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

Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis features one of the most striking openings in literature. Gregor Samsa wakes to find he has transformed into a giant insect, yet the physical change is not the story's true focus. Kafka uses this transformation to highlight an uncomfortable truth about modern life: Gregor's family and employer valued him solely for his utility. The central theme is that when a person's worth is tied entirely to their productivity, their humanity becomes disposable.

The Dehumanization of Labor

Kafka illustrates that work had dehumanized Gregor long before his transformation. The most shocking aspect of the opening scene is not Gregor's new body, but his reaction to it. Rather than panicking, he worries about missing his train, lamenting,... Continue reading "The Metamorphosis: Dehumanization and the Cost of Utility" »

Sign languages are languages. For much of the past century, however, they were considered a visual representation of a spoken language or an incomplete form of communication, closer to mimicry, without rules—in other words, lacking grammar. Early studies on sign languages established their linguistic status by demonstrating, for example, that signs are constructed with sub-lexical elements. Furthermore, sign language is not universal. This misconception is related to the belief that they are artificial languages created to replace or compensate for spoken language. It has been shown, however, that sign languages have emerged and developed independently within each Deaf community. These communities often arise in places where Deaf individuals... Continue reading "Understanding the Importance of Sign Languages" »

I recently read the double-feature book The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and The Reunion. To be honest, I really loved it. Even though the books were written in the early 90s, I still found the story exciting and intense. I especially liked the dark atmosphere and how much the main characters evolve throughout the narrative.

Atmosphere and Storyline

The storyline and mood are two elements that really caught my attention. The author uses vivid imagery to describe Fell’s Church, which makes the town feel dark and ominous. There is a constant feeling that something bad could happen. The story builds to a climax at the end of The Fury, when the main character turns into a vampire. After this, the narrative becomes much more serious and emotional.... Continue reading "The Vampire Diaries: The Fury and The Reunion Review" »

Stranger Things: A Thrilling Netflix Series Review

Stranger Things is a thrilling and suspenseful Netflix original series that masterfully combines science fiction with horror. Set in the 1980s, the story unfolds amidst mysterious occurrences in the small town of Hawkins.

Unraveling the Mystery of Hawkins

The narrative begins with the sudden disappearance of a boy named Will. His friends and family embark on a desperate search, encountering a girl with extraordinary psychokinetic powers named Eleven. As the series progresses, they uncover deep government secrets, explore alternate dimensions, and confront terrifying creatures. Each season introduces new characters and escalating adventures, maintaining high viewer engagement.

Why Stranger Things

Personal Details

Name: Cristina
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Email: [Email Address]
Phone: [Phone Number]

Professional Profile

I am a sociable and motivated individual with a strong ability to work effectively within a team. I consider myself responsible, organized, and I maintain a very positive attitude toward learning. I adapt easily to different situations and always strive to foster a productive working environment. I am eager to gain professional experience and continue developing my skills.

Education

CFGM in Administration and Management

Centre d’Estudis Politècnics, Barcelona (Currently studying)

Secondary Education (ESO)

2021 – 2025

Work Experience

Babysitter (Part-time)

2024

• Provided childcare and assisted with homework.
• Organized engaging activities

[Your Address]
4 June 2025

[MP’s Name]
House of Commons
London SW1A 0AA

Dear [MP’s Name],

The Case Against Banning Mobile Phones in Schools

We live in a world where young people are relentlessly told to “prepare for the future.” Yet, paradoxically, we are expected to do so with the very tools of that future forcibly stripped from us. I write to you not with the naive rebellion of a teenager desperate to cling to their phone, but with a plea for common sense and deeper understanding. Banning mobile phones in schools is not discipline—it is denial. Denial of how we live, how we learn, and how we connect.

Of course, I acknowledge the dangers. I have seen the hypnotic glow of screens, the fractured attention spans, and the bullying masked behind... Continue reading "Why Mobile Phone Bans in Schools Fail Students" »

Academic Vocabulary List

Adulterate

— make impure

Augment

— increase

Dour

— gloomy

Fortitude

— courage

Gape

— stare open-mouthed

Guise

— appearance

Insidious

— harmful but subtle

Opulent

— very wealthy

Reiterate

— repeat

Tentative

— unsure

Unkempt

— messy

Verbatim

— word-for-word

Amicable

— friendly

Averse

— strongly opposed

Belligerent

— aggressive

Benevolent

— kind

Duplicity

— deceit

Extol

— praise highly

Feasible

— possible

Impervious

— not affected

Impetus

— driving force

Jeopardy

— danger

Nostalgia

— longing for the past

Scrutinize

— examine closely

Adversary

— enemy

Alienate

— isolate

Coerce

— force

Craven

— cowardly

Culinary

— related to cooking

Demise

— death

Harass

— bother repeatedly

Muse

— think deeply

Perpetuate

— make continue

Precedent

—

1. Daily Actions and Decisions

• 1. When you delete an email, you won’t see it in your inbox anymore.
• 2. Sally’s video went viral when it got millions of likes in a very short time.
• 3. It upset me to read about the terrible disaster.
• 4. I often turn to my best friend when I need advice.
• 5. Ed needs to make up his mind about joining us on our trip.
• 6. Jane uploaded new videos to her YouTube channel.
• 7. Paul wanted to keep his options open, so he didn’t make any specific plans for the weekend.
• 8. I think you should think long and hard before making an important decision.

2. Situational Contexts and Obligations

• 1. They may not accept credit cards, so I’m taking cash just in case.
• 2. Could you help me later?
• 3. There was so much noise in the theatre

Writing for and Against

Introduction (No Opinion)

Lately, not only has ____ been a popular topic, but it has also led some collectives to voice criticism of the mainstream attitude. It should be a crucial target for the (administration, government, state, whole society) to____, due to____. In this paper, two approaches which ought to be taken into account will be discussed.

Advantages

Those who are in favour claim that ____. To begin with ____. Besides ____. Another major advantage is that ____.

Disadvantages

Nevertheless, in spite of the advantages, there are the main drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is ____, in other words, _____. Another negative aspect is that ____. Lastly ____.

Conclusion

Having looked at both sides of the argument, I really... Continue reading "Crafting Persuasive Essays: Argumentation and Opinion Writing" »

Mbendjele BaYaka Childcare Practices

1. Shared Caregiving: In the Mbendjele BaYaka community, children receive many hours of care and attention shared between many different caregivers (not just the parents), so they are supported almost constantly.

2. Observational Study: Researchers lived with the Mbendjele BaYaka for four months and observed children for 12 hours a day, noting each time a child was cared for and identifying who provided that care.

3. Early Experience: Because older children often help to look after younger ones, they gain experience early and feel more confident about parenting in the future.

4. Independent Play: Western societies often promote the idea that children should play independently for long periods, which can make... Continue reading "Mbendjele BaYaka Childcare and Neapolitan Pizza Heritage" »