DESCRIPTION (The Philippines during the Spanish era)

Spanish Times
We have been free from Spain’s clutches for over a century now but
it’s still a fraction compared to the time we spent under the Spaniards rule.
The Spanish era brought us cities inside cities like the walled picturesque
“Intramuros”. Beyond the intricate fortress lies the complex system of
relationship between the Spaniards and Filipinos. They mingle with each
other with utmost civility or they gossip outside in the warm rays of the sunlit
sky. Across cobblestoned paths are streets lined with an array of festive
colors from dresses and fans to parasols and goods. Amidst the hustle and
bustle, rose towering spires of Catholic churches and beneath the angelic
domes are demonic secrets hidden from plain sight.

LISTING (Most effective ways of studying)

The Art of Studying
Every perfect score in an exam is a result of a great study plan.
Though studying is not as easy as it sounds, it requires meticulous
techniques infused with great patience and perseverance. From my
observations, a clear mind-set should be observed whilst studying along with
a proper study plan that should be strictly followed. Besides that, where you
study should also be taken into account. A raucous environment could easily
distract you in comparison to a library which induces learning. Moreover, you
should prepare all the necessary things you need i.e. books, highlighters,
pencils and the like. Another key thing to do is to put your phone in silent
mode and detach yourself from social media or any sites that could quickly
divert your attention from your main goal. Afterall, focus is an integral part of
studying. Furthermore, using annotation can be really effective as it helps us
remember the main concepts. Some students study best when they read the
texts out loud however others prefer to rewrite their notes. An equally
important approach is to study with friends or as a group for it proves to be
more interactive and fun. In addition, you can also try the “Pomodoro
technique” which was recommended to me by my roommate. It is a cycle
that starts off with a challenge to study wholeheartedly for 25 minutes,
afterwards you get a five-minute break to relax your mind; and the process
repeats itself. There are a lot of strategies and it might take some time to
find the one that perfectly suits you; but for now, the tips above should prove
to be an efficient guide in your study endeavors.

(Women who changed the world)

Iconic
 For centuries, women have been denied of their rights, their voices
suppressed and their potentials ignored. But the power within every woman
does not cease and after years of agony, some women have broken free
from their shackles. Until now, they are considered as an inspiration and a
force that continues to shake the whole earth. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell is one
of them, she was the first woman to receive a medical degree in an American
school (Amos, 2015). Together with her sister and another doctor, they
opened the New York Infirmary for Women and Children in 1856. Besides the
astounding doctor, we are privileged to have Madame Marie Curie who is a
beacon of light in the field of women scientists. Furthermore, she continues
to awe us by receiving not one but two Nobel prizes during her lifetime.
Another prominent figure that has captured the hearts of millions is Mother
Teresa, a Catholic nun advocating peace and helping the weak and
famished. Additionally, Amos states that she was awarded the Nobel Peace
Prize in 1979 and she even founded the Order of the Missionaries Charity
which continues to provide welfare for the sick and poor (2015). Truly these
women deserve all the praise for their passion, intellect and unequalled
virtues.

EXEMPLIFICATION (Dangerous habits)

Level Critical with Procrastination
We may not realize it but sometimes the everyday things we do, the
self-indulgence we adhere on, can lead to dangerous habits. They may seem
harmless but as habits, we are so used to these behaviors that we neglect to
consider if it is a good habit or a bad one. Specifically saying, students
nowadays are prone to procrastination. Consider the following, you have an
assignment in Statistics that isn’t due until tomorrow afternoon but the new
episode of “Memories of the Alhambra” will be aired tonight. For the past few
months you have been tuning on to the latest k-drama that you have grown
to love and a boring Statistics homework won’t stop you from watching so
you put off the homework; and do it tomorrow morning instead. To clarify, it
is a usual scene for students to resort to procrastination after all the
adrenaline rush that comes from cramming afterwards often helps in doing
the assigned task. Even I myself have observed and have been trapped in
the cages of putting off my school works for petty comforts. In short, it is
dangerous in my perspective since I prefer to practice it than other far more
important things.

PERSUASION (Should phones be banned in school?)

Phones: Stay or Leave?
 With the technological era comes the dawn of the smart phones, a
gadget that is usually needed in today’s generation. Handy, lightweight, and
obviously a versatile device, it functions mostly as a camera and a means of
entertainment. It’s no wonder why almost everyone has a smart phone (or
any phone for that matter) in these times. However, the issue arises if
students should bring their phones to school. Indeed, certain flaws can be
seen like the fact that a phone could be a way to cheat in an exam or a way
for cyberbullying to grow rampantly. Needless to say, it is still essential for
every student in their studies. To emphasize, students would use their
phones to take pictures of power point presentations to study later, it is not
only eco-friendly; but it also utilizes technology in the best way. In fact, files
for classroom presentations are sometimes stored in a smart phone when
flash drives are not available. As a student, it is also a means of easy
communication especially when emergencies would arise. As I have said,
depriving a student of their phones, puts you at a risk when urgent calls are
made to them by certain family members. In conclusion, phones are also
critical for students to survive in school and banning them would only cause
great uproar.

