Wednesday, January 29, 2020

Dialog Different Means of Travelling Essay Example for Free

Dialog Different Means of Travelling Essay L – daughter O – father S – mother S: Darling, wherere you? Weve already been sitting here for 20 minutes. Come on! Leave your  «Babe » for a while. Its important! L: Yeah, daddy, please. Im very tired and I want to snooze (Ð ²Ã ·Ã ´Ã'€Ð µÃ ¼Ã ½Ã'Æ'Ã'‚Ã'Å'), but mom said that I wouldnt go to bed until we came to an agreement. O: All right, all right. Im here.  «Babe », Ill be back soon. S: Oh, your car wont disappear unlike us. If you want to stay at home with your dear bucket (Ð ³Ã'€Ã'Æ'Ð ´Ã ° Ð ¼Ã µÃ'‚Ð °Ã »Ã »Ã ¾Ã »Ã ¾Ã ¼Ã °), I can easily arrange it for you, and we with Susan will travel the world alone. O: Oh, women-women, what a wet blanket they are! (Murmuring) L: Daddy, weve heard every word youve said. S: Well, we have to define 2 main points: the first one is where to go and the second one is which means of travelling to choose. O: As for me, theres nothing better than to travel by car – a good, fast car, I mean. When youre in a plane or smth like that you have to be driven by someone else, but travel by car is a more personal experience, for there you can drive yourself. S: Darling, your racers past wont live till your death. How could you be so bigoted? You cant stop thinking about your racing car even for a minute! L: Mom, I think that you too exaggerate. Dont be jealous. I absolutely agree with dad. What can be better than a spin in his car at a weekend! What a thrill its to feel the car rush forward and to feel the wind in your face! S: Sweetie, I know that car has a plenty of advantages, for example, it gives a possibility to go as slowly, or as fast as you wish, stop when and where you choose, get out at any time and walk where you like, but it has some disadvantages too. O: Can you tell them to us, please? Im sure that youre going to recollect our last trip to Wales by car that was 10 years ago! Am I right? S: As always! I remember quite well how we got stuck in the mud and then got a flat tyre. Besides it was a real torture to ride on a bumpy road and had no conveniences at hand. L: Its true, dad, nowadays therere speed limits practically everywhere, and so we wont be able to experience the real joy of speed. Moreover, therere numerous traffic jams, hold-ups and round-abouts on the roads, so our journey will be  very slow. S: And despite of the absence of timetable, which is so hateful for me, I want all of us to have a pleasant and interesting rest and car, unfortunately, isnt the best variant, because it can be extremely tiring for you. O: So kind of you to take care of me in such a way. So lets choose some other alternative. What do you think about travelling by plane? L: Its cool! Im simply fascinated by this means of transport. Its the fastest and the most convenient one, I think. We can travel to any part of the world, even to New Zealand. I want to see kiwi bird with my own eyes. Its a national symbol of this country. S: Im very glad that my family isnt airsick, but youve forgotten about me. O: No, we havent. Youre not airsick too and you cant be, because youre a flight attendant, my darling. Besides, itll be very easy for you to arrange our flight and maybe well have some discounts from your airline. S: You both are impossible. I want to recharge my batteries too and to have a rest from my work, from airplanes, from hitting air-pockets, from lots of registration formalities. And dont you know that this means of transport depends on the weather greatly. L: We know, mommy. Dont worry; we wont travel by plane this time. Still, we dont have a great desire to contact with new problems and as you always say, Heathrow has a plenty of them – too many people, too many planes and too much crime. S: Thank you very much for your understanding. And what is your opinion about travelling by ship, to Spain, maybe or somewhere else? Weve never been on a voyage. Besides as far as I remember therere more than 10 major ports in Britain. O: And I know that sea passengers can use roll-on-roll-off ferries, hovercrafts, hydrofoils and