yl:office administration

The office
HYACINTH TUGMAN
(This organisational chart for a large company is partially done. Please complete it.)

Usually, a large organisation such as a public company will be divided into sections or
departments, each of which performs a particular function within the organisation. A manager directs
each function.

So, now students, we can safely say that the office plays an important role in the chain of
Contributor
production – from the raw material stage until the goods and services are in the hands of the
consumer. The office, therefore, is concerned with processing all documents that are involved.
SIZE AND NATURE OF A BUSINESS The functions of the office are based on the collecting, processing, preserving and disseminating
of information. These functions should be controlled so that there will be no waste of time, money,
There are factors that influence the size of an organisation. Some of these are:
space, material or equipment.
 The type of ownership.
 The financial constraints.
The volume and nature of business activity are determined by the size of the organisation and type
 The market demand for the commodity.
of business ownership.
 The nature of the product.

Business enterprises are described according to their type of ownership. The types that are usually
concerned with commercial services are:
SOLE TRADER
One person owns a sole-trader business. This person runs the business on his/her own, by
putting in all the capital, therefore, all the profit goes to him/her and he/she is responsible for any
losses incurred.
PARTNERSHIP
At least two but not more than 20 persons, known as partners, share in the ownership of the firm.
OFFICE LAYOUT
There are two basic forms of layout used for offices – they are the enclosed (cellular) and the
open-plan layout.
The enclosed office (cellular) consists of small, individual rooms occupied by one or two people.
It offers more privacy, but this type of office is more costly to build and workers are more difficult to
supervise.
The open-plan office consists of a large open room with no dividing walls or partitions. This type
of office is less costly and workers are easily supervised as everyone can be seen. There is, however,
a lack of privacy and the atmosphere is impersonal.

PRIVATE LIMITED COMPANY ACTIVITY

At least two persons, known as shareholders, contribute funds to provide share capital in a List the departments that can be found in a large organisation and give the specific tasks that are
business that is controlled by a board of directors. The liability of each shareholder is limited to the carried out by each.
amount of share capital invested. See you next week.

Hyacinth Tugman is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com

PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
Its securities are traded on a stock exchange and can
be bought and sold by anyone. A public companies is Board of
strictly regulated and is required by law to publish its
financial position so that investors can determine the Directors
worth of its shares. It is owned and controlled by at least
two shareholders and there is no limit to the number of
shareholders.
General
PRIVATE SECTOR
This is owned and controlled by private enterprises. Manager

STRUCTURE OF THE ORGANISATION

An organisation’s structure is designed to outline the
lines of authority, responsibility and the relationship
between the personnel in an organisation. The structure Secretary Marketing Production Accounts
gives clear lines of demarcation where each employer
reports to meet the objectives of the organisation. Manager Manager Manager

PREVIOUS TOPIC: OFFICE ORIENTATION NEXT TOPIC: THE OFFICE – PART 2

10 YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017

 yl:principles of business
YVONNE HARVEY
Contributor

I
T IS a pleasure to be with you all once again. This lesson is a
continuation of last week’s lesson on the market structure –
perfect competition. The previous lesson considered the
Marketing – Part 3
AC is above AR or AR below AC, the firm is earning subnormal normal profit, AR=AC. When this occurs, there will be no more
definition and features of perfect competition. We will now
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this market structure profit. You may consult an economics textbook to see how these incentives for firms to either enter or leave the industry. Thus,the
even though, in the strictest sense, this market structure does not levels of profit are illustrated graphically. industry will be in long-run equilibrium. Again, the graphical
exist in reality. illustration of this situation can be seen in most economics texts.
LONG-RUN EQUILIBRIUM
Well, folks, that is it for now. Next week we will outline another
ADVANTAGES OF PERFECT COMPETITION In the long run, all the firms under perfect competition will be market structure – monopoly. You can begin to read up on this
 All buyers and sellers are treated equally. in the situation where they are earning just normal profit AR=AC. structure based on the headings I gave you in last week’s lesson.
 There is only one price ruling in the market at a time and Just how did this come about? We will learn some interesting facts about this market structure,
this price is not determined by any single buyer or seller but by In the long run, all the firms that had been earning subnormal and some common myths will be explained and dismissed. See
the market forces of demand and supply. profit in the short run AR<AC will leave the industry and will go you then.
 Competition keeps prices lower than under other market into industries where they can at least earn normal profit. When
structures. these firms leave, supply will fall and prices and profits will rise. Yvonne Harvey is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments
 Since the product is homogenous, sellers do not have to to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
spend money on advertising. The firms that are earning supernormal profits
 Competition between firms also forces them to be efficient. AR>AC will attract other firms into the industry by
 Firms under perfect competition respond to changes in their attractive level of profits. As firms enter, supply
consumer demand; therefore, the consumer is said to be will increase and prices and profits will fall.
sovereign or king.
This rise and fall in profits will
continue until all firms in the
DISADVANTAGES OF PERFECT COMPETITION industry will be
 There is a lack of variety because an undifferentiated good is earning
produced.
 Firms may not be able to afford the technology
that allows them to be efficient.
 The number of firms in
the industry makes
it
impossible
for firms to
benefit from
collusion.
 There may be
frequent changes in
price as the market forces of
demand and supply change.

Let us now consider the possible

profits that can be earned in the short run
and in the long run under perfect competition.

SHORT-RUN EQUILIBRIUM
In the short run, some of the firms will earn normal profit,
some will earn supernormal profit and some will earn subnormal
profit. Normal profit is that level of profit which is just enough to
keep a firm in the industry. Once a firm is earning this level of
profit, it will not leave the industry. In this situation, average
revenue (AR) is equal to average cost (AC). This level of profit is
often referred to as zero economic profit. If supernormal profits
are being earned, this is so because AR is greater than AC. When

YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017 11

 yl:principles of accounts

Financial statement balance sheet – Part 1

ROXANNE WRIGHT WORKED EXAMPLE 2 SOLUTION
Contributor The information below was taken from the income statement of WORKED EXAMPLE 3:
Karl Williams:
THERE are two main questions owners of a business often ask: Liabilities & Owner’s equity/ Capital Working:
a. What is my net income? $ Assets $ $ [W1] Assets
b. What is my net equity? $28,800 -
Cash 12000 Accounts Payable 9000
Fees income 28000 Supplies 800 Notes Payable 5000
Liabilities
It is important to note that the accounting equation which $ 14,000 =
provides the simple balance of assets, liabilities and Rent expenses 4000 Equipment 16000 Total Liabilities 14000 Owner’s equity
capital/owner’s equity does not sufficiently give a complete _____ Capital {W1} 14800 $14,800
answer to those questions. For these questions to be adequately Salaries expenses 10000 Total Assets 28800 Total Liabilities & Owner’s Equity 28800
answered, we need to know the:
1. Type and amount of income and also the type and amount of Miscellaneous expenses 2000
each expense for the specific accounting period. BALANCE SHEET –PART 1
2. Type and amount of each asset, liability and owner’s equity at Drawings 4000 The balance sheet has many definitions, including those listed
the end of the specific accounting period. below:
i. A ‘statement of financial position’; it reveals the company’s
The above information is provided by the: You are required to: assets, liabilities and owner’s equity (net worth).
a. Income statement Find the increase or decrease in capital. ii. An accounting tool used by individuals, business owners
b. Balance sheet and large corporations to track net worth.
iii. A snapshot of the company’s financial position at a single
SOLUTION
Facts to be retained: point in time.
1. The income statement and the balance sheet are known as WORKED EXAMPLE 2:
accounting statements. It is known as a balance sheet because the two sides balance.
$ $
2. Net income for a specific period is shown in a statement Since a company pays for all the assets, it has either by:
known as the income statement. Fees income 28000 a. Borrowing money – thus creating liabilities
3. Net loss for the specific period is shown in the income b. Getting money from shareholders/owners – known as
Less Expenses: equity/capital
statement.
4. Income and expenses are two groups of items on the income Rent expenses 4000
statement. COMPONENTS OF THE BALANCE SHEET
Salaries expenses 10000
5. Net income is the difference between income and expense.
6. Money withdrawn by the owner for personal use is known as There are three segments of the balance sheet which are:
Miscellaneous expenses 2000
drawings; it is not an expense, but it reduces capital. i. assets
Total Expenses 16000 ii. liabilities
7. The balance sheet is a financial statement that lists the
assets, liabilities and capital at the end of the accounting period. iii. capital/equity accounts in which to document the value of
Net income 12000
each.
Less Drawings 4000
WORKED EXAMPLE 1 Important to note
Increase in Capital 8000
You are required to prepare an income statement based on the
(1) (2) (3)
information below:
The asset side of the balance sheet The liability side has Equity/capital side lists:
lists accounts such as: accounts such as:
WORKED EXAMPLE 3
SOLUTION
$ You are required to: Cash i. Accounts Payable i. Capital Invested
WORKED EXAMPLE 1: Use the following information to determine the Capital on Inventory ii. Long-term Debts ii. Retained Earnings/Net
Fees Income 76000 $ $ December 31, 2016. Property
Profit

