The City Night Piece – Oliver Goldsmith

 

The City Night Piece – Oliver Goldsmith

Oliver Goldsmith, an Anglo-Irish writer, essayist, poet, novelist, and playwright. The essay “The City Night Piece” is from his collected work The Citizen of the World’. He speaks through a Chinese traveler. The Chinese traveler going around the city at two o’clock mid-night witnesses wicked and terrible happenings. In this essay he records all the details of London city during mid-night. The ugly side of mid-night is revealed by him in a realistic way.

The candle lights have gone off and the night watchman on duty is found sleeping. The labourers are sleeping after their hard work. He finds only four classes of people who are awake at mid-night are the meditative, the guilty, the revelers and the desperate. The ever changing excessive pride of the riches that showed its manifestations during the day time is now found sleeping like a wayward child. Gloom hangs all around the city. The dead silent atmosphere is terrible for the traveler. On the way, he finds a dilapidated senate house where poisonous reptiles live. At some distance, he also finds the destroyed temples and drama theatres in a heap of ruins. He comes to the conclusion that all those past glory might have fallen for luxury and the greed of the then rulers.

The traveler’s eyes fall on the homeless wretches who sleep in the open streets. They are too humble to seek any remedy to overcome their poverty. There are a few to show mercy on them. The poor people have no proper covering on their body and some of them are very thin and afflicted with diseases or others. Most of them are almost naked and suffering from hunger. He notices the pathetic condition of females who were once flattered for their beauty by rich men are lying at the doors of their betrayers. The wretched villains are insensible to the distress of the women. It is clear that no relief will be provided to the destitute. The poor are born to bear the tyranny and suppression of the rich, says the philosophical author.

Finally the author reveals his own sensitive nature. His tender heartfelt much more wretched when it comes to understand that it has no capacity to relieve the poor from their sufferings. The author’s condition was also similar to the poor people of London when he wrote the essay. The autobiographical element runs throughout the essay.

Of Adversity - Francis Bacon

 

Of Adversity

Bacon begins the essay on adversity with a quotation from the Roman philosopher and tragedian, Seneca. In a memorable speech, Seneca expatiate that all good things like happiness, wealth etc. In one’s fate must be joyfully and gratefully received and enjoyed. At the same time, sorrows and sufferings dispensed by fate should also be accepted gracefully and with equanimity. During times of adversity, miracles do happen to completely neutralize the agony and angst caused by the mishap. It is God’s hand that brings the suffering, and it is His hand that brings the deliverance from it. Humans are powerless before Him.

     He cites the case of the great hero Hercules who released Prometheus from his chain. Prometheus was bound to Mt. Caucuses for stealing fire from Heaven and giving it to mankind. It was Hercules who liberated him. How much he must have suffered before he was able to release Prometheus. Greatness and Sufferings go together.

Prosperity and adversity come hand in hand in life. Through prosperity, we attain material comfort. But it is adversity that generates in us patience and fortitude which are essential for hero. He points out that while the Old Testament speaks of the rewards of pleasure and happiness promised by god to the faithful. In the New Testament, Christ praises the Kingdom of Heaven to the poor and suffering. Both are the gifts of God: Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament, and adversity is that of the New Testament.

 The sweetness tasted in adversity is certainly more to be welcomed than the misery experienced in prosperity. Bacon compares this to a bright needlework on a dark background which is more striking than a dark embroidery on a bright surface.

Finally, Bacon compares the happiness produced under the pressure of adversity to the fragrance that comes when a flower is crushed. Thus, Bacon asks us to face adversity with courage and  hopefulness.

The Pasture - Robert Frost

 

The Pasture  -  Robert Frost

The Pasture is a short poem written by Robert Frost, an American poet. The poem was published in 1914. The poem is about a farmer who invites his close companion to join him in the pasture for some chores. The poem delivers a powerful message about rebirth and the cyclical nature of life.

The farmer begins the poem by telling his intention to the companion that he is going to clean the pasture spring. It is spring time, and it is one of the many chores that he has to do. He also tells the companion that he going to rake the leaves away and to watch the water clear. He asks the companion to come along with him to see how he works.

In the next stanza, the farmer says that he is going to fetch the little calf which is out in the field with its mother. It is so young and totters when the cow licks it. He repeats the refrain that was used at the end of the first stanza at the end of the second stanza. He tells the companion that’ he shan’t be gone long’ and that the companion can ‘come too’.

These tasks feel to be quite peaceful and simple. They are also suggestive of the life that the farmer lives on the farm and his struggles and pleasures.

