St Jago High School students (from left) Roxanne Foster, Tramonique Wellington, Nyandah Newman and Domonick Smith of Angel’s Primary are ready to send their postcards to their favourite athletes. YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE |
MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
11
Pascal language
yl:information technology
REPEAT LOOPS This loop, as you would recall, is quite similar to the while loops except the condition is tested at the end of the loop. Thus, the block of statement(s) will continue to execute as long as the specified condition in the UNTIL statement is false. Using the same program used in example 3, this is what the repeat loop would like.
NATALEE A. JOHNSON Contributor
GOOD DAY, students. This is lesson 28 of our series of The Gleaner’s IT lessons. In this week’s lesson we will continue to look at coding in Pascal.
LOOPS Pascal Code written Using Turbo Pascal 1.5
FOR LOOPS Remember your ‘For Loops’ are definite loops; whatever is placed in the blocked of the loop will be executed a specified number of times. Let’s look at an example of a ‘For Loop’ using Pascal code.
EXAMPLE 2 Write a program to read 10 integer scores, find the sum of the 10 scores and output the sum.
EXAMPLE 4 N.B.: There is no need for the key words ‘Begin’ and ‘End’ inside this loop or the assignment symbol ‘:=’for the ‘until section’, a regular equal sign is used, for example, ‘Until Mark ‘=’ 999.
ARRAYS What is an Array? An array is a data structure that is used to store a fixed number of data items all of the same type. The items (or elements) of the array are organised in sequence and can be accessed directly by specifying their positions in the sequence, using an index or subscript. The index or subscript is the position of the item in the array. If only one index is used, the array is called
WHILE LOOPS ‘While Loops’, on the other hand, are indefinite loops, the block statements will continue to be executed until a particular condition is met.
EXAMPLE 3 Write a program to read a set of marks terminated by 999, the program should also find the sum of the marks and also output the sum of the marks.
a one-dimensional array. If more than one index is used, it is referred to as a multidimensional array. An array is also seen as a list where the data being stored are displayed in a table format. Here is an example of how an array is declared and how it is stored. The name of the array above is called ‘Num’ and its subscript value is 5, which means that this array list can only store up to five elements. To refer to the third value in array Num, we would specify its position in the array as a subscript of the array name. That is, Num [3]. Arrays are, therefore, typically used to store and process a list of items. We have come to the end of our lesson. See you next week when we will continue to look at the Pascal Code and arrays. Remember that if you fail to prepare, you should prepare to fail. 12
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
Selling & Merchandising
yl:principles of business
YVONNE HARVEY Contributor
ELLO AGAIN, everyone. I do hope that you’ve had a good week. This week’s lesson is centered on selling, merchandising and adjustment of pricing policy. I hope you will enjoy it. I will begin with a discussion on selling as a marketing strategy.
H
SELLING When a good or a service is sold, the ownership is transferred from the seller to the buyer, who will then utilise it. Selling is often referred to as personal selling because of the face-to-face nature of most types of selling. In large companies, the sales force is headed by a sales manager. Small companies use freelance salesmen, who sell the goods of more than one manufacturer. Salesmen are paid a salary, commission or a combination of both.
This is one of the approaches to effective selling. It involves the displaying of goods rather than simply keeping them inside the shop or selling premises. The goods should be properly arranged so as to get easy access to each one or to a group. They should be placed where they can be easily seen.
Prospective buyers can feel or touch goods or even try them out in order to ascertain their durability or suitability. Merchandising also facilitates self-service.
m Possess a thorough knowledge of his products m Has a good understanding of human nature and the customers’ points of view m Should have energy and drive combined with courtesy and patience m Should be outgoing and friendly m Has the ability to plan his day and his ‘attack’ so that time is not wasted m Has the ability to see and understand how his competitors work m Should be honest and persuasive m Should be suitably dressed and groomed m Should provide after-sales services
Market vendors and street vendors are good examples of merchandising selling.
THE DISADVANTAGES OF MERCHANDISING ARE: 1. It is that it often makes it easy for shoplifting to take place. 2. It allows for tampering of the goods. Many goods that are tampered with deteriorate easily or can be destroyed easily. 3. It sometimes clutters up small business places.
TECHNIQUES OF SUCCESSFUL SELLING (STEPS IN SELLING) 1. Prospecting and Qualifying The salesperson seeks to identify prospective customers and qualify them by assessing such factors as income earned, financial stability and earning potential.
ADJUSTMENT OF PRICING POLICY This is a means of ensuring effective selling by giving discounts (cash and quantity). Buyers are encouraged to purchase more, therefore, the rate of turnover and, by extension, the rate of profits increase.
2. Pre-approach The salesperson seeks to discover as much as possible about the prospect
4. Presentation and demonstration The salesperson listens to the problems of the client and finds a product to match his clients, needs. Sometimes, months of negotiation are necessary before a sale can be closed.
