Enrichment Issues in Animals: Andean Bear and Asian Elephant

Enrichment Issues in Animals: Andean Bear and Asian Elephant In this write-up the environmental enrichment issues of two species housed at the Belfast Zoological Gardens will be discussed. Environmental enrichment can be defined as the development of stimulating settings for animals within a zoo as a means for them to demonstrate species-typical behaviour such as exercising control or choice (Shepherdson, 1998). The two species in this piece being investigated are that of the Andean (spectacled) bear and the Asian elephant. Information on Environmental enrichment Environmental Enrichment has often been described as a vital role to the daily care and integration of a species. The process of enrichment techniques can divide into two broad categories; inanimate enrichment and animate enrichment. Inanimate enrichment includes subdivisions such as novel objects, exhibit design, visual, auditory and olfaction stimulation. Animate enrichment includes training, research and interactions with humans and other animals. The two broad categories of environmental enrichment are essential as a means to enhance naturalistic actions from a species kept in captivity, for example, exhibit design needs to provide varying substrates and complexities rather than just being aesthetically pleasing. Nevertheless, it has been discussed that animal captivity has a negative effect on a species independent behavioural traits (Reference) and that environmental enrichment settings do not encourage the same behaviours as those found in the wild. Zoo habitats are more static in general compared to the wild as food, shelter, safety and medical care are all provided. Most problems which occur in captivity can be caused by a lack of stimulation and even the best kept zoos can have animals who suffer with psychological discontent (Jordan, 2005). Carlstead and Shepherdson, (1994) have suggested that prolonged exposure to an environment which has low levels of stimulation can cause an animal to become aggressive, lethargic and be slower to habituate in its new surroundings. Jordan (2005) has suggested that many animals can suffer from stress in captivity which can be shown in their behavioural responses such as pacing, regurgitation, excessive grooming and rocking. These types of behaviours are repetitive patterns and are referred to as stereotypic behaviours. Scientists have suggested that these repetitive behaviours may in some cases be an animals’ way of providing novelty to an environment lacking in stimulation. Asian Elephant -798 words Belfast Zoological Gardens currently houses ‘BLAH’ Asian elephants, who have an important role in the zoos conservation projects. The Asian elephant is a species located in Southeast Asian countries such as Sir Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam (References). It is smaller than its African cousin and considered an endangered species. In the Belfast Zoological Gardens, the staff members try to ensure the Asian elephants have a stimulating environment by adding novel items such as tyres and puzzle devices into the elephant’s enclosure. By the Belfast zoo having novel objects such as the tires, it encourages the Asian elephants to demonstrate species typical behaviours as the elephants have choice and control with objects thus providing active stimulation. Additionally Belfast zoo incorporates other enrichment amenities such as having mud and rubbing posts in varying sizes. However, it has been noted that enrichment amenities should be rotated such as logs, balls and tires as a means to sustain stimulation for the elephants . Asian elephants typically spend up to 16 hours per day foraging for food in the wild, eating herbs, leaves, bark, roots, fruits and flowers (Stoinski, et al. 2000). Elephants food diets in captivity tends to offer less variety than in the wild and by a zoo adding new food elements to their diet it can be considered a method of enrichment. At Belfast Zoological Gardens, keepers place food in trees, in food containing devices and in blocks of ice as a means to add stimulation for their Asian elephants. It has been suggested that more complex enrichment methods such as the food containing devices, can involve teamwork which allows the animals to demonstrate more species-typical behaviours. Desmond and Laule (1998) and Mellen and Sevenich (1999) have noted that when animals have been given a choice of their food, they would prefer to work for it rather than be presented with it. Therefore, training enrichment provides one of the most complex learning devices for species. Additionally, Be lfast Zoo spatially provides food which can be found in irregular locations. Research has suggested that the Asian elephant strongly relies on its sense of smell in contexts such as foraging for food (Santiapillai and Read, 2010) or in social communication (Langbauer, 2000; Rasmussen Krishnamurthy, 2000; Scott Rasmussen, 2005). Rasmussen (1999) and Langbauer, (2000) noted that the Asian elephant’s long-term stability is dependent on the effectiveness of its intraspecific communicational skills within its herd. The Belfast Zoological Gardens tries to ensure the species at their zoo such as the Asian elephant are in group sizes