How to Write Papers in College

How to Write Papers in CollegeWriting papers in college is no doubt a necessary skill for everyone to develop. Some years ago, I knew a professor who advised students to avoid writing papers at all costs. I have nothing against academic writing. I just think that there are some things that you can't do as a student in the name of educating.If your goal is to be a professor, I suppose you should be writing your research papers. However, if you want to become a writer, at least for the next few years, you should not think of papers as your only option. You might need to take up some other forms of writing, too. Here are four things that you could try out:A fantastic thing that you can do in college is to take up a foreign language. If you haven't learned any foreign languages, then I would recommend that you start studying them as soon as possible. I think that English and other languages are the most in-demand today. Especially for the younger students, studying foreign languages coul d be a very good idea.Do you know that the best way to learn how to write is to read? Reading is the most important thing to learn if you want to write your own books and articles. However, if you do not have enough time to read, you should also consider taking up courses in English composition. I think that writing and reading are complementary aspects.Most students don't feel like they can write when they are having problems with their pronunciation or speaking their words correctly. For that reason, it's a good idea to take up an ESL class. If you can learn to speak English in its proper environment, then you are going to learn how to write faster.Speaking Spanish or French is a very good idea for anyone who wants to learn how to write. That is the reason why I think that the United States has one of the biggest Spanish speaking populations in the world. Not only that, but most American students feel that they can write like a native English speaker.Of course, if you want to try the above four methods, it is a good idea to try out some thesis work, too. Most students don't learn how to write their thesis in college. Thesis work is also something that you should always do, even if you aren't learning how to write.Writing papers is the most important skill you could learn in college. There are so many different things that you can try out, however, I believe that thesis, writing, speaking, and reading are the most essential elements of learning how to write in college.

Verbs to Use in Your Research Paper

When you conduct a research project, one part of your job is to assert your own original thesis with an effective argument. There are a few ways to enhance your research paper so it sounds more impressive. One method to sound convincing as an authority is to elevate your vocabulary by using great verbs. Remember, verbs are action words. The verbs you select for your writing should represent a specific action. This means you should avoid generic verbs like the following to keep your writing interesting and sharp. Dont bore your teacher or audience to tears! Stale and boring verbs to avoid: See  Is/wasLookedDidGo/wentSaidTurned Be the Authority No matter what your grade level, you must do your best to come across as an authority on your topic.  Think about the noticeable difference in these statements: I saw more mold on one piece of bread.I observed a distinct difference between the two pieces of bread. Most importantly, one piece of bread displayed a greater density of mold. The second statement sounds more mature, because we replaced saw with observed and had with displayed. In fact, the verb observe is more accurate. When carrying out a scientific experiment, after all, you use more than mere eyesight to scrutinize your results. You may smell, hear, or feel some results, and those are all part of observing. Now consider these statements when writing a history essay: Historian Robert Dulvany says there were three main causes for the war.Historian Robert Dulvany asserted that three events prompted the war. The second phrase just sounds more authoritative and direct. The verbs make all the difference! Also, make sure to use active rather than passive structure with your verbs. Active verbs make your writing clearer and engaging. Review these statements: The war on terror was launched by the United States.The United States launched the war on terror.   The subject-verb construction is a more active and powerful statement. How to Sound Like an Authority Each discipline (like history, science  or literature) has a distinct tone with certain verbs that appear frequently. As you read over your sources, observe the tone and language.   While reviewing the first draft of your research paper, conduct an inventory of your verbs. Are they tired and weak or strong and effective? This list of verbs may provide suggestions to make your research paper sound more authoritative. affirm ascertain assert cite claim clarify communicate concur contribute convey debate defend define detail determine develop differ discover discuss dispute dissect document elaborate emphasize employ engage enhance establish estimate evaluate examine explore express find focus highlight hold hypothesize identify illuminate illustrate imply incorporate infer inquire invest investigate involve judge justify limn observe ponder predict proclaim proffer promote provide question realize recap reconcile refer reflect regard relate relay remark report resolve respond reveal review sanction seek show simplify speculate submit support surmise survey tangle test theorize total transpose underestimate underline underscore understand undertake undervalue usurp validate value verify vex wander

