Your name: Katerina Murashova Group: A-201

Checkpoint Test Two

This test is not to verify whether you know the right answer. It is to verify that you can find the right answer. You must use all the information resources you know, and you must support your arguments with links to those resources. Thereby, your arguments are only valid if they are supported by links to valid resources (ones that at least carry author names).

Each task requires some research, some reflection and some writing. Typically you will need between two and four hours to complete this test. If you are well under or well over the timing, you might be doing something wrong.

You have to complete five sections to qualify. In each section, you have to complete one task out of the given two. If you complete both tasks, you must have skipped this text (despite the bold). You will still qualify, of course, but you will have done twice the work.

Take your time. Good luck!

Section One

Task one. Use between 50 and 100 words to explain why New England is no longer as important in the academic field as it used to be some 100 years ago. Use links to support your point.

Task two. Use between 50 and 100 words to explain why the Ivy League colleges are still as important as they used to be, and always will be as important, regardless of time and economy.

Answer to task one:

It’s common knowledge, that 100 years ago New England was the industrial and academic center. From my point of view, there are two reasons of the fact that New England is no longer as important in the academic field as it used to be. Firstly, lots of industrial enterprises and manufactures were moved from New England because of the development of science e.g. the Silicon Valley has become the better place for science and technology.

Secondly, a lot of new universities and colleges have appeared. As a result, New England isn’t the only educational center.

http://www.discovernewengland.org/

Provide your answers and links in the digital space below this line.

Answer to task two:

The Ivy League colleges have certain policies, high academic standards, historic pedigrees athletic competitions. These colleges differ from any other college in many significant respects. They differ in their academic focus, the size of their undergraduate enrollment, the size of the overall campus and so on.

The Ivy League consists of eight private institutions of higher education, for instance Harvard. The Ivy League shows the highest level and quality of education, that’s why students all over the world want to study there.

Firstly, the Ivy League colleges are educational institutions with the great history, which trace its roots from the XVII century.

Secondly, the teaching staff in the Ivy League colleges consists of the most intelligent professors and scientists who are the best in their sphere and course.

Thirdly, it’s very hard to enter there. Only the best students will study there. Not everyone can afford to pay for the study, especially if we are talking about a huge sum of money. The complexity of entering the Ivy League colleges and the inclination to belong to social aristocracy makes them more desired, exclusive and prestigious that’s why these colleges will be very important, regardless of time and economy.

http://www.ivyleaguesports.com/landing/index

http://www.go4ivy.com/ivy.asp

Section Two

Task one. In as many words as you like, explain what needs to be done to become a part of the Amish community. Provide recent statistics on the dynamics of the Amish population in the US.

Task two. In as many words as you like, describe the dominant attitude towards Quakers in the US media as a whole. Can we attribute Quakers to a particular party or political movement?

Answer to task one:

A huge number of people have done some research about the Amish lifestyle and admire the simplistic qualities of the Amish live. There are some steps which help you to become Amish.

First of all, you need to live in an Amish area for a year. You can live by yourself or with an Amish family. Some Amish families will take you as a guest; some won't. Secondly, attend church services every Sunday. You will need an Amish go-between to introduce you to the church. Then find a job where you will be working with the Amish. This will help you understand their work ethics and get to know their culture better. Also you need to learn German.

Furthermore, you will have to learn to speak Pennsylvania Dutch, the language usually spoken in Amish homes. As you know, Amish children learn Dutch as their first language, they don't learn English until they go to school. After one year, if you still think you wish to become Amish, there will be a period of time when you are instructed in the ways of the church. You will learn their ordinances. Then, the church will vote whether or not to take you in. If the vote is affirmative, you will become a full member of the Amish church, and finally, you are Amish. Your old ways are gone for good.

If you really wish to change your life, whether by adapting some Amish ways to your own or by completely abandoning your present lifestyle and becoming Amish, the choice is yours. Whatever you decide, be totally honest with yourself and let your heart guide you.

Speaking about the Amish population, it is growing and embarking on a westward migration that has now reached as far as Colorado, South Dakota and Montana. According to a survey, in the past year, the North American Amish population has grown 5%, an increase from 237,500 in 2009 to 249,500 today. The survey also says that Amish communities are now in 28 states, and the continent's population will double by 2024 if the annual growth rate of around 5% continues. The highest rates of growth over the past year were recorded in New York (19%), Minnesota (9%), Missouri (8%), Wisconsin (7%) and Illinois (7%). The survey attributes the population boom to Amish families tending to be large, with five children or more on average.

http://www.amish-heartland.com/amish/article/2497361

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-09-14-amish-population_N.htm