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

I. Reading: Saving Lives

1. What is Albert’s job?

Albert is a lifeguard.

2. How long has he been a lifeguard?

He has worked as a lifeguard for 4 years.

3. What are his work hours?

He works from 9 to 5.

4. Does he work only during the week?

No, he doesn't. He also works on Saturdays and two Sundays a month.

5. How many Sundays a month does he work?

He works two Sundays a month.

6. What are his duties at work?

His duties are to keep people safe and give advice to keep people free from being assaulted, injured, or sunburned.

7. What do Albert’s friends think of this job?

They think he should quit and take the opportunity to rest and go out during the weekend.

II. Use of English

a. Put the words in the correct order

• 1. Has your boyfriend ever been skiing in

1. The Benefits of Adopting a Pet

Nowadays, many people wonder if it is better to adopt or buy a pet. In my opinion, adopting is the best option.

My main reasons for this are:

• Saving lives: There are many abandoned dogs and other animals in shelters waiting for a loving home. By adopting, you give them a second chance at life.
• Ethical concerns: We should not support businesses that profit from selling animals. It is unfair to treat animals like products, as they are living beings with feelings.

Furthermore, pets are great companions. They bring joy, help reduce stress, and create strong bonds with their owners. Adopting not only changes the animal’s life but also brings happiness to the owner.

To sum up, I strongly believe that adopting is a kind... Continue reading "Why Adopting Pets, Limiting Phones, and Playing Sports Matter" »

Today, many people talk about whether mobile phones are good or bad for students. In my opinion, mobile phones can be very helpful for students if they use them in a good way.

First of all, mobile phones help students find information quickly. They can use the internet to search for school topics, watch videos, or use apps to learn. For example, they can find answers to questions or practice English vocabulary. This helps them study better and learn more easily.

Another reason is that mobile phones help students talk to their teachers and classmates. They can send messages to ask questions or check homework. Also, phones have calendars and reminders that help students remember important things like exams or projects. This helps them stay organized.... Continue reading "The Impact of Mobile Phones and School Uniforms on Students" »

Zero Conditional

Verdad absoluta: If it snows, it is cold.
Snows: present simple, is: present simple

First Conditional

Probabilidad (Unless: si no)
If I eat too much, I will get fatter.
Present simple, future

Second Conditional

Improbable (unlikely)
If I won the lottery, I wouldn't travel around.
Past simple, wouldn't + infinitive.

Third Conditional

Imposible
If I had studied, I would have passed.
Would have + past participle, past perfect

Personal Stories and Interview Snippets

Unexpected Park Celebration

Yesterday, I arrived at the park in the afternoon for a walk. As I was walking along the path, I saw a group of kids playing football. They were very focused, but suddenly one of them fell to the ground and started laughing out loud. I approached, concerned, but he told me it was all a joke. When I looked around, I noticed there were balloons and a big banner that said, "Happy Birthday, Ana!". It turned out to be a surprise party for one of his friends. The kids started inviting me to join them, and although I hesitated at first, I accepted and ended up playing with them for hours. It was an unexpected and very fun day.

Classroom Birthday Prank

Yesterday, I went to school as usual.... Continue reading "Personal Narratives: Park Surprise and Birthday Prank" »

The Ant, the Grasshopper, and the Wise Old Oak

In a sun-drenched meadow, there lived an Ant and a Grasshopper who were next-door neighbors. The Ant was a diligent worker. Every single day, she would set off early, work tirelessly, and store up food for the winter. She never put off what she could do today.

The Grasshopper, on the other hand, lived a carefree life. He would spend his days singing songs, strumming his fiddle, and mocking the Ant for her constant labor. "Why do you work so hard?" he would laugh. "Come, relax and enjoy the sunshine! Carpe diem!"

The Ant would simply smile and say, "Winter is just around the corner. We must prepare for it."

But the Grasshopper ignored her warnings, believing she was unnecessarily anxious.

The Arrival

Present Tenses

• Present Habits: She plays tennis every weekend.
• Present Perfect Simple: I have visited London.
• Present Perfect Continuous: She has been studying for two hours.

Gerunds and Infinitives

• Gerunds (-ing): Used as subjects/objects, after prepositions, and after verbs like liking/disliking, admit, avoid, risk, and suggest.
• Infinitives (to + verb): Used to explain purpose, after adjectives, after "too" and "enough," after ordinal numbers (the first, the last), and after verbs like want, learn, agree, hope, promise, ask, and help.

Past Tenses

• Past Simple: She visited Paris last year.
• Past Continuous: Action in progress or two actions at the same time (e.g., I was reading when the phone rang).
• Used to: Past habits or states (e.g., I used to go swimming

Grammar, Vocabulary, and Functional Language Practice

1. Choosing the Correct Past Tense Form

Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentences.

1. We drove / were driving to work when the accident happened.
2. There was a new woman at work today who I didn't meet / hadn't met before.
3. I was trying to repair my bike when a man was stopping / stopped to help me.
4. The parcel had arrived / arrived just after I got home.
5. When I tried to use my phone, I realised it hadn't worked / wasn't working.
6. He ate / had eaten already so he was cooking just for the children.

2. Past Simple or Present Perfect

Complete the sentences with the past simple or present perfect form of the verbs in brackets.

1. She has never studied (never / study) Turkish before. This is her first

Personality Adjectives

Ambition - Ambitious / Cheerfulness - Cheerful (Alegre)

Creativity - Creative / Enthusiasm - Enthusiastic

Flexibility - Flexible / Generosity - Generous

Honesty - Honest / Idealism - Idealistic

Intelligence - Intelligent / Loyalty - Loyal

Maturity - Mature / Modesty - Modest (Modesto)

Optimism - Optimistic / Patience - Patient

Pessimism - Pessimistic / Punctuality - Punctual

Realism - Realistic / Self Confidence - Self Confident

Seriousness - Serious / Shyness - Shy

Sociability - Sociable / Stubbornness - Stubborn (Testarudo)

Sympathy - Sympathetic (Simpático) / Thoughtfulness - Thoughtful (Considerado)

Positive Qualities

• Have a good sense of humor
• Show lots of initiative
• Have physical courage
• Have lots of energy
• Be good at communicating
• Have