MERCHANDISING
Each article should be boldly marked with a price label and other markings to avoid prospective buyers having to ask too many questions. Merchandising gets rid of the necessity to employ a large number of shop assistants or sellers.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD SALESMAN
3. The approach The appearance of the salesperson and their opening remarks are very important. The sales person should not be overdressed and should talk on a mutually interesting topic before discussing the prospective sale. A general discussion puts the prospective buyer at ease.
7. Follow -up This takes place after the sale has been closed and includes after-sales services. It helps to maintain a good customer-firm relationship. The sale or the repeat sale may be lost if this important step is ignored.
HOMEWORK CONTRIBUTED
LIME 4G representatives Tash-Chane Case (right) and Suzette Powell (centre) explain to The Gleaner’s Janet Silvera how to use the new MiFi during the roll out of 4G in the parish of St James recently. Persons living in Bogue can now experience 4G.
5. Handling objections The art of good salesmanship requires that
6. Closing the sale The most critical part in the process. If the
objections be turned into positive factors in
salesperson attempts to close the sale too soon,
order to achieve a sale. In order to handle
the customer will feel pressured and may end the
objections well, the salesperson must know the
whole transaction. If the salesperson takes too long
product well and understand customers’ needs.
to close the sale, the customer will lose interest.
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
It is very important, especially today, that persons in business endeavour to maintain a good customer-firm relationship. This is one of the areas on the POB syllabus. Your task is to list the methods of maintaining a good customer-firm relationship. Next week’s lesson will begin with a discussion of the above and then proceed with other aspects of marketing. Bye for now. Yvonne Harvey teaches at Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
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Energy Dispatch & transport office changes yl:chemistry
yl:office administration
HYACINTH TUGMAN Contributor
HE PAPERWORK involved in the dispatch and transport office can be quite large. However, each document has a function and, therefore, must be used correctly, handled carefully and protected.
T
FREIGHT INVOICES
Freight invoices are basic to regular invoices, but apart from the general labelling which must be put on each package, the name of the airline carrier/vessel should also be included on the invoice.
INSURANCE CERTIFICATE Documents used in the transport office are:
DELIVERY NOTE The preparation for the despatch process is activated as soon as an order is received in the Sales Department. The invoice clerk prepares the invoice and sends a copy to the factory office. This copy of the invoice is frequently referred to as the delivery note and sometimes as a packaging note. The term ‘packaging note’ refers to the activity involved in the actual preparation of the goods for despatch. The term ‘delivery note’ is also used because the delivery is usually accompanied by copies of the document when the goods are processed for delivery. When the delivery is made, a copy of the delivery note is given to the customer for recordkeeping. The other copy is signed by the customer; this documents the delivery of the goods. The signed copy is returned to the office.
Insurance coverage has to be provided for the goods being shipped, allowing claims to be made for any damages that may occur during transportation.
AIR WAYBILLS The main objective in using a waybill is to protect the airline carrier if it should become necessary for the consignor to make claims for damage to or loss of goods. A waybill must accompany any consignment of goods to be transported by air carriers. The waybill has three sections -
SECTION 1 Must be marked ‘for the carrier’ and signed by the consignor.
SECTION 2 ADVICE NOTE An advice note is a document used in the dispatch and transport office to advise the customer that the goods will be dispatched on a particular date, as well as the mode of transportation.
DESTINATION SHEET The destination sheet gives details of the vehicle to be used, its number, the driver’s name, the name of any assistant, the name and address of the recipient and a description of the products being delivered.
Marked ‘for the consignee’ and accompany the goods.
SECTION 3 This is signed by the carrier airline and returned to the consignor.
BILLS OF LADING A bill of lading is usually prepared in triplicate. The seller, the buyer and the captain of the ship each receives a copy.
CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN TRANSPORTATION BY AIR /SEA Airline delivery is more expensive. Airline delivery arrangements are generally made when goods are needed urgently and also when other methods of transportation are unavailable. Whether goods are shipped by air or sea, the regulations laid down by the airline and shipping carrier association and all government agencies must be adhered to. A variety of documents are required for successful delivery of the products involved. When packaging has been completed, the following documents should be identified and used: - certificates of origin - custom forms - insurance certificates - air waybills - bills of lading - export/freight invoices
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This document gives proof of the origin of the goods, that is, from which country they are shipped.