Of Truth – Francis Bacon

 

Of Truth – Francis Bacon

Introduction

Francis Bacon (1561 – 1626) was an essayist, philosopher, scientist, orator and statesman. He is known as the ‘father of English essays’. He adapted the essay genre developed by Montaigne, a French writer who is regarded as the father of the Essay. His essay ‘Of Truth’ was first published in 1625, in “Essays or Counsels, Civil and Moral”. This edition consists of 58 essays. The writing style of Francis Bacon is aphoristic. Bacon never includes his own life experience and observation. As a result, his essays are impersonal.

Bacon starts his essay with a reference to the crucial question of Pilate to Jesus Christ: “What is Truth?”  Pilate meant that truth is a term that cannot be precisely defined and so, as a judge he could not act upon the claim of Jesus that his mission was to propagate truth. While this is the real position, Bacon does not go into the question of truth at any depth. He merely observes that truth can be religious or speculative truth and civil truth which concern our everyday life. He points out that people in certain walks of life tell lies for achieving their goals. Poets tell lies to provide intellectual pleasure. Business men utter lies for material gain. But why do ordinary people choose lie? Because they are corrupt and developed a depraved taste for the lie.

Bacon compares truth to daylight and falsehood to candle light.  The first is clear but harsh. The second is vague but delightful. He also compares truth to a pearl which shines by daylight. He compares falsehood a diamond which glitters in multicolored lights.

Bacon emphasizes that enquiring into truth, is like making love, knowing the truth is like attaining the presence of the beloved and believing the truth is like enjoying the company of his beloved. He next points out that God first created the physical light which we perceive with the senses. His last creation was endowing man with the light of reason.

Bacon is aware that in certain occasions telling lies is unavoidable. Telling lies occasionally is like mixing copper with gold to make precious metal adaptable. He also compares falsehood to a snake that crawls crookedly on its stomach instead of standing foursquare like other animals. He quotes Montaigne who says that a liar is a coward towards other men and brave towards God. Bacon says that liars will be ultimately punished, because the Bible tells us that the Second Coming of Christ will be necessitated when people give up truth altogether. Thus Bacon presents both sides of the picture without any bias.

Interviewing

 

Interviewing

Some skills that can help you perform well in an interview include: 

·         Preparation: Researching the company and interviewer can help you feel more confident and show the interviewer that you're prepared. 
·         Active listening: Pay attention to both verbal and non-verbal cues, and demonstrate that you're engaged by leaning forward, nodding, and maintaining eye contact. 
·         Communication: Use effective communication skills to establish a rapport with the interviewer and make a good impression. 
·         Confidence: Demonstrate confidence to show that you're competent, capable, and enthusiastic about the job. 
·         Body language: Maintain good posture, sit or stand up straight, and make eye contact. 
·         Curiosity: Demonstrate curiosity to show that you're eager to contribute to the company's success. 
·         Adaptability: Demonstrate adaptability as an interviewing skill. 
·         Explanatory skills: Demonstrate explanatory skills as an interviewing skill. 
·         Storytelling: Demonstrate storytelling as an interviewing skill. 
·         Note-taking: Demonstrate note-taking as an interviewing skill. 
·         Ability to manage nerves: Demonstrate the ability to manage nerves as an interviewing skill. 

Here are some tips for being interviewed: 

·         Prepare: Research the company, practice answering questions, and prepare 3–5 questions to ask the interviewer. 
·         Dress professionally: Dress professionally even if the company has a casual dress code. 
·         Make a good impression: Arrive 10–15 minutes early, be confident, and be positive and authentic. 
·         Answer questions well: Use the STAR method to answer behavioral questions about your previous experiences. Relate your answers to your skills and accomplishments, and be concise and focused. 
·         Ask questions: Ask thoughtful questions to show your preparation and interest in the role. 
·         Write a thank you note: Send a brief, well-written thank you note or email to everyone who interviewed you as soon as possible after the interview. 
·         Assess your performance: After the interview, write down the questions you answered and how you answered them. Consider what you didn't say that you wish you had.
 

