SD# 3 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

SD# 3 - Essay Example Consequently, the monetary value of the firm, as expressed through the financial statement, incorporates these factors to ensure that the company is responsible and maintains a healthy relationship with the environment for a future success. When a firm fails to provide better services or pollutes the environment, the resulting outcome will affect its reputation and operations, thus threatening its existence. The purpose of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) is to provide a holistic model that gives a comprehensive view of the firm operations and business strategies. Specifically, the program uses both the financial and nonfinancial information to establish the effectiveness of the business in maintaining a viable and sustainable business environment (IIRC n.p.). As expressed in its vision, the IIRC intends to embed integrated thinking in the business practices to make it a corporate reporting norm that leads to efficient and productive capital allocation. Consequently, this will lead the company to financial stability and sustainability in its operations. Therefore, the purpose of the IIRC is to improve business reporting to restore public trust in businesses, enhance investor’s confidence, and ensure efficient capital allocation in the economy for a sustainable and stable business environment (IIRC n.p.). The stock exchange market is a dynamic industry that changes drastically due to various factors such as public perception of the company or a negative assessment of the firm by an external entity. Therefore, for the NASDAQ exchange market to value a business, it must have holistic and comprehensive information about the company. Specifically, that does not only mean its financial performance but also its nonfinancial activities that are crucial in determining its future performance in the stock exchange. The profitability of a business depends on strategic management and social

Ending Poverty in the Third World Essay Example for Free

Ending Poverty in the Third World Essay Poverty continues to be a large part of the third world countries, affecting many people’s wellbeing and country stability in the new millennium, despite many strategies put in place to alleviate the poor status. Due to the continued prominent place of poverty in the third world countries, significant strategies are coming up comprising of political, social, spiritual, environmental, and managerial coping strategies. The strategies have realized various levels of success although it highly depends on the place of implementation and the taskforce mandated to implement the development strategies. The failure or minimal success of some of the strategies geared towards ending poverty in the third world, has encouraged the developed and developing countries, and developmental related agencies to focus on coming up with new theories with the likelihood of more success. Nevertheless, poverty in the third world continues to be a major challenge in the world with many strategies, some successful and others marked with dismal failure coming up to alleviate third world poverty. Description of Poverty in the Third World Poverty implies a lack of adequate food and shelter, lack of better housing, sanitation, access of safe drinking water attributed to lack of income to facilitate acquisition of basic necessities, a sense of powerlessness, and vulnerability to adverse shocks (Parsed et al, 2005, p. 290). The concept of poverty encompasses a large spectrum of attributes such as levels of income and consumption, health, education, security, and housing. Nevertheless, poverty is largely an attribute of low income that prevents individuals and families from acquiring and enjoying basic life necessities such as nutritious food, clothing, shelter, and clean water. Regions highly affected by the incidence of poverty are Africa and Asia, also referred as the third world, the developing nations, or less developed countries, although Africa suffers a more rampant extent of poverty compared to Asia (Parsed et al, 2005, p. 290). Among these countries, the poor live mostly on less than a dollar a day, although some live on $2 a day, although the incidence and gap may not be significant either in the African or Asian developing countries. In the past decade, the development of the concept of globalization gave promise to the reduction of poverty in the third world because of the removal of control on free movement of goods and services; however, the initial hope is yet to be realized. Encouraging the possibility of poverty eradication within the emergence of globalization has been the United Nations and the development of goals towards alleviation of poverty, and the entry of the international community in the process of poverty eradication in the third world. Poverty and the Millennium Development Goals At the turn of the millennium in 2000, the United States member states agreed on eight international development goals to be achieved by 2015 that the countries adopted in 2001 in order to assist impoverished nations and create a sustainable global community. The first goal of the eight was to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger, with the target being to half the number of people living on less than a dollar per day and reduce by half the number of people suffering from hunger. From the creation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and various public, private, and federal agencies worked towards establishing developmental strategies that would facilitate the realization of the goals (Eggen and Bezemer, 2007, p. 1). The strategies have been constructed mainly along the international community through the UNDP, NGOs funded by international groups, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) towards poverty reduction. Agreeably, poverty reduction especially in the third world has been an ongoing process in many countries. However, its recognition by the UN made it a priority within the international community with the MDGs becoming a coherent expression of global development priorities and an instrument to shape development policies (Eggen and Bezemer, 2007, p. 2). The introduction of the MDGs meant that the world had a standard by which to measure the success of policy interventions in poverty reduction within a certain period. In the discussion of the strategies set towards ending poverty in the third world, the policy interventions attributed to the MDGs, and the international community forms a critical part of the exploration. Therefore, throughout the paper, reference to the MDGs, the international community, and globalization are inevitable. Strategies towards Ending Poverty in the Third World When considering the interventions being developed towards ending poverty in the third world, one should consider the causes of poverty and their role in determining the responses towards poverty by all key players including inhabitants of third world countries, potential donors, and those from developed countries or economies. Among some of the determined causes of poverty in the third world first is the high and underdeveloped population in the third world attributed to lack of ability among the people, unwillingness to change traditional ways and customs, lack of proper resource management, lack of attempt at self-improvement, laziness, and lack of knowledge (Panadero and Vazquez, 2008, p. 574). The second cause is poor governance in third world countries attributed to corruption and inefficiency among the governments, while the third cause is exploitation of the third world countries by other countries especially developed countries and by the world economy and banking systems, and lack of an open market system. The fourth cause of poverty in the third world according to Panadero and Vasquez (2008) is war whereby the governments spend too much on arms and more is spent in restoring the country after a war or keep the country afloat in the course of the war. Lastly, third world poverty is attributed to natural causes that include diseases, pests and insects that destroy crops, natural disasters because of poor climatic conditions and lack of environmental friendly knowledge. Alleviation and eradication of poverty in the third world will take the effort of the inhabitants of these countries, those from the developed economies and the organizations key to development such as UNDP, World Bank and the IMF. The effort should focus on strategies that will facilitate reduction and eventual eradication of poverty, and ensuring people from the third world gain the knowledge and provisions needed to prevent them from going back to their current status. Agreeably, the eradication of poverty in the third world requires a multidimensional focus that does not only concentrate on reducing income poverty, which has been the focus of many interventions, but also include interventions geared towards reduction of human deprivation in all dimensions (Chopra, 2005, p. 52). To achieve a global reduction of poverty as per the MDGs by 2015, the third world countries comprising the world’s poorest countries need to pursue wide ranges of reforms with developed nations responding to the effort through improved trade terms and increased aid. According to Chopra (2005), action is critical in ensuring global financial stability and ensuring that poor countries are at par with developed nations in the adoption of technology and in scientific and medical research (p. 52). Further, the wealthy nations must open their markets to the products of the poor countries, with aid and debt relief increased to help the poor countries help themselves without the interference of the wealthy nations, which has marked most of the intervention programs. Nevertheless, the poor nations need to give voice to their need and influence decision-making in international forums, noting that in most forums the powerful developed countries make much of the decisions related to the development of the poor nations. Therefore, for the world to end third world poverty and ensure that the global platform allows equal opportunities and competition to all, the international community needs to review existing intervention programs. Among interventions that can aid the process of ending third world poverty that have been part of the implemented strategies, include one promoting equal opportunity through the expansion of economic opportunities for poor people through the stimulation of overall growth (Chopra, 2005, p. 51). Additional strategies towards offering equal opportunity is building up the poor countries assets and increasing the asset returns through market and non-market action. As stated in the discussion of causes of poverty, one of the mentions causes is an underdeveloped population; therefore, offering opportunities for economic expansion will help these populations begin thriving thus facilitate a reduction of poverty. Furthermore, another attributed cause of poverty is a closed market that does not allow the poor nations to promote their products in the developed nations; however, creation of opportunities through the opening of markets will enable them access the international market. Additionally, the promotion of assets especially within the international community is another strategy of providing equal opportunities to the poor nations. Second intervention is facilitating empowerment through adoption of accountability in state institutions and response to the needs of the poor people, as well as strengthening the participation of poor people in political processes and local decision-making (Chopra, 2005, p. 52). Further, empowerment requires people be encouraged to participate in political processes, local decision making, and eradicating social barriers that contribute to gender, ethnic, racial, religious, and social distinction. Dealing with unaccountability in state institutions including governments ensures successful address of some of the cause of poverty, which is corrupt government. Further, strengthening people’s participation in decision-making will provide the link between the people, the leadership, and the resources resulting in better resource usage that has been lacking in many third world countries. The third factor in addressing poverty in the third world is enlargement of security through reduction of people’s vulnerability to ill health, economic shocks, policy induced dislocations, natural disasters, and violence (Chopra, 2005, p. 52). Notably, health is a significant factor in development because when people are healthy they are more likely to engage in economically productive activities compared to when they are ill or undergoing natural circumstances that reduce their efficiency. Security should also include protection from violence, and helping the people deal with adverse shocks when they occur. Maintenance of security is important to offer people an opportunity to work towards developmentally beneficial activities without fear of violence, disease, or natural disasters, and incase such events occur people should know their country has the capacity to address them and restore order. The implementation of some of these factors as discussed in the subsequent section has been ongoing in many parts of the third world realizing a steady decline in poverty. However, the number of the poor continues to be significant denoting a failure in the effective of the strategies, and requiring developmental agencies and developing nations to either adopt different strategies or approach the existing strategies from another side. Nevertheless, one cannot claim that the international community has not been trying to meet the MDGs especially in the third world and some poor parts of the developed nations.

