VERSION 1.0
JANUARY 26, 2018
1/26/2018 Writing Samples 1
CONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTSCONTENTS
The following examples are excerpts taken from existing documents. Names of companies and
product names have been removed.
NOTE: The writing samples are provided as excerpts and not the full documents.
CATEGORIESCATEGORIESCATEGORIESCATEGORIES
Statistical and Data Analysis Writing - a portion of an email marketing analysisinvolving evaluation of data and the writing and creation of charts
Instructional Writing - a reference guide authored to coincide with a complete training
course curriculum used to train persons on the use of software
Presentation Writing and Design - a few introduction slides of a presentation format
designed and authored with speaker notes
Book Review Writing - a portion of a book review
Published Editorial Writing - a published article
AAAADDITIONAL WRITINGDDITIONAL WRITINGDDITIONAL WRITINGDDITIONAL WRITING ---- NOT INCLUDEDNOT INCLUDEDNOT INCLUDEDNOT INCLUDED
Writing project experience in the following areas has been performed, but is not included in this
sample set:
Marketing Copy - for web sites, brochures, specifications, analysis
Public Relations - published content in InfoWEEK magazine
Product Packaging - consumer product software
Style Guides - design style guides for product/service
Tutorials and Demos - storyboarding and content editing
Product User Manuals
Help Systems
STATISTICAL WRITING SAMPLE
EMAIL MARKETING ANALYSIS
VERSION 1.0
VERSION 1.0
Email Marketing Analysis
12/29/2017 Version 1.0 1
BACKGROUND
The following marketing analysis report contains information focusing on existing email
marketing campaigns for the current TITLE REMOVED email newsletter. The term e-blasts will
be commonly used throughout this document.
The research takes into consideration existing data and provides suggestions for how to
achieve greater open rates and additional considerations and options for the future to
increase effectiveness.
OVERVIEW
A key goal of this marketing analysis and review is to seek to improve the open rates of emails.
The two broad aspects of attaining the goal is to consider both the marketing methods being
used along with the technical implementation methods. This document will touch on both of
these methods in the hope of determining best strategies for moving forward.
MARKETING METHOD
The email marketing method being used involves the sending of a single email to a large
audience of email addresses. The email consists of a newsletter style format containing several
stacked listings each containing a photo, headline, and text describing the product or service.
Some of the listings are sponsored advertisements paid for by advertisers. Advertiser articles
appear designated as "sponsored."
The content of the email newsletters appears extremely relevant and well targeted in terms of
content subject matter. The target market for the PUBLICATION TITLE REMOVED email blast is
those who are engineering oriented. More specifically, the target market is for those involved
in machinery and equipment manufacturing. The stated focus is "Strategies for Large
Metalworking Plants."
The frequency of the email mailings is bi-monthly. Currently, there is a re-blast (or repeated)
email to those who previously opened an email and usually follows within a few days of the
previous email sending process. According to the Associate Publisher/Managing Editor, "The
purpose of the 2nd blast is simply to generate more clicks. With our COMPANY NAME
REMOVED plan, we are charged for the number of emails sent beyond a certain amount. So,
by just sending to the sub-group, we lower our monthly overage charges. We also improve
Email Marketing Analysis
12/29/2017 Version 1.0 2
our open rates which theoretically improve our standing with many email administrators. By
sending the original blast to the large group, we are still able to maintain the subscriber
numbers that we guarantee to our advertisers."
STATISTICS
Over the last 10 months spanning from January 2017 to end of November 2017, PUBLICATION
TITLE REMOVED has seen the following results from the existing bi-monthly e-blasts. The
statistical analysis of year-to-date original e-blasts which is the entire PUBLICATION TITLE
REMOVED main mailing list shows the following number of possible emails sent.
SUBSCRIBER DATABASE YTD
As the "Original" database dipped below the 80,000 mark, a purchased list was obtained in the
month of August raising the subscriber base. The subscriber base appears to be dropping
steadily each month and has done so once again since the purchase of subscribers in August.
