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

Meeting an Old Friend

Meeting an old friend:

• Her parents sold the house and moved to Florida.
• Collaborated with an organization that built new schools.
• They are good friends and they call each other occasionally.
• Not seriously, he's not ready for a commitment.
• When there aren't many people in the club.
• In spite of her parents' opposition.
• She'll spend most of the time in the city after a short visit to Florida.
• To help the children who suffered the impact of Hurricane Katrina.

Gourmet Garbage

Gourmet Garbage:

• Even though they are in brand new condition.
• He eats the food that he has in his refrigerator.
• A market where people donate things they no longer want.
• It is a way to fight the system.
• By using bicycles.
• Doesn't eat meat, eggs, or milk products.
• Are not

Sentence Transformation Practice (81-106)

81. Original: I advise you not to do that.

    Transformation: If I were you, I wouldn't do it.

82. Original: "Let's go out and buy something," he said.

    Transformation: He suggested going out and buying something.

83. Original: If you happen to see Mary, tell her I'll ring her later.

    Transformation: Should you see Mary, tell her I'll ring her later.

84. Original: Someone left the phone off the hook all night.

    Transformation: The phone was left off the hook all night.

85. Original: Nobody ever heard anything of David again.

    Transformation: Nothing was heard about David again.

86. Original: You usually eat this kind of fish with a white sauce.

    Transformation: This kind of fish is usually eaten with a white sauce.

87. Original: A painter is painting

allowance-money given to someone regularly-pensión,subsidio
beech-a kind of tree- haya
blacksmith-a person who makes things from metal -herrero
bear (v) to allow something to continue when it causes pain aguantar
box (n) a "room" in a stables for one horse compartimento de un establo
breed (v) to produce young (horses or children) criar
canter (of a horse) to run, but not fast ir a medio galope
casually carelessly, not seriously despreocupadamente
champagne white sparkling wine champán
charm (n) the ability to please people and make them like you encanto
crush (v) to push something hard until it breaks aplastar
deny to say that something is not true negar
drunk (adj) feeling the effects of too much alcoholic drink borracho
estate (n) a large area of land... Continue reading "Vocabulary brat farrar" »

The Initial Encounter

She was more like a beauty queen from a movie scene.
I said, "Don't mind, but what do you mean I am the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round?"
She said, "I am the one who will dance on the floor in the round."

She told me her name was Billie Jean, as she caused a scene.
Then every head turned with eyes that dreamed of being the one
Who will dance on the floor in the round.

The Parental Warnings

People always told me, "Be careful of what you do,
And don't go around breaking young girls' hearts."
And Mother always told me, "Be careful of who you love,
And be careful of what you do 'cause the lie becomes the truth."

The Denial

Billie Jean is not my lover.
She's just a girl who claims that I am the one,
But the kid is not... Continue reading "Billie Jean: The Paternity Claim and Its Aftermath" »

Complete the Second Sentence

1. We haven't eaten anything for hours. We're getting very hungry.
2. My neighbor asked me out, and we went on a date last night.
3. The children need something to drink. They're all getting thirsty.
4. My dad doesn't live with us. He and my mom split up when I was ten.
5. Mary and Steve aren't married anymore. They got divorced last year.
6. Stephanie has been sick for weeks. Her husband is starting to get very worried about her.

Match the Sentences

1. On August 4th, I became Sophia's husband. - b
2. I was in a romantic relationship with her. - d
3. We officially ended our marriage. - e
4. I invited him to come to the concert with me. - f
5. I had dinner with a man I'd never met. - a
6. I went on a blind date. - a
7. I got married. - b
8. I got engaged.
9. I was going out

The Canterville Ghost

Why did Hiram B. Otis receive negative reactions after he decided to buy Canterville Chase?

Because the house was haunted.

Where was Canterville Chase and how did people get there?

In England, he arrived at the nearest train station and then they take a carriage.

What event happened on the spot where Mrs Otis noticed the bloodstain?

It was Lady Eleanore’s blood and she was murdered by her husband Simon in 1575.

Why do you think the Otis family promised Mrs Umney a higher salary?

Because she was scared.

Why did Mr Otis close and lock the library before going to bed?

Because the blood stain was coming back and he wanted to see if it was the ghost.

What was the noise which awakened Mr Otis?

It was the sound of the ghost’s chains.... Continue reading "The Canterville Ghost: Summary, Analysis, and Questions" »

Retail Therapy: Finding Your Perfect Sweater

A Successful Shopping Experience

Sales Assistant (SA): Good morning, sir/madam. Can I help you?

Customer (CU): Good morning. I'm looking for a sweater. Have you got anything trendy?

SA: Of course we do. Come this way, please. What colour would you like?

CU: I really love colourful sweaters. Have you got any?

SA: Sure. What size are you? Large, medium, or small?

CU: Medium, I suppose. I usually forget it.

SA: Don't worry. Let me have a look. Okay. Here you are. Would you like to try it on? The changing rooms with a mirror are over there.

CU: Okay. I'll come back in a minute.

CU: I'm afraid it's too small. Have you got a bigger one, please?

SA: Certainly, madam. Here you are.

SA: That sweater really suits you.... Continue reading "Local Adventures: Shopping, Dining, and Navigating City Streets" »

Informal Email: Organizing Your Time

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]
Subject: A Lot of Exams!

Hi Ana,

What's up? At this time of the year, there are a lot of exams, and all the students are stressed. But this year, I don't have to study because I've finished my degree, so I can help you.

Some bits of advice include the need to organize your time by making a timetable with your exams and your free time to study. Moreover, although you've got a lot of exams, you should relax by doing other activities. In this way, you'll concentrate more and retain more information.

I also recommend studying at night because there is less noise, and usually, people don't bother you as much.

I hope this advice will help you and that you'll pass all your... Continue reading "Student Life: Exams, School Changes, and Unexpected Events" »

Come together: they meet or join in order to do something.