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

Essential English Vocabulary List

• Shiver: To shake because of cold or fear.
• Rant: To speak wildly and noisily; loud, violent talk.
• Cutlery: Utensils used for eating, such as knives, forks, and spoons.
• Barrister: A lawyer.
• Aghast: Filled with amazement, disgust, fear, or terror.
• Reek: An unpleasant smell; to give off unpleasant smells; to give a strong impression.
• Dreadlocks: A hairstyle in which the hair hangs in long, thick, twisted pieces.
• Demeanor: Behavior; manner of conducting oneself.
• Sheer: Absolute.
• Devious: Dishonest or deceptive; tricky.
• Regardless: In spite of everything; anyway; without regard to.
• Wink: Closing one eye quickly as a signal.
• Bail: A sum of money used as a security deposit to ensure that an accused person returns for his or her

Class C Review

Vocabulary

1. Don't let negative thoughts take over. / 2. Don't worry, pick up. / 3. I hope you keep on playing. / 4. But at the end, I gave in. / 5. Blame it on her alarm. / 6. Time to get rid of it. / 7. How do you compare? / 8. My sister is constantly complaining about it.

2. The Campaign to Stop Killer Robots

1. artificial, 2. opposed, 3. devices, 4. equipped, 5. capable, 6. matter, 7. long.

3. Complete (Same in Both Classes):

1. Viral video
2. Cutting-edge technology
3. Glued to the screen
4. You have to go in person
5. Instructions are not user-friendly

Grammar

1. Complete (Same in Both Classes - Seattle):

1. visited
2. went
3. had seen
4. have stuck
5. has tried
6. has never stayed
7. had finished
8. didn't leave
9. had put

2. Rewrite:

1. We have been working here since last year.
2. By the

Memories of a Wonderful Summer Vacation

Last summer, I had a wonderful holiday. When school finished, I was very happy because I could finally rest and have fun. I prioritized spending quality time with my family and friends.

Beach Days and Mountain Retreats

I went to the beach many times with my friends. Our activities included:

• Swimming in the sea.
• Playing volleyball.
• Eating delicious ice cream.

For one week, I traveled with my family to the mountains. We stayed in a small house. Every day, we walked and saw beautiful places. At night, we made a fire, told stories, and watched the stars. I truly enjoyed the fresh air and the quiet atmosphere.

When I came back home, I visited my grandparents and helped them in their garden. I felt happy and relaxed.... Continue reading "Reflections on Life: Childhood Memories and Future Career Goals" »

Essential English Vocabulary and Usage

• Library: She studied quietly in the library for her final exams.
• Bookshop: I found a rare poetry collection in a tiny bookshop.
• Gang: The gang painted graffiti all over the alley walls.
• Bargain: He loves shopping at flea markets for bargains.
• Camp: The kids roasted marshmallows at the camp last night.
• Field: We walked through a field full of wildflowers.
• Bigot: No one wanted to listen to the bigot’s hateful speech.
• Moustache: He shaved his moustache off for a new look.
• Vase: The vase fell and shattered into tiny pieces.
• Glass: She poured orange juice into the tall glass.
• Grocery: He works part-time at the local grocery store.
• Rudeness: Her rudeness to the waiter embarrassed everyone.
• Journey: Their journey through

Memorable Trip to Nuremberg, Germany

Last summer, my boyfriend and I traveled to Germany with another couple. We visited Nuremberg, a beautiful city with a lot of history. We were very excited because it was our first time in Germany.

First Impressions and Nuremberg Castle

When we arrived, the weather was nice, and the sun was shining. We walked around the old town and saw the famous Nuremberg Castle. It was amazing! While exploring the castle, our friends took lots of pictures. My boyfriend and I discussed how impressive the architecture was.

