George Custer essays

George Custer essays I have chosen to write on the life and times of George Armstrong Custer; perhaps one of the most controversial and misunderstood figures in United States military history. In this paper I will talk about the life of Custer, his background, career, schooling, marriage, military service, and ultimately his untimely death at the Battle of Little Bighorn. My thesis statement for this paper is the following: George Armstrong Custer led a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army, despite being flamboyant, taking unnecessary risks, and repeatedly disobeying orders. He remains one of the best-known figures in U.S. history. At the conclusion of this paper, I hope to have instilled in you a greater knowledge of Custer, as well as make you see why so many people are intrigued with this man who died almost 130 years ago. George Armstrong Custer was born on December 5th, 1839 in New Rumley, Ohio. His parents, Emanuel and Maria Custer owned a blacksmith shop. His father also served as the local sheriff. To his family, George Custer was known as Autie. He got this nickname as a child after referring to himself by this name. Custer had four siblings, and by all accounts the Custer household was very inclusive, full of love, and very close-knit. As a child, both Emanuel and Maria Custer lavished affection upon all their children, however, George Custer was seen as special to both his parents and to his siblings. He was bright, dedicated, curious, and impulsive, and always seemed to know and get what he wanted. He also got into trouble around town, and was known for the practical jokes he would play on people (Jeffry Wert, Custer: The Controversial Life of George Armstrong Custer, p. 18-19). When Custer was six years old he began attending a one-room school in New Rumley. Although Custer was definitely bright and full of common sense when it came to the real world, when it came to school Custer was not that bright. Cust...

Introducing Yourself in English

Introducing Yourself in English Learning how to introduce yourself is an essential  part of learning how to converse in English. Introductions are also an important part of making  small talk  at parties or other social events. Introductory phrases are different than the ones we use to  greet friends, but theyre often used together as parts of the broader conversation, as youll see. Introducing Yourself In this example, Peter and Jane are meeting for the first time at a social event. After greeting each other, they begin by asking simple personal questions.  Working with a friend or classmate, take turns  practicing this role-play. Peter:  Hello. Jane:  Hi! Peter:  My name is Peter. Whats your name? Jane:  My name is Jane. Nice to meet you. Peter:  Its a pleasure. This is a great party! Jane:  Yes, it is. Where are you from? Peter:  Im from Amsterdam. Jane:  Amsterdam? Are you German? Peter:  No, Im not German. Im Dutch. Jane:  Oh, youre Dutch. Sorry about that. Peter:  Thats OK. Where are you from? Jane:  Im from London, but Im not British. Peter:  No, what are you? Jane:  Well, my parents were Spanish, so Im Spanish, too. Peter:  Thats very interesting. Spain is a beautiful country. Jane:  Thank you. It is a wonderful place. Key Vocabulary In the previous example, Peter and Jane are introducing themselves. Several important phrases that they use in this exchange are: My name is...Where are you from?Im from... (city, state, or country)Are you... (Spanish, American, German, etc.) Introducing Other People Introductions in Formal Situations Introductions can occur between more than two people, for example at a party or at a business meeting. When you meet someone for the first time, it is common to greet them by saying, Its a pleasure to meet you, or Pleased to meet you. It is polite to respond by repeating the statement back at them, as Mary does in this example: Ken: Peter, Id like you to meet Mary. Peter: Its a pleasure to meet you. Mary: Its a pleasure to meet you too! Ken: Mary works for... Introductions in Informal Situations In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also made simply saying, This is (name). It is also common to just say Hi or Hello as a response in this informal setting. Ken: Peter, this is Mary. Peter: Hi. How are you? Mary: Hello! Pleased to meet you. Ken: Mary works for... Common Introductory Phrases As you can see in the previous examples, there are a number of different phrases that are commonly used to introduce  strangers: (name), I dont think youve met (name).I dont think you know (name)May I introduce you to (name)(name), do you know (name)?(name), Id like you to meet (name) Saying Hello and Goodbye Many people begin and end conversations by saying hello and goodbye to each other. Doing so is considered good manners in many parts of the English-speaking world, and its also a simple way to express friendly interest in whoever youre chatting with. A simple greeting followed by asking about the other person is all that is needed to begin an introduction. In this brief scenario, two people have just met: Jane: Hello, Peter. How are you? Peter: Fine, thanks. How are you? Jane: Im fine, thank you. Once youre finished speaking with someone, its customary to say goodbye as you both part, as in this example: Peter: Goodbye, Jane. See you tomorrow! Jane: Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening. Peter: Thanks, you too! Key Vocabulary Key phrases to remember include: Hello... How are you?Im fine, thank youGoodbyeSee you... (tomorrow, this weekend, next week, etc.)Have a nice... (day, evening, week, etc.) More Beginning Dialogues Once youre mastered introducing yourself, you can practice your English skills with more exercises, including telling time, shopping at a store, traveling at an airport, asking for directions, staying at a hotel, and eating at a restaurant. Work with a friend or classmate to practice these role-playing dialogues, just as you did for these exercises.