Marketing Essay example -- GCSE Business Marketing BTEC Coursework

Marketing According to the American Heritage Dictionary, marketing is defined is the act or process of buying and selling in a market, but what are some of the strategies that successful corporations use to gain an advantage over their competition? Successful companies invest up front to develop an advertising and promotions plan, which clearly outlines the goals and strategies of the organization. Once the plan is in place and ready to implement, identification of target markets must be determined. Successful companies also pay close attention to the competition and use failures and successes to their advantage. An advertising and promotions plan will include such items as identifying target markets, creating messages to the market and what avenues will be used to communicate the message. The plan should also identify how successes are measured through the use of a quantifiable list that tracks whether or not the tasks are accomplishing the goals. One of the most valuable factors of successful marketing is to know your target market. If Anheuser-Busch, one of the most recognized trademarks in the world, targeted customers under the legal drinking age of 21 years, chances are they would not be a world leader. The most effective way to find out about the targeted market is through basic market research. How will they perceive the offered product or service? The best way to find out what they want is to ask them. Send out surveys and offer incentives f...

Market Opportunities for Soft Drink Companies Essay

Companies in the soft drink manufacturing industry are facing intense competition from the domestic and foreign brands,resulting in rising promotional costs and sinking profit margins. The consumers are going for real â€Å"value† for their money ,choosing drinks with better health value. Acurrent ban on sales of carbonates shows in the trend analysis given below:- {draw:frame} COMPANY GROWTH RATE Our company has shown a declining growth rate due to change in value perception and behavioural differences of consumers due to governmental bans all over the country. A public clarification would help us change the consumer perception. We need to make our core value based products to be fresh and relevant. We also need to sharpen our focus in this industry for maximum effect. {draw:frame} The trends of our own product offerings in the market are shown in the graph as below. Here we can notice a declining trend. {draw:frame} This declining trend can also be seen as a loss of our market segment to healthier drink options like fuit juices and water . It is quite evident in the graph given below:- {draw:frame} High sales volume in the water drinking segment and health juice segment shows that customer want better value and there perception is based on the changes in the microenvironment brought about by our competitors. There is a possibility of high â€Å"customer churn† in the future as our company’s sales decline. A 5 percent reduction in the customer defection rate can increase profits by 25 percent to 85 percent. According to the expectancy value model we ned to look into altering the beliefs about our brand which is effected by physical risk perceptions. Here we are seeing intense segment rivalry in our eange of products. Also there is lower entry barrier. The companies point of view needs to be visible on active information search. A customer’s decision to be loyal or defect from buying our products depends upon the large number of small encounters of the company which should lead to memorable customer experience.

