Select two topics from the list and critically discuss how they Assignment

Select two topics from the list and critically discuss how they contribute to the effective operation of the Human Resouce Manag - Assignment Example An economic downturn also affects the reward system of the firm where the human resource management has to figure out a way to reduce the costs of rewards and still keep employees motivated (Ere.net. 2013). Economic Downturn: No business operates in isolation and is very sensitive to the outside environment. As an economy goes into a recession there is a significant decline in economic activity, a slowdown in industrial production, a decrease in consumer spending, loss of jobs, and a reduction in real income. For example Sherry FitzGerald a leading Irish residential and commercial estate agent was significantly affected by the recession as the volume of transactions in the residential market fell by 40% and their capital value fell by 50% ( Top of Form Roche, 2011). Bottom of Form . Due to this downturn, the Human Resource Management all of a sudden finds itself in the midst of problems encompassing all of its functions. It needs to reduce workers, ensure it maintains the motivation of the survivors, completely redesign jobs, and also try to gain the few opportunities that recession presents to the various firms. During the downturn of an economy, the human resource management must strive to maintain a balance between the interests of the employees and the organization as a whole. This scenario greatly affects the efficiency of the HR as it is faced with increasing constraints. Due to a decrease in economic activity, the management faces a decline in the HR budget and the main priority of the firm is to reduce production costs. Downsizing becomes the norm as companies critically review the allocation of their resources. Sherry FitzGerald however, did not initiate a redundancy policy right away, but decided that its chief HR policy would be to offer job protection and security. Salary cuts, recruitment embargo, career breaks and flexible working hours were offered to the staff and it was claimed that redundancies would be kept to the minimum. However, the comple x economic situation threatened HR with more problems as all the steps it had taken until now were not very effective in decreasing the cost. Thus, redundancies were seen as unavoidable and 31 employees were laid off. Cuts in salaries and reduction in fringe benefits was implemented once more. Layoffs put up a challenge for the HR departments, as they try to keep the existing employees motivated and appropriately trained. Reduced staffing levels and funds, and psychological problems faced by the employees during this hard time make the work of the HR difficult. All the events faced by the HR department of Sherry FitzGerald challenged its efficiency as many of their policies were not very effective in reducing costs and helping the firm through recession. However, by involving the staff and trying very hard to compensate its workers, it gained the support of its employees and was able to live through the hard times (Dtz Sherry Fitzgerald (Firm), 2010). The economic recession of 2007 created uncertainty for the American businesses and many are still hesitant in investing. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, corporate spending is increasing and GDP is expanding; but companies are still hesitant to hire again (Charles et al 2010). Many companies have also cut spending for the current employees, and won’t increase wages, benefits, and investment in hiring and training

