End-of-ESP Course Self-assessment

Writing (a summary)

I am glad that even though this term there were only few summary writing assignments, I feel quite sure about my writing skills as we have practiced a lot previously. I am also satisfied with my knowledge about the types and ways means how to write an accurate and brief summary.

Writing ESP vocabulary tests

I think that I have not managed to write all of the tests as well as I think I am able to. It might be due to a lack of time or motivation (or even both). Nevertheless, I understand the importance of these assignments and I am bit disappointed about having such poor marks.

Writing class dictations

Since I read a lot of material in English I think I have acquired a common sense of written language. I still make a lot of grammar mistakes and I am even getting weaker and weaker in this area.

Listening comprehension in class

I strongly believe that I have a sufficient level of oral English comprehension as I easily understand what is said and I am quite good at listening comprehension assignments.

Listening to peers’ power point presentations

I have heard the majority of the presentations and they were all more or less interesting and relevant to our course subjects. It was easy to listen as the language used by a presenter was simple and usually fluent.

Making power poin presentations

While making my presentation about Psychotherapy, I have found and revised some really useful information. I also did my best to give as much as possible of this knowledge to my peers.

Speaking on ESP themes in class

From my point of view, the main thing I have learned this year is how to find the most important and relevant information in the text, how to fluently present it, include your own ideas and examples. Also while speaking about the modules I have acquired a broader view of all the subjects we are learning. All in all I think my speaking achievements can be seen very frequently.

Psychology of Kleptomania

To begin with, it is important to preface the true meaning of Kleptomania and its psychological aspects. Kleptomania comes from the Greek kleptein, “to steal” and mania, and is usually described as a condition of not being able to resist the urge to steal. However, we are not talking about planned thefts, confirmed by people who seek to posses the stolen object due to its value or steal out of anger or vengeance. It is the process itself, the tension preceding the unplanned theft and a relief at the time of the theft – that is the main temptation for people with Kleptomania. Therefore kleptomania is regarded as psychological disorder, specifically obsessive-compulsive disorder, since it usually similar to excessive, unnecessary and unwanted actions.

Furthermore, the treatment for kleptomania can also be psychological.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is frequently recommended as an additional method of treatment along with medication. After the treatment people feel less urge to steal and a reduced intensity of stealing thoughts and stealing behavior can be observed.

All in all, kleptomania cannot be simply defined as an act of stealing for the pleasure of stealing itself. It is a serious psychological disorder and even though there are some uncertainties about its classification into one group or another, there are special treatments, which help people to cope with it.


References:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761556858/kleptomania.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kleptomania

Picture from: http://www.faqs.org/health/images/uchr_05_img0536.jpg [2008-11-27]