IELTS Problem Solution Essay Samples

IELTS Problem Solution Essay SamplesThe IELTS is a standardized test to check the English language proficiency of the English language speaking students. It is very important for them as this will help them gain admission in a good foreign language school abroad. Therefore, students, who have failed the IELTS examination, should get hold of IELTS problem solution essay samples as a guide so that they may be able to solve their problems on the exam.For students who are willing to take up the IELTS test again, the IELTS problem solution essay samples are really useful. The students will be able to solve the IELTS exam problems by just going through the sample essay. Students, who are not confident enough to write their own essay, can also get help from the IELTS solution samples. This will help them to write a solid and well researched essay.Some students think that writing is very difficult. It is true that writing is a tough task but the problem with them is that they find it very di fficult to solve the IELTS problems on their own. That is why they should get help from a good book on the topic. One of the best IELTS essay samples is 'Bible Myths', which has been used by many test takers and is now available in the bookstores and online.The students should really read through the entire book in order to gain a complete understanding of the topics. Bible Myths is one of the best sources of IELTS essay examples. It has been used by many students and experts from various universities around the world.The students should write down the word or phrase that stands for the concept. Then they should identify the concept by putting into words the definition that they need. They should state their points clearly and provide clear and convincing arguments to the readers. The students should follow the exact letter of the sentence and make sure that they use the right verb or the right word, which stand for the concept they are trying to describe.Students who are not confid ent to write their own essay should opt for a good book on the subject. They can also get help from the IELTS solution samples, which are always available. A good book on the subject is more helpful as there are many examples which give detailed descriptions about the topic. It will also give students an idea about how to write a good and clear essay.The IELTS problem solution essay samples are always in different formats and forms. You can get a lot of information and tips from these samples. This will enable you to choose the format that best suits your writing style.The IELTS test will surely be the main factor in your selection for a good university or other educational institution. Therefore, you should try to be successful in the exam so that you may gain admission into the best school.

The Major Classical Theorists Influenced The Economics Of...

Three major classical theorists have attempted to interpret why societies change. They are Adam Smith, Max Weber, and Karl Marx (Franks, 35). These three have inspired a lot of people down the years. Adam Smith is known as the theoretical father of modern economics. In 1776, Smith argued that the â€Å"invisible hand† of the market would change the economics of a nation and it would make the nation better. In his invisible hand theory, he states that if one person strived to achieve success, then the person would simultaneously benefit people around him. The prices and quality will be determined by relationships between consumers and sellers through supply and demand (Franks, 34). In other words, the market will not be regulated by the†¦show more content†¦The history of Marxism is controversial, and the ideas have influenced a lot of men and women to address social issues. Karl Marx stated that the occurrence of capitalism brought humanity a necessary step closer to socialism and the conquest of human inequality (Frank, 30). This is an inevitable part of the development of human society. According to scholar Mario Barrera, traditional Marxists thinks that a class is a group of people who have a similar relationship in things that they use in their daily lives, such as food, houses, and appliances (Franks, 30). Also, Marxists address that each society has its own particular class structure. In addition, Marxists have defined three primary classes that currently exist in a capitalist social system, and they can be found in the United States. The first group of classes consists of capitalists, people who own and control an enormous proportion of productive property in the United States. Having productive property means being able to produce products, such as producing products that people demand. In this case, capitalists are wealthy because they hold an overwhelming amount of productive property. The second group of classes consists of workers, people who have cars, computers. cell phones, and homes, but they own little of productive property. The reason is that most of their income comes from their wages, salaries, and tips. They do not own company themselves. The third group of classes compose by the bourgeoisie, who

Comparing The Greek Mythology And The Cherokee - 1053 Words

