Financial Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Financial Services - Essay Example Limited equity financing is used by most of the small or growth stage businesses. Whereas in debt financing, funds pour in from different quarters like from friends, relatives, etc. Venture capitalists are the most common source of equity funding. Venture capitalists may be institutional risk takers, financial institutions, wealthy persons, etc. and most of them specialize in industries. Venture capitalists are risk takers and show interest only in three to five year old companies that result in more than average profits. These venture capitalists are called as investment gurus whose interest lies in those companies that have major regional and national concerns. Commercial finance companies, financial institutions, banks, savings and loans, Lloyds Bank small business, etc. are some of the sources for debt financing. Because of their positive impact on the whole economy local and state government encourage the growth of the small companies. In debt financing additional funds comes from friends, family, relatives, and industry colleagues, etc when capital investment is smaller. Generally banks formed as a major source for loans for the establishment of small businesses. Banks don't offer long term loans to small firms instead they grant short term loans for machinery and equipment, they also offer demand loans to small firms that reduces the risk of leveraging the funds available. The Income Statement presents the summary of the income earned and the expenses incurred during a financial year. Position statement presents the financial position of the business at the end of the year. b) Financing One of the frequent reasons of business failure is poor management and insufficient and poor management of financing comes second1. For starting or relocating or expanding a business sufficient capital is required. Having good financing is not enough in attaining profits; proper knowledge and planning are required to manage it well. These help in strengthening the management of financing and avoid common mistakes like miscalculating or underestimating the cost. The Income Statement presents the summary of the income earned and the expenses incurred during a financial year. Position statement presents the financial position of the business at the end of the year. By Financial Statements, we mean two statements - (i) Profit and loss A/c or Income Statement, and (ii) Balance Sheet or Position Statements. These are prepared at the end of a given period of time. They are indicators of profitability and financial soundness of the business concern. Thus, analysis of Financial Statement means establishing meaningful relationship between various items of the two financial statements, i.e., income statement and position statement. Applying for a loan Loan application should be well written, so that the reader could get a clear picture of what your plans are. The presentation should be of the best quality in the initial loan proposal and application. Only industry specific details should be included so that reader can easily understand. Earning capacity or profitability The overall objective of a business is to earn a satisfactory return on the funds invested in it. Financial analysis helps in ascertaining whether adequate profits are being earned on the capital invested in the

Strategic Marketing Management Planning and Control Assignment

Strategic Marketing Management Planning and Control - Assignment Example For this, the Asian Star Corporation has to make a strategic marketing plan at the corporate level. Strategic planning refers to the process of maintaining and developing a strategic fit between the capabilities and goals of an organization and its varying opportunities in the market. The Asian Star Corporation should find the game plan for its growth and survival in the long run provided with its specific objectives, opportunities, resources, and situation. This should be the focus of its strategic planning. The stages for rest of the planning in the firm are set by the strategic planning. The annual plans, strategic and long-range plans are usually prepared by the companies. The long-range and annual plans deal with the current businesses of the company and the way to keep its continual operation whereas the strategic plan constitutes an adaptation of firm to take benefit of opportunities in its rapidly changing environment (Aaker, 2001). The Asian Star Corporation at its corporate level should start the process of its strategic planning by defining its overall mission and purpo se. The mission should then be turned into detailed supporting objectives guiding the whole company. Next, it should be decided that what portfolio of products and businesses is best for the company. Each product and business, in turn, should develop detailed marketing and other departmental plans to support the companywide plan (Drummond, Ensor and Ashford, 2001, pp.4-5). A mission statement is a statement of purpose of organization stating what it wants to accomplish in the larger environment. So the Asian Star Corporation should develop its formal mission statement stating details like what is its current business and what should be its future business, who is its customer and what do consumers value. A clear and well-defined mission statement can give better financial and organizational performance to Asian Star Corporation.