PROBLEM-SOLUTION (Flooding)
An Elixir to the Flooded Streets of Philippines
Alarmingly, the Philippine islands are prone to floods. There is an even
higher risk of it when violent storms would emerge and wreak havoc in
countless municipalities. However, floods usually occur in urban sites and
most rural areas of the country have never been touched by these venomous
waters. One reason for the said matter is the sewer system that is clogged
by plastics and other waste materials that weren’t properly disposed.
Nonetheless, this can easily be resolved through simple steps of hard work
and cooperation. One solution is for the barangay to take action and to clean
the sewers, getting rid of all the garbage that prevents water from going
through. It might be a tiring and disgusting task but it would prove effective
in metropolitan regions. Second to assure that clogged up sewage systems
won’t be a problem anymore; the citizens should undergo seminars
regarding proper waste disposal. Not only does it help the environment but it
keeps everyone safe when threats of flooding come.

COMPARISON-CONTRAST (Living in the province and in the city)

Myriad: Urban vs Rural
To acquire good quality education, I took the risk of leaving my
hometown (Carles) and I faced life in the Iloilo metropolis. From first hand
experiences I’ve distinguished the fine line between life in the rural and
urban areas. The first thing that struck me was the mode of transportation.
Both have cars, jeepneys and motorcycles speeding through the streets.
However, the fact remains that cities are usually swarming with taxis and
jeepneys whereas in humble barangays, motorcycles and tricycles are the
usual vehicles seen with passengers. As for education, which was the main
reason why I had to go in the foreign territories of Iloilo city, both are still
advancing, especially in the feats of technology. Yet technology is often
utilized and brought to better use in urban areas. I have never heard of a
google classroom or any online classroom until I set foot in West Visayas
State University. But one of the biggest differences is the noise produced
every single day. Despite the gossips and shouts from the people in the
province, it is miniscule in contrast to the horns of cars stuck in traffic.
Equally, the regions are all populated with the same busy people struggling
to make ends meet. In the same way, wherever you go, you’ll be greeted
with hospitable Filipinos.

CAUSE AND EFFECT (Causes and effects of bullying)

Cycles
Bullying is a cycle. Mostly it happens in schools. There are a lot of
reasons why it continues to take place and oftentimes it starts at home.
When a child is subjected to physical, mental and emotional abuse or a
broken family, there is a higher possibility that the child will find an outlet for
these traumatizing events; hence it resorts to bullying. Due to the fact that
the child lacks proper guidance, it will inevitably stick to his/her own opinions
regarding morality, as a consequence imposing discipline will be a
challenging task. One reason why a bully becomes as such is because of the
fact that he/she was also bullied. I admit that I was once a product of this
cycle. Back in grade school when a friend of mine would tease me or mock
me to death, I was desperate, I needed an outlet to unleash all the pain and
anger inside. Since he dominated me, I sought someone who I could
dominate. As a result, the bullied became the bully. However, there are far
worst things that could arise when bullying does not cease, such as
depression which could ultimately lead to suicide.

DEFINITION (Tsunami)
Harbor waves
Natural calamities are unpredictable, uncontrollable and undeniably
powerful. When they strike, they do so with unquestionable wrath and a fury
that steals the lives of thousands- millions even. Tsunami is an example of
this relentless chaos. Usually it is defined as a series of very large waves that
is caused by an earthquake or a volcanic eruption under the depths of the
ocean. These terms originated from the Japanese words nami which means
waves and tsu which refers to breaking upon a harbor (Cartwright and
Nakamura, 2008). It frequently strikes within volatile regions of the Ring of
Fire.

CHRONOLOGY/ PROCEDURE (Setting up a google account)

Gmail: Creating an Account
With the rise of technology we are encouraged to utilize it to our own
advantage especially in the field of communication. One thing that is
essential in these times is a google account which is usually needed from
questionnaires to online sites. To set up a google account, you must first go
to the site, [Link] and click the sign in button. Afterwards, the
screen will display the words “create your own google account” in big bold
letters and there will be blanks that you (as a user) should answer. Fill in the
blank that corresponds to your first name, last name, and your desired user
name. Then come up with a password that is hard to crack an verify it. After
doing this, click the button labeled next and you’ll be assisted to the site and
it will ask for your cell phone number for verification. Eventually, it will send
you a text message with the google verification code and this will be the
code that you’ll fill in. Afterwards, the screen will display a new set of
requirements such as your recovery email, the date, month and year of your
birthday and your gender. After clicking next, you’ll be welcomed with the
words “get more from your number” and if there are no other complaints,
you could proceed to the button labeled ‘yes, I’m in.’ Finally, the last
requirement for your google account is to agree in Google’s privacy and
terms; and once you’re trough with this, you have officially signed in to
Gmail. Now, your mind will be open to the new technological possibilities
brought by google accounts.
 References

Amos, F. (2015). 12 Women who changed the world. Retrieved from

[Link]

Cartwright J. H. E. and Nakamura H. (2008). Tsunami: a history of the

term and of scientific understanding of the phenomenon in Japanese and

Western culture. Retrieved from

[Link]