FRANCINE TAYLOR-CAMPBELL
Contributor
POINTS TO NOTE:
m When chemical reactions occur, energy is transferred to or from the surroundings. m An exothermic reaction is one that transfers energy to the surroundings. m An endothermic reaction is one that takes energy from the surroundings. m Examples of exothermic reactions include combustion and neutralisation reactions. m Endothermic reactions include thermal decompositions and some dissolution reactions such as dissolving solid salts in water. m The enthalpy change (∆H) of a reaction is the difference between the energy content of the products and the reactants. (HP - HR). m For exothermic reactions, ∆H = -ve m For endothermic reactions, ∆H = +ve m Simple energy level (profile) diagrams can be used to show the relative energies of reactants and products and the activation energy of the reaction. m The energy released from a reaction can be measured using a calorimeter. m The amount of energy absorbed or released (Q) is found by multiplying mass and specific heat capacity and change in temperature. Q = mc∆T m Energy is measured in joules (J). m Catalysts provide a pathway for a chemical reaction which uses a lower activation energy.
QUESTION 1 1. The following results were obtained by burning methane and using the energy obtained to heat a known mass of water: Mass of water = 250 g Initial temperature of water = 26 0C Final temperature of water = 36 0C Mass of methane = 0.2 g Use this information to calculate the heat of combustion in KJ per mole of methane. Assume that there are no heat losses and that the 4.2J of energy are needed to raise the temperature of 1 g of water by 1 0C.
CUSTOMS FORMS Customs regulations in each country must be adhered to. Goods being despatched overseas require customs declaration form, and in some cases export licences. Special fees are charged on some products.
Q1. Heat change for rxn = mass of soln x heat capacity of soln x temperature change. This is an equation worth remembering!
ACTIVITY
H = 250g x 4.2 Jg-1C-1 x 10 C = 10.5 KJ This energy change was given out from the burning of 0.2g of methane. 1 mole of methane (CH4) has a mass of (12 + 4) = 16 g
For each of the documents mentioned in this lesson, familiarise yourselves with them and endeavour to complete them. God bless and have a good week. Hyacinth Tugman teaches at Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
ANSWERS
# mol in 0.2 g = 0.2/16 = 0.0125 mol Thus 0.0125 mol give out 10.5 KJ of heat 1 mole = 10.5/0.0125 = 840 KJ/mol Francine Taylor-Campbell teaches at Jamaica College. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
yl:history
United States’ involvement in Haiti, Dominican Republic & Grenada
DEBBION HYMAN Contributor
m In keeping with the Good Neighbour Policy, America decided to withdraw in 1934.
OBJECTIVES AT THE end of the lesson, you should be able to: 1. Discuss the factors which resulted in the United States’ involvement in the following territories: a) Haiti (1915) b) Dominican Republic (1916) c) Grenada (1983) 2. Assess the consequences of the United States’ involvement in the above Caribbean territories.
HAITI (1915)
m The United States began having a commercial and economic influence on Haiti in the 1870s.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (1916)
m The United States occupied the Dominican Republic during 1916-1924. m For the United States, any sort of political instability in the Dominican Republic could provide an opening to enemies of that republic. One of the supposed enemies was Germany, which had strong commercial interests in Dominican tobacco and cocoa.
m The United States also came to the conclusion that one way of solving the problem in the Dominican Republic would be to bring about financial stability, since it was the problem of the debts owed to the European powers which brought about the dangers of intervention.
against his opponents. Many of his critics were murdered as the political, social and economic systems of Grenada collapsed.
m A group of discontents under the banner of the New Jewel Movement led by a young attorney named Maurice Bishop staged a bloodless coup in 1979, toppling Eric Gairy from power. The People’s Revolutionary Government (PRG) was then formed with Maurice Bishop as prime minister of Grenada. m The group suspended the 1967 constitution and dissolved Parliament. When Bishop’s government began the transformation of Grenada into a Marxist state, the United States and other anticommunist states in the region became very concerned. Relations between Grenada and the anti-communist bloc became strained as relations with Cuba and the Soviet bloc improved. The United States began diplomatic actions aimed at preventing further communist incursion into the Western hemisphere.
m The United States and the Dominican Republic feared that Haiti’s unstable political conditions and unstable finances as well as its chronic debt problem would invite European intervention.
m In 1907, the Dominica-American Convention took place in which it was agreed that the United States would supervise the collection of customs duties and use 55 per cent of this to repay foreign debts. In essence, what America agreed to do was to take control of the republic’s finances by creating stability and thus preventing the intervention of other countries. Such action demonstrated America’s ‘Dollar Diplomacy’.
m The Maurice Bishop-led government did not hold any general elections but, instead, concentrated on increasing its military capabilities with assistance from its new allies. Cuban troops and workers poured into Grenada to assist in the building of a new international airport at Port Salines. The fact that this airport was being built to accommodate large military aircrafts made the Americans and its allies very wary of the project.
m The United States feared German intervention in Haiti since that nation had heavy investments in Haiti’s public utilities.
m The United States made investments in the Dominican sugar industry which led to a significant increase in sugar production.