The "Re-blast" database remains virtually unchanged throughout the year. The fact that
readership remains strong in the Re-blast group shows readership is being maintained for core
viewers.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Th
ou
san
ds
Original Re-blast
Email Marketing Analysis
12/29/2017 Version 1.0 3
The following chart displays the amount of "hard bounces" that occur throughout the year.
Hard bounces are typically users who have moved and a no longer available at that particular
address. Hard bounces are inevitable and a part of maintaining list integrity.
HARD BOUNCES YTD
For "Original" blasts, the trend for hard bounces is increasing. The trend for "Re-blasts" (line
not shown as it would obscure the data) is remaining steady with perhaps a small decrease.
Turnover within an industry may be a cause for an increase in hard bounces.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there has been an increase of hires, job openings,
and quits.1 Since 2016, the number of job openings now exceed the amount of hires. Job quits
have also been on the increase.
With a growing increase in the number of job openings overall and less people to fill them,
longstanding employees who have been at jobs weathering through the recession of 2007 may
be changing jobs given the opportunity to do so. They may be finding new positions and
companies eager to hire them.
1 Source: https://www.bls.gov/web/jolts/jlt_labstatgraphs.pdf Accessed: December 29, 2017
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Hu
nd
red
s
Original Re-blast Linear (Original)
Email Marketing Analysis
12/29/2017 Version 1.0 4
SOFT BOUNCES YTD
The number of soft bounces occurring for both the "Original" and "Re-blasts" is decreasing
and this is positive news in terms of overall list credibility.
TOTAL POSSIBLE OPENS (LESS HARD & SOFT OPENS)
Removing the number of hard and soft bounces from the list of opens shows a steady list of
potential subscribers for the "Original" e-blast and a slight increase for the "Re-blast" list.
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Hu
nd
red
s
Original Re-blast Linear (Original) Linear (Re-blast)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Th
ou
san
ds
Original Re-blast Linear (Original) Linear (Re-blast)
Email Marketing Analysis
12/29/2017 Version 1.0 5
NUMBER OF OPENED EMAILS (OPEN RATE)
The number of unique opened emails does not take into account the number of times a
person may click within an email. Only unique views are counted. This is determined to be
readers who have opened the email long enough to consider it "read." The trend for the
"Original" database is dropping and the "Re-blast" is increasing.
The ability to remove robot counts is not possible.
SAMPLE EXCERPT ENDS HERE
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov
Th
ou
san
ds
Original Re-blast Linear (Original) Linear (Re-blast)
IMPORTANT: It is important to note that
regardless of the purchased list of
subscribers which increased the number
of users to the database in August, there
was no significant increase in unique
opens for that month or afterward.
INSTRUCTIONAL WRITING SAMPLE
Argonaut Training – Joomla Training – Beginner Level 1
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Joomla Training - Beginner Level 1
Beginner Level 1 Joomla
Argonaut Training
http://www.argonauttraining.com/
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Forward and Legal Information ................................................................................................................................... 6
Who Can Use This Document? ........................................................................................................................................ 6 How to Use This Document ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Introduction............................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Site Types ............................................................................................................................................................................... 7
Content Management System Elements ..................................................................................................................... 7
When NOT To Use a Content Management System ............................................................................................... 7
When Using a CMS is a Good Choice: .......................................................................................................................... 8
Why Use Joomla? ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Planning: What Is Your Site Purpose ....................................................................................................................... 9
Creating a Plan...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Creating an Outline ............................................................................................................................................................. 9
Creating a Flowchart ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
Joomla’s Content Levels .................................................................................................................................................. 10
BEEZ Site Sections and Categories ............................................................................................................................. 11
Joomla Hosting .................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Where Will You Host Your Joomla Site? .................................................................................................................... 12
Joomla Installation ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Joomla Installation Methods .......................................................................................................................................... 12
YOU CAN STOP FILLING IN BLANKS FOR A WHILE AND JUST WATCH THE PRESENTATION. BASIC STEP
NOTES ARE PROVIDED LATER IN THE DOCUMENT FOR YOUR LATER REVIEW. ............................................ 13
Joomla Extension Types ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Joomla Extension Types .................................................................................................................................................. 13
Joomla Components .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Joomla Components .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Joomla Modules ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Joomla Modules .................................................................................................................................................................. 14
Joomla Plug-ins ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
Joomla Plug-ins ................................................................................................................................................................... 14
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END OF CLASS PARTICIPATION NOTES. ADDITIONAL NOTES ARE PROVIDED BELOW FOR YOUR
REFERENCE AND REVIEW. .................................................................................................................................................. 15
Joomla Installation Screens ......................................................................................................................................... 16
Joomla Installation Screens ........................................................................................................................................... 16 1. Choose Language Screen....................................................................................................................................... 16 2. Pre-installation Check Screen ................................................................................................................................ 16 3. License Screen ....................................................................................................................................................... 17 4. Database Configuration Screen ............................................................................................................................. 17 5. FTP Configuration Screen ..................................................................................................................................... 17 6. Main Configuration Screen ................................................................................................................................... 17 7. Finish Screen ......................................................................................................................................................... 18
Switching a Template....................................................................................................................................................... 18
