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

1. Passive Voice: Sentence Transformation

• 1. Julie taught me the grammar.
• 2. Sophia has told them the truth.
• 3. The baby loves being held.
• 4. People used to eat more meat in the past.
• 5. The company should have managed the situation differently.
• 6. They pick up the garbage early in the morning.
• 7. Someone was digging a hole in the garden.
• 8. People estimate the city had more than one thousand inhabitants in the 19th century.
• 9. I had my nails done.
• 10. People think pollution is not a minor problem.

2. Conditionals: Completion and Construction

• 1. If he didn't have to work late, he could go out with his girlfriend.
• 2. If we go out with friends, we normally go to a restaurant.
• 3. If you hadn't had experience working abroad, they wouldn't have hired you.
• 4. If

Invitation to Visit My New City

Hi Noel,

I hope you are doing well. Sorry for not writing earlier, but I have been very busy lately.

I just wanted to share some news with you. I have been living in my new city for a while now, and I really like it. It is lively and friendly, with many interesting places to see.

I would love to invite you to visit me for a weekend. We could:

• Explore the old town
• Try some local food
• Visit the museum
• Relax in beautiful parks
• Dine at great restaurants

I am sure we would have a great time together and it would be nice to catch up. I think the best way for you to come is by train because it is comfortable, quite fast, and not too expensive. Let me know what you think.

It would be great to see you soon.

Best regards,
Álvaro R.... Continue reading "Personal Invitations and Event Planning Tips" »

Summary of Gathering Blue: Chapters 1-8

The story begins with Kira, a girl born with a damaged leg who walks with difficulty. In her community, the weak or disabled are typically abandoned to die in the Field. Following her mother's death, Kira is left alone. According to village rules, she should not survive because she is not considered "strong." Several women in the village, particularly Vandara, demand she be sent to the Field.

The Trial

Kira is brought before the Council of Guardians to determine her fate. During the trial:

• Vandara accuses her of being useless.
• Kira defends her right to live.
• It is revealed that Kira possesses an extraordinary talent for embroidery.

Instead of expelling her, the Council decides that Kira may stay—not out of... Continue reading "Gathering Blue: Summary and Analysis of Chapters 1-8" »

Analyzing Algorithm Efficiency

Exponential Recursive Calls

return f(n-1) + f(n-1)

❌ Very bad algorithm
Why: It results in an exponential number of calls and massive recomputation.
Better: Use iterative multiplication or fast exponentiation.

Recursive vs. Iterative Practice

S(n) = S(n-1) + n*n*n

⚠️ Same asymptotic cost as iterative, but worse in practice
Why: Recursion adds significant stack overhead.
Better: Use a loop or a closed-form formula.

Efficient Linear Algorithms

return Q(n-1) + 2*n - 1

✅ Efficient linear algorithm

Multiplications: Θ(n), Additions: Θ(n).
Why: There is no redundant computation.

Optimal Element Inspection

temp = recursive call
if temp <= A[n-1]

✅ Optimal
Why: You must look at every element; therefore, Θ(n) is unavoidable.... Continue reading "Algorithm Efficiency and Summation Reference" »

1. Complete these sentences

• If you get paid badly, you earn too little money.
• A dead-end job offers no opportunities for promotion.
• A stressed worker will probably have mental health problems.
• If you’re out of work, you have lost your job.
• When you plan your work, you accomplish your tasks.
• When a person gets fired, his or her job has come to an end.

2. Correct form of the words in brackets

• I’m sorry, but I don’t feel you’ve got the proper qualifications for this position.
• I need someone reliable. I couldn’t depend on the last few workers.
• They announced her resignation. We’re all going to miss her.
• It’s just seasonal work during the summer months.
• He hopes to work his way up to a managerial position.

3. Complete with the most suitable word

• I’m

1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in the Suburbs

Living in the suburbs is common for many families. The suburbs are usually outside the city center. People choose this lifestyle for different reasons. There are advantages and disadvantages to living in the suburbs.

On the one hand — suburbs are quiet and calm. There is less noise and less pollution. Houses are bigger, and there are more green spaces. It is a good place for families and children.

• Quieter environment: less noise and less pollution.
• Larger homes: houses are typically bigger with more outdoor space.
• More green space: parks and gardens are common.
• Family-friendly: suitable for children and family life.

On the other hand — suburbs are far from the city. People often need a car... Continue reading "Suburbs, Graffiti, and Gentrification: Pros and Cons" »

Alright, let’s make Cell Structure & Cell Theory feel alive—less textbook, more story 👇

What is a Cell? The Mini City of Life

A cell is the tiniest unit of life—like a mini city that keeps everything running.
Your body isn’t one big thing; it’s a community of trillions of cells, each doing its own job but working together so you can breathe, think, move, and feel.

The Three Fundamental Rules of Cell Theory

Cell theory is basically biology’s ground rules. Three simple but powerful ideas:

1. All Living Things Are Composed of Cells

From a tiny bacterium to a giant banyan tree to you—everything alive is built from cells.
Some organisms have one cell, others have millions or trillions, but no cell = no life.

2. The Cell Is the Basic

Philanthropy and Social Responsibility Analysis

True or False: Historical Philanthropy

• a. Rockefeller and Carnegie were both philanthropists. → TRUE: “John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie made their money in the oil and steel industries respectively, but both of them wanted to make sure their money would make an impact on society and set up their own philanthropic foundations.”
• b. The Cadbury Trust supports the same causes as its founders did. → FALSE: “But clearly not everything is the same as it was 100 years ago.”
• c. Governments now support health and education less than they did 100 years ago. → FALSE: “The biggest change affecting the foundations has probably been the growth of government, with state funding now covering

Research Methods Cheat Sheet

1. Quantitative Research

Purpose: To measure variables, test hypotheses, and generalize findings using numerical data.

Key Features

• Uses large, statistically significant samples
• Employs structured tools like surveys, experiments, or questionnaires
• Focuses on “how many,” “how often,” or correlations between variables
• Analysis is statistical

Strengths

• Standardized and replicable
• Can generalize findings
• Allows identification of patterns and trends

Limitations and Potential Biases

• May miss context or personal experiences
• Small sample sizes or poor sampling methods can introduce bias
• Cannot always answer “why” or “how” questions

2. Qualitative Research

Purpose: To examine experiences, perceptions, and meanings.

Key Features

• Uses