Sunday, January 26, 2020

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Health

Socioeconomic Determinants Of Health 1.1 Explain the effects of socioeconomic influences on health Recent evidence suggests that the health of the population in the United Kingdom continues to improve. However, despite this many people will experience an inequality in terms of their health and the chance of living in good health is unequally distributed within society (House of Common Health Committee 2009). Socio-economic status is one of the most important determinants of health and the link between this and health is widely accepted (NPHS 2004). Differences in health by social class was examined by the Black Report (1980), which investigated the problem of health inequalities in the UK and found that people of lower economic status were far more likely to experience ill-health and premature death than those of higher socio-economic status. The report concluded that despite the improvement in the overall health of the population, the improvement had not been equal across the social classes and that the health gap between lower and higher social classes was widening. This was supported by the Health Divide (1987) and the Acheson Report (1998), which mirrored the findings of the Black Report. Report findings suggested there was a direct correlation between socio-economic class and health and the likelihood of developing health problems such as coronary heart disease, strokes, lung cancer and respiratory diseases was far higher in the lower social classes. The aim of this essay is to discuss the unequal distribution of health within society; this will be achieved through the examination of the incidence of coronary heart disease within a lower socio-economic group. This subject has been chosen because it is of particular relevance within some of the most deprived areas of Wales and accounts for a large proportion of deaths. A further aim of the essay will be to identify and discuss the factors that influence health across a persons lifespan. Psycho-social influences on health will be discussed along with the direct and indirect influence they have on the health of a person. An analysis of pertinent social policy will be provided together with the relevant public health policies that have been developed to tackle the problem of health inequalities. Finally the role of the nurse and the multi-disciplinary team in improving health inequalities will be considered. In order to achieve these aims it is important to fully understand what is m eant by health and the term health inequality. The Biomedical model defines health as the absence of disease and focuses on the eradication of disease and illness through diagnosis and effective treatment. The state of health is determined by assessing whether or not a disease is present and is driven by the belief that cures for diseases need to be found in order for people to be considered healthy (Bury 2005). Despite often being considered to present a negative view of health it is the most prevalent model used in Western society. When people are feeling unwell it is the medical professions opinion that is sought and the primary concern of the is the treatment of disease and prevention of illness. Symptoms of illness are considered to have an underlying pathology in this model and this pathology can, although not always successfully be treated or restored thus leading to re-instated health (Morrison and Bennet 2009). However this model fails to recognise other factors that influence health. In contrast the social model of health defines health and illness from an individuals perspective and their functioning in society. Rather than merely considering biological or physiological changes, it regards disease as being a result of the interaction of biological, psychological and social conditions (Brannon and Feist 2007). It emphasises that changes can be made in both the individuals lifestyle and in wider society in order to improve health. In comparison with the World Health Organisations definition, health should not be viewed merely in terms of the presence or absence of disease but consideration must be given to the overall state of a persons physical, social and mental well-being (WHO 1948). The social model of health considers other important influences that impact on the individuals health and recognises that health does not only result from biological and genetic processes but that it is a state of positive well-being influenced by the wider social and economic cond itions in which we live (Farrell et al 2008). Consideration of other factors that influence and determine health allows for a better understanding of why some people have better health than others. It also provides a broader understanding of the determinants of health, which in turn allows for identification of the factors which influence health either in individuals or within particular groups in society and goes some way to explaining why inequalities in health persist. Health inequality was highlighted by the publication of the Black Report in 1980, showing that there was a direct correlation between socioeconomic status and health (Bartley 2004). It refers to the unequal distribution of health between social groups that is distinguished by the unequal structures of which the group is a part (Graham 2007). Health