high-speed catamarans. I reckon that travelling with the help of such unusual means of transport will be very exciting. L: And Id like to see those colossal ships, I dont remember their name†¦ S: Cruisers, I suppose†¦ L: Yes, mom thanks. So Id like to see cruisers from the landing-stage along the quay, to stand on the top deck and imagine that I’m Rose, the main heroine of the film  «Titanic ». O: Susan Brown! Youre too young for this kind of adventures and tragic love! All in all, youre not adult enough to have a boyfriend! L: Nothing serious, it was just a little joke, but it was so laughable to see your eyes which were those of a frightened child, and by the way, daddy, Im 14. S: Sweetie, stop making fun of your father. We both  are in anxiety about you. But lets return to travelling by ship. Im sure that breathing a fresh air and admiring sunsets will return a good condition to our nerves and health. O: Darling, thats all very nice, but Im not sure about the possible cost of such voyage. It seems to me that itll be very high, because therere a lot of activities for recreation and entertainment, good conveniences and so on. L: What are you driving at, daddy? Ive always thought that we have enough money to afford this. Am I right? O: Yes, of course, but your mother wanted to make renovations not so long ago. So I guess that too big expenses are unnecessary now. S: Well-well-well. Its clear for me that theres smth else in what youre saying. Im almost sure that your  «Babe » has gone dead on you again and you need a repair part. Is it true? O: Hmmm†¦ Yes (sadly), its true. L: And what is wrong with it now? O: Headlights and rear light have broken down. L: What a pity, daddy. S: Well, I think that your car and my renovations will wait for some time. We wont need them during our holiday. So its settled, lets travel by ship and itll be unforgettable. L: Oh, my God! Mom! Dad! O: What, sweetie? L: It has just come to my mind that I can probably get seasick and not only I but all of us, because weve never experienced it. And if it really be so, our pleasant holiday will become exhaustion for us. I dont want see pink elephants and to suffer from dizziness and nausea at all. O: What a bad fortune! We cant risk, so we have to choose smth else. What do you think about hitch-hiking? Its the cheapest kind of travelling. S: The cheapest one? Ive said that your car will wait. Moreover, its very dangerous and I dont want to be killed or robbed. Therere a lot of mad people everywhere. L: Yeah, dad, besides well have to walk for some time, but my leg still hurts a little bit, as you remember Ive broken it 2 months ago. O: Well, I admit that Ive blundered out (Ã' Ã ºÃ °Ã ·Ã °Ã'‚Ã'Å' Ð ³Ã »Ã'Æ'Ð ¿Ã ¾Ã' Ã'‚Ã'Å'). So there is one more option travelling by plane. Ill be very grateful if itll suit us and satisfy all our requirements. S: First of all, I think that its very convenient and safe. Secondly, I dont want to hustle and rush somewhere, so  train is an excellent variant, because it provides calm and comfortable journey notwithstanding Ill have to keep to the timetable again. L: And from the history lesson I know that in the end of the 20th century the railway underwater tunnel, the Channel Tunnel, was opened. And it takes only 25 minutes to travel by train from Britain to France. Isnt it awesome? O: Of course, sweetie, besides we can take a train from 2 international railway stations in London – Waterloo and St. Pancras. I hope that well be able to buy tickets at a reasonable price. S: Surely, well exactly have a discount for our daughter. O: That sounds great, but I also think that wed better buy a full compartment in order to escape from fellow passengers and crowded corridor, if well travel at a long distance. L: Good idea, dad! So fortunately, weve come to an agreement. In train we wont get sick, wont spend too much money, wont waste our nerves and well be able to travel around all Europe and wont disturb my poor leg. O: So I can return to my  «Babe ». Im going†¦ S: And we can go to the travel agency after you take a nap (Ð ²Ã ·Ã ´Ã'€Ð µÃ ¼Ã ½Ã'Æ'Ã'‚Ã'Å'). L: All right. Lets go.

