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

Main Institutions of the EU

European Commission

The Commission is independent of the national governments and its goal is to represent and defend the interests of the EU as a whole. They elaborate law proposals that are presented in the Parliament.

It also has an executive function and must implement the decisions of the Parliament and the Council. Its main duties are:

• Propose legislation to the Council and the Parliament.
• Manage and implement EU policies and budget.
• Enforce European legislation (together with the Court of Justice).
• Represent the EU in international forums.

EU Council (Council of the European Union)

It is comprised of the heads of the member states, along with the President of the Council and the President of the Commission. It has... Continue reading "Key European Union Institutions and CAP Policy" »

Ottawa (Description of a Place)

Holiday

In my opinion, tree diagrams are useful for language teaching because they're a simple, clear, and uncomplicated way of representing a group of languages related through descent from a common ancestor. On a didactic level, tree diagrams are used to illustrate the analysis of surface structures and in grammar teaching. Tree diagrams can be useful and clear to illustrate the linguistic components. Chomsky is one of the most influential linguists of the 20^th century. He and all generativists perceive language as an innate ability. Humans are born with a set of rules in our head that generativists refer to as Universal Grammar. In addition, Chomsky's standards theory includes 4 main components: the base component which produces or generates basic

Essential Vocabulary: Key Definitions

Words Starting with E

Effervescent

Giving off bubbles; fizzy; vivacious and enthusiastic.

Words Starting with F

Formal

Done in accordance with rules of convention or etiquette; officially sanctioned or recognized.

Words Starting with H

Hasten

To be quick to do something.

Heart

The central or innermost part of something; to like very much.

Hindrance

A thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone.

Words Starting with M

Motive

A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious; causing or being the reason for something.

Words Starting with O

Oasis

A fertile spot in a desert where water is found.

Words Starting with P

Proliferate

To increase rapidly in numbers.

Words Starting

1. Modal Verbs

Original: Smoking is forbidden in most restaurants.

Transformation: You mustn't smoke in most restaurants.

2. Passive Voice

Original: The shop assistant didn't give us the ticket.

Transformation: We weren't given the ticket by the shop assistant.

3. Comparatives

Original: Al swims faster than Peter.

Transformation 1: Peter swims slower than Al.

Transformation 2: Peter doesn't swim as fast as Al.

4. Verbal Tenses

Original: I saw Frank two months ago.

Transformation: I haven't seen Frank for two months.

5. Gerund/Infinitive

Original: He forgot to phone his wife yesterday.

Transformation: He didn't remember phoning his wife yesterday.

6. Have sth. Done

Original: They are servicing my new car next week.

Transformation: I am having my new car serviced... Continue reading "English Grammar Transformation Exercises" »

The Evolution of Modern Industry

The First Industrial Revolution (c. 1770–1850)

Modern industry began in Great Britain. Industrial labor was carried out by machines, generally powered by steam engines fueled by coal. Manufacturing was focused in large mills or factories where many workers specialized in producing just one component, which was then assembled. This process resulted in abundant and cheap products.

During this period, industries were typically located near:

• Mining regions or other sources of energy (coal).
• Ports, cities, or train stations.

These factories created significant pollution, which explains why the area in England where the revolution started was historically known as "The Black Country."

The Second Industrial Revolution (

Obligations and Contracts in the Hospitality Industry

Introduction

Transactions drive market trade, with individuals, private companies, and public entities engaging in contracts and performing transactions. A market is essentially an exchange of relationships governed by rules. Most obligations in civil law stem from contracts, although some, like parental responsibilities, do not.

Key Concepts

Power and Parties

Individuals have the power to compel others to fulfill obligations (e.g., a hotel guest must pay for their stay). Every obligatory relationship involves two legal entities, not necessarily individuals.

Intuitu Personae

This refers to situations where a specific person's skills are required, such as a surgeon or a Michelin-star chef.

Obligation

• After that, Jonas doesn't want to go back to the Annex. He just wants a normal life like all of his friends.
• The Giver, trying to make up for the whole warfare thing, transmits some really good memories to Jonas: a birthday party, for instance, which shows Jonas how nice it is to be singled out as an individual, instead of always the same as everyone else.
• When he gets to experience riding a horse, Jonas sees how wonderful the bond between man and animal can be. When he sits beside a campfire in the dark, he knows at last the joy of solitude.
• Jonas asks The Giver what his favorite memory is, adding that he doesn't have to give it away yet.
• The old man, however, is happy to give away the memory. He transmits to Jonas the scene of Christmas morning.

Elements of Body Language You Can Consciously Work On:

• Posture:

  This will enhance your positive aura and help you appear more responsible and reliable. Few basics:
  • Stand tall with straight shoulders while leaning forwards slightly.
  • Keep your posture open by not folding your arms across your body.
  • Don't tuck your hands in your pockets, keep them free to gesture.
  • Work on improving your body language.

• Facial Expression:

  Use your face to show you're a friendly person. Express enthusiasm and conviction on your views through your face. The basics:
  • Nothing better than a genuine smile to express your warmth.
  • Keep your face relaxed with your gaze steady.
  • Make eye contact (not more than 2 seconds).
  • Keep the comfort of your audience in mind.

• Voice:

  Research shows

The Sophists: Rhetoric, Arete, and Fifth-Century Athens

The Sophists were itinerant professional teachers and intellectuals who frequented Athens and other Greek cities in the second half of the fifth century BC.

Sophistic Education and the Concept of Arete

In return for a fee, the Sophists offered young wealthy Greek men an education in arete (excellence).

Initially, arete was predominantly associated with aristocratic warrior virtues such as courage and physical strength. However, arete was increasingly understood in terms of the ability to influence one's fellow citizens in political gatherings through rhetorical persuasion.

The Sophistic education both grew out of and exploited this shift. The Sophists answered a growing need among the young... Continue reading "Ancient Greek Sophists: Rhetoric, Skepticism, and Key Philosophical Concepts" »