m The political conditions in Haiti were very unstable as between 1888 and 1915 no Haitian president served his full term of office. In July 1915, President Guillaume Sam was overthrown in a bloody riot. The United States used this incident as an excuse to occupy Haiti.
m In 1916, the opportunity came for America to occupy the republic when civil war broke out with the assassination of the Dominican president. America sent her troops in to restore order and stability and to protect her investments.
m Extremists in Bishop’s party disagreed with his handling of the government and took control of the government by overthrowing him. Bishop and other members of the PRG were arrested and soon after executed by extremists who now formed a Revolutionary Military Council under the leadership of General Hudson Austin.
m The major factors outlined for United States’ intervention were a) to prevent Haiti from falling into the hands of the Europeans b) to provide a stable government c) to put Haiti’s finances in order.
m The occupation resulted in a massive increase in American investments in the sugar industry. There were improvements in road conditions and various sanitation and public works programmes were implemented. A national constabulary was also established.
m The United States recognised the strategic importance and would begin making investments in their economy. By 1913, the United States controlled 60 per cent of the Haitian market.
m During the occupation, the United States controlled Haiti’s customs to facilitate the payment of debts to foreign creditors. They also constructed roads and undertook improvements in health and sanitation. m The long-standing Haitian law which had forbidden the ownership of Haitian land by foreigners was revoked to enable easier United States investment in the republic. The occupation years also witnessed closer commercial ties with the US and Haiti. m Like the Dominicans, the Haitians resisted the occupation which did not end until 1934. The major rebellion against the American occupiers took place under the leadership of Charlemagne Peralte in 1919. The rebellion was, in the first place, a protest against the brutal corvee system, one of forced labour imposed by the Americans. The Peralte revolt was suppressed, however, by 1929 when nationalist protest reached the point almost of rebellion once more.
m The Dominicans, however, were unhappy with this occupation as they realised that the American dollar was totally in control of the country’s economy. As with Panama and Cuba, national sentiment was aroused against the Americans who were forced to withdraw in 1924.
GRENADA (1983)
m Grenada became an independent state on February 7, 1974.
m The island, though achieving political independence, was highly stratified according to race, colour and wealth. Eric Gairy (leader) promised a shift in the balance of power within the status quo from as far back as the 1950s, but was unable up to the 1970s to fulfil this promise. m Tightening economic control also caused many Grenadians to become disenchanted with Gairy’s leadership. To make matters worse, Gairy assumed dictatorial powers and instituted a ‘reign of terror’ YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
m The new government surged ahead with its plan to make Grenada a Marxist state. The United States appealed to other states in the region to intervene in Grenada for the restoration of democracy. States in the Caribbean formed a coalition with the objective of restoring democracy in Grenada and purging the region of the fear of a communist takeover. m On October 25, 1983, American troops invaded Grenada with support from members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Jamaica, St Vincent, St Lucia, Dominica, Barbuda and Barbados all committed troops in ‘Operation Urgent Fury’. By November 2, 1983, the combined force had assumed control of the island. General Austin was arrested, Cuban workers and soldiers were sent home and an interim government was installed. m In December 1984, general elections were held in Grenada and Herbert A. Blaize of the New National Party became prime minister. m The Grenada invasion marked yet another milestone in American-Caribbean relations as, for the first time, Caribbean troops were committed alongside American troops, assisting the United States in the preservation of democracy in the region. Debbion Hyman teaches at St Hugh’s High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
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MAUREEN CAMPBELL Contributor
T IS necessary to create new, modern and quality human resources that may effectively accomplish the goals of business and developmental policy in a country. Development of human resources is a daily and seemingly eternal challenge that is facing our world today, as we live in a dynamic and changing world. It has been argued that the success of a country and its organisations significantly depends upon the manner in which it manages human potentials. It has become very important that the development of human resources be catered for as our employees are seen as performing the most important function in our society today.
I
More than ever before, the only real competitive advantage of a country is recognised as the human resources that are being utilised. This has resulted in emphasis being placed on the development of human resources, and has become the centre of many researches as countries plan how best to invest and expand their development. It is increasingly on the budgets of countries as they have come to acknowledge that the development of their human resources is the key factor or difference between successful and unsuccessful development. Our present world economy depends largely on the employees’ skills and knowledge, to a larger extent, than on the traditional industrial economy.
Development of human resources A situation in which a worker is employed but not
The condition of having regular paid work.
yl:social studies
is
during the dips that unemployment may result. Shifts in the world economy affect job availability. Not enough jobs to go around can result from a declining manufacturing sector, a growing service sector, changing consumption patterns, technological developments or competition. Factors such as the ageing of the population, labour force participation rates, migration patterns, skills available/demanded, environmental regulations, technological change will affect employment patterns. People may not be able to take advantage of job opportunities because they lack the skills needed for the jobs available in their area. Frictional unemployment simply refers to people who switch jobs. While they are between jobs, they are considered as unemployed. People get laid off from seasonal occupations in industries such as construction, tourism and fisheries. Low productivity may result from obsolete plant and equipment, high cost of labour per unit, high transportation costs, bad management and high taxes.