Financial Planning Master Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Financial Planning Master - Essay Example This is done keeping in view the non deductible outcome regarding the superannuation funds at the age of sixty. They are advised to take Total permanent disability insurance that covers both life and disability insurance. In case of disability it will provide minimum possible income and the lump sum of amount mentioned as life cover. Along with the insurance cover, they are advised to opt for income protection scheme that replaces the 75 percent of the income and 15 percent of superannuation funds. The advice for Gavin and Joanne was given keeping their aggressive nature of investing. As they have enough cash after expenses including school fees they have enough opportunities to invest. Nevertheless, they are advised to invest with the equity of their immovable property and a limited investment in income protections and insurance schemes. This is due to the fact to keep the cash for the next next financial year for new government decisions regarding superannuation and income protecti on scheme policies. After two years of superannuation changes there is a chance of bringing changes in them and the surplus of cash in the hand can help in utilizing the new opportunities put forward by the government. 2.1 Mode of planning: The holistic approach to plan the financial future is known as financial planning. Setting short and long term goals are involved in it. Strategies are planned to achieve these goals. Financial back ground, current financial position, insurance position and the financial goals and aims. The planning should be done by developing a strategy taking into account all the factors that outline the work towards the financial goals. The investment plan will be with relevant investment vehicles and asset mixes that are been identified with the client. The financial planning depends on the following1. Setting life style goals 2. Budgeting cash flow planning 3. Structural advice 4. Wealth protection and contingency planning 5. Retirement planning and savings 6. Investment planning 7. Retirement planning and income streams 8. Estate planning 9. Product recommendations 1 2.2 Needs of the client: The needs of any client are about setting life style goals. To set a goal better than now and to sustain it. Clients Gavin and Joanne have a kid going to school and soon enter college. They have two homes one for each and a loan to repay. This makes them compulsory to plan the regular income to pay for the college of their kid in the future and to pay the bank loan on the home they own without disturbing the superannuation outcomes. This requires contingency planning with the available income. For this purpose, the incomes of Gavin and Joanne should be taken into consideration. This requires new investment in the superannuation, income protection and insurance schemes. It is better to have returns by the time of their son entering college to make him enable to study without working part time. 2.3 Superannuation ending at June 2007: They are trying to contribute superannuation to escape tax paying. By the year ending with June

Human rights and civil liberties - Choose one of the rights listed Essay

Human rights and civil liberties - Choose one of the rights listed below. Explain how the European Convention on Human Rights seeks to uphold that right, highli - Essay Example Under the Treaty, inhuman and degrading punishment would violate the rights of an individual, or even a child, to freedom from arbitrary treatment - such as excessive punishment or torture under imprisonment. There have been allegations of inhuman and degrading treatment in prisons and the provisions of the Geneva Convention have been found inadequate in this regard. However, Article 3 of the European Convention addresses all such violations of the right to freedom from discriminatory treatment. Article 3 has been primarily applied in respect to international victims of torture and cruel, arbitrary treatment while imprisoned. However corporal punishment of children is also emerging as an area where the provisions of Article 3 would apply. Such punishment would be equivalent to mental and physical torture which is deemed to be unacceptable under the Convention. Yet traditional belief has held that corporal punishment is an essential part of discipline and this conflict between punishm ent and freedom from torture has generated controversy within the European Union. In view of the fact that â€Å"we live in a society in which violence is spreading like a plague†4 and incidents of terrorist violence and destruction are soaring, the provisions of Article 3 of the Convention help to protect individuals from violence. When the violence or torture is perpetrated on children through corporal punishment, there is a special cause of action that arises for the exercise of Article 3, since children are in a weaker position as compared to adults. Corporal punishment can sometimes be excessive and thereby constitute degrading treatment that harms the child physically, emotionally and mentally. Legal reforms have been undertaken in several countries to declare corporal punishment of children unlawful - a violation of the protection against torture and inhuman treatment guaranteed under Article