An experiment to obtain Zinc Oxide from Calamine Essay Example for Free

An experiment to obtain Zinc Oxide from Calamine Essay This will be repeated until the weight of the test tube with its contents is identical. E. g. 1st reading= 17. 24g, 2nd reading= 17. 18g, 3rd reading=17. 15g, 4th reading=17. 15g The underlined readings are identical; consequently I would stop and record these readings. I would do it like this because when the readings are the same it means that the reaction has stopped and there is no need to go any further. This is done for every amount. Fair Test There are many things that can be done to keep this experiment a fair one. Firstly the same test tube must be used as all of them have different weights. The amount of time you leave the test tube on the Bunsen burner is also crucial, as it would not be a fair test if you left one test tube in the heat longer than the others. You must measure the amount of mineral wool you put in the test tube so that you can deduct that and the weight of the test tube to get your result. Errors will be kept to a minimum with the use of digital weighing equipment. Preliminary work My preliminary work consists of an experiment titled Obtaining Copper Oxide from Malachite. Malachite is a mineral that contains copper. In the experiment we heated the Malachite in an attempt to obtain Copper Oxide. From the experiment I acknowledged that as the mass of Malachite increased so did the mass of Copper Oxide. The experiment was extremely similar to this experiment, thus I would expect the same to happen in this case. Therefore, in this experiment, the more Calamine that is used the more Zinc Oxide that will be produced. It doesnt take a genius to work that out though. -7- Jack Mariner Chemistry Coursework Results: Chart 1 Reading Amount of Calamine (g) Amount of Zinc Oxide produced (g). Shown above are the results from the experiment and below is a graph plotted from these results. -8- Jack Mariner Chemistry Coursework Graph 1 is a bar chart showing the amount of Calamine used, plotted against the amount of Zinc Oxide produced. Although this graph may look pretty, it is not very useful. From just using these results, it is difficult to explain and understand the graph, so something else is needed: The theoretical amounts. Chart 2. No. of readings Amount of Calamine (g) Theoretical amount of ZnO Predicted (g) Actual amount of ZnO Produced (g). These theoretical amounts have already been calculated. To add these to the graph like on the next page will help us to analyse the results in more detail. -9- Jack Mariner Chemistry Coursework Now this graph is worth looking at. It shows the theoretical amounts of Zinc Oxide produced, plotted against the actual amount of Zinc Oxide produced. So theoretically, in perfect conditions, with a perfectly fair test in practise, the theoretical results would be achieved. My experiment however wasnt done in these conditions, which is why the results do not resemble each other perfectly. -10- Jack Mariner Chemistry Coursework Graph 3 is a line graph, which I feel shows the information more clearly. From it you can see that the theoretical amounts are similar to the actual amounts of Zinc Oxide produced, however there is room for a lot of improvement. For instance, reading 2. This was done using 1. 5g of Calamine. Something definitely went wrong here because it is so out of proportion to the other results. Due to the obvious mistake I took the liberty of requesting a glimpse of another groups results, to compare with mine and to see their result for 1. 5g of Calamine. Chart 3 Reading Amount of Calamine (g). Actual amount of ZnO Produced (g) Other Group Comparison of ZnO Produced (g) From Chart 3, you can see that my results are in fact relatively similar to the other groups results that I have compared with. The reasons for the differences are probably due to spillages or how concentrated the substances were, etc. Analysing the Results To analyse my results I shall look back at them individually. Chart 1 shows only my results. These were very pleasing because they were nearly as I predicted. At this stage I wasnt aware of any anomalous results as the relationship between them looked good. I am still satisfied with my results but would like to redo the test for 1. 5g of Zinc Carbonate. This would give better results to analyse and to draw a conclusion from. The second chart, Chart 2, showed the theoretical amounts. I included these into my experiment so that I could see how accurate my results were. Comparing with another group is good, but their results could also be wrong. Comparing with these theoretical results would show me immediately the accuracy of my results. I have drawn the graph on the next page to demonstrate this. -11- Jack Mariner Chemistry Coursework So the graph is really a way of measuring your accuracy. To do this I worked out the percentage (%) yield. This was done by using the equation; % yield = actual amount theoretical amount From the graph you can see that the majority of my results were very accurate. I have done readings 2 and 4 in a different colour because they are obviously wrong. They both have a percentage yield of over 100%, which is impossible. The reason for this is probably due to contamination and impure Calamine. These two readings are therefore anomalous results. Chart 3 shows that my results are actually fairly similar to those from the other group. Apart from the obvious experiment error in reading 2, the thing that catches my attention most is the fact that my results are all higher than those from the other group. This could be resulted from a number of things, for example the use of different pieces of equipment, or the stopwatch counted seconds at slightly different rates, consequently that group leaving the test tube under the heat for a longer period of time. Or on the other hand these results maybe higher then the compared groups results as a complete coincidence. -12- Jack Mariner Chemistry Coursework Conclusion From graph 3, you can see that my hypothesis is of high quality stating that I predicted a graph with strong positive correlation. This was almost a perfect prediction. My conclusion really for this experiment is that as the amount of Calamine increases so does the amount of Zinc Oxide produced from this. Theoretically this is done proportionately, but actually anomalous results interfere, leaving the results strongly related with strong correlation as apposed to a theoretical graph with perfect correlation. Evaluation I consider this experiment to be a success. The plan was followed very well and the results were of good quality. The measurements were done accurately, and a fair test was achieved. The procedure used was also a very fair and efficient one. Although the experiment was a success, I am still bothered by the fact that anomalous results occured in my experiment. I think that the reasons for these results were because of time limitations. We had very little time to accomplish this task successfully, so mistakes were inevitable. The improvements, which could be made in doing this experiment, are to have a longer time to do the experiment so that isnt done making careless mistake and if mistakes were made, there would be enough time to redo what was needed. Secondly more high tech equipment could be used to get more reliable and accurate results. Also, an essential thing is for the Calamine used to be pure. This is important because impure calamine could react at a different rate to more pure Calamine. This would have a huge bearing on the final result. Lastly, more readings could have been taken. This would lead to averages being taken giving better results.

