PERSPECTIVES
ENGLISH PORFOLIO MICHELLE BEATRIZ CHICAIZA LEMA
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM LEVEL 6 YACHAY TECH, ECUADOR
Perspectives ENGLISH PORFOLIO MICHELLE BEATRIZ CHICAIZA LEMA
Yachay Tech University English Language Program Level 6 001 Teacher: Matthew Mackey July 25, 2015 Imbabura, Ecuador
Contents
Portfolio letter Response essay Exploration/Investigation essay Interpretation essay Argumentation essay Final research project essay Thank you letter
Michelle Beatriz Chicaiza Lema Universidad de Investigación de Tecnología Experimental Hda. San José s/n y Proyecto Yachay. Imbabura, Ecuador July 14th, 2016 Dear Portfolio Reader: My name is Michelle Chicaiza. Thank you for your time to read my English Language Portfolio. It is a compilation of my working in English classes during this semester in my University Yachay Tech. I consider the English language like a tool that can bring me many opportunities in academic and human training. One pharse that I found while I was writing the response essay catch my attention. This phrase was said by Nelson Mandela and mention that “Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs” And it is true because a language is an important part in our life. Even more, we can acquire new abilities and different way to think while we are learning a new language. Additionally, in the last level of English course I did four essays and research project, which are attached in my portfolio. At the beginning of the semester, I proposed some goals as try to improve my skills as: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Indeed, I think the process of writing is better now because I remind that the response essay was so difficult for me and it took me long doing it. I believe that it occurred because I did not give much importance to the structure of the essay. However, the argumentative essay was easier for me because I knew exactly the structure and parameters to write this essay as: hook, background, thesis, supporting paragraphs, opposing viewpoints, refutation and conclusion. Similarly, When I began to write the exploratory essay was difficult because the ideas did not come to mind. However, I decided to do a brainstorm in a paper because with this tool
I can order in better way my ideas. Nevertheless, in the exploration presentation I realize that the way to speak in front to the audience is very important because I should catch the attention and be conscious while I was speaking. Currently, I consider a progress in the semester is very good because my biggest progress was done my essays and presentations in class and resolve concerns with my teacher. The interpretation essay and presentations was a little difficult because we had different viewpoints in the groups. However, I think the working in groups is important because I realized that if we organize, we can do the thing in the best way and respecting the opinions of others member of the group. Finally, The English language is an important tool for my academic training because I would like to study in another country and English can give me many facilities to communicate. Also, I would like to practice my English because in the fifth semester I will have classes in English. I confidence that many students and I are prepared to receive classes in English. Thank you again for read my portfolio and I hope that you can enjoy reading it.
Sincerely,
Michelle Chicaiza
RESPONSE ESSAY
Language: The human mind in the world Michelle Beatriz Chicaiza Lema Yachay Tech University April 29, 2016
Language: The human mind in the world “Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savour their songs� (Nelson Mandela) Currently, there are a lot of languages around the world, and learning a new language can open many doors to knowledge and the working world. If you have the opportunity to learn a new language, what language would you like to learn? Maybe you have an idea of one language like: Italian, French, German, Mandarin, Chinese and even Russian. Also, people think that they just need to learn grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation when they learn a new language. However, they need more than these things. Everyone needs to know that each language has specific distinctions to express their thoughts. Even more, the process of learn a new language is difficult because the human mind should realize distinct aspects of language in some countries in the world. First, the process to learn a new language in not easy and fast. At schools has as additionally subject a new language like English or other idioms. This subject has been implemented at schools since the early years for kids. It allows to learn a new language during academic training. However, a process to learn a new language, it is difficult to get used to a new way to pronounce, write or read that are different from your native language. Also, people when are learning a new language should realize that this process is not fast because it requires time to know grammar and distinct aspect of languages has to use in daily. For example, English speakers may say the past is back, the present is now, and the future is forward. While in Mandarin the time is ordered vertically. The up month and next month is the down month (Boroditsly, 2009). Indeed, people when are learning a new language can be confusing because they always use horizon metaphor. Also, this difference in the
languages involve developing a new way of think. Indeed, people are realizing a new aspects that are not common in native language. And how can language change the perspective of the world? Indeed, when people are learning a new language, it is not only for talking or expressing their thoughts. Borodisky says “When you are learning a new language, you also inadvertently learning a new way of thinking.” People can open their minds of a new perspective of the world, which is directly related to language. Subsequently, learning grammatical genders in a new language can change our thoughts. Boroditisky offers the example of grammatical gender in her article. The word ‘key’ in German has a masculine gender, and German speakers relate this word with ‘hard’, ‘heavy’. In the case of ‘key’, in Spanish mean ‘golden’ or ‘lovely’. The meaning of this word is opposite between two languages (Boroditsly, 2009). Undoubtedly, German speakers have different influences in their minds in contrast with Spanish speakers. These influences can be connected with experiences of each society acquires a long time to give a meaning of words. It produces a distinct representation of things, which changes the perspective of the world. As well, a new perspective can change the human mind because it is a process of learning abstract concepts that are specific to each language. The process of learn a new language could be difficult, but not impossible to do. Finally, a process of learning a new language is not easy. People needs to realize abstract concepts and distinctions that each language has. This distinctions made that we should change the way we think. Therefore, if our thoughts are distinct, we can realize a different perspective of the world and society. Additionally, a process of learning new languages is not just only learn grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation. It involves that we can know more deeply about aspect of each language that we want to learn a new language. The thoughts and language are really important in human beings because with these tools we can explore more interesting things around us, and our minds can open to new experiences.
