Critical Reading What Does It Really Mean

You are often told to give a book a good critical reading. But do you know what that really means? Critical reading means reading with the goal of finding a deep understanding of a material, whether it is fiction or nonfiction. It is the act of analyzing and evaluating what you are reading as you make your way through the text  or as you reflect back upon your reading. Using Your Head When you read a piece of fiction critically, you use your common sense to determine what the writer means, as opposed to what the written words actually say. The following passage appears in The Red Badge of Courage, the classic Civil War-era work by Stephen Crane. In this passage, the main character, Henry Fleming, has just returned from battle and is now receiving treatment for a nasty head wound. Yeh dont holler ner say nothin... an yeh never squeaked. Yer a good un, Henry. Most a men would a been in th hospital long ago. A shot in th head aint foolin business... The point seems clear enough. Henry is receiving praise for his apparent fortitude and bravery. But what is really happening in this scene? During the confusion and terror of the battle, Henry Fleming had actually panicked and run away, abandoning his fellow soldiers in the process. He had received the blow in the chaos of retreat; not the frenzy of battle. In this scene, he was feeling ashamed of himself. When you read this passage critically, you actually read between the lines. By doing so, you determine the message that the author is really conveying. The words speak of bravery, but the real message of this scene is concerned feelings of  cowardice that tormented Henry. Shortly after the scene above, Fleming realizes that nobody in the entire regiment knows the truth about his wound. They all believe that the wound was the result of fighting in the battle: His self-pride was now entirely restored....He had performed his mistakes in the dark, so he was still a man. Despite the claim that Henry feels relieved, we know by reflecting and thinking critically that Henry isnt really comforted. By reading between the lines, we know he is deeply bothered by the sham. What's the Lesson? One way to read a novel critically is to be aware of the lessons or messages that a writer is sending in a subtle way. After reading The Red Badge of Courage, a critical reader would reflect back on the many scenes and look for a lesson or a message. What is the writer trying to say about courage and war? The good news is, there isnt a right or wrong answer. Its the act of forming a question and offering your own opinion that counts. Nonfiction Nonfiction writing can be just as tricky to evaluate as fiction, although there are differences. Nonfiction writing normally involves a series of statements that are backed by evidence. As a critical reader, you will need to be mindful of this process. The goal of critical thinking is to evaluate information in an unbiased way. This includes being open to changing your mind about a subject if the good evidence exists. However, you should also try not to be influenced by unsound evidence. The trick to critical reading in nonfiction is to know how to separate the good evidence from the bad. There are signs to look out for when it comes to misleading or bad evidence. Assumptions Watch for broad, unsupported statements like most people in the pre-war South approved of slavery. Every time you see a statement, ask yourself if the author provides any evidence to back up his point. Implications Be mindful of subtle statements such as Statistics support those who argue that boys are better at math than girls, so why should this be such a controversial issue? Dont become distracted by the fact that some people do believe that males are naturally better at math, and address that issue. When you do this, you are accepting the implication and, therefore, falling for bad evidence. The point is, in critical reading, that the author has not provided statistics; he merely implied that statistics exist.

