Helping Students Organize Their Thoughts Before They Write

Helping Students Organize Their Thoughts Before They Write (0) Students often find that organizing their thoughts can be one of the toughest parts of  the writing process. They can find the information, jot down ideas, and even take good notes, but they struggle to arrange  their thoughts into a cohesive structure that helps them communicate their ideas.     The way students organize their notes can have a direct impact on the quality of their finished work, so it’s important for them to learn how to do this effectively. As students are interacting with the text, they should be taking notes, and mentally categorizing the information as they read.   The organization students choose should reflect the purpose of the finished work. For example, if students are retelling a specific event in history, a sequential organization makes sense. If the purpose of the assignment is to persuade, they should consider a structure that places the most important information first. This takes practice, but it’s an important skill to master. Fortunately there are some exercises and strategies you can try to help your students learn how to organize their thoughts effectively: 1. Assign an article along with a corresponding word prompt.  Have students read the article carefully, take notes, and organize their their thoughts in a way that will help them respond to the writing prompt. As a class or in small groups, have students explain their organizational choices. 2. Encourage students to organize their notes by via a visual representation of their chosen categories. One example of this is color coding, which can be done with many note taking tools. Another idea is to use graphic organizers as seen in the video below. Graphic Organizers 3. Have students organize their notecards using criteria they select, and then partner with another student. As each reviews the other’s organization, they can offer suggestions for making the flow clearer and more understandable. Heres a video from our resource center to get them started: Organizing into Categories 4. Students can orally present their organized notes, and critique each other’s choices.   Once students are comfortable organizing their thoughts in a way that makes sense to them, they can tackle any assignment that comes their way!