which they would be used to in the wild as a means to facilitate species-typical behaviours and communicational vocalisation. Visually the Belfast Zoo also places animals such as zebras and giraffes next to the elephant enclosure as they are often found near each other in the wild. It has been suggested that the visual stimuli of species can increase stimulation for the Asian elephant and have a calming effect on its behaviour . The shape and the size of an animal’s enclosure are equally important for creating a stimulating environment for a species. It has been suggested that an open area should have defined spaces such as pools and rock features as a means to create a sense of the enclosure being larger and aiding in stimulation for the Asian Elephant. The Belfast Zoo also tries to encourage species typical behaviour in their Asian elephants by providing exhibit designs which would be encountered in the wild, for example having trees, slopes, water found in a shallow pool and sandy terrains. It has been noted that bathing pools are common enrichment amenities found in zoos, as they provide the elephants a low-impact exercise as well as the species finding the water enjoyable. Blah (2009) suggested that captive elephants suffer at times life threating foot problems which could be the result of spending more time on hard surfaces than the variety of choices available to them in the wild. The Belfast Zoological Gardens provides its Asian elephants many levels of enrichment, including human related contact by keepers and through medical care. It has been suggested however, that a rotational exhibit design could be used as a means to increase stimulation, such as the one found at ‘Denver Zoo which has five distinct areas. The rotational design means that the species can awaken to a new enclosure adding to environmental enrichment. Additionally, the new enclosure will have housed a different species the day before thus the overlapping scents can also provide a level of enrichment especially for the Asian elephants which rely heavily on their senses. Andean (spectacled) bear Introductory of animal habits – sex, survival instincts, housing, learning, other animal interaction, habitats – this needs to be backed up with relevant research The difference between those found out in the wild and those found in captivity Is the exhibit design complex, provides various substrates and levels Training which occurs to build trust between the animal and keeper Olfactory: a keeper can introduce natural predator or prey scents, in addition to novel smells or pheromone scents. Auditory: taped sounds or vocalizations can simulate things that an animal may hear in the wild. Food related: this is the most widely used form of enrichment. Keepers can present food in a variety of ways such as in a simple puzzle feeder, hidden throughout the enclosure, scattered about the enclosure, or buried in a substrate. To get the food, the animal must use natural foraging behaviors and/or mentally solve the puzzle. Novel objects: various items placed in an animal’s enclosure allow the animal to mimic behaviors exhibited in the wild or could challenge them. These items could include burlap bags, sheets, boomer balls, chew toys, or a hammock. Research: Participation in a research projects offers mental stimulation. (i.e., foraging skills research with giant pandas, cognitive research with orang-utans) Differences found between the environments of the two species – which one provided better species-typical enrichment Environmental Enrichment has often been described as a vital role to the daily care and integration of a species. The process of enrichment is dependent on the integration of subcategories, such as how the exhibit is designed, the auditory noises, the scents introduced, food relevance, novel objects, training and research of the animal. The subcategories of environmental enrichment are essential as a means to enhance naturalistic actions, for example, exhibit design needs to provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s natural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour. Improvements which may need to occur for the animal to have a more productive lifespan Environmental Enrichment has often been described as a vital role to the daily care and integration of a species. The process of enrichment is dependent on the integration of subcategories, such as how the exhibit is designed, the auditory noises, the scents introduced, food relevance, novel objects, training and research of the animal. The subcategories of environmental enrichment are essential as a means to enhance naturalistic actions, for example, exhibit design needs to provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s natural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour. Improvements which may need to occur for the animal to have a more productive lifespan Environmental Enrichment has often been described as a vital role to the daily care and integration of a species. The process of enrichment is dependent on the integration of subcategories, such as how the exhibit is designed, the auditory noises, the scents introduced, food relevance, novel objects, training and research of the animal. The subcategories of environmental enrichment