Switching a Template ....................................................................................................................................................... 18 1. From the Admin Screen, go to the Extensions menu and select, Template Manager ............................................ 18 2. Click the name of the template from the list by selecting the radio button to the left of the name. ....................... 18 3. Click the Default button in the upper right. ........................................................................................................... 18
Installing a Template ....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Installing a Template ........................................................................................................................................................ 19 1. From the Admin Screen, go to the Extensions menu and select, Install/Uninstall ................................................ 19 2. Click the name browse button and locate the file on your computer. It should a .zip file. Once you’ve located the
file, click the Open button. You will return back to the Extension Manager screen and the name of the file path to the
template should now be in the Upload Package File entry field. .................................................................................... 19 3. Click the Upload File & Install button. ................................................................................................................. 19
Switching a Template....................................................................................................................................................... 19
Switching a Template ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 1. From the Admin Screen, go to the Extensions menu and select, Template Manager ............................................ 19 2. Click the name of the template from the list by selecting the radio button to the left of the name. ....................... 19 3. Click the Default button in the upper right. ........................................................................................................... 19
Creating a Module .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Creating a Module on Your Page .................................................................................................................................. 20 1. To create a module, go to the Extensions menu and select the Module Manager. ................................................ 20 2. Click the New button in the upper right. ............................................................................................................... 20 3. Select the module type. There are many different types to choose from, such as banner, breadcrumbs, poll,
custom HTML, random image, feed display, footer, related articles, sections, statistics, latest news, syndicate, login,
who’s online, menu, wrapper, most read content and more. ........................................................................................... 20
Adding a Section ................................................................................................................................................................. 21
Adding a Section ................................................................................................................................................................ 21 1. To add a Section, go to the Content menu and select the Section Manager. ......................................................... 21 2. Click the New button. ............................................................................................................................................ 21
Adding a Category .............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Adding a Category ............................................................................................................................................................. 21 1. To add a Category, go to the Content menu and select the Category Manager. .................................................... 21 2. Click the New button. ............................................................................................................................................ 21
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Creating an Article ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
Creating an Article ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 1. To create an article, go to the Content menu and select the Article Manager. ...................................................... 22 2. Click the New button in the upper right. ............................................................................................................... 22
Creating a New Menu ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
Creating Menu ..................................................................................................................................................................... 23 1. To create an menu, go to the Menus menu and select the Menu Manager. ........................................................... 23 2. Click the New button in the upper right. ............................................................................................................... 23
Creating a Menu Item ...................................................................................................................................................... 23
Creating a Menu Item ...................................................................................................................................................... 23 1. To create a menu item, go to the Menus menu and select the name of the menu. ................................................. 23 2. Click the New button in the upper right. ............................................................................................................... 23
Adding an Image to An Article ................................................................................................................................... 24
Adding an Image to An Article ...................................................................................................................................... 24 1. To add an image to an article, go to the Content menu and select the Article Manager. ....................................... 24 2. Click the name of the article in the list. ................................................................................................................. 24
Adding an Read More Button to An Article .......................................................................................................... 25
Adding an Read More Button to An Article ............................................................................................................... 25 1. To add a Read More button to an article, go to the Content menu and select the Article Manager. ..................... 25 2. Click the name of the article in the list. ................................................................................................................. 25
Adding an Page Break Option to a Long Article ............................................................................................... 26
Adding an Read More Button to An Article ............................................................................................................... 26 1. To add a Read More button to an article, go to the Content menu and select the Article Manager. ..................... 26 2. Click the name of the article in the list. ................................................................................................................. 26
Installing an Extension ................................................................................................................................................... 26
Installing an Extension .................................................................................................................................................... 26 1. From the Admin Screen, go to the Extensions menu and select, Install/Uninstall ................................................ 26 2. Click the name browse button and locate the file on your computer. It should a .zip file. Once you’ve located the
file, click the Open button. You will return back to the Extension Manager screen and the name of the file path to the
template should now be in the Upload Package File entry field. .................................................................................... 26 3. Click the Upload File & Install button. ................................................................................................................. 26
Uninstalling an Extension .............................................................................................................................................. 27
Uninstalling an Extension ................................................................................................................................................ 27 1. From the Admin Screen, go to the Extensions menu and select, Install/Uninstall ................................................ 27 2. Click the name of the extension type that you have installed. For example, for a component, click Components.