Use and Develop Systems That Promote Communication Essay Example for Free

Use and Develop Systems That Promote Communication Essay 1.1 Review the range of groups and individuals whose communication needs must be addressed in own job role â€Å"Developing excellent communication skills is absolutely essential to effective leadership. The leader must be able to share knowledge and ideas to transmit a sense of urgency and enthusiasm to others. If a leader cant get a message across clearly and motivate others to act on it, then having a message doesnt even matter. — Gilbert Amelio President and CEO of National Semiconductor Corp. The above statement makes a huge impact, and in the role as manager this is so true. Communication both professionally and personally starts with considerate, open and honest foundations. My team includes over 50 staff members without including the many visitors, and members of the multidisciplinary team. Everyone is different and should be treated individually; you learn very quickly people’s individual communication styles. You are dealing with a wide range of personalities and abilities and your own communication style has to deliver to a diverse group with differing skill sets, and communication abilities. My level of communication within my job role is of extreme importance with regards to the client who should be at the heart of all communication around any establishment or company. Dealing with people with hearing impairments, disabilities, cerebral palsy to name a few, it is essential my communication is clear and not lengthy. Effective communication is what enables all the different departments to work well within the organization including liaising with external agencies and individuals such as the CQC, Social Services, Continuing Health Care, Hospices and health professionals. It is also essential that whatever the form of communication, be it written, electronic, organizational, promotional, verbal, non-verbal, confidentiality is maintained. Read more: Use and Develop Systems That Promote Communication As a manager in a care centre the groups and individuals I work with are varied and can range from clients with disabilities that effect many senses from hearing loss to those with sight loss or impairment. Plus the different members of the multi disciplinary team. Clients who are profoundly deaf may have the ability to sign or those with partial loss all need support to ensure they can be understood and they can communicate to the best of their ability. Key statistics state from Access Economics states that over two million people in the UK are living with sight loss and as we age we are increasingly likely to experience sight loss. Projected statistics of Dementia show there will be over one million people by 2021 and this effects peoples short and sometimes long term memory, speech, orientation, and general well being. We have clients that are borderline and able to stay with us because we can meet their needs. Dementia training is undertaking by all staff to increase the awareness and ability of everyone within the centre to support these individuals. Also in my care I have individuals with Parkinson’s, clients with Multiple Sclerosis, so it is a broad, challenging and extremely rewarding position when you see things ultimately manifest into cohesive functionality. 1.2 Explain how to support effective communication within own job role Within my role this is done by establishing the appropriate level of support and my role is to empower and promote the individuals rights. One of my observations during my time at work on the following criteria with relevant evidence as feedback from my assessor involved running a meeting with staff from all departments. Everyone has the right to communicate in which ever way is better for them and this is highlighted under the Human Rights Act 1998 which points out the freedom of expression and everyone should having the right to communicate. It is also part of my responsibility to see that the needs and preferences are assessed correctly and a benchmark can be established so we can see what level of support is required. This is done through completing documentation and making thorough assessments and continual monitoring. Any alterations are recorded and reviews and changes are highlighted to the team. There are always key elements to assessments and reviews, including the family and friends. Everyone has a responsibility to support individuals and bearing in mind ‘need to know’ information. The aim being able to achieve the highest goal to maintain effective open channels for everyone. In my role partnerships with: †¢ Family and friends †¢ Care Staff †¢ GP’s †¢ Nutritionalists †¢ Speech Therapists †¢ Social Workers †¢ Physiotherapists †¢ Consultants †¢ Other Nursing Home Managers †¢ Central Office All the above are people I may work with in order to gain information, which supports me in my role in making the best decisions and judgments’. Everyone needs educating and supporting including myself when looking at the individuals preferred method of communication, and everyone in the above list can give valid input in assessing for example swallowing by the speech therapists. This can include communication with the RN, GP for referral, to speaking with the catering chef and carers. By doing this with effective communication and documenting accurately we can ensure that everyone’s input is maximized and as well as being written and passed on verbally it is put into practice. This results in the clients personalized care needs being met fully and that best practice is recognized and understood by all individuals. Best Practice may require looking at staff training and that as a centre we have access to any specialist information, which may be through central office or outside sources. Training underpins knowledge and is the cornerstone to maintaining exceptional standards. 