The Pros And Cons Of The School System

The Pros and Cons of the School System

The school system is a vital institution in every society, providing an avenue for children to learn, develop and acquire skills that will help them in their future endeavors. However, like any other institution, the school system has its advantages and disadvantages. In this essay, we will discuss both the pros and cons of the school system.

Pros

Provides Education

The school system provides students with a formal education. It is a structured approach to learning that aims to develop the cognitive and academic abilities of the students. It encompasses a broad range of subjects such as mathematics, science, history, literature, and the arts. The curriculum is designed to cater to the different learning styles of students, ensuring that they acquire knowledge and skills that will enable them to become well-rounded individuals. The school system provides a foundation for students to acquire knowledge and skills that are critical to their success in life.

Fosters Socialization

The school system provides an opportunity for students to interact with their peers. It enables students to develop social skills, learn how to work in teams, and build lasting relationships. Students learn to appreciate the diversity and different cultures that exist within their communities. This exposure to different cultures and ideas helps students to become more tolerant and accepting of others, leading to a more cohesive and harmonious society.

Provides Opportunities for Extracurricular Activities

The school system provides students with opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities such as sports, drama, music, and debate. These activities help students to develop their talents, build confidence, and improve their social skills. They also provide an opportunity for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and discover their passions. Students who engage in extracurricular activities tend to perform better academically and have a better overall school experience.

Preparation for Higher Education

The school system prepares students for higher education. It teaches them the necessary skills and knowledge required for college and university. It also prepares students for standardized tests like SAT and ACT, which are required for college admission. The school system helps students to develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that are essential for success in higher education.

Cons

Standardization

The school system is based on a standardized curriculum, which may not be suitable for every student. The curriculum is designed to cater to the average student, and this may not be suitable for students who learn differently. Some students may find the curriculum too challenging or not challenging enough, leading to frustration or boredom. Moreover, the emphasis on standardized testing may put undue pressure on students and teachers alike. The focus on grades may cause students to prioritize grades over learning.

Limited Creativity

The school system may limit students' creativity. The focus on rote learning and memorization may stifle students' creativity and discourage them from thinking outside the box. Moreover, the emphasis on grades may cause students to prioritize grades over learning. Students who are creative and think outside the box may not perform well in the traditional school system, leading to a lack of diversity in the workforce.

Inequality

The school system may perpetuate inequality. Schools in wealthy neighborhoods may have better facilities and resources than schools in poorer neighborhoods, leading to an uneven distribution of opportunities. Moreover, students from disadvantaged backgrounds may face additional challenges, such as language barriers, that may hinder their learning. These students may not have access to the same resources and opportunities as their more affluent peers, leading to a lack of diversity in the workforce.

Stress

The school system may cause students to experience stress. The pressure to perform well in school, coupled with the emphasis on standardized testing and grades, may cause students to experience stress and anxiety. This stress may have negative effects on their mental health and well-being, leading to burnout or even depression. The school system should focus on providing a supportive and nurturing environment that encourages students to learn and grow at their own pace.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the school system has both its advantages and disadvantages. It provides students with a formal education, fosters socialization, provides opportunities for extracurricular activities, and prepares students for higher education. However, it also has its drawbacks, including standardization, limited creativity, perpetuating inequality, and causing stress. The school system should strive to create a balanced approach that addresses the drawbacks while building on the advantages. By doing so, the school system can provide students with an education that prepares them for success in life while fostering their well-being and mental health.

 

The blessings of Holy Month of Ramadan Essay

The blessings of Holy Month of Ramadan

Allah Almighty has always shown his kindness, love and mercy toward his creations but there are some exceptional months, days and times which has more importance. Ramadan is also one of those special months in which Allah showers his innumerable blessings. It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is also the month when the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven to guide the Muslims. It is stated in the Quran that:

 ‘Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind, also Clear Signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong.”

The blessings of Ramadan are not restricted to fasting only, because the performance of all sorts of good deeds and worship during this month is also a source of great Divine favor. The revelation of the Holy Quran started during this month and it is hence the duty of every Muslim to read and try to learn and understand the meaning of the Holy Quran and by that gain an awareness and insight into the Divine secrets hold as sacred therein. It brings illumination to the mind, peace and imparts purity to the soul. This month of Ramadan is very special for Muslims across the world especially in this era where we are regularly struggling with the idea of keeping in mind the Remembrance of Allah due to complexities of modern day life.