The Social Context Within A Classroom - 1828 Words

Language is the ever-changing form of communication used in human interaction. Language is a vital part of life as it is used everyday in teaching, learning, expressing one’s self and understanding. The use of language is dependent on social context and can be expressed verbally, in written form and through the use of sign and body language. Whilst language is always evolving and therefore the quality of its meanings is constantly being challenged and molded, it is important to realize that not everything in language is variable. (Regan, 2014) Teachers must be adaptive to the varieties of the social contexts within a classroom. They must be aware of the sociocultural factors, cognitive development and the socioeconomic status each†¦show more content†¦Equality and understanding within the classroom will promote a safe learning environment for all students. Learning is a personal journey for students. When children feel safe and accepted for who they are, they are gi ven the ability to write with purpose and best use language that is fit for them and their lives. (Loane, 2016) When examining how sociocultural factors influence learning and the way language is taught, teachers must ultimately understand that students use language as a form of expression of their own world. Children depict their choice of language and literacy to best suit the world they are familiar with and know. Without the understanding of the social context in a classroom and the effects these sociocultural factors have on student learning, language and literacy will lack importance to an individual and therefore restrict learning. (Gardner, 2017) As teachers are responsible for choosing the texts that are used within the classroom it is vital they have a broad knowledge of language and choose resources that are both appropriate for their student whilst ensuring they are still fulfilling the requirements of the curriculum. To do this effectively, teachers must ensure they understand the social context of their students and plan their lessons accordingly, guaranteeing all students have an equal opportunity to learn and growShow MoreRelatedMotivation in Social Contexts Within the Classroom761 Words   |  3 PagesMotivation in Social Contexts within the Classroom What is motivation and why is it important? As brought out by Dornyei, teacher skills in motivating learners should be seen as central to teaching effectiveness (2001). He asserts that motivational strategies should include appropriate teaching behavior, good teacher-student rapport, a pleasant and supportive classroom atmosphere and a cohesive learner group characterized by proper group norms. In addition, everything that a teacher may do orRead MoreSocial Context Of The Classroom847 Words   |  4 Pageseducational classroom is the epitome of this term. Within a classroom, there are children of varying age, race, religion, culture and other demographic categories, just as one would find in society. A child, in himself, is a microcosm of his parents, often displaying similar characteristics and mimicking behaviors. A society â€Å"refers not to a group of people but to a system of social relationships,† social relationships that are first introduced by parents, then develope d and exercised in the classroom (YogeshRead MoreSocial Transformations Of New Capitalism1611 Words   |  7 Pagesdiscourse, and specifically discourse that reveals social transformations of New Capitalism, but to determine how societies work and produce both beneficial and detrimental effects and of how the detrimental effects can be mitigated if not eliminated (Christie, 2003, p. 203). Fairclough’s critical approach to texts societal elements affect personhood via discourse. Through his exploration of how the New Capitalism imposes constraints on individuals and societies, Fairclough argues that all peopleRead MoreStudent s Social Background And Their Connections Within Society1531 Words   |  7 PagesAs a pre-service educator it is imperative to understand a student’s social background and their connections within society. Julie Matthews regards education being concerned with the transmission of culture, values, beliefs, knowledge and skills (2013,p166). Social insights into learner’s backgrounds can expose how and why student’s act and think in a particular way. Developmentally the sociology of education has provided numerous theories, the functionalist perspective, the conflict perspectiveRead MoreTeaching Students With Orthopedic And Physical Disabilities1258 Words   |  6 Pages and 4) promote social skills. As environment is one of the first things that must be addressed when welcoming these students into the classroom, it will be the first to be discussed here. According to research, the arrangement of the physical environment can affect not just the students, but the teacher as well. (Weinstein, (1992) The classroom environment should be arranged for optimal access and safety for all students and to accommodate the daily functioning of the classroom. The â€Å"spatial structure†Read MoreLanguage Between Language And Language1680 Words   |  7 Pagesthis sense, language is a living entity which evolves in response to the changing cultural context in which it exists. Because language evolves in response to culture, the full quality of its meaning is derived from understanding the context in which it takes place. Educators must be aware of the sociocultural nature of language, understanding that language cannot be viewed as stagnant or removed from its context. This has implica tions for the ways that educators think about, understand and teach languageRead MoreOral Language Essay1258 Words   |  6 Pagesthing, something you can see, e.g. social media, written, spoken, audio, text etc. Language as a social process is different than being an object. It is how individuals and groups interact, adjust/readjust the relationships and patterns of behaviour and how they are modified through social interactions, it is how we speak, formal vs informal, language in social context etc. Social process is dynamic forever changing. Although language as an object and as a social process are different, language canRead MoreLanguage Is A Multifaceted Phenomenon That Has Been Given1483 Words   |  6 Pagesand write. Language may also be viewed as a material object in the form of letters, books and audio recordings, or as a set of social conventions shared by a group (Gee Hayes, 2011). However, what all of these view points have in common is its purpose to communicate, i nteract and connect with the people and world around us. A complex link between socio-cultural contexts and the use and meaning of language has been widely acknowledged for decades. (REFERENCE) Culture refers to the customs, traditionsRead MoreLanguage Differences Between Language And Language1247 Words   |  5 Pagesdifferent cultural backgrounds, not a deficient set of language skills as Bernstein had described. Labov () describes one language as not more acceptable or superior than the other, but both language variations appropriate and acceptable within their own contexts (Emmit p.61 2010). It has been found in STUDY that teacher themselves have an unintentional bias when interacting with students of different economic status thus not affording the same opportunities to all students, resulting in the statusRead MoreThe Language Codes Identified By Basil Bernstein1311 Words   |  6 Pagesnot enough to merely consider the cultural context in which the speaker emerges, teachers must understand the implications arising from such circumstances, and how they present in the classroom. Socio-cultural factors such as religion, sex and social class, play a significant role in developing a student’s ability to perceive and use language effectively. Renowned theorists Lee Vygotsky, placed an enormous value on students learning from competent social relationships (O’Donnell et al. 2016, 101)