Marketing Plan for the Body Shop Essay

Concealer is very popular and its market growth stable because of concealer is very useful to cover the imperfection on the skin. The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Concealer, which launched in 2009, is this marketing plan’s character. Tea Tree Concealer is a handy portable stick to conceal blemishes which without over drying the skin. It also produce with organic tea tree oil. Tea tree oil’s ingredient renowned for its anti-bacterial benefits and an infusion perfect to help blemished skin. Based on the SWOT analysis of Tea Tree Concealer, it mentions that Tea Tree Concealer needs to be more popular and needs to uses the gender segmentation that to enlarge the market with the men’s market because the demand of men’s cosmetics market is increasing especially of the concealer. Therefore, the marketing objectives are to enhance the promotion of Tea Tree Concealer that can increase 5-10% sales in short term; and in long term, The Body Shop can develop a Men’s Tea Tree Concealer to satisfy men’s satisfaction of concealer that the concealer can take care about men’s face skin. For the marketing strategies, for short term, the body shop can use promotion tools, such as advertising in Facebook, beauty magazines and promote next to the MTR escalator. Also, the body shop can give general customers 5-10% off discount for buying Tea Tree Concealer. And the VIP can get one more discount after the new product has got 5-10% discount. Moreover, The Body Shop can give out the sample for people like and share the post on The Body Shop’s Facebook page, after that show it to the staff, then they can get one  sample; and The Body Shop can have corporation with Mannings and Watsons. If people consume above $150, they can get a sample of The Body Shop. For long term, The Body Shop can use marketing mix (Product, Price, Place and Promotion), to increase the sales of Tea Tree Concealer and to open up the men’s concealer market, a men’s product that calls â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†. In product strategy, The Body Shop can put in money on Research & Development, to develop the â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†. In pricing strategy, Market-Penetration pricing is the company choice on setting price because the tea tree collection of The Body Shop is famous in Hong Kong but the tea tree concealer is not familiar with the men. In promotion strategy, The Body Shop can set up a special counter in shops, which is the company promotional product. Some salesperson will promote the new product as men may feel shy to buy make-up product so set up a counter is every shop help the company to find some target. Also, the company will give out some sample if people click ‘like’ in Facebook fans page and to have video promotional campaign, people who have tried to use our product can join this competition. The users have to make a video about the feedback from using new tea tree concealer; the top 10 participants who obtained highest ‘like’ on their video clips can win $1500 cash. For the marketing budget, Statement of Comprehensive Income that it is for the Promotion of Tea Tree Concealer & Men’s Tea Tree Concealer, it shows that it will have a profit in the end of the promotion of Tea Tree Concealer and also have a profit in develop a Men’s Tea Tree Concealer. ————————————————- Contents | Page| 1. Introduction | 4| 2. Current Marketing Situation Analysis * Background Information * Current Market Analysis * Competitor Analysis| 5 – 9| 3. SWOT Analysis| 10 – 11| 4. Marketing Objectives * Short Term * Long Term| 12| 5. Marketing Strategies * Short Term(Advertisement, Discount, Sample, Sponsorship) * Long Term(Marketing mix : Product, Price, Place and Promotion)| 13 – 15| 6. Marketing Tactics * Short Term * Long Term| 16 – 17| 7. Marketing Budget| 18 – 19| 8. Conclusion| 20| 9. Bibliography| 21| 10. Appendices| 22 – 28| ————————————————- Introduction â€Å"Do you want to be more beautiful?† Without doubt, ladies want to show the most beautiful face to others; therefore, they use lots of cosmetics, such as concealer, face primer, eye primer, lipgloss and eyebrow pencil. A lot of people strongly believed that concealer is the most useful cosmetics than others, because concealer is very useful to cover the imperfection on the skin. It is an important character which it can give people a better appearance. Thus, we decided to have a marketing plan for the concealer. Moreover, organic issue is very popular that it started in the past few years, for example, organic food and the products must produce with organic materials. So, we decided that the concealer must produce with organic materials. Finally, The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Concealer, which launched in 2009, has been the character in this marketing plan because Tea Tree Concealer is a concealer which it produces with organic tea tree oil. Tea tree oil’s ingredient renowned for its anti-bacterial benefits and an infusion perfect to help blemished skin The Body Shop uses the gender segmentation that the consumer market is mainly women. We can know from the lots of products collections are mainly decided for female, for instance, Vineyard Peach, Extra Virgin Minerals etc. Although cosmetics’ consumer market is mainly women, the demand of men’s cosmetics market is increasing especially of the concealer. This is because men need a better appearance that it is good for their work and interpersonal relationship. Therefore, The Body Shop needs to enlarge the market with the men’s market. Not only the women market is important, but also the men market. This marketing plan suggests some marketing strategies, which uses marketing mix (Product, Price, Place and Promotion), to increase the sales of Tea Tree Concealer and to open up the men’s concealer market, a men’s product that calls â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†. For increasing sales of Tea Tree Concealer, we can mainly use promotion tools, such as advertising; and promotion mix strategies, such as push strategy and pull strategy. For open up the men’s concealer market, we can use product strategy, price strategy, place strategy and promotion strategy, to promote the new product, â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†. The marketing plan for Tea Tree Concealer is presented as follow. ————————————————- Current Marketing Situation Analysis Background Information * L’Orà ©al – Company Overview The L’Orà ©al Group is the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company. Over 500 brands and many thousands of individual products such as hair color, permanents, hair styling, body and skin care, cleansers, makeup and fragrances five worldwide research and development centers. There are two in France and one in the U.S, Japan and China. On 17 March 2006, L’Orà ©al purchased cosmetics company The Body Shop for  £652 million. Their slogan is â€Å"Because we’re worth it too† and the Head office is in the Centre Eugà ¨ne Schueller in Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, near Paris. In 2003, L’Orà ©al announced its 19th consecutive year of double-digit growth. In 2007, L’Orà ©al was ranked 353 in the Fortune Global 500. The targeted markets of L’Orà ©al are mass, professional, luxury, and active cosmetics markets.They own interests in various activities such as fine chemicals, health, finance, design, advertising, insurance. * The Body Shop – Company Overview The Body Shop International plc, a part of the L’Orà ©al family, which specialized in producing beauty and cosmetics products. It is founded in the UK in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick. There are more than 2,400 stores in 61 countries including Thailand, Australia and America. â€Å"The business of business should not just be about money, it should be about responsibility. It should be about public good, not private greed.’’ –said Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop. The Body Shop creates a non-animal-testing and a fair trading company image. Every product is animal cruelty free and it is the first international cosmetics brand to be recognized under the Humane Cosmetics Standard for its Against Animal Testing policy. The Body Shop believes in fair trade, had set up own fair trade programme, called Community Trade. Community Trade works over 30 suppliers in more than 20 countries, providing over 25,000 people across the globe with essential income to build their futures. The Body Shop has five core values, which are Support Community Trade, Defend Human Rights, Against Animal Testing, Activate Self-Esteem and Protect Our Planet. Current Market Analysis * L’Orà ©al / The Body Shop In this section, we will divide into three parts related to market analyses. Frist, the market share of the L’Oreal in the world as The Body Shop is under this brand. Second, the market share of The Body Shop in the world and Hong Kong. Third, explain the target group and their needs of The Body Shop. First, the L’Oreal is a worldwide brand which its shops located in 130 countries. The largest market of the L’Oreal is Asia, Pacific, followed by Western Europe and Northern America, which means Asia has a very high potential to keep increasing. From the graph next to, Asia, Pacific share nearly one-third of the worldwide cosmetic market. Also, from the expectation of Euromonitor, the market share in Asia Pacific will be changed in 2013, the share of China will increase from 22% to 28 % Breakdown of the worldwide cosmetics market Breakdown of the worldwide cosmetics market Moreover, due to the improvement of the technology and increase in quality of life, more and more cosmetic products appear in the market, causing keen competition. In 2011, the L’Oreal is act as leading role in the world, which is 20% of sales more than the other. Second, The Body Shop promotes using organic material and adopting community fair trade, that’s suit the taste of people in the world which have a higher standard of environmental friendly. As the result, The Body Shop has become one of the top 20 cosmetic brands of the world in 2011. Furthermore, compare the sales in the past two years of The Body Shop, the sale increased from 2010 to 2011 in Western Europe and the New Market. The New Market refers to Asia, Pacific Area, for example, China and Middle East. Although we cannot judge that the market share has increased, we can compare the proportion of sales by geographic. The New Market increased 1.4% form 46.9% in 2010 to 48.3% in 2011. This means The New Market has become more important to The Body Shop. The Body Shop uses the gender segmentation that the consumer market is mainly women. We can know from the product collections of Vineyard Peach, Extra Virgin Minerals etc. These products are mainly decided for female, as skin  in different between female and male. Also, the Body Shop promotes using organic materials to make their products. Citizens improve their sense of environment, so the reasons for citizens to choose their cosmetic products not only force on the quality of the product but the level of environment friendly of the product. Furthermore, The Body Shop buys the raw materials under a fair trade system which they have fulfilled their social responsibility, the farmer can earn more compare to other products which do not adapt fair trade. Customers will consider this point as their decision criterion. Lastly, ‘there is only one way to beautiful, nature’s way.’ This slogan is very impressive for nowadays customers. It’s because there is a lot o f news or report point out that chemical has been put into cosmetic products. Also, as the quality of life increased, customers are willing to spend more money to buy nature products. * Concealer Market Concealer is very popular and its market growth stable because of concealer is very useful to cover the imperfection on the skin. It is an important character that it can give people a better appearance. This product is mainly used by women, but use among men is increasing. The concealer is a type of makeup used to cover under-eye circles, pimples and other small blemishes visible on the skin.The concealer also can cover redness and even body flaws such as birthmarks, scars and vitiligo. The market of concealer has intense competition, for instance, The Body Shop(Product name: Tea Tree Concealer), Bobbi Brown(Product name: Creamy Concealer), Cle de Peau Beaute(Product Name: Concealer), Beauty Tech(Product Name: Ice-cream Concealer ), MAC(Product Name: Select Cover Up), Shu Uemura(Product Name: Point Cealer) etc. Also, some of the concealer is especially for a part of skin: for example, whole face, under-eye circles, pimples. * Product Review – Tea Tree Concealer (The Body Shop) We are focus on The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Concealer, which launched in 2009. Tea Tree Concealer is a handy portable stick to conceal blemishes which without over drying the skin. It also produce with organic tea tree oil. Tea tree oil’s ingredient renowned for its anti-bacterial benefits and an infusion perfect to help blemished skin. Also, it traditionally used to promote healthy-looking skin and has fantastic skin moisturising properties. It costs HK$139 / 4.5g (2012’s price). Competitor Analysis * Jurlique Jurlique has spent 25 years to explore the organic and biodynamic ingredients and our unique Bio inherent â„ ¢ process to create the purest, most powerful skin care. From biodynamic farms in South Australia, the leading natural innovation, we have to unlock the potential of the combination of nature and science to create an effective product is beautiful. Just means you healthy, beautiful skin. The Jurlique farm: Their factory on the farm lived a pampered life. Jurlique’s founders searched the world’s richest, most clean on Earth, to build our farm. They found that, in Adelaide (Adelaide Hills). Today, this pristine environment is a wide variety of plants, herbs and flowers, and provides the natural forces Jurlique high performance mixed. As the only Australian beauty brand, our own certified biodynamic farm (NASAA, the National Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Australia certification), we can prove the purity of our harvest. We follow strict organic and biodynamic farming principles, in order to achieve our recognition. In order to maintain a perfect nature, we tend to pick the crop of hand-sorted. The nature of the work and do not oppose it, and we strive to create a richer soil, which means healthy plants, extract and more effective products. So this is a natural process, better farming more beautiful skin. Benefits: It is a natural skin tones covering cream, in order to help to reduce the appearance of defects. Also, it can help balance oily skin surface sebum moderate and can help protect environmental aggressors. Ingredients: The witch hazel extract objects and tea tree oil help to gently clean and moderate sebum in the skin surface. The marigolds and self-healing extract offers comfortable performance and help rebalance the sensitivity. Aloe extract and glycerin strongly hydrate, and helps to soften the skin. Grapefruit seed extract contains antioxidant properties and helps protect the skin against environmental damage. * Oriflame Oriflame was founded in Sweden in 1967 by Hanlin brothers, has become an international market in more than 60 countries around the world. Cosmetics direct selling company. Oriflame has a wide variety of innovative product lines, Sweden, natural beauty products â€Å"by 360 Million independent sales consultants are sold worldwide, and has created more than 1.5 billion euros a year in sales. It is natural beauty products from Sweden. Oriflame offers industry-leading career opportunities, and help people to earn income from the first day of added while moving. The goal of the current personal dreams and ambitions, this is our unique the career concept – â€Å"the creation of wealth today, tomorrow achievements Dream.