Every culture has its own past belief on how everything was created; Gods, lands, plants, animals, creatures, and humans all have a unique story to be told throughout the ages. But it is plain to see there is some overlap between ideas on how everything was made. Take the Greek Mythology, the most popular and well known type of mythos, has connections to other cultures like Nordic and Native American. But of course, each story has their own twist or other idea to it, as well. There are quite a few similarities between the Greeks stories of creation and the Cherokee. In both stories, before anything could be created, water had been everywhere, and surrounded in darkness. It was void-like and wild, primitive almost. Another similarity†¦show more content†¦For the Greeks, the Grecian Gods, rather than animals, helped make Earth more habitable for humans by getting rid of the creatures Earth birthed. Finally, the personified beings in both stories were different. The animals were personified and giving character as they were the ones that helped create Earth, while the Greeks made planets personified. The next comparison between two stories is that of Norse mythology and Greek mythology. Both stories have very similar ideas and ways of telling their stories of how their world came into being. Norse has their giants, who gave birth to the original three gods that created Midgard. The Greeks have the Titans who bore the Greek gods who overthrew them as well to control the Earth. Both myths contain the presence of creatures in their stories, beasts who helped shape their respective worlds to move the culture’s creation stories further along. Creatures within these worlds would be the dwarves, the serpent Nidhogg, and demons of Norse myth and the Cyclopes, the furies, and Typhon of Greek origin Furthermore, the children of some of these creatures were divines, who ended up overthrowing their elders to lead the creation of their own worlds, to rule over their own creations as well. And speaking of the world, both myths have multiple layers to theirShow MoreRelatedSituational Analysis: 7th Grade Language Arts6569 Words   |  26 Pagesdescribing their beliefs and the roots of where it got started Title of Course and Justification One very interesting aspect of the human experience is the manner in which certain themes appear again and again over time, in literature, religion, mythology, and culture regardless of the geographic location, the economic status, and the time period. Perhaps it is the innate human need to explain and explore the known and unknown, but to have disparate cultures in time and location find ways of explaining

Supply chain of Zara and Dell-Free-Samples-Myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about the Significance of the Supply Chain and Logistics Management of Zara. Answer: Introduction Zara is a clothing manufacturing and distribution brand across the globe and they have developed their image as an effective fast-fashion retail chain organization. It was founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega and Rosala Mera and its headquarters is situated in Arteixo, Galicia. It is the most crucial brand for Inditex Group and it is worlds largest retailer of apparels. Inditex is fashion group and it also owns various big brands such as Massimo Dutti, PullBear, Bershka, etc. Unique feature of Zaras logistics management is that they change their collection once in a week in order to fulfil the consumers requirements. With relation to this, Zara has launched more than 20 collections in 2017 only. Under this report, comparison between the logistics management of Zara and logistics management of Dell and Myers will be executed. Along with this, competitive analysis will also be conducted for evaluating the customer base, market share, growth rate and effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the Zara in their workplace. Comparison between logistics management of Dell and Zara Comparison between these two companies is next to impossible because both the companies are linked with different industries. Zara is engaged in manufacturing of clothing materials while; Dell is engaged in the IT sector and known for manufacturing computers, laptops and other electronic gadgets (Charles Gareth, 2012). Supply chain of Zara and Dell Supply chain management of Zara is quite unique from other companies and major components of its supply chain management are designing, manufacturing, sourcing and distribution outlets. Its vertically integrated supply chain is considered as its biggest competitive advantage as it allows mass production under effective control thereby leading to well- managed inventories, lower price cutting, improved cost-effectiveness and value creation for the shareholders both in the short and long term. Supply chain management of Dell consists three major players i.e. suppliers, consumers, and company. The process of supply chain management of Dell is quite simple, as they take orders from customers and company arranges parts from the suppliers and assembles them into a finished good to deliver it to the customers (Christopher Towill, 2000). Innovative personnel and suppliers are engaged by Dell for the purpose of supplying and delivering the product with greatest value such that it creates a positive impact in the minds of the customers. The effective supply chain activities and techniques adopted by Dell has enabled it to acquire the position of one of the most successful PC companies around the globe. Difference between Zara and Dell Supply chain management of both companies differs from each other, as they both are linked with different sectors. Dell uses horizontal integrated supply chain system while; Zara has vertically integrated supply chain system. Apart from the supply chain and logistics management, there are various factors through which difference could be evaluated (Kiessling, 2015). Zara is engaged in the