Some extensions are made up of several types, so you may need to repeat for several different areas. ......................... 27 3. Click the option to the left of the name of the item in the list. .............................................................................. 27
Adding a User........................................................................................................................................................................ 27
Adding a User ...................................................................................................................................................................... 27 1. From the Admin Screen, go to the Site menu and select, User Manager. ............................................................. 27 2. Click the New button. ............................................................................................................................................ 27
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3. Enter the name of the user, username, email, and password. ................................................................................ 27
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Forward and Legal Information
The purpose of this document is that it be used during and after the Argonaut Training Beginner Level 1 for Joomla. During the training, you are encouraged to fill
in the blanks so that you can refer back to the training at a later time and also to help you to retain the information better.
Who Can Use This Document?
You may use this document only if you have purchased a registration for the
attendance at an Argonaut Training event which pertains to the specific subject matter of this document.
How to Use This Document
To make best use of this document, you may want to print it out and have itwith you during the training and you can fill it out as the training goes along.
You only need to print the documentation to the point where the classparticipation is required and print only those pages. See the table of content if
you desire to save paper.
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Introduction
Site Types
Generally speaking, there are two different site types:
The two different site types are:
1. __________________ type
2. __________________ type
Content Management System Elements
Generally speaking, there are three major elements of a content management system:
The three major elements of a content management system are:
1. __________________ Elements
2. __________________ Engine3. __________________ Interface
When NOT To Use a Content Management System
You may want to consider using a static site if the following are true:
You have a _________ total page count.
Only ___________ person is involved.
The information on the site ____________ _____________ very often.
When changes do occur, they do not ___________ ___________ other areas
of the site.
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There is __________ need for anything ______________ in the foreseeable
future.
When Using a CMS is a Good Choice:
___________ total page count
___________ users and contributors
The information changes _____________ and updates involving time-
sensitive news and information is needed
When ___________ effort is ____________ to control large sizes ofinformation
There is a foreseeable plan to have ____________ information on the site
Why Use Joomla?
Over ____________ extensions created
___________ community of users and active forums
_____________ are using it
_____________ like you are using it
It can grow with your _____________ needs
It is ______________ source
_________________ developers are involved too!
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Planning: What Is Your Site Purpose
Creating a Plan
Creating a ________ __________ is helpful to determine how information
should be presented.
Determine the ___________ _______________ – Who will be the type of
people you anticipate visiting the site?
Creating an _____________ or ______________ for menus and majorsections and categories of information.
Creating an Outline
Fill in the blanks to complete the site outline:
• ____________
– ____________
• ____________• ____________
• ____________
– ___________
– ___________
– ___________
– ___________
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Creating a Flowchart
Write the name on top of each box:
Joomla’s Content Levels
There are three content levels within Joomla:
1. ____________________
2. ____________________3. ____________________
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BEEZ Site Sections and Categories
Sections are Top and Categories are Sub-level:
– Products
• _______________________________
• _______________________________
• _______________________________
– General Information
• _______________________________
• _______________________________
– News
• _______________________________
• _______________________________
– Blog
• _______________________________
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Joomla Hosting
Where Will You Host Your Joomla Site?