Essay on The Drug Enforcement Administration - 2607 Words

Introduction Issue Identification The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is a United States Department of Justice law enforcement agency. Their purposes in law enforcement is to stop the sale of illegal drugs, drug trafficking, investigate major crimes within the United States and internationally, and to secure and protect our communities from ever confronting drugs. DEA also cooperates with many major law enforcement agencies such as federal, state, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies to stop criminals from smuggling drugs in our neighborhoods and help the people from getting involved with drug substance. Other responsibilities include carrying out missions and responsibilities in investigating major crimes, and detain drug†¦show more content†¦The DEA is the primary agency to enforce federal drug laws and follow up on drug investigations in foreign countries. The DEA mission is â€Å"to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civ il justice system of the United States to those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances for illicit traffic in the United State† (Drug Enforcement Administration, n.d.,  ¶ 1). Some of the responsibilities under the DEA include investigating and preparing for prosecutions of offenders who operate in the U.S. and internationally. Drug offenders also include local gangs who carry out drug distribution in our communities. DEA manages a national drug intellect program in collaboration with local, state, federal, and foreign officials to gather and investigate distribution tactics. Throughout the years the DEA has done many operations in the United States and in foreign countries. During the 1960s drugs were becoming a serious problem in the United States. Drugs began to spread throughout the nation forcing the government to turn their focus on helping the prevention of this problem. The drug enforcement administration was fairly new in the early 1970s, but started right away in capturing many drug traffickers. On January of 1974, the DEAShow MoreRelatedEssay on Drug Enforcement Administration1023 Words   |  5 PagesWhat I Know About the Drug Enforcement Administration The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) works to lessen and eliminate the use, transportation, and sale of drugs in the United States. They are the only government organized organization with the purpose of controlling drug traffic. The Drug Enforcement Administration seems to be most known for their role in stopping drug transportation across borders by use of DEA officers, police-trained dogs, and other tools. To my knowledge the DEA mayRead MoreEssay on The Drug Enforcement Administration 1712 Words   |  7 PagesOrigin of the Agency The Drug Enforcement Administration has a long history that marks its significance and succession. Much had been going on during the late nineteen-sixties and early seventies that shaped the years between such as: the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., the Hippie movement, the closing days of the Vietnam War, the disbandment of the Beatles, Woodstock, the first man on the moon, and the beginning of the Watergate scandal (to name a few). President Richard Nixon took officeRead MoreDrug Enforcement Administration ( Dea )2134 Words   |  9 Pagesto the Oro Valley Police Department in Oro Valley, Arizona and the Federal agency called the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). I will explain the history of each agency, where these agencies have their jurisdiction, the types of crimes they investigate and describe the similarities and differences between the Oro Valley Police Department in Oro Valley, Arizona and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). History The Oro Valley Police Department (OVPD) has kept the peace since 1974. In 1983Read MoreThe Drug Enforcement Administration ( Dea )917 Words   |  4 Pagesfor, â€Å"the Drug Enforcement Administration† this administration was created in 1973 by President Richard Nixon (DEA). The Drug Enforcement Administration was created to have greater impact on stopping drug deals and any type of drug distribution within the United States. Many people believe the DEA is separate from the other law enforcement agencies, but the Criminal Justice System all comes together to prevent any drug related incidents and stop them whichever way that they can. Drug enforcing agenciesRead MoreThe Drug Enforcement Administration ( Dea ) Essay1189 Words   |  5 PagesIt’s been used traditionally as both a medicine and a textile. It’s reportedly helpful for treating drug addiction, and its consumption has never resulted in a documented death from toxic overdose. But the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers it a dangerous drug with no medical value. Sound familiar? No, this isn’t about Cannabis. This is about the leaves of a native Southeast Asian tree commonly known as â€Å"Kratom.