are essential as a means to enhance naturalistic actions, for example, exhibit design needs to provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s natural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour. provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s natural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour. CONCLUSION – NOT WRITEN AS OF YET In conclusion the animals found in the Belfast zoological gardens did demonstrate some species typical behaviours due to the environmental enrichment techniques in place. Environmental Enrichment has often been described as a vital role to the daily care and integration of a species. The process of enrichment is dependent on the integration of subcategories, such as how the exhibit is designed, the auditory noises, the scents introduced, food relevance, novel objects, training and research of the animal. The subcategories of environmental enrichment are essential as a means to enhance naturalistic actions, for example, exhibit design needs to provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s natural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour (Reference) operant conditioning as a means for animals to engage in. design needs to provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s n atural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour. provide varying substrates and complexities found in the animal’s natural environment as a means to enhance the species-typical behaviour.

Mildred D. Taylor Essay

The successful and renowned author Mildred D. Taylor was born in Mississippi, Jackson and has used her excellent writing style to create the thrilling and compelling novel â€Å"Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry† to put across her knowledge and experience of the complexities of the south when there was legalised segregation of Blacks and Whites. The interesting and diverse characters in this story were skilfully created by Taylor to put across the varied and often devastating injustices that regularly occurred in the south during The Great Depression of the 1930s. For the purposes of this essay I will be discussing the experiences and reactions of two very different characters, Uncle Hammer and Mr. Morrison. The reason for my choice is that I feel they are characters that in some way stand out when looking at their experiences and actions in regards to the question. They are two very diverse characters particularly physically Mr Morrison was a â€Å"human tree in height, the long trunk of his massive body, his skin the deepest of ebony† relating to where he came from which was two â€Å"strong like bulls† parents which suggested that he had a family heritage of stud farms. Uncles hammer â€Å"dark, red-brown skin, a square jawed face†. These two men are used in this novel to represent an understanding of the south through experience of violence. Uncle hammer fought in the civil war along with his brother who had died. Mr Morrison had regularly been confronted by violence through family and the loss of his job. They use this violence to battle racism that is put towards them and confront it when needed in their environment but in different ways and Uncle Hammer will do anything to stop racism as he does not like it for the fact his brother was killed by whites. When Mr Morrison is confronted there is no stopping this machine that was brought from knowledge of the creations in stud farms â€Å"They was both of them from breeded stock and they was strong like bulls† but he only acts in self-defence. In contrast uncle hammer is the owner of land whilst Mr Morrison is a poor sharecropper. They are two very diverse characters although they have similar qualities. Mr Morrison the poor sharecropper has only friends he can rely on because of his story in the railroad business. He shows how grateful he is and this lands him a job in the Logan family business. Uncle hammer gets land from the Logans because he can protect their business from going down the drain. Mr Morrison a calm man had a tragic event; he experienced the killing of his own father and mother during the civil war when they had come after them that are the white people. Mr Morrison had also another experience of segregation when he got fired from the railroad business for beating up the white people. He was fired got fired because he was black and therefore was not good enough while the whites had stayed on to their job. This showed an example of how the south was at this time. On the other hand, Uncle Hammer experienced the same occurrence as Mr Morrison but his family was his two brothers that sacrificed themselves to make life better for blacks. During the civil war Uncle Hammer and his two brothers fought for how they believed the world should be. Uncle Hammer came out with a broken leg â€Å"limping slightly on his left leg† His brothers failed to return and he has come back to avenge his brothers and also to get justice. In conclusion, to this compelling book Mildred D Taylor used these two characters due to the fact that they were the tellers of what the south was like during the period of legalised segregation. They used their understanding to explain the difficulties as well as what would happen to Blacks if they were to disobey Whites.

