Argumentative Essay Essay Example for Free

Argumentative Essay Essay In America there are so many people who live without healthcare. President Obama has tried hard to change that known fact by introducing and passing his new Obama Care Act. It is very important for people to have proper healthcare coverage, medical care, affordable medications, and for all healthcare services to be available to everyone, whether they are poor, middle class or rich. For most Americans, high quality care generally is readily accessible without long waits but at high cost. However, the uninsured and, increasingly, the underinsured, the poor, and members of underserved minorities often have poor access to health care and poor health outcomes. The health workforce is well trained, yet the United States faces a severe shortage of primary care physicians. Approximately 45% of the U.S. population has a chronic medical condition, and about 60 million people, half of these, have multiple chronic conditions; the CDC estimated these numbers during a recent survey. 2 Most Americans 250 million (84.2%) have some form of health insurance coverage. But an estimated 47 million Americans (15.8%) were uninsured for a year, as reported for 2006 by the U.S. Bureau of the Census. A survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 43.6 million people (14.8%) of all ages were uninsured at the time of the National Health Expenditure Survey interview in 2006. However, as many as 89.5 million people under the age of 65 years lacked health insurance for a least 1 month or more during 2006-2007, according to a study by Lewin and associates published by Families USA. In addition, another 16 million people can be  considered underinsured. People without health insurance are much less likely than those with insurance to receive recommended preventive services and medications, are less likely to have access to regular care by a personal physician, and are less able to obtain needed health care services. Consequently, the uninsured are more likely to succumb to preventable illnesses, more likely to suffer complications from those illnesses, and more likely to die prematurely. The U.S. health care system has much potential for improvement. Disparities related to race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status has pervaded the U.S. health care system. In addition to the large numbers of Americans who lack adequate health insurance, the cost, quality, and utilization of health care services vary widely. Meanwhile, the need for long term care services and care coordination is increasing. Preventive care, cross discipline coordination, and proactive management of long term care might reduce the cost of care, but these services often are uncovered or poorly reimbursed. 3 Spending on health care in the United States has been rising at a faster pace than spending in the rest of the economy since the 1960’s. According to the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services- National Health Statistics Group states that in 2005, national health care spending amounted to approximately $2.0 trillion, or $6697 per person and 16% of the gross domestic product. By 2015, health care spending is expected to reach $4.0 trillion. People with large medical care cost are often chronically ill, disabled, or poor. Our society’s inability to provide continuous, coherent patient centered care for this group of individuals is one cause of the high aggregate cost of health care and contributes to the cost of public insurance programs. Patients who enter Medicare without previous insurance but with chronic illness will be sicker and more disabled and therefore more costly to that government program. Health insurance premiums increased drastically since the year 2005. Many have been unable to even afford health coverage. Employer based health insurance has been the basis for paying for health services since 1940, but  it is fast eroding under the pressure of relentlessly rising costs of care. Despite the growing need for coordination of health care services, government and private insures pay for health care services primarily on a episodic, visit related basis with few, if any, incentives for providing comprehensive, coordinated, and continuous care for the prevention and management of chronic illness. Primary care physicians now spend about 20% of their time in unreimbursed coordination of care tasks using the telephone or e-mail. Despite repeated attempts to rein in federal expenditures for Medicare and Medicaid, federal have continued to increase much faster than inflation in the entire economy. 4 The Medicaid program provides medical benefits to over 52 million people who meet categorical eligibility standards. The federal government and the state share responsibility for funding Medicaid. The success of the VA system in dramatically restructuring itself indicates that major gains can be achieved in the United States in improving health care access and quality while reducing costs. One response to rising health care costs has been the adoption of consumer directed health plans in which the individual takes greater responsibility for paying for care out of pocket rather than the employer or government. Unfortunately, for those with modest incomes, cost sharing has reduced medically necessary care, such as taking medicines for hypertension. The United States is in such a crisis when it comes to the health care system, yet is very important to see that every one of its citizens is afforded health coverage. People are sickly in this nation, like it is in other countries. The United States is in the midst of a primary health care workforce crisis that is expected to worsen in the next decade. The population is aging, and baby boomers are at a high, and a large amount of people will soon be over 65 years and at greater risk for needing care for chronic conditions. The United States should continue to work on having national policies introduced to the health care system to help guide training, supply, and the distribution of health care providers to better assist those in need of health coverage. It is very important to make this a reality, because we the  people of the United States need to be able to receive medical care, and health coverage, no matter if we are rich or poor in this society.