Effective Meeting

 

Effective Meeting

An effective meeting is well-structured, purposeful, and productive, with a clear agenda, defined objectives, and engaged participants. Here are some tips for running an effective meeting: 

·          Prepare: Send an agenda before the meeting and prepare talking points. 
·         Be on time: Start and end on time. 
·         Set ground rules: Explain how the meeting will run and make sure everyone is clear about them. 
·         Involve participants: Encourage active participation and make space for everyone to contribute. 
·         Manage time: Keep track of time spent on each item and monitor the overall time. 
·         Assign next steps: Define clear next steps and assign follow-up actions. 
·         Summarize: Summarize key decisions and actions at the end of the meeting. 
·         Be inclusive: Make sure everyone feels heard, especially those who are quieter or from different perspectives. 
·         Manage parking lot items: Use a parking lot to record important ideas that need to be addressed but aren't relevant to the meeting at hand. 
·         Invite only relevant people: Only invite people who need to be there. 
·         Consider the meeting length: Short meetings are generally more effective. 

Here are some rules to follow when presenting in a meeting: 

·            Prepare: Give your presentation to the meeting moderator as soon as possible, but at least 10–20       minutes before your session. Practice your pace and make sure you finish on time. 
·         Be clear: Speak slowly and audibly so that everyone can hear you. Pause between ideas so that the audience can understand what you're saying. 
·         Be respectful: Be respectful of the audience and don't talk down to them. 
·         Engage: Engage with the audience and make eye contact. 
·         Use the tools: Learn how to use the remote control and laser pointer before your presentation. 
·         Don't stand in front of the slides: Let everyone else see the slides. 
·         Stay on topic: Follow the meeting agenda and don't bring up other topics. If you do go off-topic, bring the conversation back to the main point. 
·         Stay for the session: Stay for your entire session. 

Rapid Reading Technique

 Rapid Reading Technique

Rapid reading techniques can help improve your reading speed and comprehension. Here are some effective methods:

1. Preview the Material: Skim the text to get an overview. Look at headings, subheadings, and any highlighted or bolded text to understand the main ideas.

2. Eliminate Subvocalization: Try to reduce the voice in your head that reads along with you. Focus on visualizing the content instead.

3. Use a Pointer or Guide: Use your finger, a pen, or a digital tool to guide your eyes along the lines of text. This can help maintain your focus and speed.

4. Chunking: Instead of reading word by word, read groups of words or phrases at a time. This can significantly increase your reading speed.

5. Practice with Timed Exercises: Set a timer and read passages, gradually increasing the time spent reading as you improve.

6. Expand Your Peripheral Vision: Practice seeing multiple words at once by widening your gaze, which can help in reading blocks of text.

7. Limit Backtracking: Try not to go back and reread sentences unless absolutely necessary. This can slow you down.

8. Regular Practice: Like any skill, regular practice is key. Try incorporating rapid reading exercises into your daily routine.

9. Use Apps and Tools: Consider apps designed for speed reading. They often use techniques like displaying words one at a time at a rapid pace.

10. Comprehension Checks: After reading, summarize what you’ve learned to ensure you’ve retained the information.

Combining these techniques can lead to significant improvements over time. Happy reading!

Reading skills

 Reading skills

Improving your reading skills can greatly enhance comprehension and retention. Here are some tips to help you develop those skills:

1. Active Reading

• Preview the Material: Skim headings, subheadings, and summaries before diving in.
• Ask Questions: Before you start, think about what you want to learn from the text.

2. Annotation

• Highlight or Underline: Mark key points or important phrases.
• Take Notes: Jot down summaries or thoughts in the margins or in a notebook.

3. Vocabulary Building

• Look Up Unknown Words: Keep a dictionary or use an app to understand unfamiliar terms.
• Use Context Clues: Try to infer meanings from the surrounding text.

4. Chunking

• Break It Down: Divide the text into smaller sections to avoid overwhelm.
• Summarize Each Section: After reading a chunk, pause to summarize what you've learned.

5. Practice Different Formats

• Diverse Genres: Read fiction, non-fiction, articles, and essays to develop versatility.
• Adjust Reading Speed: Practice skimming for main ideas and slowing down for detailed understanding.

6. Discussion and Reflection

• Talk About What You Read: Discussing with others can deepen understanding.
• Reflect on Your Thoughts: Consider how the material relates to what you already know.

7. Regular Practice

• Set a Reading Routine: Dedicate a specific time each day to read.
• Challenge Yourself: Gradually increase the complexity of the texts you read.

8. Utilize Resources

• Reading Apps: Use tools that offer summaries and analyses.
• Join a Book Club: Engage with others to motivate and expand your reading horizons.

By incorporating these strategies, you can enhance your reading skills over time. 

