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

Relative Pronouns in Grammar

Functions of Relative Pronouns

• They create a **link** between the antecedent and the inserted clause.
• They replace a Noun Phrase (NP) in the inserted clause, performing a syntactic function within that clause.
• This feature differentiates them from the conjunction *que* (that).
• They possess both a **syntactic function** and **semantic content**, unlike the conjunction *que*, which only serves as a link.

Forms of Relative Pronouns

The primary forms of relative pronouns are: *que* (that), *què* (what), *qui* (who), *on* (where), and *article + qual(s)* (which).

Specific Uses of 'Que' (That)

*Que* functions as Subject (Subj), Direct Object (DO), or Complement of a Preposition (CP). It is used when the antecedent is clearly...

Classification of Subordinate Clauses

Subordinate clauses are classified according to their role in the complex sentence. We recognize three main classes:

Main Classes of Subordinate Clauses

• Substantive (Noun) Subordinate Clauses: These clauses perform the function of a noun or a noun phrase.
• Adjective Subordinate Clauses: These clauses perform the function of an adjective, modifying a noun to which they are linked.
• Adverbial Subordinate Clauses: These clauses perform the functions of an adverb, typically modifying the verb.

Substantive Clauses: Functions and Linking Elements

Substantive clauses play the potential role of a noun or noun phrase within the sentence, functioning as:

• Subject
• Predicative
• Apposition
• Direct Object

The most common conjunction...

Analysis of a Journalistic Opinion Piece

Comment: This article is an opinion piece regarding the aggression suffered by a woman at the hands of her ex-husband and the subsequent controversial Supreme Court decision.

Argumentative Structure and Discourse

The dominant form of discourse is the author's subjective opinion. The text utilizes an inductive structure, beginning with a specific current event—an episode of sexist violence—which develops throughout the text to reach a final thesis: Something is wrong with the Spanish justice system.

Cohesion and Linguistic Functions

Consistency is maintained through the repetition of key phrases (e.g., "bad intention," "women") and the use of copulative ("and," "or") and adversative ("but," "nonetheless"...

A Simple Heart: Flaubert's Realism

Gustave Flaubert's A Simple Heart employs meticulous vocabulary, aiming for an accurate reflection of reality, often resulting in a style that appears almost unpoetic. The protagonist, Félicité, is anti-dramatic: barren, empty, almost animalistic, yet capable of caring for children and working. The story's purpose is to portray an anonymous life, simply and without ambition or self-deception.

Key themes explored include:

• Affection (Félicité, her boyfriend, children, the parrot)
• Ingenuity and simplicity
• The role of animals
• Religion and faith
• Symbolism of names
• The death of characters
• The almost pathetic irony in her relationship with the parrot, Loulou.

The parrot, Loulou, becomes a central motif, providing exoticism...

XIX (Eladi Farriols' Body)

L'Armanda puts roses in his belly. Eladi's body, which is dead, was in the library. Nobody knew exactly what time Eladi died. Jesus spoke of Masdeu, and l'Armanda's son, who loved Eladi more. In l'Armanda, he had gotten to know about that shaver, Eladi's death. L'Armanda was preparing something to eat, and Masdeu remained alone with the dead, but after a while, Sofia went there. Upon entering, l'Armanda was carrying a tray of food, and Sofia noticed that l'Armanda had put flowers because they were made of paper.

XX (Sofia)

At the funeral, Sofia showed l'Armanda a bottle of Eladi's medicine. Sofia played at getting a manicure, and Silvia entered and told Sofia that Marcellus watched and laughed. When Sofia was alone,...

Stylistics of Verb Forms

Indicative Mood

Present (Singing): Expresses what is happening at the present time. Example: The host greets the guests. It also has other uses:

• Present habitual: Actions performed by custom. Example: In my house, we eat too late.
• Present gnomic or universal: Used in proverbs and definitions. Example: Time flies, it's a wonder.
• Present historical: Use of the present to describe the past. Example: The French Revolution begins in 1789.
• Present future: Example: The test is on Tuesday of next week.
• Present in office: Replaces the imperative. Example: You stay home now.

Preterite (Sang): Expresses a past action that is unfinished. Example: In 1995, we lived in Madrid. Other uses include:

• Imperfect of courtesy: Example: I wanted a

The Secret Jewel and Teresa's Hidden Son

CHAPTER 1: Mr. Nicholas needed help to get on and off the carriage. Mrs. Teresa and Vicentet (the coachman) helped him. Mr. Nicholas wanted to give a gift to his wife, Teresa, so they visited the jeweler, Don Joaquim. Mr. Nicholas sought a gem of great value, and Don Joaquim showed him the finest piece in the house. Teresa was very happy, as this gem would later become her salvation.

A few days later, she went to the jewelry store alone and asked if Don Joaquim would buy back the gem, as she needed the money for a private matter her husband could not know about. Don Joaquim gave her the money, though it was not the same amount her husband had paid. Teresa asked him to make a drawing of the jewel so she...

Press and Information

Linguistic and Non-Linguistic Elements

In linguistic analysis, we focus on the literal meaning of words, cult-friendly syntax, and the dominance of the indicative present tense in verbs, nouns, and adjectives. In non-linguistic elements, we consider:

• Images, photos, and caricatures
• Graphics, pictures, diagrams, and organizational charts
• Variation of typographical elements (font sizes)
• Page layout (even or odd pages) and the importance of the front page

Journalistic Genres

Journalistic texts are divided into informative (news, reports) and opinion (editorial, article, column) genres.

News

News informs the audience about new events. A fact becomes news based on several factors: timeliness, proximity, surprise, the protagonists involved,...

Spanish Verbal Periphrasis

Verbal periphrases (perífrasis verbales) are syntactic combinations of two or more verbs that function as a single grammatical unit. They allow speakers to express nuances of aspect, mood, and attitude that standard conjugations cannot convey alone.

Modal Periphrasis

Modal periphrases express the speaker's attitude toward the action, focusing on obligation, probability, or possibility.

Aspectual

Functions of the Pronoun "Se"

• Impersonal: Used when the subject lacks lexical content. Example: Life is good here.
• Passive Reflexive: Used when the subject of the sentence is the patient. Example: Floor sold.
• Reflexive Pronoun: When the pronoun (Direct Object or Indirect Object) replaces a noun that is the same as the subject. Example: John washes himself.
• Reciprocal: When the verbal action is performed mutually. Example: Children insult each other.
• Ethic Dative: This can be deleted from the sentence and it will still make sense; it functions as an Indirect Object.

Syntactic Units and Roles

Sintagma: A group of words or a single word that performs a specific syntactic function.

Core Sentence Components

• Subject: A Noun Phrase (SN) that agrees in number