Atrocities In Afganistan (Women) Essay -- essays research papers fc

(NOTE TO STUDENT: my teacher gave me a B+ and said I would have had an A if I had had more detail on the Taliban's reasons for these laws) The women of Afghanistan have been enduring unfathomable suffering since the Taliban, a religious faction, seized control of the country in 1996. (NOTE TO STUDENT: my teacher gave me a B+ and said I would have had an A if I had had more detail on the Taliban's reasons for these laws) Since 1996 Afghan women have been living fear for their safety and lives. A myriad of discriminating laws has been placed on Afghan women. The punishments for violating these laws are unimaginably inhuman.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Taliban is an ultra-fundamentalist group that has 90 percent of Afghanistan under its control (Taliban). When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 Islamic factions united to expel the Russian occupiers from Afghanistan (Afghanistan). The new government that had formed soon collapsed from the deep-rooted ethnic and religious differences of its members (Afghanistan). The Taliban emerged victorious from the ensuing civil war to establish a reign of terror on the Afghan people (Afghanistan).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The women of Afghanistan have ended up bearing most of the weight from the oppressive hand of the Taliban. A woman is no longer allowed to be seen in public with out wearing a cumbersome burqa, a robe that covers the entire body from head to toe with only a small mesh screen to see and breath through. â€Å"I feel like I am invisible.† Claims one woman, â€Å"Nobody knows whether I’m smiling or crying†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She then explains how hard it is to see through the mesh screen (Shanahan). There have been accounts of women being run over by tanks because they couldn’t see through their burqa (Shanahan). Not only are women not allowed in public without the burqa, they must also be accompanied by a mahram, a male relative, when outside their homes (Women). When they are inside their homes, women must have the blinds pulled or the windows painted black so others can’t see them from the street (Women). A Taliban representative explains the logic behind these laws: â€Å"The face of a woman is a source of corruption for men who are not related to them.† (Women). So what does a woman do when she needs to go outside and there is no man to accompany her? One woman was shot while running through the streets with her sick child. ... ...ghts restored.† (Women). Although then UN and various countries condemn the Taliban for their disregard for the life and welfare of Afghan women, no aggressive actions have been taken.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Clearly the harsh laws and punishments the Taliban have created are unjust and wrong. Since the Taliban base their laws on religious believes it would be difficult for anyone to â€Å"talk them out of it†. There are many countries and organizations that are opposed to the Taliban’s treatment of women. I believe the Taliban will never gain recognition as a legitimate government from these countries unless they change drastically and it is only a matter of time before the Taliban fall. Works Cited â€Å"Afghanistan.† Nutshellnotes. Online> 28 Jan. 2000. Shanahan, Noreen. â€Å"Fighting gender apartheid in Afghanistan.† Herizons. V>13 (3). (Fall’99): 23-25. â€Å"Stop Gender Apartheid in Afghanistan!† The Feminist Majority Foundation. Online. 20 Feb. 2000. â€Å"Taliban publicly execute woman murderer.† Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan. Online. 17 Nov. 1999. â€Å"Women in Afghanistan: The violations continue.† Amnesty International. Online. June 1997.

Counter Culture Essay

Introduction From a moral standpoint, social problems harm people and from a democratic standpoint, social problems harm the well-being of citizens. In addition to that, from a societal standpoint, social problems threaten the productive functioning of society. A social problem is said to exist to the extent that some â€Å"malfunction† is observed in society. This malfunction might be an inequality (e.g:with the same education and experience women earn only about 80% of what men earn in the labor force), a poor allocation of resources (e.g: poor environmental stewardship), violence (e.g: domestic violence, rape, violent crime), or an inefficient organizational system (e.g: too much or too little being spent on social services). The social evils that are plaguing our society today could hardly be catalogued, they are uncountable in the true sense of the assertion. Among the prominent social problems are the escalating crime waves , religious intolerance , disrespect for elders , laziness and lateness of duty , widespread of diseases , ostentatious spending, abortion, pre marital pregnancy, elope (run off secretly to be married and usually without the consent or knowledge of one’s parent), disciplinary problem, psychological pr oblem, slow down development of the country, and alcohol consumption . These are the effects of our social problem among Malaysian youth. Sociologists can identify many aspects of society that might be considered to be social problems. It is the values held by the majority of citizens (in a democracy) that define what is a social problem (e.g:Is denial of same-sex marriages a problem?). Social problems are identified as such partly with respect to their perceived effect on the productive functioning of society. Social problems can be difficult to identify (e.g:What is the scientific evidence that same-sex marriages or the prohibition of them will harm society?). Sociologists use the consensus, conflict, and interactionist perspectives to examine these conditions of potential social problems. Risk Factors for Social Problems Risk factor is defined as a factor which increases the chances of social  problems beyond control. There are different risk factors for social problems among youth such as biological, psychological and social. Social risk factors include unemployment, disturbed family environment, unavailability of educational opportunities, availability of drugs in locality, law and order situation. Environmental/social risk factors are increasing the chances of using drugs among youth. A youngster who is disturbed because of his family environment will spend time out side of his home, sitting with friends who can offer him drugs. Handling peer pressure will be difficult for him, as a result, he will be ready to use drug. A youngster deprived of educational opportunities and economic resources may be at great risk of using drugs. His disappointment from social problems will produce images of drugs in his mind as the suitable source of getting rid of his problems. Easy availability of drugs/substance in his locality will further serve to increase his craving for drugs. Also the principal and behavioural factors linked with youth violence are hypersensitivity, impulsiveness, poor behavioural control, attention problems, history of early aggressive behaviour and low educational achievement. Associating with delinquent peers has also been linked to violence in young people. Gangs and a local supply of guns and drugs are a potent mixture, increasing the likelihood of youth violence. Low level of social cohesion within community has been linked to higher rates social problems. Cultures that do not provide non-violent alternatives for resolving conflicts appear to have higher rates of social problems too. For most young people, the offending behaviour is part of growing up, of testing the limits, of taking risks, of asserting their independence. It may also be an indication of boredom and the absence of anything useful or meaningful to do. It may be a reflection of that awkward stage of life where one feels grown up but not able to participate fully in the world of adults. Generally, the offenses that they commit are relatively minor and decrease in frequency as they grow older, mature and find a way to participate in and contribute to society. Ways to overcome social problems The role of parents is crucial in giving serious attention to their children. Parents must consider the movements of their children. Parents should always know and identify the problems faced by their children and are willing to take the time to solve the problem. Parents also should know their child’s friends and always make sure their children make friends and socialize with those who have well in morally. In addition parents must spend part of daily time with children by giving them confidence, courage, creating positive attitudes towards issues, emotions and decisions. Another common set of prevention strategies addressing youth violence focuses on early intervention with children and families. Such programmes provide parents with information about child development and teach them how to effectively discipline, monitor and supervise children, as well as how to manage family conflict and improve communication. Parent and family -based interventions are among the most promis ing strategies for producing long-term reductions in youth violence. 