteria is published on the organization’s website. Students don’t Go In â€Å"Blind† Every year the organization publishes its curriculum in every subject on its website. This provides students with an outline of the skills and content to be included in the 7 objective tests. This curriculum is developed by a 10-member panel. Anyone contributing to the curriculum must have a Bachelor’s degree in the subject. Once the curriculum is created, it is then checked by others for accuracy. There is also a USAD â€Å"theme† developed for each year, and the tests all relate to the theme. In the language and literature section, for example, a novel or set of plays is selected each year and provided to students. In music and art, students are provided with specific works that they must research and study. If, for example, the theme were to be â€Å"Africa,† as it was one year, social studies, language and literature, economics, art, and music tests will all relate to that continent, and contestants are provided specific topics to study. The Subjective Portions of the Competition As the term implies, there are no right or wrong answers to these parts of the event. Speech: This event is divided into two parts. The first is a prepared speech on a pre-provided topic, and it is to be 3  ½ - 4 minutes long. The second part is an impromptu speech. Contestants are given three optional prompts, choose one, and then deliver a 1  ½ - 2minute speech on that topic. The Interview: This is a formal event, during which the student is asked a series of questions and expected to respond. Questions have included such things as â€Å"Who is your role model and why?† The Essay: Contestants are given three prompts, choose one, and have 50 minutes to write their essays on the chosen topic. The prompts relate to the theme of that year and come from the language and literature or the Super Quiz areas. How to Prepare for the USAD Test There is a wealth of information published and updated each year on the organization’s website. This includes the theme and â€Å"curriculum† in each of the seven objective testing content areas. Information is released according to a calendar. For the 2017-2018 USAD competition, for example, the theme and general topic was posted March 1, 2018; the outlines for each curricular topic area on May 1; and more specific curriculum materials (e.g., study guides) will began to be shipped out to team coaches and state directors on May 15. The competition takes place in November, 2018, giving teams the summer months to spend time in strong preparation. Materials for Study – The Objective Multiple-Choice Tests The study materials that are provided by the USAD, including the topic areas and outlines are all free and can be downloaded from the website, and this is a good start for preparation. The more specific study materials – resource guides, study guides, etc. must be purchased by each team, and the cost is $1000. While there have been lots of complaints about charging for these materials, the organization claims that it has to in order to meet its over $1 million budget each year. This can put an additional burden on schools and school districts that are from poorer areas, and that has been a point of controversy. There are also USAD practice tests that are developed each year by third-party for-profit companies. These are sold to teams, and, when schools are able to provide this kind of financial support, the tests can be a big help. The USAD does not support or encourage the purchase of the practice tests; however, they are well-done and can give a team a pretty big advantage. Any time students have the opportunity to take practice test, research shows that they do better on the real thing. With all of this information and all of these study materials, most teams can be well-prepared for the objective testing events, provided they have a good coach and they spend a lot of time studying the material. The objective tests are very fact-based and do not require critical or creative thinking. It is really a matter of memorization. Because of this, a number of educational associations, such as the ASCD, have criticized the objective portion of the event. The criticism relates to the fact that students are basically engaged in straight memorization of facts rather than any higher-level thinking skills, such as application, analysis, or synthesis. The Association’s response is that, because the event is theme-based, students will become â€Å"experts† of sorts on those wider curricular areas and will have a knowledge base that they would not get in a regular school curricular environment. Materials for Study – The Subjective Portion of Testing No one can completely prepare for this portion of the event. However, given that the USAD theme for each year is published, and given that the essay and speech prompts will all relate to this theme, preparation can be in the following forms: For the essay portion of the exam, students can review and study essay samples in the general topical theme areas. And just as they would practice for an ACT or SAT essay, they should write several essays on their own that also relate to the theme and the language and literature and super quiz curricula. Speech Preparation: The ability to deliver a good speech is as much about self-confidence as it is about the content. Students should practice preparing and delivering speeches on the thematic topic areas of course. It is the impromptu speech event that will probably present the greatest challenge. But there are tactics and strategies that can be learned and practiced. During the time they have to prepare for USAF test, students should be given topics from their coaches that relate to the theme and take the one-minute of allowed preparation time to gather their thoughts. The most important parts of any speech are the opening and the ending. Practice using your minute of allowed preparation time to craft a great opening sentence and a solid ending. These will be the most memorable. Again, practice is the one thing that will get you over that anxiety and nervousness. The Interview: you will not be able to anticipate the questions you might be asked in a formal interview situation. The key to success, though, will be in your ability to stay calm, focused, and poised. Again, the key to a successful interview is practice. Your USAD coach should set up several interview sessions and ask difficult questions. Your goal is to take a minute, think about the question being asked, and form a response that relates directly to that question. Part of evaluating your performance will be your ability to stick to the topic of the question, to speak clearly and with confidence, and to keep your response relatively brief. The biggest mistake that people make during interviews is veering off topic and giving an answer that is disjointed and incoherent. Outside Research – It is Valuable You have the outlines and the study guide and resource materials. You know what the theme is. This year, for example, it is Africa. So, how much do you really know about Africa – it’s history, its development, it political, economic and social challenges? Most high schools do not offer a course in African studies, so you may not know much. You can take the study guides and gain a lot of factual information about Africa, but do you really have a solid, general understanding of the continent? Chances are you don’t. Take some time during the summer months before the competition to make Africa your focus of study. There is an amazing amount of online resources about this continent and the richness of its history, geography, and societies. Your goal should be to get a broad base of general knowledge, so that the factual information you may need to memorize actually makes sense to you. For example, you can access the National Geographic website and find a huge amount of information about Africa. In fact, there is a TV series on our African beginnings, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that is soon to start. Likewise, there are news stories about Africa published daily by online news organizations. The more general knowledge you can absorb about Africa, the more you will be able to appear as an â€Å"expert,† especially during the subjective portions of the event. You just never know when you may be able to throw in some information you have about Africa that will impress the judges. Above All – Take the Time You Need When you study for final exams, you have two choices. You can organize your material regularly throughout the semester and study a bit at a time. Or, you can â€Å"cram† at the last minute, perhaps 1-2 days before that exam and get help from essay services. Students who choose either option can be successful and get good exam grades. But preparing for the Academic Decathlon is different. It’s not like a final exam in history or social studies that covers a finite amount of material. It is an examination that covers all content areas. There is no way to â€Å"cram† at the last minute. Fortunately, your team will have a coach who will prepare a schedule of work and study over a longer period of time. You can study and learn in a relatively stress-free environment, and this means that you will retain much of what you learn long-term. So, if you study a piece of literature without the stress of an immediate exam, that more relaxed environment allows you to absorb information, to think critically about the piece, and to â€Å"cement† your understanding. Likewise, the longer preparation time will allow lots of practice for the subjective parts of the event – those speeches, the interview, and that essay. In these areas, it is practice, not study, that will make the difference. Above all, you need to understand that you are a part of a team with a coach. While you will be scored on your individual performance, it is important that you have the mindset of being a member of a team. Each member’s accomplishments should be encouraged and applauded – that’s what teamwork is all about.

