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

In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's short story "The Thing Around Your Neck," the themes of alienation and displacement are examined through the eyes of Akunna, a young Nigerian woman who wins the American Visa Lottery.

1. Physical and Cultural Displacement

• The Illusion of the American Dream: Back home, America is romanticized through Hollywood as a paradise where everyone owns a car and a big house. Upon arrival, Akunna is physically displaced to a small town in Connecticut, working long hours as a waitress for meager pay.
• In-Between Worlds: She is uprooted from her support system but cannot go back because her family relies on the money she sends home. She is physically in America but emotionally anchored to Nigeria, occupying a displaced, liminal

Should Students Volunteer for a Year at 16?

First of all, encouraging students to volunteer for a charity at 16 can be beneficial in many ways. It helps young people develop important life skills, understand the struggles of others, and become more responsible citizens. However, some argue that requiring all students to participate may be unfair, as individuals have different needs, interests, and responsibilities.

Furthermore, volunteering for a charity teaches students valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. It also allows them to experience the challenges faced by less fortunate people, making them more compassionate and socially aware. Additionally, volunteering can be a great opportunity for students to gain... Continue reading "Mandatory or Optional: Volunteering for a Year at 16" »

Interstellar vs Morbius: A Tale of Two Movies

Interstellar: My Favorite Cinematic Masterpiece

The best movie I have ever seen was Interstellar. I watched it some time ago, and it became one of my favorite movies immediately. In my opinion, it was an amazing and unforgettable experience because it had a very interesting story and emotional moments. First, the movie caught my attention because every scene felt important and exciting. Then, I became more interested because the characters made me feel connected to the story. I also loved the music and the atmosphere because they made everything feel more intense and special. I have never felt so interested while watching a movie before. Finally, when the movie ended, I felt surprised and satisfied.... Continue reading "Interstellar vs Morbius: Best and Worst Movie Reviews" »

Shakespearean Style and Dramatic Evolution

Changes in Shakespeare's style began to emerge, particularly with his shift towards writing tragedies around 1599. His works were later categorized into three main genres, as seen in the divisions of the First Folio:

• Comedies
• Histories
• Tragedies

The ending of his plays often distinguishes between genres; for instance, Hamlet concludes with multiple deaths, while A Midsummer Night's Dream ends joyfully with several marriages. Tragicomedy romances present ambiguous resolutions, often hinting at death without outright closure.

Influences on Dramatic Choices

The evolution of Shakespeare's style can be attributed to various factors, including shifts in audience preferences and economic considerations. The popularity... Continue reading "Shakespearean Drama vs. John Donne: Literary Analysis" »

Ticket 1

1. Appearance and Personality

My favourite actor is Tom Holland. He is a famous British actor who is tall and slim. He has short brown hair and brown eyes. He is friendly, energetic, and talented. He became famous for playing Spider-Man in Marvel films. I like him because he is hardworking, kind, and has a good sense of humour. He inspires many young people around the world.

2. Modal Verbs

Modal verbs are special verbs that express ability, possibility, permission, advice, or obligation. Examples include: can, could, may, might, must, should, will, and would.

3. Complete the sentences

1. You must wear a seatbelt in the car.
2. She can speak three languages fluently.
3. Students should study hard before exams.
4. It’s cloudy. It might rain later.
5. You should

Conjunctions and Conditional Clauses

Exercise 1: Completing Sentences with Conjunctions

1. I'm pretty sure you can't explain what you're doing, unless you show me.
2. We're going to the beach tomorrow, even if it rains.
3. You can borrow my camera, but first you must promise to return it as long as it's in good condition.
4. We're too late for the train. Taking a taxi won't help, even if we hurry.
5. I'm not planning to call the doctor, but I will unless I feel better soon.

Exercise 2: Modals and Conditional Sentences

2. I definitely wouldn't have finished the project without your help.
3. Where would you live if you could choose anywhere in the world?
4. They won't give you a refund unless you have the receipt.
5. I usually walk to college, but I might go by bus if it rains.
6. Even

Conditional Sentences Exercises

1. A. If the students weren’t late for the exam, they would have passed. (Third Conditional)
2. B. If Luke sent flowers to his mom, she would be so happy.
3. C. We would go to the beach if the weather weren’t so cold. (Second Conditional)
4. D. If you mix yellow and blue, it will turn green. (Zero Conditional)
5. E. We won't be on time if you take so long to get ready.
6. F. I won’t go to the meeting if she doesn’t go first. (First Conditional)
7. G. If you hadn't been so stubborn, we wouldn’t have had that argument.
8. H. It would be less stressful if you arrived earlier to work.
9. I. If the baby had slept tight last night, I wouldn’t have slept so badly. (Third Conditional)
10. J. If you buy the present, I will wrap it up.

Relative Clauses

The World Has Talent: A Global Showcase

The World Has Talent is a very popular television program that features people from all over the world, including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America.

Participants come from diverse backgrounds: some are professional singers and musicians, while others are factory workers, teachers, or office workers. Some performers are exceptionally good, others less so! Ages also vary widely, from very young to very old.

For example, Pati, an 80-year-old singer and salsa dancer from Switzerland, is a truly great dancer!

Meet the Judges: International Experts

The show features four distinguished judges:

• May Rattanakosin from Thailand, a renowned singer.
• Vicente Silva from Chile, a celebrated actor.

Benefits of the CAR Framework

There are considerable benefits to using the CAR method.

• Versatility: This method is applicable to any part of the job process, from your CV and cover letter to your LinkedIn profile. We recommend applying the CAR method to all aspects of your job search to get familiar with the structure prior to the interview stage.
• Effective Communication: The CAR method helps provide clear and concise answers to interview questions that demonstrate your value while also reflecting your ability to communicate efficiently.

💡 Pro-Tips: Before any behavioral interview, it is advisable to compile a series of anecdotes or success stories. Ideally, you should keep track of your achievements throughout your academic and professional... Continue reading "Mastering the CAR Method for Job Interviews" »