Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and exercises for English for Baccalaureate

The Shift Toward Later Marriage: Causes and Consequences

In many countries, people are now marrying at a later age than they did thirty years ago. This article examines the primary reasons for this shift and the potential effects on society.

The Trend of Delayed Marriage

Nowadays, individuals are increasingly inclined to marry at an older age compared to three decades ago. This shift is driven by several factors, which in turn create significant societal influences.

Primary Drivers: Education and Career

The main reason many people are reluctant to marry young is the pursuit of higher education and career advancement. Both men and women are now more likely to seek advanced degrees than in the past. For example, the gender ratio at prominent universities...

Homesickness: Understanding Its Impact

Statement Type: True-True (TT)

Key Concepts: subject, points out, repeatedly, difficulty.

Usage Examples: Consider phrases like 'living/moved with/when' and 'the longer/better'.

Sentence Example: David asked me when I had last visited my hometown.

Evolving Activism: Participation and Purpose

Statement Type: False-False (FF)

Key Concepts: created, aim, address, sacred.

Usage Examples: Consider phrases like 'I wouldn't have joined/was for/to have ever participated/by whom/discussing'.

Embracing Action: Overcoming Fear and Doubt

Statement Type: True-True (TT)

Key Concepts: huge, happen, passed, locked.

Usage Examples: Consider phrases like 'began/between', 'often/a', 'have/focus', and 'are explained'.

Optimizing Working

Our destination is Rio de Janeiro, a vibrant city with countless attractions. Due to a limited time of one week, we've curated a selection of its most iconic places and experiences.

Iconic Landmarks & Cultural Gems

Christ the Redeemer: An Art Deco Icon

First on our list is Christ the Redeemer, an impressive Art Deco statue of Jesus Christ. Created by a French sculptor, it stands as one of Rio's main attractions, offering breathtaking views.

Sugarloaf Mountain: Panoramic Vistas

Next, we will ascend Sugarloaf Mountain, whose name is said to refer to the similar shape of loaf sugar. It is known worldwide for its cableway and panoramic views of the city and beyond. This mountain is one of several monolithic granite peaks that rise straight from...

Essential English Vocabulary and Grammar Practice

Shopping and Financial Terminology

Review common phrases and concepts related to shopping, discounts, and personal finance:

• The dress is a bargain because it was $24 before and now it costs $12.
• The dress is cheaper now because it's in the sales.
• Matt can't afford to buy designer brands because they're too expensive.
• There was a discount of more than 50% on Matt's trainers.
• Olivia doesn't buy designer brands because they're a waste of money.

Affordability and Value Sentences

• I really like this bag, but I can't afford it. Could you lend me $5?
• I'm trying to save up for a laptop. The brand I want is expensive, so I'll need to borrow some money.
• That smartphone isn't worth $300. Don't buy it; it's a waste

Modal Verbs

Choose the most correct alternative

1. Young people in Israel **must** do military service. It’s the law.
2. I think you **ought to** be quiet now - you’ll wake up the neighbors.
3. There **has to be** a sign here telling people not to park.
4. I’m sorry, you can’t buy alcohol. You’re too young.
5. I’ve got an idea; we should ask **an** adult to help us.
6. It’s possible that he doesn’t understand the instructions. He **might not** have understood the instructions.
7. She **is able to** do whatever she wants. She can do whatever she wants.
8. You don’t **have to** listen to him. He’s not your boss. You don’t **need to** listen to him. He is not your boss.
9. We **are obliged to** wait here until a police officer arrives. We **must** wait here

Christmas and Sunshine: Literary Analysis

Omniscient Point of View in Victorian Fiction

A story told from the third-person point of view features a narrator who is not a character in the story but an outside observer. Some third-person narrators are omniscient, or all-knowing. An omniscient narrator knows and can reveal the thoughts of multiple characters.

The third-person omniscient point of view was popular with Victorian authors. They used this perspective to:

• Reveal characters’ thoughts
• Express opinions about those characters and their dilemmas

Reading Skill: How to Identify Mood

The mood of a literary work is the feeling or atmosphere a writer creates for the reader. Fiction writers can create mood through imagery, descriptive details, word...

Present simple

+S+Vinf+He dances

• Actions habituls o rutines.
• Fets generals o cientifics.
• Amb horaris I programs (The train leaves at 9 o'clock).

Adv. Frequency: always, once, every, in the parts of day, at time/at night on days, how often?

Present continuous

+S+am/is/are+Ving He dancing

• Dir allo que esta passant en el moment que es parla.
• Expresar accions prolongades que pasen en un present mes ampli.
• Expresar q farem en un futur proper en tota seguritat pq eu em fixat.

At the moment, at present, today, now, right now, this, these. Future: soon, later, tomorrow, this, next.

Past simple

+S+V2/+ed He danced

• Past actions which happened at a specific time.
• Accions consecutives del pasado.
• Descriure com era algo en el pasado.
• Una accio curta va pasar cuan una mes

Zoos: Conservation vs. Animal Welfare

Historically, zoos have evolved significantly. While past practices included exhibiting humans, modern zoos focus solely on wild animals, particularly those endangered. But is this modern approach truly beneficial?

Arguments exist both for and against the concept of zoos:

• Against: Critics argue that keeping animals in captivity, often in limited spaces, is inherently cruel and unnatural.
• For: Proponents highlight that zoos protect many exotic and endangered species from threats like poaching. They also offer the public a chance to see these animals, fostering appreciation and support for conservation efforts. Without zoos, seeing many species alive might be impossible for most people.

In my opinion, contemporary...

Language Practice and Film Review

Practice Sentences

• India is poorer than Germany.
• That he didn’t know it.
• She wasn’t so busy; she could come to the party.
• I may call you on your birthday.
• Where is the nearest cinema, please?
• If he had revised for the test, he wouldn’t have failed it.
• She has her eyes tested by the ophthalmologist every year.
• The Da Vinci Code, which was written by Dan Brown, is a best-seller.
• Who goes swimming twice a week?
• I apologize for not remembering your birthday.
• He told us that we didn’t make so much noise.
• It is thought that Susan lives in London.
• This is the most interesting book I have ever read.
• Unless you hurry up, you won’t get tickets for the concert.
• When do you have to wear a uniform?
• I’m having my room painted