Ramadan in the light of Hadith:

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said:

‘When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.’

In Ramadan the Ummah of Holy Prophet (PBUH) is invited to receive the privileges from Allah Almighty. Every breath taken has the reward of good deeds and Tasbeeh are rewarded in great amount. A person who does not receive the mercy and kindness of Allah is most unlucky.The Holy Prophet (SAW) said:

‘O People! The month of Allah (SWT) has come with His mercies and blessings. This is the month that is the best of all months in the eyes of Allah (SWT). Its days are the best of days, its nights are the best of nights, its hours are the best of hours’.

Allah’s Apostle stated:

“Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.”

The Prophet added:

“By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.”

 Allah says about the person who is fasting:

“He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten time.”

The blessed month of Ramadan provides a unique convenient time and opportunity for Tahajjud prayer, particularly when the time of commencing the fast is favorable. Allah Almighty provides great reward for all our good acts of worship during this Holy month therefore, we should do special efforts to pray and keep it up for the rest of the year to raise our level of spirituality.

Importance of Ramadan - English Essay

Importance of Ramadan - English Essay

Ramadan Mubarak is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. Ramadan has immense importance in Quran and Hadith and Ramadan is that month which has been mentioned repeatedly in the Quran.

    Allah says in the Quran that Ramadan is the month when Quran was sent. (Surah Baqra:185)
    In this month, one night (Lailatul Qadr) is such that it is better and more auspicious than 1000 nights. (AL Qadr:3)

Hazrat Salman RA says that the Holy Prophet (May peace be upon Him)said on the last date of Shaa’ban, that on you a month is coming , that is a big and holy month; in that month is one night that is better than a thousand months. Allah has made fasting compulsory for this month and made the prayer of night a reward.

Whoever does a good deed in this month to gain the allegiance of Allah’s and his closeness, has earns the reward of a compulsory act in any other month; and whichever person does a compulsory act in this month gains the reward similar to that of seventy compulsory acts in any other month. This month is for people to gain as much reward as they can and the livelihood and blessings of Allah is increased manifolds in this holy month for every believer.

When the first night of Ramadan comes, all the gates of heaven are opened, and throughout the whole month not even a single door closes. Shaitan, the devil, is chained in this month. Allah asks to give out the following order, “O those who wish to do good, step forward; O those who wish to do bad, step backwards.” Then He says, “Is there anyone asking for forgiveness so that he may be forgiven; is there anyone asking a question, so that his question may be answered; and is there anyone asking to be pardoned so that he may be pardoned.”

All holy books were sent to earth in this month; Hazrat Ibrahim RA got his holy guidelines from 1st to 3rd Ramadan, Hazrat Dawood RA got Zaboor from 12th to 18th Ramadan, Hazrat Moosa RA got Taurat on the 6th of Ramadan, Hazrat Isa RA got Injeel from 12th to 13th Ramadan. Quran was sent in the sacred nights of the last Ashra of the holy month of Ramadan; one night from amongst these was given the title of Shab-e-Qadr.

The fact that fasting is compulsory is found through the Quran and that is the key to abstinence. Abstinence is the one thing that stops people from going towards the wrong and encourages them to go towards the right. The real aim of fasting is to make human wishes surrender in front of Allah’s orders. When a person who is fasting abstains from all eating, drinking, and other wishes, then he stays away from other wrong doings also. Instead, most of his time is then spent doing worship of Allah or good deeds. Apart from abstinence, fasting also treats personality issues like self obsession and ego.

The month of Ramadan is collectively auspicious for all Muslims. Fasting in this holy month is not only good for physical reasons for humans, but also gives the message of patience for all living things in this universe. Amongst one of the spiritual effects of Ramadan is the fact that during the first few fasts, hunger and thirst are felt, but slowly the body gets used to it. Since we have fat deposits inside our body, the necessities of the body are fulfilled.

In this basic life where spiritual and physical benefits of fasting are present, there are also benefits of it in the hereafter like pardoning of sins and blessings. Hadith of Holy Prophet (May peace be upon Him) narrates that, “Heaven has eight doors, amongst which one is called Bab-ul-Riyan from which only those who kept fasts will enter.” Another Hadith says, “Whoever keeps one fast for the happiness of Allah; Allah will keep him so far away from the fire of hell that no person would be able to reach there in seventy years.”