The most important element in our economy is believed to be the initiative, creative and problemsolving abilities of our human resources. The fact that human beings may affect the use of their own potential, as well as that of other resources, makes them the most important resource in gaining competitive advantage for a country. By their characteristics, other resources also influence this but their importance depends mainly on the employees.
Increased automation may result in a decreased demand for labour. It can also result in skill redundancy where the original workers do not have the technological skills necessary in the new types of occupations. On the positive side, technological change can result in new products, new markets or increased productivity.
Our human resource must be developed and this is possible through: m Proper nutritional practices and adequate health-care facilities, especially the availability of and access to primary and curative health care. m Education of the populace both academically and morally. There is, therefore, basic, moral, vocational and professional training, rehabilitation and training. m The availability and access to the various types of educational institutions. m The provision of scholarship for those who are financially unable to provide for their continuing education. m Sports and entertainment to keep the body and soul together m The enhancing of a country’s culture through varying activities. m Employment opportunities.
Government policies continue to be used to affect the economic outcomes such as the rate of inflation, deficit levels and international trade. This all affects employment levels.
Points to note on employment, unemployment and underemployment
UNDEREMPLOYMENT 16
Rural-to-urban migration can increase unemployment until the moving people find jobs.
Grace Jackson (right), director, sports development, shares a light moment with two international athletes from the High Performance Training Centre team, Andres Amador (left) from Puerto Rico and Anna Porran from Costa Rico at the UWI Gatorade Invitational Meet press briefing held on February 15 at UWI, Mona.
in the desired capacity, whether in terms of compensation, hours or level of skill and experience. While not technically unemployed, the underemployed are often competing for available jobs.
UNEMPLOYMENT OR BEING JOBLESS According to International Labour Organization, this occurs when people are without jobs though they have actively sought work within the last four weeks.
EMPLOYMENT
According to economists, employment and unemployment result when the supply and demand for human resources or labour is out of balance. Supply and demand is influenced by a range of forces that are the result of the interaction of economic, structural and policy factors. Economic factors affect both the supply and demand sides of labour. Demand for goods and services stimulates production which, in turn, generates employment. Market-driven economies move in cycles and it
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
High interest rates to combat inflation increase the cost of doing business and increase the cost of financing deficits. This may lead to unemployment. The exchange rate policy, keeping of the dollar high, may make products less competitive for your country.
ACTIVITY 1. Identify and explain the various types of unemployment. 2. Suggest three reasons why human resource is important and state how these factors may be achieved by a country. Maureen Campbell teaches at St Hugh’s High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
Natural systems
yl:geography
(Source: The Atmospheric System by Greg O’Hare and John Sweeney)
MARJORIE HENRY Contributor
HE THIRD area listed in the content for Natural Systems is rivers. I have chosen to share with you on two related topics: the water cycle and drainage patterns. You are required to describe each as indicated in the specific objectives. Let me begin with the water cycle.
T
The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, refers to the global circulation of moisture (and heat) between the land and sea surface and the atmosphere. It is the means by which water is made available on the land for the many uses by mankind and other life forms. The hydrological cycle is shown in the diagram above. It is composed of a series of stores or compartments in which moisture is held in various forms and amounts, and a sequence of transfers and transformation of moisture between and within the different stores. The hydrological cycle has no ‘beginning’ or ‘end’. It is an intricate combination of evaporation, transpiration, air mass movements, condensation, precipitation, run-off and ground-water movement.
Knowledge of the different transfers is necessary in order to understand what is happening in the water cycle. In reference to the available textbooks, let us look at these transfers in more details. Evaporation: the process in which liquid water is changed into water vapour, which is a gas. Evaporation takes place mainly from surface water – ocean, lakes and rivers. The water evaporated from these sources is carried by air masses on to the land where condensation and precipitation take place. Energy is needed for evaporation to occur. The energy comes from the sun’s heat and from wind.
Surface run-off: this includes all water running from the land into the sea under gravity – rivers, underground water, unchannelled water, glaciers. Groundwater: water beneath ground level that moves through the soil and the rocks beneath the sea. Take some time to practise the drawing of the water cycle and labelling it correctly. If you find the diagram above too difficult to draw, search your textbooks for simpler diagrams. Be clear in your minds about the different processes involved.
Transpiration: the process when moisture loss from plants transfers water from land or air. Condensation: the process by which water vapour changes into water droplets. It happens when water vapour is cooled to a level known as the dew point. Condensation forms clouds and can also occur at the surface as fog. Precipitation: this includes all forms of moisture falling from the atmosphere to the surface – on both land and sea. This is mainly rain, ice, snow, sleet and hail.