Essay on Red Rooster - 3877 Words

Company overview: The Red Rooster store was found by Kailis family in 1972 at Perth. It now become a brand and it has 366 stores across Australia and over 7500 staffs. It considers itself as healthy option in quick service restaurant. This study aims to make a strategic marketing plan for red rooster in the next 5 years using the analysis methods such as environment analysis, target market analysis and strategy formulation. The mission statement of red rooster is defined as: â€Å"Red Rooster is a leading Australian-owned quick service restaurant, committed to providing innovative products that are consumer and lifestyle focused. We aim to exceed our customer expectations on quality, value, service and hygiene.† (Jason B, 2011) Part†¦show more content†¦operates several fast food brands in Australia. KFC is the major brand that Yum runs. The main product of KFC is made by chicken meat. Therefore, the strength and the weakness of KFC are obviously. People who like chicken meat will highly be attracted by KFC. However, it gives customer who like fast food a limited choice. Just use the one kind of meat will make the brand to be more professional. But it also will narrow its potential markets. 3. Value creation: Value creation means increase the value of products, service and even business to meet the customers’ needs and requirements so that they can get competitive advantages. (Business Fundas, 2012) As we analyzed, fast food industry’s threat of new entrants is low and the availability of substitutes is high. It’s a fare market which the buyers have strong powers. The main value created by Red Rooster is its intangible assets like brand loyalty and goodwill. It’s the only wholly Australian owned chicken brand which can meet the local needs more and get more support from Australians. (Red Rooster, 2013) Another value of Red Rooster is its health concept. It used oven roasted chicken chain to make the benefits increase from 16% to 30% on the financial year. (Frchanise business, 2006) Red Rooster reduces the 40% of fat absorption of the chicken. (Matt Paish,2011) The health quality of food gives a huge competitive advantage for Red Rooster. Besides, to create the value, some new and cheapShow MoreRelatedRed Rooster Essay1025 Words   |  5 PagesThis paper is going to discuss why the fast-food chain, Red Rooster was unable to thrive and grow when it was part of the Coles-Myer chain, the significant changes for the industry in the area in Australia during the next five years, the dominant management or marketing factors that permit success within the fast-food business. The paper will question whether a large retail chain such as Coles-Myer, Safeway, Wal-Mart and others can effectively compete in the fast-food business. As well as this itRead MoreWhat Is Black And White And Red All Over?1529 Words   |  7 PagesWhat is black and white and red all over? A newspaper? No, a modern kitchen decorative design is black and white and red all over. In a large black and white kitchen, white cupboards, white appliances, and white tile are basic white additions to the kitchen. Black countertop appliances, black fleck countertop design, and black barstools provide perfect accessories for the black and white kitchen. Bursts of red color displayed on colorful placemats, canisters, and floral arrangements can be used toRead MoreAmerican Gothic Mid Term : Use Of Color1723 Words   |  7 PagesSkylar Leaf American Gothic Mid-Term The Use of Color in Beloved In Beloved, color is a common and important theme, especially the color red. This is because color can symbolize a variety of different things such as a specific emotion or a memory. Throughout Beloved Morrison uses color to give various meanings to various objects and spaces. The emotional qualities of the characters in Beloved are so strong that Morrison utilizes color as a way to express their feelings. Since the book tells a storyRead More Beloved by Morrison Essay1149 Words   |  5 PagesMorrison also uses color in a symbolic way. The color red is a constant presence in the past and present. Amy Denver searches for red velvet. The dead babys blood that covers Sethe mixes with the milk she is feeding her living child, her future. The red rooster at Sweet Home signifies manhood to Paul D, and red is similarly resurrected in Pauls present. He has sex with Beloved and when he reaches the inside part he was saying, ‘Red heart. Red heart, over and over again (138). Morrison weavesRead MoreThe history of Rooster Teeth Production, LLC.2900 Words   |  12 Pages Part One: Background and History Rooster Teeth Productions, LLC. is a production company based in Austin, Texas. It was officially established April 1st, 2003; although, the company made video production content, such as parodies and short movies, before then. The history of Rooster Teeth starts at the University of Texas in the mid-1990s. Three friends, Michael â€Å"Burnie† Burns, Matt Hullum, and Joel Heyman were friends who attended the university in Austin. They were not the best students, andRead More The Red Pony: Death and Rebirth Essay1473 Words   |  6 PagesThe Red Pony:   Death and Rebirth The pony still lay on his side and the wound in his throat bellowed in and out. When Jody saw how dry and dead the hair looked, he knew at last that there was no hope for the pony . . .he had seen it [the dead hair] before, and he knew it was a sure sign for death. In Steinbecks The Red Pony. death played an intricate role in the life of Jody, an adolescent farmers child. With the reoccurring theme of deaths association with violence, we are eventually enabledRead MoreRed Bull Research1920 Words   |  8 PagesExecutive Summary: From conducting this report it was found that Red Bull energy drink is facing some problems, the main one of which is the negative media that it has been receiving. However both primary and secondary research shown that negative publicity does not affect buyer behaviour to a great extent. Secondary research clearly states that Red Bull contains excessive amount of chemicals, some publications even compare it to highly addictive drugs as well as blaming the product for some deathsRead MoreRed Bull Cool Factor7088 Words   |  29 PagesHOW RED BULL CREATED THE â€Å"COOL† FACTOR QUESTION 1: Origin: Red Bull energy drink has had wings since it took off 25 years ago. The iconic Red bull drink as we know it today in the western world was originally found in Thailand in 1987 by an Austrian entrepreneur who was inspired when he realized that it could cure his jet lag. The original drink called Krateng Daeng was first invented and only available in Thailand. The Austrian entrepreneur, Dietrich Mateschitz then in partnershipRead MoreAnabolic Drug Use Among Athletes1668 Words   |  7 Pagesthat use this drug typically take it with testosterone to help side effects such as a loss of sex drive, depression, and moodiness. The Sixth steroid is called Oxymetholone, also known as Anadrol. This drug comes in a tablet form. Anadrol improves red blood cell production and increases the amount of hemoglobin that helps to treat anemia. Although the FDA approves Anadrol, this drug still has serious side effects. These include breast cancer in males and females and reabsorption of the bone. TheRead MoreRooster by Christopher Bruce Essay1060 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"Rooster† Review by Paris Day Rooster is a dance piece choreographed by Christopher Bruce. It was originally premiered by the Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve in 1991. It is a contemporary ballet piece performed by ten dancers to eight of The Rolling Stones’ most memorable hits. Christopher Bruce based the production on the â€Å"sexual war† he witnessed growing up in the 1960’s. His intention was to celebrate the music of The Rolling Stones and use the qualities of the songs to reflect this.