2. Academic approach. This can be done by adding activities based on academic and semi-academics activities such as extra-curricular in schools. Similarly, the changes in teaching techniques such as use of computer, video, audio-visual aid equipment and techniques of teaching outside the classroom should be implemented. 3. Establishing legal system in the school. Provisions in the law school could create fear among students, in addition to reducing the burden and responsibility of the school and the parents in monitoring discipline. 4. Law enforcement authorities like the police. Jurisdiction of the existing police should be used by school administrators in the discipline of students. The administrator shall take the opportunity to refer their student’s problems to police. 5. Preventive measures should be held as appropriate counselling at school level. Counselling at school level is important in helping teenagers overcome their problems. This program will be more meaningful i f the counsellors are qualified and experienced elected. 6. Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) should play an important role more frequent meetings between parents, guardians and teachers should be held  especially for students that influenced in social problems. Parents should discuss student’s problem with teacher and get ready to receive and advice from a teacher with an open and positive attitude. If one considers that ultimately we are concerned with the healthy development of adolescents in transition to adulthood, we must be concerned with the issues that impede or impact on such transitions. Transition to adulthood includes simultaneous transitions across several domains including post-secondary education or other work preparation training, labour force participation (or unemployment) independent living, marriage or cohabitation, and community living. Transition success is affected by many factors including personal characteristics, gender, family influences, exposure to role models, economic status, cultural influence s, and the economic viability of the community in which the person functions. We also be mindful of the fact that adolescence occurs in a context with such factors as race, ethnicity, cultural customs, language, social views and practices, sexual orientation and physical or learning disabilities all combining to make the transition experiences of some adolescents very different from others. While there has been a fair amount of work done on identifying risk factors that, if present, may increase the likelihood of a young person’s involvement in crime or other negative behaviour problems, there has also been some work done on the development of programs that build on the enhancement of protective factors which may reduce the effects of exposure to risk factors and thus lower the chances a youth will develop serious anti-social or other behaviour problems or become a victim.. Protective factors may also divide into: (1) Individual characteristics (i.e. high IQ, high level of resilience and flexibility and a positive social attitude); (2) Social bonds ( notably warm, supportive and affective   relationships with parents and other adults); and (3) Social support including positive social skills and socially acceptable pattern of behavioural norms. Possession of problem-solving, Life and communication skills. Sociability, Resilient personality or temperament A sense of belonging, secure attachments to positive parent(s) or family Positive relations with â€Å"pro social† peers Access to other caring supportive adults Appropriate discipline Limit-setting and structure from parents, Opportunities to experience success and build self esteem In the context of transitions from adolescence to healthy adulthood, it is important to consider the notion of â€Å"resilience† as a young person’s ability to cope in the presence of major stress or risk factors. They go on to suggest that resilience is a source of strength in young people created or nurtured by caring and effective parents or other adult caregivers, positive learning environments in schools and access to community resources. What is the value of having an assessment to identify potential risks and needs of young offenders? By objectively identifying young persons who pose a higher risk of re-offending and the program interventions that are needed Assessments allow for a potentially more efficient and effective use of resources More objective and consistent decision making Establishing a baseline for monitoring a young offender’s progress Periodic reassessment of rehabilitative effectiveness Appropriate targeting of program intervention to address the social problems factors associated with offending (risk-needs assessment) such as: Use of appropriate modes of intervention based on social learning principles A multiplicity of available interventions to address differing individual needs Consistent application of interventions to ensure program integrity Quality assurance of program design and delivery including training and recruiting appropriate staff Strong theoretical base or mission for the program We should be careful not to suggest that a program has not been successful if a young person re-offends. While rehabilitative programs are designed with a goal of reducing recidivism, it is essential that other forms of program success are included in the mix and not totally rely on measures of recidivism to determine success. We can reduce occasional or temporary  offending by young people by helping them deal with the stress associated with the turbulence of adolescence and finding ways of involving young people in useful and meaningful activities. Educational and recreational activities to which all have equal access and which are designed on the basis of the varied needs and interests of young people are important. Access to social services can help some young people and their families deal with problems which may underlie the offending behaviour. Given what we know about the correlation between poverty, mental health and opportunities, the economic security of young people and their families should also be a priority. These measures are all primary prevention strategies – ways of creating healthier and ultimately safer communities. Conclusion Though social problems are recurrent issues in many societies all over the world, they can be predetermined and controlled by use of social studies. When we think of the many settings that have evolved over time, it becomes apparent that there can never be a permanent solution to these social problems. Governments in affected regions try to curb socially unacceptable behaviour by regulating wealth and economy for citizens, thereby ensuring that money distribution is constant and fluent enough to avoid situations where some feel exploited. More measures can be taken to avoid socially unacceptable behaviour like crime and drug use, thereby maintaining law and order in society. Society is the place where young generations are brought up and nurtured for future. If social problems are left to come up and establish themselves, the upcoming generations would grow up to become savage and barbaric citizen, destroying civilization that was once prosperous.