Virtues of the Fasting:

• The bad smell coming out of a fasting person’s mouth is better than any other good smell, to Allah.
•     Even the fish of the water pray for those fasting.
•     Heaven is made closer to them every day.
•     The standing, sitting, working and even sleeping of a person fasting is considered worship.
•     One big benefit of fasting is the visiting of Allah; which will be given on the Day of Judgment
•     All the sins of a person fasting are forgiven and ranks are increased.
•     On the last night of Ramadan, pardoning is done for those fasting. A Sahaba asked, is this night the night of forgiveness? Reply was, No, but the tradition is that a labour is paid after his work is completed. (Ibn-e-Haban)

Essay On Importance of Ramadan

Essay On Importance of Ramadan

1) The importance of Ramadan for the Muslims, particularly times of adversity.

2) The importance of reading Quran and pondering over its meanings.

3) The phenomena of desertion of  Quran.

4) Factors that prevent a person from pondering over the meanings of  Quran.

5) Virtues of Qiyaam (night prayer) during Ramadan.

6) Etiquettes of Du’a and its great importance in Islam.

7) Things that prevent Du’a from being answered.

8) Ramadan is the month of perseverance.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! I implore myself and you all to fear Allah; this honors the soul and brings it close to its Lord. No God-fearing person will ever fail and anyone who disregards the importance of piety will never be successful.

Dear Muslims! Whoever observes the condition of people in light of the current trials, tribulations and calamities that are occurring all over the world will see that the Muslims are in dire need of a generous guest that brings with it relief and progress. They are in need of this grand guest with whom they hope to be strengthened after a series of indescribable calamities and weakening incidents; hence their need for this great month of tranquility and spiritual development. It is the month of self-examination, conscience reawakening and freedom from selfishness and lustful desires. Allah says that which translates as: "O you who have believed! Decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous." (Al-Baqarah/ 183)

The month of Ramadan is the month of Quran

Fellow Muslims! The month of Ramadan is the month of Quran; a Book whose light will never fade and which is a path that never leads one astray. The Glorious Quran is to man as the soul is to the body; it is a light for guidance. Whoever does not read Quran or doesnt put its injunctions into practice is dead, despite the fact that they may speak and move. Whoever does not put it into practice, has gone far astray even if they are apparently successful in all areas of life.

Allah says that which translates as: "Is one who is dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge there from?" (Al-An’aam/ 122)


A human being without the guidance of Quran is like any living being without air or water; all their endeavors will end up in bankruptcy. Allah says that which translates as: "Say: 'It is for those who believe, a guidance and a cure'. And those who do not believe – in their ears is deafness, and it (i.e. Quran) is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place." (Fussilat/ 44)


Fellow Muslims! There is no doubt that the relationship of many Muslims with Quran is one of abandonments of either its recitation or implementation of its injunctions. It is no exaggeration to say that the diseases of past nations have affected the Muslims, while they are unaware of this. Allah says that which translates as: “And there are among them unlettered people who do not know not the Scripture except (indulging in) wishful thinking, but they are only assuming.” (Al Baqarah/ 78)

The scholars of Tafsir say about this verse: 'It means: they know nothing about the Book except for its recitation, for it never passed their lungs and throats. This is because of the fact that there was a spiritual absence in their recitation and; therefore, they were unable to ponder over its meanings'.
Among the causes of the absence of reflection on the meanings of Quran is the failure to explore and understand the laws of Allah in relation to human-beings and natural phenomena. Also, to blame is the sanctification of erroneous concepts and wrong interpretations of life that have become widespread among people and which are caused by unrestrained love for this world and the hatred of death. Ziyaad Ibn Labeed Al-Ansari ( may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) mentioned something and then said: "….and that is when there will be no more knowledge. We said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! How will knowledge disappear while we have Quran with us and we teach it to our children and while they will also teach it to theirs?’ The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) retorted: I thought you were one of the most knowledgeable of the people of Madinah! Are there not Jews and Christians who have their scriptures with them and yet they take no benefit from what is inside them?’" (At-Tirmidhi and others).


One is stricken with grief and shock when they see the stance that many Muslims have adopted with regard to the Book of their Lord. They have been covered by darkness and wander aimlessly; the foreign systems and ideologies that they have embraced have done nothing for them. How can it be that we have the light and yet follow the paths of other nations?