Swot Dropbox Free Essays

Strengths: first one to have the idea of cloud storage with synchronization, accessible where you want from any devices, simple design easy to use, exactly same data everywhere you go principle of synchronization, saved in dropbox. com if your laptop is out of use you have access to your files online, enable multi-users to share files, revision-history button to recover deleted files, 2GB storage for free to attract the consumers, pop up if you connect a usb stick or SD card to your computer â€Å"do you want to synchronize these files with Dropbox, turn loyal customer into salesperson: 250MB for free if referral (1/4 of Dropbox users come this way), no files capacity transfert limitation. Weaknesses: need access to internet to download Dropbox, 2GB limited storage for free (competition eg amazon offers 5GB for free as already mentioned by Janine), you cannot store more than the available place on your device, dealing with paid search advertisement, security problem in 2011. We will write a custom essay sample on Swot Dropbox or any similar topic only for you Order Now Opportunities: engagement on social media, deal with HTC to be default cloud storage on Androids, talking about it with 6 other phone firms then PC and TV, E marketing benefits: control, reach, interactivity. Threats: competitors such as Google or Apple could overtake the leader position in B2C market, competition offers lower prices, if Dropbox does not implement himself better in the enterprise market they could loose market shares of B2C market because it has been proven that home market copies enterprise market, possibility of cloud back up system being attacked by external or internal users ? introduction of a spyware through Dropbox How to cite Swot Dropbox, Papers

