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

The Importance of Languages

Languages are very important in our lives because they allow us to communicate with people from other parts of the world and meet new friends. Whether we're traveling or conducting business internationally, language skills are essential. In many jobs, English proficiency is a requirement. Learning languages from a young age is crucial for a brighter future.

Healthy Habits for a Better Life

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being. It's important to eat four meals a day, including breakfast and dinner, which people often skip. Regular exercise, about thirty minutes daily, is essential to avoid obesity. During summer, protecting our skin from the sun with sunscreen and staying hydrated by drinking... Continue reading "The Importance of Languages, Healthy Habits, and Stress Management" »

Irregular Verb Conjugations

Cursed Objects

Un sacerdote robó el diamante de una estatua de Hindu en India muchos siglos atrás. El diamante fue comprado por un joyero francés (Jean Baptiste) - 112.5 quilates. Tavernier lo vendió al Rey Luis XIV de Francia. Nombre: El diamante azul de la Corona. Tavernier fue brutalmente asesinado por perros salvajes durante el viaje. La Princesa de Lamballe fue golpeada hasta la muerte por una enfurecida multitud en la calle. La Reina María Antonieta fue ejecutada en la guillotina. La Sra. McLean compró el diamante por $154,000. Su hijo de 9 años (Vinsin) fue atropellado por un auto y su hija se suicidó a los 25 años. Su esposo se volvió mentalmente enfermo y perdió el control de su enorme negocio de periódicos. Jean Dean fue... Continue reading "Cursed Objects and Mythical Creatures: Tales of Bad Luck and Mystery" »

Essential English Vocabulary and Grammar Practice

Shopping and Financial Terminology

Review common phrases and concepts related to shopping, discounts, and personal finance:

• The dress is a bargain because it was $24 before and now it costs $12.
• The dress is cheaper now because it's in the sales.
• Matt can't afford to buy designer brands because they're too expensive.
• There was a discount of more than 50% on Matt's trainers.
• Olivia doesn't buy designer brands because they're a waste of money.

Affordability and Value Sentences

• I really like this bag, but I can't afford it. Could you lend me $5?
• I'm trying to save up for a laptop. The brand I want is expensive, so I'll need to borrow some money.
• That smartphone isn't worth $300. Don't buy it; it's a waste

Oral Communication Skills in English Language Learning

The primary objective of teaching English is to equip students with the ability to communicate effectively using the language. Therefore, oral communication plays a pivotal role in our classrooms.

Developing Oral Competence

Developing oral competence involves two key aspects: receptive (listening) and productive (speaking). Our communication activities should aim to:

• Foster a genuine desire in students to communicate and receive information.
• Present an engaging communicative purpose that resonates with them.
• Incorporate the processing of diverse language elements.

Effective Classroom Activities for Oral Communication

Classroom Language

Encourage the use of English phrases for communication between... Continue reading "Enhancing Oral Communication Skills in English Language Learning" »

Looking for Alaska — Summary and Exercises

Grammar

1

1. shown
2. wanted
3. opening
4. arriving
5. sitting
6. sent
7. using
8. bought

2

1. 1 C
2. 2 B
3. 3 A
4. 4 B
5. 5 A
6. 6 B

3

1. What I want is lots of sun on my holiday.
2. What I’m looking forward to is meeting my sister’s boyfriend.
3. What I need is some time to finish this work.
4. What I’d like is to go shopping tomorrow.
5. What Sam enjoys is playing in football matches.
6. What she wants is a dog.

Vocabulary

4

1. jugglers
2. composer
3. painter
4. playwright
5. buskers

5

1. stage
2. concert
3. still
4. performance
5. gallery

Listening

1 A, 2 B, 3 A, B, 4 A, 5 A, B

Reading

1 T, 2 F, 3 F, 4 F, 5 T

Looking for Alaska — John Green Novel

In his first novel, Looking for Alaska, John Green captures that feeling with freshness, candor and heart. Miles Halter is a rising junior in a boarding school in rural Alabama.... Continue reading "Looking for Alaska: Summary, Characters & Exercises" »

A News Report: Stormy Day in Villahermosa

On July 4th, 2015, my friend and I were in a park when suddenly the wind surprised us. We were on our way to a party at Voladero disco when the wind broke a large tree branch and some bottles. The local police in Villahermosa arrived to assess the damages.

However, my friends and I went to our houses with some dust on our clothes. Later, my friend Rosa and I went to the pub in the square, and after a while, more people started to arrive. People were a little scared at first, but as time passed, they calmed down.

In conclusion, the party ended at the same time that the storm finished.

Informal Email to Anna

Hi Anna,

It's been a long time since we've seen or spoken to each other. I hope you are doing well in... Continue reading "A Stormy Day in Villahermosa and Other Stories" »

Reported Speech Practice and Sentence Transformation

Section 1: Commands, Requests, and Statements

• Tony reminded me not to forget to post the letter.
• The teacher told me to revise the vocabulary pages.
• The police officer ordered me to show my identity card.
• The IT operator explained that I needed to press 'Control' and 'F8'.
• Lydia asked if we should try the lobster.

Section 2: Complaints, Recommendations, and Promises

• Peter complained about revising for his exams.
• I recommend speaking to the manager at once.
• She promised to call at six o'clock.

Correct Examples

• He explained he would stay there that night.

Section 3: Dialogue and Suggestions

• Joe invited Eve to go to a restaurant that evening.
• Eve decided that was a good idea.
• Joe asked Eve what kind of food

This list includes the base form, past simple, and past participle of some common irregular verbs in English.

Verb Forms

Base Form - Past Simple - Past Participle

be - was/were - been (ser, estar)

become - became - become (convertirse en, hacerse)

begin - began - begun (empezar, comenzar)

bite - bit - bitten (morder)

blow - blew - blown (soplar)

break - broke - broken (romper)

bring - brought - brought (llevar, traer)

build - built - built (construir)

buy - bought - bought (comprar)

can - could - been able (poder)

catch - caught - caught (coger, atrapar, tomar)

choose - chose - chosen (elegir, escoger)

come - came - come (venir)

cost - cost - cost (costar)

cut - cut - cut (cortar)

do - did - done (hacer)

draw - drew - drawn (dibujar)

drink - drank - drunk (beber)... Continue reading "English Irregular Verbs" »

Each person has their own preferences for life in the country and in the city. It is obvious that both have advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Rural Living

• Nature: This includes uncontaminated air, picturesque landscapes, animals, and much more.
• Slower Pace of Life: You do not worry that you will not do something in time but work at your own pace.
• Strong Community Bonds: The relationships between the inhabitants of the countryside are generally very good. People know each other well enough to help one another.

Disadvantages of Rural Living

• Limited Access to Healthcare: There is often no medical center in the countryside, and to consult a doctor, one has to go to the city, which can be quite far.
• Limited Access to Amenities: The same goes