Scholarship / A statement for Melbourne Abroad Travel Scholarships [3]

Please provide a statement (of more than 500 words) outlining how the conference will benefit your research.

Since 2007 that I conducted my first research project as a final year undergraduate student in my home country, XXX, I have had no doubt that research is what I have always wanted to do as my profession. What I learned through these years was that writing and public speaking skills are two essential tools in the hands of a researcher for sharing his ideas with his colleagues and expanding his professional network from a small research group to thousands of people all across the world. To obtain these skills I published several full research papers in the best journals of my field of study and gave presentations in some XXX symposiums and conferences. However, I have never had a chance to attend an international conference. Hence, I am deciding to attend the TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2016, which is held in the US every year where more than 4,000 business leaders, engineers, scientists, and students from around the world in the fields of minerals, metals, and materials are brought together.

Giving presentation is an inseparable part of today's research world, since it is a powerful method through which you can advertise your new scientific and industrial findings, draw the attention of people in the same field and eventually sell your new ideas. To meet this end, a platform where people can share their new ideas with a broad range of people, from young students to academics to professionals, and public speaking skills are essential. I believe that the TMS Meeting provides me with such a platform and it is a great opportunity for me to bring up my skills of giving speeches. As a young researcher, I am at a stage of my career that I need to practice and gain experience to gradually strengthen my communication skills. As such, attending well-known, international events like TMS is the first step that I need to take in this path.

Networking and exchanging knowledge are two other crucial aims of attending a conference. TMS includes a symposium called Ultrafine Grained Materials, which is in my immediate field of study. This symposium will help me to be known in academic circles by introducing my work to people with the same interests and expertise. Furthermore, many prominent scientists present their recent findings in this symposium every year, not only giving me a chance to learn from their presentations and improve my knowledge about my field, but also see them and have a short chat after their talks. This can be a beginning for future collaborations between me and these people. Besides, networking is critical to find an academic job. Although scientific records of applicants are viewed as the deciding criteria for giving a job vacancy to a candidate, among people with similar resumes, the one who is already known by selection committee members is hired.

Melbourne Abroad Travel Scholarships for Engineering & IT (MATS) financially aids PhD students to attend conferences and provides them a chance to develop their communication skills and networks. I hope to be one of those students awarded a scholarship and it is with great appreciation that I submit this application for your consideration (526 words).

Writing Feedback / Is TV a good thing for keeping people informed and entertained? [3]

Hi, I need to know what score I will be given, If I write an essay like what I've posted below in a real test. So, I would be more than happy if only specialists have a look at the essay and give their expert views on the work. I don't need any corrections, as I already know about the grammar errors. What I need is to find out at what level I am standing. I was wondering if you would kindly mark the essay out of 9. Thanks in advance for your help.

Topic: Television is a good thing, because it gives people enjoyment and keeps them informed as well. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Television is viewed as a tool which has profoundly influenced many facets of everyone's life, since early 20th century when it was introduced to the world. Today, TV plays an important role in distributing news all around the world, as well as, entertaining people. Some people are of the opinion that the invention of television has positively affected the media industries and individuals' life. From my point of view, however, TV feeds negative issues to society, and it cannot be considered as a good set anymore.

Nowadays television acts more as a powerful propaganda machine in the hands of governments worldwide. If we focus on the news presented in the western and Islamic media, we will realize that both groups try to manipulate public opinion unfairly. Fox News, for instance, exposes people, especially American citizens, to anti-Islamic news 24/7 in order to introduce Muslims as threats to the US society. On the other hand, many Islamic TV channels work hard every day to prove that the western culture is an evil culture and it jeopardizes Muslims' community in terms of faith and morality. In addition, the latter group think western countries, on the top of them the US, are responsible for the wars we are witnessing in the Middle East these days. In other words, not only TV does not provide people with honest, true news, but also it produces hatred among different communities, as we can see this phenomenon between Muslims and non-Muslims.

At present, we cannot count television as an entertaining device, because it is a tool more for advertising. A brief look at everyday TV programs reveals that the portion of advertising time is much greater than that of shows time. Bombarding audience with a wide range of promotions can bring lots of drawbacks to a society. One main problem is what is called "narcissistic wounding", which means people, especially youngsters, think they are inferior to others if they do not have a mass array of products. This thought leads the society towards a society where materialistic opinions are norms and values.

In conclusion, even though television was first invented as a device for entertaining and distributing news, I believe it has lost its main aims nowadays. In my opinion it is a tool for propaganda and promotion, which both adversely impact our world. If we want to construct a more beautiful world, we need to use such a facility more optimally and fight on its negative effects (412 words).

