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

English Vocabulary & Phrasal Verbs: Unit 1

Emotions, Qualities & Actions

• Mood: humor (estat d'ànim)
• Tough: dur, resistent
• Approach: enfocament, mètode
• All the rage: molt de moda, popular
• Remain: romandre, quedar-se
• Accurate: exacte, precís
• Firm: ferm, sòlid
• Trigger: desencadenar, provocar

Sensory Vocabulary

• Mouth-watering: que fa venir ganes de menjar
• Scent: olor (agradable)
• Weird: estrany, peculiar
• Nasty: desagradable, lleig
• Purchase: adquirir, comprar
• Take advantage of: aprofitar-se de, treure avantatge de

Phrasal Verbs: Start & Set

• Started out: començar (una activitat, carrera)
• Started over: tornar a començar
• Startup: muntar una empresa, posar en marxa
• Set off: provocar, iniciar (un viatge, una alarma)
• Set back: endarrerir, costar (diners)

Phrasal

The Lahti File

A British Spy Thriller

Chapter 1: The Briefing

London

British spy Ian Munro is briefed by his boss, Naylor, about the suspicious deaths of people and animals in Lahti, Finland. The cause is suspected to be a toxic gas. Munro is sent to Finland to investigate.

Chapter 2: Arrival in Lahti

Finland

Munro's local contact, Pentti Virolainen, is shot dead while Munro looks on, unable to intervene. Munro calls London for further instructions. He reads an article about Finnish businessman Jorma Lappalainen, owner of a bioengineering business.

Chapter 3: A Midnight Encounter

That evening, Munro meets the lovely Riitta Koivisto, who seems rather too curious about him. At midnight, Koivisto visits him in his hotel room, and they spend the night together.... Continue reading "The Lahti File: A British Spy Thriller in Finland" »

Day 2 - Sunday

Via Ferrata "Teresina K4" - Early Morning

For climbing enthusiasts seeking a challenge, the Via Ferrata "Teresina K4" offers an unforgettable experience. This itinerary combines vertical and horizontal sections, equipped with diverse materials to safely navigate areas inaccessible to hikers or those unaccustomed to climbing.

A via ferrata in Montserrat is known for its difficulty, so preparation is key for this exciting activity. The "Teresina" is a classic in Montserrat, and it was the first Spanish via ferrata, opened in 1993.

This K4 ferrata is comprehensive, with the difficulty increasing in the second half of the route, culminating in a final chimney. The route is 8km long, with an estimated time of 2.5 hours and two return... Continue reading "Montserrat Adventure: Via Ferrata & Cave Exploration" »

ACCIDENT AT HOME

It was an ordinary summer morning, all the members of my family were still sleeping but my brother was finishing a Biology project in the attic. Anyway, something happened to me that day that I'll never be able to forget. I was rushing downstairs as I was late to my football match and my girlfriend had just arrived to pick me up. WHEN SUDDENLY I slipped, lost my balance, fell backwards, bumped my head against the ground, and lost consciousness for 10 minutes. AS SOON AS I REGAINED CONSCIOUSNESS I realized that I was shocked and dizzy, unable to breathe properly as I had lost the feeling in my left knee. Besides, my left arm was swollen and dislocated. Luckily, I was able to take my cell phone out of my pocket, dial 112, and... Continue reading "Personal Stories of Accidents and Assaults: Lessons Learned" »

Irregular Verb Forms in English

This is a list of common irregular verbs in English. Irregular verbs do not form their past tense or past participle by adding -ed. Instead, they have unique forms that must be memorized.

• be was/were been (ser o estar)
• become became become (llegar a ser)
• begin began begun (empezar)
• bend bent bent (doblarse)
• bet bet bet (apostar)
• bite bit bitten (morder)
• bleed bled bled (sangrar)
• blow blew blown (soplar)
• break broke broken (romperse)
• bring brought brought (traer)
• broadcast broadcast broadcast (emitir)
• build built built (construir)
• buy bought bought (comprar)
• catch caught caught (coger)
• choose chose chosen (elegir)
• come came come (venir)
• cost cost cost (costar)
• cut cut cut (cortar)
• dig dug dug (cavar)
• dive dived/dove dived/dove (bucear)

English Sentence Transformation Practice

Enhance your English grammar skills by practicing sentence transformations. Each item presents an original sentence followed by its rephrased or corrected version.

1. Original Sentence: Although it was raining, we didn't take our umbrellas.

   Corrected Answer: Despite the fact that it was raining / Despite raining, we didn't take our umbrellas.

2. Original Sentence: If the neighbours don't stop shouting, I'll call the police.

   Corrected Answer: Unless they stop shouting, I'll call the police.

3. Original Sentence: It's a pity you didn't work more efficiently.

   Corrected Answer: I wish you were/worked more efficiently.

4. Original Sentence: If you drive fast, you'll use more petrol.

   Corrected Answer: The faster you drive, the

The Salvation Army Christmas Advert Analysis

A Glimpse into the Reality of Homelessness

This advert poignantly portrays the harsh realities faced by homeless individuals, particularly during the Christmas season. It delves into the circumstances that lead to their plight, introducing us to Tom, evicted by his stepfather; Arthur, an elderly man weathered by years on the streets; and Lizzy, who finds solace and safety in a subway tunnel rather than a home. The advert emphasizes that a mere £19 can provide them with a warm bed and a hot Christmas meal.

Evoking Empathy and Inspiring Action

The advert's primary objective is to raise awareness about the challenging conditions endured by homeless people year-round. By focusing on the loneliness and cold... Continue reading "The Salvation Army Christmas Advert Analysis: A Call for Empathy and Action" »

Be Prepared: Scar's Treacherous Vision

Scar Addresses the Hyenas

I never thought hyenas essential,

They're crude and unspeakably plain.

But maybe they've a glimmer of potential,

If allied to my vision and brain.

I know that your powers of retention

Are as wet as a warthog's backside.

But thick as you are, pay attention!

My words are a matter of pride.

It's clear from your vacant expressions,

The lights are not all on upstairs.

But we're talking kings and successions,

Even you can't be caught unawares.

A Chance of a Lifetime

So, prepare for a chance of a lifetime!

Be prepared for sensational news!

A shining new era

Is tiptoeing nearer...

Shenzi:

And where do we feature?

Scar:

Just listen to teacher.

I know it sounds sordid,

But you'll be rewarded

When at last I am given... Continue reading "Scar's Master Plan: The 'Be Prepared' Revelation" »