ME GLOBAL ACASE FOR CULTURE Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

ME GLOBAL ACASE FOR CULTURE - Case Study Example However, in 2011, this company registered its best performance in the market. The company sales were high, thus resulting in great profits. Despite this, MEGlobal is still faced with different problems, which have prevented it from achieving stable performance in the market. This paper therefore, addresses some of the problems MEGlobal experiences, and the possible solutions to these problems. The main challenges of MEGlobal have their roots in the management of the company. MEGlobal is a joint venture, therefore, this company, like many other joint ventures, has experienced considerable obstacles, which have influenced the company negatively. Dow Chemical Company of the United States and Petrochemical Industries Company (PIC) of Kuwait own MEGlobal jointly. In 2004 when the joint venture was formed, Dow contributed technology and expertise, while PIC contributed finances. Once the joint ownership documents were signed, MEGlobal began operating as a joint venture. During the initial period of this joint venture, great profits were realized. However, after considerable period, these profits came down (Hayes 1). Cultural difference in this company presents a major problem. This problem has been experienced since the initial developmental years of MEGlobal. This joint venture resulted in the integration of employees from the two different countries. These have different cultures, therefore, initially; it was a challenge for them to get along harmoniously without any misunderstandings based on their cultural differences. Employees from Dow had to work with Kuwaitis, while other Kuwaitis were transferred to Canada. Cultures for Kuwait people and Canadians are different, therefore, initially, it was hard for the employees from different cultural backgrounds to coordinate and cooperate. For a company to succeed there must be a coherent culture in the company, which all employees adhere to. Poor integration and communication in the company