The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) lived for sixty-three years; we are used to believing that old age and the vicissitudes of life cause hair to turn grey. What then will you think of a man who attributed grey hair to some verses of the glorious Quran that he used to recite? Abu Bakr ( may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) about what caused some of his beard to become grey, he (p.b.u.h.) replied: ‘It was caused by Soorah Hood, Soorah Al-Waaqi’ah, Soorah An-Naba’ and Soorah At-Takweer.” (At-Tirmidhi)


Brothers in faith! The blessed month of Ramadan should be regarded as a wonderful opportunity for every Muslim to save himself from destruction and to purify their soul in preparation for Quranic guidance that is inherent in night prayer. Allah says that which translates as: “Indeed, the hours of the night (i.e. the rising for Tahajjud prayer) are more effective for concurrence (of heart and tongue) and more suitable for words (i.e. for recitation of Quran and for hearing and understanding it).” (Al-Muzzammil/ 6).


Brothers in faith! The blessed month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for the Muslims to wake up for night prayers, seek refuge with Allah and turn to Him for their needs, for none has the power to answer their call except Allah alone. The Lord descends to the nearest heaven, in a way that befits his majesty, in the last third of the night and asks: "Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so that I can forgive him?" Do any of us ever reflect upon and appreciate this great period which is one of those in which supplications are answered? Tell me, what are the people doing in this last part of the night? Many a miserable soul missed this blessed period! Many people are in deep slumber at this time. It is saddening that some of those who are negligent of this great period are however, ready to go anywhere where they can lodge their complaints and seek solutions to their problems - from their fellow human beings, forgetting that it is only Allah who is capable of removing sorrow and distress. He says that which translates as: "What is (the matter) with you that you do not attribute to Allah (due) grandeur while He has created you in stages?" (Nooh/ 13-14)


Imam Tirmidhi reported that the Prophet of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: "There are three persons whose supplications are never rejected: The just leader, the fasting person when he breaks his fast and the oppressed when he supplicates and whose supplication is raised above the clouds and the gates of heaven are opened for it and Allah will say, 'By My Glory! I shall assist you even if it is after a while.'"
Brothers in faith! There are; however, some people who raise their hands in prayer and are impatient for a rapid answer; they may even feel despair if their supplications are not speedily answered. The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: "Allah will answer the supplication of any one of you as long as he is not hasty and says: ‘I called my Lord and He did not answer.’"


The delay may also be caused by sins such as the failure to uphold the rights of kinship, or perhaps it may be due to the fact that the prayer emanated only from the tongue and was not rooted in the heart. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.): "Allah does not accept the supplications from an inattentive heart." The heart is not free from turning to the desires of this life and we all know that one who always looks back does not reach his goal in time.


Therefore, I implore you O Muslims, to make plentiful supplications to Allah, for supplication is the essence of worship. Let nobody slight their requirements however great or small they may be. Allah says that which translates as: "And your Lord says: ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell (rendered) contemptible.'" (Ghaafir/ 60)


Here is an example for those in sorrow and distress: The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) entered the mosque one day and saw an Ansari (a resident of Madinah) man there by the name of Abu Umaamah. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) asked him: " O Abu Umaamah, why are you sitting in the mosque at a time that is not a prayer time?" He replied: 'I was forced to do so by sorrow and debt.' The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) then asked: 'Shall I teach you a supplication by which Allah will remove your sorrow and pay for you your debts?' He answered: 'O yes, Messenger of Allah!' The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) then said: 'Say every morning and evening: Allahumma innee a’oodhu bikka minal-hammi wal hazan, wa a’oodhu bika minal-‘ajzi wal-kasal wa a’oodhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhul wa a’oodhu bika min ghalabatid-dayn wa qahrir-rijaal.’ (Meaning: O Allah, I seek refuge with You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.) Abu Umaamah said: 'I did that and Allah removed my distress and paid for me my debt.'" (Abu Dawood)


Fellow Muslims! The month of Ramadan is a month of generosity and spending in ways that are virtuous. Let every Muslim take part in the generosity of this month and not hesitate to wipe the tears off the faces of orphans, widows and the destitute. Let everyone keep away from stinginess and covetousness for these are two of the bad qualities from which the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) sought refuge with his Lord from. The Prophet (p.b.u.h.) was the most generous of mankind and his generosity multiplied during the month of Ramadan. He would never say ‘no’ when he was asked of anything.
Further, the benefits of charity are not restricted to the beneficiary; the donor also has a share. An example of this is when a generous person gives in charity, their heart becomes gladdened and they become pleased with that. Therefore, this person will be encouraged to give more and gain extra rewards. As for the miser, whenever he thinks of giving in charity his heart feels constrained; he feels as if he is giving away a chunk of his life!, this in turn leads to his whole life feeling constrained. However, nothing destroys the tricks and insinuations of Satan more than giving sincerely in charity.
Allah says that which translates as: "Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing." (Al-Baqarah/ 268)

Essay On Banking System

Essay On Banking System.