Fees Income 76000 $

This is where we will end for this week. Join me next week as
Supplies Expenses 32000 Less Expenses:
Cash 12000 we continue to complete the syllabus. Grasp the concepts and
Supplies Expenses 32000
Supplies 800 retain them. You will need them as you progress to excellence.
Salaries expenses 24000 Salaries expenses 24000
See you next week.
Miscellaneous expenses 14000
Equipment 16000
Accounts Payable 9000
Miscellaneous expenses 14000 Total Expenses 70000 Roxanne Wright teaches at Immaculate Academy. Send questions and
Net income 6000 Notes Payable 5000 comments to kerrry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com

12 YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017


Atomic structure and
the periodic table
FRANCINE TAYLOR-CAMPBELL
Contributor
1. HOW ARE ELECTRONS ARRANGED IN AN ATOM?
 Electrons are arranged in energy levels around the nucleus.
These electrons are not stationary but continue to move in
different energy levels. The arrangement of electrons in the shells
or energy levels is governed by certain rules or guidelines.
 Each shell or energy level can hold a fixed number of
electrons. When a shell is filled, electrons will enter the next shell
with the lowest energy. Electrons start to fill up the shells of
lowest energy first, that is, the closest one to the nucleus.
 The first shell (K shell) can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
 The next shell (L shell) can hold a maximum of 8 electrons.
 The third shell (M shell) holds 8 electrons for the first 20
elements, but can hold up to 18 electrons.
The electronic configuration of the first 20 elements is shown
below.
yl:chemistry
outer shell. These are called valence electrons and determine how
the element (atom) reacts or bonds. For example, sodium (Na)
and lithium (Li) are in the same column, GROUP 1. The electronic
configurations are as follows: 37Li = 2: 1 and 1123 Na = 2:8:1.
Elements in the same period are filling the same shell, hence
have the same number of shells. For example, elements in period
2 are filling the second shell, while elements in period 3 are filling
the third shell.
2. Determine the electronic configuration in the following
atoms: 11Na, 15P, 5B
11Na - 2:8:1
15P - 2:8:5
5B - 2:3
3. HOW ARE ELEMENTS ARRANGED IN THE
PERIODIC TABLE?
Elements are arranged in the periodic table in order of
increasing atomic (proton) number, and in GROUPS based on the
number of electrons in the outer shell, and in PERIODS based on
the number of shells being filled. Elements with filled shells of 2
or 8 electrons are in group 8 or O.
4. IDENTIFY THE DIFFERENT GROUPS ON THE
PERIODIC TABLE.
Elements on the periodic table are divided into mainly metals
and non-metals. As you go along a PERIOD, elements change
from metals to non-metals. Elements that show both metallic and
non-metallic properties are called metalloids. Some groups of the
periodic table have special names.
Group 1 elements are all metals and have one electron in their
valence shell. They are called the alkali metals.
Group 2 elements are also metals and have two electrons in
their valence shell. They are called the alkaline earth metals.
Group 17 elements are called the halogens or salt producers.
They are called salt producers as they are found in many salts.
6. WHY ARE NOBLE GASES SO NAMED?
Group 17 elements have seven electrons in their valence shell. Group 8 elements are called noble gases (inert) as their outer
shells are filled and are, therefore, not in need of any electrons.
Group 18 elements (commonly called group O or 8) are called This makes them stable and unreactive. Other elements normally
the noble gases. The elements in this group all have the lose or gain electrons in order to have a full shell like the noble
maximum number of electrons in their outer or valence shells. gases or to have a noble gas configuration.
Between GROUP 2 and GROUP 13 is the middle block of the
periodic table that contains the transition elements (metals). Francine Taylor-Campbell is an independent contributor. Send questions and
comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
These include elements such as iron, copper and chromium.
5. WHAT ARE THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN
ELEMENTS IN A GROUP AND ELEMENTS IN A
PERIOD?
Elements in the same group have similar properties. Elements
in the same group also have the same number of electrons in the
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017 13

SBA skills – Drawing
MONACIA WILLIAMS
Contributor
“The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to
learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a
choice.” – Brian Herbert
TAKE CAREFUL note of the above quotation
and see what role you will need to play in your
studies! You need to have the willingness to
enhance the gift of learning! Blessings on your
journey!
We started off this year’s series of lessons in
much the same way that we have started the
previous years, by looking at the SBA skills in
which you need to become proficient and,
hence, gain enough marks to be successful in
Paper 03. This area of the syllabus is often
approached in a lackadaisical manner, although
its importance in the understanding of scientific
concepts cannot be overemphasized. That is
why attention must be drawn to it year after year.
This week, as we continue, we will look at
another SBA skill: drawing. Most times when
this skill is introduced at this level, the response
from students is ‘I cannot draw’, because they
think that making biological drawings is the
same as creating drawings for visual arts. It is
most definitely not! They may share some skill
sets, but both are governed by different rules!
There is one thing that is common to both,
though; in order to master both skills, you need
to practise, practise and then practise some
more! Be reminded, also, that all the drawings
that you are asked to produce in the theory
examination must be done using the same
specifications.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO BEGIN?
 You will need a pencil, preferably HB. Why
am I stating the obvious? This is because you
would be surprised to know how many students
go to biology classes and exams without
pencils.
 Typing sheets (blank paper), a clean eraser
and a ruler are also required.
14
Industrial technology students at Bog Walk High school.
 A calculator, if your multiplication and
division skills are not up to scratch.
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DRAW?
You will be drawing flowers, fruits, seeds,
storage organs, human organs and bones, and
guess what? You will be drawing these from
actual specimens, not from your text!
RULES FOR DRAWING:
 Your drawings must be accurate; that is,
they must have the significant features of the
specimen that you are drawing.
 If you are drawing a flower, then you
should not draw six petals if the flower has only
five.
 If you are drawing a leaf, then the
arrangement of the veins in your drawing must
be the same as in the specimen. If the edge of
the leaf is serrated, then the edge of the leaf that
you have drawn must be serrated.
 If you are drawing a bone, then the length-
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017
IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER
to-width ratio in your drawing must be the same
as in the actual specimen.
 If all of these criteria are not met, then you
are going to lose marks for accuracy.
 Your drawings must be properly labelled;
labelling lines must be drawn with a ruler.
 Labels should be written in pencil and
annotated. A label is annotated when a brief
explanatory note is given for each label. For
example, stigma – receives the pollen grain in
pollination.
The following sums up the characteristics that
your finished drawing must have in order to gain
full marks:
 Everything must be done in pencil, the
drawing, label lines, labels and annotations.
 The drawing must occupy at least 70% of
the page.
 Ensure as much as is possible that your
label lines, labels and annotations are to the
right of your drawing.
 All label lines must end at the same
vertical plane.
yl:biology
 Label lines must be parallel to the top or
bottom of the page.
 Labelling lines must not have arrow heads
or dots where they touch the structure that is
being labelled.
 The written title of the drawing must begin
with ‘Drawing showing’.
 The title must be written in capital letters
and placed underneath the drawing.
 Cursive must never be used on your
diagram. All labels and annotations must be in
script.
 The title must be precise/accurate. For
example, if the drawing is of a flower, then the
type of flower must be stated. If it is a bone, then
the type of bone – femurtibia – which side of the
body, which view, must also be given. For
example, ‘Drawing showing the anterior view of
the left femur of a mammal’. If it is the drawing
of a vertebra, then it must state the type of
vertebra. For example, ‘Drawing showing the
posterior view of a lumbar vertebra’.
 The magnification of the drawing must
also be included. This is arrived at after a
calculation is done, and gives an indication of
the size of your diagram compared with the
actual specimen. It is advisable to include the
calculation on your paper. It can be written
neatly to the left side of the paper. (The formula
is: size of drawing divided by size of specimen)
 The magnification is written beside the title
with an ‘x’ placed before the number. NB: the
magnification never carries a unit.
 Only one place of decimal should be
included. For example, ‘Drawing showing the
interior of the mammalian kidney x 1.5’.
 The title must be underlined. ‘Drawing
showing the interior of the mammalian kidney x 1.5’.
 Do not use shading on your drawing.
These are the criteria that your teacher will be
using to mark your work, so now you can use
them to assess your drawings before you
present them. Happy practising!
See you next week!
Monacia Williams is an independent contributor. Send
questions and comments to
kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com