† Its official botanical name is Mitragyna speciosa, and it’s the onlyRead MoreDrug Enforcement Administration ( Dea ) Essay1602 Words   |  7 PagesDear U.S Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), I am writing to you, as to express my concern about the heroin abuse issue. According to a National Institute of Drug Abuse 2013 statistic, it states about 24.4million Americans including teens from age of 12 had used heroin in their daily life and this number is expected to be increased tremendously every year. Heroin has been invented only to be used in medical sector such as to relieve pain, but people nowadays have misused the usage of heroinRead MoreOfficials With The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration3138 Words   |  13 PagesOfficials with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration say that the number of indoor marijuana plants in California has quadrupled in the last three years. Many of these plants have occurred in middle-class and upper-class suburbs. Buyers have bought homes here because the financing of these homes are cheap. They have been remodeled to build farms which are built indoors. These indoor pot operation uses sophisticated irrigation, ventilation an d lighting. This structure can contain 1,800 plantsRead MoreCriminal Justice : A Drug Enforcement Administration Agent977 Words   |  4 Pages Law Enforcement category of criminal justice is a Drug Enforcement Administration agent. This job requires dealing with all major drug offenders, such as drug trafficking and major drug trades. DEA agents work for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and their mission is to eliminate the use and sale of drugs in the United States. The duties of a DEA agent change based on the current drug issues. Some of the duties that an agent may be asked to perform include investigating new drugs emergingRead MoreThe Secret Service Agent ( Drug Enforcement Administration )1015 Words   |  5 Pagesand protection who harms or threat our homeland which is the United States of America. They have missions that take place all over the world. Agents have different agencies they could work for like the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration). The DEA which is the (Drug Enforcement Administration) was created by Richard Nixon through an Executive order in 1978. When the DEA was first created it had about 1,740 secret agents and a budget less than $75 million. Now in present time the agency now has aboutRead MoreDea Research Paper804 Words   |  4 PagesAverage Law Enforcement August 3, 2011 DEA: Putting an End to the National Trafficking In the twenty-first century there is a plethora of drugs distributing from Mexico to the United States all the way to Canada causing numerous people to be sentenced to prison, to depart from their families, and to even die. Luckily, there is one law enforcement agency created by the U.S. government to banish these horrible facets, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Breaking down and destroying drug empires

Psychological Research Report on Memory Essay - 1467 Words

ABSTRACT How is memory encoded and what methods can lead to greater recall? There have been many different models suggested for human memory and many different attempts at defining a specific method of encoding that will lead to greater recall. In this experiment subjects are asked to do a semantic task on a word related to them and an orthographic task in which they analyze the letter in the word. The results of the experiment indicate that the words which where encoded semantically and are related to the self have greater recall. INTRODUCTION In the last half century several theories have emerged with regard to the best model for human memory. In each of these models there was a specific way to help people recall words and†¦show more content†¦Low levels of processing include operations like counting the letters in words and higher levels of processing might include forming semantic relationships such as understanding what the words’ meaning is. According to Craig and Lockhart who formulated this theory memory recall would improve as the information is processed in greater depth. However it has been hard to define exactly what depth is and it has been found that there are other factors that make people remember things. (Zachmeister, E.B., Nyberg 1982) In further studies with human memory it has been found that information that is related to a person’s self is recalled better. This is called SRE or self-reference effect. There have been several explanations for this effect. One is that the self is thought of as a very elaborative memory structure and so when information is related to it is easier to recall because of its connection to that structure. It has also been thought that this might be because of the fact that a person is asked to evaluate a word and this improves recall. One proposition that has been proven experimentally is that the SRE exists because of better recall through organization. In any question where a word has to be related to oneself it has to be organized into one of at least two categories. Through doing this a person will be able to assist his recall of these words. (Klein, Stanley B. Kihlstrom, Jhon F. 1986) The present experiment is a replicationShow MoreRelatedA Split Personality: The Cause and Effects of Multiple Personality Disorder 1285 Words   |  6 PagesDisorder Multiple Personality Disorder, (also called Dissociative Identity Disorder) is an abnormal psychological phenomenon which has baffled psychologists and psychiatrists for years. It is a syndrome marked by the clear existence of two or more â€Å"personalities† (or identities) in a single person, each personality having separate memories, behaviors, physical attributes, and even different gender than the patient. Studies prove thatRead MoreEarly Psychological Research On Cognitive And The Nature Of Psychological Studies Essay1515 Words   |  7 PagesEarly psychological research emphasized observable and objectively measureable outcomes. However, the idea of cognitions eventually become more popular, and the nature of psychological research (i.e., to understand both behavior and internal processes) was adapted to inquire about participants’ internal experiences (e.g., thoughts and emotions). Knowledge of these experiences is typically assessed via self-report questionnaires. Despite self-report being the most common