References Boroditsly, L. (2009). How does our Language shape the way we think? Edge, 5. Retrieved from https://www.edge.org/conversation/how-does-our-language-shape-the-way-wethink
EXPLORATION ESSAY
Consumerism caused by authority persuasion in television commercials Michelle Beatriz Chicaiza Lema Yachay Tech University May 20, 2016
Consumerism caused by Authority persuasion in television commercials “Wanting less is a better blessing than having more.” Mary Ellen Edmunds Nowadays, new technology, mode, and new products in the competitive market forces in order to persuade to consumers to get products. The best way to catch the attention of consumer is the advertising. Television commercials use an authority persuasion where “people will follow credible knowledgeable experts” (Influenceatwork, 2012). The advertising uses experts in this area to show their products. Consequently, it produces an effect on consumers who will desire a product. The authority persuasion is an important factor to persuade a consumer to get products through television commercials. However, this advertising is bad because people are consuming more than is necessary and generating economic problems. There are new ways to avoid this advertising and catch the attention of consumer like present use people like us where consumer will be identified. First, the consumerism in society is caused by the use of advertising. Specifically, television commercials use the authority persuasion with expert people that know about the use of the product. This persuasion affects the economy of people and generates consumerist culture. The economy of people is affected because they can have debts with products of television commercials in the worst case. Indeed, people can think that they need the product that is offered in television commercials. But, the reality the people are persuaded to get this product. Inadvertently, people think that maybe they need the product or not. Additionally, this persuasion in commercials produces that people relate the experience of the expert people to get the product. Most recognized brands in the market use people to show their products. For example, Lionel Messi is an expert in football around the world. He is a main sponsor of Adidas (Settimi, 2015). In fact, he is considered an expert on football and catches the attention of the consumer while they sees a television commercial of him. The
consumers usually think that need this product because they want to be like him. When in fact, the product cannot have a good quality and consumer spend their money on things that are not for their convenience. Subsequently, the consumerism had been increasing along the time. However, there are ways to solve this problem. Currently, there are facts like this that mentions about “worldwide consumer society 1.728 billion people, make it up 28% of the world's population” (Profesorenlínea, 2016). Nevertheless, there are ways to solve the consumerism by the use of advertising. One way is that people should not get carried away by commercials because people should realize that thing really need. The publicity is everywhere and people should remark if the product is really necessary or not. Moreover, consumer should ask ‘Do I really need it?’ On the other hand, there is a new solution to see in another perspective a television commercials. For example, Nike, Dove, Pirelli, use people more real in their advertising. The television commercials try to give to the consumer a real society. “Because brands have ceased to see their customers as mere consumers. Now people, imperfect, are real. Not photoshop or casting products. Not perfect human beings but beautifully natural” (PeriodistaDigital, 2016). This way to present information in publicity gives to consumer a new perspective about the product. The consumer can think if the product is necessary. Above all, the consumer can explore the option to get a product without the influence of famous people. The publicity with expert people cannot represent the true in publicity of product. Furthermore, the consumerist culture can be more controlled when a consumer sees another perspective the product. Finally, the authority persuasion is used in a television commercial for persuading people to get products. This persuasion uses an expert person in advertising. However, authority persuasion can create problems like consumerism culture and economic problems. But, there are way to solve this problem to catch the attention of consumer with people like us. This solution can help consumer’s gets products without the influence of authority persuasion.
In my point of view, the advertising is everywhere and people need to think clearly when we are buying. Besides, consumerism culture is growing but it is in our hand to control to avoid economic problems like debts in the worst case.