• Popular hosting services for Joomla are:
– ____________________
– ____________________
– ____________________
– ____________________
– ____________________
Watch for ____________ ________________ and _____________ _________________ limits.
Joomla Installation
Joomla Installation Methods
Three Joomla Installation Methods are:
_______ ________ ______ server
___________ method ____________ __________ method
END OF INSTRUCTIONAL WRITING SAMPLE EXCERPT
PRESENTATION WRITING SAMPLE
1
PRESENTATION WRITING SAMPLEINCLUDES WRITING, SPEAKER NOTES,
CONTENT CREATION AND DESIGN
COVER PAGE IMAGE CONTAINS MODIFIEDLICENSED IMAGES.
2
3
Generally speaking, there are two types of sites:
There are generally two major classifications
Static Sites which are simply a single file being accessed and it does not change or have the need to change. In other words, it is self‐contained
ThenThen thertheree araree DynamicDynamic SitSiteses whichwhich ininvvoolvlvee pagpageess beingbeing crcreaeatteedd onon‐thethe‐flyfly andand thethe presentation of them is capable of changing easily. Often content is drawn from a collection resource called a database.
4
What is a Static Site?
A static site is when a browser goes and asks for a page and reaches the host server and the host server gets the file and it is retrieved and sent back to the browser. Each individual page is unchanging and self‐contained.
5
Different from a static site, a Dynamic Site is where a browser sends a request and it reaches the host server and (in this case) reaches a content management system on the server which then requests information from the database and then it builds the page dynamically using a combination of HTML and a way to view the information using a scripting language like php and gathers the database content and fills out the page and the assembled view is then returned back to the browser.
6
What is a content management system?A content management system, commonly known as a “CMS” primarily consists of three elements:
1. Content elements – These can be articles, documents, news, bits and pieces ofinformation, a blog, pictures, animations, sound, video, and text.
2. Presentation Engine – this is a method or way in which the content is presented to theuseruser andand thethe wawayy inin whichwhich thethe cocontentenntt willwill bebe delivdeliverereded toto themthem.
3. Administration Interface – an interface that is designed to help make the managementof the content and the presentation of it easier than working with traditionalprogramming languages and provides powerful methods for handling large amounts ofinformation
7
END PRESENTATION WRITING SAMPLE EXCERPT
BOOK REVIEW WRITING SAMPLE
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Page 1
A Book Review of
“BOOK TITLE REMOVED” by Author Name Removed
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Page 2
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Core Message
The core message of AUTHOR NAME REMOVED book, entitled BOOK
NAME REMOVED, is the need and importance for our world to come to a realization
and recognition of our own emotions and the factor(s) involved in how we handle our
emotions. There is also a stressed importance upon recognition of BOOK NAME
REMOVED as having higher value than intellectual intelligence. AUTHOR NAME
REMOVED doesn’t just apply these issues within the context of individuals, but how we
as individuals who have developed BOOK NAME REMOVED can have a greater impact
on our familial, social, and cultural relationships thereby creating a better world in which
to live.
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED begins by explaining the anatomy and relationship
of the amygdala and its importance in regards to emotional matters and emotional
memory (pg. 14). Dismissal of earlier beliefs regarding the hippocampus as being mostly
involved with emotions provides the means by which AUTHOR NAME REMOVED
argues the importance of the amygdala as having greater importance regarding emotions
(pg 20).
Setting out to define the idea that BOOK NAME REMOVED should be viewed
separate from emotional or interpersonal intelligence, AUTHOR NAME REMOVED
explains how it relates to real life when we find highly educated persons who are unable
to be assimilate or be effective within society. AUTHOR NAME REMOVED’s key
presentation of Salovey’s five domains are core factors in determining BOOK NAME
REMOVED. Being able to recognize emotions, manage them, channeling them towards
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Page 3
good use, seeing and recognizing emotions in others, and being able to manage emotions
within the context of a relationship are seen as crucial elements regarding BOOK NAME
REMOVED.
Critical to the foundation of BOOK NAME REMOVED is knowing yourself.