inequalities are random, perceived to be unfair and rather than being a result of biological processes are socially produced (Whithead and Dalgren 2006), generated by the social conditions in which people live (Farrell et al 2008) and refers to the systematic differences in the health of groups that occupy unequal positions in society (Graham 2007) and refer to a particular type of difference in health whereby disadvantaged groups experience worse health and greater risks to their health than less disadvantaged groups (Braveman 2006). Health inequalities are avoidable but are determined by the political, social and economic influences on the conditions in which people live, grow and work (CSDH 2008). They are a result of a wide range of complex influences and those people who are the most socio-economically deprived are the most likely to suffer ill health in all stages of life and premature death (Townsend Davidson 1988). An example of this can be seen in the incidence of coronary heart disease and the contributing factors which influence this disease particularly amongst those within the population who are the most socioeconomically deprived. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart. Coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked with deposits of fatty materials or cholesterol (atheroma), thus reducing the blood supply to the heart. This deprives the heart of oxygen, causes angina, arrhythmia and can lead to coronary thrombosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction and/or sudden death (National Assembly for Wales 2001). Despite it being a largely preventable illness and leading cause of death in the UK, it still accounts for over 6000 deaths per year in Wales (NPHS 2006). Although the incidence has been falling over the past few decades, figures show that Wales still has a higher incidence of the disease than England and that in areas of high deprivation such as the South Wales valleys the incidence of CHD is at least a third higher than in more affluent areas (Cardiac Disease NSF for Wales 2009). Mortality rates for CHD show that Wales has a higher rate than the UK average and that areas within Wales with the highest rates are mainly in the South Wales valleys, with Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil having rates significantly higher than the national average (NPHS 2006). Some of this may be linked to access to services, in particular angiograph and revascularisation. While the hospital admission rates for coronary heart disease is higher than the national average in areas of low socioeconomic status such as Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil, admissions for angiography and revascularisation is lower among these areas (NPHS 2006). There are many factors that contribute to the incidence of CHD, some of which cannot be changed such as increasing age and genetic disposition. However many social influences such as tobacco use, diet, physical activity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, use of alcohol and drugs, and stress which contribute to the disease can be modified. Incidence of CHD can also be linked to poverty, low educational status and poor mental health (depression) (WHO 2006b). Exposure to unequal health risks begins before conception and continues through all development stages through to adulthood and leaves the individual vulnerable to a range of disease that includes CHD. (Graham 2004). Environmental conditions such as work environment, income and housing in adulthood contribute to health inequalities and have as much of an impact in determining future health and premature death childhood disadvantage (Kuh et al 2003). Increased behavioural risks in adulthood contribute to CHD and as the incidenc e increases in the lower socioeconomic groups so do the associated risk factors. Those living in deprived areas are far more likely to smoke, eat a poor diet and take part in less than the recommended amount of physical exercise. These behaviours also increase the risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and stress, which are associated with the development of CHD (NPHS 2004) Tobacco use is a contributory factor in the development of CHD and the prevalence of smoking among the lowest socioeconomic groups in the UK is approximately 45% of men and 33% of women in the highest social class being smokers compared to 15% and 14% respectively in the lowest social class (Richardson and Crosier). In Wales is estimated that 17% of deaths from heart disease can be attributed to smoking (Cardiac Disease NSF for Wales 2009). Whilst the prevalence of smoking continues to decrease it is still a major problem, the 2008-09 Welsh Health Survey showed that 25% of men and 23% of women were smokers. However in areas with low socio economic status and high deprivation such as Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil the number of people who smoked was higher with the percentage of smokers being 30% and 31% respectively (Welsh Health Survey 2007-08). Another contributory factor in the development of CHD is nutrition; diet plays an important role in the development of heart disease with the consumption of fat being linked to coronary heart disease and high salt intake being linked to high blood pressure which is a contributory factor to CHD. While eating 5 or more portions of