Employment responsibilities Essay

Understand employment responsibilities and rights in health, social care or children and young people’s settings. Outcome 1 – know the statutory responsibilities and rights of employees and employers within own area of work 1 – Health & safety, minimum wage, working hours, equality 2 – Health & Safety at Work Act 1974: An act put in place to look after the health, safety and welfare of people at work, for protecting others against risks to health or safety in connection with the activities of people at work. Equality Act 2010: This act legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace. Employment Rights Act 1996: This act explains what rights employees have in a place of work. For example, time off work, guaranteed wages, dismissal and redundancy. 3 – To protect employees against circumstances they may face in their working lives. Every person who works for an employer is protected from discrimination in the workplace, has the right to receive the national minimum wage, and to work no more than 48 hours per week unless they wish to. These employee rights apply regardless of whether the employee or worker is temporary, fixed-term or permanent, or how long they have worked for the employer. These laws provide rules and regulations that must be followed. 4 – Sources and types of information and advice available can be, speaking directly to managers, reading policies and procedures, looking on the internet (direct.gov.uk) , going to a citizen advice bureau or joining a union. Outcome 2 – understand agreed ways of working that protect own relationship with employer 1 – My contract of employment at Crown House covers the following : job title, probationary period, place of work, pay, deductions, hours of work,  overtime, time recording, short time working and lay off, annual holidays, public holidays, sick pay, alcohol and drug testing, pension, notice and garden leave. 2 – My payslip includes the following information: company name, department, payment method, payment period, payments, hours, rate, amount, deductions (PAYE tax, National Insurance, Pension), totals, week/month, date, department number, tax code, employee number, employee name and net total. 3 – If you have a grievance relating to your employment, you should in the first instance raise this with the manager. If the grievance cannot be settled informally, you must set out the grievance and the basis for it in writing and submit it to the Area Manager. 4- Personal information that must be kept up to date with own employer can include : change of name, marital status, change of address, any medical conditions that may affect work, any medication prescribed that may affect work and any altercations with the police must be admitted. 5 – Agreed ways of working includes policies and procedures, which may cover areas such as: Data protection – how confidential files relating to staff or service users are stored in cupboards where access is only given if needed. Conflict management – if there is any conflict between staff members this should be bought to the attention of the manager and he/she should try to resolve this professionally. Anti-discriminatory practise – staff and service users will not be discriminated regardless of their age, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnic background or disability. Health and safety – staff should wear appropriate clothing, for example flat shoes and covered up. It is staffs responsibility to report any health and  safety issues they may come across, whether it be broken equipment or maintenance needed within the building. Equality and diversity – staff and service users must be treated equally but not all the same. Opportunities should not be missed just because somebody may need extra support to do something. For example, if a sensory room is upstairs and somebody cannot manage the stairs for whatever reason, help should be given (lift, stair lift) so that person can access the room. Outcome 3 – Understand how own role fits within the wider context of the sector 1 – My job description is to provide centred focused care to service users. To provide opportunities for service users to increase their knowledge and experience, to encourage them to maintain present skills and learn new ones, and to enable them to gain more control over their lives. To manage and minimise behaviours as best as possible. To ensure the four key principles of the ‘Valuing People’ document are adhered to at all times ‘Rights’ ‘Independence’ ‘Choice’ and ‘Inclusion’. General and administration duties. ** Important: this is not exhaustive and is subject to review in line with the changing needs of the unit and/or the needs of the service users. 2 – Positive Negative Accessing community and participating in activities of enjoyment People may be at risk to themselves and others (staff, members of public) Gives the company a good name Service users not motivated, become lazy Improves service users development and remain stimulated Behaviours may be displayed often Keep service users safe Gives the company a bad reputation 3 – Other people in which staff need to communicate with will include, but  are not limited to, the following: Residential homes – to find out how the service user has been at home (behaviours, illness), let them of know of any lunch requirements (picnics, cooked lunch), ensure money is sent in for planned activities, make sure the service user is dressed appropriately for planned activities. Speech and Language Therapists – to assess, monitor and review a service users eating and swallowing if any problems have been noticed and reported, to offer help with communication aids and techniques. Mental health team – attend regular appointments with service users to see how they are, is medication working? Any new problems/obsessions? How mood has been? (agitated, confused, depressed) Any behaviour triggers? 