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

Finding Belonging: A Migrant's Journey

The Challenge of "Country"

Initially, the concept of "country" seemed too broad. However, discussions revealed its potential for exploring the impact of place on identity and belonging. This piece delves into the complexities of migrating to an unfamiliar country, focusing on the search for security through employment.

A Migrant's Internal Struggles

The narrative aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the everyday challenges faced by migrants. It targets those who have personally experienced migration or know someone who has. The story is told from the first-person perspective of a woman grappling with isolation after arriving in Australia.

Inspiration and Literary Techniques

Inspired by "The... Continue reading "Finding Belonging: A Migrant's Journey of Identity and Employment" »

Keep Mobile Phones in Schools for Learning and Safety

Control Should Not Come at the Cost of Connection: The Case Against Banning Mobile Phones in Schools

By [Your Full Name]

4 June 2025

We live in a world where young people are constantly told to “prepare for the future.” Yet, paradoxically, the very tools that define that future — mobile phones — are being stripped away from us in schools. Banning mobile phones in educational settings is not an act of discipline; it is an act of denial. A denial of how we live, how we learn, and most crucially, how we connect.

Addressing Real Dangers Without Bans

Of course, the dangers are real. The hypnotic glow of screens, shortened attention spans, and the darker corners of online bullying are not to... Continue reading "Keep Mobile Phones in Schools for Learning and Safety" »

Chapter 5: Uncovering Systemic Injustice

Bryan Stevenson begins a deeper investigation into Walter McMillian’s case, uncovering significant misconduct by law enforcement and the prosecution. He discovers that Walter was placed on death row before his trial, an unusual and cruel treatment that underscored the racial bias in the case. Stevenson learns about the prosecution’s reliance on coerced and fabricated testimony from Ralph Myers and Bill Hooks. He faces hostility and intimidation from local officials as he works to challenge the wrongful conviction.

Key Figures and Their Roles in the Case

Walter McMillian

Walter was placed on death row even before being convicted, a rare and punitive measure. His alibi—being at a fish fry with dozens

1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Living in the Suburbs

Living in the suburbs is common for many families. The suburbs are usually outside the city center. People choose this lifestyle for different reasons. There are advantages and disadvantages to living in the suburbs.

On the one hand — suburbs are quiet and calm. There is less noise and less pollution. Houses are bigger, and there are more green spaces. It is a good place for families and children.

• Quieter environment: less noise and less pollution.
• Larger homes: houses are typically bigger with more outdoor space.
• More green space: parks and gardens are common.
• Family-friendly: suitable for children and family life.

On the other hand — suburbs are far from the city. People often need a car... Continue reading "Suburbs, Graffiti, and Gentrification: Pros and Cons" »

Understanding Social Customs in Spain

If you’re planning to visit Spain, it’s a good idea to understand some local customs to make your stay more enjoyable. This section offers key tips on social behaviour to help you feel more comfortable during your visit.

Greetings and Physical Contact

• It’s common to shake hands or give two kisses on the cheek, especially among friends or family.
• Physical contact is usual in Spain—people tend to stand close and touch during conversations, so don’t be surprised.

Conversation Tips

• Small talk is important. Make sure you show interest in everyday topics like food, family, or the weather.
• It’s usually appreciated if you avoid talking about politics or religion unless you know the person well.

Punctuality

J.B. Priestley’s An Inspector Calls functions as a moral crucible, where the playwright interrogates the ethical decay and class hypocrisies of Edwardian society. Set in 1912 but performed in post-war 1945, the play explores the illusion of respectability and the urgent need for collective accountability. Through specific characters or themes, Priestley constructs a dramatic microcosm of Britain’s fractured social hierarchy, embedding didactic undertones to expose the corrosive consequences of issues like capitalist self-interest, patriarchal dominance, or generational complacency. The play operates as a vehicle for ideological reformation, compelling audiences to reevaluate their complicity in systemic injustice and embrace a more egalitarian... Continue reading "An Inspector Calls: Social Critique & Dramatic Analysis" »

Reported Speech

Statements

1. She said (that) he worked in a bank.
2. She told me (that) they went out last night.
3. She said (that) she was coming.
4. She told me (that) she had been waiting for the bus when he arrived.
5. She said (that) she had never been there before.
6. She told me (that) she didn't go to the party.
7. She said (that) Lucy would come later.
8. She told me (that) he hadn't eaten breakfast.
9. She said (that) she could help me tomorrow.
10. She told me (that) I should go to bed early.
11. She told me (that) she didn't like chocolate.
12. She said (that) she wouldn't see me tomorrow.
13. She said (that) she was living in Paris for a few months.
14. She told me (that) she visited her parents at the weekend.
15. She said (that) she hadn't eaten sushi before.
16. She said (that) she hadn't travelled

Understanding Business English Idioms

Many companies engage in responsible practices. Do you know of any companies that donate services or money? How can businesses act responsibly? Why should a company reduce and deal with any pollution? Does your company share the life of the local community? Should a company stay true to its principles and values? What companies in your country take the time to understand the impact of their operations?

Workplace Challenges and Concepts

• Burn-out: Exhaustion caused by working too hard.
• Juggling: Trying to manage your job or life when involved in several different activities, all demanding your time.
• Promotion: Moving someone up into a higher, more important, or better-paid position in a company or organization.

Present Continuous

The present continuous, also known as the present progressive, is a verb tense used to describe actions happening now, or around now.

Affirmative, Interrogative, and Negative Forms

• Affirmative: Subject + am/is/are + verb (present participle -ing)
• Interrogative: Am/Is/Are + subject + verb (present participle -ing)?
• Negative: Subject + am/is/are + not + verb (present participle -ing)

English Grammar Practice: Set 1

1. I’m looking forward to trying the new restaurant.
2. She asked me where I had bought that jacket.
3. When did you move to Spain?
4. We shouldn’t have left the house without a jacket.
5. I have my car revised every February.
6. The match was cancelled due to heavy rain.
7. That is the city where we lived for four years.
8. An event is being organized to raise money for charity.
9. She apologised for breaking my mug.
10. At 10:30, she will be playing football.
11. It is thought that she is one of the best actors in the world.
12. If you went to bed earlier, you wouldn’t always be tired.
13. I wish I had revised English grammar.
14. We have been sent an invitation.
15. She said that they were going to visit their grandparents the next day.

English Grammar Practice: Set