fruit and vegetables a day can reduce the risk. Despite this intake of fats and salt is higher in Wales than is recommended (Cardiac Disease National Service Framework) and the number of people who consume the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables is only 36%. As with tobacco use these figures decreases in areas of low economic status; with 30% in Merthyr Tydfil and only 28% in Blaenau Gwent consuming the recommended daily amounts. (Welsh Health Survey 2007-08). As well as having a high intake of fats and salt people in low socio-economic groups are also far more likely to consume a diet with poor nutritional value which can result in individuals becoming overweight or obese. The highest proportions of people who are overweight or obese are again in areas of low socioeconomic status. As with other risk factors areas such as Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil the number of people who are overweight living in these areas is above the national average for Wales (NPHS 2006). While the national average was reported as being 54.1% in 2006 (NPHS2006), the more recent Welsh Health Survey 2007-08 shows that this figure has increased to 57%, with Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil being above the average with it being reported that 64% and 59% respectively being overweight or obese in these areas. Physical activity can contribute to an improvement in physical and psychological quality of life, whereas physical inactivity is a risk factor associated with coronary heart disease and high blood pressure (DoH 1993). The recommended guideline for exercise is 30 minutes of moderate intensity 5 days per week, however only 29% of the Welsh population reported that they achieved this. In areas of low socioeconomic status Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen reported lower than average figures, however Merthyr Tydfil was above the Welsh average. Physical inactivity in the female population is lower than that of males and this trend appears at an early age (NPHS 2006). Other factors such as high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol, use of alcohol and drugs and stress all contribute to CHD and can be a result of factors such as poor diet, smoking and reduced levels of physical activity. While some individuals may be genetically predisposed to developing CHD for others personal will have a direct bearing on their future health. Individual personality and how much control they feel they have over their own health influence the choices made. Those people who belief they control outcomes (internal locus of control) are far more likely to be able to modify their behaviour to improve future health. Whereas those who beliefs health outcomes are firmly controlled by powerful others (external locus of control) are more likely to continue risk taking behaviour (Lefcourt 1982). Nurses can make an invaluable contribution to the reduction of health inequalities through their ability to work with the public to influence behaviour change within the scope of health promotion work. Health promotion allows the nurse opportunity to target vulnerable populations, to promote health in a positive way, to give clients the health information that allows them to make informed decisions about their health and prevention of illness, enhancing the individuals ability to play a key role in their own health (Webster and Finch 2002 in Scriven 2005).and is an area in which the nurse or healthcare professional plays a key role (WHO 1989). Health promotion work although being a key role for nurses does not lie solely within the domain of health and to achieve the ultimate aim of tackling inequalities there needs to be partnership work with a range of healthcare professionals such as health visitors and dieticians as well as other professionals working in related fields such as sm oking cessation. In order for it to be completely successful a multi-disciplinary approach is advocated with the need to tackle other health determinants simultaneously being paramount (RCN 2007). Health inequalities are often a consequence of lifestyle choices and behaviours, with development of illness and disease is the result of many factors. In order to make changes to the most socioeconomically deprived people in society, work needs to be focused on behaviour change and lifestyle choices (Welsh Assembly Government 2002). Publication of reports such as the Black Report, Health Divide and Acheson Report highlighted the severity of the problems facing the health of society and it is from here that government interventions and public health policies are produced. Publication of the Black Report highlighted the inequalities in health that were present in UK society. The report concluded that health was directly linked to social class and the chance of living a healthy life decreased in lower social classes. It showed that while the health service could play a part in reducing health inequalities measures to reduce socioeconomic differences in income, environment, poor housing, low education standards and unemployment should have a greater importance. It contained 37 recommendations concerned with improving the life of the poorest members of society, particularly children and those with disabilities (Acheson 1998). Recommendations focused on two main areas. It proposed the government