Timeline of Japan

1600-1868 EDO era(TOKUGAWA) Japan enters an age of peace and national isolation.
1868 -1912 MEIJI era The emperor is restored; Japan makes transition to nation-state.
1912-1926 TAISHO era Japan expands economic base within Asia and the Pacific.
1926 -1989 SHOWA era Japan experiences World War II and its aftermath, as well as economic recovery.
1989- the present HEISEI era Global issues foster debate.


By emergence of Tokugawa Ieyasu who was a syogun in Edo era, establishment of rigid social hierarchy relatively ensures peace and stability in Japan. In 1853, Commodore Matthew C. Perry came to Japan and could succeed to open japanese ports for the United States. In Meiji era, Bushi became solders, policemen, and teachers. Japanese first constitution was established based on german one, called Weimar constitution. Moreover, Political and educational reforms were operated. Ito Hirobumi became the first Prime Minister in 1985. The era between 1912 and 1926, is called "Taisho". Due to the alliance with England, Japan took part in World War I from 1914 to 1918. During this time, the Great Kanto Earthquick attacked to Tokyo area, and caused more than 100,000 casualties as a result. One decade later, worldwide financial crisis was happened, which badly influenced on most countries, especially capitalist countries. Due to the defeat in the World War II, Japan shifted to focus on economical growing. Afterward, Japan had a prosperious time, called the "High Growth Age" because of the booming economy. Now, Japan is having a difficult time to get out from the depression in Japan. The world economy has rapidly globalized in twenty one century. For Japan, it is more important to closely relate to economical relationship with the United States, China, Korea, ASEAN nations, and the other countries.

The criteria for an "A" and a "C" paper

Topic; Why does Japan need the privatization for postal services now?

"A" paper
-demonstrate immediate cause
Reduction of public sector
-demonstrate short term effect
It might bring about unemployment
-describe underlying cause
Due to recent economical diffuculty, government can not support postal service as a public sector any more.
-explain long term effect
Efficiency of the postal service to maximize profit. It will contribute to Japanese economy eventually.

"C" paper
-explain only cuase and effect without differing between short term and long term.
-cause and effect chain does not make sense.
-demonstrate breifly difference between before the privatization and after the privatization.

Destruction of the ozone layer

In twenty first century, We have to face on serious environmental problem, called destruction of the ozone layer. The ozon layer, which is the layer of ozone composed of three oxygen in stratosphere, protects people from harmful ultraviolet rays. The layer absorb and cut off the ultraviolet rays or the other harmful substance. Now, the ozone layer has been kept destroying by chlorofluorocarbon(CFC). The chlorofluorocarbon is emitted from factories, refrigerators, and spray propellants. The more people keep emitting CFC, the faster the ozone destruction. If destruction of the ozone layer occurs, the layer have holes, so-called Ozone holes. Under the condition, people absorb directly harmful ultraviolet layer, and have harmful affects on human body. As a result, the bad affect could cause a skin cancer or cataract. Moreover, it could be badly influenced on grain harvest. To avoid the environmental crisis, we all need to reconsider our life style using products which produce harmful substance for environment such as the ozone layer. In this century, individual effort must be important to live safety not only for us but also our children.

The IQ Paradox Resolved?

Hedging sentence;

1,The consequence of this is that improving childhood IQ does not necessarily mean that children will have high IQ when they are adults.

2,The most important criticism may be that this model lacks enough experimental validation.

3,There really have not been many recent studies done, so the data it is based on is outdated.

4,Though the Dickens-Flynn models posses a very interesting explanation and may be proven as acceptable models in the future,

5, Maybe once they address these problems, they can be accepted in mainstream science as a valid explanation and some day solve the IQ paradox.

6,Now thre needs to be some explanation of definitions so that the Dickens-Flynn models can be best explanation.

7, There are many interesting features that the Dickens n Flynn models allow.

8, The other condition for this is that the environment effect can not accumulate over time.

9,It means that in the future other things regarding environmental change can already be explained statistically.

10, In order to have a child's high IQ last, it is suggested that programs should encourage the continuance of replication of lessons long after they are done with the problem.

11,The criticism against the model is in may parts.

12, There have been several suggestions; Flynn's is just one of them

13, So since the IQ paradox was formed there has been some debate on what affects IQ.

14, The next criticism is that so far, experiments dealing with the Dickens n Flynn model have either had statistical problems or were unable to replicate.

15, The result could also be attributed to other factors, which is the third criticism.

16, Most of the other factors are the long term enviromental effects.

17, Even though the dickens n Flynn models allow for long term environmental effects, there may not be a sgnificant enough allowance for change over time.

18, Whould that person have to start over again to learn how to ride the bike or is the intelligence engraved in their mind?

19, Dickens' and Flynn's models would say the person would have to relearn the skill, which does not seem logical.

20, The last and maybe the most imortant is that the model allows for large changes in IQ variance where historically there is no real change in variance at all.

21, This basically means that at first the correlation between IQ and environment is constant and strong,

22, For the most part, it is universally accepted that there has been a rise i IQ level.

