Throughout the ENGLCOM class, I have learned a lot. It helped me in creating good and effective essays. It made me learn more about thesis statements; how to create them in different types of essays. I have learned the different types of reading. I was also able to improve my vocabulary through the reporting activities.
My expectations in the entrance reflective essay were definitely met. Our professor did her best to fulfill our expectations. She made our ENGLCOM classes fun yet informative and efficient. In the entrance reflective essay, I stated that I may also meet new friends which I did; of course, with the help of our professor. In our peer-editing tasks, she was the one assigning the pairs so that everyone will have a chance to work with each other.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Argumentative Essay: Carbonated Beverages: The Revealing Truth
Carbonated beverages have now become part of our daily lives. We drink soda pop or soft drinks -- like Coca Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, or 7up -- in replacement for water. Carbonated drinks are primarily composed of sugar, different kinds of acids, and caffeine. According to studies, there is an increase in the number of kids who drink more soda pop than water in a day; this proves that more and more kids are becoming prone to health hazards (Squires, n.d.). Although carbonated beverages are considered to be one of the most demandable thirst-quenching beverages -- also one of the biggest threat in our health -- they should just be taken more often than not because (a) it has caffeine which may cause caffeine dependence or addiction to caffeine, (b) it may cause obesity, and (c) it may be a cause of bone weakening.Soft drinks should only be taken at the least possible amount because, first of all, they contain caffeine. According to soda pop producers, they use small amount of caffeine as a flavor enhancer and not as a drug. Caffeine has been part of almost every cola since they were first formulated more than a hundred years ago (NSDA, n.d.). The industry says that caffeine should be taken moderately. Though not all soft drinks are caffeinated, recent blind taste tests conducted by Roland Griffiths show that only eight percent of regular soft drink consumers could identify the difference between caffeinated and decaffeinated soft drinks (Squires, n.d.). Most of us knew that some soda pops contain a fair amount of caffeine -- about 35 to 38 milligrams per 12-ounce can. But did you know that siet colas contain a lot more caffeine than regular colas? A 12-ounce can of Diet Coke, for example, has about 42 milligrams of cafffeine -- that is, seven times more caffeine than a Coke Classic. Regular doses of caffeine have negative effects on brain development. According to Kenneth S Kendler, a professor of psychiatry, a person experiencing a splitting headache, slight rise in blood pressure, irritability, and maybe some stomach problems when not drinking caffeine for some time describe the typical withdrawal process suffered by caffeine consumers. The fact that people have withdrawal signs and symptoms when caffeine is stopped is a good indication that something has been disturbed in the brain (Squires, n.d.).
A person should only take small amount of soft drinks because second, they may cause obesity. Explanations of this mechanism by which soda may lead to obesity have not yet been proven, but the evidences are strong. A team of Harvard researchers presented the first evidence linking soft drink consumption to childhood obesity. They found that kids who drank soft drinks regularly were more likely to be overweight. According to Dave Ludwig, drinking soda is an independent risk factor for obesity. The brain seems to get confused by sugary liquid calories that pass quickly through the stomach. In this way, thinking controls the pounds that are added to our weight (Squires, n.d.).
One should take more water or other beverages than soft drinks because third, soda pops may be a cause of bone weakening. The carbonation in all soft drinks causes calcium loss in the bones. How? First, the carbonation irritates the stomach. Second, the stomach cures the irritation by using calcium which comes from the blood. The blood, now low in calcium, will still continue to supply insufficient calcium for the bones. Another acid that most soft drinks contain is the phosphoric acid which also cause lack of calcium supply (Softdrinks: Unsafe beverages, n.d.). Calcium is essential to our bones thus lack of calcium will lead to weak and brittle bones.
Generally, carbonated beverages has a lot more threat to our body and to our health. Soft drinks are harmful to one's body because it may cause diseases. Our body system will weaken due to lack of calcium which will only take effect somewhere in the future. Why not try juice, milk, or water? They are way more beneficial than soft drinks because they do not contain too much of the ingredients of a soft drink. We should start minimizing our intake of soft drinks or soda pops before it is too late.