† Respect for people and nature, become the basis of the company’s operating Philosophy, and is reflected in the company’s social and environmental policies. Oriflame co-founder of the World Children’s Fund, and contributions to numerous global philanthropy projects. Oriflame is a listed companies, the stock is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Nordic Exchange. ————————————————- SWOT Analysis We are focus on The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Concealer, which launched in 2009. We use the SWOT Analysis to analyse Tea Tree Concealer’s Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats. Strengths The Body Shop International plc is a part of the L’Orà ©al Corporate group. L’Orà ©al Corporate has a lot of capital, it can support The Body Shop International plc’s finance and it can have some large scale promotional campaign without consider financial problem. Also, the L’Orà ©al Corporate is the largest cosmetics and beauty company in the world. It is famous, so, The Body Shop International plc can use the L’Orà ©al Corporate’s brand name to have some promotion and it will be more effectively. Furthermore, the Body Shop International plc has a positive reputation and image because of their non-animal-testing and fair trading company image. It can attract some customers, who support non-animal-testing and fair trading, to buy the products. For the Tea Tree Concealer part, one of its strengths is that it is a handy portable stick. This is because customers can easily bring it goes out and leave in somewhere easily. After use the Tea Tree Concealer, it will be without over drying the skin and it is good for our skin too. Moreover, the Tea Tree Concealer is made of organic tea tree oil, which is not only an infusion perfect to help blemished skin, but it can also attract customers, who support using organic raw material, to buy it. Weaknesses The Tea Tree Concealer only has one color tone, it is not suitable for every because different people have different skin color. It only has one color tone that it can satisfy a little part of customers but not lots of customers. Without doubt, everyone has different skin, such as dry skin, oily skin, combination skin, normal skin and sensitive skin. The Tea Tree Concealer only has one type and it also cannot satisfy lots of people, only a little part of customers can use it. Also, as we all know, The Body Shop International plc is founded in the UK in 1976 by Dame Anita Roddick. It is a western company and their products might be more suitable for foreign people. Therefore, the Tea Tree Concealer may not be suitable for Asian. It cannot satisfy more people. Opportunities First of all, many existing cosmetics and skin-care products were tested on animals before they promote to the market in order to make sure the usage of them will not harm human bodies. However, The Body Shop against animals testing, every one of the products is animal cruelty free and vegetarian, which means we do not destroy the habitat of the animals and us. As a result, this is an opportunity of us to promote our product with this special characteristic. The second one is that the product have not taken care the men’s market. The skins of men and women are not the same, so do the needs of them. If we still only focus on the women’s market, our sales would only stay in the same level, so we should not only focus on the women’s needs but also the men’s to enlarge the market. As a result, this becomes one of the opportunities for the company to expand the men’s market and to increase sales volume. Third, the Body Shop is supporting Community Fair Trade, for example in Kenya. Most of the products contain Community Trade ingredients. This can attract customers who are also supporting Community Fair Trade. The body shop is also defending human rights, in order to treat all people in a fair and open fashion, to respect and value their integrity. Last, we are seeking and sustaining natural materials, and using planet’s resources wisely. These are the ways how we approach our environmental target, protect our planet. Threats The competition from competitors such as Jurlique’s natural skin tones covering cream who are also at the same level is keen. They are also providing same type of products and which are inexpensive to attract our same target groups. As a result, we have to consider about what are our vantages and extent them to get more awareness. Furthermore, the brand image of The Body Shop has become old, and is it not that attractive to the new young customers. So there is a need for The Body Shop to rebuild the image into fashion and vitality. ————————————————- Marketing Objectives Our marketing objective has two parts, one is short term and other one is long term. We will explain as follow. Short Term Based on the SWOT analysis of Tea Tree Concealer, it mentions that Tea Tree Concealer needs to be more popular. Therefore, the marketing objective is to enhance the promotion of Tea Tree Concealer that can increase 5-10% sales in short term. It means that we will increase 5-10% sales of Tea Tree Concealer in 5 months. Long Term As for the long term objectives of The Body Shop, it mainly has two steps want to achieve. 1. Develop a new tea tree concealer for men From different researches in the market, we know that the make-up market for men is now expanding; more men are more focus on their appearance for different perspectives. Therefore, The Body Shop should invent a new tea tree concealer for men only, which can focus on the needs of men, such as promotes healing of acne, keeps your skin elastic and improves appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. As a result, the company would like our research and development department can invent a men concealer within nine months’ time. 2. Sale 10000 concealer within six months The company aims at maximizing the profit of the company. If The Body Shop promotes the new product, â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†, its focus on the needs of men, so The Body Shop can increase its profit as it promotes a new men product. The company will have a questionnaire in the future so that we can know more about our market, for example, setting our target group, the price that people can accept, which promotion strategies is the best for our market. As a result, we would like to sell 10,000 pieces of concealer within six months’ time, which is a measurable objective. ————————————————- Marketing Strategies Short term To mention the short term objective of the Body Shop, we mainly want to attract some new customers by the new products. On the other hand, we also need to make the original customers continues to consume on our brand. And thus, we have discussed four mainly short term strategy to achieve our aim. 1. Advertisement The Body Shop can have three major ways to show our advertisement. The first one is Facebook. Nowadays, Facebook is a popular website to let people share their feelings and photos. And Facebook in Hong Kong is also necessary to people. Thus, do promotion on Facebook is an effective way to make more people know our new products. The second one is magazines. Magazines major target is office workers and the teenagers, and this target group is same as our products. Therefore, promotion on the magazines one big page can easy to let our targets know our new products. And the third one is promote next to the MTR escalator. MTR has many streams of people every day. And it is free when the people are standing on the escalator. So, display on the escalator advertisement board is also easy to let people know our promotion. 2. Discount For the general customers, The Body Shop can give them 5-10% off discount. And the VIP can get one more discount after the new product has got 5-10% discount. It will be effective that the cheaper price can make the people try it and also it can conveniently to attract more people being The Body Shop VIP. 3. Sample The Body Shop can give out the sample more effectiveness. If we just commonly give out the sample on the street will wreck the value of product. And thus, we have planned to ask people like and share the post on Facebook, after that show it to the staff, then they can get one sample. This method can let people try our new product and also indirectly help our brand having a promotion simultaneously. 4. Sponsorship We try to have corporation with Mannings and Watsons. If people consume above $150, they can get a sample of Body Shop. Sponsorship can provides a great means of broadening our competitive edge by improving our company’s image prestige and credibility by supporting events that your target market finds attractive. Long term For the long term plan for the Body Shop, the company purposes one and half year plan, which help the Body Shop to achieve the goals on developing a new tea tree concealer for men and increase the sale for product. The company will divide the plan into 4Ps. Product: As we all know, the make-up market for men is now expending so the Body Shop should grab this golden opportunity to develop a new tea tree concealer for men only. The skin is different between men and women, the company should focus on the needs of the men’s skin purpose. The company target group is based on beneficial segmentation because our product is only for men who have acnes on their faces. Although we all know that the cost for Research & Development is very high, the company think that people will also come and buy our product. Recently the company has done a survey on the Body Shop and its products. The interviewees thought the Body Shop is popularization, people are able to afford the price range. Therefore, we think put in money on R & D, later on, the Body Shop not only can earn the profit, also earn the advertisement benefit as they not only care about women but also men. Price: Market-Penetration pricing is the company choice on setting price. The tea tree collection of the Body Shop is famous in Hong Kong but the tea tree concealer is not familiar with the men. Therefore, we decide that when the product first enters to the market, the company will set a relatively low price so that it can attract more customers and get feedback from the public. People will consider buying our product because of low price, after they have used, they can re-buy the company’s product. Moreover, in market there is just a little amount of concealer that is only men, our product must keep a competition with other products because if the price set very low from the average, other competitors will also set a very low price, this cannot help the company to maximize the profit, it will greater the loss. If we set a high price, people are not willing to buy the company product as there are other concealers available in the market. The company set a price on $159 per new tree concealer for men which is a reasonable price. Place: In order to let more people to know more about the new tea tree concealer for men, the company will set up a special counter in shops, which is the company promotional product. Some salesperson will promote the new product as men may feel shy to buy make-up product so set up a counter is every shop help the company to find some target. Promotion: First, the company will give out some sample if people click ‘like’ in Facebook fans page, with the advance of technology and the common of using smart phone, people are more easy to obtain different information online, so Facebook is an efficient channel to promote the new tea tree concealer. The  company will maximum given out 10000 sample tea tree concealer. Second, the company decides to have video promotional campaign, people who have tried to use our product can join this competition. The users have to make a video about the feedback from using new tea tree concealer; the top 10 participants who obtained highest ‘like’ on their video clips can win $1500 cash. In this way, we enjoy a promotional advantage as participants will share their video clip for one another so that more people will know about our product. Also, the participants can show a positive experience for the public, the public can see the positive sides of using the new tea tree concealer. ————————————————- Marketing Tactics The short term and long term’s action plan is presented as follow. It shows the different strategies use in different time. Short term Magazine Promotion Facebook Promotion Sample Sponsorship MTR Advertisement Discount 1st month 2nd month 3rd month 4th month 5th month Magazine Promotion Facebook Promotion Sample Sponsorship MTR Advertisement Discount 1st month 2nd month 3rd month 4th month 5th month Long term Research and Development of New Product Review Video Promotional Campaign Facebook Promotion Sample 1st 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th Months Research and Development of New Product Review Video Promotional Campaign Facebook Promotion Sample 1st 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th Months ————————————————- Marketing Budget | THE BODY SHOP| | | Statement of Comprehensive Income| | | (for the Promotion of Tea Tree Concealer & Men’s Tea Tree Concealer )| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Short Term (5 months)*| | Long Term (18 months)*| | | | | | Note| | HK$| | HK$| | | Sales| | | 1| | 4,170,000| | 1,590,000| | | Less: Cost of Goods sold| 2| | 1,876,500| | 715,500| | | Gross Profit| | | | 2,293,500| | 874,500| | | | | | | | | | | | | Expenses| | | | | | | | | | Advertising Expenses| | 3| | (520,000)| | -| | | Samples Expenses| | 4| | (646,350)| | (238,500)| | | Research and Development Expenses| 5| | -| | (400,000)| | | Promotional Booth| | 6| | -| | (29,500)| | | Video Promotional Campaign| 7| | -| | (15,000)| | | | | | | | (1,166,350)| | (683,000)| | | | | | | | | | | | | Net Profit| | | | | 1,127,150| | 191,500| | | | | | | | | | | | Statement of Comprehensive Income *Before having promotion, the sales is HK$ 3,750,000 in 5 months. **Long term’s sales period is 6 months. Note: 1. Sales: * Short term: HK$ 139 x 30,000 = HK$ 4,170,000 Sold 200 pieces of concealers a day; sold 30,000 pieces of concealers in 5 months. * Long term: HK$ 159 x 10,000 = HK$ 1,590,000 Sold 10,000 pieces of concealers in a half year. 2. Cost of Goods sold: According to Prudence concept, the cost of concealer is 45% of the price. * Short term: HK$ 4,170,000 x 45% = HK$ 1,876,500 * Long term: HK$ 1,590,000 x 45% = HK$ 715,500 3. Advertising Expenses: HK$ 1 x 500,000 + HK$ 20,000 = HK$ 520,000 $1 /page in magazine; 50 magazines; MTR Advertising Expenses HK$ 20,000/month. 