4 – CQC are regulators for all health and social care services in Enlgand. A regulator is an organisation that checks services meet the government’s standards or rules about care. They also look after the rights of people who need extra support to stay safe. This includes people who are kept in care under a law called the Mental Health Act. The government’s standards cover all areas of care. These rules are about things like: – respecting people and treating them in the way we all expect to be treated. – making sure people receive the food and drink they need. – giving people care in clean, safe buildings. – managing services and having the right staff. CQC put care services on their register if they meet the standards, or act quickly if they do not. They continue to use different information to find out as much as they can about services. Information from the public about their experiences of care is very important to CQC. They also work with local groups and people who use services to find out what’s working well and what’s working badly in health and social care services in their area. Inspectors check services all over England to make sure they meet the rules for safe, effective, compassionate and high-quality care. Care services, and other organisations like the NHS, also give CQC information about certain things that happen. For example, they will check a service if more people are dying there than usual. They act quickly to stop unsafe services or bad ways of working. They say what needs to change and go back to check things are better. CQC can also fine people or companies, give  services a public warning, stop the service caring for any new people, stop a service caring for people while they find out what is happening and even shut services down. Outcome 4 – Understand career pathways available within own related sectors 1 – To be a care home manager you would need the following qualifications – * at least two years’ senior management or supervisory experience in a relevant care setting within the past five years * a qualification appropriate to the care you will be providing, such as NVQ Level 4 in Health and Social Care, a degree in social work or nursing (with live registration) * a management qualification, such as NVQ Level 4 in Leadership and Management for Care Services (which replaces the Registered Managers Award (RMA)) or equivalent like a Diploma in Management Studies, or a Management NVQ Level 4 . To be a nurse you would need the following qualifications – around 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) of Grade C and above including English Literature or Language, Mathematics and a science subject. to take a nursing degree courses you will normally need at least 2 A-Level s or equivalent. all nurse training is done by universities. They offer nursing diplomas or degrees which take three years to complete. The diplomas however are being phased out and most universities are moving to degree only in September 2011 – all universities must move to degree only by September 2013 to work as a nurse in the United Kingdom you must be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. The title â€Å"Registered Nurse† is only given to you when you have that registration. To be a social worker you would need the following qualifications – a three-year undergraduate degree or a two-year postgraduate degree in social work that is approved by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Many university courses are full-time, although some work-based routes with part-time study may also be available. You will typically need the following qualifications in order to study for an undergraduate degree in social work: five GCSEs (A-C) including English and maths  at least two A levels, or an equivalent qualification such as a BTEC National  Diploma or NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care. You should check entry requirements, as colleges and universities may accept alternatives like an Access to Higher Education or substantial relevant work experience (paid or voluntary). If you already have a degree, you could do a two-year postgraduate Masters degree in social work. †¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨ When you apply for social work training, you should ideally already have some paid or voluntary experience in a social work or care setting. You will also need to pass background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Previous convictions or cautions may not automatically prevent you from this type of work. 2 – In order to become a Deputy Manager of a day service such as Crown House, I would speak to my current manager and find out all the information I needed to know. I could also get in contact with the companies head office and if need be any training providers. 