Considerable U.S.

generosity in aid to Colombia has assisted President Santos’ efforts to debilitate the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). This stems from U.S. War on Drugs policy, and has
continued effectively under Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. The FARC has not been eradicated
completely, but its operations have been squeezed out of Colombia to a significant extent, spilling into
Central America. Domestically, Panama President Santos faces even more complex challenges while
fighting the FARC today, specifically due to severed diplomatic relations with neighbors Venezuela and
Ecuador.

Usually the essay question will have some direction words that give clues about what is wanted
in the essay (Rolls & Wignell 2013). These words may be “describe”, “explain”, “argue”, “discuss”,
“critique” etc. Describe: Write about the facts, process or event. Write in a systematic order, and
emphasise the most important points. You are not expected to explain or interpret. Explain: You will
need to analyse, not simply describe or summarise. You need to focus on the ‘why’ or ‘how’ of a
particular issue, to clarify reasons, causes and effects. Argue: If you are asked to argue, you need to
systematically support or reject a point of view by presenting evidence. You also need to show that you
are aware of the opposing point of view. Discuss: You present a point of view. This will include both
description and interpretation. Your opinion should be supported by argument and evidence from other
writings. Critique: A critique is where you identify and discuss both the positive and negative aspects of
a topic. Compare and contrast: Find the similarities and differences between two or more ideas, events
or interpretations. Examples of essay questions: NAPLAN (The National Assessment Program – Literacy
and Numeracy) is a feature of education in all Australian Primary schools. Describe NAPLAN and discuss
why it is so controversial. Critically analyse the key concepts of working cross-culturally, specifically in
regards to effective communication and the impact on your work practice. Outline and analyse the key
components of a framework for health professionals to engage in effective and respectful
communication with Indigenous peoples, especially in regards to the delivery of health services.
Describe how this could potentially be viewed as part of a strategy across a number of levels to
systematically lift the cultural competency of mainstream health services.

The social, cultural, and political dynamics of Latin America interest me. I look forward to
applying my language, base of knowledge and familiarity with Latin America as a Marine FAO to impact
future plans and operations in the region.

The transition of the Panama Canal and its surrounding territories marked a historical event for
Panama and the U.S. Panama’s political position strengthened in relation to its Latin American
neighbors by assuming responsibility of managing this critical and strategic asset. Operation of the canal
represents significant revenue for Panama’s economy ($200M per year). The U.S. relinquished
considerable presence and military bases in the area, and the revenue from the canal’s annual tariffs.
Canal expansion efforts are underway that will result in higher income paid by larger cargo ships.
My first-hand exposure and experience in foreign countries have left a continuing personal interest in
following social and political events in Panama, Colombia, and Latin America as a whole. I follow
significant events pertinent to the region. Many have impacted the economy and security of the United
States as well. The transition of operations and management of the Panama Canal to Panama in
December 1999, and current efforts by President Santos against the FARC are among them.

Colombia shares a border with Panama. Cartel drug war has been ongoing for over 40 years.
The U.S. lived up to political promises to leave Panama, and lost collateral security benefits of bases and
forces in the area to inhibit drug cartel operations. All along the Colombian side of the border, the drug
cartels war endures.

. Ask your students to think critically about this bottle of water. You might need to ask them the
question “So what? This is a bottle of water, what else do we know about bottled water?”

Ask your student to imagine that where they live has just been struck by a cyclone. Describe what they
might see: List their descriptions on the left-hand column. Then ask them to imagine that they are the
civil defence wardens for their neighbourhood. Get them to think critically about what they described,
and write what they identify when thinking critically. For example:

The perspectives I have of Latin America were developed over 18 years of immersion as a local. Social
awareness, familiarity of speech, understanding of issues that matter in the region vs. issues important
outside of the region are second nature to me. I was born and raised in Colombia, and finished high
school in Panama. The political environment of Colombia and Panama shaped my cultural awareness
and political understanding of these two countries’ overall climate as well as neighboring countries in
the region. My understanding of Latin America is complemented by 23 years in the United States,
including 21 years of service as a Marine. The Marine Corps has a culture all its own, which I understand
well through 7 years of enlisted and 14 years of commissioned service.