WEEKEND HOMEWORK CSS

English Précis and Composition

Q: 1 Read the following Paragraph and answer the questions given at the end.
During past investigations into this damaging instability, scientists were able to observe initial
stages of the problem but were forced to shut down engines before the waves could fully develop
and cause serious damage to the engine. Researchers were also hindered by their inability to
clearly observe the complex processes inside the investigated rocket engines.
But with help from Dr. Oleksandr Bibik, a visiting physicist and research scientist from Ukraine,
the Georgia Tech research team developed an experimental setup and imaging technique that
provides detailed information on how the waves form and behave. First, the researchers
developed a low-pressure combustor that served as a true simulator of larger rocket engines.
Bibik then used a very-high-speed camera in combination with series of fiber optic probes that
together allowed researchers to clearly observe the formation and behaviour of excited spinning
sound waves within the engine. Additionally, Bibik’s new imaging method enabled researchers
to determine the conditions under which these waves are excited and how they can be controlled.
Bibik’s high-speed camera views the reaction zone through a system of filters that allow only
specific light radiation generated in the combustion zone to reach the camera’s lens. This
strategy eliminates all background light interference and provides clear images of combustion
(and sound) waves spinning around the engine’s periphery. Simultaneously, strategically placed
fibre optic probes collect information on the reaction process oscillations in various locations in
the combustor. Using these new techniques, the research team discovered that the destructive
waves gained energy as they spun around the engine’s periphery at a rate of 5,000 revolutions
per second. The capability to simulate and observe these destructive oscillations in a controlled
laboratory environment could help researchers develop techniques to prevent their occurrence in
real engines.‘Better understanding this phenomenon could very likely lead to safer tactical and
space missions and save billions of dollars for technologies that use combustors,’ Zinn said.
Q1: Did rocket engines confuse the past researchers?
Q2: What is the contribution of Dr. Bibik to the development of rocket science?
Q3: How did new techniques improve the space missions?
Q4: What does the writer of this passage want to convey to the audience?
 WEEKEND HOMEWORK CSS
English Précis and Composition

Q.2. Make a précis of the following passage and also suggest a suitable title.
Narcissus was handsome, arrogant, and self-involved-and in love with his own image. He
couldn’t tear himself away from his reflection in a pool of water, and ultimately his self-love
consumed him. He died gazing at himself in the water. In everyday usage, narcissism refers to
someone who is arrogantly self-absorbed. Self-love, on the other hand, has come to mean a
healthy love of oneself that does not preclude the ability to love others. But, what is the
psychological definition of narcissism-and, more specifically, maternal narcissism? The
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) describes narcissism as a
personality disorder classified by the nine traits listed below. Narcissism is a spectrum disorder,
which means it exists on a continuum ranging from a few narcissistic traits to the full-blown
personality disorder. The American Psychiatric Association estimates that there are
approximately 1.5 million American women with Narcissistic Personality Disorder. While NPD
is rare, non-clinical narcissism is a pervasive problem. In truth, we all have some of these traits.
It is perfectly normal to have some of the traits at the low end of the spectrum. However, the
further along the spectrum of narcissism, the more problems are encountered.
Here are the nine traits of narcissism as listed in the DSM: Will I Ever Be Good Enough?,
expounds on these traits and gives examples of how they play out in maternal behavior and the
mother-daughter dynamic. The narcissistic personality has a grandiose sense of self-importance (
e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without
commensurate achievements). The narcissistic personality is preoccupied with fantasies of
unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love.The narcissistic personality believes
that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with,
other special or high-status people (or institutions). The narcissistic personality requires
excessive admiration.The narcissistic personality has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable
expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her
expectations.The narcissistic personality is interpersonally exploitative, i.e. takes advantage of
others to achieve his or her own ends.The narcissistic personality lacks empathy: is unwilling to
recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others. The narcissistic personality is often
envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her. The narcissistic personality
shows arrogance, haughty behaviors or attitudes. (390)