Jackson Pollock's Convergence as Fine Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Jackson Pollock's Convergence as Fine Art - Essay Example The paper "Jackson Pollock's Convergence as Fine Art" concerns the art of Jackson Pollok. In 1973, his 1952 painting of Blue Poles was purchased by the Australian government for an outstanding amount of US$2 million—that time the highest price ever paid for a contemporary work of art. His paintings are currently valued up to US$40 million. Only works by Rembrandt, Velazquez and da Vinci had commanded more respect and higher prices in the art market. Another of Pollock’s most well-known pieces is Convergence (1952, oil on canvas, 93 1/2 x 155 inches, exhibited in the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, New York). The Springbok Company introduced Convergence as a jigsaw puzzle in 1965. The 340-piece jigsaw puzzle was billed as â€Å"the world’s most difficult jigsaw puzzle† as hundreds of thousands of Americans struggled to piece together the reproduction of Pollock’s complex art. As Jackson Pollock rose to fame and to a significant reputation in the world of art, some critics argued whether his paintings were really "art", or just mere paint drips on canvas. The seemingly simple act Pollock performed fuelled controversies and split the public opinion. His masterworks triggered discussions whether his style was raw genius or was his work an arbitrary composition of paint brought about by a drunken state. The definition of art is frequently the issue of debate and argument. What constitutes its nature and qualities is a complicated matter. Who is authorized to define art is also a subject of disputations.