Monday, January 20, 2020

Therapy, Not Punishment Essay -- Crime Consequences Essays

Therapy, Not Punishment Problems with crime have always been a concern to society. There are many different ideas about what causes it and even more ideas about how to stop it. Dr. Karl Menninger believes that our current prison system is not adequately addressing the motivation behind crime. In his article "Therapy, Not Punishment", Menninger says of the old prison system, "In its place should go a quiet, dignified, therapeutic programÉ" (544). He sets forth the claim of policy that criminals need to be treated with professional therapy. I don't think an introduction could be more clear than this. Menninger's ideas are directed toward a wide audience of generally law-abiding citizens. This article first appeared in Harper's Magazine, a general-interest magazine that provides collections of essays and fiction. The type of person who would read a magazine such as this would probably be an educated person who is interested in the affairs of the world around them. Menninger reveals his impression of the audience in his introduction, where he says, "And from these offenses the average citizen, including the reader, is deterred by quite different restraints" (537). Armed with this vision of his audience, he presents his argument in a logical, authoritative tone that invites the reader to make the inevitable conclusion that Menninger is right. Menninger begins to support his claim of policy by demonstrating the failures of the present penal system. He states, "Today it is no secret that our official, prison-threat theory of crime control is an utter failure" (537). He illustrates this assertion by pointing out that in England when pocket picking was punishable by hanging, pickpockets targeted the crowd that gathered to witness ... ... a solution to crime. This method prepares the reader well for Menninger's proposals. This logical progression through his views of the prison system is a large part of Menninger's clear, understandable tone. By keeping to his topic and remaining organized, Menninger contributes to his own credibility. He also draws credibility from his credentials and often refers to the psychiatric community as "we". Menninger wraps up his argument just as logically as it began by saying that society must make positive moves to rehabilitate criminals. His logical style and expertise provide an effective argument and reveal a well-planned solution to a serious problem.Cedric probably needed to mention that Menninger is often sarcastic and insults his opposition at least once. It is important to comment on what isn't working for a writer as well as what he does that is effective.

Sunday, January 12, 2020

Forward the Foundation Chapter 1

Part I Eto Demerzel DEMERZEL, ETO-†¦ While there is no question that Eto Demerzel was the real power in the government during much of the reign of Emperor Cleon I, historians are divided as to the nature of his rule. The classic interpretation is that he was another in the long line of strong and ruthless oppressors in the last century of the undivided Galactic Empire, but there are revisionist views that have surfaced and that insist his was, if a despotism, a benevolent one. Much is made, in this view, of his relationship with Hari Seldon though that remains forever uncertain, particularly during the unusual episode of Laskin Joranum, whose meteoric rise – Encyclopedia Galactica [1] 1 â€Å"I think Hari,†** said Yugo Amaryl, â€Å"that your friend Demerzel is in deep trouble.† He emphasized the word â€Å"friend† very lightly and with unmistakable air of distaste. Hari Seldon detected the sour note and ignored it. He looked up from his tricomputer and said, â€Å"I tell you again, Yugo, that that's nonsense.† And then-with a trace of annoyance, just a trace-he added, â€Å"Why are you taking up my time by insisting?† â€Å"Because I think it's important.† Amaryl sat down defiantly. It was a gesture that indicated he was not going to be moved easily. Here he was and here he would stay. Eight years before, he had been a heatsinker in the Dahl Sector-as low on the social scale as it was possible to be. He had been lifted out of that position by Seldon-**made into a mathematician and an intellectual-more than that, into a psychohistorian. Never for one minute did he forget what he had been and who he was now and to whom he owed the change. That meant that if he had to speak harshly to Hari Seldon-for Seldon's own good-no consideration of respect and love for the older man and no regard for his own career would stop him. He owed such harshness-and much more-to Seldon. â€Å"Look, Hari,† he said, chopping at the air with his left hand, â€Å"for some reason that is beyond my understanding, you think highly of this Demerzel, but I don't. No one whose opinion I respect-except you-thinks well of him. I don't care what happens to him personally, Hari, but as long as I think you do, I have no choice but to bring this to your attention.