The final mother-daughter relationship Essay Example

The final mother-daughter relationship Essay Jeanettes mother is a powerful woman in her home and church and forcibly puts forward her views. She is selfish and ruthless and sulks if God does not concur with her will for destruction making her an outside target for mockery. Jeanette is a pawn in her mothers tag match against the rest of the world (p. 3) She does not let her maternal role hinder her career in the church. It is only with Jeanettes shock revelation of Lesbianism that her mother seems to change a little nearer the end of the novel: Her awareness that oranges are not the only fruit seems to suggest she has changed her one mindedness, especially as she becomes more like Elsie in the end and is able to express love and acceptance to Jeanette; However she will always be at war with the world and homosexuality with always be demonised and could never be accepted in the eyes of the lord I love you almost as much as I love the Lord. We see the constraints in Jeanette and her mothers relationship when Miss Jewesbury has forced Jeanettes mother to get medical attention for Jeanettes deafness. Her mother has little comfort and simply writes her a letter prods (p. 27) and leaves her alone. Her mothers devotion and infatuation with the missionary has forced Jeanette to originally believe she was filled with the Holy Spirit however, when medical authority overrules this Jeanette feels her mothers abandonment. Jeanettes mother offers little maternal care and brings oranges as a substitute for the maternal longing Jeanette wants and the short, bluntness of So I was alone. emphasises the isolation Jeanette feels. The lack of involvement and emotional distance in this familys personal relationship is iterated by the fact that Jeanettes mother could not attend and would send her husband usually with a letter and a couple of oranges (p. 29) The use of the word husband also could be an expression of Jeanettes sense of her fathers insignificance in terms of his influence in the family, or source of support. We will write a custom essay sample on The final mother-daughter relationship specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The final mother-daughter relationship specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The final mother-daughter relationship specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The final mother-daughter relationship we are made slightly aware of is that of Rubys and her little nut-brown girls (p. 381) Ruby as a mother in present generation is able to rule her individual life, the expectance of womens roles through the generations are all contrasted here as Ruby gains her own confidence to be the mother figure she always aspired to be, and has the courage to, when she realises shes leading the wrong life (p. 360) completely start again and thus not become the foolish mother (p. 381) bringing the whole cyclic focus of the book to an end the endless repetitive cycle of family history is finalised with the notion that women now have the chance to change roles from a martyred wife (p. 170) to ending the novel on a strong confirmation of personal identity; I am alive. I am a precious jewel. I am a drop of blood. I am Ruby Lennox. (p. 382). In OANTOF the main character, Jeanette, and her mother are engaged in a quest to attain a sense of identity beyond the limitations placed on them as relatively poor women in a male dominated, class prejudiced society. Both women are put in a place of lesser importance and unaware segregation Jeanette for her sexuality and her mother because of her faith. This indifference from society causes them to be almost in exile also seen in BTSATM but their sense of being called to be apart (p. 42) simultaneously enables them to forge an identity for themselves in defiance of the culturally, compulsory prescribed roles for women of the time. Jeanette and her mother could be said to be orphaned as her mother was abandoned by her middle class family when she marries Jack, and Jeanette is given up for adoption. This seems the opportunity for self-creation, as it does for many of the orphaned characters of nineteenth century fiction, among them Jane Eyre, whose life story seems to echo that of the real and imagined stories of Jeanette and her mother. The tale of Jane Eyre is essential in understanding the key themes and meaning of OANTOF as Jeanettes mother is able to revise the plot to perfection, it seems, however we later learn how this account is a flawed perception in order to shelter Jeanette from the realities of sin outside the missionary Jane Eyre (in Jeanettes mothers version) marries the ambitious missionary St John Rivers rather than the passionate almost Byronic hero Rochester, this could be interpreted as Jeanettes mothers plan for a devoted life to the missionary for Jeanette. The opening of the book immediately engages the reader and makes us aware of the strong sense of Jeanettes mothers personality and outlook on life; my mother liked to wrestle; it didnt matter what. She was in the white corner and that was that (p. 3) this quote suggests that the novel will deal with typical issues of growing up in a nuclear family. The dual narrative Winterson uses here mocks Jeanettes mothers doctrinaire, narrow minded views and is expressed through a typically childlike list of friends an enemies reducing Jeanettes mothers status and importance. Jeanettes mothers confrontational attitude is demonstrated by the fact she wanted the Mormons to knock on the door (p. 3) so that she could wrestle with them. Automatically we realise Jeanettes mothers struggle with the Rest of the World to assert her devout convictions. We see the difficulty in Jeanette and her mothers relationship in that we are, significantly, not only told that Jeanette was on her mothers list of friends only at first, but the layout of the text reinforces Jeanettes relegation of me predictably to the enemies list; It is this anticipation of the plot that prepares the reader for mother-daughter conflict. Jeanette will only stay on the friends list if she conforms to her mothers plan for her to become a missionary. Her mothers desire for power and influence is mocked here as she aspired to be the first virginal pregnancy; she was very bitter about the Virgin Mary getting there first (p. 3). There is much irony directed against Jeanettes mother due to the comparison between her bitterness and selfishness against the sympathetic qualities of the Virgin Mary. Winterson uses the Bible to undermine its authority and her mothers views; We had no wise men because she didnt believe there were any wise men, but we had sheep (p. 4). Both novels employ an immediacy structurally to highlight the nuclear dysfunctionality for example both books start the central theme on their first pages, even by a Foetal Ruby. Ruby in BTSATM illustrates her fathers drunkard like qualities and unloving routine like quality to the act of making love with her mother as he rolls off her mother and plunges into a dreamless sleep thanks to the five pints (p. 1). This structural immediacy is seen in OANTOF also as the first page sets out the tone for the rest of the novel and includes humorous narrative in order to mock her mother and her innate combative nature. Jeanettes father, Jack, contrasts his wife strongly in that he is the Joseph to her Virgin Mary. He occasionally will rebel against his wifes authority, for example watching the wrestling on a Sunday however he is still presented as a passive figure to her mother. Jeanette feels sympathy for her poor dad (p. 11) and realises his dissatisfaction and inferiority to her mother, he was never quite good enough (p. 11) and did not push himself (p. 8). His absence from the majority of the novel illustrates the unimportance of him as a source of paternity. Both fathers are rarely mentioned in both novels, representing the authors feelings as fathers being the lacking role, the two books can almost be seen as feminist in this respect. In conclusion both texts have obvious similarities in relation to the representation of family relationships, as both Atkinson and Winterson use two mothers struggles with society to exaggerate their dysfunctionality within their family and both mothers also suffer from the yearning for another man, with Jeanettes mother wanting Pastor Spratt and Bunty wanting the life she was about to have before being deserted by her fianci. However there are differences also in that Jeanette learns from her mothers authoritative confidence in qualities to help herself with her lesbianism whereas Ruby learns from her mothers mistakes, and vows to change her life unlike her mother did.