Map reading and field study
JUDITH HENRY
Contributor
GRID REFERENCE
Focus questions:
 What are grids, grid lines and grid
reference?
 For what are grid lines used and what
purpose do they serve?
 What are the two rectangular grid systems?
 What are the types of grid references?
Topographic maps are divided into grids.
 A grid is a system of horizontal and
vertical lines that cross each other to form
squares.
 Grid lines are a series of numbered
horizontal and perpendicular lines that divide a
map into squares to form a grid by means of
which any point may be located by a system of
rectangular coordinates.
Map grids are drawn on maps to help
mapmakers find the exact location of a place.
 To simplify the use of maps and to avoid
the inconvenience of pinpointing locations on
curved reference lines, cartographers
superimpose on the map a rectangular grid
consisting of two sets of straight, parallel lines,
which are uniformly spaced, and each set is
perpendicular to the other.
 This grid is designed so that any point on
the map can be designated by its latitude and
longitude or by its grid coordinates.
 A reference in one system can be
converted into a reference in another system.
 Such grids are usually identified by the
name of the particular projection for which they
are designed.
Two rectangular grid systems are available on
topographic maps for identifying the location of
points.
1. UNIVERSAL TRANSVERSE
MERCATOR GRID SYSTEM
 This is a special grid for military use
throughout the world. In this grid, the world is
divided into 60 north-south zones, each
covering a strip 6¡ wide in longitude.
2. MILITARY GRID REFERENCE
SYSTEM
 This is a simplified form of the Universal
Transverse Mercator Grid System.
 It provides a very quick and easy method
of referencing a location on a topographic map.
 It is superimposed on the surface of
topographic maps which have a scale of
1:50,000 and larger.
 It is a blue-coloured series of equally
spaced horizontal and vertical lines.
 Horizontal lines run from east to west.
Vertical lines run from north to south.
An identifying number for each of these lines
is found along the map’s margin.
Each identifying number consists of two
digits which range from a value of 00 to 99.
So, remember that:
 Grid lines consist of vertical lines or
horizontal lines that intercept each other to form
a pattern.
 They are aligned parallel to each other.
 Vertical grid lines are numbered lines with
numbers written at the top and bottom,
increasing by 1 moving eastwards, and are
called easting.
 Horizontal grid lines are numbered lines
with numbers increasing by 1 moving
northwards, and are called northing.
Please note the following:
 Each individual square in the grid system
represents a distance of some 1,000 by 1,000
metres and the total size of the grid is 100,000
by 100,000 metres.
 When referring to a location with the
Military Grid Reference System, identifying
letters are always given before the horizontal and
vertical coordinate numbers.
 Each individual square in the Military Grid
Reference System can be further divided into
100 smaller squares (10 by 10). This division
allows us to calculate the location of an object to
within 100 metres.
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017
yl:geography
A set of digits forms a reference using the 2. Imagine that grid square divided into
grid values of eastings and northings. tenths.
These define a location on a map and are 216 is the easting.
referred to as grid references.  21 is the grid line.
 6 is the number of tenths along towards
Things to remember: the next grid line.
 Each grid square is 1km x 1km or 1km.
 When you give a grid reference, always 322 is the northing
give the easting first ... ‘Along the corridor and  32 is the grid line.
up the stairs’.  2 is the number of tenths along towards
the next grid line.
TYPES OF GRID REFERENCES
Four-figure grid references can be used to STEPS IN FINDING A SIX-FIGURE
pinpoint a location within a square measuring 1 REFERENCE
sq km. To find the number of the square: First, find the four-figure grid reference, but
1. Start at the left-hand side of the map and leave a space after the first two digits.
go east until you get to the easting crossing
through the bottom-left-hand corner of the When you get to the easting at the left-hand
square you want. Write this number down. side of the grid square you want, keep moving
2. Move north until you get to the northing east and estimate or measure how many tenths
crossing the bottom-left-hand corner of the across your symbol lies.
square you want. Look at the number of this grid
line and add it to the two-digit number you Write this number after the first two digits.
already have.
3. This is your four-figure grid reference. Next, move north from the bottom-left-hand
corner of your grid square and estimate how
A four-figure reference will point you to a many tenths your symbol is from this point.
square on the map.
A six-figure grid references gives the exact
location of a place or feature on a map.
It is useful to understand how to use four-
figure grid references before continuing to look
at six-figure grid references.
HOW TO WORK OUT SIX-FIGURE GRID
REFERENCES
Let us first look at how the six-figure grid
reference is made up. Let us take 216 322 as an
example. The first three figures refer to the
easting of the point (or the distance along the
map), while the second three figures refer to the
northing of the point (or the distance up the
map). Put them together to create a six-figure grid
Looking the number 216 322 reference.
1. Start by working out the basic easting and
Next lesson, we will look at using scale to
northing as you would for a four-figure grid
measure distance.
reference, using only the first two easting values
and the first two northing values. Send questions and comments to
kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
15

European exploration in the Americas
DEBBION HYMAN
Contributor
BY THE end of the lesson, you should be able
to:
i) Outline five factors that motivated
Europeans to explore and settle in the Caribbean
up to the end of the 17th century.
European exploration in the Americas,
beginning in the 15th century, was motivated by:
a) Technological advancements
b) Increased trading
c) Wind systems and ocean currents
d) Desire for mineral wealth
e) Desire to spread Christianity
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS
Technological advancements played a critical
role in facilitating European exploration in the
Americas in the 15th century. A lot of this
technology was aided by the Renaissance – a
period of learning. The Renaissance resulted in
the development of ideas in science, politics,
religion and geography. The technological
advancements allowed Europeans to develop
seaworthy ships that were larger and stronger to
travel further distances. It also allowed them to
develop better maps. Previously, sailors had to
rely on hand-drawn maps which were usually
inaccurate. In addition, they developed new
navigational instruments, such as the compass
and the astrolabe (see figure 2). The compass
showed in what direction a ship was moving and
the astrolabe used the sun or star to ascertain a
ship’s latitude. Other devices included the
quadrant (see figure 1), hourglass, sextant,
sundial and cross-staff. In addition, there was an
improvement in ship designs; bigger ships were
built that could carry a larger amount of traded
goods. These ships were known as carracks.
These new technologies provided the Europeans
with the catalyst to undertake exploration.
TRADE IMPROVEMENTS
European exploration in the Americas was
also influenced by the desire to find an
alternative trade route to the East. European
products such as linen cloths, wines, furs and
woolen goods were exchanged for jewels, ivory,
gold, perfume, cotton, silk, coffee, dye and
16
Figure 1
Quadrant
Astrolabe
spices. Merchants, adventurers and government
officials were optimistic of finding precious
metals and expanding the areas of trade,
especially for the spices of the East. Many of
these spices were used to preserve meat as well
as to add flavour to food. Arab traders who had a
monopoly on the trade route primarily provided
these spices.
These overland trade routes were quite
dangerous since they were plagued by bandits.
Caravans that could take very little goods and
experienced a long journey as well traversed the
route. The Portuguese thus sought to achieve a
sea route to the East to trade with India and
China for these spices. The Portuguese sought
to gain access to the spice trade by sailing
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017
Figure 2
Astrolabe
Quadrant
eastwards through the Indian Ocean. Later, the
Spanish, in an aim to decrease Portugal’s trade
in the East, sought to find an alternative trade
route to the East. This demonstrated the national
rivalry between the various European countries.
WIND SYSTEMS AND OCEAN
CURRENTS
The trade winds provided the wind system
that enabled European exploration of the
Americas, beginning in the late 15th century.
The trade winds/currents, specifically the North
Equatorial Current and the South Equatorial
Current (they flowed east to west), were equally
important as they took the ships back out of the
Caribbean. Please see figure below illustrating
Figure 3
yl:history
the trade winds.
DESIRE FOR MINERAL WEALTH
European exploration of the Americas was
also influenced by the desire to gain mineral
wealth. In an age when a country’s wealth was
measured in the amount of gold and silver
(bullion) it physically held, European countries
strove to ascertain as much of this commodity
as much as possible. Since this theory held that
one nation could only prosper at the expense of
another, voyages of exploration were seen as
necessary to find new lands and untapped
reserves of bullion before other competing
nations found them.
RELIGION
Lastly, European exploration of the Americas
was also influenced by religious factors. The
explorers, primarily the Spanish and
Portuguese, were strong Catholics and the faith
was an important part of their life. With the
expulsion of Muslim Moors out of Europe in
1492, there was an increase desire to spread
Catholicism. The zeal to spread Catholicism was
high among conquistadors who wanted to
spread their religious faith to ‘pagan’ peoples on
behalf on their nation.
Quadrant
Until next week.
Debbion Hyman is an
independent contributor. Send
questions and comments to
kerry-ann.hepburn
@gleanerjm.com
 yl:social studies
process in the family. The belief that the man is the sole decision-