† Seldon smiled, as much at the other's earnestness as at what he considered to be the uselessness of his concern. He was fond of Yugo Amaryl-more than fond. Yugo was one of the four people he had encountered during that short period of his life when he was in flight across the face of the planet Trantor-Eto Demerzel, Dors Venabili, Yugo Amaryl, and Raych-four, the likes of which he had not found since. In a particular and, in each case, different way, these four were indispensable to him-Yugo Amaryl, because of his quick understanding of the principles of psychohistory and of his imaginative probings into new areas. It was comforting to know that if anything happened to Seldon himself before the mathematics of the field could be completely worked out-and how slowly it proceeded, and how mountainous the obstacles there would at least remain one good mind that would continue the research. He said, â€Å"I'm sorry, Yugo. I don't mean to be impatient with you or to reject out of hand whatever it is you are so anxious to make me understand. It's just this job of mine; it's this business of being a department head-â€Å" Amaryl found it his turn to smile and he repressed a slight chuckle. â€Å"I'm sorry, Hari, and I shouldn't laugh, but you have no natural aptitude for the position.† â€Å"As well I know, but I'll have to learn. I have to seem to be doing something harmless and there is nothing-nothing-more harmless than being the head of the Mathematics Department at Streeling University. I can fill my day with unimportant tasks, so that no one need know or ask about the course of our psychohistorical research, but the trouble is, I do fill my day with unimportant tasks and I have insufficient time to-† His eyes glanced around his office at the material stored in computers to which only he and Amaryl had the key and which, even if anyone else stumbled upon them, had been carefully phrased in an invented symbology that no one else would understand. Amaryl said, â€Å"Once you work your way further into your duties, you'll begin to delegate and then you'll have more time.† â€Å"I hope so,† said Seldon dubiously. â€Å"But tell me, what is it about Eto Demerzel that is so important?† â€Å"Simply that Eto Demerzel, our great Emperor's First Minister, is busily creating an insurrection.† Seldon frowned. â€Å"Why would he want to do that?† â€Å"I didn't say he wants to. He's simply doing it-whether he knows it or not-and with considerable help from some of his political enemies. That's all right with me, you understand. I think that, under ideal conditions, it would be a good thing to have him out of the Palace, off Trantor†¦ beyond the Empire, for that matter. But you think highly of him, as I've said, and so I'm warning you, because I suspect that you are not following the recent political course of events as closely as you should.† â€Å"There are more important things to do,† said Seldon mildly. â€Å"Like psychohistory. I agree. But how are we going to develop psychohistory with any hope of success if we remain ignorant of politics? I mean, present-day politics. Now-now-is the time when the present is turning into the future. We can't just study the past. We know what happened in the past. It's against the present and the near future that we can check our results.† â€Å"It seems to me,† said Seldon, â€Å"that I have heard this argument before.† â€Å"And you'll hear it again. It doesn't seem to do me any good to explain this to you.† Seldon sighed, sat back in his chair, and regarded Amaryl with a smile. The younger man could be abrasive, but he took psychohistory seriously-and that repaid all. Amaryl still had the mark of his early years as a heatsinker. He had the broad shoulders and the muscular build of one who had been used to hard physical labor. He had not allowed his body to turn flabby and that was a good thing, for it inspired Seldon to resist the impulse to spend all of his time at the desk as well. He did not have Amaryl's sheer physical strength, but he still had his own talents as a Twister-for all that he had just turned forty and could not keep it up forever. But for now, he would continue. Thanks to his daily workouts, his waist was still trim, his legs and arms firm. He said, â€Å"This concern for Demerzel cannot be purely a matter of his being a friend of mine. You must have some other motive.† â€Å"There's no puzzle to that. As long as you're a friend of Demerzel, your position here at the University is secure and you can continue to work on psychohistorical research.† â€Å"There you are. So I do have a reason to be friends with him. It isn't beyond your understanding at all.