manufacturing and distribution of fast fashion clothes and accessories while; primary activities of Dell are to manufacture computers, and other electronic devices (Cowe, 2011). Key elements through which Zaras success could be analysed are their products quality, effective customer relationship management, and their apparels manufactured on the basis of latest trends and customers demands. Zara has adopted advanced techniques and strategies through which they had imposed control over all functionalities of the organization in order to attain the desired goals and the objectives. Apart from this, organization has identified its customers needs and fulfilled them in effective and efficient manner with the help of advanced controlling systems over the activities of the organization. In relation to effective controlling measures, it has been observed that the productivity and the efficiency of the organization have been raised within the certain period of time. On the other hand, Dells supply chain management involves the managing the activities, controlling measures and the performance appraisal measures through which organization has attained effective image in the IT sector. Following are certain points through which further understanding could be developed in relation to the difference between the procedures of Zara and Dell: Suppliers: In terms of suppliers, Zara has adopted the vertically integrated supply chain management and under this system, organization controls its suppliers. The main advantage of this type of supply chain system is that company could easily identify and fulfil its consumer's demand. On the other hand, Dell uses horizontal supply chain management system under which various suppliers are available for the organization and they need to identify an adequate supplier in relevance with the accuracy and speed of the services for producing the effective gadgets. Selection of inappropriate supplier in case of Dell may lead to various issues such as insecurity of data, uncertainty, slow supply services, shortage of materials, etc. This is the reason; Dell has managed its suppliers close to their manufacturing unit (Dalton, 2010). Production Philosophy: Dell follows on make-to-order strategy and as per this strategy; organization manufactures products on the basis of consumers demand within the specific period of time. Apart from this, organization has adopted pricing strategy under which they provide electronic gadgets at reasonable rates. Dell also uses digital media platforms in which information regarding their products is available on their website. This helps the consumers to get relevant information regarding the companys gadgets through which demand could easily be enhanced (Deogratias Harorimana, 2009). While Zara has adopted the strategy under which new and innovative designs are produced in order to satisfy its consumers demands within the certain period of time. Company also uses various promotional strategies so as to spread the awareness in the consumers regarding their new range of products. Thus, the production philosophy of Zara is based on the tastes and preferences of consumers and latest trends of fashion. Dell uses make-in-products for meeting its desired goals and the objectives. Storage: Dell does not have huge storage facilities and this leads to reduction in their costs while Zara incurs huge costs in terms of storing their apparels. This is the reasons Zaras cost of production is quite high in comparison with Dell (Donald Stephen, 2014). Distribution: Suppliers, retailers, distributors, customers, and assimilators are certain crucial elements of the distribution channels for Dell (Kampstra Ashayeri, 2013). Dell is engaged in the B2B type of business model under which most of their products are ordered on internet platforms. Dell sells its laptops and PCs through internet mediums which enhance the demand for the product as well mediator cost reduces as products could easily be attained directly from company. This develops customer relationship and the trust over the company also builds up (Estampe, Lamouri, Paris Brahim-Djelloul, 2013). Whereas Zara's distribution techniques are totally different from the Dell, they distribute their products through their stores under which collection of apparels changes from time to time. The company also uses grade system to analyse the rate of demand over the products and less demanded products are removed from the stores so as to maintain the unique and innovative reputation of the organization (Ferdows, 2003). Communication: In terms of communication, Zara uses various digital and print medium platforms for spreading awareness amongst their target audience in relevance with the arrival of new range of products. Company has also adopted the most trending strategy of taking feedbacks and suggestions from its customers for improving the performance of the organization. Whereas, Dell does not use these platforms for communicating with its clients which results in the huge weakness for the organization (Gallaughar, 2008). Comparison of Zara and Myer Myer does not have special efforts for segregating their target market. While Zara uses segmentation variables to segregate their target market on the basis of demographic, geographic and on other segmentation variables while Myer does not use these techniques for targeting their audience. Zara is known as the leader of fast fashion industry as they have options for all age group audience irrelevance to their sex. Along with this, organization has developed its effective image in the