One of the most successful and well known play by William Shakespeare

One of the most successful and well known plays William Shakespeare wrote was Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet is a tragedy play; two young people fall in the love but their families have a bitter grudge with one another, â€Å"and the continuance of their parents' rage which, but their children's end, naught could remove,† (prologue lines 10-11). This quote explains to us how the grudge between the two families could only be removed by the death of these two ‘star crossed lovers'. The theme of the play is love and hate; there are many examples of love and hate occurring especially with the party scene. In William Shakespeare's time status was a very important thing when it comes to everyday lifestyle. Status was also determined by gender, men were able to do more things that woman, such as, work and have more of a social life. When there were plays in the theatre people would stand or sit depending on status. If you were standing you would be of the lower class, if you were higher up in the stands the wealthier you were, for example the Queen would sit at the top. The theatre was very important in that time because it was the main source of entertainment. The relationships between the parents and the teenagers are found in the scenes of Juliet getting an arranged marriage, the scene illustrates how rich parents would communicate and feel about their children and visa versa for the children. Relationships between Juliet and Capulet Capulet has deep feelings for Juliet, he still see Juliet as his little girl and does not want to let her go into marriage. ‘And too soon marred are those so early made', Capulet talking to Paris about his daughter being too young. This quote gives an understanding of how Capulet feels with Juliet getting married. Even though Juliet is the lady of my earth to Capulet, he says to Paris win her heart, if she is happy then you may marry her, â€Å"she is the hopeful lady of my earth. But woo her gentle Paris, get her heart, my will to her consent is but part†. Capulet is explaining to Paris that if you win her heart then I will be happy to give you my daughter. After the death of Tybalt, Capulet decides to marry Juliet with Paris to get rid of all the grief. Because of the death of Tybalt Capulet has not had time to persuade Juliet to marry Paris but he says to Paris she will obey his wishes. When Capulet enters Juliet's room in the morning, he sees her crying â€Å"How now, a conduit, girl? What, still in tears†, Capulet thinks that these tears are for Tybalt but in reality they are for Romeo being banished. When Capulet finds out that Juliet refuses to marry Paris he loses his temper. â€Å"Hang thee young baggage, disobedient wretch! I tell thee what, get thee to church a Thursday, or never after look me in the face.† Capulet makes it clear and simple on what he expects Juliet to do and what the consequences are if she doesn't; from being Capulet's lady on his earth she has become the last lady he wants to see. Relationship between Juliet and Lady Capulet Lady Capulet and Juliet have a formal relationship. Juliet talks to her mother as is she is a teacher â€Å"Madam, I am here, what is you will?† this quote shows us how Juliet confronts her mother; it also shows us that she is respectful of her mothers status; shown by the formal ‘Madam'. Lady Capulet views marriage as a business arrangement and she is keen to get Juliet married well to a wealthy man like Paris. A good marriage would make the Capulet's a more commanding and highly regarded family. When Lady Capulet enters the room she sees Juliet crying. She sympathizes with Juliet's grief at the death of Tybalt. Lady Capulet lets Juliet know how she feels about Romeo and how she plans on him being dead. â€Å"We will have vengeance for it, fear thou not. Then weep no more. Ill send to one Mantua, where that same banished runagate doth live, shall give him such an unaccustomed dram, that shall soon keep Tybalt company.† Lady Capulet does not know about Juliet's feelings about Romeo and Juliet wasn't planning on letting her know, â€Å"indeed I never shall be satisfied with Romeo, till I behold him dead is my poor heart so for a kinsman vexed†. What Juliet actually means in that text is that ‘I never shall be satisfied with Romeo till I behold him. My poor heart is so vexed for a kinsman (Romeo) that is dead'. What Juliet's mother takes her to mean is the complete opposite. Juliet appears to agree with her mother when she is talking about how Romeo is a vill ain, but she twists her words so that they mean she also loves Romeo. Relationship between Juliet and the Nurse Juliet and the nurse have a more comfortable relationship when it comes to communicating. The Nurse is like a mother figure to Juliet after bringing her up from childhood. â€Å"Go girl, seek happy nights' this quote gives an example of how the relationship is very comfortable between the two. It shows that the nurse is encouraging Juliet to enjoy herself and seek out a husband to spend ‘happy nights' with. Shakespeare's audience would see in this scene that the Nurse cares for Juliet and wants her to be