Essay --

Retinitis pigmentosa is a genetic disorder that causes blindness in the people that are affected by it. I chose retinitis pigmentosa because my grandmother has this genetic disorder. The disorder is very costly on those who have it. The disorder has robbed my grandmother of the life she wanted. She is no longer able to do the things she once was. She is legally blind, cannot drive, and has trouble getting around crowded areas. Retinitis pigmentosa was discovered by Doctor Donders in 1857. Retinitis pigmentosa is a very serious disorder in how it occurs, its signs and symptoms, its prevalence, and how its treated. Retinitis pigmentosa is caused by damage to the retina of the eye. The retina is the light sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the eye. The retina focuses images in the brain and then sends them via electrical signals up to the brain. The retina is a very important part of the eye to help a person see. What is affected in the retina from this disorder are the rods in the eye. The rods allow a person to see in the dark. Retinitis pigmentosa slowly causes the rods in the eye to deteriorate over time. Retinitis pigmentosa also can cause the cones in people’s eyes to deteriorate. If a person’s cones deteriorate first, then the person first develops blindness in the center of their eye and they lose some of their color vision. This form of retinitis pigmentosa is much rarer than the form that deteriorates the rods in the eyes. Retinitis pigmentosa can be caused in a person in numerous ways. It normally runs in families, however, it can also be caused from a mutation. We believe my grandmother developed the disorder from a genetic mutation, as no one else in my family has ever had the disorder or has developed it as of... ...al health. Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes also slows the affects, as sunglasses put less strain on the retinas. Quitting smoking at any point in life can help preserve retinal health. Smoking has been linked to retinal damage. The prognosis for those with retinitis pigmentosa is they will live just as long as a normal person. Early death is not linked to retinitis pigmentosa. The only problems that the person will have are vision problems. Each person has a different experience with retinitis pigmentosa. No one case is like another. The genetic disorder retinitis pigmentosa is very serious. It is very complex, as it has multiple ways to be inherited. The symptoms are serious and handicap the victims for life. It is very prevalent in society, and there is no treatment. Future research into this debilitating disorder will offer hope to those affected by it.

Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc Company Overview Essay -- essays papers