† â€Å"You have an interest in cultivating him. That, I understand. But as for friendship-that, I don't understand. However-if Demerzel lost power, quite apart from the effect it might have on your position, then Cleon himself would be running the Empire and the rate of its decline would increase. Anarchy might then be upon us before we have worked out all the implications of psychohistory and made it possible for the science to save all humanity.† â€Å"I see. But, you know, I honestly don't think that we're going to work out psychohistory in time to prevent the Fall of the Empire.† â€Å"Even if we could not prevent the Fall, we could cushion the effects, couldn't we?† â€Å"Perhaps.† â€Å"There you are, then. The longer we have to work in peace, the greater the chance we will have to prevent the Fall or, at least, ameliorate the effects. Since that is the case, working backward, it may be necessary to save Demerzel, whether we-or, at least, I-like it or not.† â€Å"Yet you just said that you would like to see him out of the Palace and away from Trantor and beyond the Empire.† â€Å"Yes, under ideal conditions, I said. But we are not living under ideal conditions and we need our First Minister, even if he is an instrument of repression and despotism.† â€Å"I see. But why do you think the Empire is so close to dissolution that the loss of a First Minister will bring it about?† â€Å"Psychohistory.† â€Å"Are you using it for predictions? We haven't even gotten the framework in place. What predictions can you make?† â€Å"There's intuition, Hari.† â€Å"There's always been intuition. We want something more, don't we? We want a mathematical treatment that will give us probabilities of specific future developments under this condition or that. If intuition suffices to guide us, we don't need psychohistory at all.† â€Å"It's not necessarily a matter of one or the other, Hari. I'm talking about both: the combination, which may be better than either-at least until psychohistory is perfected.† â€Å"If ever,† said Seldon. â€Å"But tell me, where does this danger to Demerzel arise? What is it that is likely to harm him or overthrow him? Are we talking about Demerzel's overthrow?† â€Å"Yes,† said Amaryl and a grim look settled on his face. â€Å"Then tell me. Have pity on my ignorance.† Amaryl flushed. â€Å"You're being condescending, Hari. Surely you've heard of Jo-Jo Joranum.† â€Å"Certainly. He's a demagogue- Wait, where's he from? Nishaya, right? A very unimportant world. Goat herding, I think. High-quality cheeses.† â€Å"That's it. Not just a demagogue, however. He commands a strong following and it's getting stronger. He aims, he says, for social justice and greater political involvement by the people.† â€Å"Yes,† said Seldon. â€Å"I've heard that much. His slogan is: `Government belongs to the people.'† â€Å"Not quite, Hari. He says: `Government is the people.'† Seldon nodded. â€Å"Well, you know, I rather sympathize with the thought.† â€Å"So do I. I'm all for it-if Joranum meant it. But he doesn't, except as a stepping-stone. It's a path, not a goal. He wants to get rid of Demerzel. After that it will be easy to manipulate Cleon. Then Joranum will take the throne himself and he will be the people. You've told me yourself that there have been a number of episodes of this sort in Imperial history-and these days the Empire is weaker and less stable than it used to be. A blow which, in earlier centuries, merely staggered it might now shatter it. The Empire will welter in civil war and never recover and we won't have psychohistory in place to teach us what must be done.† â€Å"Yes, I see your point, but surely it's not going to be that easy to get rid of Demerzel.† â€Å"You don't know how strong Joranum is growing.† â€Å"It doesn't matter how strong he's growing.† A shadow of thought seemed to pass over Seldon's brow. â€Å"I wonder that his parents came to name him Jo-Jo. There's something juvenile about that name.† â€Å"His parents had nothing to do with it. His real name is Laskin, a very common name on Nishaya. He chose Jo-Jo himself, presumably from the first syllable of his last name.† â€Å"The more fool he, wouldn't you say?† â€Å"No, I wouldn't. His followers shout it Jo†¦ Jo†¦ Jo†¦ Jo'-over and over. It's hypnotic.† â€Å"Well,† said Seldon, making a move to return to his tricomputer and adjust the multidimensional simulation it had created, â€Å"we'll see what happens.† â€Å"Can you be that casual about it? I'm telling you the danger is imminent.† â€Å"No, it isn't,† said Seldon, eyes steely, his voice suddenly hardening. â€Å"You don't have all the facts.† â€Å"What facts don't I have?† â€Å"We'll discuss that another time, Yugo. For now, continue with your work and let me worry about Demerzel and the state of the Empire.† Amaryl's lips tightened, but the habit of obedience to Seldon was strong. â€Å"Yes, Hari.† But not overwhelmingly strong. He turned at the door and said, â€Å"You're making a mistake, Hari.† Seldon smiled slightly. â€Å"I don't think so, but I have heard your warning and I will not forget. Still, all will be well.† And as Amaryl left, Seldon's smile faded. Would, indeed, all be well?