method of personality assessmentRead MoreRepressed Memories : Truth Or Fiction1129 Words   |  5 Pages Repressed Memories: Truth or Fiction Talia E. Shuman The University of Tampa â€Æ' Repressed Memories: Truth or Fiction When people think of memory repression, people think of child sexual abuse scandals, parental abuse, traumatic injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Memory repression is thought by some to be a defense mechanism of the brain in the event of extreme distress. The memory of the event is pushed back into the corners of the unconscious, and is only recovered after a longRead MoreEmotional Intelligence and Athletic Performance1744 Words   |  7 Pagesintelligence that involves â€Å"the ability to monitor one’s own and others’ feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them and to use this information to guide one’s thinking and actions† (Salovery and Mayer, 1990, p. 189). After investigating two research studies related to emotional intelligence and performance, it is quite evident that emotional intelligence can have some effects on one’s performance; therefore, it is important for athletes to know how to recognize and regulate their emot ions duringRead MoreWhat Is the Effect of Media Violence on Children1314 Words   |  6 Pages1010-18 13, December 2010 The Effect of Media Violence on Children Although very little research was done on it in the past, media violence has sparked much controversy in recent history. As technology becomes more advanced, new methods of uncovering the media’s effects on children have emerged. Advances in Neuroscience, for example, can become tools to understanding the effects media violence has from a psychological standpoint. The brain in its underpinnings from an MRI scan can suggest whether anRead MoreHow Does Internet Addiction Affect Different Aspects Of An Individual And The Brain?1700 Words   |  7 Pagesdefined loosely as a pattern of addictedness to the use of the internet (Mosher). Chao and Hsiao defined IAD as â€Å"an individual’s inability to control his or her use of the internet, which eventually causes psychological, social, school, and/or work difficulties in a person’s life† (Akhter). Many reports believe that an individual may rely on the internet to avoid anxiety provoking situations like face to face interaction, or as a way to escape from reality. Dr. Orzack from The Clinical Associate in PsychologyRead MoreThe Themes Listed Under Functional Age1294 Words   |  6 PagesResearch and Analysis The research analysis will now discuss the themes listed under functional age. It will elaborate on how biological, psychological and sociological factors contribute towards describing the definition of what it is to be old. As stated in my introduction, functional age has advantages over chronological age by better measuring the capabilities of an individual. Seniors are often stereotyped and underestimated that has led it to being generalized across the elder population.Read MoreDissociative Identity Disorder And Multiple Personality Disorder1399 Words   |  6 Pagesduring the Paleolithic Era in the form of shamans turning into animals. Furthermore, experts believe that historic reports of demonic possession were actually cases of DID. In 1646, a Swiss physician named Paracelsus reported that he had met a woman who claimed that she had been robbed by her other personality who later had no memory of the robbery. This is known as the first legitimate report of Dissociative Identit y Disorder. A few more cases of DID were reported after this, but in 1910, Eugen BleulerRead MoreChild Witnesses Realism, By Carl Allwood, Par Granhag And Anna Carin Jonsson1644 Words   |  7 Pageswatching a brief kidnapping video. Children are often used as witnesses during a legal investigation and during the trial. Children are regularly asked how confident they are in their memories, and the jurors rely massively on the child’s certainty of their testimony. â€Å"Eyewitnesses are often mistaken, and previous research has concluded that a mistaken eyewitness’ testimony is the single largest cause of jury convictions of innocent people† (Allwood et al., 2006, p. 1). Allwood et al. hypothesized thatRead MoreThe Impact Of Terrorism On The United States932 Words   |  4 PagesThese results are supported by a contemporary study by Koren, Amon and Klein into the prevalence of PTSD in motor vehicle accident victims in the Netherlands, suggesting that only 3.8% of motor vehicle accident victims will manifest symptoms of PTSD. Research into survivors of childhood cancer linked to PTSD revealed that children who have experienced extensive treatment - such as cranial radiotherapy - before the age of four, stemcell transplants, or high doses of anthracycline or alkylating agents formed

Nike Cost of Capital solution free essay sample

Kimi Ford, a portfolio manager for the mutual-fund management group NorthPoint, was reviewing the financials of Nike Inc. to consider buying shares for the NorthPoint Large-Cap Fund that she managed. A week prior, Nike Inc. held an analysts’ meeting to share their 2001 fiscal results and develop a strategy to revitalize the company. II. Background of Firm Nike’s revenues since 1997 had grown from $9 billion, while net income had fallen $220 million. A study written by Douglas Robson printed in Business Week revealed that Nike’s market share in the U. S. athletic shoe industry had fallen from 48 percent to 42 percent since 1997. In addition, supply-chain issues and the effects of a strong dollar negatively affected revenues. In the meeting, management planned to increase revenues by developing athletic-shoe products in ranges varying between $70-$90 and push their apparel line. Nike’s executives expressed that the company would still continue with a long-term revenue growth target of 8-10 percent and earnings-growth target above 15 percent. III. Statement of Situation After reading all the analysts’ reports, Kimi Ford decided to develop her own discounted-cash-flow forecast to achieve the investment decision for her mutual fund. The forecast showed that at a 12 percent discount rate, Nike’s stock price was overvalued at $4. 