Writing Feedback / Stress - Cause & Effect essay - having a hard time coming up with a topic [6]

I have to write a cause & effect essay but am having a hard time coming up with a topic. You would think that would be the easy part! =) The only topics that have crossed my mind are: school, technology, and stress. I thought it might be easier to write about something that I can relate to! haha

The only guidelines that were given were: 2-3 pages, double spaced. (pretty broad)

Our teacher is allowing us to use our last couple of papers to lead up to our final term paper, so that is what I'm trying to do. I decided to use the topic of stress since I have already completed the 'cause & effect' paper. Our current paper is a research paper, which is what I'm posting below.

Essentially we can combine our last few papers, (even correcting the markups that the teacher made) to create our term paper. I'm working on a research paper with different information from my cause & effect paper, so that when the time comes, I can incorporate both papers to create my term paper. Hopefully that makes sense...

"I am so stressed out." Most people have probably said those exact words before. Typically, when someone hears the word stress, they picture someone strung out or about to pull his or her hair out. There are an indefinite numbers of things that can cause stress, such as family, high job expectations, relationship problems, lack of rest and so on.

"Family stress can be defined as a real or imagined imbalance between the demands on the family and the family's ability to meet those demands." (From Family Stress to Family Strengths) For example, if a family is forced to put their children in daycare because both parents work, this could place the family under stress. The additional expense of childcare, the scheduling of drop-off and pick-up between the parents, and the evening chores such as: cooking dinner, doing homework, and getting everything ready for the following day. These types of demands are commonly referred to as stressors. "A stressor is a life event or transition that happens in the family. It can be either positive or negative and can cause a change in the family's coping pattern." (From Family Stress)

Job stress is something that all workers face and everyone handles it differently. "...infrequent doses of job stress pose little threat and may be effective in increasing motivation and productivity, but too much - and too prolonged - can lead to a downward spiral - both professionally and personally." (Managing Job Stress) Jobs, such as ones that are in dangerous settings, or one that deals with demanding customers, tend to be more stressful, but is not limited to any one particular job or industry. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), states that "job stress, now more than ever, poses a threat to the health of workers - and the health of organizations. NIOSH defines job stress as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Stress also occurs when the situation has high demands and the worker has little or no control over it." (Managing Job Stress)

Another type of stress that people can experience from time to time is caused by relationship problems. Problems that fall within a relationship are very common, but one often misunderstands what causes them to occur. "Much of our relationship stress comes from our conscious and unconscious efforts to change or control other people. We want others to behave in certain ways, and when we can't get them to, we become angry and resentful. The more we try to change them and fail, the more angry, frustrated, and depressed we are likely to become." (Day 10: Relationship-Destroying Patterns) As well, most people are confused about what it takes to create a happy, successful, long-term relationship.

That is what I have so far. Now I have to come up with a conclusion, but I'm not exactly sure on how or what to end it with. If you can review what I have so far, I would greatly appreciate it!!

If you need any other information, please let me know.

Thanks!!

Writing Feedback / My personal understanding of the word "privilege" - Paper on a 'Current Law' [2]

I have to write a paper about a 'current law'. I chose one that is from the state in which I live, West Virginia. I haven't finished it yet, but I would like some feedback on what I have so far to make sure I'm going in the right direction. Any suggestions will be appreciated!

These are the directions we were given: Write a 2-3 page typed paper in which you evaluate and/or critique a current law that interests you. The purpose in writing evaluations/critiques is to convince your reader (the teacher) that you have made an informed judgement. You will have to give some background information on your topic, but your opinions will dominate your writing. Make certain that your opinions are valid and logical; owtherwise, they will not be worth reading. Do not forget to cite any quotes from articles or research you may use in your paper. (I haven't noted my citings yet, I have to go back and do that! =))

One might think of a privilege as a special advantage or right possessed by an individual or group, as defined in the dictionary. I agreed with this definition until last year when I moved to West Virginia. After going to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register my vehicle, I had a different understanding of the word "privilege."

West Virginia has what they call a "privilege tax" law. This tax is imposed upon the privilege of effecting the certification of title of a motor vehicle in the amount equal to five percent of the value of the vehicle at the time of such certification. The value of the vehicle is determined as either the actual purchase price or consideration of the purchaser, if the vehicle is new, or the present market value at the time of transfer or purchase, if the vehicle is used. This law was first enacted in 1935 at two percent of the vehicle value, and was increased to current five percent in 1971.

If a vehicle is titled in another sate and then retitled in West Virginia, or is a used vehicle, the tax is calculated on the lowest N.A.D.A. (National Automobile Dealers Association) value of the vehicle. The down side to this is that no credit is allowed for sales or other title taxes paid to another state.

I also have this to throw in there somewhere:

House Bill 2775 would exempt new state residents from paying the motor vehicle privilege tax. This is a five percent tax paid on the value of a vehicle at the time it is registered in the state. In order to apply for this exemption, a new resident would have to: prove he or she was not a West Virginia resident at the time the person got the vehicle, present evidence the vehicle was titled in the person's previous state, be able to show West Virginia residency, properly report the vehicle to the county assessor, and makes application for registration within 30 days of establishing residency. A three-month amnesty period would be established, as well, during which new residents would be able to transfer their titles to West Virginia without penalty. The bill would also eliminate the privilege tax altogether on July 1, 2008, at which time it would be replaced by a five percent sales tax.

Essays / Differences between 'to cow' and 'to bull' - Examsmanship & the Liberal Arts [14]

Has anyone read Examsmanship and the Liberal Arts by William Perry?

If so, could you help me to understand the differences between 'to cow' and 'to bull' and what the qualities are of both, if any. I know what the story defines them as but I'm having a hard time understanding it and/or comprehending them. :-)

This is what I'm getting from it:
Students who cow, believe blindly in the facts that they are told without any knowledge or conclusion drawn from that fact. Therefore, one would be robbing them self of his education and soul. Students who bull, are only discussing the limitations and frames of reference which would affect the conclusions or generalizations, but do not supply any proof of such conclusions.

Can you please expand from this?

Thanks!!

Research Papers / A thesis on the history of darts [2]

Back again with a new assignment. :-)

This week I have to do a research paper, however, we weren't given much instruction. The only specs were 2-3 pages, no opinions, and atleast 3 sources.

Having talked with the professor for a minute about ideas, he suggested the history of darts. (I missed class this past weekend for a dart tournament, which he knew. =)) Having never done a research paper before, I'm a little confused if they require the thesis, supporting info, and conclusion/arguement statement since we haven't even discussed this is class before and it wasn't mentioned in the requirements. Are these things just standard, without mentioning?

IF that is the case, how in the world would I do a thesis on the history of darts? Doesn't that essentially mean I'm trying to pursaude someone?

Thanks!!