References:
- Squires, S. (n.d.). Soft Drinks, Hard Facts. Retrieved April 5, 2010 from http://www.chetday.com/softdrinksdanger.htm
- Softdrinks: Unsafe beverages. Retrieved April 5, 2010 from http://www.mindconnection.com/library/health/softdrinks.htm
This topic is useful for every individual who enjoys soft drinks. This essay is about the negative effects of soft drinks in our health. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my composition because for me, this is one of the many risks in our health. This essay is one of my favorites.
Definition Essay: Your Real Beauty
Today, we give definition to beauty as a quality that gives pleasure to the senses or one that exalts the mind. Another meaning of beauty is the combination of all the qualities of a person or thing that delights the senses and mind; it may also be something outstanding of its kind. Given these definitions, one can say that beauty is the combination of qualities in which a person or thing would uniquely stand out from others of his or her kind. However, beauty is not true if one would only look at the outside qualities or what the eye could see. Real beauty comes from the inside -- your inner self -- and not what other people see in your physical being.
Perfect nose, tantalizing eyes, kissable lips, slim body, height of a supermodel -- these are the characteristics people would mention if asked "What is beauty for you?" Most people think that beauty is solely about the physical attributes of a person, but as mentioned before, beauty also includes your inner self. It is not only about 'what you see' but also on 'how you feel.' As a quotation says, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder;" meaning, you would see things as beautiful as they can be if you would feel the same way about yourself.
Beauty is not about bragging or flaunting your physical image but dealing with other people without showing off. Although you do not possess some of the physical qualities mentioned, just show and prove that you have the heart which would overrule your physical attributes and make them believe that you are the most beautiful person. Beauty is neither yours nor mine; it is a gift from God. We just borrowed our whole self from our Creator. Do not complain if you think you are ugly; just be happy and contented with yourself. Feel beautiful for God did not create ugly beings in this world.
To further explain these ideas about beauty, let us take the story "Beauty and the Beast" as an example. In the story, Belle loved the Beast despite his monstrous image. The story proves that every single person possesses unconditional love -- a love that originates from deep within. Belle loved the Beast because of his kindness to her, and not because of his features. Now, let us take a look at the events in the modern generation. Frankly speaking, in our current economic situation, guys would want girls not because they are beautiful but because they are well-off; and vice versa. Nowadays, beauty is not the only reason for liking someone, but his/her status in life as well.
People nowadays, especially the ladies, would want their physical features to be enhanced or even changed by undergoing cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, liposuction, and the like which could lead to more serious problems, an example of which is procuring a disease.
Beauty does not only speak of ladies but the gentlemen as well. Do not let your physical image hinder your true beauty by exposing your heart. If you start being beautiful in the inside, your beauty will gradually come out.
This topic was from the suggested topics of our professor. She asked us to choose a topic in which we have enough idea. I am satisfied with the outcome of this essay.
Perfect nose, tantalizing eyes, kissable lips, slim body, height of a supermodel -- these are the characteristics people would mention if asked "What is beauty for you?" Most people think that beauty is solely about the physical attributes of a person, but as mentioned before, beauty also includes your inner self. It is not only about 'what you see' but also on 'how you feel.' As a quotation says, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder;" meaning, you would see things as beautiful as they can be if you would feel the same way about yourself.
Beauty is not about bragging or flaunting your physical image but dealing with other people without showing off. Although you do not possess some of the physical qualities mentioned, just show and prove that you have the heart which would overrule your physical attributes and make them believe that you are the most beautiful person. Beauty is neither yours nor mine; it is a gift from God. We just borrowed our whole self from our Creator. Do not complain if you think you are ugly; just be happy and contented with yourself. Feel beautiful for God did not create ugly beings in this world.
To further explain these ideas about beauty, let us take the story "Beauty and the Beast" as an example. In the story, Belle loved the Beast despite his monstrous image. The story proves that every single person possesses unconditional love -- a love that originates from deep within. Belle loved the Beast because of his kindness to her, and not because of his features. Now, let us take a look at the events in the modern generation. Frankly speaking, in our current economic situation, guys would want girls not because they are beautiful but because they are well-off; and vice versa. Nowadays, beauty is not the only reason for liking someone, but his/her status in life as well.
People nowadays, especially the ladies, would want their physical features to be enhanced or even changed by undergoing cosmetic surgery, plastic surgery, liposuction, and the like which could lead to more serious problems, an example of which is procuring a disease.
Beauty does not only speak of ladies but the gentlemen as well. Do not let your physical image hinder your true beauty by exposing your heart. If you start being beautiful in the inside, your beauty will gradually come out.
This topic was from the suggested topics of our professor. She asked us to choose a topic in which we have enough idea. I am satisfied with the outcome of this essay.
Cause & Effect Essay: Causes of Broken Relationships
A relationship is an emotional connection between people. It is a special way of treating a person different from the others, but relationships could lead to a heartbreak. Have you ever had a heartbreak? According to McKenna (n.d.), heartbreak is an exquisitely painful emotion that includes all other emotions which made it a very strange distress. Most heartbreaks are caused by broken relationships, but what causes relationships to be broken? Broken relationships are caused by numerous reasons, three of them are: lack of trust, lack of communication, and lack of time.Lack of trust is one of the major reasons why relationships end. Trust is one of the most important ingredients and the foundation of a happy and succesful relationship. It is something that must be earned and maintained with action, not just words. Lack of trust can cause serious problems (Gregorious, n.d). Rebuilding trust is difficult, it will take time, and it would not happen overnight. Trust is the glue of the relationship which binds a couple to each other, but how can we earn trust and be trustful again? Just two things to remember: be honest and do not make promises you cannot keep.
Another reason that causes a broken relationship is lack of communication. Effective communication is as well needed in a relationship. Men and women do not seem to speak in the same language. Which is why open communication is essential for a couple so it would not lead them to misunderstanding and later on, to a heartbreak. Lack of communication in a relationship can result in hasty decisions. We need to understand the reason behind communication breakdown and how they can be avoided to ensure a fulfilling relationship (admin, 2006). Communicate openly with each other, and say what is on your mind and how you feel.
The last reason would be lack of time. Time spent together as a couple should be beneficial to both. Couples just starting a new relationship may want to spend every spare minute together ("Good Communication," n.d.). One of the hardest things to do in a relationship os manage your time together wisely. It may not always be a mutual decision, but time boundary must be established early in a relationship ("Relationship tips: how much time is healthy for us to spend together?," n.d.).
It is somewhat disturbing that irony takes place in a relationship. As you noticed, the most common reason for a broken relationship is the lack of the most important aspects needed to establish a strong and succesful relationship.
References:
- admin (29 August 2006). Lack of Communication in a Relationship. Retrieved from http://www.relationshipsafe.com/relationships/relationship/lack-of-communication-in-a-relationship.html
- Good communication. (n.d.) Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/relationships/healthy_relationships.html
- Gregorious (n.d.) Trust in a Relationship. Retrieved from http://hubpages.com/hub/Trust-in-a-Relationship
- McKenna P. and Willbourn, H. (n.d.) How to Mend Your Broken Heart: Overcome Emotional Pain at the end of a Relationship. Retrieved from http://www.enotalone.com/article/4871.html
- Relationship tips: how much time is healthy for us to spend together? (n.d.) Retrieved from http://www.essortment.com/lifestyle/relationshiptips_skan.htm
It was pretty easy for me to think of this topic since most of the people nowadays complain about heartbreaks. I am satisfied with the outcome of this essay. I think, I should have made it more original; but I am already satisfied.
Comparison & Contrast Essay: Reading or Writing: Take your Pick
Are you looking for an activity in your spare time? Well, past time activities are done to reduce the boredom of a person. They are generally activities which do not consume too much time and need not have much effort to exert upon. Reading is a good past time activity and so is watching the television, but which of them has a greater benefit for the people? The purpose of this essay is to compare and contrast the positive and negative effects of reading and watching the television on individuals.