4. Samples Expenses: The sample size will be the 1/3 of the original size, the cost of the sample also be the 1/3 of the original cost. * Short term: HK$ 20.85 x 31,000 = HK$ 646,350 Each sample costs HK$ 20.85 (HK$ 139 x 45% x 1/3); 31,000 pieces of sample. * Long term: HK$ 23.85 x 10,000 = HK$ 238,500 Each sample costs HK$ 23.85 (HK$ 159 x 45% x 1/3); 10,000 pieces of sample. 5. Research and Development Expenses: These expenses include research information’s cost and develop the Men’s Tea Tree Concealer’s cost. Around cost HK$ 400,000. 6. Promotional Booth: HK$ 500 x 59 = HK$ 29,500 Each store has a promotional Booth; It costs around HK$ 500 for each. The Body Shop has 49 stores in Hong Kong. And it has 10 booths as spare. 7. Video Promotional Campaign: HK$ 1,500 x 10 = HK$ 15,000 Each winner has $1500 cash. There are 10 winners in total. ————————————————- ————————————————- Conclusion In conclusion, based on the SWOT analysis of Tea Tree Concealer, it mentions that Tea Tree Concealer needs to be more popular and needs to uses the gender segmentation that to enlarge the market with the men’s market because the demand of men’s cosmetics market is increasing especially of the concealer. Therefore, the marketing objectives are to enhance the promotion of Tea Tree Concealer that can increase 5-10% sales in short term; and in long term, The Body Shop can develop a Men’s Tea Tree Concealer to satisfy  men’s satisfaction of concealer that the concealer can take care about men’s face skin. For the marketing strategies, for short term, the body shop can use promotion tools, such as advertising in Facebook, beauty magazines and promote next to the MTR escalator. Also, the body shop can give general customers 5-10% off discount for buying Tea Tree Concealer. And the VIP can get one more discount after the new product has got 5-10% discount. Moreover, The Body Shop can give out the sample for people like and share the post on The Body Shop’s Facebook page, after that show it to the staff, then they can get one sample; and The Body Shop can have corporation with Mannings and Watsons. If people consume above $150, they can get a sample of The Body Shop. For long term, The Body Shop can uses marketing mix (Product, Price, Place and Promotion), to increase the sales of Tea Tree Concealer and to open up the men’s concealer market, a men’s product that calls â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†. In product strategy, The Body Shop can put in money on Research & Development, to develop the â€Å"Men’s Tea Tree Concealer†. In pricing strategy, Market-Penetration pricing is the company choice on setting price because the tea tree collection of The Body Shop is famous in Hong Kong but the tea tree concealer is not familiar with the men. In promotion strategy, The Body Shop can set up a special counter in shops, which is the company promotional product. Some salesperson will promote the new product as men may feel shy to buy make-up product so set up a counter is every shop help the company to find some target. Also, the company will give out some sample if people click ‘like’ in Facebook fans page and to have video promotional campaign, people who have tried to use our product can join this competition. The users have to make a video about the feedback from using new tea tree concealer; the top 10 participants who obtained highest ‘like’ on their video clips can win $1500 cash. For the marketing budget, Statement of Comprehensive Income that it is for the Promotion of Tea Tree Concealer & Men’s Tea Tree Concealer, it shows that it will have a profit in the end of the promotion of Tea Tree Concealer and also have a profit in develop a Men’s Tea Tree Concealer. ————————————————- Bibliography * The Body Shop (seen on 20th September 2012) http://www.thebodyshop.com.hk/tc/index.aspx * The Body Shop – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (seen on 20th September 2012) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bodyshop * L’Orà ©al (seen on 20th September 2012) http://www.loreal.com/_en/_ww/index.aspx * L’Orà ©al – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (seen on 20th September 2012) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loreal_Kids * Oriflame (seen on 8th November 2012) http://gb.oriflame.com/ * Oriflame – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (seen on 8th November 2012) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oriflame * Jurlique (seen on 8th November 2012) http://www.jurlique.com/ * Skin Care – Jurlique – Hong Kong (seen on 8th November 2012) http://www.jurlique.hk/catalog/main.php?cPath=1 ————————————————- ————————————————- Appendices 1. Sample of the Questionnaire Questionnaire on The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Concealer| Hello, we are students of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Morrison Hill), we are conducting a project of Marketing, and is currently conducting a survey about The Body Shop Tea Tree Concealer. All of the information you provide in this questionnaire will not be used for commercial purposes, and destroyed at the end of the project-based learning. 1. What is your personal feeling or opinion towards â€Å"The Body Shop†? (1 is very bad while 5 is very good) Ã¥  £ 1 Ã¥  £ 2 Ã¥  £ 3 Ã¥  £ 4 Ã¥  £ 5 2. Which of the following vocabularies is/are to describe â€Å"The Body Shop†? (Can choose more than 1 answers) Ã¥  £ popularization Ã¥  £ with enterprise conscience Ã¥  £ expensive products Ã¥  £ good quality of products Ã¥  £ poor quality of products Ã¥  £ othersï ¼Å¡_______________ 3. Have you ever seen the tea tree concealer of The Body Shop? Ã¥  £ Yes ( go to question 4) Ã¥  £ No (go to question 5) 4. Have you ever bought this tea tree concealer before? Ã¥  £ Yes ( go to question 6) Ã¥  £ No (go to question 7) 5. As our product helps to protect from anti-bacterial and it is an infusion perfect to help blemished skin. Moreover, it promotes healthy-looking skin and has fantastic skin moisturizing properties. The size of the tea tree concealer is 4.5g which cost $139. After knowing the benefit out product, will you consider to buy it? Ã¥  £ Yes ( go to question 6) Ã¥  £ No (go to question 7) 6. Why will you choose to buy or consider our product? (Can choose more than 1 answers) (can choose more than 1 choice) Ã¥  £ Price consideration Ã¥  £ functions Ã¥  £ coupons Ã¥  £ influence by media Ã¥  £ functions of other brand’s products Ã¥  £ Others:_______________ 7. Why won’t you choose to buy or consider our product? (Can choose more than 1 answer) (can choose more than 1 choice) Ã¥  £ Price consideration Ã¥  £ functions Ã¥  £ Personal feeling Ã¥  £ I don’t do any make-up Ã¥  £ functions of other brand’s products Ã¥  £ Others:_______________ 8. What ways can attract you to buy our product? (Can choose more than 1 answer) (can choose more than 1 choice) Ã¥  £ Advertisement Ã¥  £ Discount / coupon Ã¥  £ Sample Ã¥  £ Gift / Present Ã¥  £ Others:_______________ 9. What is you gender? Ã¥  £ Female Ã¥  £ Male 10. What is your age group? Ã¥  £ 18 or below Ã¥  £ 19-25 Ã¥  £ 26-32 Ã¥  £ 33-39 Ã¥  £ 40 or above 11. What is you occupation? Ã¥  £ Banking / Finance Ã¥  £ Engineering Ã¥  £ Building / Construction Ã¥  £ Hotel / Tourism Ã¥  £ Education Ã¥  £ Retailing Ã¥  £ Beauty Care Ã¥  £ Others:_______________ ~ Thank You!! ~| The company has made an online questionnaire which is relate to this topic, as Cantonese is a common language in Hong Kong so the company decided to upload a Cantonese version to the public. The link is as follow: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?pli=1&formkey=dGNfd3ppOXNxc3JTVUVZMUdtdFVIS3c6MQ#gid=0 2. Result of the Survey 1. What is your personal feeling or opinion towards â€Å"The Body Shop†? (1 is very bad while 5 is very good) Before the company asks questions about the concealer, some background information about the brand name is needed. This question ask the interviewees to give marks on The Body Shop, the average marks is 3.83, nearly 70% of interviewees give more than the average marks so the Body Shop have a positive image in public. 2. Which of the following vocabularies is/are to describe â€Å"The Body Shop†? (Can choose more than 1 answers) As mentioned above, the Body Shop has a positive image so the company would like to know more about the opinions from the public. More than 80% of interviewees responded that the Body Shop is popular is Hong Kong, there are lots of shops in different parts. 32% and 52% of interviewees think the Body Shop run its business with enterprise conscience and the product quality is high respectively. However, 11% and 4% of interviewees have negative image on the Body Shop, they think the products are quite expensive and the quality is not really good. Therefore, we may consider the price while setting for the new tea tree concealer for men. 3. Have you ever seen the tea tree concealer of The Body Shop? The company should have some evaluation meeting on the promotion strategy on tea tree concealer as the nearly 60% of them have never seen the tea tree concealer before which cannot help the company to increase sales. Only 40% have ever seen the concealer before, this reflects the promotion is not strong enough. 4. Have you ever bought this tea tree concealer before? There are totally 59 interviewees responded that they have seen tea tree concealer before but only 40 of them which is nearly 70% have bought before, this seems to be a huge number. However, overall speaking, for all the interviewees, there are only 29% of them bought it. This is not a good situation because only few amounts of people have bought before. 5. As our product helps to protect from anti-bacterial and it is an infusion perfect to help blemished skin. Moreover, it promotes healthy-looking skin and has fantastic skin moisturizing properties. The size of the tea tree concealer is 4.5g which cost $139. After knowing the benefit out product, will you consider to buy it? For another 79 interviewees, 50 of them will consider to buy tea tree concealer, which is 63%. This means there is higher potential for our market to expand. It’s because the public don’t know about the advantages of the tea tree product. From this question, we know that our promotion is not strong enough so we have to improve in future. Also, people may consider about the benefit of the product which is an important element for customers to choose. 6. Why will you choose to buy or consider our product? (Can choose more than 1 answers) For this question, the number of interviewees have to answer is 90, this question aim to find the reason for customer to consider buying our product. 77of the interviewees think that the functions and benefits is very important, 74 of them think the price is reasonable to afford, this means people are consider about the quality and price. Moreover, affected by the other competitors and brands, people will choose to buy the tea tree concealer from the Body Shop. So when the company decides to develop the new tea tree concealer for men, some specific function should be added on in order to attract more people to buy. 7. Why won’t you choose to buy or consider our product? (Can choose more than 1 answer) For this question, the number of interviewees have to answer this question is 48. 25 of them responded they don’t make –up so this group of people is not the company target. 27 of them think the price is relatively high which is a disadvantage, also there have to face the competition from other brands, so people will affect by other company. 8. What ways can attract you to buy our product? (Can choose more than 1 answer) (can choose more than 1 choice) In order to set the company promotional strategy, this question ask about which ways can attract people to buy the tea tree concealer. 85% of them think discounts and coupons are very attractive for them to buy. Moreover, give out samples is also a good way to promote the tea tree concealer. 92 of the interviewees think that gift is quite attractive as they can try to us our product. If the feedback is good, they will re-buy the company’s product. 9. What is you gender? For this questionnaire, there are 87 males and 51 females have answered our questionnaire. 10. What is your age group? Nearly half of the interviewees belong to age between 19 and 25 and 30% are belong to age between 26 and 32. 11. What is you occupation? 33% of the interviewees are students who don’t have enough buying power which may affect our result a little bit. Moreover, the remaining interviewees are