Modern financial practice is of a complicated nature having attained this highly developed efficiency after ages of evolution, but the profession of banking in some form or the other has existed even in the earliest times. The original form of banking in our country may have been purely money-lending but with the changing need of times people felt the need of depositing money for safe custody and interest with persons or businessmen of integrity and character.

The money so deposited would etch some interest to the depositor while the persons entrusted with the money would lend it out to others at a higher rate of interest than he himself was paying. This. I its simplest form, is the practice of banking, lending out on interest moneys that have been deposited by other persons.

Banking is a very necessary wheel in the complicated machinery of modern commerce. It is noticed that countries which are most advanced in commerce and trade have a very efficient and highly developed system of banking.

In Pakistan the modern system has not extended far enough and this does to spell well for the country's trade. Credit plays a very important part in modern business. A perfectly honest businessman may have the capacity to invest money in such a way as to derive a great profit out of it and his business may call for greater investment that he can meet from his own purse.

It is in such a case that he is to utilise other people's money which for them may not have the same productive value. It is the banks that, by supplying the requisite money, not only help the individual concerned in his business, but also realise the full productive worth of money and increase the trade and commerce of the country. Thus an important functions of banks is to prevent hoarding of wealth with individuals by taking charge of there money for safe custody with an undertaking to return it either at a definite date or on demand.

For fixed deposits banks usually pay a higher rate of interest than in other cases, of they can safely invest such moneys in one business or the other for a definite period. In case of current deposit the banker undertakes to repay the money on demand by meeting cheques of order notes of the depositor and as he has to produce money at a very short notice, he has to keep a considerable portion of it in hand or invested in such a manner than it can be collected almost at once.

It may not be out of place to mention here the more complicated functions of a modern bank. Besides the function of borrowing and lending, keeping money in safely custody, some banks exercise. Bank also serve as places of safe deposit not only for money but also for jewellery, documents and valuable securities. In Pakistan business of all the above natures is done by native banks. The international business of agency for payments between one country and another is done mostly by foreign banks which have their branches in this country.

Scope from the above prefatory remarks it can be gathered that banking as a profession has the potentiality of providing work for thousands of youngmen. The start on the profession, it must be admitted, is not very encouraging and the work is hard especially for the first few years. The hours of office work are generally long and holidays are few and far between. But withal this, banking affords really good prospects for the person with a steady mind who is not afraid of hard work and has a lot patience in him.

A junior clerk who has had no previous training will have to being at the very lowest rung of the ladder and may have to pick up office routine business of sorting and filing the papers. affixing rubber stamps, bringing the "pass books- of customers accounts up date, assisting in classifying the cheques sent in for payment. Later on he may be entrusted with entries in the ledger -- a more responsible and, therefore, better paid work is done systematically by the clerical staff.

Thus from the counter he may be promoted to the chair. If he is found efficient. he may be given charge of a branch as its manager, in which case he will be responsible for all that is done in the branch and will have to exercise great deal of caution in the amount of credit he allows to businessmen, the way in which he tackles business problems and the manner in which he organises the work. In the last years of his service he may get a really good post of responsibility at the head office.

It must be made clear that banking does not encourage men who want to get rich quick. The progress is slow but steady and for the competent person there are really good jobs at the top.

Qualification: Patience and love of methodical work, neatness and accuracy, amenability to discipline are the essential requisites of a bank clerk, for he has to be formed into an efficient cog in a highly complicated machinery. As the bank clerk has to come contact with a large number of customers of varied types, temperament and character, he should have a presentable appearance, good address and manner, reliability and honesty.

He must also be the professor of a good general education, for if he aspires to managership of or some other responsible job which imposes on him the duty of dealing with a large number of persons, he must have educational attainments to be capable of dealing with varied situations calling forth tact and knowledge of finance, psychology and commercial law. Thus university education up to the degree standard is the generally accepted qualification. Bachelors of Commerce are more eagerly taken into employment by banks than those in arts or the sciences.