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED points out recognizing the main emotions, but also other
key terms such as flooding, empathy, optimism, and social (interpersonal) intelligence
relating to groups as other factors which are important BOOK NAME REMOVED
criteria. Included within the framework of how we view the major factors, AUTHOR
NAME REMOVED directly and indirectly relates BOOK NAME REMOVED to
positivism and optimism and their role in BOOK NAME REMOVED--especially in
regards to depression and the costs involved (pg 175).
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED stresses early childhood as the time of developing
BOOK NAME REMOVED and later years build on these ingredients from childhood (pg
193). AUTHOR NAME REMOVED believes that emotional traumas can be overcome,
such as PTSD, to show that emotional responses to situations and events can be changed
by examining our emotional responses to situations and events. AUTHOR NAME
REMOVED stresses hat emotional learning is not just something we do in a short
learning period, but emotional learning is a lifelong journey.
Adolescent schooling has mainly been focused upon language literacy and getting
an education, but has been lacking in emotional literacy. AUTHOR NAME REMOVED
presents several examples regarding emotional outbursts of aggression, depression in
youths, drugs and other teen related problems to support his claims that we need to be
addressing the issue of emotional literacy and taking the subject seriously. All of these
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Page 4
are put into a new framework and mission for schools to embark upon which would be to
go beyond training teachers in emotional literacy, but also striving towards making
schools “society’s agent” for assisting our children in learning the essentials of life and
seek to return to the classic role of education from which we have departed.
Emotional Illiteracy
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED presents several real world incidents and data
which point to a moral decline. The evidence of this decline has prompted AUTHOR
NAME REMOVED’s urgency for a call to emotional literacy to counteract the effects of
emotional illiteracy. The disorders mentioned by AUTHOR NAME REMOVED have
many common aspects shared among the individual disorders such as: withdrawl or
social problems, anxiety and depression, attention, thinking, delinquency and aggression
problems.
Specifically examining any one of these problems would not point to a cause for
concern, but the combination of all of these problems increasing together points to the
urgency. AUTHOR NAME REMOVED presents an array of examples which assists in
validating the existing need for emotional literacy. Not limited to just America,
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED expresses the need for emotional literacy as a global
concern.
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED proposes the idea that drug abuse may have a
large number of addicts which are seeking self-medication to overcome existing pain
from anxiety, depression, or anger. Emotional distress is a common cause which
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED focuses upon and presents alcohol as a highly abused
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Page 5
substance which provides reduced anxiety. In one study stated by AUTHOR NAME
REMOVED, the individual’s anxiety fell when alcohol consumption increased. The
studies showed sons of alcoholics drank to ease anxiety and the pre-frontal lobes were
under-performing. Usage of alcohol was used as a sedative to ease the anxiety they felt.
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED also recognizes the concept of genetic influence
regarding susceptibility to alcoholism. While depression and anger may be a cause to
drink alcohol, anxiety was the most predominant reason.
Presented in a later chapter (16), AUTHOR NAME REMOVED states that
emotional literacy programs have been implemented as early as the 1960s and have
focused on drug usage, teen pregnancy, and other subjects which had shown some
positive results, but have mainly been experimental in their implementation. AUTHOR
NAME REMOVED’s position to rethink schools, their organization, and teachings
should include emotional literacy as a central theme.
Mind and Medicine
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED strives to draw attention to the correlation
between emotions and physical health. The evidence regarding the connection between
immune cells and nervous systems was noted by AUTHOR NAME REMOVED as
“revolutionary” and the connection between these two provides support to his theory of
the connection between the emotional and physical health. High stress and intense
emotions were repeatedly presented by AUTHOR NAME REMOVED and he discusses
how they may contribute to the increased risk of disease and the possibility that it may be
BOOK TITLE REMOVED Interaction Report
Page 6
intensified. The big three emotions (anxiety, depression, and anger) were most common
in the discussion.