global fashion industry through delivering best quality products at affordable process. Thus, Zara uses demographic and lifestyle type of segmentation technique to enhance their products demand as well as their market share (Gorrepati, 2016). Myer uses My Store concept under which their target audience is general while Zara targets mostly young generation people. Myer has developed its effective position in the general retail industry through diversifying its ranges of products. Myer uses discount and offers' strategy for attracting its tartest audience while Zara introduces its new designs on the basis of weather conditions in order to attract their target audience. Logistics management of Zara is quite effective and efficient with the help of strong financial position in the target market. While Myer has also built its logistics management quite strong, this is capable enough in terms of attaining the desired goals and the objectives for the organization. Zaras logistic management is capable enough to enhance the productivity of the organization through which goals and the objectives could easily be attained in fair manner (Hill, 2009). Supply Chain Management Strategy Supply chain management plays crucial role in order to increase the efficiency of the organization; thus, most of the companies have adopted this strategy to gain adequate place in the business environment. With addition to this, effective supply chain management is helpful in attaining organizational goals and the objectives. It is also helpful in enhancing the customer satisfaction which leads to enhancement in the market share of the organization in the dynamic business environment. With the effective supply chain management, organization could develop adequate relationships with the customers through which customer services could be rendered at very low costs. This will develop the positive image of the organization in the customers mind-sets (LU, 2014). Competitive Advantage of Zara Inditex Group has various brands engaged in the production and distribution of apparels across the globe. They have varieties of designs and materials for all age group audience. With its great steps and functionalities, Inditex group has been rewarded as the International retailer of the Year by World retail Congress. This shows the capability of the group as well as it also helps the group to analyse its demand for the consumers across the globe. Inditex group has attained competitive advantage in the global market through its innovative strategies. The major brand of this group is Zara and this brand is majorly known for its attractive and innovative designs. With the help of this, organization has developed and maintained its position in the target market (Romano, 2009). Along with this, organization has attained adequate competitive advantage from its primary competitors such as HM. The major reason behind adequate competitive advantage is adaptation of their unique and effectiv e strategies and they have concentrated on fulfilment of their customers demand. Fulfilling consumers demand is really important for Zara as they are engaged in production and distribution of consumer-based products (Mihm, 2010). Similarity with Dell and Myer From the above analysis, it could be observed that supply chain management and other basic activities of Zara are quite unique and different. Zara has attained adequate success and the major objective behind their success factor is adaptation of strategies which are customised, their economies of scale, and its logistics management plays crucial role in terms of attaining the goals and the objectives of the organization (Waller Fawcett, 2013). While comparing the functionalities of the Dell, Myer, and Zara, it was observed that Dell satisfy its clients' needs in an adequate manner through providing them adequate and appropriate qualitative gadgets while services rendered by Myer are not satisfactory as compared to other two companies (O'Marah, 2016). Every organization is required to adopt and practice the innovative and advanced technologies and the strategies for attaining its desired goals and the objectives. Zara has performed in the same and they have adopted this methodology for enhancing their efficiency in the target market (Golicic Smith, 2013). They have adopted the technology under which Zara has created their brand value through providing qualitative and innovative products to its consumers. Zaras brand value is the most important factor through which organization could attain its desired goals and the objectives (Ray, 2010). Recommendations From the aforesaid information, it can be concluded that Zaras supply chain and logistics management is quite effective and efficient through which they have attained their desired goals and the objectives in the global market. Apart from this, organization is also engaged in delivering unique and attractive designs twice a week in order to serve the consumers in an appropriate manner. They have also adopted certain strategies which have played crucial role in developing and maintaining the relationships with the suppliers and the consumers (Ellram Cooper, 2014).. Under this report, supply chain management and the logistics management of the Zara was compared with the Dell and Myer in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the organizational performances. Apart from this, Zara should adopt certain set of strategies through which their policies could be molded on the basis of market trends, consumer's demand, etc. References Charles, Gareth, J., (2012), Strategic