An Analysis Of Coste Coffees Marketing Marketing Essay

An Analysis Of Coste Coffees Marketing Marketing Essay 2. Analyse the Company cases Marketing; and then reflect on how it compares to the marketing of one of the Companys Competitors (50% marks): In the first part of the essay, I am going to use market segmentation, targeting and positioning to analyse Costa coffees marketing. In the light of the global recession in 2008, the competition within the coffee industry has become fiercer than before, Costa Coffee financial reports looked very promising with rising growth whilst Starbucks experienced hard times. (Cafà © Business 2009) Different marketing strategy of the two companies would be reflected later in this essay. Segmentation Demographic segmentation divides markets into segments by population characteristics. Three main demographic factors that Costa Coffee used are age group, social class, and professional level. By dividing the potential customers into age groups, Costa Coffee can adjust the flavour and choices of coffee accordingly. For instance, teenagers might prefer hot chocolate rather than espresso, as they normally have a preference of sweet-tasting beverages. On the other hand, adults might prefer drinks with more caffeine since caffeine acts as stimulant and keeps them alert at work. (Ferrell Hartline 2008, pp.172-173) From social variables, Costa Coffee can know more about what products customers are looking for. This is due to the fact that they suggest the customers level of income which in turn affects their ability to buy. For example, the privileged class would spend more on coffee than the middle class each month. In this way, Costa Coffee can adjust the prices accordingly (Dibb, Simkin, Pride Ferrell 2006, pp. 229-232) Behavioural segmentation is by far the most important type of consumer segmentation due to the fact that it is more closely related to consumer need. (Ferrell Hartline 2008, p.172) Costa Coffee can segment the market based on peoples different coffee preferences. According to the Costa Coffees marketing director, Jim Slater, he found out that there are people who find latte too weak and cappuccinos too frothy, and do not want the strong flavour of an espresso or black Americano. (Reynolds 2010, p.2) Furthermore, Costa Coffee has identified what made the customers buy the coffee, some might look for a place to relax and others might want to grab and go. In this way, Costa Coffee can try to satisfy the customers needs (e.g. by improving the interior design of the shop) (Whitbread 2010, p.14) Targeting Once identified the segments, the firm can starts the targeting process. Costa Coffee caters for all the segments and does not use the concentrated strategy (i.e. concentrating on just one segment) as it is too risky. It uses differentiated strategy, developing different market mix for different segments. (Bradley 2005, pp. 30, 208) Launching Flat white in January 2010 was no doubt a way for Costa Coffee to target their customers who are looking for coffee other than latte and espresso. In just one month, flat white has already accounted for 7.5% of the sales. (Reynolds 2010, p.2) When dividing its market into segments, Costa Coffee believes that targeting the upper classes would be most profitable. The brand name symbolises luxurious and excellence, thus these classes are willing to pay more for a cup of coffee. (Whitbread 2010, p.15) Positioning: In terms of positioning, Costa Coffee launched its first TV advertising campaign in order to position the product in customers minds and give them an image of the company. The advert was about monkeys playing with the coffee machines and attempting to create the perfect coffee. (Reynolds 2010, p.3) The advert ended with a Costa barista trying to hand make a perfect cup of coffee, showing that it can only be created by barista who are highly skilled and passionate about coffee. The message behind the TV advertisement was to prove the supremacy of Costa Coffees products. According to Reynolds (2010), Costa Coffee is going to express the idea that it is trying to save everyone from the normal coffee into the TV advert. Reflect Unlike Costa Coffee, what Starbucks trying to sell is not only coffee, but also the Starbucks experience. Starbucks believes creating a cosy, relaxing atmosphere would be a key driver of success. To many customers, coffee is a treat after a stressful day. It targets particularly at young adults, who look for places to unwind. (Michelli 2007, pp.49-51) According to the Mintel report on coffee in February 2010, the 16-34 year old age group are more likely to make their own coffee at home (Mintel International Group Limited, 2010). Starbucks coffee has successfully launched an online store, so that the customers would be able to purchase coffee beans online. (Gia 2009, pp.10-11) Both Costa Coffee and Starbucks monitor their coffee quality standard carefully despite Starbucks main focus is on the Starbucks experience. Starbucks do that by researching constantly and developing new technologies in order to improve the roasting processes and thus the quality of coffee. (Michelli 2007, pp 58-64) Costa Coffee adopted a similar strategy and also widened the range of product sold. Moreover, both of the companies target their customers in a similar way. They both launch coffee club cards, which enable them to track their customers consumption pattern and thus improve their strategy on targeting their customers. However, after recession, it is evident that Costa Coffee did well than Starbucks. Some experts believe that Starbucks decision to align with McDonalds was the one to be blamed. The reason behind is that McDonalds offer low quality coffee which in turns adversely affected the Starbucks experience that Starbucks has been trying to established. (Cafà © Business, 2009) To sum up, Reflect means digest, mull over, think aloud about the key marketing features of the company case with the marketing of a key competitor. E.g. with MS we could have compared it with Next, or george at Asda . You could frame your reflection by asking questions or perhaps review how strong relatively the 2 companies brands are, for example. http://books.google.com.hk/books?id=beBNXXZbEEoCpg=PA170dq=starbucks,+segmentationhl=enei=JjokTaXpFIemcMeW-H8sa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=2ved=0CCsQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=starbucks%2C%20segmentationf=false http://books.google.com.hk/books?id=QDaax4mFMpcCpg=PA28dq=starbucks,+segmentationhl=enei=JjokTaXpFIemcMeW-H8sa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=1ved=0CCYQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=starbucks%2C%20segmentationf=false http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/coffee-chains-turnover-set-to-double-582227.html http://www.google.com.hk/search?tbs=bks%3A1tbo=1hl=enq=starbucks+segmentation http://www.economicshelp.org/blog/economics/is-the-price-of-a-starbucks-a-rip-off/

Terry Gilliam

To tell you the truth, last Friday I really did try to watch the movie and keep myself awake but no matter what, I still kept on dozing off. Although I was able to understand a bit, I still had to watch It again for me to have a better and deeper feel of the story. Knowing that It was produced In 1985, I would say that the plot and setting was pretty genius. The lead actor had to be really good to pull It off or else everything would have been so awkward.Well actually, the movie did not Interest me t all, I got really bored watching It, not because It Is badly written nor directed, It Is Just that It Is not my kind of movie but I really did appreciate Brazil; Its story, actors, direction, technique, script and everything else, I find It really brave of them to produce a movie such as that. I think it was really risky since not everyone can grasp the full implications of satire movies. L, too, had a hard time understanding everything: I had to read articles online just so I could full y get it.The message that the film wants to convey to the viewers is really extreme, to the point that not everyone can get it since some would think that it is only mere entertainment. I think it was creatively presented but it did not have any impact on me. There are those movies that would make you realize stuff about life, there are those that will make you cry and sad, there are those that will make you want to fall in love but Brazil, well it is imaginative but it really is not my kind of movie.