Drainage patterns will be discussed in the next lesson.
REFERENCES General Climatology by Howard J. Critchfield The Atmospheric System by Greg O’Hare and John Sweeney Geography for CSEC by Jeanette Ottley et al Geography for CSEC by Nelson Thornes Marjorie Henry is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
17
yl:english literature WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S
‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ BERYL CLARKE Contributor
ODAY AS promised we will begin to discuss William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The title of this play is very apt, don’t you agree? Dreams play an important role in the play and what transpires is more what expects to happen in dreams than in real life.
T
This play is categorised as a comedy. It does in fact end happily, even though this is the result of magic interfering in the lives of some characters and there is much humour. The focus is the romantic entanglements of some characters. At the beginning, we meet the Duke of Athens, Theseus, who is engaged to Hippolyta the queen of the Amazons whom he had defeated in a war between them. Even as they plan their wedding festivities, Theseus is called upon to settle a conflict between a father and his daughter who refuses to marry the man chosen for her by him. Very soon, we are presented with all the facts when we, as audience meet not only the man, Demetrius, the father Egeus wishes Hermia, his daughter to marry but also Lysander, who loves and is loved by Hermia. Now let us become part of an audience in a theatre where this play is being performed. The opening scene takes place in the Athenian court where we meet the duke and his betrothed. They are discussing their approaching wedding and we get the ideas that they are eager for the days to pass and they are concerned about the atmosphere of the court. Theseus wants to lighten the mood, to have merry making, laughter and fun. We are not surprised, then, when we later meet the workmen who are planning an entertainment. A happy mood would be appropriate for the time of his marriage. It is into this scene that Egeus breaks with the request for Theseus to decide his daughter’s fate. His explanation puts Lysander in the wrong, accusing him of using magic and pretence to turn his daughter from Demetrius. We would have noticed as we watch and listen that his description of Lysander’s behaviour shows a man acting as any man who was in love would have done in those days. In addition, we cannot but observe the attitude, the similarity of attitude between the Duke and Egeus. I have to ask a question now. “Young ladies, how would you feel if your father and your prime minister spoke about you, and to you, in this way?”
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Egeus I beg the ancient privilege of Athens; As she is mine, I may dispose of her; Which shall be either to this gentleman, Or to her death, according to our law Immediately provided in that case. Theseus What say you, Hermia? Be advised, fair maid. To you your father should be as a god; One that composed your beauties; yea and one, To whom you are but as form in wax By him imprinted; and within his power To leave the figure or disfigure it. This conversation reveals the power that fathers had over their daughters in the Athenian culture at that time. They held legal authority, disobedience could lead to death. Of importance is the obvious harshness, perhaps even cruelty that emerges in the malefemale relationship. It is hinted at when Theseus speaks about winning Hippolyta with a sword and we will it meet again later among other characters. Remember, though, that this is a comedy and the dark outcome introduced above is unlikely. In fact, the way in which Hermia argues with them, suggests her fearlessness and strength and allows the Duke to tell her and us that she has a third choice and that is to become a nun.
Shakespeare soon softens the mood with an exchange between Demetrius and Lysander, which though Lysander’s response may be considered rude would have created some humour. Demetrius Relent, sweet Hermia, and Lysander yield Thy crazed title to my certain right. Lysander You have her father’s love, Demetrius: Let me have Hermia’s; do you marry him. Later we see and hear the workmen, who intend to perform what was then a popular work of drama Pyramus and Thisbe, as well as the confrontation between Oberon the king of the fairies and his queen Titania. So now we know that there are three distinctly different sets of characters in the play. Clearly we realise that there is a love triangle with all its attendant problems and there is disunity between Oberon and Titania. Our interest would now be about how the differences would be resolved; for we would feel sure that this being a comedy we would not only laugh but would enjoy a happy ending. After all, if former enemies Theseus and Hippolyta could settle their differences and be looking forward to their marriage, then surely the other romantic problems could be satisfactorily cleared up. This is a much loved play; so enjoy it. God bless! Beryl Clarke is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
Respiration
yl:biology
MONACIA WILLIAMS Contributor
AST WEEK we started our study of respiration and this week we continue as we look at the differences between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. Do you remember what these types of respiration are? Of course you do and, if you do not, after we have finished the table you will! After we have created the table we will be looking at how the oxygen gets into living organisms, both plants and animals. Why do we need to do this? Remember that this is the oxygen that will be used in tissue respiration.