The Commonwealth Nation

The Commonwealth Nation 

Oliver Cromwell never officially became King of England, but he played a pivotal role in the country’s political landscape during the 17th century. Cromwell rose to prominence as a military leader in the English Civil War, which pitted Parliamentarians against Royalists. By the early 1650s, Cromwell had become the most powerful figure in the Parliamentary army, leading to the defeat of King Charles I.

After the king's execution in 1649, England was declared a republic, known as the Commonwealth. Cromwell was appointed as the Lord Protector in 1653, effectively giving him dictatorial powers. Although he ruled with the title of Lord Protector rather than king, many saw him as a de facto monarch due to his authoritarian style and military backing.

Cromwell's governance faced challenges, including economic difficulties and resistance from various factions. Despite his efforts to stabilize the nation, his rule was marked by political unrest. His attempts to maintain control, coupled with his religious convictions, often put him at odds with Parliament and other political leaders.

Cromwell's rules and regulations reflected his Puritan beliefs and his vision of a reformed England. His tenure was marked by both progress and conflict, leaving a complex legacy that influenced the future of the British political landscape. After his death in 1658, many of his policies were reversed, leading to the eventual restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

Writing Styles

 

Writing Styles

The four main type of  writing styles are Persuasive, Narrative, Expository and Descriptive

Persuasive writing

The main purpose of this type of writing is to convince. It contains the opinions, thoughts, and biases of the author. The writer uses justifications, arguments, and reasons to make the readers agree to his or her points.

Areas of Usage

·         Speeches

·         Cover Letters

·         Editorial Pieces

·         Letters of Complaints

·         Letter of Recommendation

·         Newspaper Opinion

·         Review

·          Critical Analysis

·         Business Idea

·         Advertisements or Commercials

Example

1.     Our store has the lowest prices and the best collection of dress materials in the entire town. Visit us today for a great experience.

In the above example, the writer is trying to convince the reader for the trial as used in an advertisement. This is the persuasive style of writing.

Narrative

The main purpose of this type of writing is to tell or narrate a story. The writer creates different characters and tells you what happens to them. The writer uses first person narration. Narrative writing is mostly personal, imaginative, and self-expressing.

Areas of Usage

·         Novels

·         Short stories

·         Poetry

·         Fairy Tales

·         Autobiographies

·         Anecdotes

·         Screen scripts

·         Play

·         Legends

·         Songs

Example

It was a hot, sunny day. I finally visited Disneyland. It was a dreamland. I always wanted to visit there. Being there it was like dream come true experience. On entering, the very first thing that I said, “Oh wow! What a wonderful place!” People were walking and enjoying their time with all the Disney characters. Children over there were so happy and excited. I think it is a must visit place for everyone.

Here the writer is sharing his or her personal experience and emotions. It is a narrative style of writing.

Expository

The main purpose of this type of writing is to explain. In expository writing, the author focus and emphasis on telling or explaining a given topic or subject. This is the most common types of writing. There is no place for the writer’s opinion, emotions, biases or points of view. The main motive of this writing style is to spread information.

Areas of Usage

·         Textbooks Writing

·         Business writing

·         Research Papers

·         Encyclopedias

·         Technical Writing

·         Essays

·         Reports

·         Recipes Writing

·         Scientific Writing

Example

The elephant is the largest and the strongest of all living animals. It has thick legs, small tail, little eyes, large ears, long white tusk, and a long nose which is its trunk. Elephants are found in Indian and in Africa. They live in herds in jungles. The elephant is a very intelligent animal and has great strength. Elephants can carry heavy loads. They live their lives entirely on leaves of trees, grass, and roots.

The above example tries to provide information about elephants. This is an expository style of writing.

Descriptive

The main purpose of this type of writing is to describe. It focuses on describing a character, a place, an event, an object or an action. There is a very slight difference between expository and descriptive writing styles. The descriptive style is more detailed, personal and subjective.

Areas of Usage

·         Poetry

·         Novels

·         Diaries Writing

·         Plays

·         Journals Writing

Example

A grand exhibition was held in the town. The first impression on entering the ground was of walking in some fairyland. The vast space was decorated with so many colourful lights. The stalls, there, were like small shops and they had all the needful items. All types of amusements could be seen there. The children were enjoying the ride on merry – go – round, the giant wheel, railway train and other. The excitement and joy could be seen easily.

In the above example, the writer wants to describe his visit to the exhibition. It is a descriptive style of writing.

 

Effective Writing

 

Effective Writing 

Writing is often a day-to-day task in many professions spanning diverse industries, from sending emails to preparing presentations. Writing skills go beyond grammar and spelling. Accuracy, clarity, persuasiveness, and several other elements ensure your writing conveys the right message. 

