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

Hearing Dogs: Benefits and Exercises

1. Hearing dogs help to improve speaking skills, as children are more likely to wear a hearing aid when they have one.

2. Because Kurt, his dog, sleeps in his bedroom, he feels accompanied and doesn't feel so isolated when he cannot hear.

3. He cannot communicate properly because he has a speech disability.

4. TRUE: (Line 4) "These specially... academic performance."

5. TRUE: (Lines 14-15) "Families usually... part of the family."

Vocabulary and Grammar Practice

• 6. Strength
• 7. Hearing
• 8. Connection
• 9. Answer

10. Hearing dogs, which help children to improve behavior, are trained to alert them. / Hearing dogs are trained to alert children whose behavior is helped to improve.

11. They didn't pay the plumber when he finished.... Continue reading "English Exam Practice: Hearing Dogs and Ig Nobel Awards" »

Princess Flavia: Character Analysis from The Prisoner of Zenda

Introduction to Princess Flavia

Princess Flavia, a creation of Anthony Hope in his classic novel The Prisoner of Zenda, stands out as the most beautiful, sweet, charming, attractive, and lovable character. Her grace is so profound that when she speaks, it seems as if roses are blooming around her.

Appearance and Virtues

Princess Flavia is a young, bewitching, and decent lady, possessing a multitude of virtues. Her admirable attributes and sound character earn her immense love and admiration from the people of Ruritania. They hold her in great respect and honor, expressing much pleasure at the public announcement of her engagement to King Rudolf Elphberg. She is, at her core, a noble... Continue reading "Princess Flavia: Virtues and Impact in The Prisoner of Zenda" »

Mastering English Passive Voice

The passive voice emphasizes the action or the recipient of the action rather than the performer. Its general structure is: Object + Passive Verb + (by + Agent).

Passive Verb Tenses

• Present Simple: AM (not) / ARE (not) / IS (not) + past participle
• Past Simple: WAS (not) / WERE (not) + past participle
• Future 'Will': WILL (not) BE + past participle
• Future 'Going To': AM (not) GOING TO BE / ARE (not) GOING TO BE / IS (not) GOING TO BE + past participle
• Present Continuous: AM (not) BEING / ARE (not) BEING / IS (not) BEING + past participle
• Past Continuous: WAS (not) BEING / WERE (not) BEING + past participle
• Present Perfect: HAVE (not) BEEN / HAS (not) BEEN + past participle
• Past Perfect: HAD (not) BEEN + past participle
• Modal

British Culture and the Globe Theatre

1. Antonio meets his British friends at Salamanca University.

2. What did Antonio and Pablo have for afternoon tea?
They had scones with jam and cream.

3. What happened to the original Globe Theatre?
The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 but, unfortunately, burned down in the middle of the 17th century and was destroyed again 30 years later. The new Globe Theatre was finished in 1997.

4. What differences are there between the 1600s and today?
One difference is that today women play the female roles, whereas in the 1600s, women weren't allowed to be actresses. Another difference is that the "groundlings" ate, drank, and talked during the performance, including throwing food at actors if they acted badly.... Continue reading "Antonio's Cultural Journey Through British History" »

Gran Canaria: The Ultimate Adrenaline Destination

Destination: Fun. Next Stop? Gran Canaria!

Are you a rookie? Are you a pro? Are you just an adrenaline junkie looking for your next adventure? If you have answered "Yes" to any of these questions, we have the best option for you!

Gran Canaria Island, one of the seven Canary Islands, also known as the "miniature continent," allows for land, water, and air sports. Its kind weather makes it the ideal place all year round.

Starting on March 5th, and until March 25th, 2018, mix and match different activities to create your best plan!

So do not hesitate and let us create one of the greatest memories you will ever have! Water, air, or land—you ask for it, we have it! We are waiting for you!

1. Tandem Skydiving

Catching Up Over Lunch

Miriam: Hi Claudia, how are you? I haven't seen you in a long time.

Claudia: I know! I’m fine, and you?

Miriam: I am fine, but I have a lot of work and I'm taking care of the children—it's non-stop!

Claudia: Oh yes, I can imagine. How’s little Nerea?

Miriam: She is so big now. Look how time flies. (She shows her a photo.)

Claudia: She is beautiful.

Arrival and Ordering Drinks

David: Welcome to New York Burger. My name is David, and I'll be your waiter. How many people are there?

Claudia: Table for two, please.

David: All right, come with me this way. (They sit at a table.)

Miriam: Thank you very much.

David: (He leaves the menu card on the table.) Do you want something to drink while you decide what you want to eat?

Claudia:

The Playa Club

The “Playa Club” is a restaurant located in a small city between two beaches and near a promenade. It is the favorite place of people who surf and like Rock music. It is also near the City Centre.

As you enter the place, the first thing you see is the sea. The decoration is modern, mixed with musical instruments. Sitting at any table, you have a wonderful view of the kitchen, where you can see the chefs at work. For those who do not reserve a table and are waiting, there is a cozy lounge with armchairs and pictures of people surfing. The restaurant has a quiet and pleasant atmosphere.

The menu offers a variety of delicious entrées. I had octopus with potatoes, while my friend had the grilled calamari. They were exquisite. The... Continue reading "The Playa Club: A Culinary Haven by the Sea" »

Chapter 10: The Substance of the Shadow

Mr. Lorry and Jerry Cruncher

Mr. Jarvis Lorry is appalled to discover Jerry Cruncher's illegal side hustle as a body snatcher. He threatens to report Jerry upon their return to England. Jerry defends himself, citing their long working relationship and the hypocrisy of potentially accusing him while medical doctors who bank at Tellson's might be doing similar things. Jerry proposes that his son take over his position at Tellson's, allowing him to become a gravedigger and make amends. Lorry softens slightly, demanding to see Jerry's repentance "in action—not in words."

Sydney Carton's Farewell

Sydney Carton emerges after speaking with Barsad and bids the spy farewell. He informs Lorry that he has secured... Continue reading "A Tale of Two Cities: Book 3, Chapter 10 Summary" »

Listen Activity: School Talent Shows

Talent shows are very popular at schools because they integrate the school community and give students the opportunity to show off their abilities. Many of the shows include singing, acting, magic tricks, playing an instrument, or dancing.

Vocabulary: Adjectives

• Thin: Flaco
• Young: Joven
• Short: Pequeño
• Fast: Rápido
• Tall: Alto
• Slow: Lento
• Old: Viejo
• Fat: Gordo

Grammatical Structures: Verb To Be

Simple Present Tense

• Affirmative: I am a student.
• Negative: I am not a student.
• Yes/No Question: Am I a student? Yes, I am.
• Third Person: He is an early bird. He is not an early bird. Is he an early bird? Yes, he is.
• Age: She is 13 years old. She is not 13 years old. How old is she? She is 13.
• Origin: It is from Europe. It is not from

Book Review: La Tregua by Mario Benedetti

I have just read a book called La Tregua. It is a novel by Mario Benedetti. The protagonist, Martín Santomé, is fifty-three years old and feels bored because he has never had a hobby. He is always working and does not have a good relationship with his three sons. He is a widower, as his wife passed away. Now, he has a new partner at work and has fallen in love with her. The story is tragic because Avellaneda dies from a heart attack. Martín has had a failed life with women, and in the end, he becomes a pensioner.

Are Private Lessons Useful?

At present, many students attend private lessons to receive help with their questions, but are they really useful?

The Benefits of Tutoring

On the one hand, I am in... Continue reading "Literary Reviews, Private Tutoring Benefits, and New York Travel" »