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TABLE SHOWING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC RESPIRATION
GASEOUS EXCHANGE IN PLANTS In plants, respiration takes place along with photosynthesis. Do you remember this process? If you do not, please revise! Photosynthesis, as you know, produces oxygen, but more oxygen is produced than can be used in respiration. The extra oxygen leaves the plant through the stomata. Respiration produces carbon dioxide but not enough is produced to supply the needs of photosynthesis, so the plant must take in more. Carbon dioxide enters the leaf through the stomata. At night, photosynthesis stops so oxygen has to enter the leaf while the carbon dioxide that is produced leaves. This is the reason it is advisable not to have plants in your bedroom at nights, the plant will compete with you for oxygen. Remember, though, that plants do carry out photosynthesis in artificial light, hence it is not so much a problem in areas that are well lit at nights. That concludes our study of tissue respiration. Now go and find some past papers and attempt to answer the questions on respiration. Our focus shifts now to how the animal/plant gets the air containing the oxygen to the cells. The importance of breathing in humans and gaseous exchange in plants Why do animals need to take in oxygen? As said previously, the oxygen that is taken in by the animal is needed as a raw material for cellular/tissue respiration. They also need to get rid of the carbon dioxide that is constantly being produced as a result of the process. How the oxygen gets into the animal depends to a certain degree on where the animal lives, whether it is aquatic or terrestrial. Why do I say to a certain degree? Because, while the majority of aquatic animals have and use gills to do so, there are some, for example whales, that are mammals and, therefore, have and use lungs, not gills. Despite the mechanism used to get the gases into and out of the animal’s body, the gaseous exchange surfaces have certain features in common. We will look at these features after we look at the following.
CHARACTERISTICS COMMON TO GASEOUS EXCHANGES SURFACES 1. Large surface area In man The lungs have many air sacs or alveoli – if these are laid out side by side, they would cover a lawn tennis court. Hence, it provides a large surface area. In fish The respiratory surface is the gill. Each gill has soft, dark, red ‘string-like’ structures called gill lamellae. This is where the exchange of gases takes place. Remember now that the medium is different, it is water! Hence, the oxygen is in a liquid medium instead of a gaseous one. The fish has to keep a continuous flow of water over its gills in order to extract sufficient oxygen for its needs. Have you ever looked at a fish in the water? Look at the coordination between its mouth and its operculum! N.B. The operculum is the covering for the gills. In plants The respiratory surfaces are the air spaces among the spongy mesophyll cells. Do you remember these from photosynthesis? 2. A thin, moist surface area where: m Gases move by diffusion. Remember that diffusion can only take place over short distances. Hence, the surface area has to be thin. In man, the alveoli is only one cell thick. m The gases dissolve in the moisture prior to diffusion. 3. Constantly moving transport medium m Do you remember what the transport medium is in man? Of course you do! It is the blood. Each alveolus is covered with blood capillaries. The medium must be constantly moving in order to maintain the concentration gradient. For diffusion to take place, a concentration gradient must be in place! m The blood supply and breathing in man, the blood supply and water movement in fish and the wind/air movements in plants. Have a great week until we meet again! Monacia Williams teaches biology at Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
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Matrices
yl:mathematics
CLEMENT RADCLIFFE Contributor
AS PROMISED last week, we will proceed in lesson to review matrices
REMINDERS
m A matrix is a rectangle array of numbers, for example, m The above is a 2 x 3 matrix, with 2 x 3 representing the order. m The order identifies the number of rows and columns, respectively. Other examples of matrices follow. Please determine the respective orders of the following:
I do hope that your answers are:- (a) 2 x 2 (b) 2 x 1 (c) 1 x 3 An analysis of the types of problems set by CXC would suggest that the following are the usual types set with respect to matrices. m Application of the arithmetic operations to matrices m Use of matrices to solve simultaneous equations m Matrix transformation In all these areas the methods involved are relatively straightforward. The students who take time out to understand, study and practise them experience very little difficulty. The areas providing most difficulty are: m Multiplication of matrices m Determining the inverse of a matrix m Matrix transformation Please spend adequate time to ensure that you are comfortable with them. We will now review application of arithmetic operations to matrices.
MATRIX ADDITION Only matrices of the same order may be added or subtracted. Corresponding elements are added or subtracted.