82 per share. She created a sensitivity analysis, which revealed that Nike’s stock was undervalued at discount rates of less than 11. 7 percent. The results concluded from the sensitivity analysis made Kimi Ford unsure of her decision on Nike stock; she proceeded to ask Joanna Cohen to estimate Nike’s weighted average cost of capital. IV. Constraints on Solution Cohen calculated a weighted average cost of capital of 8. 4 percent by using the capital asset pricing model for Nike Inc. Cohen’s calculations are incorrect because she used the book value for both debt and equity. When calculating cost of capital, the market value of debt and equity must be used. The market value of equity is found by multiplying the stock price of Nike Inc. by the number of shares outstanding. V. Possible Solutions The analyst team calculated Nike Inc. cost of capital by using two different models and approaches and then choosing the best one based on confidence in the data. Market Value of Equity = (Stock Price * # Shares Outstanding) E = ($42. 09 * 271. 5) E = ($11,427. 44) The above calculation of market value of equity is much higher than the book value of equity that Cohen used of $3,494. 50. In addition, for market value of debt, Cohen uses the book value instead of using the discounted value of long-term debt. The market value of debt is calculated by adding the present portion of long-term debt, notes payable, and long-term debt discounted at Nike’s accepted coupon rate. Market Value of Debt = (Present LT Debt + Notes Payable + LT Debt) D = ($5. 40 + $855. 30 + $435. 9) D = ($1,296. 60) With these calculations, the weight of debt and equity of Nike and the company can be calculated. Once these weights are calculated, the company’s capital structure can be concluded. Weight of Debt = (Debt / Debt + Equity) W = ($1,296. 60 / $1,296. 60 + $11,427. 44) W = (10. 19%) Weight of Equity = (Equity / Debt + Equity) E = ($11,427. 44 / $1,296. 60 + $11,427. 44) E = (89. 80%) In addition, another issue is finding the correct costs of debt and equity in order to find the correct calculation of WACC. Cohen used the 20-year yield on U. S. Treasuries of 5. 74% as the risk free rate, which is correct given the debt was valued over 25 years and there is no given yield for that amount of time. Calculating the market risk premium requires using the two historical equity risk premiums given for a time period from 1926 to 1999: Geometric mean and arithmetic mean. The arithmetic mean is better for a one-year estimated expected return. Considering the 20-year yield on U. S. Treasuries of 5. 9, using the geometric mean is the best choice because it is for a longer time. To use the CAPM approach, a beta for Nike Inc. had to be decided on. To account for significant beta changes, using the average beta of . 80 was the best choice. This was decided on because using the YTD beta of . 69 was showing the past and not a good reflection of potential revenues. In addition, the average beta of . 80 will better show increases in market share. Cost of debt was calculated by the yield to maturity on 20-year Nike Inc. debt with a 6. 75 percent coupon semi-annually. The cost of debt was calculated as follows: PV = -937. 61 N = 40 Pmt = 33. 75 FV = 1000 I/Y = 3. 67% semi-annually (YTM) = 3. 67% * 2 = 7. 34% After-tax cost of debt = . 0734 x (1-. 38) = . 0455 or 4. 55% The cost of equity was calculated as follows: K(e) = Rf + Beta * (MRP) K(e) = 5. 74% + . 8 * 5. 90% K(e) = 10. 46% Using the values from calculating the weight and cost of both debt and equity, the cost of capital is determined to be 9. 86 percent. Using the WACC formula, the analysts’ team came to a different conclusion than Ms. Cohen. WACC = Wd*Kd (1-T) + WeKe = . 1019*. 0734 (1-. 38) + . 8980*. 1046 = 9. 86% The next model that the analysts’ team used to calculate the cost of capital was the dividend discount model. This model assumes that the company pays a substantial dividend. This model was rejected because Nike Inc. does not pay a substantial dividend. DDM = [Do (1+g)/Po] + g DDM = [. 48(1+.055)/42. 09] + . 055 DDM = 6. 70% . The final model used to compute the cost of capital was the earning capitalization model. The analysts’ team chose to reject this model because it does not take growth into account. ECM = E1/Po ECM = 216/42. 09 ECM = 5. 31% VI. Recommendation The analysts’ team found the weighted average cost of capital by using CAPM, finding a discount rate of 9. 86 percent. The WACC calculation difference of 1. 46 percent was higher than what Ms. Cohen calculated ofat 8. 40 percent. At a discount rate of 12 percent, Ms. Ford calculated Nike’s equity value per share at $37. Which is undervalued from the present market share of $42. 09. Using the discount rate of 9. 86 percent the analysts’ team estimated an equity value higher than Ms. Ford’s. The estimate of $44. 11 equity value per share overvalued(? ) the present value by $2. 02. This data concluded that Nike Inc. should not be added to the NorthPoint Large-Cap Fund at this time because the stock is overvalued. She should watch the company closely because Nike Inc. has growth potential that would be beneficial to her fund. Nike Inc’s. management has plans for the future that if successful could provide the company with abundant revenues.