Writing Feedback / Once people experience puberty they are potentially be able to produce children. [2]

Topic: Nowadays people get married and have children after the age of 30. Is it a positive or negative development? Give your opinion and examples based on your experience.

Once people experience puberty they are potentially be able to produce children. However, the body condition that allows us to have a baby is not the only factor which leads people to marry and finally have kids. A brief look at the history shows us that individuals decide on marrying when they could afford the living costs. As time passed, the living expenses increased decades by decades. Today, we live in a luxurious world and it is obvious that the marriage age has risen to over 30, and a s a consequence, people mostly have children in their 30s. This situation can bring both merits and demerits to the society, which are addressed in this essay.

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Writing Feedback / One of the most intensely debated topics in education is the types of subjects need to be studied [3]

Topic: Usually students have to study a range of different subjects. Some people believe that learning subjects without being interested in them won't be beneficial. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

One of the most intensely debated topics in education is the types of subjects need to be studied. Today, we are witnessing that a broad range of course work subjects are provided for students, especially primary and high school pupils. Some people believe that the disparity of subjects would be a discouraging element which prevents student from pursuing their interests. Thus, they come forth with the idea that schools must concentrate only on the subjects students are really willing to study. From my perspective, however, the diversity of subjects would contribute to the formation of a stronger education system.

Although the critics of the variety of subjects centre their discussion on students' interests, students need a wide range of subjects to learn about the topics they are enthusiastic about. Human beings explore their interests and talents through a trial and error process. Taking different subjects is a part of this process. How can we find out which student is good in mathematics and the other one in biology without teaching them both the subjects at the same time? In short, studying various subjects would help students to discover their interests and their prowess in different fields of studies.

Today we live in a world where all scientific topics are somehow related to each other, so that studying various subjects in schools is a must. For example, physical activities are in a direct relationship with our body condition. Hence, if a student is interested to have a profession as an athlete he/she needs to know about foods, nutrition and the functionality of cardiovascular system. At the first sight each of these topics are irrelevant, but if we look deeper we can connect each part of the puzzle to the other one.

Finally, some skills are taught in schools in the form of subjects, which are not real science but they are needed to be improved. For instance, teaching how to write an essay seems boring for people who gravitate to experimental studies, like physics or chemistry. However, these individuals need to ameliorate their writing skills to a level that allows them write a research paper, if they seek to publish their data in a journal.

In the light of the aforementioned facts, students are required to study as many subjects as they can, if they want to recognize their capabilities and interests. Furthermore, they need to have knowledge about various subjects, since in the world we live in all areas of studies are intertwined. If we follow this educational policy, I expect a brighter future for students.

Writing Feedback / Why museums are visited by tourists more than locals? [2]

Topic: Museums and historical sites are mainly visited by tourists, not the local people. Why is this so? What could be done to encourage more local visitors? Please include relevant examples from your own knowledge and experience.

One of the main reasons why thousands of visitors travel all around the world annually is exploring different cultures and histories, which are unknown to them. Museums and old monuments are places where tourists can learn about different nations. However, a search on the lists of the sold museums' tickets reveals that local residents are not enthusiastic about visiting historical places located in their own city or country. This essay, therefore, is in identifying the main causes of the latter issue and finding ways to motivate local individuals attend museums.

As the word tourist implies, a tourist aims to visit all the attractions of the place he/she visits, and museums are always among them. In other words, a visitor has only one goal, which is visiting all interesting areas of a country. However, local people have to deal with their daily routine life, including shopping, working, studying, etc. They are not in a vacation as a visitor is. Furthermore, the cultural and historical identities of a specific populace are captivating for tourists who know almost nothing about them. On the other hand, locals live their culture and study their histories in schools; thus, none of the above-mentioned tourist attractions are new for locals, discouraging them to go to places like museums.

Systematic and effective advertising would give locals incentive to visit museums and ancient constructions. For example, by distribution of brochures among people, they will realize what new information is offered by such places. TV as one of the most influential media can play a pivotal role in this respect too. Producing and showing short videos, introducing old building, war museums or even art galleries, on TV would increase the level of awareness of locals about what they do not know about their nations. Providing elderly and students with concession cards is another method to encourage more local people to visit museums. The latter solution has recognized a proficient way in Australia, since cheaper tickets act like a magnet, drawing people's attention.

To sum up, the familiarity of local people with their own cultures and their involvement in life's difficulties while they are not in holiday can be counted as the main factors preventing them from visiting museums or historical regions. However, constructive promotions and applying subsidies on tickets for locals would effectively increase the number of local visitors.