Free Essays on Blood

Beep, beep, beep, beep. â€Å"You were traveling to class in the morning, it was very foggy. Without warning you saw a car in front of you as you slammed on your brakes your car started to spin and eventually rolled four times. The ambulance came and rushed you to the hospital. During the accident you suffered a head injury and are going to need a blood transfusion to compensate for the blood you have lost.† Beep, beep, beep, beep sounds the heart monitor. Throughout the world, everyday people are being deprived of life. Why? Because the need for donated blood is at devastatingly high levels. Did you know only about 5% of Americans eligible to donate blood, actually donate every year. I have been donating my blood since I was 16 years old, when my mother signed a waiver in order for me to donate my blood to my best friends mom who was very ill. I have done research on the topic of blood donating and today, I will persuade you to take an active role in saving someone’s life by donating blood. According to the American Red Cross every three seconds someone in the United States needs blood. With the occurrence of car accidents, shootings, and other medical emergencies blood is an invaluable resource. Blood is essential to life and there is no artificial substitute that can replace human blood. The National Blood Data Resource Center states that about 10,000 people receive blood transfusions every day and many of them are in jeopardy due to the declining rate of blood donations. All blood types are needed especially the â€Å"universal blood† type O blood, which can be received by anyone. The American Red Cross estimates about 12 million units of whole blood are donated in the U.S. every year and on any given day, approximately 33,000 units are needed. When calculated that leaves an estimated 45,000 units of blood still needed every year. I would be devastated if one of my friends, family members or myself needed some of the 45,000 un... Free Essays on Blood Free Essays on Blood Beep, beep, beep, beep. â€Å"You were traveling to class in the morning, it was very foggy. Without warning you saw a car in front of you as you slammed on your brakes your car started to spin and eventually rolled four times. The ambulance came and rushed you to the hospital. During the accident you suffered a head injury and are going to need a blood transfusion to compensate for the blood you have lost.† Beep, beep, beep, beep sounds the heart monitor. Throughout the world, everyday people are being deprived of life. Why? Because the need for donated blood is at devastatingly high levels. Did you know only about 5% of Americans eligible to donate blood, actually donate every year. I have been donating my blood since I was 16 years old, when my mother signed a waiver in order for me to donate my blood to my best friends mom who was very ill. I have done research on the topic of blood donating and today, I will persuade you to take an active role in saving someone’s life by donating blood. According to the American Red Cross every three seconds someone in the United States needs blood. With the occurrence of car accidents, shootings, and other medical emergencies blood is an invaluable resource. Blood is essential to life and there is no artificial substitute that can replace human blood. The National Blood Data Resource Center states that about 10,000 people receive blood transfusions every day and many of them are in jeopardy due to the declining rate of blood donations. All blood types are needed especially the â€Å"universal blood† type O blood, which can be received by anyone. The American Red Cross estimates about 12 million units of whole blood are donated in the U.S. every year and on any given day, approximately 33,000 units are needed. When calculated that leaves an estimated 45,000 units of blood still needed every year. I would be devastated if one of my friends, family members or myself needed some of the 45,000 un...

Definition of Gerrymander

Definition of Gerrymander To gerrymander is to draw the boundaries of electoral districts in an irregular way so as to create an unfair advantage for a particular political party or faction. The origin of the term gerrymander dates back to the early 1800s in Massachusetts. The word is a combination of the words Gerry, for the states governor, Elbridge Gerry, and salamander, as a particular electoral district was jokingly said to be shaped like a lizard. The practice of creating oddly shaped electoral districts to create advantages has endured for two centuries. Criticisms of the practice can be found in newspapers and books going back to the time of the incident in Massachusetts that inspired the term. And while it has always been viewed as something done wrongfully, nearly all political parties and factions have practiced gerrymandering when given the opportunity. The Drawing of Congressional Districts The United States Constitution specifies that seats in Congress are apportioned according to the U.S. Census (indeed, thats the original reason why the federal government has conducted a census every ten years). And the individual states must create congressional districts which will then elect members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The situation in Massachusetts in 1811 was that the Democrats (who were political followers of Thomas Jefferson, not the later Democratic Party which still exists) held the majority of seats in the state legislature, and could therefore draw the required Congressional districts. The Democrats wanted to thwart the power of their opponents, the Federalists, the party in the tradition of John Adams. A plan was devised to create Congressional districts that would divide any concentrations of Federalists. With the map drawn in an irregular way, small pockets of Federalists would then be residing within districts where they would be heavily outnumbered. The plans to draw these peculiarly shaped districts were, of course, highly controversial. And the lively New England newspapers engaged in quite a battle of words, and, eventually, even pictures. The Coining of the Term Gerrymander There has been dispute over the years of who exactly coined the term gerrymander. An early book on the history of American newspapers stated that the word arose from a meeting of the Boston newspaper editor Benjamin Russell and the famed American painter Gilbert Stuart. In Anecdotes, Personal Memoirs, and Biographies of Literary Men Connected With Newspaper Literature, published in 1852, Joseph T. Buckingham presented the following story: In 1811, when Mr. Gerry was governor of the commonwealth, the legislature made a new division of the districts for the election of representatives to Congress. Both branches then had a Democratic majority. For the purpose of securing a Democratic representative, an absurd and singular arrangement of towns in the county of Essex was made to compose a district. Russell took a map of the county, and designated by a particular coloring the towns thus selected. He then hung the map on the wall of his editorial closet. One day, Gilbert Stuart, the celebrated painter, looked at the map, and said the towns, which Russell had thus distinguished, formed a picture resembling some monstrous animal. He took a pencil, and, with a few touches, added what might be supposed to represent claws. There, said Stuart, that will do for a salamander.Russell, who was busy with his pen, looked up at the hideous figure, and exclaimed, Salamander! Call it Gerrymander!The word became a proverb, and, for many years, was in popular use among the Federalists as a term of reproach to the Democratic legislature, which had distinguished itself by this act of political turpitude. An engraving of the Gerrymander  was made, and hawked about the state, which had some effect in annoying the Democratic Party. The word gerrymander, often rendered in hyphenated form as gerry-mander, began to appear in New England newspapers in March 1812. For instance, the Boston Repertory, on March 27, 1812, published an illustration representing the oddly shaped Congressional district as a lizard with claws, teeth, and even the wings of a mythical dragon. A headline described it as A New Species of Monster. In the text below the illustration an editorial said: The district may be exhibited as a Monster. It is the offspring of moral and political depravity. It was created to drown the real voice of the majority of the citizens in the country of Essex, where it is well known there is a large federal majority. Outrage Over the Gerry-Mander Monster Faded Though New England newspapers blasted the newly drawn district and the politicians who created it, other newspapers in 1812 reported the same phenomenon had occurred elsewhere. And the practice had been given a lasting name. Incidentally, Elbridge Gerry, the Massachusetts governor whose name wound up being the basis for the term, was the leader of the Jeffersonian Democrats in the state at the time. But there is some dispute whether he even approved of the scheme to draw the oddly shaped district. Gerry had been a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and had a long career of political service. Having his name dragged into the conflict over the Congressional districts seemed not to harm him, and was a successful vice-presidential candidate in the election of 1812. Gerry died in 1814 while serving as vice president in the administration of President James Madison. Gratitude is expressed to the New York Public Library Digital Collections for the use of the early 19th century illustration of The Gerry-Mander.