3 Misplaced Modifiers

3 Misplaced Modifiers 3 Misplaced Modifiers 3 Misplaced Modifiers By Mark Nichol 1. â€Å"A glass of water comes by request only in restaurants.† This sentence implies that the only type of establishment in which a glass of water is served is a restaurant. However, what it means is that in a certain type of establishment, a patron must ask to be served water. To communicate the correct meaning of the sentence, structure it with that syntax: â€Å"In restaurants, a glass of water comes by request only.† 2. â€Å"She advocated as a suffragist and journalist for women to crack male-dominated careers before she became an environmentalist.† This sentence structure suggests that the subject advocated for the stated goal, hoping that it would be achieved before she entered into her prospective line of work. But â€Å"before she became an environmentalist† is a modifier that is not integral to the sentence. To clarify its relationship to the rest of the statement, reorder the sentence as done in the first example by getting the modifying phrase out of the way at the onset: â€Å"Before she became an environmentalist, she advocated as a suffragist and journalist for women to crack male-dominated careers.† 3. â€Å"The process is painless, and you can be an elected official by spending less than $100 in most communities.† The implication here is that would-be politicians can succeed by investing less than $100 in each community they visit. What the writer means, though, is that less than $100 is required to file to become a political candidate. Do you see a pattern here? A modifier invites misunderstanding when it is tacked onto the end of a sentence rather than strategically positioned. In this case, however, unlike as in the previous examples, â€Å"in most communities† does not logically belong all the way at the other end of the sentence. Yes, perhaps the process is painless in most communities, but â€Å"in most communities† applies to the fee. That phrase should be excised from its current position and inserted not as an introductory phrase but as a parenthetical: â€Å"The process is painless, and, in most communities, you can be an elected official by spending less than $100.† 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 Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:100 Words for Facial Expressions15 Great Word GamesDrama vs. Melodrama

Three Sisters Essay Example

Three Sisters Essay Example Three Sisters Paper Three Sisters Paper In the light of your study of Stanislavski and after seeing Miss Julie how would you direct the opening act of Three Sisters? The opening of Act One of Chekhovs Three Sisters, gives detailed stage directions, which offers valuable information on the main characters of the play; the three sisters, Irina, Masha and Olga. As a director, I would encourage the actors playing these roles to read the information, as it defines clearly the different characters of the sisters, and so can be used for characterisation. As a director, I am fully aware that Three Sisters is a realist play; therefore, this would prompt me to use Stanislavski methods to develop true to life portrayals of the characters. The following is a sketch of Act One: During the opening of the play the three sisters will sit in their designated areas and the audience will watch while Olga marks her books, Irina puts on make-up for her party, and Masha reads a book on the window seat, subdued. In the background (the ballroom), the table will be laid by a servant, which could be played by Anfisa, the old nurse. The clip-clop sound of her heels as she rushes about will make stark contrast to the silence of the sisters. I aspire to obtain the audience to suspend their disbelief, and remain this through-out the play. This idea is heavily influenced by the theatre production of After Miss Julie. My intention is for the audience to see the closeness of the relationship between Olga and Irina. Moreover, to see how Masha is the recluse of the sisters, and overlooked by them due to her quietness and concealed emotions. Olga (as indicated by her regulation dark-blue dress of a high school teacher) is the mother figure for the sisters, especially Irina, who never really knew her mum. Irina seems distant from her sisters, as she is the only young one left, and she is still happy-go-lucky and enjoys her life without worry. Olga is the oldest, and uses this to boss the others sisters around. Olga is the only sister to work, and so is constantly moaning about her work. She revels in being the sister with authority, but also resents it, as she feels forced into work since her fathers death. Her movements should be very swift, and she should constantly be moving around, making herself busy, yet achieving nothing, reflecting a theme of the play. This will create humour for the audience, as they will see her fussing over everything, yet doing nothing. Her movements should be very rapid, restless, and hurried. Using Stanislavskis methods, I would find out the super objective of Olgas character, to create naturalism. Personally, I believe Olgas motivations in life are to return to Moscow, and find a husband. This is from the social context of the play, where many women believed they needed a husband to achieve true happiness, and also a husband would result in Olga not needing a job. To show this in the play I will show Olga being extremely interested in Tuzenback and flirtatiously behaving with him as he talks about Vershinin. This can be achieved by making lots of eye contact with him and her moving closer to him, until she hears he has a wife, and