1.3 Analyse the barriers and challenges to communication within own job role. We hear it said ad ver batum, effective open honest communication is fundamental like breathing. It is a skill and when people communicate well it is a reflection of how smoothly things operate. Communicating in an appropriate and Communication is key. Appropriate, open, honest, practical, down to earth and accurate are words which can be associated with effective communication. There are barriers and challenges, which we will look at. A barrier is something which blocks and there can be many in the realms of communication. Anything that interrupts the flow. One thing can be the language used. Eradicating abbreviations, and avoiding corporate or professional jargon makes everything simpler. Physical Barriers: Possibly the environment, such as loud tvs can have a distracting effect. Temperature, lighting and how people are located, either close to each other. People may be in different locations as we have with central office. Failure of management to cascade information. Failure of technological equipment. Physiological/Emotional Barriers: Personal difficulties can effect concentration, clients with lack of understanding, or memory loss due to their condition. This could also include poor eyesight or hearing difficulties Poor Understanding and language differences: Different nationalities and cultural differences, understanding accents and sayings can be amusing or an ambiguity of words and meanings but again a barrier for everyone. Misinterpretation of body language could have an impact. Attitudes within an organization: This can be because of poor management, weak leadership. People refusing to communicate if they feel a lack of motivation or unhappy with work. General resistance to change can be another factor and lack of understanding about a subject or material. Is the content difficult an complex to understand. Values and Beliefs: Everyones values and beliefs can create underlying barriers often without people realizing which results in different responses to how something is dealt with. Use of Power, Corporate Bullying and Aggressiveness: These can lead to potential barriers because people do not function naturally or work to the best of their abilty Any of the above can result in the failure of communication or in a result, which was not wanted. The audience has to be considered and ultimately it is my role to act immediately to ensure barriers are overcome. 1.4 Implement a strategy to overcome communication barriers By assessing the situation, and implementing a plan initially we can quickly establish what needs to be done. By doing this we can see any barriers, which may arise. When dealing with a client a plan of care will identify the problems and what they would like to achieve. By working with everyone within the multidisciplinary team appropriate assessments with Speech Therapists for example can arrange the necessary aids, training if necessary for staff to understand food consistencies, how the client is to be seated and that they are mindful of the clients needs. Working with all professionals, interpreters, audiologists, GP’s etc, as a manager ensuring staff are adequately trained in all areas and mandatory training is up to date can eradicate many issues. 1.5 Use different means of communication to meet different needs Verbal, non verbal signing, signage, flip charts, pictures, Ipads, audio books, hearing aids, hearing loops, telephone amplifiers. Just a few of the many different ways we use to communicate within the care centre and not forgetting touch. A small gesture such as touch can go a long way and make a huge impression. Verbally I have communications with many people from the clients, staff, families, G.P’s etc and I have used an interpreter and translator for an Italian lady who was being assessed. Some research say the level of non verbal communication is as high as 80 %. There is so much we communicate through our body language, and we show how much we are engaged in communication by showing interest through our expressions. Flip charts and with new smaller technology such as IPads are a fantastic way to assist clients. Obviously hearing aids, and even the smart phones are voice activated and we have one client who loves the voice aid on the Iphone. We can see that we have a huge range and different ways of communicating. Essentially communication comes down to each individuals understanding and how we can best achieve that and making it personalized to each client.

