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

Past Simple vs Present Perfect

We use the past simple to talk about a completed action when we know when the action happened.

We use the present perfect to talk about a completed action when we don’t know when the action happened.

Present Perfect Simple Uses

• Experience: We use the present perfect simple to talk about an experience which has or hasn’t happened.
• Continuation from the past to the present: We use the present perfect simple to talk about an action or a state which started in the past and which continues in the present.

Present Perfect Continuous Uses

• We use the present perfect continuous to emphasise the duration of an action.
• We use the present perfect continuous to talk about temporary situations.

Simple vs Continuous: Result and Activity

The... Continue reading "Past Simple and Present Perfect: Usage and Differences" »

William Shakespeare is the greatest of all playwrights and poets of all time. Not much is known of his life. William Shakespeare was born in 1564, in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove-maker and wool dealer.

William went to the local free grammar school where he studied Latin. At the age of 18, Shakespeare married and had three children. Little is known of his life before 1592, when he appeared as a playwright in London. Soon he became an actor, playing supporting roles like the ghost in Hamlet. In 1599, Shakespeare became a part owner of the Globe Theatre in London.

Shakespeare wrote history plays such as Henry IV and Richard III, comedies such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and A Comedy of Errors. Shakespeare'... Continue reading "The Life and Works of William Shakespeare: A Timeless Legacy" »

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.

Anne Frank's Relationships with Family and Teachers

How Did Anne Feel About Her Father, Grandmother, Mrs. Kuperus, and Mr. Keesing?

Anne had fond memories of all the people in her life. She felt that her father was the most adorable father she had ever seen. Anne remembered her grandmother even after her death. She wrote in her diary that no one knew how often she thought of her grandmother and still loved her.

In the sixth form at the Montessori nursery school, her teacher was Mrs. Kuperus, who was also the headmistress. At the end of the year, they were both in tears as they had a heartbreaking farewell.

Mr. Keesing was her Math teacher. He was always annoyed with her because she talked too much. However, Anne was able to justify her talkative... Continue reading "Anne Frank's Relationships and Her School Life" »

A Dream Come  True

Since I was a child, my dream was always to be a great doctor and to achieve this I promised to be the best every day. 

When I was in school I worked hard to be the best to get a scholarship to study at the university, and get a good ICFES score, when I was in 11th grade and I took the exam, I was very nervous about the result, a few months later the result came and I felt very bad because it was not enough for what I wanted to study, my parents encouraged me saying it was a good score, but I still felt bad about myself.

When I finished 11th grade, we had a very nice ceremony in which they gave me the great news that I had won a 100% scholarship to study what I wanted, I was very happy and that made me want to continue fighting

Reading into writing

Essential Vocabulary List and Definitions

This comprehensive glossary provides clear definitions for a variety of descriptive English words, categorized by their part of speech for easy reference and improved understanding of context.

Nouns and States of Being

• Creek (n): A stream smaller than a river.
• Soaring (n): The sport of flying a sailplane.
• Shack (n): A rough cabin or shanty.
• Aloofness (n): The quality or state of being distant, reserved, or indifferent.
• Plea (n): An appeal or entreaty.
• Foyer (n): The lobby of a theater, hotel, or apartment house.
• Spool (n): Any cylindrical piece or device on which something is wound.
• Gust (n): A sudden, strong blast of wind.
• Lurch (n): An act or instance of swaying abruptly.
• Loafer (n): A person who loafs; a lazy