then she will sharply turn away. An objective of Olgas character is to continue working, although she says It wears me out, I believe she loves it and could not just sit at home like the other sisters. This arises one of the themes of the play work. None of the sisters worked previously as they are wealthy and do not have the need to work. I believe Chekhov used this to show that you need to work to have ambition and achieve in life. This is shown in the play, as all the sisters ambition is to return to Moscow, yet none of them does anything towards this ambition. Chekhov himself was born into a poor family, but worked hard and achieved an amazing amount. I think this highlights the social context of the play between rich and poor. Rich and poor is an underlying theme of Act One, and was an important issue in the era of the play. Natasha is of low class, and so discriminated against by the sisters who believe she is not good enough for their beloved Andrew. Masha in particular scrutinises everything about Natasha, from her clothes, which are downright pathetic to her make-up and hair. This shows a very materialistic viewpoint, and shows no intent to get to know Natasha, just judge her because of her class. This also shows how much the sisters love Andrew and do not want him getting hurt. I believe the sisters are very jealous of allowing another female into their household, which is why they resent Natasha. In Act One Natasha should be portrayed as a very timid young woman, this can be shown by her emotional outbursts and general uncertainty. Natasha and Andrew provide the only true love shown in Act One, and as they finish the Act, lead the audience to believe there will be much more to come. The couple give an optimistic out-look that good things can come out of bad situations, and I think this leaves the end of Act One on a happy and loving end. The sketch of the set of the play shows Masha is facing the audience she will be able to communicate with them, they will be able to see clearly her facial expressions, which will create an intimacy with the audience, and I hope result in the audience watching Masha and perhaps feeling sympathy for her. Being in at the side of the other two sisters also allows Olga and Irina to talk about Masha in whispers, and direct facial expressions at her, without her noticing. The description of Masha in a black dress, sits with her hat on her lap reading a book convey the isolation of her character. The black portrays seriousness, and hiding her feelings from the other sisters. I believe Masha is a character who tries to forget everything bad in her life. I think this results in her feeling severely depressed, as in the instance of the death of her father; bottling up her feelings has resulted in Masha not getting over the death, just replaying it repeatedly in her mind, effectively making her unable to think of anything else and become further withdrawn. She rarely speaks, and because of this, the sisters cannot help her. However when Masha does speak, it upsets the other sisters as Masha is the strong one, and causes them to break down with her; Olga particularly loses control. Masha is also depressed over her marriage; she believed her husband was intelligent and wise, and now she refuses to accept the reality that he is not this, and she does not love him. The audience will have an insight into the true Masha, an insecure person, who is deeply upset by her sisters relationship and her life in general. This will be shown by Masha observing the play, without allowing the other characters to see (which will create dramatic irony), and reacting to the action behind her, while facing the audience. Masha can use the audience as a friend, and watch them rather than interact with her sisters. Mashas facial expressions are very important in order to portray her character naturalistically. Due to this I would use Stanislavskis acting method of emotion memory, by asking the actress playing Masha to remember how it felt in a part of her life when she had no one to help her, and her life was disappearing before her eyes. I would then ask her to use these feelings with Masha, to create naturalism. Part of Mashas character resents the close relationship between Olga and Irina, and this leads to her feeling more isolated. This will be shown when Masha whistles. The whistle will be one of those pretend Im not here whistles but at the same time, the whistle will remind the other sisters of Mashas existence. There is a different side to Mashas character that occasionally shows a more ambitious and happy person; such as when she proclaims You only live once, where I believe Mashas voice should change from a bored, monotonous, pre-occupied, slow and quiet voice to a faster, excited, almost breathy voice. This will highlight the change of character and therefore the comedy-tragedy that Chekhov aimed will succeed. Both the sisters adore Irina, the youngest, but especially Olga, because of their mother-daughter type relationship. Again, the stage directions explain Irinas character, in a white dress, stands lost in thought. Irina is young and free, with no commitments in life, and has time to spend her day deep in thought. Her character is portrayed through her becoming very excitable at the thought of her oncoming party, and applying make-up and choosing her clothes. This shows that she has the time to spend doing these useless tasks, and demonstrates her need to dress-up to feel more important and grown-up, as well as impress the male guests. Irina is innocent and pure, as indicated by her white dress, but can be