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

We had our photo taken. I will have the computer repaired. All the windows had been cleaned before the storm. All the milk has been drunk. A story was being told at six o'clock. A bionic eye has been developed by researchers at Melbourne University. Is the article being rewritten now? The scientist won't be paid a lot of money by them.

Mary asked me when her mother could visit me. Peter asked me if I could go home. Tom warned Mary not to touch his computer again. Angie asked me why they didn't watch a DVD after dinner.

The book, which we ordered, was very expensive. The paint of the beach, which we are sitting on, is still wet. The photographer, who had taken them in Australia, could not develop the pictures. The limb, which you haven't emptied... Continue reading "Developing a Bionic Eye: A Breakthrough in Research and Innovation" »

Passive Voice:

(pasiva):present simple:(active)peter paints the house-(passive)the house is painted by peter/present continuous:(active)peter is painting the house-(passive)the house is being painted by peter/past simple:(active)peter painted the house-(passive)the house was painted by peter/past continuous:(active)peter was painting the house-(passive)the house was being painted by peter/present perfect:(active)peter has painted the house-(passive)the house has been painted by peter/future will:(active)peter will paint the house-(passive)the house will be painted by peter/be going to:(active)peter is going to paint the house-(passive)the house is going to be painted by peter.

Vocabulary:

(vocabulario):casual:casual/tight:ajustado/uncool:poco... Continue reading "English Verbs and Passive Voice Vocabulary" »

Princess Flavia: Character Analysis from The Prisoner of Zenda

Introduction to Princess Flavia

Princess Flavia, a creation of Anthony Hope in his classic novel The Prisoner of Zenda, stands out as the most beautiful, sweet, charming, attractive, and lovable character. Her grace is so profound that when she speaks, it seems as if roses are blooming around her.

Appearance and Virtues

Princess Flavia is a young, bewitching, and decent lady, possessing a multitude of virtues. Her admirable attributes and sound character earn her immense love and admiration from the people of Ruritania. They hold her in great respect and honor, expressing much pleasure at the public announcement of her engagement to King Rudolf Elphberg. She is, at her core, a noble... Continue reading "Princess Flavia: Virtues and Impact in The Prisoner of Zenda" »

Mastering English Passive Voice

The passive voice emphasizes the action or the recipient of the action rather than the performer. Its general structure is: Object + Passive Verb + (by + Agent).

Passive Verb Tenses

• Present Simple: AM (not) / ARE (not) / IS (not) + past participle
• Past Simple: WAS (not) / WERE (not) + past participle
• Future 'Will': WILL (not) BE + past participle
• Future 'Going To': AM (not) GOING TO BE / ARE (not) GOING TO BE / IS (not) GOING TO BE + past participle
• Present Continuous: AM (not) BEING / ARE (not) BEING / IS (not) BEING + past participle
• Past Continuous: WAS (not) BEING / WERE (not) BEING + past participle
• Present Perfect: HAVE (not) BEEN / HAS (not) BEEN + past participle
• Past Perfect: HAD (not) BEEN + past participle
• Modal

The Playa Club

The “Playa Club” is a restaurant located in a small city between two beaches and near a promenade. It is the favorite place of people who surf and like Rock music. It is also near the City Centre.

As you enter the place, the first thing you see is the sea. The decoration is modern, mixed with musical instruments. Sitting at any table, you have a wonderful view of the kitchen, where you can see the chefs at work. For those who do not reserve a table and are waiting, there is a cozy lounge with armchairs and pictures of people surfing. The restaurant has a quiet and pleasant atmosphere.

The menu offers a variety of delicious entrées. I had octopus with potatoes, while my friend had the grilled calamari. They were exquisite. The... Continue reading "The Playa Club: A Culinary Haven by the Sea" »

Chapter 10: The Substance of the Shadow

Mr. Lorry and Jerry Cruncher

Mr. Jarvis Lorry is appalled to discover Jerry Cruncher's illegal side hustle as a body snatcher. He threatens to report Jerry upon their return to England. Jerry defends himself, citing their long working relationship and the hypocrisy of potentially accusing him while medical doctors who bank at Tellson's might be doing similar things. Jerry proposes that his son take over his position at Tellson's, allowing him to become a gravedigger and make amends. Lorry softens slightly, demanding to see Jerry's repentance "in action—not in words."

Sydney Carton's Farewell

Sydney Carton emerges after speaking with Barsad and bids the spy farewell. He informs Lorry that he has secured... Continue reading "A Tale of Two Cities: Book 3, Chapter 10 Summary" »

Tattoos: History and Cultural Significance

The discovery of mummies with tattoos is thought to be evidence that the Polynesians began adorning their bodies after World War II. Tattoos have been used to reduce laughter, show bravery, and communicate about oneself.

How Are Tattoos Created?

A falling rock hit him while skiing up in the mountains.

Who Inspired the “Game of Thrones” Creator?

George R. R. Martin has always maintained that "Game of Thrones," a best-seller, was inspired by historical events.

I wish I was on a desert island right now.

Mary suggested going to the cinema on Tuesday.

When do you have to wear a uniform?

La Tomatina: A Unique Spanish Festival

La Tomatina is a popular festival that succeeds globally, attracting people who enjoy... Continue reading "Tattoo History, Cyberbullying, Tourism, and More" »

Conditional Sentences

Zero - Permanent actions

If (Pr. S), (Pr. S)

If we heat water to 100C, it boils.

1rst - Probable actions

(Will + V) if (Pr S.)

We'll go boating if it doesn't rain

2nd - Unlikely or imaginary actions

(If + Past. S), (Would + V)

If I won the lotto, I would buy a house

3rd - Impossible actions

(Would have + Participle) if (Past Perfect)

You would have met Kevin if you had come to the cinema with us

Reported Speech

DIRECT SPEECH                                                 INDIRECT SPEECH

PR. SIMPLE                                                         PS. SIMPLE

He said, "I want to watch a film"         He said that he wanted to watch a film

PR. CONTINUOUS                

James Conway loves money. He has companies in many countries. James Conway is a rapacious person. James Conway takes a new job in Haiti. He meets a woman whose name is Karen Jackson on the plane to Haiti. After a short conversation, he learns that Karen Jackson is a doctor and she is going to Haiti to collect information for her book about Voodoo Island. James thinks it as nonsense. But the woman says there were some people who believed in Voodoo and that it might be true; and gives some information about Voodoo. But the man does not care. When the woman goes to the bathroom, Conway takes the book and sees Baron Samedi is mentioned in the book. He learns that Baron Samedi is the strongest and the most dangerous voodoo doctor, and that he is... Continue reading "Baron Samedi: A Voodoo Island Horror Story" »