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

Tobias Wolff's This Boy's Life: A Memoir

This Boy's Life is a memoir by Tobias Wolff detailing his childhood and teenage years during the 1950s. The book opens with a harrowing image: Tobias and his mother are driving down a mountain in Utah when their brakes fail, and they witness a truck plummet off a cliff. They survive, and instead of pausing to process the trauma, they continue driving. This moment sets the tone for the entire narrative: significant, traumatic events occur, and the characters simply absorb them and move on, as their circumstances leave little room for anything else.

The Search for Stability

After his parents' divorce, young Tobias—who renames himself "Jack"—moves across the country with his mother, Rosemary, as she searches... Continue reading "This Boy's Life: Tobias Wolff's Journey of Identity" »

English Grammar: Conditionals

1. First Conditional

Structure: If + present simple → will + base verb

Usage: Real or possible future results.

Example:

• If you break the law, you will pay a fine.

2. Second Conditional

Structure: If + past simple → would + base verb

Usage: Unreal or imaginary situations.

Example:

• If I were rich, I would hire a lawyer.

Key Grammar Notes

• Use will only in the main clause, not after if.
  ❌ If you will steal…
  ✅ If you steal…
• The order can be swapped:
  
  • If you study, you will pass.
  • You will pass if you study.

Modal Verbs: Rules and Obligation

Examples:

• You mustn’t steal.
• You don’t have

Professional Job Application Letter Template

Formal Letter Header

• To: [Recipient Name/Hiring Manager/Company Address]
• From: [Your Name and Contact Information]
• Subject: Application for the Role of [Name of Job]

Dear Sir or Madam,

Paragraph 1: Introduction and Source

I am writing in response to your advertisement in [Name of Publication/Website]. I am highly interested in applying for the role of [Name of Job].

Paragraph 2: Experience and Achievements (Body)

As you will see from my attached CV, I have spent the last [Number] years at [Workplace Name]. During this period, I was promoted from [Initial Role] to the position of [Current/Great Job]. I was responsible for:

• [Verb in Gerund] and [Specific Task 1],
• as well as [Specific Task 2] and [Specific Task

Titanic: My Favorite Movie

I really enjoyed the movie Titanic because it is a beautiful love story mixed with a real historical tragedy.

The film shows the romance between Jack and Rose, two people from different social classes who fall in love on the famous ship. The scenes are emotional, especially when the ship begins to sink. I loved the music, the costumes, and the amazing acting. Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet did a fantastic job. The ending was very sad, but it made the movie even more powerful. I also learned a lot about the real Titanic disaster. This movie made me feel many emotions, and that’s why I liked it so much. It is definitely one of my favorite films.

Relative Clauses: Corrected Sentences

1. A friend of mine, who lived in

Healthy Lifestyle and Daily Habits in England

Subject: My lifestyle in England

Hi Antonia,

Thanks for your email! It was really interesting to read about your healthy lifestyle. You are lucky to live near the mountains!

About me, I think my lifestyle is quite healthy too. I usually eat vegetables, fruit, and sometimes pasta. I don’t do rock climbing, but I go to the gym twice a week and I enjoy playing football with my friends at the weekend. It helps me stay fit and relaxed.

In my free time, I also like:

• Listening to music
• Watching films at home

I don’t live near nature, but I try to walk to school instead of taking the bus.

Do you ever do other sports apart from walking and climbing? I’d love to see some of your photos!

Take care,
[Your Name]

Introducing

Anwar's London Adventure: A Letter to Pedro

To: pepogarcí[email protected]
Subject: Excited to Join You in London!

Hi Pedro,

It was great to get your message! I'm very excited about my stay in London. I'm from Trondheim, Norway, where I live with my parents and younger sister. We're all into sports, especially skiing and ice hockey, which I've been playing for years. Luckily, we have lots of snow to enjoy safely!

I want to improve my English while exploring London. Although I read quite well, I'm still slightly shy when speaking. Hopefully, living with your family will help me become more confident. I'm also eager to explore the city's history and culture.

Could you tell me a bit about your hobbies? I'd love to know what you enjoy doing and any tips you... Continue reading "Personal Journeys and Lifestyle Perspectives" »

Writing

1. A Review of a Shop

Last week, I visited a small coffee shop called “Bean Time” in my neighborhood. It was cozy, clean, and had a relaxing atmosphere. The staff were very friendly and the coffee was amazing. I also tried a chocolate muffin, and it was delicious. The prices were good, and there were many options on the menu. It’s a great place to study or chat with friends. I really liked the music they played—soft and calm. I will definitely go again. I highly recommend this shop!
(90 words)

2. A Film Review: Red Notice

I recently watched Red Notice, an action-comedy movie starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot. It’s about an FBI agent who teams up with a thief to catch another criminal. The film is fun and full... Continue reading "Creative Writing Samples: Reviews, Emails, and Blogs" »

English Grammar and Vocabulary Practice

Grammar Section 1: Multiple Choice Answers

• a) Would have been
• b) Had
• d) Would have missed
• b) Hadn't been sleeping
• b) Will get
• a) Was
• a) Didn't have
• b) Didn't spend

Grammar Section 2: Relative Pronouns

Relative pronouns (who, which, where, that, whose): who; who

Grammar Section 3: Sentence Rewriting

• Our neighbors accused us of stealing their car, so they investigated us.
• I'm moving house because I can't deal with the noise of late-night parties in the club.
• The detective was respected by his colleagues.
• You are responsible for paying this parking fine.
• I just found out that my uncle has been involved in a fraud ring.

Vocabulary Section 1: Crime and Justice

1) Falsified; kidnapped; witnessing; rescued; stolen; accused; hijack;... Continue reading "English Grammar and Crime Vocabulary Practice" »

THE MUSEUM(the visitors are been shown the winning pictures by the museum. The winning pictures are been shown to the visitors by the museum). WILL YOUR BOSS (have you been promised a better salary?. Has a better salary been promised to you?) YOUR SISTER(jhon hadnt been sent the letter by your sister. The letter wasnt sent to jhon by your sister) THE YOUNG GIRL(the old man was offered a sit by the young girl. A sit was offered to the old man by the young girl)THEY HADNT TOLD(the thruth hadnt been told to me. I hadnt been told the thruth)

volunteers were... (the volunteers were giving out sandwiches to the homeless) Greta is... (Greta has an important role in the climate crisis) I'm sleeping... (I'm staying over at Jane's house) Sophie would.... Continue reading "Law 19983 on" »