Members of a family: roles, maker has changed.

relationships and responsibilities RESULTS OF THE CHANGING ROLES AND

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEN AND WOMEN IN THE
CARIBBEAN FAMILY

MAUREEN CAMPBELL FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE CHANGING

Contributor ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEN AND WOMEN
Results Discussions
IN THE CARIBBEAN FAMILY: Identity crisis Many traditional roles have been reversed as women are now being
the Caribbean family:
OBJECTIVES assisted with the domestic roles by men. It is felt that the sharing of
dĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJĂŶĚ>ĞŝƐƵƌĞ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ͗ Ɛ
a) Examine the roles, relationships and responsibilities of adult
and sibling members of a Caribbean family.
^ƚĂƚƵƐŽĨ ǁŽŵĞŶŝŶƐŽĐŝĞƚLJ͗
ǁŽŵĞŶŶŽǁǁŽƌŬ ŵƵĐŚŵŽƌĞ͘
ƚĞĐŚŶŽůŽŐLJ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞƐǁŽŵĞŶŚĂǀĞ
ůĞƐƐǁŽƌŬƚŽ ĚŽ͘ >ĞŝƐƵƌĞĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐĂƌĞ
gender roles in the home and at the workplace has created an identity
b) Explain the causes and effects of the changes in the roles of dŚŝƐŵĞĂŶƐƚŚĂƚƚŚĞƌĞŝƐůĞƐƐƚŝŵĞ
ƚŽĐĂƌƌLJŽƵƚĚŽŵĞƐƚŝĐǁŽƌŬĂŶĚ
ŶŽǁ ƐĞĞŶ ĂƐ ŵŽƌĞ ŽĨĂƉƌŝŽƌŝƚLJ͘^Ž
ĨƌĞĞƚŝŵĞŝƐŶŽǁƐƉĞŶƚŽŶůĞŝƐƵƌĞ
crisis.
family members in Caribbean society. ĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ͕ƚŚŝƐŵĂŬĞƐŚŽƵƐĞǁŽƌŬ
ůĞƐƐŽĨĂƉƌŝŽƌŝƚLJ͕ĂŶĚ ŵĂLJ ďĞ
ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐƌĂƚŚĞƌƚŚĂŶĚŽŝŶŐĚŽŵĞƐƚŝĐ
ǁŽƌŬ Marginalization of the male Male marginalization has become obvious as the call for the equal
ƐŚĂƌĞĚďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŶĂŶĚƚŚĞ

ROLES IN THE FAMILY ǁŽŵĂŶ ŵŽƌĞ͘ sharing of authority and decision making in the home has led to some
A role, sometimes called a social role, is a collection of
.
men feeling demoted. There is an increase in the number of women
behaviours, attitudes, responsibilities and expectations related to
a position that a person fills in society. Most people play several who wil no longer stay in abusive relationships, but wil move on as
ŚŽŝĐĞ ŽĨĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ͗tŽŵĞŶĂƌĞ
different roles every day. A woman may play the role of sister ŶŽǁŵŽƌĞĐĂƌĞĞƌŽƌŝĞŶƚĞĚĂŶĚŵƵĐŚ
ŵŽƌĞůŝŬĞůLJ ƚŽŚĂǀĞĂũŽďĂƐǁĞůůĂƐ
theyare now able to sustain themselves.
within her family and serve as a support person and confidante. At
work, she may serve as a boss who is tasked with monitoring
ĚŽŝŶŐŚŽƵƐĞǁŽƌŬ ĂŶĚĐŚŝůĚĐĂƌĞ͘
Role conflict The most obvious example of role conflict is work/family conflict, or
people’s activities and determining rewards and punishments. the conflict one feels when pulled between familial and professional
While with friends, she may serve as the life of the party – the
person who keeps the group talking and engaged. Each of these ĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶĂůŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚŝĞƐ͗
&ĞŵŝŶŝƐŵĂŶĚ ǁŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ƌŝŐŚƚƐ͗
dŚĞƐĞĂƌĞŝŵƉŽƌƚĂŶƚŝŶƐŽĐŝĞƚLJ͘
obligations.
tŝƚŚƚŚĞĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽŐŽ ƚŽƐĐŚŽŽů͕
roles requires filling a specific function within a group and comes ŚĂŶŐĞƐŝŶƚŚĞǀŝĞǁƐŽĨƐŽĐŝĞƚLJ

with an expected set of behaviours. An individual’s role, therefore,

varies depending on his/her status/social position.
ISSUES WITH SOCIAL ROLES
Although a role can help a person determine appropriate
behaviour, roles can also pose some challenges. Role confusion
occurs when someone is unsure of what role to play. Role conflict
occurs when two or more of a person’s roles conflict with one
another.
FAMILY ROLE
People often play specific roles within their families, and these
roles may be quite different from the roles they play at work or
with their friends. Sometimes a person outgrows a family role, but
the family continues to expect him or her to meet the demands of
the role. Every family member plays a role as part of the
functioning family unit. Each family establishes its own roles for
family members to play, but common roles include:
Father: Heads the household, main provider/breadwinner and
final authority.
Women/mother: Responsible for the household and for taking
care of the children (Nowadays, there have been many changes
made to the traditional male and female roles with more women
receiving education and taking high-status jobs.).
Children: Help with chores around the house, run errands,
fetch supplies, help to take care of younger siblings.
ǁŽŵĞŶ ĂƌĞǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ŵŽƌĞ ŵĞŶ
ĂƌĞŶŽ ůŽŶŐĞƌƚŚĞƐŽůĞ
ĂŶĚǁŽŵĞŶ͛Ɛ ƌŝŐŚƚƐŝƐĂŵĂũŽƌ
ƌĞĂƐŽŶ ǁŽŵĂŶĂƌĞŵŽƌĞ
ďƌĞĂĚǁŝŶŶĞƌ͘
CHANGES IN THE ROLES OF FAMILY MEMBERS IN
CARIBBEAN SOCIETY ARE A RESULT OF ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL FACTORS
1. The high cost of living in the Caribbean has forced most
women to become a part of the labour force. The male is no
longer seen as the sole breadwinner in the family.
2. The introduction of birth control, with the varying
contraception methods, has helped women to become more
focused on a career rather than childbearing.
3. Increased technology has had a two-fold effect. First, women
are now able to do work once dominated by men. Second,
household chores are easily and quickly carried out.
4. Gender roles in the home are now being shared in most
households. Men are helping more in domestic work, even
though women are still doing the clear majority. The right to equal
educational and job opportunities has helped in the promoting of
equality of the sexes. Due to the increase in employment
opportunities for women, they are now sharing the breadwinner’s
role with their partners.
5. Most women are now participating in the decision-making
Development of self-esteem Development of women's self-esteem and confidence. Theyare
ŝŶĚĞƉĞŶĚĞŶƚ͘ and confidence of becoming more independent͘Added competition for jobs as many
women/independence of once-traditional male occupations have been opened to females.
women
Amid all these changes, even today there is still a clear
distinction between women’s work and men’s work in our society.
The changing roles of the members of the family have occurred
and have resulted in and/or created role conflict in the family.
1. Define the terms ‘role’, ‘union’ and ‘status.’
2. Explain why we need to have various roles in a family?
3. Suggest TWO reasons why a marriage union may be more
beneficial than a consensual or visiting union in the Caribbean
region.
4. State four factors that are responsible for the changes in the
roles and responsibilities of family members in the Caribbean and
explain how each factor contributes to this change. Then suggest
THREE effects of this change in roles and responsibility on men
and women in the Caribbean.
Maureen Campbell teaches at St Hugh’s High School. Send questions and
comments to Kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com

YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017 17


Unlocking the new English A SBA
MELISSA MCKENZIE
Contributor
ELCOME, STUDENTS. I do hope the
W information that I have been giving to
you thus far about the SBA has been
proving useful, and that you are working
assiduously to complete all the tasks in a timely
manner. Time management is key.
This week I will complete my focus on the
remaining sections of the portfolio.
INDICATORS OF GROUP ACTIVITY
The syllabus states that “a minimum of
THREE pieces of material, for example, print,
audio, visual media, must be collected and
presented in the portfolio, and should address
the issue/topic/theme/event selected. These
pieces will form the basis for the process of
enquiry and groupwork activities (cognitive,
psychomotor, affective) in which students will
become aware of and practise English language
skills”. For this section of the portfolio, the
teacher will pay attention to how well you
worked as a group and note features such as
communication, collaboration, leadership,
reflection and interaction. Group work is not
optional.
ORAL PRESENTATION
This is where you are given the opportunity to
respond personally to the theme or topic that
you have selected. For example, if your topic is
‘The effects of scamming on its victims’, then
your presentation should effectively share these
effects. It should be completed in three to five
minutes. You are expected to present primarily
in English using a genre of your choosing, such
as drama, poetry, speech, exposition, role play
or song. The syllabus also states that “the
student should deliver a brief overview of the
presentation including the genre chosen, the
sources used and a comment on the kind of
language used in the data”. A brief plan of the
oral presentation must be submitted in the
portfolio.
THE PLAN SHOULD:
 Comment on the genre you have chosen.
18
There has been an educational turnaround at Bog Walk High School.
 Explain the purpose of your presentation.
 State who or what impacted you.
 Give reasons for your selection of
language.
The oral presentation requires you to be
creative, confident and informative/persuasive.
As you finalise your presentation, seek
feedback and practise often.
WRITTEN REPORT
A written report of the investigation should be
a summary of the processes, procedures and
outcomes of the research. It should include the
material collected, reasons for selection, and
analysis of the material. A satisfactory report
should be about 250-300 words in total.
KEY TERMS
For processes, focus on describing how you
collected your pieces, selected the most
appropriate ones, and the difficulties you may
have experienced in doing so. If a group
member had no difficulties, give a reason for
this.
For procedures, summarise how the group
went about completing the research and
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017
IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER
analysing the material. For example, what was
done to achieve the objectives of the research?
How did the group decode/analyse the material?
For outcomes, focus on your experience as a
group and your impressions. Also, strategically
summarise the findings that the materials
(artefacts) provided by way of individual and
group analysis.
The written report is a collaborative effort,
which means you have to meet as often as
possible to share your ideas on what you wish
to include in the report. It should show evidence
of research and appropriate referencing.
Again, I do hope that the breakdown of the
SBA will be useful. Remember, it serves as a
guideline and is not prescriptive.
I will now focus on sharing common
concerns that have arisen as a result of blunders
that are too often present in some students’
work. I have shared a few already, but it really
does not hurt to repeat them.
COMMON CONCERNS
You are urged to address them if you are
guilty of any. These are:
 Inadequate use of appropriate punctuation
marks: In some cases, students write entire
yl:english language
paragraphs without one full stop in sight or they
misuse the comma. This is a grave concern at
this level and all efforts must be made to avoid
them.
 The failure to use paragraphs when writing
stories, essays or letters: The blocked format is
not acceptable when writing. Please indent from
the margin at the start of each paragraph.
 Poor sentence construction: In some
cases, the ideas that a candidate intends to
communicate are lost because of awkward
sentence structures.
 Inability to complete the exam in the
allocated time: This is due largely to poor time
management and the wrong approach in
completing sections. It is usually better to
complete the sections that value the most marks.
For example, in Paper 02, when the time is up,
ensure that you have written the story, essay and
summary. Altogether, they are worth 100 marks.
These sections should not be left incomplete.
 The creation of summaries in which there
is lifting, irrelevant information and surpassing
of the word limit.
 Stories read like reports and lack conflict,
tension, as well as dynamic characters.
 Essays that inadequately develop points
and which are insufficiently supported by
evidence.
 The evidence of neglect in proofreading
written work.
 The use of the pronoun ‘I’ as a common
letter.
 The inclusion of ‘text speak’ in writing. For
example, u for you, c for see, or 4 in place of for.
This is not acceptable.
 The use of the vernacular (Jamaican
Creole) or slang in the extended pieces. Some
examples of these are:
 The mother wanted him to make it in life.
 Some mothers run leave their children.
 The policeman run down the thief.
 Her daughter had no behaviour.
 The smell of the garbage made the people
feel bad.
 The vendor was mad when the man pitch
over her goods.
 Her daughter is full of pure attitude.
While we embrace our local dialect as a rich
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
 yl:english literature

Introduction to poetry
BERYL CLARKE
Contributor

“Some people claim they were cut out to be

leaders. Others think they were sewn together
wrong.” – Borrowed.

NOW THAT you are senior students, you have

the chance to be in leadership positions. Do
lead well!