Local Flavors and Market Square

In the afternoon, we were hungry, so we went to a traditional German restaurant. We ate sausages and drank beer while chatting and laughing. The food was delicious! After lunch,... Continue reading "Unforgettable Journeys: Nuremberg History & Ronda Views" »

Summary and Character Analysis

“The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire” by Arthur Conan Doyle begins when detective Sherlock Holmes receives a letter from Robert Ferguson, a man deeply concerned about his wife’s strange behavior. She has been seen sucking blood from their baby’s neck, and Robert fears she may be a vampire. Consequently, Sherlock and his companion, Dr. Watson, travel to the Ferguson home in Sussex to investigate the truth.

The Investigation

Upon arrival, they meet the family: Ferguson, his Peruvian wife, their baby, and Jack, Ferguson’s teenage son from his first marriage. The atmosphere in the house is tense and unhappy. The wife remains in her room, avoiding her husband, while Jack behaves erratically. Everyone suspects... Continue reading "Sherlock Holmes and the Sussex Vampire: A Character Study" »

Personal Correspondence and Travel News

Letter 1: Alba to Pepa

Hi Pepa,

How are you? I've got some exciting news to tell you. I'm going on a trip to (lugar) for (tiempo) with my friend Lucía.

We're flying to (ciudad) at the beginning of (mes) and we're spending a whole month there. We'll see the most famous monuments in the city. We'll also go hiking and landscaping. After that, we're flying to (ciudad) where we will spend two weeks visiting the best museums and trying out the different foods. We can't wait.

After that, we will probably fly back to Seville, but we are not sure yet. Amazing, don't you think? You should definitely come with us! Let me know ASAP.

Speak soon,

Alba

Letter 2: Rosa to Clara

Hi Clara,

How are you? I hope this letter finds you... Continue reading "Travel Plans: Exciting Adventures Shared" »

The Romantic Fantasy of Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella

Cinderella is a romantic fantasy film directed by Kenneth Branagh from a screenplay by Chris Weitz. The film centers on Cinderella, a young girl who is mistreated but, with the help of her fairy godmother, attends a royal ball and finds love with a prince.

Plot Summary: The Royal Ball and the Glass Slipper

The story begins when the King hosts a ball, inviting all the young women in the kingdom. However, Cinderella’s stepmother prevents her from attending. With the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella receives a beautiful dress and a magical carriage to go to the dance, but she must return before midnight. At the ball, she captures the Prince’s heart but leaves behind her glass slipper... Continue reading "Kenneth Branagh's Cinderella Film: A Dual Review and Analysis" »

Reported Commands

When reporting a command, we typically use the verbs "tell" or "order," followed by the infinitive form of the verb.

Structure for Commands

• Direct Speech: Imperative + Object
• Reported Speech: Subject + told / ordered + Object + to + Verb

Examples

• Direct Speech: "Close the door!"
• Reported Speech: He told me to close the door.
• Direct Speech: "Please finish your homework."
• Reported Speech: She asked him to finish his homework.

Reported Requests

For requests, we often use "ask" or "request," and the structure remains similar to that of commands.

Structure for Requests

• Direct Speech: Request
• Reported Speech: Subject + asked / requested + Object + to + Verb

Examples

• Direct Speech: "Can you help me?"
• Reported Speech: He asked me to help him.
• Direct

Phrasal Verbs

• Ask for
• Eat out
• Crash into
• Make up
• Depend on
• Warm up
• Get on with
• Take to/in
• Give away/up
• Turn up/on/down
• Look after/out
• Set off/up
• Pick up
• Check in
• Hang up
• Call back
• Switch on
• Carry on
• Make into
• Find out
• Do up
• Go out
• Break up
• Throw it away
• Slow down
• Grow up
• Calm down
• Bump into
• Look forward to
• Plug in

Prepositional Phrases

• Congratulate on
• Details of
• Divide into
• Dress in
• Example of
• Increase in
• Interested in
• Kind to
• Look for
• Marry to
• Nice to
• Pay for
• Proof of
• Reason for
• Remind of
• Responsible for
• Take part in
• Translate into
• Typical of
• Novel/film by
• In my opinion
• In the picture
• In the rain
• On page 45
• Arrive at
• Good at