CHYS 1F90 Developmental Science Key Concepts Summary

CHYS 1F90 – Comprehensive Exam Summary

Part 1: Foundations of Development

A. Genetics & Prenatal Development

  • Conception: 46 chromosomes (23 from each parent).
  • Gene Expression: Dominant vs. recessive genes, polygenic inheritance.
  • Chromosomal Abnormalities:
    • Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21).
    • Turner Syndrome (X–), Klinefelter (XXY).
    • Caused by inherited or *de novo* mutations.
  • Prenatal Stages:
    • Zygote: Conception to implantation.
    • Embryo: Weeks 3–8 (organ development).
    • Fetus: Weeks 9–birth (maturation).
  • Teratogens:
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Structuring Written Communication: Formal and Informal Genres

1. Formal Letter / Carta Formal Structure

Structure:

  • [Your Address]
  • [Date]
  • [Recipient’s Name / Position]
  • [Recipient’s Organisation]

Dear Sir/Madam / Dear Mr/Ms + Surname,

Paragraph 1 – Purpose

  • Explain why you are writing.
  • Refer to the input text (poster, email, notice, etc.).

Paragraph 2 – Details / Request / Explanation

  • Provide specific information, complaints, or suggestions.
  • Maintain a formal and objective tone.

Paragraph 3 – Additional Info / Next Steps

  • Explain what you expect or what you propose.
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20 Essential English Language Teaching Methods and Techniques

20 Key Methods in English Language Teaching (ELT)

1. Direct Method

  • Definition: Students learn English primarily through listening and speaking. The teacher strictly avoids using the students’ native language.
  • Example: The teacher shows an object (e.g., an apple) and says, “This is an apple.”
  • Pros: Promotes rapid development of fluency and comprehension.
  • Cons: Can be difficult for absolute beginners due to the complete absence of translation.

2. Grammar-Translation Method

  • Definition: Focuses on learning
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Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum Design

Philosophical Foundations of Curriculum Design

The educational objectives that learners are to achieve depend on the philosophy of education adhered to by teachers. The learner’s own philosophy also contributes to the curriculum. Pressures from the community further modify philosophical thinking pertaining to teaching–learning situations. Different schools of philosophy—such as idealism, realism, existentialism, and experimentalism—all have unique objectives that learners should acquire.

Philosophy

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Mastering Essay and Letter Formats: Structure and Tips

Opinion Essay Structure

In an opinion essay, you present your views on a subject, writing exclusively from one point of view.

Paragraph Structure

  1. Introduction: Explain the background of the situation and clearly state your opinion (thesis).
  2. Main Idea: Present your primary supporting argument.
  3. Supporting Idea: Present a secondary idea that supports your opinion.
  4. Conclusion: Restate your opinion and summarize your main points. Do not introduce new information.

Key Writing Tips

  • Give specific reasons to support
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Bilingualism’s Impact on Cognition and Learning

Bilingualism and Cognitive Development

The evidence is not conclusive as to whether a linguistic advantage transfers to more general cognitive skills. McLaughlin’s review of the literature, for example, concludes:

It seems clear that the child who has mastered two languages has a linguistic advantage over the monolingual child. Bilingual children become aware that there are two ways of saying the same thing. But does this sensitivity to the lexical and formal aspects of language generalize to cognitive

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