What Makes You Happy - 923 Words

Particularly, genuinely true consistent happiness is achievable through an attitude of gratitude. Throughout the generations, humans have long sought to grasp the concept of living in a consistent state of happiness. Proof of this can be found in the constitution of the United States, as their forth fathers placed emphasis on the freedom to the pursuit of happiness. In today’s culture, it is often heard the saying. â€Å"Do what makes you happy†. Likewise, Parents tell their kids to choose true happiness as a priority in their lives. The emphasis on happiness comes from a true fact. In comparison to unhappy individuals, happy individuals are more productive at work and have higher incomes, are more tolerant, creative, decisive, persistent, emphatic, have more friends and better marriages (Seligman, 2002) Abascal, J., Brucato, L., Stephenson, P., Brucato, D. (2009). Furthermore, consistent Happiness might be a bit more complex that one may think. It is a road of many paths, some path that move or disappear and some that lead in the wrong direction. Even so, gratitude may be the road map to consistent happiness. First of all, to some people, happiness based on positive emotions may be short lived. As ever changing human beings, evolution has taught us to adapt, survive and sustain ourselves by forming communities, stablishing civilization and adhering to climate and circumstantial changes. Even so now, as a part of our adaptability, we tend to adapt to fortunate circumstancesShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes You Happy?896 Words   |  4 Pageslake. The evening is nice and peaceful, the weather is just right, and you’re enjoying a bonfire with your family and friends. This in particular makes me happy. The question is, what makes you happy? Is it family, friends, music, food, money? The list just keep on going. The happiness in our lives is endless. There are many factors that contribute to a happy and fulfilling life. Some psychologists are begi nning to understand a variety of aspects that contribute to living a successful life. Such as lifeRead MoreWhat Makes You Happy And Don  ¬Ã‚ ¥ T Be Afraid909 Words   |  4 PagesStrength is what makes people to keep trying over and over again. Don’t cry, don’t let those tears fall, my mind said. Never give up; if someone else can do it, you can do it too. Look for what you want and follow the path you want to, for your life. Do what makes you happy and don ´t be afraid, if it is meant to be yours it will be. In this way you might find some troubles and bumps to avoid, but nothing that with a little bit of divine help call â€Å"Faith† cannot fix. These ones were the words a voiceRead MoreWhat Makes A Happy Marriage Doesn t Mean You Have A Perfect?910 Words   |  4 PagesRomance â€Å"A happy marriage doesn’t mean you have a perfect spouse or a perfect marriage. It simply means you’ve chosen to look beyond the imperfections in both.† ~Fawn Weaver If you’ve been married for any significant amount of time, you surely realize by now that having and keeping a great marriage takes work, it doesn’t just happen. It takes unconditional love, trust, communication, patience, forgiveness, compromise, and more than just a little bit of romance. Remember those days when you were firstRead MorePersonal Note On Happiness And Happiness968 Words   |  4 Pagessomeone what makes them happy, you more than likely would receive a million different answers. The general definition of happiness or being happy is a state of well-being and contentment, or a pleasurable or satisfying experience. An individual’s definition of happiness more as excitement increase in the tendency to choose ab exciting option over a calming option; and defining happiness more as feeling calm increase the tendency to choose a calming option over exciting option. So, what makes peopleRead MoreThe Book Happy : Happy896 Words   |  4 PagesWhat is happiness? The answers are endless, some people finding something more relatable than others. In the United States, we are given the freedom of speech, and everyone has his or her own opinion. Based on opinion it makes the world a different place. We are not all the same which is better. Happiness is someth ing that can be taken it different ways, like the way it looks and feels but scientist and personal experiences show how it really is. Personally what makes me the happiest is on sportsRead MoreWhat Makes Up a Happy Family Essay1299 Words   |  6 PagesWhat Makes Up a Happy Family Is There Such A Thing? Estefania Ayala Keiser University Abstract Family is important as it is also important to have a happy family. We might think at times what makes a happy family? Is there such a thing as a happy family? Or is it possible to have a happy family. Having a happy family as we all might know is not an easy task to do, but it is neither impossible. What we can do is search for element to guide us through a happy family. I understand that no oneRead MoreThe Importance Of Happiness713 Words   |  3 PagesHappiness is a choice, and its only our choice. No matter what the circumstances are in our lives, we get