Writing Feedback / The birth of computer and its fast paced development could influence our lives in different ways. [3]

Topic: Some people believe that computers help to make the world a better place. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your opinion

The birth of computer and its fast paced development through last few decades could profoundly influence our lives in different ways. The positive effects of computer on different industries and education have made even the most pessimistic people to confess that the advent of computer has made the world a more liveable place. I also believe that computers are powerful tools helping countries to thrive socially, educationally and industrially.

Of outmost importance, the invention of computer and the Internet, as one of the most commonly used computer's functions, have completely changed the communication model of the modern men. Today, we can send a letter to any part of the world in a second thanks to emailing systems, such as gmail and yahoomail. Social networks like Facebook and Tweeter have provided people with the advantage of being in connection with individuals all around the world. For example, Facebook is the best and cheapest way for me, as an international student in Australia, to be in touch with my family in Iran. Such privileges would not be obtained without computers.

Education is the other area immensely ameliorated by computers. Owing to strong search engines like Google any students have access to loads of information and documents online. There are many tutorials, text books and E-papers about a wide range of topics, from biology to mathematics, which are mostly available free of charge. Moreover, software products like MS office word or Latex have enabled us to type our documents or school projects in a decent and nice electronic format. This model of documenting also helps us to share E-files with individuals worldwide, contributing to information distribution.

Computers can also be viewed as the most influential elements on the enhancement of technology and, thus, industries. Many engineering software products such as Solidworks, Matlab, AutoCAD, and the like are extensively employed in design, so we can undoubtedly say that without computers none of the modern flying metal objects and automobiles could be manufactured.

In the light of the aforementioned facts, one can easily conclude that computers rule today's world and steer it toward more advanced place for living.

Writing Feedback / A/D: Who is a better leader, an old person or a young one? [8]

Topic: Most leaders or directors generally belong to an older age group, but some people believe that young leaders are better. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion

A lion army under leadership of a sheep is defeated by an army of sheep led by a lion. This statement shows how important the role of a leader in the success of a society is. However, who can be viewed as a strong leader? Can the issue be related to age? Some people are of opinion that experience would make old people more powerful and influential leaders, while another group of individuals are opposed to this thought. I also think that young people have privileges that overshadow their lack of experience as leaders.

To begin with, the main characteristic a leader, manager or director needs is risk taking. In critical conditions leaders have to make hard decisions regardless of the fact whether their decisions would close them to their goals or not. For example, when Gandhi, the prominent leader of India who was a young man at the time of the revolution, asked Indians to stop using British products was not really sure about the efficiency of this strategy. He had to face hard situations like increasing the level of poverty in India, but he made that decision because of his risk taking spirit. It is psychologically proven that old people are more conservative than young people; thus, they do not possess one of the most significant traits of a leader.

Second, a person who wants to steer his society or even his company as a leader or manager towards a better destination is required to be ambitious. Being ambitious can be translated to having great aims. Similar to risk taking trait, ambition is also lacking in old people. Young individuals are energetic and always have thirst for making changes. Young people know that they have more time in this world to make positive changes, or in other words, they have more hope to create a better future. Even though it is a poignant fact, we should remind ourselves that older people have less willingness to make differences in the society as their time in this world is passing faster and they must leave this transient life sooner or later.

Third, most of the social movements start from universities, where young, educated people are gathered. Such energy of youth must be guided to the right direction by a person who thinks young and understands young people. Who can do that better than a young leader? Nobody indeed. The Umbrella movement in Hong Kong led by a young university student is a clear cut example in this case. If the leader and his followers belong to the same generation, the attachments between them would foster more easily.

In conclusion, we need to believe in young people to take more managerial and leadership roles, since they are ambitious, energetic and risk taker, the features that make them strong leaders indisputably.

Writing Feedback / Should we choose a job to earn more money or to have a contribution to the society? [2]

Topic: For some people high salary is an important criterion when choosing a new job. Others are satisfied if the job contributes to the society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The invention of coins and paper money has influenced our lives in many ways, so that the profession we choose to do for our entire lives is somehow related to money. To be more specific, for many people the best job is the one with higher wage. However, in each society there are always individuals who place money into their second priority after making a meaningful contribution to their nations through what they do as their jobs. The question that must be asked is: what issues determine the priorities of each group? This essay is targeting to answer this question with the intent to come to a comprehensive conclusion over the matter.

Some people believe that job satisfaction is achieved when employees or blue-collar workers feel they are doing something useful in their countries. For example, when a researcher in the field of biomechanics sees how his attempts in producing a knee embrace could help many patients with knee injuries, it gives him a wonderful feeling which is not tradable with any amount of money. Such feeling will never be experienced with those who only seek money.

