Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Baccalaureate

English Vocabulary Acquisition

How Children Learn Word Meaning

Children are always acquiring and building up their L1. They must find out which things can be packaged together under a label.

Knowing a Word: Types of Knowledge

Knowing a word involves different types of knowledge. The importance is how it is pronounced.

Factors Affecting Vocabulary Learning

• Demonstrability: Can the meaning be easily shown? (e.g., car = transport)
• Similarity: Is it similar to known words? (e.g., equal)
• Brevity: Is it a short or long word?
• Regularity of Form / Learning Load: Does it follow typical patterns? (e.g., bedroom)
• Opportunism: Is the word relevant to the child's immediate situation?
• Centres of Interest: Are words likely to be of relevance to the child's interests?

Verbs Followed by Gerunds

• ADMIT
• ADVISE
• AVOID
• BEGIN
• CAN'T HELP
• CAN'T STAND
• CAN'T IMAGINE
• COMPLETE
• CONSIDER
• CONTINUE
• DELAY
• DETEST
• DISCUSS
• DISLIKE
• DON'T MIND
• ENJOY
• FINISH
• FORGET
• GIVE UP
• GO ON
• HATE
• IMAGINE
• INVOLVE
• KEEP
• LIKE
• LOVE
• MENTION
• MIND
• MISS
• POSTPONE
• PRACTICE
• PREFER
• RECALL
• RECOMMEND
• REGRET
• REMEMBER
• REPORT
• RESIST
• RISK
• START
• STOP
• SUGGEST
• TRY
• UNDERSTAND

Verbs Followed by Infinitives

• AFFORD
• AGREE
• APPEAR
• ARRANGE
• ASK
• ATTEMPT
• BEG
• BEGIN
• CHOOSE
• CONSENT
• CONTINUE
• DARE
• DECIDE
• DEMAND
• EXPECT
• FORGET
• GET READY
• GO ON
• HATE
• HOPE
• INTEND
• LEARN
• LIKE
• LOVE
• MANAGE
• NEED
• NECESSITATE
• OFFER
• PREPARE
• PRETEND
• PROMISE
• REFUSE
• REMEMBER
• SEEM
• START
• STOP
• THREATEN
• TRY
• WAIT
• WANT
• WISH

Verbs Accepting Both Gerunds and Infinitives

• LIKE
• LOVE
• START
• HATE
• BEGIN
• CONTINUE

Verbs que Canvien de Significat: Gerund vs. Infinitiu

• FORGET
  • -ING: Oblidar una acció passada (no recordar haver-

The Reign of Isabel II (1833-1868)

The reign of Isabel II can be divided into two main phases: her minority, with two regencies (her mother, Maria Cristina of Naples, who was soon confronted by the Carlist Wars, and General Espartero), and her majority, which went through three stages: the Moderate Decade, the Progressive Biennium, and the Liberal Union.

Regency of Maria Cristina (1833-1840)

Maria Cristina faced two major problems: war and the institutional organization of the liberal regime.

a) The Carlist Wars

The country was divided between Carlists and Isabellinos (Elizabethans). Traditionalists were loyal to Don Carlos, while those who supported Isabel had to align themselves with the liberals. The Carlist monarchists were traditionalists,... Continue reading "Isabel II's Reign in Spain: A Historical Analysis" »

All happen when The doctor goes to the beach to visit some relatives when he was young. Then was when he met Rafael. Rafael was a mad man who lived in a house-boat near the beach.
When The doctor grows, he decide to go back, and is then when he know rafaels story.
Rafael was in love with Anita, but then a soldier from another country, who had borned on a rich family, starts to be interesting for her, and she ends leaving Rafael alone. Rafael, who was now really sad, tries to get back anitas love killing the soldier, but a fail on his plains makes Anita and the soldier die together. Rafael ends mad, without his lovely girl and without nothing else to do on the world.

* Rafael is a dirty sad man, who lives under a boat in the beach. He is very

Essential English Connectors and Their Meanings

Here's a list of common English connectors with their Spanish translations:

• First of all - En primer lugar
• In my opinion - En mi opinión
• Personally - Personalmente
• As far as I am concerned - Por lo que a mí respecta
• From my point of view - Bajo mi punto de vista
• To begin with - Para empezar
• Firstly - Primeramente
• Secondly - En segundo lugar
• That's why - Esto es por lo que
• Therefore - Por lo tanto
• As a result of - Como resultado
• Consequently - En consecuencia
• As - Como
• So - Así que
• Whereas - Mientras que
• So...that... - Tan...que...
• Such a...that... - Tan...que...
• On the one hand - Por una parte
• However/Nevertheless - Sin embargo
• Anyhow - De todas formas
• Anyway - De cualquier manera
• In spite of/Despite - A pesar de
• On

Relative Clauses

Defining vs. Non-Defining

• **Defining relative clauses** (no commas): Provide essential information to identify the noun.
• **Non-defining relative clauses** (commas): Add extra, non-essential information.

Types of Relative Clauses

• People: *who* and *that*
• Things: *which* and *that*
• Places: *where*
• Times: *when*
• Possession: *whose*

Formal vs. Informal Structure

• **Formal:** The preposition precedes the relative pronoun, and *whom* is used instead of *who*.
• **Informal:** The preposition follows the verb.

Connectors

• **Addition:** *also*, *in addition*, *as well as*, *besides*
• **Contrast:** *but*, *however*, *although*, *while*, *even though*
• **Others:** *in conclusion*, *it is important to*, *in my opinion*

Verb Tenses and Forms

• **Stative verbs**

Meeting an Old Friend

Meeting an old friend:

• Her parents sold the house and moved to Florida.
• Collaborated with an organization that built new schools.
• They are good friends and they call each other occasionally.
• Not seriously, he's not ready for a commitment.
• When there aren't many people in the club.
• In spite of her parents' opposition.
• She'll spend most of the time in the city after a short visit to Florida.
• To help the children who suffered the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

Gourmet Garbage

Gourmet Garbage:

• Even though they are in brand new condition.
• He eats the food that he has in his refrigerator.
• A market where people donate things they no longer want.
• It is a way to fight the system.
• By using bicycles.
• Doesn't eat meat, eggs, or milk products.
• Are not

American Symbols: Contrasting Views

The Statue of Liberty: A Unifying Symbol?

Most American citizens seem to share a common opinion of the Statue of Liberty. They think that it is a symbol of hope, faith, democracy, freedom, and equality, although the reality is sometimes different.

The American Flag: A Divisive Symbol?

On the other hand, Americans hold two distinct points of view regarding the American flag. Some believe that the stars and stripes represent unity and equality; these individuals may feel content with their lives in America. Others feel that the American flag does not live up to their expectations and are ashamed of it. These people might feel compelled to disrespect the flag, wanting to burn it or drag it through the mud. As a... Continue reading "American Symbols, the Dream, and Narrative Perspectives" »

Common Vocabulary Terms

Full Stop

Definition: A mark (.) indicating the end of a sentence or declarative statement.

Example: Remember to use a full stop at the end of every sentence.

Handbag

Definition: A small bag, often carried by women, for money, keys, and personal items.

Example: My mother always carried a handbag containing her essentials.

Means

Definition: A method, course of action, or instrument by which something can be accomplished.

Example: He used effective means to achieve his goal.

Mobile Phone

Definition: A portable telephone that can make and receive calls over a cellular network.

Example: Yesterday, I bought a very modern mobile phone.

Motorway

Definition: A wide road, built for fast-moving traffic over long distances.

Example: I saw a black... Continue reading "Everyday English Words: Meanings and Usage Examples" »