Essay On My Favorite Actor | Essay On Acting

Essay On My Favorite Actor | Essay On Acting

The stage as a profession was never looked upon with favour by the educated and highbrow classes in Pakistan. There was suppose to be attached to the profession a sort of indignity and looseness, which scared away men from the better-class families.Women votaries of the stage were few and those, too, from quarters anything but respectable. Most of the theatrical companies had boys to portray female characters. 

Barring a few exceptions; perhaps in the case of Eastern India, the stage here was of a haphazard character. The art of portrayal of emotions was reduced to mere artifice of melodramatic gesticulation and high-sounding phrases. Some provinces, including the Punjab, had no stage of their own and any enterprising set of players from Bombay and Calcutta could carry such provinces by storm.

The itinearant theatrical companies, it appears, have received a death-blow with the advent of the talking pictures. The only shortcomings that were experienced by cinema-goers, in the "silent days-lack of songs and all their discomforts have fallen into un-popularity. Excepting a few big companies in the largest towns, stage acting here is reduced to nought.

The work of providing amusement for the over-wrought millions is, therefore, being gradually monopolised by the cinema. Unhappily, ours is a land of deep-rooted orthodoxy and there exists a prejudice against every innovation. The forces of conservatism mustered strong in raising a storm of protest against the growth of cinema industry and to begin with it was impossible for any educated talent to find its way into the industry. The actors and actresses were mostly drawn from the existing stage in the Indo¬Pakistan sub-continent or, with the invention of the 'talkies,' from the public songstresses. Naturally, such an atmosphere was not inviting to girls and boys from respectable classes taking up this profession.

The conditions, happily, have changed and are still changing for the better. There is a sprinkling of educated boys and girls among our film stars and there is a constant demand for more. .The industry is certainly developing and this demand is likely to remain strong for a considerable time.

Cinema acting as a career affords great attraction. Film stars draw fabulous salaries. In Hollywood, which leads the world film industry, film celebrities like John Gilbert, Har'old Lloyd. Douglas. Fairbanks. Charlie Chaplain make nearly $500,000 a year, Mae West for here picture I am No Angel- received more than $ 75,000 and numeroug stars are paid higher than the President of America. In Pakistan also actors who cannot spell their names draw five figure salaries.

But the picture is not entirely rosy: there is a dark side to it. The glamour of the cinema has drawn many young boys and girls to the centre of industry at Hollywood, in Pakistan at Lahore; but few of them have had any amount of success. These are the places where are found strange inconsistencies in life, beauty in rags vainly knocking at the door of fortune while humpbacked ugliness rolls in wealth. A person who is a star to day may be in the gutter a few days later. On the other hand, starts have been made overnight. In one film a nonentity may sky-rocket to the heights of celebrity.

F'redditte Bartholomew and Shirley Temple, the child prodigies, were taken from very humble surroundings. The profession of acting for the silver screen is, therefore, a gamble. Only real work and talent can hope to succeed, as it is bound to.

A passion for acting and determination to take it a study of lifetime are essential. Sustained industry and perseverance, sociability and social attainments, such as being a good conversationalist, swimmer or sportsman. are the requisite qualifications for a guccessful actor. Good general education is an invaluable asset in the line; a mobile and expressive face and, above all, a good voice which can easily be taken up by the microphone. The voice must have flexibility and modulation and the intonation clear with complete absence of tendency to slur over the syllables which is proving to be the bane of our actors. Putting in a nutshel, the speech should have all the elements of effective speaking, such as purity of diction, resonance, inflexion and rhythm. It will be advisible for the aspirants to practise recitation.

Next in value in the case of the talkies comes the facial expression. Mobility of the face does not mean capability of making a number of varied grimaces; it is the various emotions of the human mind, like anger, surprise, pleasure, sorrow, despondency, despair, elation, that have to be registered at once in the eye, the face and the tone of voice. If the eye laughs mischievously while the tone and the words spoken convey a sense of extreme sorrow, the result is bound to be disgusting.

A good and expressive eye that can flash, flame, dart. laugh, weep and blink as the occasion demands is a great asset to a successful actor. Control of facial muscles can also great asset to a successful actor. Control of facial muscles can also be taken up to an art as in the case of the late Lon Chaney, the man with a thousand faces, ' but talent in Pakistan is yet in a very undeveloped state. We see here mostly stolid and wooden faces which can only be made to change their expression with palpable effort and most of the artistes go into hysterics to conceal their failure at registering the requisite emotion.