References Influenceatwork (Director). (2012). Science of persuasion [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFdCzN7RYbw PeriodistaDigital. (2016). B Glam. Retrieved from http://www.periodistadigital.com/bglam/40-o/2015/02/03/mujer-publicidad-realmujeres-reales-en-la-publicidad-anuncios-con-mujeres-reales-anuncios.shtml ProfesorenlĂnea. (2016). Profesor en lĂnea. Retrieved from http://www.profesorenlinea.cl/geografiagral/PoblacionEconomiaSocial8U1.htm Settimi, C. (2015). Cristiano Ronaldo Edges Lionel Messi As The World's Highest-Paid Soccer Player. Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/christinasettimi/2015/05/06/cristiano-ronaldo-edgeslionel-messi-as-the-worlds-highest-paid-soccer-player/#7005f6d056f0
INTERPRETATION ESSAY
The Greatness of Simplicity Michelle Chicaiza, Leduin Cuenca, DomĂŠnica Encalada Yachay Tech June 17, 2016
The Greatness of Simplicity When was the last time that you enjoyed a meal? Or have you ever realized that moments like having a drink with your friends, can be the most incredible moments that you might spent with people? The Red Wheelbarrow is a very good example, where you can find great things behind simple words. This poem was written by William Carlos Williams (18831963). He is an American doctor and writer. One of his most important works is in The Collected Poems, Volume I (Poetry Foundation, 2016a). His works correspond to imagism and modernism movements to relate the context of the poem and history (Poetry Foundation, 2016b). “The Red Wheelbarrow”, a poem with simple words and structure, reflects that we can find the pleasures of life in the simplicity of things. The structure of the poem is basic and concise. The poem has 16 words, divided in four stanzas, each stanza with two lines. The main idea of this is to show us that using less words, but very accurate, the poem allows us to make an extensive interpretation. This poem opens your mind to think in different ways to see the world and as people usually say: “less is better”. It means that in spite of the poem has few words, you can get the enough information to give a really deeper analysis and extract the best from the poem When the author opens the poem with “so much depends upon” the first thing, we thought was the idea of dependency. So, it is a way to think that simple objects or situations are very important to complement a bigger phenomenon. For example, if we take this fragment to compare with life, we realized the importance of simple things. Most of the time, we find those things irrelevant and we let them go. But, if we take the time to analyze them, and get that those simple things, perhaps have the real meaning of life maybe the happiness. Moreover, the words used in the second stanza are associated with little details and simplicity of life. In this case, the poem in the second stanza and in the first line mentions ‘A reed wheel’ and the second line ‘barrow’. The context of these words does not give a clear idea
of the poem. However, if the words ‘wheel’ and ‘barrow’ are joined. It is a compound word that gives a new meaning to the poem. Similarly, in life when you are sharing little details with people, this experience makes a life more complete like when the words are joined. Life has a new meaning when you realize the little things can give a new direction to life. And what about the “red”? This color makes a contrast with the color white. It can be interpreted to stand out the main object of the poem which is a ‘wheelbarrow’. Consequently, it makes more important to take into account the real meaning of life. In the third verse, the rainwater emphasizes the presence and the location of the wheelbarrow. If the reader reads this stanza, he will notice the splendor of the red wheelbarrow thanks to rainwater, which is on its surface. Furthermore, the presence of rainwater is a sign of externality, and it is represented by the red wheelbarrow outside the house. After rain, if the sun appears in the sky, the brightness of rainwater could be possible. For the reader of this poem, rainwater is the agent that gives beauty to the main object. The interpretation of rainwater depends on the subjectivity of the reader and their likes. For example, if the wheelbarrow is considered as a work tool, rainwater could be the reason for its use. Or, if the reader is a realistic person and enjoys watching rainwater as a result of a natural phenomenon, he will take the poem literally and rainwater will not be metaphorized. In the fourth stanza, living beings will interact with the simple objects and establish an interesting relationship. In this part, the white chickens appear complementing the presence of the red wheelbarrow. Both experience the contrast of their colors: white and red, and so the leading role of the wheelbarrow is increased. The reader could differentiate the behavior of chickens in the presence of the wheelbarrow and find subtle, beauty and peace. Also, the differences between the wheelbarrow and the chickens provide equilibrium to the poem, because the small details does not only consist of lifeless objects, but also involve the presence of living beings.
As we see, the poem is very simple and it can keep valuable emotions and feelings about the most common and simplest things. All these complex relationships happen in our daily living when we are in comfortable situations and enjoying the moment. Thus, Williams achieved to say many things with few and simple words. The interpretation reflects the importance of the little things, that perhaps right now are less important but in the future, people will realize how big they were.