Bridgestone/Firestone Company Overview Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. In addition to manufacturing tires, Bridgestone/Firestone produces a variety of products including air springs, building materials, synthetic and natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company has over 38 QS9000/ISO9000 Certified production facilities throughout the Americas, along with numerous international facilities throughout the world. Firestone's company philosophy is derived from a blend of Japanese and Americans methods, with a focus on providing quality products. In the words of the former leaders of Bridgestone and Firestone, Bridgestone/Firestone strives to "Serve Society with Products of Superior Quality" and to be the "Best Today ? Still Better Tomorrow." Bridgestone/Firestone is best known for it's production of tires (more than 8,000 different types and sizes), which account for more than 75 percent of its annual revenues. As a leader in world tire technology, Firestone utilizes research and development centers in three countries and testing centers around the world to help develop, manufacture and market tires for almost every kind of vehicle. (Bridgestone/Firestone Profile) Strengths Bridgestone/Firestone finds much of its strength in having "one of the richest tire makers in the world as its parent" (Chappell, 09/11/00). Bridgestone Corporation has been around since 1931 and has established itself as a well-known international manufacturer of tires, rubber products, automotive products, chemical products, sporting goods, and other products (Bridgestone Annual Report, 1999). The resources and prestige of having Bridgestone as a parent gives Firestone an extra edge in the market. One of Firestone's biggest strengths is the fact that Firestone's passenger vehicle trade is not the critical part of Bridgestone Corp's world profit picture. Roughly 60% of Bridgestone's North American profits came from the sale of heavy-duty truck tires. Firestone has a 16% share of that market, and the Bridgestone brand holds another 6.5 percent share. Another strength for Firestone is its well-established brand name. According to an Automotive News reporter, the Firestone brand is "posi... ...ndsay. Automotive News, September 11, 2000 v75 i5893 p47. "Firestone's Non-Ford Customers Show Little Concern Over Recall." Chappell, Lindsay. Automotive News, September 25, 2000 v75 i5895 p8. "More Firestones for Honda Civic" "3 suppliers may sell tires for next Explorer." Automotive News, Sept 4, 2000 v75 i5892 p8. "The tire flap: behind the feeding frenzy." Business Week, October 16, 2000 i3703 p126. Firestone Tire Recall Legal Information Center, http://www.firestone-tire-recall.com Grimaldi, James V. and Caroline Mayer, Washington Post, "4 Former Firestone Workers Deposed," August 24, 2000, pE01. Hess, David. National Journal, September 16, 2000 v32 i38 p2896. "Firestone's Other Tire Debacle." "A Company Under Fire: Did Firestone do Enough to Protect Its Own Workers?," Newsweek, September 18, 2000 p30. "Ford, Fireston knew of tire problems for years." United Press International, September 29, 2000 p1008271u8435. "Testimony Indicates Abuse at Firestone," United Press International, August 14, 2000 p1008226u6557. Wilson, Amy. Automotive News, September 4, 2000 v75 i5892 p8. "Labor Unions Unrest Adds to Bridgestone/Firestone's Problems" Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc Company Overview Essay -- essays papers Bridgestone/Firestone Company Overview Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc., a subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, was formed in 1990 when Bridgestone U.S.A. merged with The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company. In addition to manufacturing tires, Bridgestone/Firestone produces a variety of products including air springs, building materials, synthetic and natural rubber, and industrial fibers and textiles. The Nashville, Tennessee-based company has over 38 QS9000/ISO9000 Certified production facilities throughout the Americas, along with numerous international facilities throughout the world. Firestone's company philosophy is derived from a blend of Japanese and Americans methods, with a focus on providing quality products. In the words of the former leaders of Bridgestone and Firestone, Bridgestone/Firestone strives to "Serve Society with Products of Superior Quality" and to be the "Best Today ? Still Better Tomorrow." Bridgestone/Firestone is best known for it's production of tires (more than 8,000 different types and sizes), which account for more than 75 percent of its annual revenues. As a leader in world tire technology, Firestone utilizes research and development centers in three countries and testing centers around the world to help develop, manufacture and market tires for almost every kind of vehicle. (Bridgestone/Firestone Profile) Strengths Bridgestone/Firestone finds much of its strength in having "one of the richest tire makers in the world as its parent" (Chappell, 09/11/00). Bridgestone Corporation has been around since 1931 and has established itself as a well-known international manufacturer of tires, rubber products, automotive products, chemical products, sporting goods, and other products (Bridgestone Annual Report, 1999). The resources and prestige of having Bridgestone as a parent gives Firestone an extra edge in the market. One of Firestone's biggest strengths is the fact that Firestone's passenger vehicle trade is not the critical part of Bridgestone Corp's world profit picture. Roughly 60% of Bridgestone's North American profits came from the sale of heavy-duty truck tires. Firestone has a 16% share of that market, and the Bridgestone brand holds another 6.5 percent share. Another strength for Firestone is its well-established brand name. According to an Automotive News reporter, the Firestone brand is "posi... ...ndsay. Automotive News, September 11, 2000 v75 i5893 p47. "Firestone's Non-Ford Customers Show Little Concern Over Recall." Chappell, Lindsay. Automotive News, September 25, 2000 v75 i5895 p8. "More Firestones for Honda Civic" "3 suppliers may sell tires for next Explorer." Automotive News, Sept 4, 2000 v75 i5892 p8. "The tire flap: behind the feeding frenzy." Business Week, October 16, 2000 i3703 p126. Firestone Tire Recall Legal Information Center, http://www.firestone-tire-recall.com Grimaldi, James V. and Caroline Mayer, Washington Post, "4 Former Firestone Workers Deposed," August 24, 2000, pE01. Hess, David. National Journal, September 16, 2000 v32 i38 p2896. "Firestone's Other Tire Debacle." "A Company Under Fire: Did Firestone do Enough to Protect Its Own Workers?," Newsweek, September 18, 2000 p30. "Ford, Fireston knew of tire problems for years." United Press International, September 29, 2000 p1008271u8435. "Testimony Indicates Abuse at Firestone," United Press International, August 14, 2000 p1008226u6557. Wilson, Amy. Automotive News, September 4, 2000 v75 i5892 p8. "Labor Unions Unrest Adds to Bridgestone/Firestone's Problems"