The Old Man at the Bridge Essay Example for Free

The Old Man at the Bridge Essay The book I have read Ive recently read a book, which has made a very deep impression on me. It is named Gone with the Wind The author of the book is Margaret Mitchell. She was born in Atlanta, Georgia, in a family of the president of the Atlanta Historical Society. All the family was interested in American history and she grew up in an atmosphere of stones about the Civil War. After graduating from the college Margaret Mitchell worked for a time for the Atlanta Journal. In 1925 she got married. In the following ten years she put on paper all the stories she had heard about the Civil War. The result was Gone with the Wind. It was first published in 1936 and became the talking point of all America. In 1939 the book was made into a highly successful film. Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable played the leading roles. Vivien Leigh won the Oscar. Everyone loved her high-spirited and beautiful heroine, Scarlett OHara. The story is set around the time of the American Civil War (1861-1865), when the Southern states went to war with the North to defend their way of life. It was a way of life in which rich gentry lived in large houses and owned huge areas of land, cultivated by black slaves. Scarlett OHara was born in one of those rich houses. But Gone with the Wind is also about a love triangle. While Scarlett loves the quiet, gentlemanly Ashley Wilkes, the wild and decidedly ungentlemanly Rhett Butler is in love with her. Not so long ago, in 1991, a publishing company asked Alexandra Ripley, a historical novelist, to write the continuation of the story. Her novel Scarlett was not in the same class as the original. Critics have been writing very bad reviews of Scarlett but the book is popular with the public. ? , .  «  ». — . ? , , ? . , ? ? ? . - ?  «Atlanta Journal ». ? 1925 ?. . ? , ? .  «  ». ? 1936 ?. ? . ? 1939 ?. . ? .  «Ã‚ ». ? , . ? (1861-1865), ? , . , ? ? , . ? .  «  » ? . ? , ?  «  » .  ? 1991 ?. , , , .  «Ã‚ » ? ? .  «Ã‚ » , . Entertainment Nowadays everybody knows that people are very busy and don’t have much time to spare. Sometimes it’s only the weekend and I think that every day-off needs some special planning. The English say: Who knows how to work, knows how to rest. I think it’s true. In my view rest is as important as work. I prefer spending my free time with the people whose company I always enjoy. I also like to spend my spare time alone, when I’m tired and haven’t got any desire to talk to anybody, very often I want to get away from noisy streets and go to the countryside and change the scenery. On the other hand I may go to different entertainment centers such as cinema, theatre, concerts halls, etc. If you want to be strong and healthy, go in for sports. There are many sports clubs, swimming-pools, gymnasiums and sport grounds for everybody who loves sports. Sport will make you not only healthier and stronger, but kinder, more sociable, cheerful and even wiser. Sport will give you its strength and energy and you’ll become a greater admirer of life with all its problems and wonders. Travelling is also a good way to spend my spare time. Visiting new places, seeing sights and meeting new people is a very exciting and useful relaxation. I can go hiking. In summer I like to be outdoors from morning till night, sunbathing, walking barefoot on the grass. My family or my friends are the very people to go with to the riverbank, to the forest or to the seashore. Its really wonderful to put up a tent, make a fire and spend time in a picturesque place. People are dreamers, our dreams are different but each person chooses his own way of spending free time, either passive or active. In any case leisure should be refreshment and a source of inspiration. Education in Great Britain: Schools In Britain it is compulsory for everyone between the ages of 5 and 16 years to receive some officially recognized form of schooling, though most secondary schools continue to provide education until the age of 18. The vast majority of pupils attend state schools, which are absolutely free (including all text books and exercise books), but there are also about 500 private schools providing secondary education. The most famous of these schools are Eton and Harrow. There is no statutory age at which students change from primary to secondary school, nor are schools specialized — pupils choose from the numerous subjects taught in their particular school. The recently introduced National Curriculum has made it compulsory, however, for three core subjects — English, mathematics, and science — and seven other foundation subjects — technology (including design), history, geography, music, art, physical education, and a modern foreign language — to be included in the curricula of all pupils. Passage from one academic year to the next is automatic. After a two-year course, usually from 14 to 16 years of age, most pupils take their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), assessed on the basis of a mixture of course work and a written examination, in individual subjects. Pupils obtaining at least five passes at GCSE can then specialize for two years (usually from 16 to 18 years of age) in two or three subjects, in which they take the General Certificate of Education Advanced level (A-level) examination. This is used as