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

Money

You'll be able to get money at the airport, but otherwise, most Japanese banks/ATMs won't accept foreign cards. However, all the post offices and all 7-Elevens have ATMs that will work. These are, thankfully, everywhere. Japan is a cash society, so I'd always make sure to have around $200 on you at least. With the exception of a few obviously touristy places (Asakusa's Sensoji Temple, for example), you really don't ever have to worry about theft (and even in the touristy places, you're probably just fine).

Convenience Stores

Convenience stores have everything. They are magical places. But they are particularly good for picking up toiletries, random stuff, and snacks. Especially onigiri (rice balls), which are fantastic when you get caught... Continue reading "Money and Food Tips for Traveling in Japan" »

Verb Simple Past P.Partic Signifc Regular Verbs

The Kidnapping of Farrow

Chapter 1: The Message in the Book

Farrow has been kidnapped by the Amsterdam Ring, a notorious smuggling organization. He has left a message in a book that Leila, his wife, has found.

Chapter 2: The Smugglers' Journey

Some of the smugglers, Keesing and de Fries, are driving with Farrow to Luxor, to the tomb of Queen Axtarte. Another smuggler, Greer, is kidnapping Mrs. Farrow in a house in Cairo.

Chapter 3: The Radio Contact

Every night, there is radio contact between the smugglers. This radio contact must take place at 19:00, or Christine Farrow will be killed.

Chapter 4: The Steep Slope

Farrow orders Keesing and de Fries to drive up a steep slope so that an aircraft can see them. Salahadin, a pilot, flies to Luxor at that... Continue reading "The Kidnapping of Farrow: A Thrilling Adventure in Egypt" »

The Blue Cross

ORDER

1. h) A boat arrived in Harwich.
2. g) A police chief had breakfast.
3. a) A bowl of soup was thrown at a wall.
4. c) An apple cart was knocked over.
5. f) Three policemen took a ride on a bus.
6. b) A window was broken.
7. d) A parcel was left at a sweetshop.
8. e) Two priests took a walk in a park.

Plot Analysis

2. Some key actions in the plot are only referred to later in the story. When do you think the following actions took place? Is it important to know exactly when? Why (not)? It is not important to know what happens at the moment because otherwise the end would not surprise you so much.

a) Valentin found out about Father Brown and the blue cross. At the end of the story, when Flambeau ends up discovering what Father Brown has done and the police... Continue reading "The Blue Cross: A Detective Story Analysis" »

PastSimple: I go to my house

PastConti: I was going to my house

Past Perf Simple: I had gone to..

Pre Perf Simple: I have gone..

Future Sim: I will go to ..

Be going to: I am going to go..

FuturePerSimp: I will have gone..

Futu Conti: I will be going to..

PrePerfConti: I have been going

PastPerConti: I had been going

0 :General truths and general habits

 -If + present simple, present simple

1:Possible or likely things in the future

-If + present simple, will + infinitive

2: Impossible things in the present / unli

kely things in the future

- If + past simple, would + infinitive

3:Things that didn't happen in the past

 and their imaginary results

- If + past perfect, would + have + past

participle

Chapter 3: Understanding Scrooge's Transformation

Question Word Review

This chapter tests your understanding of key events. Can you answer these questions?

1. Where did the Ghost of Christmas Present first take Scrooge? Outside, into the cold, snowy streets.
2. Why did the spirit hold his torch over people’s heads? To inspire kindness and stop arguments.
3. Who held a special place in Bob Cratchit’s heart? Tiny Tim, his son.
4. Why was Mrs. Cratchit reluctant to toast Scrooge? She resented his meager wages and considered him a hateful man.
5. Who played a YES/NO game? Scrooge’s nephew, his family, and friends.
6. Who were the figures beneath the ghost’s robe? Two children, representing Want and Ignorance.

Character Analysis: Ebenezer Scrooge

Ebenezer Scrooge,... Continue reading "A Christmas Carol: Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis" »

1. Modal Verbs of Possibility and Certainty

Exercise 1

1-Vera might be back before lunch time.-That must be the new student.-Italian can’t be that difficult.-The teacher can’t have the results already.-Jackie must have a lot of money.-Wait! That might not be.

Exercise 2

2-You must have heard about the accident.. -You must have gone to bed late. -You can’t have seen this film before.-I might have left my notebook in the kitchen.-The teacher can’t have gone yet because her car is still in the car park. -I missed a call this morning. It might have been Simon, but I don’t think it was his number.

Exercise 3

3-If we’d arrived earlier, we would have got better seats.-I wouldn’t have made so many mistakes if I had revised more.-If they had

English Verb Tenses