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

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

Formal Complaint: Faulty Headphones

To: [email protected]
From: [email protected]
Subject: Complaint about Faulty Headphones

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction with the product I purchased from your online store last Tuesday, 19th November. I believe it is important to inform you about the issues I have experienced so that they can be properly addressed.

Reported Issues

• Damaged Hardware: The headphones (Reference No. 58492-B) arrived with a non-functional left speaker.
• Quality Control Failure: Despite claims that the item was “carefully tested before shipping,” the product arrived unusable.
• Poor Customer Support: I was promised assistance within 24 hours, but three days have passed without

1. Verb Tenses and Conditionals

• a) Valerie left an hour ago. By this time tomorrow, she will be relaxing on the beach.
• b) Alan warned me not to take advice from Pete. Unfortunately, I didn’t listen to him. If I had listened to Alan, I would not have made such a terrible mistake.
• c) Sue asked me if I wanted to go to the cinema with her. I told her that I had already seen the film.
• d) I haven’t met Jane yet. I am meeting her tonight.

2. Relative Clauses

• a) I would love to go back to the restaurant which you had recommended.
• b) The student whose mobile phone rang during the lesson was punished by the teacher.
• c) Have you been to the restaurant where the waiters sing?
• d) My friend, who is very tall, is beautiful.
• e) I met a lovely girl whose name I have

Text Analysis

1. The lights look quite confusing. — True — “Strange lights sometimes dance in the night sky.”

2. The lights don’t always float high above the ground. — True — “They might float just above the earth, or fly up into the dark.”

3. Robert Ellison didn’t feel sure about the cause of the lights. — False — “He had thought they must be distant campfires.”

4. The lights are likely to be people playing a trick. — False — “Some people say it’s all a trick. But that can’t be true.”

5. James Bunnell is sure his theory is right. — False — “He believes they might be a result of a complex combination of physics and geology.”

Synonyms

• Near = Close
• Witnesses = Observers
• Proof = Evidence
• Surprising = Amazing
• Clearly

Passive Voice Structures

Normal Passives

• Active: The association is seeking new partners.
• Passive: New partners are being sought by the association.
• Active: They will describe no evidence of deleterious effects of exercise therapy.
• Passive: No evidence of deleterious effects of exercise therapy will be described.

Impersonal and Personal Passives

• Active: People say that English is very difficult.
• Impersonal Passive: It is said that English is very difficult.
• Personal Passive: English is said to be very difficult.
• Active: The population believed that the new government would increase taxes.
• Impersonal Passive: It was believed that the new government would increase taxes.
• Personal Passive: The new government was believed to increase taxes.

Conditional Sentences

Second

Opinion Essay Structure

Introduction

Nowadays, there are many different opinions about controversial topics in society. Some people agree with them, while others disagree. Personally, I believe that every situation has advantages and disadvantages, but I think it is important to consider the positive aspects. I believe that ____________________________ for several reasons.

Body Paragraph 1

First of all, there are several reasons why this topic can have positive effects.
This is important because ____________________________.
For example, ____________________________.
As a consequence, ____________________________.

Body Paragraph 2

Secondly, another important aspect is that this topic can also ____________________________ for people.
Furthermore, ____... Continue reading "Effective Essay Writing Templates for Students" »

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