an entrance qualification for university (minimum two passes) and other types of higher education, as well as for many forms of professional training. Education in Great Britain: Higher Education (1) There is a considerable choice of post-school education in Britain. In addition to universities, there are also polytechnics and a series of different types of assisted colleges, such as colleges of technology, art, etc. , which tend to provide more work-orientated courses than universities. Virtually all students on full-time courses receive grants or loans from the Government which cover their tuition fees and everyday expenses (accommodation, food, books, etc. ). Universities in Britain enjoy complete academic freedom, choosing their own staff and deciding which students to admit, what and how to teach, and which degrees to award (first degrees are called Bachelor degrees). They are mainly government-funded, except for the totally independent University of Buckingham. There is no automatic admission to university, as there are only a limited number of places (around 100,000) available each year. Candidates are accepted on the basis of their A-level results. Virtually all degree courses are full-time and most last three years (medical and veterinary courses last five or six years). Students who obtain their Bachelor degree (graduates) can apply to take a further degree course, usually involving a mixture of exam courses and research. There are two different types of postgraduate courses — the Masters degree (MA or MSc) and higher degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Emperor Akbar And The List Of Fools English Language Essay

Emperor Akbar And The List Of Fools English Language Essay The emperor Akbar had many hobbies. He liked playing chess and flying kites; He liked listening to stories of other lands; but his favorite hobby was collecting horses, good horses. One day a horse dealer came to the palace. He had a team of horses to sell. The emperor came out and looked at the horses. They are very fine horses, said Akbar. Ill buy them. Have got any more? No sir, said the dealer. But if you give me some money, I will go to Afghanistan and buy some more. Akbar gave the horse dealer two hundred silver rupees for the team of horses, and two hundred rupees more to bring more horses from Afghanistan. He gave him the money but he did not ask him any questions. He did not ask what his name was, where he came from, or where he lived. The horse dealer took the money and went away. A few days later, Akbar asked Birbal to make a list of the ten biggest fools in India. Birbal made the list very quickly, and took it to the emperor. As Akbar began to read it, his eyes opened wide. The emperors name was at the top of the list! Whats this, Birbal? the emperor shouted. Why is my name at the top of the list? You deserve to be at the top, Birbal explained. You gave money to a stranger, and you didnt ask who he was or were he came from. Isnt that foolish? But I gave him the money to buy horses, said Akbar. When he brings me back the horses, Illà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. When he brings you the horses, Ill remove your name from the top of the list, and Ill write his name there instead, said Birbal. Then Akbar realized he had indeed been foolish. 1a) Take the story of The list of fools and write as many questions as you can think of; use as many question types as you can for each of the five levels. Obviously, you would not use all of them in one lesson. LEVEL ONE 1) What is the emperors name? Answer : his name is Akbar 2) The emperor likes to play chess? a) true b) false Answer : true 3) Did the emperor buy horses? Answer : Yes he did 4) How much did the emperor pay for the horses? Answer : the emperor paid 200 silver rupees acceptable answer : 200 silver rupees. 5) Did the emperor want to buy more horses? a) Yes b) No Answer : yes LEVEL TWO 1) How many hobbies does the emperor have? a) 1 b) 2 c) 4 d) 5 Answer : 4 2) Who came to the palace? a) Birbal b) the horse dearler Answer : the horse dealer 3) What is Akbars favourite hobby? a) playing chess b) collecting horses Answer : collecting horses 4) Did Akbar as k the horse dealer his name ? Answer : no he didnt 5) What is a fool? a) someone silly b) someone intelligent Answer : someone silly LEVEL THREE 1) Where does Akbar live? Answer : he lives in India Acceptable answer : in India 2) What did Akbar ask Birbal to do? Answer : He asked to make a list of fools Acceptable answer : a list of fools 3) Where did the horse dealer say he was going? Answer : he said he was going to Afghanistan Acceptable answer : to Afghanistan 4) Did the horse dealer come back? a) yes b) no Answer : no 5) Who was on top of the list of fools? Answer : It was Akbar Acceptable answer : Akbar LEVEL FOUR 1) Name all of Akbars hobbies? Answer : playing chess, collecting horses, flying kites and listening to stories Answers may not necessarily be in this particular order 2) What is a team of horses? Answer : It is a group or a bunch of horses. 