Management: An Integrated Approach, Cengage Learning, Pg 94- 109 Christopher and Towill, (2000), Supply Chain Migration from Lean and Functional to Agile and Customized, Supply Chain Management: An International Journal, Vol 5(4), pp206-213 Cowe, (2011) Sources of Competitive Advantage, (3rd), Essex, Pearson Education Ltd Dalton, (2010), Leadership and Management Development, UK: Pearson Education Ltd Deogratias, Harorimana, (2009), Cultural Implications of Knowledge Sharing, Management and Transfer: Identifying Competitive Advantage: Identifying Competitive Advantage, IGI Global, Pg 144 Donald, W., Stephen, R., (2014), Global Logistics: New Directions in Supply Chain Management, Kogan Page Publishers Ellram, L. M., Cooper, M. C. (2014). Supply chain management: It's all about the journey, not the destination.Journal of Supply Chain Management,50(1), 8-20. Estampe, D., Lamouri, S., Paris, J. L., Brahim-Djelloul, S. (2013). A framework for analysing supply chain performance evaluation models.International Journal of Production Economics,142(2), 247-258. Ferdows, (2003), Zara Case study. Supplier Chain Forum: an International Journal, 4 (2), pp 62-67 Gallaughar, (2008), Zara case: Fast Fashion from Savvy Systems, PhD Case, accessed on 30th November 2017 from https://www.flatworldknowledge.com/node/440129#web-621509 Golicic, S. L., Smith, C. D. (2013). A meta?analysis of environmentally sustainable supply chain management practices and firm performance.Journal of supply chain management,49(2), 78-95. Gorrepati, K., (2016), Zara's Agile Supply Chain Is The Source Of Its Competitive Advantage, accessed on 30th November 2017 from https://www.digitalistmag.com/digital-supply-networks/2016/03/30/zaras-agile-supply-chain-is-source-of-competitive-advantage-04083335 Hill, (2009), Global Business Today. New York: McGraw Hill Irwin Kampstra, R. P. Ashayeri, J. (2013). Realities of supply chain collaboration. The International Journal of Logistics Management. Kiessling, M. G. L. M. D. T. (2015), Supply chain management as the key to a firms strategy in the global marketplace, International Journal of Physical Distribution Logistics Management, Vol. 45 pp. 159 181 LU, C., (2014), Zara supply chain analysis - the secret behind Zara's retail success, accessed on 30th November 2017 from https://www.tradegecko.com/blog/zara-supply-chain-its-secret-to-retail-success Mihm, (2010), Fast Fashion in a Flat World: Global Sourcing Strategies. International Business Economics Research Journal, 9 (6) pp 55-63. O'Marah, K., (2016), Zara Uses Supply Chain To Win Again, accessed on 30th November 2017 from https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinomarah/2016/03/09/zara-uses-supply-chain-to-win-again/#3032002b63ae Ray, (2010), Supply Chain Management for Retailing, IND: Tata McGraw-Hill Education Romano, (2009), How can fluid dynamics help supply chain management? International Journal of Production Economics, 118, 467. Waller, M. A., Fawcett, S. E. (2013). Data science, predictive analytics, and big data: a revolution that will transform supply chain design and management.Journal of Business Logistics,34(2), 77-84.

Reformation in England free essay sample

Examines 16th Century rise of Protestantism, Anglicanism Calvinism. Looks at the background, English vs. Roman Church and the role of the kings. The Reformation in England This paper will briefly discuss the Protestant Reformation in England in the Sixteenth Century. The first part of the paper will examine the background to the Reformation by looking at the Church in England prior to the Reformation. The second part of the paper will discuss how the conflict between King Henry VIII and Rome arose and the role of Spain in precipitating a crisis. The third part of the paper will look at how Henry effected the break with Rome and why he chose to make the break political rather than theological. The fourth part of the paper will discuss how the reformation took on a more radical nature after Henrys death, how his daughter Mary attempted to return England to Rome, and how Elizabeth I established a more moderate course. We will write a custom essay sample on Reformation in England or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The last part of the paper will briefly look at the other major Protestant movement..

Free Essays on Neglecting Generation X

Neglecting Generation X By any measure, America’s youngest adult generation Generation X are the least politically active of any generation. Statistic after statistic tell the story of a generation that turns out to vote less frequently than others; the numbers also show that young adults are voting less than they once had. One would think that after all the struggles that were waged in this nation of ours for equal voting opportunities, every eligible citizen would head out to the polls. This is certainly not the case. United States is a nation built upon the fundamental principle of democracy, or rule by the people. Why then, do we in this country take voting for granted? Why do we not realize that voting is the most direct way that we have in participating in politics? The U. S. continues to be at the bottom of the ranks when it comes to voter turnout of the voting-age population. In fact, only 52.6 percent of the voting age population heads out to the polls. However, the problem does not lie in the low turnout, it is that only two-thirds of the voting-age population is registered to vote. Though it is probably too late to change the minds of the elder and middle-aged citizens about registering to vote, it is still possible to target Generation X and all those who will vote in the future. The fact that these people are not voting is the reason that the voting rate is so low and this country can ill-afford to stand by and hope that young people eventually grow up and start voting. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the 1996 presidential general election Generation X represented 33 percent of the voting age population, but accounted for only 24 percent of voters, making them the only generation to under-represent its voting-age population in the election. In the 1998 midterm election 18-24 year olds represented 39 percent of the voting-age population and accounted for only 28 percent of voters. Of course there are... Free Essays on Neglecting Generation X Free Essays on Neglecting Generation X Neglecting Generation X By any measure, America’s youngest adult generation Generation X are the least politically active of any generation. Statistic after statistic tell the story of a generation that turns out to vote less frequently than others; the numbers also show that young adults are voting less than they once had. One would think that after all the struggles that were waged in this nation of ours for equal voting opportunities, every eligible citizen would head out to the polls. This is certainly not the case. United States is a nation built upon the fundamental principle of democracy, or rule by the people. Why then, do we in this country take voting for granted? Why do we not realize that voting is the most direct way that we have in participating in politics? The U. S. continues to be at the bottom of the ranks when it comes to voter turnout of the voting-age population. In fact, only 52.6 percent of the voting age population heads out to the polls. However, the problem does not lie in the low turnout, it is that only two-thirds of the voting-age population is registered to vote. Though it is probably too late to change the minds of the elder and middle-aged citizens about registering to vote, it is still possible to target Generation X and all those who will vote in the future. The fact that these people are not voting is the reason that the voting rate is so low and this country can ill-afford to stand by and hope that young people eventually grow up and start voting. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in the 1996 presidential general election Generation X represented 33 percent of the voting age population, but accounted for only 24 percent of voters, making them the only generation to under-represent its voting-age population in the election. In the 1998 midterm election 18-24 year olds represented 39 percent of the voting-age population and accounted for only 28 percent of voters. Of course there are...

A Horrifying Story of Rape in the Military

A Horrifying Story of Rape in the Military Brigid Harry (not her real name) is a wife, mother, and co-owner of a small marketing communications company she runs with her husband. She earned her MBA after completing her military service and now lives in New York. After years of silence, shes decided to share her story. I was 20, had already worked for 3 years as a secretary at a major corporation in my hometown, and was impatient to grow. Id come into the company all starry-eyed and within months had absorbed the tasks of two co-workers whod been laid off, folks with years at the company and most with two-year degrees. I didnt get far, because I was 20...and a girl. Perhaps an immature, impatient girl as I look back on it, but I knew that a high school diploma was going to get me nowhere - unless I was happy staying a secretary, and I wasnt. A Decision to Enlist A few years earlier Id considered the military as an alternative to a career in the business world. The recruiters all focused on education in their pitches, so I took some tests which revealed I was very qualified for a program that the Marines had - a photojournalist. They offered a special one-year program: candidates would live as civilians and attend one of the countrys top journalism schools as part of their education. All I had to do was sign. A few months later I did. Boot camp was rough (9 weeks for the gals), and other than some minor back issues that developed from the daily PT (physical training), I did just fine. During this time, I took additional testing and earned a perfect score for Morse Code Intercept and languages, which meant they really wanted me to learn Morse Code, and then Russian. Even though Id passed all the tests for a photojournalist, I caved to their daily badgering and signed away my first option. Normal Conversations I was sent to my first duty station at the Naval Air Station at Pensacola, FL, where all 5 services were sent to learn Morse Code. A few months into service, my back problems got worse, and I developed daily headaches and migraines. The base doctor, a youngish Navy captain from Puerto Rico, assigned some physical therapy and then had me follow-up with him. In our meetings, wed chat - and I knew I had to be appropriate in my conversations because he was an officer and I was enlisted. However, I believed that he was reaching out to me, glad to have a normal conversation with someone who had interests outside of the base and the bars that ringed the base. He invited me out to dinner one evening as a  friend. Nothing romantic was implied, he assured me, and I mentioned that I did have a boyfriend back home, a young man Id met just before I left. He said that he enjoyed our talks about old movies and old music​ because everyone else on the base wanted to talk about getting drunk or war. Dinner and Movies He also assured me that it would be after hours, off the base, and that the officer/enlisted thing wouldnt be an issue. I hesitated, but I found him pleasant and believed what he said. We agreed to go to an old movie festival (I actually think it was Bogart films) that was running that evening nearby, and he arranged to pick me up. I dressed casually, which back then (and with my lack of fashion sense) was jeans, a jean vest, and some sort of shiny blue polyester shirt - a bit on the boyish side, as I think back, but as we were to grab a burger and then watch old movies in a darkened theater, fashion was the least of my concerns. Why Dont We Eat Here First? He was prompt. He drove a black Trans-Am Firebird. The car actually surprised me because he hadnt struck me as one of those kinds of guys. Nevertheless, I climbed in and we left to go to dinner. But then he stopped at his off-base apartment, saying he needed to pick something up, and I could certainly join him for a few minutes. Okay, I thought - naively. As I noticed a package of chicken on the counter, and spices, and potatoes, he casually suggested, Why dont we eat here first? We had a few hours before the movies started, and besides, they ran continuously through the night. I agreed, but with hesitation. He poured me a drink (the legal drinking age was at 18 at the time) and I consumed it, too quickly, which has always been my style. As he prepared dinner, I had another drink, and then a third. They were strong, and I hadnt eaten anything since lunch 6 hours earlier. The chicken went into the oven, and we sat on the couch to chat. I remember asking why he joined the service, as hed indicated he wasnt like the other military types on base. He said he just that he wanted to get out of Puerto Rico. An Officer, Not a Gentleman He poured me another drink and I hesitated, feeling buzzed and growing uncomfortable. I asked when dinner would be ready, and could we get to the movie festival in time. Thats when he leaned over to kiss me. I recoiled. I mean, he was an officer, I was enlisted, and I had a boyfriend. My mind raced. I didnt know what to do. I said I had to use the bathroom and he pointed to a door in the hallway. I headed in that direction, my face red, feeling really uncomfortable. When I opened the bathroom door to exit he was standing there with his pants off. He grabbed me in a huge bear hug and pushed me into the adjacent bedroom. I stiffened and said I wasnt interested - that I had a boyfriend, that I really felt sick to my stomach, that I didnt know about sex (all true). Please, I thought we were going to see old movies. Please let me go, I feel nauseous. Please stop. Please dont do this. Please, please, please. Please. He was stronger than me. He twisted my arms behind me and started pawing at my clothes - my boyish, unattractive clothes. He pulled until he created a burn between the denim and my thighs. He pulled at my underpants until they tore. He jumped on top of me as I pulled to turn sideways. His voice was angry now. Frozen It was over in a few moments - he was quick to come to completion. I was frozen in a curled position, with my clothes draped over me. He grunted, Get up, Ill take you back to the base. I didnt know what to do. Should I go with him? Should I get a cab? I said Id go with him. I pulled my clothes back around me and stood there trembling. He drove me to the base, and I jumped out of the car. My room was in a dorm-like setting, and I shared a bunk with an Army gal, African American, who outranked me. She wasnt home as she was on a date. I jumped into the shower and probably stood there for over an hour. I didnt cry. I tried, and couldnt. But I scrubbed and grew angry at myself, at him, at my life choices. Admitting I Had Been Raped Monday - three days later - I went to class. At noon, I went to the base chaplain, a Catholic priest, a Navy officer, and told him what happened. It wasnt easy, and I never looked up from my hands in my lap. Did I lose my virginity, he asked, or was that something I had already done prior to Friday evening? Well, I admitted, I dont think this did that because†¦oh, God – I remembered something - this man had a child-size penis. I knew what they looked like - I had two younger brothers and changed my share of diapers. No, I hadnt bled. Was there any chance I was pregnant, the Navy priest then asked. I finally looked up, still red from having stated aloud the miniscule size of the doctors penis. What? Could I be pregnant? He continued that if there was any chance of pregnancy, I could never consider an abortion. What? Pregnant? That was the least of my concerns, I mumbled. I was...yes, admit it†¦I had been raped. I mean, yes, I went in his car. Yes, I had drinks. Yes, I knew he was an officer and I was enlisted. But we were going to go watch old movies. But†¦ but†¦ Discouraging Guidance I waited a week, and my period came. One thing to NOT worry about, I suppose. Then I called my mom, who had a house full of little kids still. I told her what happened - and thats when I finally cried. She was audibly upset and asked what would happen. I had no clue, I told her. I promised I would go back to the chaplain Monday and seek guidance. Monday, I visited the chaplain - and told him I wasnt pregnant. He seemed relieved and then asked what next. I told him, I think the man should be punished. Would he help me through that process? He squirmed and said that since I hadnt filed a police report immediately - that since Id showered immediately after the incident - it would be a difficult case. A case of he said, she said. I said I was angry and that what he did was wrong – and I wanted to pursue it. He made an appointment with my commanding officer, and I met with the man Tuesday, who spoke a lot of legalese to me and said hed get back to me. There was a woman secretary, a high ranking enlisted Navy woman, taking notes. I couldnt tell if she was sympathetic or not to my story, as she was absolutely stone-faced. Perhaps shed heard it all before. Didnt Want the Mess Wednesday after class I was walking to my bunk to unwind, grab a bite, and try to do homework when I saw a black Trans Am approaching me. It slowed to a crawl, I stopped, and then it raced past me, spewing pebbles and dust. Obviously, the driver was pissed at me, and I felt afraid. Someone must have said something to him. I spoke to my mom again that weekend. She was crying and told me to drop charges - that I would be the one on trial, that my father had spoken to an attorney and they decided that they didnt want the mess dragged through the local papers back home, that Id have to find a way to move on. I met with the commanding officer and made him an offer; if theyd let me go into photojournalism, as Id originally signed up for, Id not pursue anything against the doctor. Within 48 hours, I had new orders: a week medical leave at home, and then Id join the next military journalism program starting in Indianapolis at an Army base. I had made no real friends at the base, and other than my roommate who was kind and considerate during my time of stress, the few folks I knew from boot camp didnt know how to treat me. I was happy to leave. Where the Men Were in Charge Of course, then there were more problems at home. My dads attorney suggested that I talk to a shrink, as my dad said - a profession my father had very little use for. I went, and the mental health professional wrote up a report and sent to my former commanding officer, and one to my upcoming commanding officer, that I was immature and really wasnt a good candidate for a life in the military. I joined the journalism program, came in second in my class, made friends, maintained a long-distance pen-pal relationship with the boy back home, but started struggling as I got to my new duty station in North Carolina. Back in a world where the men were in charge, despite the obvious women of rank around, I started getting angry and upset and lonely. I refused to work one day, and the shrink back home - per my dads attorneys advice - sent along his report. A higher ranking woman suggested that it would be a rough few weeks, but if I wanted to get out, that boycotting work was one way to do it. Honorable Discharge I met with the bases commanding officer, who had all my files - my episode in Florida, my decision not to press charges, my letters from doctors back home, and my test scores. He expressed concern that I chose not to honor my contract with the Marines, but as a dad to young daughters, he wished me well. He asked me to promise him that I would go back to school, even part-time, and try to contribute something positive. I received an honorable discharge a year and a day after I started boot camp. To this day, I cant remember the Navy doctors name - or his face, thank God. Im thankful that one man, my final commanding officer, treated me with some respect. Homecoming My boyfriend, whod stuck by me when I was away, proposed as soon as I returned home, but then started acting uncomfortable in my presence, and as I assumed he started seeing other girls, we broke up. I went back to my job, making up excuses for why I was home so soon. My cousins got wind of my seeing a psychologist and just last year I had to correct one of them as they were joking that I couldnt handle the service so my dad had to get me out. I finally looked one in the eye and said, Do you know that I was raped by an officer when I was there? That shut them up, but Ive lost interest in family gatherings. (Of course, these are the cousins who are right-of-center pro-military, never having served themselves). Questions Without Answers Ive never written this down, ever. Id told the story - to the chaplain, to my CO and his secretary, to the psychologist back home, a version to my bunkmate. As I type this right now my temples are throbbing, and my face and ears are burning and red. Ive looked back over the years and asked myself, Why did I say Id go to the film festival with him? Ive questioned my posture, my wardrobe, my jokes, my drinks. Of course, Ive questioned my timidity at the exact moment I shouldve turned into she-woman or something. I was a 20-year-old, non-sexually active moron. I was cornered, I got trapped, by a bigger man with a tiny penis. The priest could only care about abortion. My mom could only care about the local papers (although, as a mom now myself, I can imagine the pain she personally went through, trying to keep her anxiety from my younger siblings - but shes decided now, after all these years, that I made it up just to get out of the service - and I cant convince her otherwise. Ive decided not to bring it up again). No Knives, No Fists...But Still Rape I read stories of women who may or may not have been in relationships that got out of hand in the military, and I sometimes read about the young woman, beaten or worse, as she was raped. Me? Just bear-hugged overpowered and bruised – no knives, no fists. But I cant shake the sudden stomach pains I have this moment - that, and the reddened face.