How to Write an ACT Essay Step-by-Step Example

How to Write an ACT Essay Step SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Sometimes writing- especially writing for standardized tests- can feel like something you "get" or "don't get." That's primarily because it's very difficult to explain and teach writing in a mechanical way, especially when you're up against time limits. In this article, we've broken how to write the ACT essay into eight steps that work for every essay, every time. Then, we show you exactly how to do it with an actual ACT essay example. Many students ask us how to write an ACT essay, and while the answer is simple enough to explain in eight steps (as we do below), it's not necessarily simple to do. As with any skill, the key to learning how to write an ACT essay is to study a good model (which we are going to cover in this article) and then practice, practice, practice. Tackling ACT Writing, Step by Step The ACT essay plan below has been modified from our ACT Essay Tips article to fit the new ACT Writing Test. The template includes three sections: planning, writing and revising. If you practice using this template to write ACT essays, you'll get much faster and (probably) more precise. Here's the sample prompt we'll be responding to: Intelligent Machines Many of the goods and services we depend on daily are now supplied by intelligent, automated machines rather than human beings. Robots build cars and other goods on assembly lines, where once there were human workers. Many of our phone conversations are now conducted not with people but with sophisticated technologies. We can now buy goods at a variety of stores without the help of a human cashier. Automation is generally seen as a sign of progress, but what is lost when we replace humans with machines? Given the accelerating variety and prevalence of intelligent machines, it is worth examining the implications and meaning of their presence in our lives. Perspective One: What we lose with the replacement of people by machines is some part of our own humanity. Even our mundane daily encounters no longer require from us basic courtesy, respect, and tolerance for other people. Perspective Two: Machines are good at low-skill, repetitive jobs, and at high-speed, extremely precise jobs. In both cases they work better than humans. This efficiency leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. Perspective Three: Intelligent machines challenge our long-standing ideas about what humans are or can be. This is good because it pushes both humans and machines toward new, unimagined possibilities. Write a unified, coherent essay about the increasing presence of intelligent machines. Stage 1: Planning Time: 8-10 minutes It may feel like you won't have time to plan your essay before you write, but really, it's something you can't omit. Trust us. Organizing your thoughts as you write will cost you way more time than if you take the time to plan out your essay before you begin writing. Step 1: Read the Prompt and the Perspectives Provided, Then (Tentatively) Choose a Position Because addressing the relationship between your perspective and at least one of the other three perspectives is an integral part of the essay task, you need to make sure you understand what each prompt is saying. The good news is that each perspective includes both a general assertion about intelligent machines as well as an opinion that places the topic in a broader context, saving you some work in coming up with your own, independent perspective. While it is possible to come up with a fourth point of view on the topic, I don't recommend it. The added time you'll have to spend coming up with your own point of view could be better spend developing your comparison of your perspective to at least one of the other perspectives. If your perspective is a "blending" of multiple perspectives, that's also fine, as long as you make sure you compare your blended perspective to each of the perspectives it combines; otherwise, you won't fulfill the "analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective" part of the task. Bottom line: choose the perspective you think you can support the best. For this sample ACT essay, I'm going to tentatively choose to argue Perspective Three (that intelligent machines challenge long-standing ideas about humanity, which in turn pushes humans and machines toward new, previously unimaginable possibilities), simply because that happens to be the position I think I'll be able to support the best. Step 2: Quickly Brainstorm Evidence and Explanations to Support Each Perspective Because the ACT essay involves discussing the relationship between your perspective and at least one of the other perspectives given, not just the one you agree with, you'll have to use multiple pieces of evidence in your essay. During this step, if you find that you're able to find more convincing evidence to support a different perspective than the one you've chosen, you can always switch- after all, you're still planning. Also, you don't have to write in complete sentences, or phrase things as elegantly as you will in the actual essay, so don't worry about that. Here are some potential places you can look to for evidence and examples: Opening Paragraph of the Prompt If you haven't already, read through the paragraph at the beginning of the essay prompt. You can appropriate some or all of the examples in it to use in your own essay. Personal Experience You can tell any story (real or not) about you or someone else you know (or make up) that supports any one of your points. Statistics Again, these can be real or made up. You could invent a research study that looked at recordings of phone calls and found 80% of people end up cursing while using automated phone menus (to support perspective one), make up statistics that show automated cashiers are able to process three times as many check-outs as human cashiers (to support perspective 2), or come up with any other kind of statistics that support one of the perspectives. Specifics from Sources Use knowledge of events from history or current events to support your points. If you're not certain of the details, it's all right- the essay graders won't deduct points for factually inaccurate information. For this essay, you could use the invention of the printing press (and its effects) as an example of how mechanization can lead to "unimagined possibilities." Here's the evidence I came up with for my essay: Perspective One: What we lose with the replacement of people by machines is some part of our own humanity. Even our mundane daily encounters no longer require from us basic courtesy, respect, and tolerance for other people. Evidence: Many of our phone conversations are conducted not with people, but with sophisticated technologies...that don't necessarily work at 100% Explanation: People get so frustrated with the technology that when they press "0" to speak with a real human they are often rude and discourteous Perspective Two: Machines are good at low-skill, repetitive jobs, and at high-speed, extremely precise jobs. In both cases they work better than humans. This efficiency leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. Evidence: Robots build cars on assembly lines Explanation: Lower cost, decreases risk of injury to human workers Perspective Three: Intelligent machines challenge our long-standing ideas about what humans are or can be. This is good because it pushes both humans and machines toward new, unimagined possibilities. Evidence: Brain-computer interfaces that allow people to control computers with their brains are a thing Explanation: Allow people to overcome physical limitations, inspire us to continue researching and expanding knowledge Step 3: Brainstorm Your Counterarguments to, or Analyses of, the Other Perspectives There's no one right way to respond to the perspectives the ACT gives you. Some of it depends on what point of view you take. For instance, if I agreed with Perspective One, which takes a negative view of the effects of intelligent machines, I might want to discuss both of the other two perspectives (which both take positive views of intelligent machines) in one paragraph, and then disagree with them in the next paragraph as I present my support for Perspective One. Since I'm arguing for Perspective Three (machines challenge our ideas about what humans are or can be, which pushes us and machines toward new possibilities), I'm going to argue against Perspective One and Perspective Two separately, because I have strong evidence for my analyses of each perspective. Because the essay only requires you to analyze the relationship between your perspective and at least one other perspective, if I had lots of evidence to use in my comparison of my perspective and Perspective One, but nothing to say about Perspective Two, I could also decide not to discuss that perspective at all. In this case, I was able to think of solid arguments for and against both of the other perspectives, so I chose to analyze both of them and their relationship to my perspective below. Again, these are not necessarily worded in their final form. Perspective One: What we lose with the replacement of people by machines is some part of our own humanity. Even our mundane daily encounters no longer require from us basic courtesy, respect, and tolerance for other people. Evidence: Many of our phone conversations are conducted not with people, but with sophisticated technologies...that don't necessarily work at 100% Explanation: People get so frustrated with the technology that when they press "0" to speak with a real human they are often rude and discourteous Counterargument/analysis: The benefits outweighthe costs, because providing people with the option to submit prescriptions or ask about store hours through an automated menu frees up customer service reps to answer real questions. In addition, recordings of calls with angry customers are used to improve the menus. Perspective Two: Machines are good at low-skill, repetitive jobs, and at high-speed, extremely precise jobs. In both cases they work better than humans. This efficiency leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. Evidence: Robots build cars on assembly lines Explanation: Robots take over dangerous jobs which decreases risk of injury to human workers, lowering cost to employers Counterargument/analysis: This perspective is true, but is limited in its consideration of the implications. Robots can not only do things instead of humans, but can actually work with humans, as in precise surgery, to a better result than either humans or machines alone. Step 4: Organize Your Essay Now that you have the main points of your essay, it's time to organize them in a way that makes sense. Make sure to include your introduction (with your thesis statement containing your point of view, or at least a rough sense of your thesis statement) and conclusion in this organization. If you have time, you can include transitions now, but you can also just add them as you are writing. Introduction The increasing prevalence of machines challenges us, etc, will put this in fancy words when I write the essay for real Body Paragraph 1 Perspective One argues that replacing humans with machine leads us to lose part of our own humanity, because even our mundane daily encounters no longer require from us basic courtesy, respect, and tolerance for other people. I have witnessed this in my own life through watching my mother interact with some of those "sophisticated" automated phone systems. She sometimes gets so frustrated with the technology refusing to do what she wants that, by the time the menu allows her to speak to a real human, my mother is no longer courteous or respectful. Despite this frustration, I think the benefits outweighthe costs, because providing people with the option to submit prescriptions or ask about store hours through an automated menu frees up customer service reps to answer real questions. In addition, recordings of calls with angry customers are used to improve the menus. Body Paragraph 2 In contrast to Perspective One, Perspective Two argues that the main utility of machines is in their ability to perform repetitive tasks more preciselyand efficiently than humans. In auto plants around the world, robots build cars on assembly lines, performing their jobs with high precision and at lower overall cost to employers, who can make a one time purchase rather than having to pay a human a yearly salary (and worry about liability issues) This perspective is fine as far as it goes, but is limited in its consideration of the implications. Robots can not only do things instead of humans, but can actually work with humans, as in precise surgery, to a better result than either humans or machines alone. Body Paragraph 3 The true impact of intelligent machines in our lives is that they challenge us to re-think our preconceived notions of what people can do or become in the future. An example of this is brain-computer interfaces that allow people to control computers with their brains. With BCIs, people can overcome physical limitations.. In addition, BCIs have capture the interest of people from all different backgrounds and are being applied to non-scientific fields to create new, previously unimagined inventions and ways to interact with the world. Conclusion In conclusion, rather than taking away from our humanity, intelligent machines help us to move forward as a species to new heights. By the end of this step, you should try to have about 30 minutes left so you have