happy instead of status and money like Lady Capulet thinks. In Act 3 scene 5 when Juliet refuses to marry Paris the Nurse tries to defend Juliet but she only gets spoken over by Capulet, â€Å"may one not speak† she is trying to defend for Juliet but Capulet reply's back † peace you mumbling fool†. When Capulet and Lady Capulet leave the Nurse advises Juliet to forget about Romeo. â€Å"Romeo is banished, and all the world to nothing†. Juliet asks the nurse if that is what she really means and the Nurse says that is. The Nurse then goes off and goes to tell Capulet and Lady Capulet that Juliet is sorry for upsetting her father. Juliet does not believe the deceitfulness of the Nurse. Stage Craft and Language A very important stagecraft action that takes place in Romeo and Juliet is soliloquies, a soliloquy is an actor playing a character revealing to the audience about their own private thoughts (the character has the stage to them self). Juliet uses a soliloquy at the end of Act 3 scene 5 when the Nurse leaves the room. â€Å"Ancient damnation! O most wicked fiend! It is more sin to wish me thus forsworn, Or to dispraise my lord with that same tongue so many thousand times? Go counselor; thou and my bosom henceforth shall be twain. I'll to the friar to know his remedy. If all else fail, myself have power to die†. Juliet expresses her feelings to the audience. Soliloquies are still used in this time and day in the theatre. An example of an implicit direction would be in Act 1 scene 3, â€Å"this is the matter nurse, give leave awhile, we must talk in secret. Nurse, come back again!† the audience can see that Lady Capulet does not trust the Nurse, but she does depend on the Nurse to speak about Juliet about early marriage. The implicit direction is used like a command, when Lady Capulet tell the Nurse to come back. Lady Capulet also uses imperatives, â€Å"Nurse, where's my daughter? Call her forth to me† the word call in this quote is the imperative, an imperative is an order, and Shakespeare used imperatives in his text because it helped the actors to remember their lines.

The eNotes Blog 6 Feminist Literary CostumeIdeas

6 Feminist Literary CostumeIdeas It’s October, so the search for the perfect costume has begun! This year, why not put something together other than the half-hearted whiskers and cat ears you’ve been sporting in a rush to the costume party? Or maybe you take your costumes seriously and are looking for something extra fierce this year. Well, either way, we’ve got what you’re looking for. There is nothing more fierce than these literary feminist icons that are sure to make an impression! via hero.wikia.com Hermione Granger, Harry Potter Series While at a double disadvantage in the wizarding world- being both muggle-born and a female- Hermione still constantly outsmarts those that try to bring her down. A fierce activist for equality in the wizarding world, a cunning witch, and top notch friend, Hermione is a bold contemporary feminist icon. What to wear: Frizzy hair, gray sweater over a white button-up blouse, red and gold striped tie, black pleated skirt, knee-high socks. Oh, and make sure to carry a big leather-bound book! via The Federalist Atticus Finch, To Kill A Mockingbird Yes! Men can be feminists, too! A fighter for human rights, and a beacon of light among racism and bigotry, Atticus Finch raises his daughter to understand the ideals of universal acceptance. What to wear: a three-piece suit, round glasses, gelled-back hair. via Manderlit Hester Prynne, The Scarlet Letter The protagonist of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter, Hester Prynne is a long standing feminist icon. Though she is ostracized, abused, and shamed, she transforms a badge of shame into a marker of her identity and resilience. What to wear: White bonnet, long black dress, white apron, red â€Å"A† cut out of felt fabric. via mxdwn Movies Lisbeth Salander, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is a gut-churning read, but Lisbeth’s courageous revenge at the end shows her resilience and bravery. Lisbeth is a genius with computers and has been described as a â€Å"modern day superhero.† You go, girl. What to wear: Short black wig, dark eyeliner, fake lip ring, leather jacket over a black hoodie, black skinny jeans, spiked collar. via thedailybeast.com Sylvia Plath, poet Sylvia Plath rebelled against society’s expectations for her by becoming a poet and author. Sylvia Plath’s poetry is emotional, elegant, and breaks the boundaries set for women at her time. What to wear: Denim dress with a collar, oxford shoes, burnt-red lipstick, curled hair with a patterned hair band. Also, carry a copy of her book The Bell Jar. via History Things Jane Austen, author Jane Austen not only broke the female gender roles of her time by excelling in her literary pursuits, but she also did so while writing admirable heroines into her novels. The strong female characters she depicts value women’s equality and independence- ideals that were way ahead of their time. What to wear: A long, pastel dress, white bonnet, french braids that end in a low bun. Carry your favorite Jane Austen novel with you- there’s more than a handful to choose from!