The Death of Star Wars Song Essay Topics

The Death of Star Wars Song Essay Topics The True Meaning of Star Wars Song Essay Topics Consider something you're not permitted to do but wish you could. You cannot do both, since it's going to be too confusing for your readers. To get started writing an excellent rhetorical analysis essay, the first thing springs to mind is the rhetorical analysis essay topic ideas. There's always something bigger. Since it's one of the most popular franchise, it's possible to comprehend that the among of topics which can be covered is endless. In lots of sections of text's primary body you are going to demonstrate different contrast or compare points. That is the reason we have resolved to fix both these issues and help you compose amazing pieces at the same time. So, we've composed extensive lists of topics to give you a wide selection of choices. If you receive an assignment to compose an essay on Star Wars, it may be one of the most exciting written tasks! Finding the sum to direct such a film wasn't easy at the moment. Then, it's far better to analyze the importance of the very first trilogy in your Star Wars essays. There isn't any doubt that Star Wars is among the most epic film series that's been ever created in the American cinematography. What to Expect From Star Wars Song Essay Topics? In addition, the background instrumentation is changed up to supply extra interest. Your vet can suggest the most reputable pet medical care insurance businesses. Our book is a little step toward that. Have a veterinarian or knowledgeable friend demonstrate how to find the quick. The Dirty Facts About Star Wars Song Essay Topics Turquoise blends nicely with fashion and interior design due to its flattering qualities. However, this color is best worn while the weather is warm. The Kilt Kit was made to be tossed around. The plan of the Kilt Hanger is ideal for the full Prince Charlie outfit. New Ideas Into Star Wars Song Essay Topics Never Before Revealed Explore the blog to be aware of the points that are required to keep in mind prior to selecting topics for rhetorical analysis essay. The second important aspect to consider while selecting the rhetorical essay topics is that you've got just a little understanding about it. Try out a number of these topics. Following that, narrow down the list and decide on the last topic by researching the available info a bout the subject. The fundamental trick of making some bit of writing impressive and exciting is to concentrate on the subject of your interest. This post comprises affiliate links. Though you'll have different conclusions in the conclusion of each paragraph throughout the text, you also should have a conclusion as a distinct role in the conclusion of your essay. Keep in mind that every paragraph should end with a conclusion that is a quick sentence showing the major idea of the section. The One Thing to Do for Star Wars Song Essay Topics It's also worth to say that the film has a potential of the growth of cross-cultural tolerance. One of the absolute most important functions of film music is to produce a mood or atmosphere in order to make an aural frame of reference for viewing visual images. Even if it hasn't been finished yet, and millions of individuals are waiting for the previous film from the trilogy, there are lots of aspects presented in the very first and second movies of the trilog y which is worth studying. Write about your thoughts on the way in which the movie business has changed. There are many different streaming music platforms on the marketplace, and a few individuals might rather listen to music on other streaming music services. Within this circumstance, it's well worth examining the new characters which were presented in these movies. Here are some approaches to explore tech with these characters. This is less an issue with the way the scene is realised technically than with what's being realised. Choosing Star Wars Song Essay Topics Is Simple Now, it's not possible to ignore the function of the third trilogy which is called the sequel trilogy. Instead, the movie requires a look at how romance evolves into something different in a real-life relationship. This is a rather unorthodox romance in that there is actually not much romance in it in any respect. This isn't the scenario, for whilst the movie ends on an up beat note, the greatest threat of the Empire has not yet been neutralized, and must be taken care of in another film. It's the movie that's the epitome of movie watching. The most apparent idea that's in the movie is religion. To offer musical selection, it didn't stick to the film's chronological order. In every melodrama there's a hero and in every movie there's an impressive actor that surprises the audience by making use of their abilities. The Tried and True Method for Star Wars Song Essay Topics in Step by Step Detail Okay, to offer some analysis, there's lots of driving or undertones once we get in the Escape portion, since the Resistance is only trying to break free from the First Order. The years of training they'd go through for the war wouldn't have made them ready for the majority of the things which would be done in the 20 decades of the clone wars. You should have all pieces of the test under control before you demonstrate your skills in their complete entirety. It won't be any different than every other blood test you've received.