23, The Dickens-Flynn models seem to be one of the most popular explanations thus far but are still a little rocky.

24, From the analysis of the model there really seems to e too many statistical and theoretical blunders made in the development and implementation of the models.

25, As far as that is concerned, long-term environment can be affected by IQ.

26, an example of this is that IQ is known to correlate with socioeconomic status.

27, Even with these blunders these models could be the best explanation of the rise in IQ thus far.

28,If this model was reconsidered with some changes and major experimentd, it may be the best theory to explain the IQ paradox yet.

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Why do you think the writer uses these hedges?

"to hedge" defines "To avoid a definite decision or commitment" or "to reduce one’s risk of loss on a bet or speculation by compensating transactions on the other side"* He is discussing IQ paradox based on his knowledge. Thus, he is not 100 % sure about his research. He is trying to avoid errors or mistakes on his research. We can use "hedging" depend on how much sure you are about the matter. It also depends on cultural difference. For instance, Japanese prefer using hedging to using assertion. They think it is respectful for others to hedge in their conversation. If a freind invites Japanese freind to his party, Japanese probably try to reply ambigously instead of saying "No", they believe it is their virtue. Is that a virtue??

Reference;
*http://www.bom.gov.au/bmrc/wefor/staff/eee/verif/FAQ-Hedging2.html

Oral presentation

I attended a lecture given by Mr.Chitra Tiwari, a Washington-based freelance journalist. It was titled about monarchy at the crossroads;maoist insurgency. First of all, the speaker's intended audience was students, faculty members, and people who are interested in Nepali politics. Since he operates actively as a journalist, his purpose for this lecture was not to persuade us but rather inform current political situation of Nepal. Frankly, he did not be the audience involved, as far as I can tell. However, I surely realized that he established our credibility bacause of his conducted extensive research of Nepal politics. The lecturer, when he spole, did not seem confident or comfortable to speak. He kept mumbling and only some of them who was sitting around him understood what he said. In the end of lecture, he partially mentioned about Maoist and concluded the lecture by that. He is not professional speaker but professional journalist. That is why he did not use visual aids and even body language. Lastly, he gave chanece to audience to ask question long enough time. It was very good technique to discuss and share own knowledge. He would have done better, if he would have spoken more clear and try to get the audience attention.

Add article Oct. 12

1. There is diverse range of academic assignments, especially in management field.
There is a diverse range of academic assignments, especially in management field.

2. In field of management, one of most important skills that students acquire is ability to make sound decisions.
In the field of management, one of the most important skills that students acquire is the ability to make sound decisions.

3. Research provides students with opportunity to demostrate their decision-making skills.
The research provide students with opportunity to demonstrate their decision-making skills.

4. Short papers require students to write about topic or issue that has been assigned or discussed in class.
The short papers require students to write about a topic or issue has been assigned or discussed in the class.


5. Exercises assigned as homework are frequently included in final grade.
The exercises assigned as a homework are frequently included in the final grade.

6. Project may be assigned as individual work or group work.
A project may be assigned as an individual work or group work.

7. Beginning of article can arouse readers' interest while hinting at ideas and methods found in text.
Beging of the article can arouse reader's interest while the hinting at ideas and methods found in the text.

8. Writer should have clear thesis as focus in order to facilitate writing of literature review.
A writer should have clear thesis as a focus in order to facilitate the writing of literature review.

9. Literature review usually begins with background of research question or with previous information regarding issue.
A literature review usually begins with the background of research question or with previous
information regarding the issue.

10. Final section of literature review may discuss author's results or conclusions.
The final section of literature review may discuss the author's results or conclusions.

Abstract nouns

1. The reason why we are given an assignment is to evaluate how much we understand the course material.
An assignment eveluates student coprehension of the course material.


2. This kind of assignment is used for assessing how we master the basic point of the course.
This kind of assignment assesses the way to master the basic point of the course.

3. Another 30% is the assignment is for testing how we comprehend the whole course material.
Another 30% is the assignment to test our reading comprehention of the whole course material.


4. The municipal building code tells us how we must make public facilities more accessible to the elderly.
The municipal building code tells us the way we have to build facilities more accessible to the elderly.




In the following sentences, rewrite the sentnece to avoid the use of a gerund (-ing word) as a subject.

1. Sometimes, doing such kind of assignment can inspire the students to find their interests in their future research.
Such kind of assignment, sometimes, make it possible to inspire the students to find their interests in their future research.


2. Having a unique research thesis is difficult since research has been conducted on so many topics already.
A unique research thesis makes us difficult to have since research has been conducted on so many topics already.


3. The writing for this kind of assignment is composed of summary, analysis, conclusion, and recommendation.
The paper for this kind of assignment consist of summary, analysis, conclusion, and recommendation.


4. The way people calling each other is different in Japan than in the U.S.
It is more different how to call each other in Japan than in th U.S.


5. Furthermore, the academic studying of politics includes the policy of a country and the importantance of the key party in the country and the international policy.
Furthemore, Politics in acedemic research includes what the policy of a country is and how important the key party in the country and the international policy is.