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Sample Business School Recommendation Letter

Students who are interested in attending a graduate-level business program will need at least one letter of recommendation. This sample recommendation shows what an undergraduate professor might write a recommendation for a graduate school applicant. Key Components of a Business School Recommendation Letter Written by someone who knows you well Supplements other application materials (e.g., resume and essay) Highlights your strengths and/or counteracts weaknesses, like a low GPAContains specific examples demonstrating the key points of the letterAccurately reflects who you are and avoids contradicting other parts of your applicationWell-written, free of spelling and grammar errors, and signed by the letter writer Sample Recommendation Letter #1 This letter is written for an applicant who wants to major in business. This sample contains all of the key components of a recommendation letter and serves as a good example of what a business school recommendation should look like. To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to recommend Amy Petty for your business program. As the General Manager of Plum Products, where Amy is currently employed, I interact with her on an almost daily basis. I am very familiar with her position in the company and her record of excellence. I also conferred with her direct supervisor and other members of the human resources department regarding her performance prior to writing this recommendation. Amy joined our human resources department three years ago as a Human Resources Clerk. In her first year with Plum Products, Amy worked on an HR project management team that developed a system to increase employee satisfaction by assigning employees to jobs for which they are best-suited. Amys creative suggestions, which included methods for surveying workers and assessing worker productivity, proved invaluable in the development of our system. The results for our organization have been measurable - turnover was reduced by 15 percent in the year after the system was implemented, and 83 percent of employees reported being more satisfied with their job than they were the year before. On her 18-month anniversary with Plum Products, Amy was promoted to Human Resources Team Leader. This promotion was a direct result of her contributions to the HR project as well as her exemplary performance review. As a Human Resources Team Leader, Amy has a vital role in the coordination of our administrative functions. She manages a team of five other HR professionals. Her duties involve collaborating with upper management to develop and implement company and departmental strategies, assigning tasks to the HR team, and resolving team conflicts. The members of Amys team look to her for coaching, and she often serves in a mentor role. Last year, we altered the organizational structure of our human resources departments. Some of the employees felt a natural behavioral resistance to the change and exhibited varying levels of disenchantment, disengagement, and disorientation. Amys intuitive nature alerted her to these issues and helped her assist everyone through the change process. She provided guidance, support, and training as necessary to ensure the smoothness of the transition and to improve the motivation, morale, satisfaction of other members on her team. I consider Amy a valuable member of our organization and would like to see her get the additional education she needs to progress in her management career. I think she would be a good fit for your program and would be able to contribute in numerous ways. Sincerely, Adam Brecker, General Manager of Plum Products Analysis of the Sample Recommendation Lets examine the reasons why this sample recommendation letter works. The letter writer defines his connection to Amy, explains why he is qualified to write the recommendation and confirms Amys position within the organization.Recommendations should provide specific examples of accomplishments. This letter does that by mentioning Amys role and achievements on the HR project.Admission committees want to see professional growth - this letter shows it by mentioning Amys promotion.Leadership potential and capability are important, especially for individuals applying to top business programs. This letter not only states that Amy is in a leadership position, it also provides an example related to her leadership capability.   Sample Recommendation Letter #2 To Whom It May Concern: It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I am writing to endorse Alices application to your program. For the last 25 years at Blackmore University, I have been an ethics professor, as well as a mentor to many interns and business students. I hope my perspective will be helpful to you as you evaluate this exceptional candidate. My first contact with Alice was during the summer of 1997 when she organized a summer conference outside of Los Angeles for teenagers interested in communication skills. During the course of the week, Alice presented material with such ease and humor that she set the tone for the entire workshop. Her creative ideas for presentations and activities were inventive and entertaining; they were also astonishingly effective. With participants from a variety of backgrounds, there was often conflict, and occasionally confrontation. While setting limits, Alice managed to respond consistently with respect and compassion. The experience had a profound effect on the participants and, because of Alices exceptional skill and professionalism, she has been invited by many schools to offer similar management workshops. During the time I have known Alice, she has distinguished herself as a conscientious and energetic pioneer in the fields of leadership and management. I have enormous respect for her teaching and leadership skills and have been pleased to work with her on many occasions. I know of Alices continued interest in programs related to leadership and management development. She has instituted many impressive programs for her peers, and it has been an honor to consult with her on some of these projects. I have the greatest admiration for her work. Your program of study sounds ideally suited to Alices needs and talents. She will be coming to you with the qualities of a natural leader: genuineness, intelligence, and integrity. She will also bring her interest in scholarly research and program development. Just as importantly, she would come with an enthusiasm for both learning and networking, as well as a resolute desire to understand new theories and ideas. It is exciting to think of the ways in which she might contribute to your program. I urge you to carefully consider Alice who is, quite simply, the most remarkable young leader I have ever met. Sincerely, Professor