3) When did Akbar ask Birbal to make the list of fools? Answer : A few days later 4) Why was Akbar surprised by Birbals list? Answer : he was surprised because his name was at the top. Acceptable answer : his name was on the list 5) Why did Birbal write the emperors name on the list? Answer : He wrote the emperors name because the emperor gave money to a stranger without knowing his name or where he came from. Acceptable answer : He gave money to a stranger LEVEL FIVE 1) Who is wiser, Akbar or Birbal? Answer : It is Birbal 2) Why did Akbar gave another 200 silver rupees to the horse dealer? Answer : To buy another team of horses Acceptable answer : to buy more horses 3) Do you think the horse dealer will come back ? Answer : Much of this answer will depend on the students point of view. a) The most obvious would be that the horse dealer is not going to come back and that he was smarter than the emperor. b) Some students may want to answer yes, believing that the horse dealer is an honest man. 4) In your opinion, why do you think Akbar never asked the horse dealers name or where he came from? Answer : Because Akbar trusted the horse dealer 5) Why did Akbar interrupt Birbal? Answer : because Akbar was angry to see his name on the list Acceptable answer : he was angry 1b) When you have done this, decide the approximate age and level of a class of students with whom you could use the story. i) Assume you are using it for listening comprehension, and make a selection from the above say, 20 questions for oral question and answer. Give the answers that you expect from the students and which you would find acceptable. This is a class of young adults at a pre-intermediate level. The passage The list of fools is being used for listening comprehension and speaking practice. A list of twenty questions has been set. What is the emperors name? Answer : His name is Akbar Where is the emperors palace? Answer : the palace is in India What is Akbars favorite hobby ? Answer : his favorite hobby is collecting horses What kind of horses does the emperor like ? Answer : he likes fine horses. Who came to the palace? Answer : the horse dealer Did the emperor like the horses ? Answer : yes he did What makes you think the emperor liked the horses? Answer : because he wanted to buy more horses How much in total did the emperor pay the horse dealer? Answer : he paid in total 400 silver rupees Where was the horse dealer going : Answer : he was going to Afghanistan What is the horse dealers name ? Answer : it was never mentioned Do you think the horse dealer will come back ? Answer : The answer will vary according to the students, some may choose to believe the horse dealer is an honest man, while others may believe the dealer is dishonest and will not come back. Who is Birbal in the story ? Answer : he is the court adjuster, or like the Prime Minister. Why do you think the emperor never asked the horse dealer any questions? Answer : The answer will vary according to the students, some may think the emperor trusted the horse dealer, while others may believe the emperor was not very smart. What did the emperor ask Birbal to do? Answer : he asked him to make o list of the ten biggest fools in India What is a fool ? Answer : a silly person or someone who has done something silly In the story, what do you think the expression His eyes opened wide mean? Answer : It expresses the emperors surprise when he saw his name at the top of the list of fools. Explain why was the emperor surprised to see his name on the list of fools ? Answer : The answer will generate multiple answers. The main answer will be, as the emperor he should be not be included as he is the ruler of India. Who do you think is smarter? The emperor or the horse dealer? Answer : the horse dealer for taking the money. Why did the Emperor shout at Birbal? Answer : He felt insulted to be at the top of the list Why did Birbal interrupt the Emperor at the end of the story ? Answer : to make the Emperor realize that he had been foolish for trusting a total stranger with money. 1b) When you have done this, decide the approximate age and level of a class of students with whom you could use the story. Now assume you are using the story for intensive reading. Prepare a worksheet of 10 questions testing comprehension and vocabulary. (Some but not all may be similar to those in i.) Include at least 2 multiple-choice questions and two WH questions. Indicate the answers you would find acceptable. This is a class of young adults at a pre-intermediate level. The passage The list of fools is being used for intensive reading. A worksheet of ten (10) questions has been set to test the comprehension and vocabulary. What is an Emperor ? Answer : He is a man who is the ruler of an empire / a ruler, a royal leader In the sentence A team of horses, The word team can be replaced by : players group crew company Answer : b) a group of horses Where does the story take place ? Answer : the story takes place in India Find and list all the proper nouns from the story : Answer : Akbar, Birbal, Afghanistan, India What type of stories did the Emperor like ? Answer : He liked stories of other lands In the sentence Isnt that foolish? The word foolish can be replaced by : Wise Clever Silly Sensible Answer : c) silly In the sentence : He liked listening to stories of other lands What does other lands means ? Answer : It means other countries. What are hobbies ? Answer : an activity that you enjoy doing in your free time ( interest, pastime) Was the horse dealer an honest person and why ? Answer : No he was not honest because he did not come back with more horses. Why did the horse dealer come to the palace ? Answer : He came to sell horses.