As we continue our introduction to poetry, I

urge you not to bother with any moaning and
groaning. How can anyone with the inborn
rhythm, ease of rhyming ability, speed of finding
appropriate words (eh, young men?) claim that
poetry is hard? You are stopping yourself from
doing well by listening to others and fooling
yourself. Do you remember having somone, a
family member or a friend, say something to you
that you do not, at first, ‘get’, that is,
understand? Have you ever said something that
you thought was perfectly clear and yet it was
not clear to the person to whom you spoke? We
accept these as an understandable situations,
but when it comes to poetry we label it as
difficult if we do not easily ‘get’ what is written.
Just consider the fact that we express
ourselves in different ways. We do not all
choose the same words to speak about the same
things. Let me give an example of what I mean:
Two persons may attend a party. Later, they tell a
friend about the event. They both talk about the
number of persons who attended, the way they
dressed and the quantity and quality of the food.
Allian says that the venue was jampacked.
Devonte says the place was jumping. Allian says
the guests were well dressed, looking good in
the latest fashions. Devonte uses words like
‘dapper’, ‘criss’ and ‘trash out’ to describe how
the partygoers dressed. Allian says the food was
delicious, Devonte says the food caused him to
want to lick his 10 fingers and talked about how
he cleaned his plate. I hope you realise from this
that both are saying the same thing but using
different words. In writing a poem, novel, play,
essay, letter or anything, we tend to use the
words and references/allusions and slangs with
which we are familiar. Someone who reads the
Ruth Campbell (left), regional sales manager, Scotia Insurance, with the 2017 set of ScotiaMINT scholars.
work only needs to take the time to use his/her
dictionary and, most important, the clues that
are given by the context to ensure
understanding.
As you know, there are several types of
poems. As God’s Grandeur is a 14-line poem, it
is a sonnet. Other types include aubade, elegy,
ode, pastoral, dramatic monologue. Poems have
rhythmic patterns, rhyme schemes and are
enriched with literary devices. It is important that
you know them, can recognise their usage and
the difference that they make, whether in poetry,
prose or drama. I am suggesting that as you go
through any literary work and see a device, for
instance, an allusion, you immediately try to
identify the purpose of its use. A device always
makes a difference in its use and once you see
it, you must also be able to see the reason for its
being there. Of course, your own writing will
reflect this knowledge.
Most of us can easily identify alliteration,
metaphor, simile, allusion and pun. Here are a
few other literary terms with which you may not
be as conversant.
Anaphora –This is the deliberate repetition of
the first of a sentence; repetition of word or
words at the start of successive phrases.
Apostrophe –This is a figure of speech in
which someone or something that is absent is
spoken to as if present.
Assonance – This is the repetition of vowel
sounds, for example, ‘loud, proud, sound’.
Caesura –This is the use of punctuation in a
line of a poem to create a long pause.
Diction – This refers to the word choice of the
author.
Elision –This is used to ensure that the meter
of the line of poetry remains regular by leaving
out a syllable or vowel.
End-stopped line – This is a line of poetry
that has a full pause at its end, with a full stop or
semi-colon.
Euphemism – This is a deliberately chosen
word to make a situation appear more pleasant,
for example, referring to death as ‘passing away’.
Euphony – This refers to pleasant spoken
sounds due to the use of smooth consonants.
Figures of speech – These are terms such as
hyperbole, metonymy, simile,
personification,sarcasm, etc.
Onomatopoeia –This is a word which has a
sound that resembles what it describes, for
example’buzz’.
Open form – This is sometimes called ‘free
verse’. In this form of poetry, lines vary in length
and tend to ignore the use of divisions into
verses; even the use of punctuation may be
unexpected.
Oxymoron –This is the putting together of two
seemingly different elements, for example
honest thief.
Paradox – This is the creation of a seemingly
absurd or contradictory situation.
Run-on-line – This is a line of poetry that has
no punctuation or pause and, as a result, runs
over into the following line. This is also referred
to as enjambent.
We will continue with more literary devices in
a future lesson. Our discussion on ‘God’s
Grandeur’ will be our focus next week. God
bless!
Beryl Clarke is an independent contributor. Send
questions and comments to
kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com

YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017 19


Hard-copy output devices
NATALEE A. JOHNSON
Contributor
OOD DAY, students. This is lesson four in
G series of lessons. In this week’s lesson, I
will be concluding output devices. At the
end of this lesson, you should be able to define
the term ‘hard-copy’, distinguish between the
different impact and non-impact printers.
Hard-copy output devices are devices that
provide output on printed paper or other
permanent media that is human readable
(tangible). Examples of devices that produce
hard copy are printers, plotters and microfiche.
Examples of hardcopy documents would include
a flyer, a letter, a book, a card, and so on.
PRINTERS
The purpose of the printer is to display on
paper the information shown on the computer
screen, just like the examples given above, with
the pictures. The quality of what is on paper and
how fast the information is put on the paper is
dependent on the choice of printer.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PRINTERS
 Printer speed – The speed of a printer is
measured in:
 CPS = Character per second
 LPM = Lines per minute
 PPM = Pages per minute
 Printer quality – This is determined by the
printer’s resolution, which is measured in dots
per inch (dpi). This determines how smooth a
diagonal line the printer will produce. Thus, to
output text or graphics (such as photos) at a
high quality, the resolution would have to be
quite high.
There are two types of printers: impact
printers and non-impact printers.
IMPACT PRINTERS
With this type of printer, a hammer strikes an
inked ribbon on to the paper to form a character,
like a typewriter. Thus, the printing mechanism
makes physical contact with the paper.
20
ADVANTAGES
 Less expensive.
 Can make multiple copies of a document
(carbon copies or multiform).
DISADVANTAGES
 Noisy.
 Quality is poor.
 Poor graphics or none at all.
Impact printers include: Dot matrix, daisy
wheel and ‘band’ or ‘train’ printer.
TYPES OF IMPACT PRINTERS
DOT MATRIX
This printer is relatively inexpensive and can
print between 100-200cps. Typically, a character
is made up of a dot matrix 5 x 7. The characters
are printed one at a time. Similar to how a
scoreboard shows its data, that’s how characters
are formed using the dot matrix. Some printers
are unable to produce graphics, only letters and
numbers.
ADVANTAGES
 Inexpensive.
 Can make multicopy forms.
DISADVANTAGE
 Slow.
DAISY WHEEL
This printer operates at slow speeds, less
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017
yl:information technology
than 75cps. It is noted for letter quality and is
used extensively for professional word
processing. Characters are fully formed on the
‘petals’, like typewriter keys. The petal strikes an
inked ribbon to produce a character.
ADVANTAGE
 Best print quality.
DISADVANTAGES
 Very slow (will print between 20 to 80cps).
 Only one font can be used at a time
because one must change out the daisy wheel to
change fonts.
 Cannot print graphics.
BAND OR ‘TRAIN’ PINTER
The character set is in a continuous loop of
characters. Usually, the complete character set is
repeated several times around the loop. The
loop rotates in a horizontal line. There is a set of
hammers across the paper. The hammer for each
character position strikes the paper and a carbon
on to the right character on the chain as it goes
around.
ADVANTAGES
 Very fast.
 Will print up to 3,000 lines per minute.
DISADVANTAGES
 Very expensive.
 Very loud.
NON-IMPACT PRINTERS
With this type of printer, there is no actual
striking of the paper. Instead, it uses ink spray or
toner powder, heat and special paper. Thus, the
printing mechanism does not make physical
contact with the paper.
ADVANTAGES
 Quiet.
 Can print graphics and often a wider
variety of fonts than impact printers.
DISADVANTAGE
 More expensive.
 Cannot produce multiple carbon copies.
Non-Impact printers include: Ink jet, thermal
and laser printers.
TYPES OF NON-IMPACT PRINTERS
INK JET
The ink jet printer, in comparison to the dot
matrix or daisy wheel printer, has a much faster
printing mechanism. Characters are formed by
spraying ink on to the paper.
ADVANTAGES
 Quiet.
 Produces high-quality text and graphics.
 Able to print colour.
 Faster than impact printers.
DISADVANTAGES
 Cannot produce multiple copies.
 Ink can smear on the paper after printing is
done.
THERMAL PRINTER
This type of printer uses heat on chemically
treated paper to form characters. A thermal
printer is similar in nature to a fax machine that
uses special rolls of paper.
ADVANTAGE
 Quiet.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Directed numbers
CLEMENT RADCLIFFE
Contributor
E HAVe now begun the review of
W ARITHMETIC OPERATIONS TO VULGAR
selected topics from the syllabus. In
this regard, I wish to remind you of the
following critical tools:
1. CXC CSEC syllabus
2. Textbook
3. Notebook
4. Past-paper questions
5. Resource materials (geometrical
instruments and a scientific calculator)
As we continue our review of directed
numbers, I will share with you the answers to
the problems given for homework last week.
Evaluate the following:
(i) -7 x -3 = 21
(ii) -32 Ö 8 = - 4
(iii) -6 -5 + 9 = - 2
(iv) 3a x -5b = - 15ab
(v) 7/12 + 5/6 - 2/3
The solution to No. (v) is based on the
conversion of the three fractions to the same
denominator. This denominator is 12, the LCM
of the existing denominators 12, 6 and 3.
(Please note that the LCM of 12, 6 and 3 is
12.)
7/12 + 5/6 - 2/3
= (7 x 1) + (5 x 2) - (2 x 4)/12
= 7/12 + 10/12 - 8/12 = 9/12
= 3/4
If the above posed no difficulty, then you are
ready to consider exam-type questions.
Prior to doing so, I do recommend that you
pursue a comprehensive review of the number
system. You should no doubt be familiar with
odd and even number, but what about natural
numbers (1, 2, 3), whole numbers (0, 1, 2.),
integers (..- 2, - 1, 0, 1, 2 ), rational or irrational
numbers, fractions and decimals? In reviewing
these please pay attention to:
Proper fractions (5/6 )
Improper fractions ( 17/12 )
Mixed numbers ( 3 7/12 )
APPLICATION OF THE FOUR
FRACTIONS
Having reviewed the application of the four
arithmetic operations to integers, select fractions
and decimals, we may now consider exam-type
questions.
In applying multiple operations to vulgar
fractions, students are required to observe the
correct law with respect to applying the order of
the operations as follows:
1) B – Brackets
2) O – Of (Multiply)
3) M – Multiply
4) D – Divide
5) A – Add
6) S – Subtract
BOMDAS identifies the order in which the
operations should be carried out and must always
be obeyed. Where an expression has multiple
operations, then the operations within the
brackets are evaluated first, if they exist.
Multiplication or Of is done before division, while
division is done before addition, and so on.
Let’s now practise the use of BOMDAS.
(A)PRACTICE 1
Calculate the value of: 2 1 + 9 x 2 ( 1 1/2
Convert the mixed numbers to fractions
= 7/3 + 9 x 2 ( 3/2
In this case, three operations are involved.
Using BOMDAS, we do the multiplication first:
That is 9 x 2 = 18
= 7/3 +18 ( 3/2
We then do the division:
= 7/3 + 18 ( 3/2 = 7/3 + 18 x 2/3
Finally, the addition:
= 7/3 + 12 = 2 1/3 + 12
= 14 1/3
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017
(B) PRACTICE 2
6 x( 2 1/2 + 1/3) BOMDAS directs that we
evaluate the brackets first (despite the fact that
we are required to add):
( 2 1/2 + 1/3) = 5/2 + 1/3 . Using the LCM of
2 and 3, that is 6, we get
= ( 3 x 5) + (2 x 1)/6
= 15 + 2 /6 = 17/6
To complete the problem we now multiply:
6 x 17/6 =17
(C) PRACTICE 3
Calculate the value of: 6 1/3 - 1 5/6
1 1/2 x 2 2/3
This is a typical exam-type question, so
please note it well.
Using BOMDAS, we first note that the line
represents brackets and so the numerator may
be evaluated first. (It is also appropriate to
evaluate the denominator first.)
6 1/3 - 1 5/6 = 19/3 - 116 (Initially convert
mixed numbers)
The LCM of 3 and 6 is 6
= ( 2 x 19) - (1 x 11)/6
= 38 -11/6 = 27/6
Evaluating the denominator:
1 1/2 x 2 2/3
Convert to common fractions and cancel
3/2 x 8/3 = 24/6 = 4
Dividing: = 27/6 ( 4 = 27/6 x 1/4 = 9/8
The above assumes that you are able to
manipulate fractions. If you are not able to,
including cancelling, you need to get help in
this specific area.
POINTS TO NOTE
 In solving a problem such as Practice 3,
you may first evaluate either the numerator or
the denominator. You may verify this by finding
the solution, beginning with the denominator.
yl:mathematics
 Finding the LCM CORRECTLY is a very
important step in the solution. If you have
difficulty with this step you should resolve these
at this time.
 As Practice 3 requires the exact value, you
are not allowed to express the fraction in
decimal form. If this is done, then your answer
would be different from 9/8 and you may be
penalised.
 Your working must always be clearly
shown in logical sequence as presented above.
Let us now work the following together:
EXAMPLE
Using a calculator, or otherwise, determine
the exact value of :
(4.3)2 - (7.24 - 5.31).
SOLUTION
(4.3)2 - (7.24 - 5.31).
Using the recommended approach, we first
evaluate the brackets using the calculator.
(4.3)2 = 18.49 and (7.24 - 5.31) = 1.93
As there are brackets, you may do the second
bracket first, as long as the substitution is done
appropriately.
= 18.49 - 1.93 = 16.56 Ans = 16.56
EXAMPLE
Determine the value of:
6.35 ( 1.024
√ 8.6091
5.62 x 3.7462
SOLUTION
Using the calculator:
6.35 ( 1.024 = 6.201
√ 8.6091 = 2.934
5.62 x 3.7462 = 5.62 x 14.033 = 78.865
Please be reminded that it is important to get
this the first question on the exam paper correct.
It naturally builds your confidence. Always
remember to apply BOMBAS. Even if the
individual operations are done correctly, the
appropriate order is required to get the correct
answer.
I close this week with the following:
1. 3 x 6 + 12 ÷ 3 - 2 =
2. Calculate the value of 4 1/2 x 7/3 + 1/4
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
21
 yl:communication studies

