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

Essential English Vocabulary

CLIMB: To go up, or to go towards the top of something. Example: The sun climbed higher in the sky.

UNLIKELY: Not probable or likely to happen. Example: It's pretty unlikely that they'll turn up now.

RISE: To move upwards. Example: At 6 a.m. we watched the sun rise.

FALL: To suddenly go down onto the ground. Example: He fell badly and broke his leg.

WONDER: To ask yourself questions. Example: Your parents will be wondering where you are.

WONDERFUL: Extremely good. Example: He's a wonderful cook.

HEART: The organ in your chest. Example: Isabel's heart was beating fast with fright.

JEWEL: A precious stone that is used to decorate valuable objects. Example: She was wearing a large gold necklace set with jewels.

BORROW: To get... Continue reading "Vocabulary Expansion: Mastering Essential English Words" »

As the pendulum swings down, the narrator notices rats emerging from the pit, drawn to the meat the captors provided. Upon closer inspection, he sees the pendulum is shaped like a scythe, forming a sharp crescent as it descends. Despite the dire situation, the narrator believes he can still survive. Just before the pendulum slices him, he has an idea: he rubs the meat from the plate onto the strap binding him to the platform. The rats are attracted and begin gnawing at the bonds, allowing the narrator to break free. As he escapes, the pendulum retracts, suggesting he is being watched.

As the pendulum descends further, the narrator realizes its bottom edge is razor-sharp, designed to cut him in half. After much anxiety and fainting, he devises... Continue reading "Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum: A Summary" »

I would really love to visit Coney Island again. The place is far from the bustling city, and getting there is already part of the adventure. One can take the tunnel or drive, but whichever way you take, when one arrives on the island, it’s like being transported in time.

A Journey to Coney Island's Past

There is that feeling of déjà vu one gets when you see the heart of the island for the first time. Maybe it is because of the old films that featured the amusement parks, or because as a young child you had countless dreams of coming here. The place is filled with old buildings and structures that remind us of how our parents and grandparents might have enjoyed the Thunderbolt, the mermaid shows, the parachute drop, and all the other parks... Continue reading "Coney Island's Enduring Charm and Nostalgia" »

Speaking Part 1

1. What is your name?

My name is Keira.

2. Can you spell your last/surname name?

It’s S-a-n-t-e-l-l-a-n.

3. How old are you?

I’m 10 years old.

4. Where are you from?

I’m from Mexico City.

5. Where do you go to school?

I go to Queen Mary School.

6. How do you go to school?

I go to school by car.

7. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I have one brother.

8. Do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a dog. It’s names are Lili and Frida.

9. What is your favorite subject at school? Why?

It’s Art because it’s fun to use different colors of paint.

10. Which is your least favorite subject at school and why?

I don’t like history because I have to memorize dates and then I forget them. I like geography because I learn more about cultures.

A2 Key Speaking

Effective Complaint Letters & Emails

Dear ________________,

Introduction

Choose one of the following opening statements:

• I am writing to complain about _________________.
• I am writing this letter/email because I would like to take this opportunity to express my __________ / opinion about _________________________.
• I am writing / We are writing this email/letter to express my/our agreement / disagreement _____________.

Body

Use different paragraphs and linkers to connect your ideas. Consider using the following:

• First of all,
• Apart from that,
• As well as that,
• Moreover,
• So,
• It is important to mention that,
• Besides,
• According to,
• Whereas,
• In fact,
• However,
• Due to,
• On the other hand,
• Finally,
• That is to say,
• Concerning,
• What's more,
• For instance,
• For example,
• Such as…

Conclusion

Hello Laura

How are you? I'm looking forward to the trip. I think that we are going to have a very good experience.

The first day, we can go to visit the centre of Pamplona where we can go shopping on Carlos III, a beautiful street full of shops, mostly clothing stores. Then, afterwards, we can have lunch in a restaurant called Foster Hollywood. I really love this place.

The second day, we can go to see the Ciudadela and the old part of Pamplona. You will love the Caballo Blanco. In the afternoon, we can go to the cinema to watch a film at Golem Yamaguchi.

I hope we will have a good time together.

See you soon, Nahia

Gerunds and Infinitives (TO/ING)

Practice using gerunds (V-ing) and infinitives (to + V) correctly after specific verbs and phrases.

• I began going snowboarding.
• There wasn't any point trying to windsurf.
• We continued to train for the race.
• I stopped to rest after the run.
• Remember not to go to college.
• I started doing rock climbing.
• Don't forget to bring plenty (of supplies).
• It wasn't worth continuing up the mountain.
• My family stopped visiting Scotland.
• I prefer to sail on the sea.
• I was offered a place travelling (around the world).
• I meant to tell Oliver.

Phrasal Verbs and Collocations with TAKE

The verb TAKE is used in many common phrasal verbs and fixed expressions:

• Everybody is welcome to take part in the race.
• Jack was injured, so Andy took his place

Essential English Vocabulary for Advanced Learners

• Diagnosis, Circulation, Burglar, Demolition, Spotless, Congested, Affluent, Attempt, Live, Buzz, Voice, Trap, Housing, Urban, Rough, Good deed, Full, Small.
• Standards, Officer, Appalling, Thrilled, Inflation, Condition, Rep (Representative/Reputation), Scheme, Abolish, Abolition, Fraudulent, Heavy, Stereotype, Bemused, Steep, Assume, Commerce, Soak, Increase, Struck, Work, Get, Rip, Tackle.
• Close-knit, Heavy, Long, Quick, Verbal, Diverse, Central, False, Running elite, Safety pin, Power drill, Latest craze, Corruption, Punishment, Evasion, Happen, Commit, Protect, Attempt, Carry, Rant, Cynic, Incompetent, Amicable, Annul, Trashed, Instigate, Chronic, Shoulder, Award, File, Throw, Drift, Pay, Has,

Diamond Facts: Natural vs. Man-Made

Physical and Chemical Properties

Man-made diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically identical to mined diamonds.

Price Comparison

Regarding price, there is a significant difference:

• A one-carat yellow diamond from nature costs about $20,000.
• A man-made one costs about $6,000.

Artificial Diamond Production

The process involves subjecting a piece of coal to extremely high temperatures and great pressure over a period of various days. This information is often promoted by those in charge of companies that produce artificial diamonds.

Related Terminology

Keywords associated with diamond processing include: overseen, lump, graded, and inscribed (corrected spelling).

Grammar Corrections

• The hardest substance on Earth.