What are writing skills?

Writing is a technical skill that allows you to communicate effectively through the written word. Though these may vary depending on your writing, several transcend categories. Writing skills can more specifically include:

·         Grammar

·         Vocabulary

·         Spelling

·         Sentence construction

·         Structure

·         Research and accuracy

·         Clarity

·         Persuasiveness

Each of these components can influence the quality of writing.

How to improve your writing skills

Here are some strategies for developing your own written communication:

1. Review grammar and spelling basics.

Grammar and spelling form the foundation of good writing. Writing with proper grammar and spelling communicates your professionalism and attention to detail to your reader. It also makes your writing easier to understand.  

Knowing when and how to use less common punctuation, like colons, semicolons, and em-dashes, can unlock new ways to structure sentences and elevate your writing. 

If you want to strengthen your grammar and spelling, use a writing manual. The Cambridge Guide to English Usage by Pam Peters provides information on effective writing. You can find similar resources at your local library, bookstore, or online.

2. Read what you want to write.

Knowing what finished writing can look like can guide your own. Read humorous short stories if you’re trying to write a short story. If you want to write a book review, find a few and take note of how they’re structured. Pay attention to what makes them good and what you want to emulate (without plagiarising). If you’re working on a school assignment, you can ask your instructor for examples of successful pieces from past students.

Make reading a part of your everyday life to improve your writing. Try reading the news in the morning or picking up a book before bed. If you haven’t been a big reader in the past, start with topics you’re interested in or ask friends and family for recommendations. You’ll gradually understand what subjects, genres, and authors you enjoy.

3. Proofread.

While it’s tempting to submit work as soon as you’re done with it, build in some time to revisit what you’ve written to catch errors big and small. Here are a few proofreading tips to keep in mind:

·         Set your work aside before you edit. Try to step away from your writing for a day or more so you can return to it with fresh, more objective eyes. Crunched for time? Allotting 20 minutes between writing and proofreading can allow you to approach your work with renewed energy.

·         Start with easy fixes, then progress to bigger changes. Starting with easier changes can get you in the rhythm of proofreading, allow you to read through your work once more, and clear distractions so you can focus on bigger edits. Read through your work to catch misspellings, inconsistencies, and grammar errors. Then, address the larger problems with the structure or awkward transitions. 

·         If you could say something in fewer words, do so. Being unnecessarily wordy can cloud your message and confuse the reader. Avoid phrases that are redundant, repetitive, or obvious.

·         Read out loud. Reading aloud can help you find awkward phrases and areas where your writing doesn’t flow well. 

Should you use computer spelling and grammar tools?

Many computer-based tools—like spell check on your word processor or Grammarly— can help you find and fix simple spelling and grammar errors. These tools are imperfect but can help even the most seasoned writers avoid mistakes. Take note of any frequently highlighted words or phrases to avoid the same mistakes in the future.

4. Get feedback.

Whether you’re writing emails or essays, asking for feedback is a great way to see how someone else will interpret your text. Have an idea of what you’d like your proofreader to focus on—the structure, conclusion, persuasiveness of an argument, or otherwise. 

Approach a trusted friend, family member, co-worker, or instructor. If you’re a student, your school might also have a writing resource centre you can contact. 

Consider forming a writing group or joining a writing class. Find writing courses online, at your local community college, or independent writing workshops in your area.

5. Think about structure.

Grammar and spelling keep your writing consistent and legible, but the structure ensures the big ideas get across to the reader.

In many cases, forming an outline will help solidify the structure. An outline can clarify what you hope to convey in each section, allowing you to visualise the flow of your piece and surface parts that require more research or thought. 

The structure might look different depending on what you’re writing. An essay typically has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A fiction piece might follow the six-stage plot structure: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution, and denouement. Choose what’s best for your purposes.

6. Write.

Keep writing to become a good writer. Here are a few ways you can get started:

·         Start a journal or a blog.

·         Join a class or writing workshop.

·         Practise free writing.

·         Write letters to friends or family.

·         Put together an opinion piece for your local newspaper or publication you like.

7. Know some common fixes.

Even if a text is grammatically correct, you can make it more dynamic and interesting with some polish. Here are some common ways you can sharpen your writing:

·         Choose strong verbs (for example, “sprinted,” “dashed,” or “bolted” instead of “ran”).

·         Avoid passive voice.

·         Vary sentence length.

·         Cut unnecessary words.

·         Replace cliches with original phrasing.