Aries, St. James Blackmore University Sample Business School Recommendation Letter Students who are interested in attending a graduate-level business program will need at least one letter of recommendation. This sample recommendation shows what an undergraduate professor might write a recommendation for a graduate school applicant. Key Components of a Business School Recommendation Letter Written by someone who knows you well Supplements other application materials (e.g., resume and essay) Highlights your strengths and/or counteracts weaknesses, like a low GPAContains specific examples demonstrating the key points of the letterAccurately reflects who you are and avoids contradicting other parts of your applicationWell-written, free of spelling and grammar errors, and signed by the letter writer Sample Recommendation Letter #1 This letter is written for an applicant who wants to major in business. This sample contains all of the key components of a recommendation letter and serves as a good example of what a business school recommendation should look like. To Whom It May Concern: I am writing to recommend Amy Petty for your business program. As the General Manager of Plum Products, where Amy is currently employed, I interact with her on an almost daily basis. I am very familiar with her position in the company and her record of excellence. I also conferred with her direct supervisor and other members of the human resources department regarding her performance prior to writing this recommendation. Amy joined our human resources department three years ago as a Human Resources Clerk. In her first year with Plum Products, Amy worked on an HR project management team that developed a system to increase employee satisfaction by assigning employees to jobs for which they are best-suited. Amys creative suggestions, which included methods for surveying workers and assessing worker productivity, proved invaluable in the development of our system. The results for our organization have been measurable - turnover was reduced by 15 percent in the year after the system was implemented, and 83 percent of employees reported being more satisfied with their job than they were the year before. On her 18-month anniversary with Plum Products, Amy was promoted to Human Resources Team Leader. This promotion was a direct result of her contributions to the HR project as well as her exemplary performance review. As a Human Resources Team Leader, Amy has a vital role in the coordination of our administrative functions. She manages a team of five other HR professionals. Her duties involve collaborating with upper management to develop and implement company and departmental strategies, assigning tasks to the HR team, and resolving team conflicts. The members of Amys team look to her for coaching, and she often serves in a mentor role. Last year, we altered the organizational structure of our human resources departments. Some of the employees felt a natural behavioral resistance to the change and exhibited varying levels of disenchantment, disengagement, and disorientation. Amys intuitive nature alerted her to these issues and helped her assist everyone through the change process. She provided guidance, support, and training as necessary to ensure the smoothness of the transition and to improve the motivation, morale, satisfaction of other members on her team. I consider Amy a valuable member of our organization and would like to see her get the additional education she needs to progress in her management career. I think she would be a good fit for your program and would be able to contribute in numerous ways. Sincerely, Adam Brecker, General Manager of Plum Products Analysis of the Sample Recommendation Lets examine the reasons why this sample recommendation letter works. The letter writer defines his connection to Amy, explains why he is qualified to write the recommendation and confirms Amys position within the organization.Recommendations should provide specific examples of accomplishments. This letter does that by mentioning Amys role and achievements on the HR project.Admission committees want to see professional growth - this letter shows it by mentioning Amys promotion.Leadership potential and capability are important, especially for individuals applying to top business programs. This letter not only states that Amy is in a leadership position, it also provides an example related to her leadership capability.   Sample Recommendation Letter #2 To Whom It May Concern: It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I am writing to endorse Alices application to your program. For the last 25 years at Blackmore University, I have been an ethics professor, as well as a mentor to many interns and business students. I hope my perspective will be helpful to you as you evaluate this exceptional candidate. My first contact with Alice was during the summer of 1997 when she organized a summer conference outside of Los Angeles for teenagers interested in communication skills. During the course of the week, Alice presented material with such ease and humor that she set the tone for the entire workshop. Her creative ideas for presentations and activities were inventive and entertaining; they were also astonishingly effective. With participants from a variety of backgrounds, there was often conflict, and occasionally confrontation. While setting limits, Alice managed to respond consistently with respect and compassion. The experience had a profound effect on the participants and, because of Alices exceptional skill and professionalism, she has been invited by many schools to offer similar management workshops. During the time I have known Alice, she has distinguished herself as a conscientious and energetic pioneer in the fields of leadership and management. I have enormous respect for her teaching and leadership skills and have been pleased to work with her on many occasions. I know of Alices continued interest in programs related to leadership and management development. She has instituted many impressive programs for her peers, and it has been an honor to consult with her on some of these projects. I have the greatest admiration for her work. Your program of study sounds ideally suited to Alices needs and talents. She will be coming to you with the qualities of a natural leader: genuineness, intelligence, and integrity. She will also bring her interest in scholarly research and program development. Just as importantly, she would come with an enthusiasm for both learning and networking, as well as a resolute desire to understand new theories and ideas. It is exciting to think of the ways in which she might contribute to your program. I urge you to carefully consider Alice who is, quite simply, the most remarkable young leader I have ever met. Sincerely, Professor Aries, St. James Blackmore University