How to Write an Introduction to Sell Your Book Fast

How to Write an Introduction to Sell Your Book Fast How to Write an Introduction to Sell Your Book Fast To learn more about how to craftthe perfect book introduction, join Chandler on this FREE webinar where he explains how to write a winning intro for your book.â€Å"There’s no second chance to make a first impression.† Not only does this apply to meeting your future in-laws, it applies to readers first impressions of your book.Alright†¦maybe not their firstimpression of your book, that comes from your book cover and title. However, their second-firstimpression is going to be formed while reading your book’s introduction.It’s easy to think an introduction isn’t important because so many people skip them, but did you know yourbook’s introductionis actually a vital sales tool if you’re a non-fiction author?Thats why were here to teach you how to write a book introduction that will actually boost book sales.But first, let’s talk aboutwhy its so important. HowtoWriteaBookIntroductionYoure about to learn about the mostwonderful p agein your book to boost sales. It’s going to be your secret weapon to stand out from the competition.Amazonoffers customers a chance to give your book a sneak peek before purchase. It’s called theLook Insidefeature, and when shoppers click on it, they’re treated to a free preview of your book introduction.This means you’ve been given the opportunity to grab their attention and make them reach for their wallets.This is why yourbook introductioniscrucialto your book’s ultimate success. Readers will pick up your story and make a decision about you as an author and your book based on those first few paragraphs.And were about to show you how to do just that.NOTE: We cover everything in this blog post and much more about the writing, marketing, and publishing process in our VIP Self-Publishing Program. Learn more about it hereWhats the Difference Between a Book Introduction and a Preface or Foreword?Before you write an introduction and dive in on writin g the rest of your book, you first have to check if what you’re writing is actually an introduction.If you aren’t careful it might be a preface or a foreword instead, and these are different than an introduction. While this difference might not seem like much to you, mislabeling this section will signal your book as an amateur piece of work to your reader, harming your brand and sales in the long run.Who would want to read a book (or many) from someone who cant get even the introduction right?So, what are the differences between an introduction, preface, and a foreword? Where do you use them? Can you use several of them? We’ll go through these questions in detail.What is a preface?A preface discusses how the book came about, the scope of the book, why the book was written, its limitations, and any acknowledgments the author or editor has.Though they may initially seem the same, and serve the same purpose, a prefaceisdifferent from an introduction. The author and /or editor of a book can write a preface, but no-one else can.Whatit doesn’tdo is talk about the meat of the book. It doesn’t go into the subject matter, the point of view, or arguments that the book presents.The purpose of a preface is to let the reader knowhowyou came to write the book.Without delving into the book matter, it gives the author a chance to talk to the reader and let them know your story, why you decided to write this book, why the world needs this book right now (helpful if you’re writing about something that’s been written about several times before, such as the hundredth biography of a famous figure,) where you got your information from, and why you are the best author to write this book.If you have several editions of your book, your preface is also where you discuss why there is a new edition, and what’s different from the old edition.An author’s preface requires tact; you can’t betooself-promotional.You have to a ddress your selling points indirectly. This is why it’s best to have an editor’s preface or to have someone else write a foreword.What is a foreword?According to theChicago Manual of Style, a foreword is written by someone other than the author or editor and is usually someone with authority to lend credibility to your book, with their name appearing at the end.Think of a foreword as a letter of recommendation that someone with credibility writes for your book.It’s usually by someone the reader will respect, and the foreword will contain reasons for why the reader should read the book. There are fewer rules for a foreword than a preface.For instance, it can talk about the subject matter if desired. However, forewords tend to be short usually one or two pages.Many non-fictionbook deals wouldnt have happened if it wasnt for the foreword. Publishers are less likely to offer a major advance to first-time authors as they are untested. However, this becomes a differe nt story if they can secure a foreword from someone of influence, (known as foreword deals in the industry.)John Romaniello (with his co-author Adam Bornstein) was able to get an advance of more than $1,000,000 for his first book,Man 2.0: Engineering the Alpha,a practically unheard of amount for a first-time author.How did this happen? John credits securing Arnold Schwarzeneggerto pen the foreword as a factor that helped.What is a book introduction?An introduction differs from a preface and a foreword because its written by the author and does talk about the subject matter.A book introduction can include everything that would be in a preface: how the book came about, the scope of the book, why the book was written etc.However, an introduction also supplements the subject matter of the book.Whether by presenting a point of view the reader should take, outlining to the reader what is to come, or by teasing the writer’s conclusions.Whats the purpose of a preface, foreword, and i ntroduction?Each one of these exists tosellyour book in the opening pages. They exist to hook a reader who flips to the beginning of the book and gives clear reasons as to why they should read on to the end.A potential reader or buyer will judge whether your main argument, point of view, or tone of voice is worth reading on your introduction, preface, or foreword.If someone they admire recommends your book in the foreword, they’ll sit up and listen.If your preface reveals some main sources that have never told their story before, they’ll be curious to read more. If your introduction shows that you’re a great writer and you know what you’re talking about, they’ll give