should adopt a policy aimed at reducing child poverty in the UK and more money should be spent on health education and the prevention of illness (Townsend Davidson1988). However government at the time criticised the report, arguing that it did not explain health i nequalities and that increased expenditure on the health service would not make a difference to standards of health. Despite this the report was influential in public health debates and research and influenced the decision by the WHOs European region to agree a common health strategy in 1985 (Acheson 1998). Further reports in 1987 (The Health Divide) and 1998 (Acheson report) drew similar conclusions as the Black Report. The Health Divide argued that socio economic circumstances where a major factor in health inequalities and subsequent health and that the gap between health standards and social class had increased since the publication of the Black Report (Whitehead 1987). The 1997 new Labour government set up an inquiry into health inequalities, signalling that the alleviation of inequalities in health was of primary importance. (Marmot 2004).The result of this inquiry was the publication of the Acheson Report, which found that inequalities in health persisted and mirrored the findings of both the Black report and the Health Divide. It concluded that in order to improve health the gap between rich and poor must be reduced and that health inequalities begin before birth. It recommended that high priority should be given to policies aimed at improving health and reducing inequalities in health particularly in respect of children, women of child bearing age and expectant mothers and health policies that have a direct or indirect effect of health should be evaluated. Additionally the report made 37 further recommendations directed across all governmental departments and called for development of policies that sought to reduce inequalities in health (Acheson 1998). In the context of Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government has publicised a number of policies and documents seeking to address the issues of health inequalities. In 1998 Better Health; Better Wales highlighted and described health inequalities which exist in Wales and in 2001 it set out its long term plan to improve the nations health. Improving Health for Wales: a Plan for the NHS with its Partners (2001) set the scene for the NHS over a ten year period. Its main objectives were to make further improvements in health maintenance, provide a significant contribution to health improvements in the populations health and to tackle health inequalities. The Well-being in Wales consultation document in 2002 emphasised that health was the responsibility of everyone not only of the government. This idea of a shared responsibility was reinforced in the 2003 Review of Health and Social Care in Wales, which showed long-term demand for health and social care was unsustainable and there needed to be a greater emphasis on the prevention of ill health and individuals should be held responsible for their own health. This led to the development of Health Challenge Wales, which signposts members of the public to information and activities to improve their own health. In 2005 publication of Designed for Life, a 10 year commitment of creating world class health and social care in Wales built on the work which had been undertaken in 2001. One Wales (2007) upholds the Assembly Governments commitment to improving health and well-being in particular the poorest, most vulnerable members of society. The status of the health of the population varies considerably and the correlation between socioeconomic status and health has been proven in various reports. Health problems such as CHD that are more prevalent in low socioeconomic groups are further exacerbated by associated risk factors that are more prevalent in these groups. Various reports have highlighted these inequalities and concluded that despite being avoidable, inequalities in health exist and are a result of political, social and economic influences. The Welsh Assembly Government in its strategies has recognised the unsustainability of long term health and social care and that there is a need for individuals to take responsibility for their own health. Health promotion work undertaken by nurses is a key role in promoting health and providing the public with information that allows them to make positive lifestyle choices and change behaviour to improve future health. While this is an important area, health inequalities wi ll not be eradicated within the domain of health; it is vitally important that all government departments develop policies that aim to tackle the risk factors.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Compare-and-Contrast Research Paper Essay

