Vicki Said:

people in this generation are dumb???

We Answered:

As for the first part of your lengthy question, the answer is yes. This isn't a site that well-educated folk come to - with a few exceptions.
For instance, if you go to the philosophy section, you're not likely to see the names of Spinoza, Hegel, Kierkegaard, Nietsche, Plato, Socrates, Aristotle, Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, James or Sartre come up. Discussions at that level take place on different sites altogether.

Thomas Said:

Teaching math and English to older children?

We Answered:

For multiplication facts: it's mostly just drilling them. Maybe sure they get the concept of what multiplication is by, for example, making 5 piles of candy with 7 pieces each. Once they understand the meaning of it, just play games where they race to solve problems or respond to flashcards.

Combinations like "tion" aren't actually sounded out (the letters together make a different sound than they do on their own). Instead, students just have to remember that these sets of letters make a certain sound. You could have them look through newspapers, books, etc to try to find examples of words that have certain sounds.

There's no shortcut to reading comprehension. If they are good enough at grammar terms, you can help them practice finding the subject and verbs in sentences to figure out the main idea of what is being talked about. When they answer questions about what they read, make them underline where they found the answer and explain it to you.

Russell Said:

What are my chances of getting into these grad schools for International Relations?

We Answered:

I would say your chances are pretty good. I only applied to one of the schools on your list, Georgetown, but I got in with a 3.98 GPA, 2 years of abroad experience in Germany and 1 month in Syria, and internships in DC. Depending on what your long term goals are and what your finances look like, you should also consider applying directly to the PhD programs. MAs are usually hard to get scholarships for (I got a 50% from the U of Chicago but nothing from Georgetown or other schools), but with PhDs it's usually easier because they often offer TA or RA positions. Also, many PhD programs now have integrated MAs. So after you take your comprehensives you can quit at any time (if you get sick of your dissertation or for whatever reason) and then they give you an MA instead of a PhD. Like I said, depending on your long term goals and financial situation it's really something to consider.

Ivan Said:

What does it mean to be a good writer--what does it indicate?

We Answered:

Firstly, though your writing style in the question is sophisticated, to be honest, it almost sounds like you were trying very hard to make it sound that way. To be a good writer, your words have to flow from you, not from a list of impressive words. Don't take that the wrong way, but writing involves using a complex and diverse word choice. I think you have a good writing style, but to be honest, you might want to try varying your words. It's not about impression, it's about expression.

Javier Said:

I am 16, I have tried so arduous and hard?

We Answered:

My goodness! And here I was, thinking what a very good writer you are! With an excellent vocabulary and grasp of grammar and perfect spelling!

You actually have unlimited potential if this is an example of your normal writing.

Yes, by all means do read lots of varied literature. And practice your writing every day, if you're serious about becoming a writer.

I think you may surprise yourself! Good luck!

Isaac Said:

Why poor black children fail more in classes than middle or high class black children?

We Answered:

Its a different enviorment. There are many more things to overcome. I have to say that i'm from the hood and i had a brother die to gang violence, friends that turn into hustlers, and a lot more things. Thats stuff just really scars you after a while. My mom raised me right, but i think your wrong about the way lower class mothers treat their kids. They HAVE to be stricter, because there is more chance of them going the wrong path.