On the other hand, many facets of our lives are directly or indirectly dependent on the amount of money we can make. To have a better life on the basis of the today's worlds' luxurious criteria, earning more money is a must. How can an employee enjoy his job, while he is not able to afford his monthly rental price, education expenses, and his children's needs, to name a few? All of these financial burdens urge a person to put money on the priority. In other words, people are responsible for their families' wellbeing first, then the society.

In conclusion, there is always a hot debate over the factors a person needs to deem imperative for choosing his/her career. Some people believe salary is the deciding element, whereas others think the satisfactions stemmed from their contribution to the society is the one. I admit that I am among the first group. In my opinion, money brings us a more comfortable life and many stresses originated from financial difficulties are erased, placing us into better mental states. We, as parts of the society, consciously or unconsciously play a positive role in the society by doing a job, regardless of the fact that we are doing it for serving the country or just making money.

Writing Feedback / Is it a good idea to compete for the right to host international sport events? [2]

Topic: Many nations nowadays are competing for the right to host international sport events, however some people think it is not a good idea. Discuss both views and mention your own opinion.

Together with development of sport and fostering international relationships among nations, many global sport events, such as Football World Cup, Olympic games, etc. are held worldwide annually or every four years. However, we are witnessing a competitive race among countries to overcome their rivals to achieve the right of being the host of such sport events. Some people, on the other hand, believe that governments should put more important issues in their priorities and investment in international sport events is merely wasting money. Although, I am opposed to the latter group, for better understanding of the matter, two sides of the coin must be examined.

The critics believe that running a sport event in international level is a massive, multi-million dollar project, while the budgets can be spent on more crucial issues than sports. For example, the money required to construct a football stadium can be used in establishing a factory in order to produce more job opportunities. Eradication of poverty must always come first and authorities should lead all their financial policies toward this goal that providing individuals with jobs is the first step in this path.

Those who proclaim the competition on hosting a worldwide sport event think we should not reduce sports to entertaining activities. When a country is chosen to be the host of an important sport event, it is obliged to build world-class gyms, grounds and stadiums. To meet this end, many engineers, simple workers, and even accountants are needed to be employed. Thus, this fact clearly questions what critics build their opinions on. Furthermore, international events, in particular sport ones, help countries reinforce tourist industries, supplying them with a huge source of income. For instance, thousands of people travel to the country hosting the Football World Cup. They have to spend the money they bring from their own countries to the host one on hotel rent, souvenirs, matches' tickets, and the like. Transferring currency from other countries to the host dramatically ameliorate the economy.

To sum up, although a group of people are of the opinion that the competition of nations on winning the right to be the host of a sport event is literally wasting budgets' resources, I believe that being a host for such events thrive countries economically. Therefore, this idea not only has no harm for the society, but also it helps its advancement.

Writing Feedback / Should employees be allowed to do some work from home? [3]

Topic: Today people spend more time travelling to work than before. Some people suggest employers should allow employees to do some work from home. Do you think the advantages of this outweigh the disadvantages?

The exponential increase in the population of the world has profoundly affected people's daily routine life in many different ways. One of the most tangible influences is the presence of thousands of automobiles in streets, contributing to traffic jams and, subsequently, wasting people's time while they are heading their work places. Some people highlight the issue of the time consumed for reaching a work place and bring forth the idea of working at home in order to save time. This type of work policy may have positive and negative implications for the society, which both will be addressed in this essay with the intent to come to a comprehensive conclusion over the matter.

Changing home to office mainly impacts the productivity of individuals. There are many distractive elements at home that prevent people from concentrating on what they are supposed to do as their jobs. For example, visual entertaining devices like TV and video games, which are frequently found in any houses these days, can be viewed as bad distractions, decreasing proficient working hours of an employee. In addition, it is proven that employees work harder when they know that their activities are being watched by supervisors while they are at their offices. Staying at home literally eliminates this implicit working drive.

One the other hand, if white-collar workers are given the leverage to do their jobs at home rather than companies, it would benefit both themselves directly and the environment indirectly. As an example, a mother who is spending a majority of her time out at work will lose the chance of being with her children. Staying at home while she can keep her job provides her with a huge privilege to raise her kids more appropriately and contribute to the household income simultaneously. Moreover, according to a survey published in the Times magazine more than 40% of employees in London have jobs that do not necessarily require their presence in the corresponding work places. Conducting such works at houses means 40% reduction in traffic congestion, and as a result, dramatic decrease in air pollution, which has been reached an alarming level worldwide.

To sum up, similar to many new occupational strategies, replacing houses with traditional working areas has its own merits and demerits. From my perspective, this working structure would bring more advantages to the society than disadvantages. In the light of the aforementioned facts, I believe that its positive social and environmental influences are more important issues than distractions, which can be controlled by applying a systematic job plan.