3 – The next steps in my career pathway are as follows Any refresher training to update my knowledge and remind me what I learnt last time, this will include NAPPI training. Attend first aid course and SOVA course annually Complete NVQ level 3 by December 2015 Mental health training by June 2016 Outcome 5 – Understand how issues of public concern may affect the image and delivery of services in the sector 1 – The following are cases where the public have raised concerns regarding issues within the care sector: Winterbourne View Baby P Ash Court Fiona Chisholm Orme House 2 – Abuse took place at Winterbourne View, a hospital for patients with learning disabilities and challenging behaviours in Gloucestershire. A Panorama investigation broadcast on television in 2011, exposed the physical and psychological abuse suffered by people with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour at the hospital. Local social services and the English national regulator (Care Quality Commission) had received various warnings but the mistreatment continued. One senior nurse reported his concerns to the management at Winterbourne View and to CQC, but his complaint was not taken up. The footage showed staff repeatedly assaulting and harshly restraining patients under chairs. Staff gave patients cold punishment showers, left one outside in near zero temperatures, and poured mouthwash into another’s eyes. They pulled patients’ hair and forced medication into patients’ mouths. Victims were shown screaming and shaking, and one patient was seen trying to jump out of a second floor window to escape the torment, and was then mocked by staff members. One patient was repeatedly poked in the eyes. A clinical psychologist who reviewed the footage described the abuse as â€Å"torture†. On 21 June 2011, 86 people and organisations wrote to the Prime Minister, David Cameron about the revelations, â€Å"We are aware of the various actions currently being taken within and outside government – such as the DH review and CQC internal inquiry. We hope to make submissions to those both individually and collectively. However, on their own these will not be enough and a clear programme is needed to achieve change. The prime minister responded saying he was â€Å"appalled† at the â€Å"catalogue of abuses† Panorama uncovered. In June 2011 the Association of Supported Living issued a press statement, which was followed up in writing to every member of parliament in the United Kingdom, calling for community based supported living services to replace institutional services for people with learning disabilities. The Daily Mail said â€Å"Without the investigation by the BBC’s Panorama, given huge coverage in the Mail, the abuse of patients at Winterbourne View might be continuing to this day. As it is, the secure hospital and two other care  homes have been shut down, 11 guilty staff have been brought to justice – and a devastating report now exposes the serial failings of the local NHS, police and health watchdogs. For the past year, the Leveson Inquiry has focused relentlessly on the failings of the media. Never let it be forgotten how much this country owes, in the fight against cruelty and corruption, to its free Press.† The Daily Telegraph said, â€Å"It is impossible to read the details of what went on at Winterbourne View, a care home for the severely disabled in Gloucestershire, without feeling repelled. In the wake of an exposà © from the BBC’s Panorama, 11 members of staff were convicted of almost 40 charges of neglect and ill treatment of those in their care.† The national regulator, the CQC did a nationwide check on facilities owned by the same company, Castlebeck Care – as a result three more institutions have been closed. The CQC reported a â€Å"systemic failure to protect people or to investigate allegations of abuse† and said that Castlebeck Care had â€Å"misled† the health watchdog. The CQC also inspected 132 similar institutions and a Serious Case Review was commissioned. The head of the Care Quality Commission resigned ahead of a critical government report, a report in which Winterbourne View was cited. Mencap published a report warning that similar abuse could be going on elsewhere and calling for the closure of all large institutions far from people’s families. Eleven people pleaded guilty to criminal offences of neglect or abuse as a result of evidence from Undercover Care and six of them were jailed. Immediately after the eleventh person pleaded guilty, the Serious Case Review was published, revealing hundreds of previous incidents at the hospital and missed warnings. 3 – The public seems to have lost faith in such regulators and companies as this has been reocurring for a number of years. The media have issued a lot of publicity stating how care companies, social services and regulators have let the victims down by simply not taking these cases seriously enough and ensuring the well-being and standards are being met. The public may feel  reluctant to use the care services to look after their family members. These issues also give the care sector a bad reputation. 4 – Recent changes in service delivery which have affected own area of work includes staff being supervised and appraised on a regular basis, changes to medication being administered, NAPPI training to prevent forceful restraining, ensuring incident/accident forms are completed correctly and signed by witnesses if needed and up to date training, policies and procedures.

