Prompt: Imagine that you have an upcoming exam. You have decided to include practicing retrieval of information in your studying. What is this called, and why is it effective? For the second part of your paper, compare and contrast shallow and deep processing.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
The Effectiveness of Retrieval Practice in Studying
Introduction
As exam day approaches, students often seek effective methods to retain information and enhance their understanding of the material. One of the most beneficial strategies for this purpose is known as retrieval practice. This technique involves actively recalling information from memory rather than passively reviewing notes or textbooks. In this paper, I will explore why retrieval practice is an effective study method and then compare and contrast shallow and deep processing in the context of learning.
What is Retrieval Practice?
Retrieval practice is a learning strategy that encourages individuals to remember information by self-testing or quizzing themselves. Research has shown that this method not only helps reinforce memory but also enhances long-term retention of the material. By actively engaging with the content, students are more likely to strengthen neural connections associated with the information, making it easier to retrieve later.
Why is Retrieval Practice Effective?
1. Enhances Memory Retention: Studies indicate that retrieving information strengthens memory traces. Each time information is recalled, it becomes easier to access in the future, contributing to improved retention rates.
2. Identifies Knowledge Gaps: Practicing retrieval allows students to identify areas where they may lack understanding or recall. This enables them to focus their studies on specific topics that need further review.
3. Promotes Active Learning: Retrieval practice shifts the focus from passive learning (e.g., reading) to active engagement with the material, which has been shown to facilitate deeper understanding and integration of knowledge.
4. Increases Confidence: Regularly testing oneself can lead to greater self-efficacy and confidence in one’s knowledge and abilities, thereby reducing anxiety around exams.
Comparison of Shallow and Deep Processing
To better understand how retrieval practice functions within the framework of learning, it is essential to differentiate between shallow and deep processing.
Shallow Processing
Shallow processing refers to a superficial level of engagement with the material. This can include:
– Repetition: Simply rereading notes or highlighting text without any meaningful engagement.
– Surface Features: Focusing on basic attributes such as font style or color rather than understanding the underlying concepts.
Characteristics:
– Limited retention: Information processed at this level tends to be forgotten quickly.
– Lack of understanding: Shallow processing does not promote meaningful connections between concepts.
– Passive engagement: Students often rely on passive review methods that do not challenge their recall abilities.
Deep Processing
In contrast, deep processing involves a more meaningful engagement with the content. This may include:
– Elaboration: Connecting new information with existing knowledge or personal experiences.
– Critical Thinking: Analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information rather than just memorizing it.
Characteristics:
– Enhanced retention: Information processed at this level is retained for longer periods due to the formation of richer memory traces.
– Greater understanding: Deep processing fosters a comprehensive grasp of concepts and their interrelations.
– Active engagement: Students are actively involved in their learning process, often through techniques like summarization, questioning, or retrieval practice.
Conclusion
In preparation for an exam, utilizing retrieval practice can significantly enhance a student’s ability to retain and understand the material. This method contrasts sharply with shallow processing, which offers limited benefits for long-term memory retention. By engaging in deep processing strategies alongside retrieval practice, students can achieve a more profound understanding of their subjects, leading to greater academic success. Ultimately, the combination of these approaches can transform study habits and improve overall learning outcomes.
