Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Competitive examination

Description of Human Faculties

Primitive Christianity made a huge effort to absorb the essential elements of Greek philosophy. A basic element is reason. According to the Platonic model, there are two different meanings or types of reason.

Universal Reason (LOGOS)

It governs the order of the world. According to Plato, this one lies in a superior world. Its supreme essences are the ideas: good, truth, and beauty.

Individual, Partial, and Limited Reason in Each Man

It allows captivating the superior order. However, the ascendance of the sensible world to the intelligible world is never produced completely. It is always done with difficulties.

Classical Notion of Human Freedom

It is the power, rooted in reason and will, to act or not to act, and so to... Continue reading "Understanding Human Faculties and Freedom in Christian Morality" »

Understanding Adult Education: Definitions & Objectives

Core Definitions of Adult Education

• The term "adult education" denotes the entire body of organized educational processes, whatever the content, level, and method, whether formal or non-formal, and whether they prolong or replace initial education.
• Aimed at developing adults’ abilities, enriching their knowledge, improving their technical or professional qualifications, or reorienting them towards new directions, fostering changes in their attitudes or behavior to achieve full personal development and societal participation.
• Adult education, however, must not be considered an entity in itself; it is a subdivision and an integral part of a global scheme for lifelong education and learning.

Around 40,000 BCE, the first humans lived in China. Cultivation began around the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. The Yangshao and Longshan cultures were the earliest settlements. There was a big difference between northern and southern agriculture. The Tibetan Plateau and the Gobi Desert were the natural barriers of the Chinese civilization.

The Shang Dynasty

The Xia was the first dynasty in China, around 2000 BCE. It was replaced by the Shang Dynasty around 1600 BCE. Shang China was governed by a warrior aristocracy. The rulers in Anyang ruled with local and central bureaucracy, but it wasn't hereditary. The king's position was demonstrated by the large sacrifices at his death. He was an intermediary between Heaven and Earth. Socially, the village/... Continue reading "Ancient China: From Prehistory to the Qin Dynasty" »

Smoking: A Controversial Habit

Arguments For and Against Smoking

Smokers often cite pleasure, stress relief, and social acceptance as reasons for their habit. They may also have grown up in environments where smoking was normalized.

Non-smokers, however, highlight the severe health risks associated with smoking, including lung cancer, bronchitis, and asthma. They also point out the financial burden and negative aesthetic effects of smoking.

Addressing the Issue

It's crucial for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and educators to collaborate on solutions to combat smoking addiction and support those seeking to quit.

Environmental Concerns: Protecting Our Planet

The Impact of Pollution

Pollution poses a significant threat to human health, causing... Continue reading "Global Issues: Smoking, Environment, and Migration" »

Global Energy Dynamics and Geopolitics

Key Oil Consumers and Producers

The global energy landscape is defined by major consumers and producers. Key consumers include:

• United States (US)
• China (CN)
• India
• Japan (Jap)
• Saudi Arabia (SA)
• Brazil (Bra)
• South Korea (SK)
• Germany (Germ)
• Canada (CA)

Major exporting nations and producers include:

• Canada (CA)
• Saudi Arabia (SA)
• Venezuela (Ven)
• Mexico (Mex)
• Iraq
• Colombia (Col)
• Ecuador (Ecua)
• Brazil (Bra)
• Kuwait (Kuw)
• United States (US)
• Russia (Ru)
• China (CN)
• Iran
• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

The Genesis of Modern Middle East Conflicts

Establishment of Israel and Early Wars

During World War II, King Ibn Saud maintained good relations with the Allies. Britain controlled Palestine until 1948. Zionist leaders, notably David Ben-Gurion, declared... Continue reading "Geopolitics: Middle East Conflicts and US Policy" »

Legal References

LOMCE

O.L. 8/ 2013 (BOE)

RD1105/2014

(BOE)

Linguistics / Grammar

Recommended Texts

• CRYSTAL, D. (1997): The Cambridge Encyclopaedia of Language. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
• Quirk, R. and S. Greenbaum (1991): A University Grammar of English. London: Longman.
• Quirk, R. et al. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. London: Longman.
• CHOMSKY, N: Syntactic Structures. The Hague. 1957.
• Leech, G. and Svartvick “A Communicative English” Longman 1979.
• Thompson, A. & Martinet, A1986. A Practical English Grammar. Oxford University Press.
• GREENBAUM, Sidney & QUIRK, Randolph: A Student’s Grammar of the English Language. Longman. 1990.
• HUDDLESTON, R.: Introduction to the Grammar of English. Cambridge University

ACCIDENT AT HOME

It was an ordinary summer morning, all the members of my family were still sleeping but my brother was finishing a Biology project in the attic. Anyway, something happened to me that day that I'll never be able to forget. I was rushing downstairs as I was late to my football match and my girlfriend had just arrived to pick me up. WHEN SUDDENLY I slipped, lost my balance, fell backwards, bumped my head against the ground, and lost consciousness for 10 minutes. AS SOON AS I REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS I realized that I was shocked and dizzy, unable to breathe properly as I had lost the feeling in my left knee. Besides, my left arm was swollen and dislocated. Luckily, I was able to take my cell phone out of my pocket, dial 112, and... Continue reading "Personal Stories of Accidents and Assaults: Lessons Learned" »

All cells in an organism require nutrients for growth and function. Heterotrophic organisms cannot produce their own nutrients; they obtain these essential substances from food. Multicellular organisms possess numerous organs, which are grouped into different systems that perform diverse functions.

Five important systems work together to maintain bodily function:

• Digestive System
• Respiratory System
• Circulatory System
• Excretory System
• Lymphatic System

Digestion: Obtaining Nutrients

The Digestive Process

Like all animals, human beings obtain sugars, fats, and proteins from food. This process is carried out by the digestive system and involves three main phases:

1. Digestion (breaking down food)
2. Absorption (taking nutrients into the body)
3. Expulsion of waste

Food... Continue reading "The Human Digestive System: Function and Processes" »

Conditions for Life

Several key factors make life on Earth possible:

• Water
• A magnetic field
• A protective atmosphere
• Carbon compounds
• An energy source

Biotic and Abiotic Factors

Biotope: The non-living part of an environment, including all abiotic factors.

Biocenosis: All living things from every species within a defined area that provides the necessities for survival.

Ecosystem: A natural environment where living things interact with each other and their surroundings.

Trophic Levels

Ecosystems often have distinct trophic levels:

• Tertiary consumers
• Secondary consumers
• Primary consumers
• Producers

Predation

Predation is an interspecific relationship where one living thing kills another for food.

Soil Composition

Topsoil: Composed of partially decomposed organic matter... Continue reading "Understanding Our Ecosystem" »