enough time to write. If you don't, just keep in mind that you might have to skimp on some of your explanations/counterarguments for the perspective(s) you compare to your own. Stage 2: Writing Time: 25-28 minutes Once you've structured your argument, it's time to write it all down! Step 5: Introduction Paragraph Thesis Write your introduction. If you can think of an interesting first sentence that brings your thesis into a larger discussion, start with that. (If writing the introduction stumps you, just leave 10-15 lines blank at the beginning of the paper and come back to it.) From the simplest system of pulleys and ropes in ancient Greece to the most complex supercomputer in the world today, machines have had (and continue to have) a profound influence on the development of humanity. Make sure you clearly state your thesis. For a 3+ (out of 6) essay, this should include your perspective on the issue and how it relates to at least one of the other perspectives presented in the prompt. While some argue that machines have a negative impact on us, the increasing prevalence of intelligent machines in the world challenges us to change long held beliefs about our limitations and to continue forward to new and even more advanced possibilities. Step 6: Body Paragraphs When you start your first body paragraph, try to think of a first sentence that refers back to the first paragraph. Ideally, you'll start every paragraph by referring back to your thesis to create a unified argument. One common argument against the increased presence of machines in our day-to-day lives (seen in Perspective One) is that machines leach away at our basic humanity. Next, address the argument opposing yours (in this case, Perspective One). Explain the evidence that supports this perspective in three to five sentences. I found this to be true in my own life as a result of witnessing many a phone conversation between my mother and an automated telephone menu. For whatever reason, she consistently has issues with the menus that try to verify her date of birth. The automated system never understands what she says (possibly because of her accent), and asks her to input the numbers via her keypad; of course, my mom's smartphone is so smart that the screen turns off while she is on a call, making it impossible for her to follow the automated phone system's instructions. By the time the system gives up and routes her to speak to a "human representative," my mother is often so frustrated that she is far from courteous and respectful to that person. Then, make sure to explain your counterargument to this perspective, tying it back to your thesis. Despite my mother's understandable frustration with automated phone systems, however, overall the benefits outweigh the costs. Providing people with the option to submit prescriptions or ask about store hours through an automated menu frees up customer service representatives to answer questions machines are incapable of addressing. In addition, the recordings of angry phone calls (where customers are not courteous, respectful, or tolerant of other humans) are used to improve the phone menus to make them more user-friendly. Thus, the momentary disrespect toward other humans caused by machines is more than compensated for by the positive effects of those same machines. Body Paragraph 2 If you're only comparing your perspective against one of the others, then this paragraph should contain further analysis of the relationship between the two perspectives. If you're comparing your perspective against both of the other perspectives (as I did in this essay), then this is where you introduce your thoughts on the second perspective. Another school of thought, exemplified by Perspective Two, argues that the main utility of machines is their ability to perform repetitive tasks more preciselyand more efficiently than humans, which leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. Address the argument of this second perspective (in this case, Perspective Two). Explain the evidence that supports this perspective in three to five sentences. In auto plants around the world, robots build cars on assembly lines. Instead of having to pay a human employee a yearly salary, invest time in training that employee, and worry about liability should that employee be injured, manufacturing plants can now make a one-time purchase of an intelligent machine that will perform that same job at higher levels of precision. This leads to a more prosperous world for the manufacturers, as they are able to invest less money to get a better product. Then, make sure to explain how this perspective relates back to your perspective. This perspective is fine as far as it goes, but is limited in its consideration of the implications. Robots can not only work in place of humans, but can also work cooperatively with humans to a greater results than either could have hoped for alone. This can be seen in highly complex and delicate surgeries, where a surgeon controls robotic microtools to perform operations that even ten years ago would have been unimaginable and impossible. Body Paragraph 3 Introduce your main perspective, linking it back to the counterarguments you've made against at least one of the other perspectives. I agree with Perspective Three that the true impact of intelligent machines in our lives is that they challenge us to re-think our preconceived notions of what people can do or become in the future. Present one final example in support of your perspective. A final example of this is brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs. Humans are able to manipulate computers with their brains via electrodes that are either implanted in their brains or attached (temporarily) to their heads. With these intelligent machines, formerly paralyzed people who had no hope of communicating with others are able to transcend their physical limitations by concentrating to form words out of keyboards on the computer screens. In addition, BCIs have captured the interest of people from all different backgrounds and are being applied to non-scientific fields like music to create new, previously unimagined instruments that react to people's thoughts, adding a new dimension to an ancient art form. Truly, intelligent machines are providing the impetus not just for greater efficiency, but for greater accomplishments. Step 7: Conclusion Check your time. Try to have 5-6 minutes left at this point. Come up with a quick sentence that restates your thesis to wrap up the essay. In conclusion, rather than taking away from our humanity, intelligent machines actually help us to move forward as a species to achieve new, previously unimagined possibilities. Stage 3: Revising Time: 2-4 minutes You've written out a full ACT essay now, which is great! The final step is to see if you can fix any errors or improve anything else about the essay. Step 8: Reread Revise Let's look at our complete ACT essay example: [1] From the simplest system of pulleys and ropes in ancient Greece to the most complex supercomputer in the world today, machines have had (and continue to have) a profound influence on the development of humanity. While some argue that machines have a negative impact on us, the increasing prevalence of intelligent machines in the world challenge us to change long held beliefs about our limitations and to continue forward to new and even more advanced possibilities. [2] One common argument against the increased presence of machines in our day-to-day lives (seen in Perspective One) is that machines leach away at our basic humanity. I found this to be true in my own life as a result of witnessing many a phone conversation between my mother and an automated telephone menu. For whatever reason, she consistently has issues with the menus that try to verify her date of birth. The automated system never understands what she says (possibly because of her accent), and asks her to input the numbers via her keypad; of course, my mom's smartphone is so smart that the screen turns off while she is on a call, making it impossible for her to follow the automated phone system's instructions. By the time the system gives up and routes her to speak to a "human representative," my mother is often so frustrated that she is far from courteous and respectful to that person. Despite my mother's understandable frustration with automated phone systems, however, overall the benefits outweigh the costs. Providing people with the option to submit prescriptions or ask about store hours through an automated menu frees up customer service representatives to answer questions machines are incapable of addressing. In addition, the recordings of angry phone calls (where customers are not courteous, respectful, or tolerant of other humans) are used to improve the phone menus to make them more user-friendly. Thus, the momentary disrespect toward other humans caused by machines is more than compensated for by the positive effects of those same machines. [3] Another school of thought, exemplified by Perspective Two, argues that the main utility of machines is their ability to perform repetitive tasks more preciselyand more efficiently than humans, which leads to a more prosperous and progressive world for everyone. In auto plants around the world, robots build cars on assembly lines. Instead of having to pay a human employee a yearly salary, invest time in training that employee, and worry about liability should that employee be injured, manufacturing plants can now make a one-time purchase of an intelligent machine that will perform that same job at higher levels of precision. This leads to a more prosperous world for the manufacturers, as they are able to invest less money to get a better product. This perspective is fine as far as it goes, but is limited in its consideration of the implications. Robots can not only work in place of humans, but can also work cooperatively with humans to a greater results than either could have hope d for alone. This can be seen in highly complex and delicate surgeries, where a surgeon controls robotic microtools to perform operations that even ten years ago would have been unimaginable and impossible. [4] I agree with Perspective Three that the true impact of intelligent machines in our lives is that they challenge us to re-think our preconceived notions of what people can do or become in the future. A final example of this is brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs. Humans are able to manipulate computers with their brains via electrodes that are either implanted in their brains or attached (temporarily) to their heads. With these intelligent machines, formerly paralyzed people who had no hope of communicating with others are able to transcend their physical limitations by concentrating to form words out of keyboards on the computer screens. In addition, BCIs have captured the interest of people from all different backgrounds and are being applied to non-scientific fields like music to create new, previously unimagined instruments that react to people's thoughts, adding a new dimension to an ancient art form. Truly, intelligent machines are providing the impetus not just for greater e fficiency, but for greater accomplishments. [5] In conclusion, rather than taking away from our humanity, intelligent machines actually help us to move forward as a species to achieve new, previously unimagined possibilities. In these last 2-4 minutes, you want to read over your essay and trying to pick up a point or two by revising. In this time, you can do a number of things. You can, of course, correct mistakes: Paragraph 1, Sentence 2: [subject/verb agreement; change is bolded] The increasing prevalence of intelligent machines in the world challenges us to change long held beliefs about our limitations and to continue forward to new and even more advanced possibilities. You can replace dull or problematic words or phrasing with fancier words or clearer turns of phrase: Paragraph 2, last sentence Thus, the momentary disrespect toward other humans caused by machines is more than compensated for by the positive effects of those same machines. We can change it to: Thus, any momentary disrespect my mom might show to a customer service representative (as a result of frustration with the automated system) is more than compensated for by the positive effects of those same machines. There you go! Now you know how to write a good ACT essay. If any part of this was confusing, re-read that section. Then try to write a full essay yourself using a sample ACT essay prompt. Next Steps for Writing Your Own ACT Essay Practice planning your essays in eight to ten minutes before you start writing. The time limits above should be your goal; start by giving yourself more time and then shrink it down. You can use the list from our ACT essay prompts blog post or any list of ACT-like questions and start with the planning stage. Don't forget to check out our full analysis of the ACT Writing Rubric, with strategies and explanations that can guide you in your essay planning! Our blog post about ACT essay tips has more in-depth information about the details of planning and arguing in the ACT essay. If you've already taken the ACT and are wondering how to get your essay up to a perfect 12 score, definitely be sure to check out our article on getting a 12 on the ACT Writing section. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep classes. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by ACT experts. If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Try it risk-free today: