SEXISM

Sexism is commonly considered to be discrimination and/or hatred against people based on their sex rather than their individual merits, but can also refer to any and all systemic differentiations based on the sex of the individuals.
Certain forms of sexual discrimination are illegal in many countries, but nearly all countries have laws that give special rights, privileges, or responsibilities to one sex or two sexes. Sexism against females
Sexism against females in its extreme form is known as misogyny, which is derived from the Greek for "hatred of females". The term 'sexism', in common usage, usually implies sexism against females, since this is the first form of sexism that has been commonly identified.
Historically, in many patriarchal societies, females were and are viewed as the "weaker sex". Women's lower status is evident in cases in which females

were not even recognized as persons under the law of the land. The feminist movement promotes women's rights to stop sexism against females by addressing issues such as equality under the law, political representation of females, access to education and employment, female victims of domestic violence, self-ownership of the female body, and the impact of pornography on women. While feminists broadly agree on the aims and goals of feminism, they may disagree on any one issue (for instance, pornography or abortion), tactics, or priorities.

Sexism against males in its extreme form is known as misandry, which is derived from the Greek for "hatred of males". It is often known as "reverse sexism", however this term has recently received criticism for its assumption that sexism is usually, primarily, or initially, misogyny.
While the view that women are superior to men is also sexism, only in recent years has such awareness begun to develop in public discourse.

ABUSE

Abuse refers to the use or treatment of something (a person, item, substance, concept, or vocabulary) that is seen as harmful. The term comes from the words "abnormal use". It can be used for anything ranging from the misuse of a piece of equipment to the severe maltreatment of a person.
Several types of abuse include:
Spiritual abuse: abusive or aberrational practices identified in the behavior and teachings of some churches, spiritual and religious organizations and groups.
Sexual abuse: The improper use of another person for sexual purposes, generally without their consent or under physical or psychological pressure (which may include children whether abused by parents)
Physical abuse: Where one person inflicts physical violence or pain on another.
Verbal abuse: When a person uses profanity, demeaning talk, or threatening statements.
Emotional abuse or psychological abuse: coercion, humiliation, intimidation, relational aggression, parental alienation or covert incest: Where one person uses emotional or psychological coercion to compel another to do something they do not want, or is not in their best interests; or when one person manipulates another's emotional or psychological state for their own ends (see battered person syndrome), or commits psychological aggression using ostensibly non-violent methods to inflict mental or emotional violence or pain on another.
Drug abuse: the misuse of drugs, alcohol or other substances, usually a form of addiction. Law enforcement officials, among others, often define drug abuse as "any" use of illegal drugs, whether or not use is actually harmful to the user or to anyone else.
Child abuse: Abuse, usually physical, emotional or sexual, directed at a child.
Spousal abuse (or domestic violence): Abuse, usually physical, or psychological abuse, directed at one's spouse.
Elder abuse: Abuse, most often physical or in the form of psychological threats, directed at the elderly, especially in nursing homes and similar institutions.
Human rights abuse: Violation of human rights.
Animal abuse: Abuse or cruelty directed at animals.
Legal abuse: Vexatious litigation or malicious prosecution to retaliate, coerce, or emotionally/financially harm a person.
Internet abuse includes a wide range of inappropriate online behavior, such as unsolicited promotional email, intrusion attempts, and phishing.

The most actual problem in our days - STRESS

....Feeling like there are too many pressures and demands on you? Don‘t sleep because worrying about tests and schoolwork? Eating on the run because your timetable is just too busy? You're not alone. Everyone experiences stress at times - adults, teens, and even kids. But there are things you can do to minimize stress and manage the stress that's unavoidable.
First of all let‘s discuss, what is Stress?...

Stress is a feeling that's created when we react to particular events. It's the body's way of answering to a challenge and preparing to meet a complicated situation with focus, strength, and patience.
The events that provoke stress are called stressors, and they cover a whole range of situations (a.g. making presentation in audience, preparing for a test). There are numerous categories from which stressors come, amongst them are: frustrations, conflicts and pressures
Our physical changes prepare a person to react quickly and effectively to control the pressure of the moment. This natural reaction is known as the stress response.

Maybe you‘ll think that it is strange, but there are both GOOD and BAD stress

If you are suffering from extreme stress or long-term stress, your body will eventually wear itself down. But sometimes, small amounts of stress can actually be good. Understanding your stress level is important. If nothing in your life causes you any stress or excitement, you may become bored or may not be living up to your potential. If everything in your life, or large portions of your life, cause you stress, you may experience health or mental problems that will make your behavior worse.

Recognizing when you are stressed and managing your stress can greatly improve your life. Some short-term stress -- for example what you feel before an important job presentation, test, interview, or sporting event -- may give you the extra energy you need to perform at your best. But long-term stress -- for example constant worry over your job, school, or family -- may actually drain your energy and your ability to perform well.

Several steps to overcome STRESS

Get support. When you need help, reach out to the people who care about you. Talk with your parents or friends.
Don't freak out! It's easy to let your feelings go wild when you're upset. Notice your feelings. Name them - for example, "I am so angry!" And find a way to express them. Do breathing exercises, listen to music, write in a journal, play with a pet, go for a walk or a bike ride, or do whatever helps you shift to a better mood.
Don't take it out on yourself. Be kind to yourself and ask for the helping hand or pat on the back that you need - and deserve - to get you through the strong situation you're facing.
Try to solve the problem. After you're calm and you have support from adults and friends, it's time to get down to business. You need to figure out what the problem is. Even if you can't solve all of it, maybe you can begin by solving a piece of it.
Be positive - most stress is temporary. It may not seem like it when you're in the middle a stressful situation, but stress does go away, often when you figure out the problem and start working on solving it.
Treat your body well. Experts agree that getting regular exercise helps people manage stress.

Get a good night's sleep. Getting enough sleep helps keep your body and mind in top shape, making you better equipped to deal with any negative stressors.


Stress and eating

We seek chocolate, ice cream or napoleans, scientists have discovered, not just because they taste good. It's actually the body's attempt to stop the runaway machine of stress. But seeking a long-term solution in comfort food—rather than fixing the source of the stress or your relationship to the source of the stress—is going to be bad for you.

SELF – ASSESMENT OF ONLINE LISTENING TO PODCASTS

THE TITLES OF TWO PODCASTS (which I have listened):

1. ‘Walt Disney, 1901 – 1966: It all started with a Mouse’;
2. ‘Why goals matter needs to’;

THE WEBSITE ADDRESSES:

www.voanews.com/specialenglish/2007-10-27-voa1.cfm

http://www.carolinemiller.com/pod/

First of all, I want to describe LEVEL OF ENGLISH of podcasts, which I have listened. The first one was easier, because it was in intermediate level, but the another one was more difficult, it had an advanced level.

THE RATE OF SPEAKING also was apparently different: speaker talked slow and clearly in topic about Walt Disney, but interview with psychologist in the second topic was fast and unclear.

THE SPEAKERS ACCENT: in first podcast it was correct British accent, however the second topic was based on American accent.

The first podcast I have listened just one time, and it did not take much time to me to understand, this topic takes for the 15 minutes, the second one continues for the 24:36 minutes, and I needed to listen two times for clear understanding.

Fortunately I did not need to read a transcript of the podcasts, I understood all without test helping, any words which I could not understand I just found at the dictionary.

But anyway I assess my ability to understand authentic speech as just good, I need much more work for excellent abilities, these results shows that I am not sure prepared for my exam listening paper, I need more listening practise.

I think that it is a good idea to watch many English films and tv, I try to do that, and I feel how it helps to me to improve, also there is an important point for perfection – travelling and working abroad. It is the main goal for my future – to go abroad and to prove my English skills in summer.