Non-verbal communication – Part 1

TRUDI MORRISON REID
Contributor

TRUST that you are well on your way with refining your ideas

I and your drafts for your internal assessment and that you found
last week’s guide to be useful. This week, we will continue our
adventure into the world of communication studies by looking at
non-verbal communication.

FORMS OF COMMUNICATION
There are two forms of communication: verbal and non-verbal.
Quite simply, verbal communication is communication that is
done using words, and non-verbal communication refers to how
we communicate without the use of words. Let us look at the
various categories of non-verbal communication.

1. BODY LANGUAGE AND MOVEMENT

Communication experts all agree that very often verbal and
non-verbal messages do not agree with each other, and it is
through non-verbal messages that the truth is revealed. Whether
or not we are aware of it, each of us spends a lot of time decoding
the body language of others. This may include observing the
posture, gesture, facial expressions of others. It is important that
all of these be considered in relation to the verbal message (which
may accompany the communication) and the context in which the
communication is taking place. It suits you to be aware of what
your body is doing, as it may betray how you really feel about that
teacher who is reprimanding you for your inappropriate
behaviour, for example. Although you apologise in your sweetest
and most convincing voice, that fact that your arms are folded and IAN ALLEN/PHOTOGRAPHER
you are staring past her into the distance may suggest everything The award-winning 4-H Club agriculture team from Bellevue Primary and Junior High in Perth Town,
but sincerity. Trelawny.
Our bodies also communicate messages to us, as our five and kiss more generously than others in other regions. 4. ARTIFACTS
senses receive stimuli and send messages to our brains. The
Artifacts refer to objects that send messages about us. These
smell of fresh pastry may be a hint that your mother is baking The space you occupy generally can also help persons to include our jewellery, clothing, body art, clothing accessories,
your favourite muffin, and water touching your skin as you walk to understand your role. The person at the head of a table is usually and so on. These must all be viewed in light of the culture and
the bus stop could be a message that it is beginning to rain. the most powerful and the person manning the school gate is context in which they are being worn. Turning up for a job
quite likely the security guard. Be careful to look out for interview in a button-down shirt, black joggers (pants) and brand
2. SPACE (PROXEMICS) stereotyping, as roles can be switched for a number of reasons! new Air Force One sneakers may result in your interview being
Your use of space in relation to the persons with whom you are postponed indefinitely, except, of course, if the job is for a sports
communicating can send messages to others about your 3. VOCALICS (PARALANGUAGE) assistant at a kiddies’ summer camp. Although finding out that
relationship with that person. The persons who are closest to us The volume, tone, rate, pitch and quality of your voice can add your most uncompromising teacher has a stylish tattoo etched
emotionally are usually the persons we allow to be closest to us dimension to your words. Let me be clear that vocalics is not across her lower back may change your opinion of her, tattoos in
physically. Where, how and when we touch each other also tells really about the words themselves as much as about how the African and Pacific countries may signal the status, job or group
others about the nature of our relationship. words are delivered. For the fun of it, try to see how many ways to which a person belongs.
you can say the words ‘Come here’ to communicate different
It is important to note that culture and context are also meanings. You can communicate urgency, excitement, sternness, 5. CHRONEMICS (TIME)
important considerations when decoding persons’ use of space. doubt. Can you think of any others? Our use of time can communicate messages to others about
Latin Americans tend to be very warm and loving, and will hug
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