Watching the television has its own positive and negative effects on the society. First, its negative effects; the most notable and unbelievable is that according to studies, viewers may lose at least 5,000 brain cells in one sitting because of the rapid change of scenes at the television screen. Worse, brain cells cannot be replaced. Another negative effect is that children may be exposed to violence. For example, a boy's father watches UFC, RAW, or Smackdown; his son may most likely be a fan of those shows. In some television shows, scenes are not so realistic like the shows Darna and Agua Bendita. Now, the positive effects; watching television is more entertaining than reading a book. Also, it may be enjoyed by groups. A family or 'barkadas' may watch a television show at the same place and time. Finally, the viewers may visualize the happening in the story.
The second past time activity I have mentioned was reading. Reading has its positive and negative effects as well. A negative effect is that reading is more expensive than watching television since reading requires a reading material which needs to be purchased at a specific price. Another negative effect is that reading must be done in a well-lighted place, or else one's eyes will suffer. In reading, a reader may have company in reading but it would be hard since they might differ in terms of reading pace. On the other hand, reading has an advantage over watching the television since reading may be done anywhere well-lighted but watching needs a place with a socket for electricity. Reading also increases one's vocabulary with unfamiliar words being within reach. Most books are based on true-to-life stories, so basically, they are more realistic than the scenes on the television.
Despite their differences, they sure have similarities as well -- negative and positive. The negative would be reading and watching the television may be a cause of an eye problem; while the positive would be they are both sources of information like the Discovery Channel on television and an encyclopedia as a reading material.
You have witnessed some of the negative and positive effects of reading and watching television. It is up to you to choose between the two past time activities which would be more beneficial to you in terms of health and lifestyle. See you again on your next spare time. Thank you for READING.
*No sources were used in constructing this essay. Contents are purely based on the writer's own knowledge about the topic.
I chose this topic because I have lots of free time. It is easy for me to relate on this topic. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my composition. For me, this is one of my favorite essays that I made in the entire ENGLCOM class.
Watching the television has its own positive and negative effects on the society. First, its negative effects; the most notable and unbelievable is that according to studies, viewers may lose at least 5,000 brain cells in one sitting because of the rapid change of scenes at the television screen. Worse, brain cells cannot be replaced. Another negative effect is that children may be exposed to violence. For example, a boy's father watches UFC, RAW, or Smackdown; his son may most likely be a fan of those shows. In some television shows, scenes are not so realistic like the shows Darna and Agua Bendita. Now, the positive effects; watching television is more entertaining than reading a book. Also, it may be enjoyed by groups. A family or 'barkadas' may watch a television show at the same place and time. Finally, the viewers may visualize the happening in the story.
The second past time activity I have mentioned was reading. Reading has its positive and negative effects as well. A negative effect is that reading is more expensive than watching television since reading requires a reading material which needs to be purchased at a specific price. Another negative effect is that reading must be done in a well-lighted place, or else one's eyes will suffer. In reading, a reader may have company in reading but it would be hard since they might differ in terms of reading pace. On the other hand, reading has an advantage over watching the television since reading may be done anywhere well-lighted but watching needs a place with a socket for electricity. Reading also increases one's vocabulary with unfamiliar words being within reach. Most books are based on true-to-life stories, so basically, they are more realistic than the scenes on the television.
Despite their differences, they sure have similarities as well -- negative and positive. The negative would be reading and watching the television may be a cause of an eye problem; while the positive would be they are both sources of information like the Discovery Channel on television and an encyclopedia as a reading material.
You have witnessed some of the negative and positive effects of reading and watching television. It is up to you to choose between the two past time activities which would be more beneficial to you in terms of health and lifestyle. See you again on your next spare time. Thank you for READING.
*No sources were used in constructing this essay. Contents are purely based on the writer's own knowledge about the topic.
I chose this topic because I have lots of free time. It is easy for me to relate on this topic. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my composition. For me, this is one of my favorite essays that I made in the entire ENGLCOM class.