Introduction Present essay seeks to provide the comparative analysis of two artworks – Hoffmann’s Boston Twilight, 1957, belonging to Proto-Abstract Expressionism and Rauschenberg’s Retroactive 1, 1964, which may be attributed to the art movement of Pop-Art. The comparative analysis of these paintings will focus on two crucial aspects – structural and positive. Structural analysis addresses cultural, historical context, which influenced the discussed artworks, political climate, art movements’ stylistic characteristics, which informed individual work of artists, their subjective motives, influences and inclinations. Secondly, positive analysis of the artworks focuses on the themes depicted, colors and techniques used, formal and stylistic elements, the reflection of cultural and historical context in the artworks etc. The thesis, present paper defends, may be formulated as follows: Hoffmann’s and Rauschenberg’s artworks were significantly influenced by historical, cultural, social and artistic context. The artistic response to these contexts was different and reflected through opposite art movements. The discussed images belong to different artistic traditions and, hence have many differences. Similarities, however, may be attributed to the similar artistic influences, and utilization of sometimes similar formal and color techniques of composition. Structural context: art movements, history, politics and subjective perspectives. The general socio-economic and historical context of both artworks (as they were created very close in time – 1957 and 1964) may be characterized by the gradual assault of mass consumption postmodernist society, which influenced the rapid development of popular culture in music, entertainment and cinema. Commoditization has reached almost every sphere of social life and closely approached art through mass media. The increasing role of mass culture was immediately seen in the new sphere of advertisement, which conflated the elements of ‘high and low’ culture, which became central to the new postmodernist cultural logic (Jameson, 59). Political situation in the United States and Europe was characterized by the intensification of resistance and leftist movements, which, however, abandoned communist platform and focused on new postmodernist tactics, such as situationism, counter-culturalism, influenced by new discoveries in psychoanalysis, philosophy etc. Politics also became the element of mass culture, as its reproduction was extended from closed couloirs of high cabinets to ordinary population. The response of art movements to the assault of the postindustrial society was irregular and significantly varied from one art movement to another. The dominance of non-objective abstraction in 1940s and 50s was the response to vulgarization of social life, and the manifest of the absence of valuable objective themes in de-humanized world. Abstractionism, hence was an artistic expression of de-humanization and the search for lost subjectivity (Herskovic, 13-17). However, other extremes also came to existence. That is particularly true of the Pop-Art, which positively responded to the modern developments in economy and culture, synthesizing popular culture in the new form of art. Pop-Art was characterized by ‘externalization’ of art, as the objects of ordinary life and advertisement were widely utilized. The later was particularly evident in the works of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and James Rosenquist. The similar response to changing conditions in society was made by photorealism, which exemplifies the assault of hyperrealism as the new form of cultural affirmation. Such elements of modern society as standardization, de-subjectivization was immediately seen in Pop-Art , which appeared as the resistance to self-revelation, artistic creativity and originality and focuses on the widely acknowledge cultural codes and images (Harrison 2001) . Robert Rauschenberg’s and Hans Hoffmann’s artistic trajectories were significantly influenced by the discussed developments in politics and ideology. Rauschenberg was, for instance, one of the forerunners of pop-art movement, as he was among the first to use hand-made or found objects in his artworks, combining the elements of high and low culture, using mass-media sources etc (Livingstone, 1990). Such experiments were influenced by Rauschenberg’s strong belief that the genuine artwork should exist between art and life. The technique of ‘combines’ used by Rauschenberg may be described as immediate precursor to postmodernist collage, used in installation art. Rauschenberg’s mindset position deeply opposed Abstract Expressionism’s argument that the self may be expressed through art. Instead, Rauschenberg focused on representation of reality in its absence of structure, sense and single interpretation. Abstract-Expressionism, which was influenced by Hans Hoffman, in contrast focused on gesture paintings and color field painting techniques. Abstract Expressionism should be understood as a historical consequence of the conflation between European and American artists due to World War 2, which forced may French, German and other artists to immigrate in the United States. Hans Hoffmann belongs to this group of artists and his destiny significantly influenced his style and ideological orientations (Herskovic, 2003). Hoffman’s style was influenced by cubist tension between depth and surface, expressionistic flamboyance of color and surrealist technique of automatism, which is based on following subconscious drivers of creativity and libidinal forces. The latter influences were synthesized by Hoffmann in his ‘push-pull’ method, which included the use of expressive colors and paint slashes in the view of creating contradiction between cool and warm colors. Comparative analysis of Hoffmann’s and Rauschenberg’s artworks Both artworks are obviously affected by different artistic movements