22 YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017


Caribbean society and culture
OBJECTIVES
At the end of this lesson, you should be able
to:
(1) Define society, demography and human
ecology.
(2) Describe the elements that determine the
characteristics of a society.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIETY
Human civilization tends to organise itself in
groups which facilitate interaction with each
other. Within every community, roles are
assigned to individuals for effectual operation;
this often leads to a civilized society. A society,
therefore, can be defined in the following ways:
A DEFINED TERRITORIAL SPACE
A society is often referred to as people living
together in the same geographical area over a
long period of time. In the context of the
Caribbean, a society is referred to as the
boundaries of a nation state. For instance, the
Jamaican society, the St Lucian society, the
Cuban society, and so on.
A SHARED COMMON PURPOSE
The term ‘society’ is also used to refer to
people who share a similar historical
background, culture and interests, for example,
The Jamaican Horticultural Society or the
Jamaican Society for the Aged.
Continuity over time and space/citizenship
within a space
The sociologists, in their study of society,
speak of an organised group framework,
meaning that within each society there is a strict
social structure. This refers to a network of
interrelationship among the individuals and
groups. In their pursuit of understanding the
general make-up of a society, sociologists study
relationships to verify their effects on the
function of the society.
ELEMENTS THAT DETERMINE THE
SOCIAL CONDITIONS OF A SOCIETY
POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
This determines the general social patterns of
a group of people living within a certain
yl:caribbean studies
 The redistribution of facilities and rewards
such as power, education.
Changes can take place gradually or
suddenly, and can result from deliberate
planning or be unintentional. These changes can
be beneficial to some as well as punitive to
others and, as such, it is inevitable that there
will be resistance to some changes.
CULTURAL INFLUENCES
This refers to similar experiences that people
within ethnic/racial groups share. There are
practices that are unique to them, such as the
preparation of food, religious rituals, mode of
dress, politics, festivals and celebrations, that
inform their way of living. These practices are
passed down to the young. For instance, the
From left: Elizabeth Phillips (trustee), Jodean McKane (scholarship recipient), Tainos, Kalinagos and Mayans all had distinct
Sacha-Gay Smellie (scholarship recipient), Jeffrey Hall (chief executive officer of cultural practices which made their society an
JP Group), McKoy McNeish (scholarship recipient), Patsy Kelly (director of JP organised, rich cultural state.
Group and trustee), Kayon Davis (scholarship recipient), Christopher Ramdon
(trustee and past recipient), Jemella Clarke (recipient), Lisa Johnston (JP
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
corporate affairs manager), and Romane Duncan (scholarship recipient)
celebrate another year of the Sydney A. Phillips Scholarship Trust Fund Social behaviour is the study of people’s
supporting St Mary scholars. attitude to change, conformity, leadership and
any other form of behaviour. It also includes the
geographical area. There are two primary kinds transmission of learning and knowledge in interaction of people within a group. Through
of population studies: demography and human educational institutions. the process of socialization, standards of
ecology. Demography is the systematic study of behaviours are relayed from generation to
the size, composition and distribution of human generation. The sociologist studies how people
SOCIAL CHANGE
populations. Human ecology, on the other hand, adjust their behaviours to fit the already
deals mainly with the structure of urban Social change involves any key modification established standards.
environments and their patterns of settlement in the social conditions and patterns of
and growth. Studies in human ecology explain behaviour in a society. Change may be caused
by fashions, inventions, revolutions, wars or SUMMARY
why and how cities and other communities grow
and change. other events and activities. Sociologists, in the The Caribbean society refers to:
pursuit to uncover the mysteries behind social  The population that falls within the
change within the society, have concentrated geographical confines of the Greater and Lesser
SOCIETAL INSTITUTIONS their efforts on education, social values and Antilles.
Societal institutions include churches, settlement patterns that occur in newly  The natives or citizens of those countries
government agencies, security forces, hospitals, industrialized nations. that are bordered by the Caribbean Sea and
families, business organisations, schools, and those of the mainland territories .
so on. For each institution there are clearly  Those who share a common history of
THERE ARE FOUR MAIN TYPES OF
defined relationships among people who colonialism, slavery, the plantation system and
SOCIAL CHANGE:
perform specific actions within the society. It is its attendant culture, values and norms.
imperative to note that each institution has a  Change in the number and variety of  Those groups of persons who were born in
direct effect on the society. For example, by positions and roles. the Caribbean but live outside of the region.
 Change in obligation or duties attached to
infusing aspects of Vision 2030 in the
curriculum across schools in Jamaica, the goals positions. Send questions and comments to
of the entire society are influenced by the  New ways of organisation. Kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017 23

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
PART OF our culture, please be reminded that it is an English
examination. Dialect must be limited to conversations between
characters in your stories and, even then, it should be limited.
With your English A examination scheduled for May 2018, I
believe you should use the time to address any area of concern
yl: information technology
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
DISADVANTAGES
 Expensive and requires a special paper to print.
 Cannot produce multiple copies of a document.
LASER PRINTER
Laser printers are extremely fast and they can produce high-quality
output. They can also print one page at a time. Laser printers work like a
copy machines, using toner and a heat bar.
ADVANTAGES
 Very fast (they can print from 4 to 16 pages per minute).
 Produce high-quality printing.
 Extremely quiet.
 Can print colour.
DISADVANTAGES
 Expensive to buy.
 Cannot use multiple-copy paper.
PLOTTERS
A plotter is a special-purpose output device (considered to be also a
printer) that is used to produce sophisticated graphs, charts, maps and
three-dimensional graphics as well as high-quality, coloured
documents. It can also be used to print larger size documents. There are
two main categories of plotters: vector and raster plotter.
MICROFICHE
The computer can output tiny images on rolls/sheets of microfilm.
Microfiche is a rectangle sheet of microfilm large enough to contain a
number of pages (or frames) of data. It can store from 30 to 300 pages.
One microfiche is equivalent to 200 pages of A3 paper.
DISK OR TAPE
This is a triple-purpose media. It is used for input, storage and
output. The CPU can send output directly to disks or tapes. It is also
classified as being a machine-readable device.
We have come to the end of this lesson. See you next week.
Remember, if you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.
Natalee A. Johnson teaches at Ardenne High School. Send questions and comments
to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
24
yl:english language
that you may have. After all, success in English A is what you Diffident – lacking self-confidence, shy
desire and intend to achieve. Work towards it! Disrepute – loss or lack of good reputation
Until next week, take care!
VOCABULARY TOP-UP
Digress – depart from the main subject of a speech or writing Melissa McKenzie teaches at Old Harbour High School. Send questions and
Dilemma – problematic situation, predicament comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
yl:mathematics
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
3. Simplify 3 1/3 - 1 5/8 ÷ 1 1/3
4. Simplify 4 + 1 5/8 x 1 1/3
5. ( 1.5)3 - (0.7)2 =
6. Using a calculator, determine the value of
(3.29)2 - 5.5
√ (1.5 x 0.06)
7. Find the value of :
4 1/3 - 1 5/6
2 1/2 x 2 2/3
8. Find the value of:
4.27 - (7.6)2
√3.6 ÷ 0.08
Finally, let me urge you to keep all of these lessons together in your notebook so that you can always refer to
them. Your notebook should also include solutions to other similar questions. If you require previous copies of
solutions to similar questions, you should be able to access these from The Gleaner Company.
Clement Radcliffe is an independent contributor. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
yl: communication studies
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22
our attitudes or status. Someone who is always late for work suggests that he/she does not take the job
seriously. On the other hand, some CEOs in very large companies are the last to arrive and the first to leave,
and this is accepted because of their status. Ever notice how, in spite of the effort you make to ensure that you
arrive early for your doctor’s appointment, you always seem to have to wait for hours?
6. GRAPHS, CHARTS, TABLES, PICTURES
In a slightly different way, we can communicate messages/information to others through the use of graphs,
charts and tables without the use of many, if any, words. Have you ever heard that a picture is worth a thousand
words? Instead of telling your friends about your experience of always having to clean up after your younger
sibling, snap a few pics and send it to them via Instagram or WhatsApp. I am sure they will ‘see your point’
more clearly than if you typed out the list of things you actually had to clean up!
Next week we will look at non-verbal communication – Part II!!!!
I can’t wait!!!!
Trudi Morrison Reid teaches at The Queen’s School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com
YOUTHLINK MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 3 - 9, 2017