References Poetry Foundation. (2016). The Red Wheelbarrow. Retrieved June 16, 2016, from: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/resources/learning/core-poems/detail/45502 Poetry Foundation. (2016). William Carlos Williams. Retrieved June 16, 2016, from: http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poets/detail/william-carloswilliams
ARGUMENTATION ESSAY
Censorship and prudent information in schools Michelle Beatriz Chicaiza Lema Yachay Tech University June, 2016
Censorship and prudent information in schools The censorship in school is a good theme to discuss. In 1971, a book was removed from the library of the three junior high school because it had sexual and drug context in its pages. People said what exactly is censorship? Censorship is a phenomenon that can have many points of view about the use of information on schools. Censorship should be practiced in schools to avoid offensive information in classrooms. First, teacher’s school administrators can give students to know about the information is appropriate. For example, in classes the professors can show what kind of material the student can use to study. Also, the professors should review this material before for avoid wrong information to students. Additionally, the censorship has an important role because the students can have ideas about the correct use of information. Similarly, the censorship can help to avoid the information’s that contain violence, drugs or frightening. In the case of children’s of kinder garden is obviously that the information should be controlled because they must have a good human training. Furthermore, the information with violence, frightening, sexual descriptions can cause wrong behavior in children. The censorship in school can control the wrong or offensive information. Furthermore, the MCLU mention that “educator should use the offensive content in [the book] as an opportunity to discuss…Is not a teachable moment in the third grade more valuable” (Petress, 2005). The censorship should not be used in school. In fact, the teachers can use this kind of information to teach to students. However, the schools have professors that can teach languages, mathematics, physics and other subjects. But people should know that each person has a different perception of the world. Do you agree if a professor show your soon examples of violence, drug addiction or sexual contents? Also, teachers can explain about this topic in classes. Sometimes, the teacher can give a good points of view. But if the opinion of professor is wrong, the children can have
an erroneous thought. The censorship can help to avoid this kind of information and give to students a prudent, careful information. Finally, censorship can control the access to correct information, where professor, school administrators can guide for students. The children can have wrong behaviors if the contents of information have sexual, drugs or violence descriptions. The censorship in schools should be practiced because it can bring more benefits to students in the context to access the correct information. And a censorship has an important role in the education of students and their training.
References Petres,K. (2005,September 1). The role of censorship in schools. Journal of Instructional Psichology.(Vol.32;pp 248-252)
FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT ESSAY
Ethical problems in the production of genetically modified food Michelle Beatriz Chicaiza Lema Yachay Tech University July 8, 2016
Ethical problems in the production of genetically modified food Have you ever had an idea that could facilitate your daily living? Humans have had the need to improve things since ancient times. It has allowed the discovery, creation and development of new knowledge and technologies. But these discoveries have had to be regulated by ethical standards, which allow human wellness with the environment around us. The role of ethics is very important in our lives. But, what exactly are ethics? Ethics are a kind of principles and moral thoughts (Talks, 2014). Also, one important development in science is the study of the genetic. Currently, the genetic engineering has developed genetically modified food; it is available in the majority of super maker has with excellent prices to consumers. However, the production of genetically modified food on agro-corporations reveals evidence of ethical problems that affect people, the environment, the economy, and politics. First, the genetic engineering and technological advances had been the way to improve some characteristic of food that people consume. Genetically modified food has genetic material with genes introduced in other organism. One technique that allows to transfer genes on a process of cut and paste is called "gene-gun". The desired gene from the organism can be cut and implemented in plant genomes. After, the process the plant grows with these modifications and pass their genes to their next generations. The desirable traits of organisms can allow the improvement of food that the people are consuming daily (UTAH, 2015). People are trying to improve food because it can help to get more production in the food, the insects do not affect crops. In addition, genetically modified food can have features to improve the taste of food, which is more pleasant for the consumer. Currently, the agro-corporations are producing genetically modified food with less protection and security for people who are consuming this kind of food. Regrettably, the agrocorporation like Monsanto are looking for their benefits and they do not think in the consumer.