and styles. Hoffmann’s composition may be posited within abstract expressionism tradition, while Rauschenberg’s painting belongs to Pop-Art movement. On the surface level the similarities between these artistic may be traced in the color usage – in each painting we see the utilization of yellow, green, black, white, red, white and blue colors. Moreover, the presence of grid-like rectangular layout is evident. Apart from this, both paintings are characterized by the sense of distortion. The distortion in Hoffmann’s artwork Boston Twilight is due to the use of abstract expressionist style, which distorts the contours of objective reality, so that we can not find correspondence between the image and reality (Boston Twilight) that it signifies. However, in Rauschenberg’s composition the distortion is reflected in the plurality of meaning and signification. The interpretation is difficult to realize due to the combination of images inserted in the painting: J. F. Kennedy at the center, pointing with his finger, cosmonaut with parachute, the duplication of Kennedy’s hand in the right corner and evidently abstract images in other parts. There is no denying the importance of the fact, that such a ‘combine’ creates difficulties for interpretation and distorts it. Furthermore, it should be pointed to the fact that both artworks have the elements of abstraction, contrasting color tones and are influenced by Cubism in using facets of the color. Both paintings create the feeling of collage and it was noted that Rauschenberg’s ‘combine’ technique is very close to it. Moreover, creating certain color relationships is in important in both images, however, it serves different functions, depending on style and thematic unity. Differences between images are evident in many respects. First of all, art schools are opposite with pop-art, focusing on unification of art and reality, and abstract expressionism, focusing on expressing contradictory being of individual self. Hoffman’s painting is abstract in essence, while Rauschenberg’s refers to widely known political and social images of American President, cosmonaut, which immediately signify objective reality. The social and political thematic of Rauschenberg’s image immediately points to his belonging to Pop-Art tradition. As far as formal and color structure of the analyzed paintings are concerned blue is dominant in Rauschenberg’s image, while green is dominant in Hoffman’s paintings; the first artist uses vertical stress, while Hoffmann is evidently using horizontal stress. Due to stylistic differences between artworjs, colors mix into one another in Hoffmann’s painting and are separated in Rauschenberg’s one. Rauschenberg utilizes much more contrast, than Hoffmann, however the image of the latter is much more organic in contrast to geometric structure of Rauschenberg’s composition. Conclusion To sum it up, present analysis proved the initial thesis that both artworks were significantly influenced by historical, social and cultural developments in Western societies in the middle of 20-th century. These developments provoked different responses on the part of art movements, resulting in creation of different styles and techniques. The latter are reflected in Hoffmann’s and Rauschenberg’s compositions, which are different in many important stylistic respects, however, have much in common due to the same artistic influences. My interest to the discussed paintings is explained by the fact that they are picturesque representations of Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. Main features, peculiar to each of these styles, may be found in these paintings both in complex and in separate elements. The techniques used by both artists help us better understand other artworks created in these traditions and inform our own artistic endeavors. Hoffman’s image advantage is in its direct appeal to aesthetic taste and sensibility, while Rauschenberg artwork represents a challenge for viewers in terms of interpreting its political and social content. Works Cited Herskovic, Marika. American Abstract Expressionism of the 1950s An Illustrated Survey, New York School Press, 2003. Harrison, Sylvia. Pop Art and the Origins of Post-Modernism. Cambridge University Press, 2001. Jameson, Fredric. ‘Postmodernism, or the Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism’. New Left Review, 146, (53-92), 1991. Livingstone, M. Pop Art: A Continuing History, New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc. , 1990

Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Biggest Myth About Argumentative Essay Topics Reddit Exposed