In the presentation of chronic physical illnesses, AUTHOR NAME REMOVED
discusses the major illnesses and presents persuasive information regarding the likelihood
of increased risk caused by emotional distress. AUTHOR NAME REMOVED discussed
relaxation techniques and efforts to diminish stress as methods for reducing and coping
with emotional distress. Though AUTHOR NAME REMOVED disclaims the concept of
optimism and positive views being the complete answer to treating disease, he states the
idea that it can have an impact on the disease in a positive way which is a strong vote for
optimism in place of pessimism.
Strong emotional support of friends and family appear to also have a positive
affect upon the ability for a person to recover from a medical condition. AUTHOR
NAME REMOVED presents further evidence from studies supporting the idea that
persons who had close relationships with family and friends that provided a support
network had a better chance of physical longevity and improved recovery after treatment
than those who were more isolated.
AUTHOR NAME REMOVED makes a plea for the medical community to look
beyond a merely positive physical report and look towards emotional issues which may
increase susceptibility towards disease in the future. He makes the request that BOOK
NAME REMOVED assessment be performed as well as physical evaluation while in the
cares of a medical doctor.
END OF WRITING SAMPLE EXCERPT
EDITORIAL WRITING SAMPLE
Article Published by Baptist Press
Beyond the Olympics: Seeing the Unseen Race
LONDON (BP) -- Each Olympics entails abounding fanfare and meticulous preparation in "going for the
gold" and "winning the prize."
Pause to think of the energy expended by athletes as they strive with tremendous effort to obtain the
highest level of recognition within their field. Consider their devotion to their respective sport as they fix
their gaze on winning the gold medal. Many have trainers and staff to help them. They take tremendous
care to prepare their bodies through years of effort and endurance.
They practice, practice, practice and practice some more. They endeavor with great discipline and effort
to reach their goals.
The Apostle Paul used the symbolism of running a race to capture the idea of how to live out the
Christian life:
"Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that
you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to
obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty.
Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when
I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Corinthians 9:24–27, NKJV).
He expressed running the race with the "prize" in mind, but the prize for the Christian is not one that will
pass away. It is one that is imperishable.
For the Christian, the crown is not visible in this life but is invisible and more valuable than the gold
medals of the Olympics. Christians are running a more important race for a much more important and
everlasting reward.
It's not to be confused with working for salvation -- the gift of salvation is a free gift. But out of gratitude
for the gift, Christians serve Jesus Christ. Paul likens the daily walk of the Christian as striving to pursue
the rewards of service because it is a crown that never withers, fades or rusts. It won't be forgotten; it will
be an eternal prize.
What if more Christians made a genuine shift in thought? What if they lived as though their daily
Christian walk was an eternal race with massive rewards and tremendous eternal potential for blessing?
Some evangelists like Mark Cahill and Ray Comfort have challenged others with the idea of thinking
about how many more times Christians would witness to unbelievers if they knew they would receive one
thousand euros/dollars/pounds/etc. for each witnessing encounter they engaged in.
Would you do more witnessing? Would you read the Bible more? Pray more? I imagine many people
would probably have incredible outreach ministries and vibrant walks with Christ. If you were given an
immediate reward here and now, would that stir you to begin to think clearly about the practice of
disciplining yourself spiritually?
Replace the concept of monetary reward with the love of Christ for you and a desire to love Him because
He has loved you and you've got the eternal fuel that will keep the fire burning.
In his book "Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life," Don Whitney explains that the reason for
engaging in the spiritual disciplines is based on 1 Timothy 4:7: "Discipline yourself for the purpose of
godliness" (NASB).
In addition, he wrote that while we may tend to think negatively toward the idea of "discipline," nothing
we do well is usually ever done instantly or without some form of training.
Anything worthy of doing takes effort to master. We don't put on a pair of military boots and go out to
compete against other Olympic athlete runners. We must have the proper equipment and training.
How much more important is the Christian race which Paul talks about? How much more vital is the
practice of "disciplining" ourselves to engage in the Christian walk? It is for a much more important
crown — yes, even more important than the wildly popular Olympic Games. While many eyes are
focused on the Olympics, think about fixing your eyes on the prize of heaven. Think about being
transformed by Jesus Christ. Run the race, and consider the practice of the "spiritual disciplines" as a
guide toward gaining rewards that far exceed anything you could ever imagine.
Reprinted from Baptist Press (www.baptistpress.com), news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.