The Nationwide Legalization of Euthanasia essays

The Nationwide Legalization of Euthanasia essays In today's society there are many disagreements about the rights and wrongs of euthanasia. Although death is unavoidable for human beings, suffering before death is unbearable, not only for terminal patients, but for the family members and friends. So what is the solution? How can we ease the suffering of those whose death is both impending and imminent. The answer, Euthanasia. Euthanasia comes from the Greek word `Thanatos' meaning death and the prefix `eu' meaning easy or good (Russell 94). Thus, `eu- Thanatos meaning easy or good death. Euthanasia is clearly better choice for terminal patients than suicide. The question is however, is it morally, ethically, and socially right. In our society, suicide is always traumatic for families and friends. If there is no alternative to relieve the suffering of terminal patients, then the more humane option to suicide is euthanasia. This is not the only option however, "An option for people that are unsure of euthanasia is called DNR or do not resuscitate" (McCuen 2). This means that if the patient has a heart attack or another potentially fatal problem in the hospital, "the doctors are told to perform a `No Code' which means that they should let the patient die peacefully with any amount of painkillers or medication requested by the patient" (McCuen 3). Doctors that are treating a dying patient should treat them with care. They should make them as comfortable as possible and give them medication to dull their pain. Let's not forget that a doctor, or physician's job is to ease suffering. Instructors tell doctors in training to treat dying patients as people, `that are alive but just that their death is more imminent than our own'(Moroney 2). Many families could rest easy possessing the knowledge that their relative is being treated well, and is receiving the necessary attention. A lot of terminal patients decide to sign DNR forms or, re...

Arguments Against Relativism

Arguments Against Relativism There is plenty of evidence favoring the genuineness of a relativistic attitude in a wide variety of situations. Cultural relativism, religious relativism, linguistic relativism, scientific relativism, relativism moving from different historical perspectives or miscellaneous social positions: this is just the beginning of a list of sources motivating the genuineness of contrasting perspectives on a specific topic at hand. And yet, on some occasions, one may want to resist the idea that the relativistic stance is the best theoretical option: in some cases, it just seems that one of the contrasting views should ​get it more right than the others. On what grounds could such a claim be made? Truth The first ground on which a relativistic attitude can be resisted is truth. If you accept relativism, while holding a certain position, it seems that you are at once undermining that position. Suppose, for instance, that you claim that abortion shall never be endorsed while agreeing that such a judgment is relative to your upbringing; aren’t you at once conceding that abortion may be reasonably endorsed by those who had a different upbringing? Thus, it seems, a relativist is committed to the truth of a claim X, while holding at once that X may not be true when contemplated from a different perspective. That seems an outright contradiction. Cultural Universals A second point that has been stressed is the presence of universal traits across different cultures. True enough the idea of a person, of beauty, of good, of family, or of private property differ across cultures; but, if we look close enough, we can also find common traits. It can hardly be disputed that human beings can adapt their cultural development to the circumstances they come to live in. No matter who your parents are, you can equally learn English or Tagalog if you grow up with a community of native speakers of one or the other language; ditto for traits concerning manual or bodily skills, such as cooking or dancing. Common Traits in Perception Even when it comes to perception, it is easy to see that there is an agreement across different cultures. No matter what your culture is, it is probable that a powerful earthquake or a fierce tsunami will elicit fear in you; no matter your social upbringing, you will be moved by the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Similar considerations hold for the brightness of the sun at midday or the feeling of discomfort provoked by a room at 150 degrees Fahrenheit. While it is certainly the case that different human beings have different experiences of the nuances of perceptions, there seems also to be a shared common core, on the basis of which a non-relativistic account of perception may be built. Semantic Overlap What goes for perception goes also for the meaning of our words, that which is studied by the branch of Philosophy of Language that goes under the name of Semantics. When I say â€Å"spicy† I may not mean exactly what you mean; at the same time, it seems that there has to be some kind of overlap in meaning if the communication is effective at all. Thus, what my words mean cannot be fully relative to my own perspective and experience, on pain of an impossibility of communication.