The Biggest Myth About Argumentative Essay Topics Reddit Exposed Argumentative Essay Topics Reddit Help! In its heart, the essay should be about you. Bear in mind you may make funny argumentative essays if you do a few things. It's crucially important to completely engage yourself in the subject you will write. It isn't a must, but should you care about your topic, it's going to be resembled in your writing. Argumentative essay topics are so important since they are debatableand it's vital to at all times be critically considering the world around us. An argumentative essay presents either side of a problem. It is a writing piece meant to persuade someone to think the way you do. In order to really convince readers of your viewpoint, it must also look at the opposing views. Definitions of Argumentative Essay Topics Reddit An argumentative essay is a sort of thesis or composition in which you have to present your view and try to convince others your facts and arguments are correct. An argumentative essay objective is to take one specific viewpoint out of the other viewpoints. The past couple of sentences ought to be extremely clear and have an enduring image on your audience. An argumentative essay example will reveal the should possess some crucial components which make it better in the practice of convincing. In order to supply an in-depth understanding about the argumentative essay, it's better to examine some of the greatest examples of argumentative essay. Remember that the amount of your essay is dependent upon the assignment offered to you. You can also see concept essays. When you develop this kind of essay, you should make your claims by your composition so it will be open fordebate. Whether it's an argumentative or expository essay which you're writing, it is essential to develop a clear thesis statement and an obvious sound reasoning. Before concluding the essay, it is crucial to summarise with a strong emphasis on the subject. The very first sentence of the essay has to be interesting enough to produce the reader read on. Then you need to endeavour to choose the right argumentative essay format. Before writing an argumentative essay, there's one important thing which you should know. The structure of your paper's outline is just like the structure of your whole essay. There are a few particular elements which are needed in an argumentative essay. Argumentative essay format is dependent on your professor's requirements, since there is not any common pattern for each essay. The Foolproof Argumentative Essay Topics Reddit Strategy Your introductory paragraph needs to be clear and concise just enjoy the example. The present paper clarifies and proves an extremely general variant of the claim. The introduction involves an explanation of the matter, background info, and the author's position. Any excellent task finishes with a terrific conclusion and the very best examples of the argumentative essay will arrive in with a conclusion with an overview of all of the points together with a gist of the evidences provided. Get the Scoop on Argumentative Essay Topics Reddit Befor e You're Too Late All you should have is a tiny curiosity besides that everything will get an intriguing game of knowledge. Pick something you are obsessed with. The first thing you're likely to have to do is to pick a topic that has more than one clear side. Without a very good evidence, nobody will believe my words. Understanding how to compose a strong argumentative paper can help you advance your very own argumentative thinking. When you try to find controversial topics, you might be tempted to choose subjects that can be way too broad to discuss. The argumentative essay has a particular format that must be followed to blow the mind of the reader, and it's particularly helpful for students and the corporate when making strategic proposals. Writing an argumentative essay is a skill that anyone in school should know, even though it can be useful outside the classroom, too.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Useful English Phrases for Running a Business Meeting

This reference sheet provides short phrases to help you run a business meeting from start to finish. Generally speaking, you should use formal English to run a business meeting. As you participate, its a good idea to paraphrase others ideas to make sure you understand. Opening the Meeting Welcome participants with quick phrases and get down to business. Good morning/afternoon, everyone.If we are all here, lets. . . get started (OR)start the meeting. (OR). . . start. Good morning everyone. If were all here, lets get started. Welcoming and Introducing Participants If you have a meeting with new participants, make sure to introduce them before as you start the meeting. Please join me in welcoming (name of participant)Were pleased to welcome (name of participant)Its a pleasure to welcome (name of participant)Id like to introduce (name of participant)I dont think youve met (name of participant) Before I get started, Id like to please join me in welcoming Anna Dinger from our office in New York. Stating the Principal Objectives of a Meeting Its important to begin the meeting by clearly stating the main objectives for the meeting. Were here today toOur aim is to ...Ive called this meeting in order to ...By the end of this meeting, Id like to have ... Were here today to discuss the upcoming merger, as well as go over last quarters sales figures.   Giving Apologies for Someone Who is Absent If someone important is missing, its a good idea to let others know that they will be missing from the meeting. Im afraid.., (name of participant) cant be with us today. She is in...I have received apologies for the absence of (name of participant), who is in (place). Im afraid Peter cant be with us today. Hes in London meeting with clients but will be back next week. Reading the Minutes (Notes) of the Last Meeting If you have a meeting that repeats regularly, make sure to read the minutes from the last meeting to make sure that everyone is on the same page. First, lets go over the report from the last meeting which was held on (date)Here are the minutes from our last meeting, which was on (date) First, lets go over the minutes from our last meeting which was held last Tuesday. Jeff, could you please read the notes? Dealing with Recent Developments Checking in with others will help you keep everyone up to date on progress on  various projects.   