Emily Murphy

Power and Influence Report – Emily Murphy To be a powerful and influential individual is to be able to convince others of a certain idea in order to get what one desires. Emily Murphy was born on March 14th 1868; she was the third child in a family of eight. Throughout her living years she accomplished things that are still to this day well recognized by the country and the British Empire all together. Her many leadership qualities led her to great success with her career and with marking Canadian history.Emily Murphy was a personality of power and influence. Women had very few rights in the early 1900s, none including political rights. They were expected to get married and have children, becoming the property of their husband. Women were not considered persons at this time; Emily Murphy had a great part in changing that. She first came up with the idea of the Dower Act. This would allow women legal rights to one third of their husband’s property. In 1916, the Alberta l egislature accepted to pass the act.She believed women should try other women in court so she sent a request for a female magistrate in the women’s court. This led her into becoming the first woman police magistrate of the British Empire. She later launched and won the â€Å"person’s case† in order to make women considered â€Å"persons† under the British North America Act of 1867. As a result, women would be qualified to sit and serve in the senate; Emily Murphy was named honorary senate after all her accomplishments regarding women’s rights.A powerful and influential individual is usually so because of the leadership traits that he or she possesses. Emily Murphy proved she was persuasive when she successfully convinced the Alberta legislature to pass the Dower act and when she influenced her request for a female magistrate in the women’s court. Murphy accomplished a lot in a short period of time because she was determined. She was also dil igent and hard working as nothing could stop her from reaching her goal of making women legally known as persons.She was capable of influencing and inspiring large numbers of people as she affected every Canadian woman’s life since the success of the person’s case. Combined, Emily Murphy’s leadership traits led her into being one of the most powerful and influential women in Canadian history. Emily Murphy was a character of great influence. Her many accomplishments and achievements will forever impact Canadian citizens. Her leadership traits led her well into reaching goals that affected positively the lives of many. Emily Murphy is an inspirational woman and truly someone to look up to.