Positive Rhetoric Affirmative Sentences

The word affirmative simply means that you are stating something is so. By extension, in English grammar, an affirmative statement is any sentence or declaration that is positive. An affirmative statement can also be referred to as an assertive sentence or affirmative proposition: Birds fly, Rabbits run, and Fish swim are all affirmative sentences where the subjects are actively doing something, thereby making a positive statement about the noun in motion. An affirmative word or  sentence  is usually contrasted with a negative sentence, which commonly includes the negative particle  not. Examples of negative statements include: Rabbits dont fly and People dont float. An affirmative sentence, by contrast, is a statement that  affirms  rather than negates a proposition. Meaning of Affirmative An affirmative word, phrase, or sentence expresses the validity or truth of a basic assertion, while a negative form expresses its falsity. The sentence, Joe is here would be an affirmative sentence, while Joe is not here would be a negative sentence. The word affirmative is an adjective. It describes something.  Affirmative can be defined as affirming  or assenting, or asserting the truth, validity, or fact of something. It can also refer to the process of expressing agreement or consent as well as assenting. As noted, it is also a statement that is positive, not negative. Most of the sentences in this article are affirmative statements in that they affirm the propositions the writer is introducing. Not surprisingly, affirmative sentences make up the majority of spoken English. Using Affirmative Sentences Although not essential to conveying clear thought, it would be rather odd if you spoke in only negative sentences, arriving at a point only by denying all other options—such as saying, The person isnt a boy, when you really mean, shes a girl, or The house pet is not a bird, reptile, fish, or dog when you really mean its a cat. Using the negative in these cases convolutes the sentences; its better to simply make affirmative statements: Shes a girl, or The house pet is a cat. For that reason, most sentences are formed—like this one—as affirmative, unless the speaker or writer is deliberately contradicting a differing point or opinion. Unless you are trying to say no, your sentence is likely to be affirmative in form.   Interestingly, the rule of double negatives applies to affirmative sentences as well, meaning that if you say, I am not not going to the movies, the sentence is affirmative because the meaning of not not doing something is that you are  doing something. Polarity Another way to think of the meaning of affirmative or an affirmative sentence is by exploring the concept of  polarity. In linguistics, the distinction between positive and negative forms may be expressed  syntactically  (To be or not to be),  morphologically  (lucky vs. unlucky), or  lexically  (strong vs. weak). These phrases all contain the affirmative word or phrase and its opposite, a negative word or phrase. To be or not to be, a famous phrase from Act 3, Scene 1 of Shakespeares play, Hamlet, finds the title character pondering whether he should exist (which would be affirmative) or not exist (which would be negative). In the second example, you could say: He is lucky, which would be an affirmative statement, or He is unlucky, which would be a negative statement. In the last example, you might declare, She is strong, which has an affirmative meaning, or She is weak (not strong), which has a negative connotation. Affirmative vs. Negative Suzanne Eggins, in her book, Introduction to Systemic Functional Linguistics, provides an excellent example that illustrates the meaning of affirmative, and its polar opposite, negative: A  proposition  is something that can be  argued but argued in a particular way. When we exchange information we are arguing about whether something  This harkens to the concept at the beginning of this article: An affirmative word or statement means that something is so, while a negative word or statement—its polar opposite—means that something is not so. So, the next time you are trying to make a case for a given issue or argue that something is true, remember that you are expressing an affirmative idea: Donald Trump is a good president, She is a strong person, or, He has great character. But, be prepared to defend your position against others who disagree, and would argue the negative: Donald Trump is not a good president, She is not a strong person, and, He has little (or no) character.