you a chance by reading more.Since we’re dealing with non-fiction, we haven’t discussed prologues or epilogues, though they have the same purpose; to hook the reader and sell them on why to read on.Where do they go?So, do you only have to choose one for your book? No.Your book can have all three if you want, though you don’t want to go too overboard, as your reader might end up skipping it anyway, or might feel like you’re trying too hard.Getting a foreword can be a lot of hard work if you don’t have the network or credibility to get an influencer to write one for you. And if your reader ends up skipping it, it’ll be a waste of your time.But if you want to have all three, this is the correct formatting of where they appear in your book, (relevant sections are highlighted in bold. We provided a comprehensive overview of a books matter for reference:)Front Matter(Each point gets at least its own page.)Half titlepage (Sometimes called the bastard title, its a page that has nothing but the title. No subtitle or author name.)Blank page (Or Also by the author)Title pageCopyright pageDedication (Optional.)Epigraph (Quote, or poem that highlights the theme of the book. Can be before main text. Optional.)Table of contentsBook quot e (optional: A quote chosen by the author based on the subject matter of the book.)List of illustrations, tables or maps (Optional.)Foreword(Optional.)Preface(Optional. Editors preface comes before authors preface if you have both. If you have a separate preface for a new edition of the book it comes before the old preface.)Abbreviations (Optional. Or in back matter.)Chronology (Optional. Or in back matter.)Main BodyIntroduction(Optional.)Prologue (Optional. Not applicable to non-fiction.)Epigraph (or after the dedication and before the table of contents. Optional.)Another half-title (Optional.)Main textEpilogue (Optional. Not applicable to non-fiction.)Afterword (Optional.)ConclusionBack Matter(These are all optional.)AcknowledgmentsAppendixChronology (Or in the front matter.)Abbreviations (Or in the front matter.)GlossaryBibliographyList of contributorsIllustration creditsIndexErrataColophon (Optional brief statement by the publishers on the books production, where it was printed etc.)Authors or Editors bioInvitation to review the book [Usually found in eBook formats asking readers to consider a review if they liked the book]Dont panic if your book doesnt have up to half of these sections. Many of them are not necessary unless you are writing for a higher education audience.What matters is knowing where your foreword, preface, and/or your introduction needs to go in your book.How Your Book Introduction Will Help You Sell BooksYour book introduction serves two goals. Think of your first 1,000 words as the foundation for the rest of your book’s chapters.Writing your introduction is going to be a useful exercise to help you distill down your ideas and to succinctly encapsulate the message of your great work into a few, short paragraphs.The second goal of your introduction is to act as a sales pitch to intrigue readers so they’ll buy your book.It’s intimidating, yes, and a lot of pressure is riding on just a few paragraphs. This is why writi ng your book introduction can be one of your first major stumbling blocks as an author.Thats why were here to help you overcome this significant hurdle so you can continue merrily on the path toward your finished manuscript, and ultimately higher sales of your book once it is published.How to Write a Book Introduction in 8 StepsSelf-Publishing School created a roadmap, much like we did formind mappingand outlining, to nail down that book introduction- and also to jumpstart your writing process for the rest of your chapters.As we go through these 8 steps to writing your book introduction, we’re going to use the example of a book calledHow to Get College Scholarships.As you read, take notes, and insert your own book’s topic into your thinking and note-taking process.#1 Identify the ProblemDon’t dance around the problem. What’s the problem your book promises to solve? State the problem clearly for your readers from the outset. Bestraight-forward, unambiguou s, and concise when you identify the issue that readers hope you can solve for them.Don’t try to be all things to all people- you want readers to know the specific problem your book will solve for them.Using our example ofHow to Get College Scholarships,the problem is simple: college is expensive, and scholarships seem out of reach for most high school students.#2 Present the SolutionNow that you’ve identified the problem readers are struggling with, you’re going to make their day by telling them you’re going to share the solution in your book. You’ve helped them with a problem AND you’ve revealed that your book holds the solution on the first page. Your book’s going to be a winner!Directional phrases such as, â€Å"In this book, I am going to show you†¦Ã¢â‚¬ or â€Å"This book is going to solve your problem by†¦Ã¢â‚¬ Thinking back to our example, some solutions we’d present in our book would be teaching readers how to write a good essay so you can stand out from the competition, and how to find and apply for the top scholarships.#3 Assert Your CredibilityNow that you’ve presented a problem and posted a solution, your next step is to convince your readers that you, the author, are qualified to help solve their problem. You need to build your credibility and provide readers with a reason to trust you and follow your advice.Ask yourself these three questions:Why should people trust you?How do you know about this topic?Why are you passionate about writing this book?Sharing your own struggles and how you overcame them is the first step to building rapport with your readers#4 Show Them the BenefitsHow will your book improve your readers’ current circumstances? Now’s the time to really sell them on how reading your book is going to change their life for the better.Sold! Who doesn’t want a better life? (It’s rhetorical: We all do!)You’ve briefly touched on the solution- in our case, how to write a great essay and how to apply for scholarships. In this part of your introduction, you’re going to go a little deeper and explain what good things will happen if your readers take advantage of the information you present in your book.In short, tell your readers what they’ll get- what knowledge or skill they will gain from reading your book and how that’s going to impact their future for the better.In our example, the benefit of our book is that readers will go to school for free and live a life without the financial burden of student loans. Readers can achieve their dream of getting an education, without breaking the bank.