immature, such as when she remarks I know everything, which show she believes she has knowledge, which is expanded on later in the play when Masha remarks We know too much, while talking to Andrew about their education. I believe Chekhov is making a political point about how many people believe they know too much, when they know nothing. Chekhov was very philosophical (which reflects in many of his characters including Masha and Solyony), and once said Only Charlatans know everything and understand nothing. This is true to many characters of the play; for example Tuzenback, has never worked a day in his life, and believes he learns all he needs through newspapers. As a director, I would use this to create humour, by allowing the audience to laugh at these sad people, who have no grasp on reality. The theme of ambition plays a large part of Act One, as well as the rest of the play. All three of the sisters are striving towards moving back to Moscow, as this is where all their happy memories are. However, none of the sisters do anything towards their ambition, and so nothing changes in their lives. This again highlights how sad rich peoples lives can be, as they have no drive to do anything for themselves, as they can happily survive on what their family provides for them. To show this in the play I would have the characters constantly fussing over the clock (placed in the centre of the drawing room). This will represent how time is passing by in front of them without them realising, while they continue their petty lives. Each of the characters deep down knows they will not achieve their dream, but each of them long for it all the same. The theme of ambition also shows the frustration of the sisters, particularly Masha, to escape to the big city yet they only talk about it. Again, I believe Chekhov is making a social statement about the amount of people in Russia who wanted to change the out-dated social order at the time of the play, yet did nothing to achieve this goal. This theme is personal to Chekhov, as he DID return to his family in Moscow, showing you can achieve dreams with effort. I would achieve comedy throughout Act One using the various characters Chekhov included to provide comic relief for the audience, characters such as Tuzenback, Chebutykin, and Solyony, to distract from the awful tragedy of the majority of the play. These characters can be completely over-acted but still believable. These characters are typical nutty professors and they should all be dressed eccentrically, and constantly thinking of new ideas. The doctor is the typical result of doing too much work in his life, meaning he has been driven crazy. To achieve humour the actors must fully believe every word they say and make sure they take themselves seriously, even though they are clowns. These characters all flirt with the sisters, that also creates humour, and I believe they find it their duty to look after the sisters since their fathers death. This is another case of the characters believing they know more than they do. Another chance for comedy is how the three sisters smother Andrew, and clap at him and generally treat him like a child. Humour is achieved by making the sisters become over-enthusiastic mothers, fussing over Andrew, and showing off his achievements, such as the frames on the piano. The audience will be able to relate to this experience and so find it very funny. Ferapont can also be used to create humour because he can be played as a typical bewildered, deaf, old man. The setting of Act One will be very naturalistic, all props will be used (including knives, forks, table cloth, tables, samovar, chairs, cake, columns, curtains and swords), with fully made-up rooms, including appropriate flooring, curtains, and wallpaper, with everything looking aged, to fit with the period of the play. Many unused and often ugly but expensive ornaments will be placed around the ballroom, to show how the Prozorovs have lots of money for luxurious items, as well as painting scattered on the walls and an old bookcase. The ballroom table will also convey the wealth of the family, using ridiculous numbers of knives and forks around the immaculately placed plates, with flowers in the middle of the table, to indicate the springtime time of year. Lighting will be used to mimic natural sunlight streaming through the windows. The audience will be situated around the stage in a semi-circle, and the audience size will be small (around 250), so they will all be very close to the actors. This will make the audience feel more involved, and make the drama more realistic, personal, and believable. All costumes will be to date, and according to the stage directions and only natural make-up will be used. All male soldiers will be wearing military uniforms and civilian clothing. The pace of Act One will develop throughout, to prepare the audience for more tension and a climax in the following acts. In conclusion, I believe the relationship between the three sisters is the focus of Act One, and how they react to other people. I believe the solution to making this play work theatrically is to use Chekhovs idea of comedy and tragedy, to develop the naturalism of the play, as life often has highs and lows. The tragedy of the play creates tension and allows the audience to relate to characters, and then the comedy allows the audience to forget the problems and enjoy the play, as well as making the tragedy more obvious, and at times heartbreaking. To develop Act One I would continue to use Stanislavski methods to increase the naturalism of the play, and improve characterisation.