Indeed, “over 80% of all GMOs around the world are engineered for herbicide tolerance� (Karim, 2013). The consequences are that plants need more toxic herbicides that are produced by the same corporations and generate super weeds and bugs. It means that the agro-corporation are modifying their products to get more sales just on their benefits. Under those circumstances, the production of genetically modified food is causing some ethical problems. In the years 2010 to 2012 in the world have approximately 870 people have chronic undernourishment. The production of genetically modified food has like purpose to solve some social problems like hunger and lack of food. Furthermore, the other purpose was to improve the quality of products to consume and avoid damaging factors such as: pests, bacteria, insects and weeds. However, the agro-corporations attack the health of people who are consuming the genetically modified food. Also, these companies have been breaking the rules to protect the environment where the transgenic are produced. The economic and political interest of agro-corporations had been caused imbalance in the society producing the gain just for this kind of corporation. Subsequently, people are affected by the production of genetically modified food which can cause some health risk. The ethics of corporations to protect the life of consumers are not accomplished. These companies are attempting directly to people's lives. The agrocorporations like Monsanto excessively use chemical products in the GM food. It is noteworthy that these chemical components are related to the increasing levels of hormones in the health of people. Some changes in the normal functioning of the human body can cause illness. Also, the consumer can buy genetically modified food, but they do not know what exactly has the food. The products that are genetically modified should have a clear labeling because it can allow people know what are eating.
Additionally, agro-corporations are not following the rules to protect the planet. The equilibrium of our planet is very important because it is where we obtain the resources and food that we consume. The ethical rules to protect the world allow to conserve and use these resources consciously. Nevertheless, the unethical practices in producing genetically modified foods are hurting the environment because these corporations are not following the rules. For example, the toxic herbicides created by agro-corporation Monsanto are so harmful for the environment, it affects the population of insects. In fact, this species are part of the equilibrium of the planet. If one species is altering the environment can have a serious consequences like the modification of the food chains. Afterwards, the economic and politic interest of agro-corporations reveals problems like bad distribution of money. Monsanto had used their economic power to convince a government to achieve their gain and actions of companies. These ethical problems affect the economy because agro-corporations are only looking for maximum profits, which takes money away from workers. The workers are exploited, and they cannot put money back into the economy. It produces a bad distribution of money and increases poverty. Similarly, in the United States there is a law that facilitates the marketing of food and seeds genetically modified. Unethical practices negatively affect politics because it becomes corrupt with the money that these wealthy corporations provide. This strategy is used to support legislation in favor of these big corporations. The corporate greed is the main factor that moves to agro-corporation to avoid the ethical practices and cause social problems in the community. On the other hand, some people mention that genetically modified foods have some beneficial to consumers. For example, the ingredients used in the production of this kind of food are safe for human consumption. Genetically modified food does not have side-effects for people who eat this food. Thus, the GM food is not dangerous for the health of people. Furthermore, the production of this kind of food requires a little measure of pesticides, water
and low investment. It means that environment is not affected. Also, the population is growing and many people do not have enough to eat (The Grocery Manufacturers Association, 2014). In contrast, the evidence of genetically modified food is relevant for known the benefits that can bring to humanity. People should take into account that this kind of food has good purposes to develop this technique to improve the life of humans. However, the unethical procedure of the agro-corporation affects the correct way to produce the genetically modified food. In the same case, Monsanto is a clear example of practicing unethical decisions because they are working just to maximize shareholder’s profits regardless of whether or not it affects other people. This agro-corporation are not solving the problem of food insecurity and feed the world's booming community. The use of more toxic herbicides and chemical products produce health risk for humans. Finally, the genetic engineering and technology allow to improve some desirable traits of food that people are consuming. Ethics have an important role in the production of genetically modified food. However, the incorrect procedures of agro-companies to produce genetically modifies food can cause health risk for people. Also, the environment is affected because the agro-companies are breaking the rules that protect our planet and balance of environment. The economy and politics interest are focused in the interest of the gains of corporations. Thus, the ethical problems are caused by the unethical procedures and decisions in the production of genetically modified food must stop in order to ensure a healthy and safe future.
References Karim, G. (2013, November 1). In defence of Marxism. Retrieved from http://www.marxist.com/gmohuman-need-corporate-greed.htm TedTalks. (Director). (2014). Digital ethics and the future of humans in a connected world | Gerd Leonhard | TEDxBrussels [Motion Picture]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZn0IfOb61U The Grocery Manufacturers Association. (2014). The Facts about GMOs. Retrieved from https://factsaboutgmos.org/ UTAH, U. o. (2015). Learn.Genetics. Retrieved from http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/gmfoods/
Thank you for reading my portfolio. I confidence that you enjoy reading because this portfolio has interesting topics. Also. It can give you a new perspectives of themes like language, ethics and education. Dear readers in advance apologize for my grammatical errors.
Sincerely,
Michelle Chicaiza