to choose what emotion we want to react with. People show different ranges of emotions which can be caused by other people, but ultimately we choose our emotions with our mind and hearts. It doesnt matter what has happened in your life today, you can still choose to be happy. By choosing to be unhappy you put yourself in a sorrowful and melancholia mindset, which isnt good for your mentalRead MoreThe Happy, Film, You Look At Yo urself And How You View The Meaning Happy1345 Words   |  6 PagesAfter watching the â€Å"Happy† film, you look at yourself and how you view the meaning happy. You begin asking yourself questions to find an answer after analyzing your life, Am I truly happy? Why am I or am I not happy? Everyone in the documentary shared what made them happy and some had nothing but didn’t care because they were surrounded by family and friends, which showed that’s all they needed. What moved me after watching the film was how happiness is taken for granted. What people I encounterRead MoreDefining What Happiness Is All About Essay921 Words   |  4 PagesDefining What Happiness Is All About By Vaishnavi S | Submitted On June 10, 2012 Recommend Article Article Comments Print Article Share this article on Facebook Share this article on Twitter Share this article on Google+ Share this article on Linkedin Share this article on StumbleUpon Share this article on Delicious Share this article on Digg Share this article on Reddit Share this article on Pinterest Expert Author Vaishnavi S What is happiness? 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Modern Orthodox Judaism Free Essays

Judaism (from the Latin Iudaismus, derived from the Greek Ioudaismos, and ultimately from the Hebrew , Yehudah, â€Å"Judah†;[1][2] in Hebrew: , Yahadut, the distinctive characteristics of the Judean ethnos)[3] is the religion, philosophy and way of life of the Jewish people. [4] A monotheistic religion originating in the Hebrew Bible (also known as the Tanakh) and explored in later texts such as the Talmud, Judaism is considered by religious Jews to be the expression of the covenantal relationship God established with the Children of Israel. 5] Rabbinic Judaism holds that God revealed his laws and commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai in the form of both the Written and Oral Torah. We will write a custom essay sample on Modern Orthodox Judaism or any similar topic only for you Order Now [6] Historically, this assertion was challenged by various groups such as the Sadducees and Hellenistic Judaism during the Second Temple period; the Karaites and Sabbateans during the early and later medieval period;[7] and among segments of the modern reform movements. Liberal movements in modern times such as Humanistic Judaism may be nontheistic. 8] Judaism claims a historical continuity spanning more than 3,000 years. Of the major world religions, Judaism is considered one of the oldest monotheistic religions. [9][10] The Hebrews / Israelites were already referred to as â€Å"Jews† in later books of the Tanakh such as the Book of Esther, with the term Jews replacing the title â€Å"Children of Israel†. [11] Judaism’s texts, traditions and values strongly influenced later Abrahamic religions, including Christianity, Islam and the Baha’i Faith. 12][13] Many aspects of Judaism have also directly or indirectly influenced secular Western ethics and civil l aw. [14] Jews are an ethnoreligious group[15] and include those born Jewish and converts to Judaism. In 2010, the world Jewish population was estimated at 13. 4 million, or roughly 0. 2% of the total world population. About 42% of all Jews reside in Israel and about 42% reside in the United States and Canada, with most of the remainder living in Europe. 16] The largest Jewish religious movements are Orthodox Judaism (Haredi Judaism and Modern Orthodox Judaism), Conservative Judaism and Reform Judaism. A major source of difference between these groups is their approach to Jewish law. [17] Orthodox Judaism maintains that the Torah and Jewish law are divine in origin, eternal and unalterable, and that they should be strictly followed. Conservative and Reform Judaism are more liberal, with Conservative Judaism generally promoting a more â€Å"traditional† interpretation of Judaism’s requirements than Reform Judaism. A typical Reform position is that Jewish law should be viewed as a set of general guidelines rather than as a set of restrictions and obligations whose observance is required of all Jews. [18][19] Historically, special courts enforced Jewish law; today, these courts still exist but the practice of Judaism is mostly voluntary. [20] Authority on theological and legal matters is not vested in any one person or organization, but in the sacred texts and rabbis and scholars who interpret them. [21] How to cite Modern Orthodox Judaism, Essay examples

Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics

Question: Discuss about theAustralian Computer Society Code of Ethics. Answer: Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics: Initech Corporation Case Study Upon analyzing this case study, it is evident that Alex is in a dilemma. As much as he is trying to ensure the objectives of Initech Corporation are achieved there seem to be obstacles derailing how employees execute their tasks. To deal with this situation, Alex needs to arrive at a conclusive decision by adhering to the values from Australia Computer Society (ACS) Code of Ethics that governs professional conduct at the workplace. Besides, Alex will be required to put into consideration some of the clauses highlighted in the ACS Code of Ethics. This will be achieved by using white method of resolving ethical dilemma. This technique will include determining the consequences, evaluating the actions and then finally making the decision. This paper uses white method to illustrate cores values and clauses that Alex should adopt to as indicated in the ACS Codes of Ethics of Professional Conduct. Determining the Consequences Alex is focused to remove the roadblock interfering with the achievement of business objectives. However, his efforts seems to receive obstacles from Paul argument that he is limiting employees access to computer so as to protect company interests. Despite that Alex can resolve the matter several consequences such as disagreements with the company management and Paul may arise. Therefore, this requires Alex to adopt an option that will resolve the issue amicably. Analyzing the Actions This paper finds that actions that Alex can utilize to solve the IT problems are tied in the ACSs core values and clauses that governs professionals at workplace. Therefore, can solve this issue based on the following options; Information Technology Profession: This value holds that an IT professional should promote the integrity of the information technology information (Leicester, 2016). This should go hand in hand with respect of each professional member of ACS. Therefore, Alex should ensure as he focuses on ensuring the roadblocks of achieving the company objectives are removed, integrity of information technology is upheld. This value should be supplemented by honesty whereby the professionals are required to honestly represent their knowledge, skills, services and products (Lee, 2011). In the adoption of this value Alex should ensure the observance of the following clauses; Take appropriate and legal actions against the members who violates the professional code of ethics. Focus on reducing diversity in the workplace to improve the working conditions of all the company employees. Cooperate with other company ICT experts to ensure the objectives of the company are achieved. Appreciate other ICT experts work. Always give professional advice to the top management where changes are deemed necessary. Professional Development: Professional development demands that the ICT expert be in line with standards and practices and new technologies relevant to the professional work (Australian Computer Society, 2016). Therefore, this value will require Alex to observe the following clauses; Ensure his or her professional development as well those of the employees and other colleagues. Support professional development in ICT, training, and education that enhances different demands of the individual professionals as they pursue their career goals. Continue to upgrade professional knowledge and skills. Alex can achieve this by undertaking Initech Corporation ICT experts through training. Highlight the issues affecting the company ICT experts and how they can hamper the operations of the company. Competence: Competency value needs professionals to work diligently and competently to satisfy all the stakeholders (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008). This value requires the following clauses to be observed; Be aware of the relevant legislation and standards that govern ICT professionals. Offer advice to the stakeholders (employer) if he believes that the proposed project or idea does not work for the best of the company. With the observance of respect, seek when and where necessary professional expertise from other ICT professional in their areas of specialization. Accept professional responsibility. Making Decision Based on the above actions, this paper recommends that Alex should apply information technology profession to solve ICT problems affecting Initech Corporation. This value contains the suitable clause that will govern all company employees while at workplace. For example, taking legal actions against the members who violates the professional codes, cooperation, appreciation of other experts work and offering advice to the company management will help in overcoming the challenges facing Initech Corporation. References Australian Computer Society, 2016. ACS Code of Professional Conduct, Melbourne: Australian Computer Society. Commonwealth of Australia, 2008. Code of Ethics (ACS), Melbourne: Commonwealth of Australia. Lee, J., 2011. Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics. [Online] Available at: https://courses.cs.vt.edu [Accessed 2 February 2017]. Leicester, N., 2016. Ethics in the IT Profession: Does a Code of Ethics have an Effect on Professional Behaviour. Research Project in Information Management, 2(2), pp. 1-38.