Jack, can you tell us how the XYZ project is progressing?Jack, how is the XYZ project coming along?John, have you completed the report on the new accounting package?Has everyone received a copy of the Tate Foundation report on current marketing trends? Alan, please tell us how the final arrangements for the merger are coming along.   Moving Forward Use these phrases to transition to the main focus of your meeting. So, if there is nothing else we need to discuss, lets move on to todays agenda.Shall we get down to business?Is there any other business?If there are no further developments, Id like to move on to todays topic. Once again, Id like to thank you all for coming. Now, shall we get down to business? Introducing the Agenda Before you launch into the main points of the meeting, double check that everyone has a copy of the agenda for the meeting. Have you all received a copy of the agenda?There are three items on the agenda. First,Shall we take the points in this order?If you dont mind, Id like to ... go in order (OR)skip item 1 and move on to item 3I suggest we take item 2 last. Have you all received a copy of the agenda? Good. Shall we take the points in order? Allocating Roles (secretary, participants) As you move through the meeting, its important that people keep track of whats going on. Make sure to allocate note taking. (name of participant) has agreed to take the minutes.(name of participant) has kindly agreed to give us a report on this matter.(name of participant) will lead point 1, (name of participant) point 2, and (name of participant) point 3.(name of participant), would you mind taking notes today? Alice, would you mind taking notes today? Agreeing on the Ground Rules for the Meeting (contributions, timing, decision-making, etc.) If there is no regular routine to your meeting, point out the basic rules for discussion throughout the meeting. We will hear a short report on each point first, followed by a discussion around the table.I suggest we go round the table first.The meeting is due to finish at...Well have to keep each item to ten minutes. Otherwise well never get through.We may need to vote on item 5, if we cant get a unanimous decision. I suggest we go round the table first to get everyones feedback. After that, well take a vote. Introducing the First Item on the Agenda Use these phrases to begin with the first item on the agenda. Make sure to use sequencing language to connect your ideas throughout the meeting. So, lets start withShall we start with. .So, the first item on the agenda isPete, would you like to kick off?Martin, would you like to introduce this item? Shall we start with the first item? Good. Peter will introduce our plans for the merger and then will discuss the implications.   Closing an Item As you move from item to item, quickly state that you have finished with the previous discussion. I think that covers the first item.Shall we leave that item?If nobody has anything else to add, I think that covers the important points of the merger. Next Item These phrases will help you transition to the next item on the agenda. Lets move onto the next itemThe next item on the agenda isNow we come to the question of. Now, lets move onto the next item. Weve been having a bit of a personnel crunch lately. Giving Control to the Next Participant If someone takes over your role, give control to them with one of the following phrases. Id like to hand over to Mark, who is going to lead the next point.Right, Dorothy, over to you. Id like to hand over to Jeff, who is going to discuss the personnel issues. Summarizing As you finish the meeting, quickly sum up the main points of the meeting. Before we close, let me just summarize the main points.To sum up, ...In brief,Shall I go over the main points? To sum up, weve moved forward with the merger and expect to start work on the project in May. Also, the personnel department has decided to hire additional staff to help us with the increased demand. Suggesting and Agreeing on Time, Date and Place for the Next Meeting As you end the meeting, make sure to arrange for the next meeting if necessary. Can we fix the next meeting, please?So, the next meeting will be on... (day), the . . . (date) of.. . (month) at...What about the following Wednesday? How is that?So, see you all then.   Before we leave, Id like to fix the next meeting. What about next Thursday? Thanking Participants for Attending Its always a good idea to thank everyone for attending the meeting. Id like to thank Marianne and Jeremy for coming over from London.Thank you all for attending.Thanks for your participation. Thank you all for your participation and Ill see you next Thursday. Closing the Meeting Close the meeting with a simple statement. The meeting is closed.I declare the meeting closed. Explore useful phrases and proper language use in these business English articles: Introduction and Example Meeting Dialogue Phrase Reference Sheet for Participating in a Meeting Formal or Informal? Appropriate Language in Business Situations