#5 Give Them ProofShow your readers the proof of why your book is the answer to their prayers. Give the most tangible and relatable proof you can provide.In our example, we might share how we put ourselves or our children through school on scholarship. We might also include testimonials from other pe ople we know who followed our advice and got a free education.#6 Make a Promise (The Bigger the Better)Don’t make a promise you can’t keep, but make the biggest promise that you CAN keep. Aim high.To come up with your promise, circle back to your books’ purpose- what is the problem your book is solving? Now promise that this book will solvetheir problem! It’s that easy.You need to be able to deliver on your promises, but don’t be shy in stating what they will get in return for reading your book.While we can’t promise someone they’ll be awarded a scholarship (after all, their grades will have a big impact there,) we can promise that we will increase their chances of getting a scholarship by showing them where to find them and the steps to take to apply.#7 Warn Them Against WaitingYou need to create a sense of urgency to buy so your readers know that if they pass on your book, they will regret it because readers will miss out on somet hing really good.A sense of urgency is created by two magic words, â€Å"RIGHT NOW!†In our example, we would urge people to start well ahead of the scholarship application deadlines so they can submit the best applications they can.Don’t delay, or others who are in the know will snatch up those scholarships! So, let’s get started on getting you a free education RIGHT NOW!#8 Prompt Them to Read (Call to Action)You want readers to continue reading your book the second they finish the introduction. To do that, you have to hint at the juicy secrets your book will reveal to them that will change their lives.You want to intriguethemand hint at the exciting revelations you’re going to make inside the book. They will have to buy it in order to find out.Here’s how to craft a compelling Call to Action to prompt them to read your book right away:The scholarship tips and tricks you’re about to read have proven results. Each chapter provides new secrets that will help you stay in control of your financial future AND get a leg up on the competition for scholarships. If you follow the formula we reveal in this book, it’s highly possible you can enjoy the rest of your life unburdened by debt.Time to Get StartedThere you go- not too hard, is it? By applying a few principles of psychology as you draft your introduction, you can demonstrate to your readers how and why they need to read your book, right now.Take advantage of this one chance you get, to explain in a few short paragraphs how readers will benefitfromreading your book. They will thank youlaterafter they buy your book and they’re reaping all the benefits of taking your advice.

Societal Changes in Women Status 30s-70s Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Societal Changes in Women Status 30s-70s - Essay Example These changes as represented by the pendulum have political and economic influences being the major cause affecting these changes. However, individual women have impressively changed the concept of the woman as gender perception as seen by Maya Angelou who during the world second war aspired to be a street car conductor and ended up being the first African American street car conductor thanks to her relentless applications (Collins, 2003). In his intriguing and captivating book, Collins gives examples of heroines like Hannah Dustan who in 1697 escaped from her captors by slitting them and returned to her home to a jubilated welcome. The book gives a wide range of inspiring examples of women thus the other meaning of the pendulum swinging wide. There are quite a number of historical facts that paved way to the behavior of women in the 20th century particularly between the 1930s to the 1970s. For example, in 1637 the law had to be changed after Ann fowler was sentenced to 20 lashes when she verbally abused a county justice by the name of Adam Thorowgood in Virginia (Walsh, 2010). It was then stated that husbands were no longer liable for damages caused by their wives. In Pennsylvania, single impoverished women were forced to wear bras with the letter P which stood for pauper whenever they appeared in public. In world war two, there were over 1000 women pilots, but they could only fly planes that were grounded. This meant that they could not leave the ground, so they only towed the planes for either takeoff or landing for inexperienced male pilots. Despite this, over 80% of the reading public was female at the time. This had a positive impact on American scholarship history, for women were inevitably placed on the same class as the men. The book celebrates women like the Grimke sisters, Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Jane Addams, and Dolores Huerta who have arguably influenced the behavior of women in the 1920s and beyond. It is reported that the American Government and cultural leaders sent mixed messages to women regarding their social status, work, education and family through domestic policies gender roles and design of their positions in society. The American government having been influenced by philosophical advocates under nongovernmental organizations on gender equality weakened the family by legitimizing divorce. It also had no policy that supports in any way, infertile women giving rise to promiscuity and rise of immorality. More so infertile women had a high probability of dying during pregnancy and feared to give birth leading to a lower birthrate during the 1920s, and the government still did not address this issue (Smith, 2005). The cultural leaders particularly the Catholics in the na me of ‘modernity’ reduced the number of grants for memorial masses for the dead. This in turn no longer inspired the young generation to give birth to a new generation. So population did not grow as intended, and marriage, which is the sole unit for conception was not as recognized as should have been. In his book ‘utopia against the family’ Bryce J. Christensen mentions organizations like the American home economics declaring that families have nothing to do with blood marriage legal ties or adoption, instead states that it is of two or more persons who share similar resources, responsibilities goals and virtues over a period of time. Politicians and the media have picked this mentality and spread it