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

Mystery and Paranormal Tales

The Scottish Castle Encounter

Gordon, Duncan, Fiona, and Heather visited Fiona's uncle in a Scottish castle. While sleeping on the fourth floor, they encountered the spirit of the uncle's ancestor. The ghost brandished a sword, leading to a tense confrontation.

The Astronaut's Digital Message

Anna, an aspiring NASA astronaut, received a computer from her uncle. She began receiving mysterious messages from an astronaut who had passed away ten years prior.

The Haunted House Mystery

Sally and her family lived in an old house where the kitchen was frequently found in disarray. The grandmother believed the culprit was her late husband. Eventually, the house crumbled to the ground, revealing footprints belonging to the grandmother'... Continue reading "Short Stories of Mystery and Paranormal Encounters" »

Complete the Second Sentence

1. We haven't eaten anything for hours. We're getting very hungry.
2. My neighbor asked me out, and we went on a date last night.
3. The children need something to drink. They're all getting thirsty.
4. My dad doesn't live with us. He and my mom split up when I was ten.
5. Mary and Steve aren't married anymore. They got divorced last year.
6. Stephanie has been sick for weeks. Her husband is starting to get very worried about her.

Match the Sentences

1. On August 4th, I became Sophia's husband. - b
2. I was in a romantic relationship with her. - d
3. We officially ended our marriage. - e
4. I invited him to come to the concert with me. - f
5. I had dinner with a man I'd never met. - a
6. I went on a blind date. - a
7. I got married. - b
8. I got engaged.
9. I was going out

The Canterville Ghost

Why did Hiram B. Otis receive negative reactions after he decided to buy Canterville Chase?

Because the house was haunted.

Where was Canterville Chase and how did people get there?

In England, he arrived at the nearest train station and then they take a carriage.

What event happened on the spot where Mrs Otis noticed the bloodstain?

It was Lady Eleanore’s blood and she was murdered by her husband Simon in 1575.

Why do you think the Otis family promised Mrs Umney a higher salary?

Because she was scared.

Why did Mr Otis close and lock the library before going to bed?

Because the blood stain was coming back and he wanted to see if it was the ghost.

What was the noise which awakened Mr Otis?

It was the sound of the ghost’s chains.... Continue reading "The Canterville Ghost: Summary, Analysis, and Questions" »

BE/WAS/WERE/BEEN/SER 

BEAT/BEAT/BEATEN/ABSORTO

BECOME/BECAME/BECOME/CONVERTIRSE

BEGIN/BEGAN/BEGUN/EMPEZAR

BEND/BENT/BENT/DOBLAR

BET/BET/BET/APOSTAR

BITE/BIT/BITTEN/MORDER

BLEED/BLED/BLED/SANGRAR

BLOW/BLEW/BLOWN/SOPLAR

BREAK/BROKE/BROKEN/ROMPER

BRING/BROUGHT/BROUGHT/LLEVAR 

BUILD/BUILT/BUILT/CONSTRUIR

BURNT/BURNED/BURNED/QUEMAR

BUY/BOUGHT/BOUGHT/COMPRAR

CATCH/CAUGHT/CAUGHT/COGER

CHOOSE/CHOSE/CHOSEN/ELEGIR

COME/CAME/COME/VENIR

COST/COST/COST/COSTAR

CUT/CUT/CUT/CORTAR

DIG/DUG/DUG/CAVAR

DO/DID/DONE/HAVER 

DRAW/DREW/DRAWN/DIBUJAR

DREAM/DREAMT/DREAMT/SOÑAR

DRINK/DRANK/DRUNK/BEBER

DRIVE/DROVE/DRIVEN/CONDUCIR

EAT/ATE/EATEN/COMER

FALL/FELL/FALLEN/CAERSE

FEED/FED/FED/ALIMENTAR 

FEEL/FELT/FELT/SENTIR

FIGHT/FOUGHT/FOUGHT/LUCHAR 

FIND/FOUND/FOUND/ENCONTRAR

FLY/FLEW/FLOWN/VOLAR

FORGET/

Modal Verbs

• Did you have to make your bed?
• Will you be able to travel to new galaxies?
• It might rain at the weekend.
• You mustn't smoke in public places.
• Manufacturers will lower prices.

Tenses

• My sister used to be.
• The government has taxed.
• Suppliers will raise prices.
• After the government has passed the law.
• Children aren't allowed.
• People are mad.
• I regret being.
• Remember to close the door.
• Did you use to be respectful?

Appropriate Pronouns

• Made ourselves.
• Cut himself.
• To each other.
• Buy something nice.
• There's another.

Adjectives and Verbs

• Embarrass me.
• Worrying situation.
• Interest us.
• I find it annoying.
• Feel worried.

So, Such, Too, Enough

• Comfortable enough.
• Too colorful for an old lady.
• So stylish these days.
• Such smart clothes.
• Casual enough to go to a rave.

Gerunds

Past Simple vs Present Perfect

We use the past simple to talk about a completed action when we know when the action happened.

We use the present perfect to talk about a completed action when we don’t know when the action happened.

Present Perfect Simple Uses

• Experience: We use the present perfect simple to talk about an experience which has or hasn’t happened.
• Continuation from the past to the present: We use the present perfect simple to talk about an action or a state which started in the past and which continues in the present.

Present Perfect Continuous Uses

• We use the present perfect continuous to emphasise the duration of an action.
• We use the present perfect continuous to talk about temporary situations.

Simple vs Continuous: Result and Activity

The... Continue reading "Past Simple and Present Perfect: Usage and Differences" »

English Irregular Verbs: Complete Conjugation Table

This list provides the base form, past simple, past participle, and the corresponding meaning in Catalan for common English irregular verbs.

William Shakespeare is the greatest of all playwrights and poets of all time. Not much is known of his life. William Shakespeare was born in 1564, in the town of Stratford-upon-Avon. His father, John Shakespeare, was a glove-maker and wool dealer.

William went to the local free grammar school where he studied Latin. At the age of 18, Shakespeare married and had three children. Little is known of his life before 1592, when he appeared as a playwright in London. Soon he became an actor, playing supporting roles like the ghost in Hamlet. In 1599, Shakespeare became a part owner of the Globe Theatre in London.

Shakespeare wrote history plays such as Henry IV and Richard III, comedies such as A Midsummer Night's Dream and A Comedy of Errors. Shakespeare'... Continue reading "The Life and Works of William Shakespeare: A Timeless Legacy" »