Hedging Statement

1, With the rapid globalization of today's world, people go freely back and force across the world. We tend to know world geography through traveling and watching TV or Internet.

2, According to a research experiment, most of students have cheated to obtain higher score. It is concluded that 90 % of student regularly cheat in this class.

3, In consequence, serious crimes committed by teennagers increased twice as those ten years ago.

4, In the United States, crimes caused by gun have been increasing, year after year. Especially, it has a pronound tendency that gun abuse among teennagers surprisingly has increased.

5, Some people are very intelligent. How come are they smart? Did they study hard? Were they already smart before they born?

Literature Review

Hilarry’s campaign tactic for 2008 presidential election

Since the last Presidential election in 2004, the various rumors have been running rampant not only in the United States but outside of the United States. As a world leader, all the countries of the world are paying a lot of attentions to the U.S presidential election. Among 2008 presidential possible candidates in both Republican and Democrat parties, one who has the highest public profile and the highest name recognition is a senate of New York states, Hilarry Rodham Clinton. As you know, she is former First lady of former President Bill Clinton. If senate Clinton were elected, she would be the first woman president in the United States.

Looking at other countries, several women leaders have come into existence and been active in the front line of government. For instance,President Megawati in Indonesia, President Arroyo in Philippines, President Mary McAleese in Ireland, and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the United Kingdom. The world's first female president was the forth Iceland president, Vigdis Finnbogadottir. Born in 1930, she studied at the University of Iceland, the University of Grenonle, and Sorbonne University. Since she was elected as a president in 1980, she had served out for sixteen years until her retirement in 1996. In her third election in 1988, she obtained ninety two percent of the people’s support and showed enormous popularity.

On the contrary, no female president has not been born yet in the United States even though it is often said that it is prominent for the United States in women's social advancement rapidly. In current Bush administration, Condoleezza Rice, the United States Secretary of State, has been the highest position one has ever been. If senate Clinton becomes forty-forth President following to President Bush, She would be the female president in hegemon. In other words, she would be the strongest female President in the world. To the end, she needs to win in the primary election in 2006. Although she has a lot of strengths which nobody has and weaknesses as well. I will analyze them and discuss how she should develop tactics for nest primary election in 2006 and Presidential election in 2008.


References ;
http;//cache.yahoofs.jp/search/cache
http://messages.yahoo.co.jp/bbs?.mm
http://www.kyoiku-shuppan.co.jp/kousha/wadai.pdf/wadai19.pdf#search=

Documentary; NEET

In recent years, the number of young people who do not want to study, work, even do part time jobs become larger. This social phenomenon has grewn into a serious problem in Japan. Last year, I always heard "NEET" on television and newspapers ,which stand for young people Not in education, Employment, and Training when I went back to Japan for vacation. One day, I watched documentary TV program about NEET. Accoring to Ministry of Health. Labour, and Welfare, five hundred thousand of people stay in home without working and studying in 2003. The number increased half time comparing to that in 1993. As the population age and fewer babies are born in Japan, It is serious problem that young people who are able to work but who do not want to work. In my opinion, it would cause collapse of social security and pension system. The phenomenon "Neet" is serious crisis not only for individual but also for whole of society. Watching TV and newspapers, they tend to criticize to individual, family and school. For instance, some of them were not good at communicating with others or faced bully when they were at school. Some of them felt stress and depressed by themselves while they looked for jobs or after they quit jobs. On the contrary, I believe both government and society have to make the most effort to creat generous society to accept "NEET". In my impression of works in Japan, Japanese work very hard and often work more than eight hours. However, it is not efficient way to work, like Japanese. Many people believe we could not have fun after we start to work. But, that is not true. We should enjoy our life even though we are working. In the United States, a lot of restraunts have happy hours during weekday. It would be one of the way that emplyee can take a week break. In japan, people cannot take longer than three days break easily. A lot of things government and society can do for young people. It would not make people lazy but keep being highly motivated.

Criteria;
Cause of economical difficulty in the future
Government and society's responsibility to accept young
Warnining for Overwork in Japan
Crisis related to diclining birthrate and a growing population of elderly people
Hopelessness for young in the future

Grandfather(Edited)

People who retired from their jobs concerned about how they enjoy in rest of their life. some of them might like to drink, climb mountains, or play sports. Some of them, unfortunately, might not be healthy to walk when they get old. Ivan's grandfather is 78 years old. He is not only able to walk well and play golf. In addition, he has been keep studying English every morning since he retired from his work. He is more active than average elderly people in any other countries. For example, people in Japan have the longest life span. On average in Japan, men live for 80 years and women live for 87 years old. Compared to Japanese life span, Ivan's granfather is very active person even though he is almost 80 years old. Surprisingly. he has from time to time traveled in the world. A few months ago, he went to contries in northern Europe such as Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In place of tour guide, he helped tourists who could not speak English well. Actually, he wanted to become a professor and was interested in foreign history. That is why he has been highly motivated to study English in order to visit some areas he has been interested in. I believe there are a lot of things I can learn from him to prepare to enjoy in the rest of my life.