Static-Descriptive Essay: Friendship through Schoolwork
For students, schoolworks are boring, tiring, and exhausting obligations in which we are tied with. But friendship for us is an opposite thing -- fun and exciting I would say. That is why, culminating activities in schools are created to help the students enjoy their life as students and at the same time, to improve their social liveswhich will be memorable in their school life. Once, we had an interclass activity in one of our subjects. Our culminating activity in Biology, though tiring, is still a memorable part of my college life because of the bonding we had and the overnight works we shared.
One sunny Friday, we were scheduled to have an interclass activity which would involve all Biology classes. One group from each block was chosen to represent their respective blocks. The group from our class was chosen by election, but unfortunately, I was not included in the selected group. But how was I included in the group? Our professor asked the winning group to ask help from their blockmates. The group's project was the amazing "Lambda Phage Viral Antibiotic" which is a virus that can kill another virus. They asked us to help them in doing the colorful yet informative props. So basically, I became part of the group as a propsman. It was already an hour after midnight when the first person finished her assigned task. But the leader, worse, was not able to sleep even for just half an hour. While the members of the group were heartfully explaining and presenting their work to other classes, some of us went room-to-room to evaluate the works of other classed. We were at room Y604 but we also went to the 4th and 5th floor. We went down the stairs then climbed up then down then up again until we filled up the room-to-room evaluation form given to us, and until we entered every classroom. Our hearts were pounding faster than fast and we could barely catch our breaths. After the activity, though we were tired and our eyes were growing heavily. we took pictures of ourselves; grinning widely and posing graciously, as a small prize for an overnight and half a day of work.
We were able to bond with each other by communicating from time to time and helping in the creation of the props. The hardworks, blood, perspiration, and time we gave and dedicated were all worth it because our block won the hearts of the judges and other students in the interclass activity. I am eagerly waiting for a "next time." The activity was just a proof that schoolworks and friendship can be done in the same place, at the same time.
I took time in looking for picture which would be an easy topic for a static-descriptive essay. I am satisfied with the outcome of my essay but I think I was not able to create a good static-descriptive essay. I could've added more 'showing statements.' Overall, I am satisfied.
Process Essay: The Holy Beads
Praying the rosary is an important factor in the lives of the Catholic community because with that, we can be closer to God, our Creator. Each bead of the rosary contains a prayer and signifies intentions. Overall, steps are divided into three: starting to pray the rosary, reciting the mysteries, and post recitation of the mysteries.
The first part would be about the steps on how to start praying the rosary. First of all, you need a rosary. Make the sign of the cross to start praying. Then recite the Apostles' Creed. After that, move to the next bead and recite Our Father. On the next three beads, recite three Hail Marys, with one Hail Mary on each bead. Then say Glory be to the Father.
The next part would be about reciting the mysteries of the rosary. The four mysteries are: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Luminous which would depend upon the day you are reciting the rosary. Holding the next bead, announce the first mystery. After announcing the first mystery, say Our Father, For the next ten beads, one Hail Mary must be recited on each bead. After the Hail Mary on the tenth bead, move to the next and say Glory Be to the Father. Still holding the same bead, say the Fatima Ejaculation. Announce the second, third, fourth, and fifth mysteries after the Fatima Ejaculation on each decade.
At last, the final part would be about the post-recitation of the mysteries. After saying the last Fatima Ejaculation, still holding the same bead, recite the Hail Holy Queen. Then recite the Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mother. After that, say the prayer Let Us Pray. Then end the praying of the rosary with the sign of the cross.
The Holy Beads would our guide in living our lives the best way we can. The rosary can be our shield and sword against the evil, and it can also be our bestfriend who can be beside us wherever we go. It will lead us to a better life with God. It is never too late to start a new life living in a world of prayers.
At first, I had a hard time thinking of a topic. Then I remembered our fourth year adviser who taught us a lot of things especially praying the rosary. So I chose the topic that I am most familiar with. I did not find it very hard writing this essay; and I am very satisfied with the outcome of my composition.
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