Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Baccalaureate

Key Political Terms

Ballot The act of holding a secret vote. As a verb, holding a secret vote. No one knows who you voted for.

Bill A proposed change in the law. When it is still in the planning stage and before it becomes legal, a law is called a bill.

Coalition The time when different political parties agree on something for a reason.

Democracy A system where power is held by the people through elections. One person = one vote.

'The alternatives to Democracy, Communism for example, have largely been failures.'

To Elect (Verb) To choose by voting. 'In November Americans will vote for a new President.'

Election The process of choosing a new government or leader. 'In Britain elections are held every 4 or 5 years.'

Election Campaign The organised effort... Continue reading "Understanding Politics: Key Terms and Concepts" »

The Crusades

The Crusades were a series of religious conflicts between Muslims and Christians between the 11th and 13th centuries for control of the Holy Land, especially the city of Jerusalem, which was sacred to both religions. The official cause of the Crusades was the conquest of the Holy Land by the Turks, who practiced a stricter interpretation of Islam, which forbade the pilgrimage of Christians to the Holy Land. However, the real cause lay in the economic and demographic expansion that Christendom experienced after the 10th century. To avoid conflicts between Christians and accommodate the growing population, religious leaders decided to direct that expansion against the Muslims.

The First Crusade and the Rise of the Crusader States

The... Continue reading "The Crusades: A History of Religious Conflict and Cultural Exchange" »

Part of the Universal Creative Process

Composition

Golden Ratio: Fibonacci Number by Leonardo de Pisa

Composition Rules

Demographic and Economic Recovery

Major epidemics disappeared and the birth rate increased, leading to a population rise. Agricultural surplus was generated and sold. Improvements in shipping gave rise to trade. This increased the production of hand-made goods and manufacturing, and the growth of cities. Bills of exchange were created to facilitate trade and payments.

Rise of the Bourgeoisie

The economic power of the bourgeoisie did not come from the land. They made their money from capital, investing in profitable activities such as trade, manufacturing, and banking. The first capitalist companies emerged, laying the groundwork for merchant capitalism. Commercial exchanges represented a major source of wealth.

The Strengthening of the Monarchy

In... Continue reading "European Transformation: 15th-16th Century Social and Religious Shifts" »

Mastering the Passive Voice in English

Present Simple

Active: This singer writes many songs.

Passive: Many songs are written by this singer.

Past Simple

Active: This singer wrote many songs.

Passive: Many songs were written by this singer.

Future Simple

Active: This singer will write many songs.

Passive: Many songs will be written by this singer.

Present Continuous

Active: This singer is writing many songs.

Passive: Many songs are being written by this singer.

Past Continuous

Active: This singer was writing many songs.

Passive: Many songs were being written by this singer.

Present Perfect Simple

Active: This singer has written many songs.

Passive: Many songs have been written by this singer.

Past Perfect Simple

Active: This singer had written many songs.

Passive:... Continue reading "Mastering Passive Voice in English: Examples and Key Business Vocabulary" »

• Promote parallel thinking
• Encourage thought in all its breadth
• Separate

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my views towards the abuse of domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Recently, more and more mistreatment cases of domestic helpers hit the headlines. It is astonishing that those helpers can be mistreated in such a violent way. Below are the reasons why the abuse of domestic helpers should be opposed.

First and foremost, any kind of abuse is illegal.

According to the law, no one can hurt the others by any cruel means, including the domestic helpers. Although most domestic helpers are foreigners, they are protected by the law. The employers who mistreat the domestic helpers break the law and should be brought to justice. How can we accept people being mistreated illegally in Hong Kong? This is why the abuse should... Continue reading "Opposing the Abuse of Domestic Helpers in Hong Kong" »

Understanding Social Influence in Groups

Social influence in groups occurs when the majority of the members influence smaller subgroups within the group to change (majority influence) and when the minority members succeed in converting the majority of group members to their position (minority influence). Asch studied conformity by measuring people's decisions when the majority of their group's members made errors judging line lengths.

Types of Conformity

When group members change their position, their conformity may result from temporary compliance to the group's pressure rather than true conversion (private acceptance). Those who do not comply may be displaying independence or deliberate defiance of the group (anticonformity). When congruence... Continue reading "Understanding Social Influence: Majority and Minority Dynamics" »

The Salvation Army Christmas Advert Analysis

A Glimpse into the Reality of Homelessness

This advert poignantly portrays the harsh realities faced by homeless individuals, particularly during the Christmas season. It delves into the circumstances that lead to their plight, introducing us to Tom, evicted by his stepfather; Arthur, an elderly man weathered by years on the streets; and Lizzy, who finds solace and safety in a subway tunnel rather than a home. The advert emphasizes that a mere £19 can provide them with a warm bed and a hot Christmas meal.

Evoking Empathy and Inspiring Action

The advert's primary objective is to raise awareness about the challenging conditions endured by homeless people year-round. By focusing on the loneliness and cold... Continue reading "The Salvation Army Christmas Advert Analysis: A Call for Empathy and Action" »