Methamphetamine Information

Crystal Meth/Methamphetamine Information There are several different types of amphetamines, which are stimulants. Crystal methamphetamine or simply crystal meth is an illegal form of the drug. Heres what you need to know. What Is Crystal Meth? The chemical n-methyl-1-phenyl-propan-2-amine is called methamphetamine, methylamphetamine, or desoxyephedrine. The shortened name is simply meth. When it is in its crystalline form, the drug is called crystal meth, ice, Tina, or glass. See the table below for other street names of the drug. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant. How Is Crystal Meth Used? Usually, crystal meth is smoked in glass pipes, similar to how crack cocaine is used. It may be injected (either dry or dissolved in water), snorted, swallowed, or inserted into the anus or urethra. Why Is Crystal Meth Used? Females often take crystal meth because it can cause extremely rapid weight loss. However, the effects are short term. The body builds up a tolerance to the drug so weight loss tapers off and stops around six weeks after taking the drug. Also, the weight that is lost is regained once a person stops taking methamphetamine. For these reasons, combined with how addictive the drug is, methamphetamine tends not to be prescribed by doctors for weight loss. Some people take meth because of the long-lasting high that it gives. Methamphetamine causes numerous neurotransmitters to be released in the brain, producing a sense of euphoria that may last as long as 12 hours, depending on how the drug was taken. Methamphetamine is popular as a stimulant. As a stimulant, methamphetamine improves concentration, energy, and alertness while decreasing appetite and fatigue. Methamphetamines are also taken by people who are feeling depressed. They may be taken for their side effect of increasing libido and sexual pleasure. What Are the Effects of Methamphetamine Use? This is a list of effects associated with pure methamphetamine use. Because of how its made, crystal meth is never pure, so the dangers associated with taking the street drug extend beyond these effects. Common Immediate Effects EuphoriaIncreased energy and alertnessDiarrhea and nauseaExcessive sweatingLoss of appetite, insomnia, tremors, jaw-clenchingAgitation, irritability, talkativeness, panic, compulsive fascination with repetitive tasks, violence, confusionIncreased libidoIncreased blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, blood sugar levels, bronchodilationConstriction of the walls of the arteriesIn pregnant and nursing women, methamphetamine crosses the placenta and is secreted in breast milk Effects Associated With Chronic Use Tolerance (needing more of the drug to get the same effect)Drug cravingTemporary weight lossWithdrawal symptoms including depression and anhedoniaMeth Mouth where teeth rapidly decay and fall outDrug-related psychosis (may last for months or years after drug use is discontinued) Effects of Overdose Brain damageSensation of flesh crawling (formication)Paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, tension headacheMuscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis) which can lead to kidney damage or failureDeath due to stroke, cardiac arrest or elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) Physical and Chemical Properties of Crystal Meth Crystal meth may be distinguished from other drugs and compounds by its properties. The compound forms two enantiomers (compounds which are mirror images of each other), dextromethamphetamine and levomethamphetamine.Methamphetamine hydrochloride salt is a white crystal or crystalline powder at room temperature that is bitter-tasting and odorless, with a melting point  between 170 to 175  Ã‚ °C (338 to 347  Ã‚ °F). It readily dissolves in water and ethanol.The free base of methamphetamine is a clear liquid that smells like geranium leaves. It dissolves in ethanol or diethyl ether and mixes with chloroform.Although crystal meth is a persistent pollutant in soils, it is degraded by bleach or within 30 days in wastewater that is exposed to light. Where Does Crystal Meth Come From? Methamphetamine is available with a prescription for obesity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and narcolepsy, but crystal meth is a street drug, made in illegal labs by chemically altering over-the-counter drugs. Making crystal meth usually involves reducing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, found in cold and allergy medicine. In the US, a typical meth lab employs something called the Red, White, and Blue Process, which entails hydrogenation of the hydroxyl group on the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine molecule. The red is red phosphorus, white is the ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, and blue is iodine, used to make hydroiodic acid. Making crystal meth is dangerous to the people making it and dangerous to the neighborhood where its being made. White phosphorus with sodium hydroxide can produce poisonous phosphine gas, usually as a result of overheating red phosphorus, plus white phosphorus can auto ignite and blow up the meth lab. In addition to phosphine and phosphorus, various hazar dous vapors may be associated with a meth lab, such as chloroform, ether, acetone, ammonia, hydrochloric acid, methylamine, iodine, hydroiodic acid, lithium or sodium, mercury, and hydrogen gas. Street Names for Crystal Meth Crystal meth goes by a number of names: BatuBikers CoffeeBlack BeautiesBladeChalkChicken FeedCrankCristyCrystalCrystal GlassCrystal MethGlassGo-FastHanyakHiroponHot IceIceKaksonjaeL.A. GlassL.A. IceMethMethlies QuickPoor Mans CocaineQuartzShabuShardsSpeedStove TopSuper IceTinaTrashTweakUppersVentanaVidrioYabaYellow Bam

Writing for Your Audience

Writing for Your Audience Writing for Your Audience Writing for Your Audience By Erin Im an editor and moderator at Toasted Cheese, a literary magazine and writing community. Recently, one of our members posted a question that I thought was worth addressing here. Hed turned in a college paper, and his professor told him he needed to create more distance from the reader. It all comes down, I think, to keeping your intended audience in mind. In my college writing class, I teach my students to adjust their style according to the assignment. In a personal narrative, for example, an informal tone is welcome. In a research paper, however, that same informal tone can work against the writer. Here are a few general tips: Reserve first person for informal writing like personal narratives, blogs, editorials and columns, and of course, fiction. Avoid addressing the reader (you) and speaking for the reader (we/us), except in informal writing. Both practices run the risk of alienating the reader. Avoid contractions and slang. Ive actually had students who have used curse words and colloquial expressions (bros before hos) in papers theyve turned in to me! Unless it serves a clear purpose, its not going to impress anyone. Be specific, and dont include unsubstantiated claims in formal papers. Research papers need evidence and quotations to back up the authors thesis. Before you begin any piece of writing, ask yourself three questions: What is my purpose? (What do I hope to accomplish with this piece?) Who is my audience? (Who am I writing this for?) And finally, what is the appropriate tone for the writing Im doing? (Formal? Informal? Humorous? Serious?) If you can answer those questions, youll be well on your way to writing appropriately for your audience. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Slang Terms for Money75 Synonyms for â€Å"Talk†Types of Plots