Please continue to practise addition and subtraction of matrices. Next week we will continue with multiplication of matrices. Clement Radcliffe is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
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YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
yl:principles of accounts
Trial balance, errors & suspense account
ROXANNNE WRIGHT Contributor
AN INEXPERIENCED bookkeeper has drawn up the following trial balance:
TRIAL BALANCE AT APRIL 31, 2011 YOU ARE REQUIRED TO: (a) Prepare a corrected trial balance, giving an amended figure for the suspense account balance. (b)After the trial balance in (a) had been corrected, the following errors were found: 1. Additional fixed assets costing $720 had been bought. The purchases account had been debited. [>1] 2. An expense payment $432 was entered in the accounts as $423. [>2] 3. A cheque for $160 was sent to a creditor. The bank and the creditor’s account were both credited with this amount. [>3] 4. The total of the Purchases Day Book had been under-added by $240. [>4] 5. A credit note for $74 was sent to a customer but it had not been put through the books. [>5] Prepare journal entries to correct EACH of these errors. (Narrations are NOT required). [>6] (c) Draw up the suspense account. Start with the amended balance from part (a) of your answer. Include any relevant entries from your corrections in part (b). [>8]
REASONING: EXAMINATION PREPARATION TIP: As you get closer to your examination, to assist with your preparation, I encourage you to work at least one question per day to keep the grade one in your reach. Match the questions you work with the examination syllabus to be sure you are covering the examining board’s syllabus. Pay keen attention to the principles requested to solve the question and try to retain them. Visit with me again next week when my presentation will be fixed assets accounts. See you then. Roxanne Wright teaches at Immaculate Academy. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
21
Multiple-choice practice 2
yl:english language
NATASHA THOMAS-FRANCIS Contributor
ELLO. AS was promised, I will give you the answers to the multiple-choice items given in last week’s lesson. 1. C 2. C 3. D 4. A 5. D 6. A 7. B 8. B 9. B 10. B 11. C 12. A 13. A
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How many of these did you get correct? I hope all. If you did not, review the pieces and test yourself again. This week I wish to give you more practice in responding to multiple-choice items. Remember that you must engage in a process of elimination in order to arrive at the most appropriate answer. Sometimes you may be left with two close answers. In such a case, reread the section of the passage to which the question/item applies – most of the time the answer lies there. Below, you will find two persuasive-type pieces: an advertisement and a letter to the editor. Read each comprehension piece carefully, peruse the questions and then make your selections. Directions: Read the advertisement below and choose the best answer to each question that follows.
3. The advertisement refers to Christmas (A) To suggest that things should be bought for Christmas (B) Because people have to choose what to buy at Christmas (C) Because it mentioned Good King Wenceslas (D) To remind people that Christmas is coming
4. The advertisement says life is short and good times go quickly (A) To encourage people to buy television sets now (B) To remind people that the penalty for sin is death (C) To help people to appreciate the value of time (D) To ask people to be good to others, especially at Christmas 5. The phrase people who enjoy the better things of life is used (A) To make a factual statement about some people (B) To make you think you are one of those people (C) To show how some people have privileges (D) To distinguish between different groups of people 6. In the sentence, So they choose GOODWIND, the word So is used (A) To act only as a connecting word between sentences (B) To inform you about what certain people do (C) To reveal how better things in life are chosen (D) To suggest how logical and right it is to choose the product Directions: Read the letter below and choose the BEST answer to each question that follows.
1. The advertisement begins with the lines to the tune of a wellloved Christmas carol because the advertiser wants to (A) Enliven Christmas with a little merry song (B) Give a good imitation of a carol (C) Associate the product with a happy feeling (D) Make a change from using ordinary language 2. The advertisement says the queue is getting long to (A) Suggest that everybody is waiting to see how good the product is (B) Warn buyers to wait until the queue gets shorter (C) Show that buyers have to wait because the product is scarce (D) Suggest that buyers must hurry to get what others are getting 22
(D) The letter is easily understood
9. The word ‘responsible’ (line 5) is put in quotation marks because (A) The writer is stating a fact all should know (B) The writer is stating an opinion (C) The writer wants to draw attention to the actions of parents (D) The writer is being sarcastic towards the actions of parents 10. The use of rhetorical questions in lines 16-18 implies that (A) The writer is annoyed by parents’ actions (B) The writer is appealing to the readers’ sensibility (C) The writer is making his letter more credible and sound (D) The writer is adding interest and dynamism to his letter 11. Which of the following does the writer mean by ‘hardly’ (line 13)? (A) Not necessarily (B) Not at all (C) Possibly not (D) Maybe not I leave with you a word of advice: Never leave an unanswered question in the multiple-choice exam, for even if you guess an answer, you have a 25% chance of getting it right!! Natasha Thomas-Francis teaches Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
7. What is the writer’s aim in this letter to the editor? (A) To complain about the practice of toddlers behind steering wheels (B) To inform the public about the practice of toddlers behind steering wheels (C) To persuade persons on his views on the issue of toddlers behind steering wheels (D) To exaggerate about the issue of having toddlers behind steering wheels 8. What does the writer imply by the words ‘need I go on?’ (line 19) (A) The point has been made (B) There is no other point to contribute (C) Responsible persons will understand what the writer means YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | MARCH 27-APRIL 2, 2012
Chrisan Blake, St Jago High school sixth-former is busy making a postcard for her favourite athlete, 400m hurdler Melanie Walker, under the watchful eyes of Paulette Benjie, senior librarian, St Catherine Parish Library.