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

Willy Loman's Descent: A Salesman's Tragedy

Willy Loman, a 63-year-old salesman, lives in New York City in the late 1940s with his wife, Linda. For twenty-five years, they have resided in the same house, which once stood apart but is now surrounded by apartment buildings, making Willy feel increasingly closed in. Willy has worked for the same company for thirty-six years, but his life is falling apart around him, and he struggles to cope with the changes he must endure.

The Burden of a Fading Dream

Willy's Troubled Mind and Driving Woes

Willy is having trouble concentrating on driving and often makes mistakes, such as crossing the white line, driving off the road, and running red lights while stopping for green lights. He has begun to talk to himself... Continue reading "Death of a Salesman: Willy Loman's Tragic Downfall" »

Jonathan Swift's Satirical Masterpieces

A Modest Proposal

First published anonymously by Jonathan Swift in 1729, A Modest Proposal is a powerful satirical essay. Swift provocatively suggests that the impoverished Irish might ease their economic troubles by selling their children as food for wealthy gentlemen and ladies. He argues, with both sharp economic reasoning and a moral stance, for a way to transform this dire problem into its own solution.

His shocking proposal involves fattening up undernourished children and feeding them to Ireland's rich landowners. Swift argues that children of the poor could be sold into a meat market at the age of one, thereby combating overpopulation and unemployment. This scheme would also spare families the expense... Continue reading "Jonathan Swift's Satirical Masterpieces: A Modest Proposal & Gulliver's Travels" »

A Harrowing Beach Trip

The trip was on a Saturday morning. It took us very long, and we were heading to the beach to spend a weekend. I went with my friends and my girlfriend. That Saturday was the worst in my life. The day started barely. We found a traffic jam, many cars stopped and we could not advance. People started to get out of their cars and started to argue about stupid things. I was afraid to get out and I didn't get off my car when suddenly a man approached my car and hit it. He punched the glass of the car. A friend of mine went out of the car and pushed the man. He threw him to the ground and hit his head against the ground. When he started bleeding, we started the car and we went to the beach, frightened.

We swam quietly on the... Continue reading "A Harrowing Beach Trip: A Story of Road Rage and Fear" »

My Trip to Chicago

In October 2012, I went to Chicago, also known as the Windy City. It’s the biggest city that I have visited, where three million people live.

Chicago City Center Attractions

The center of Chicago offers a lot of amazing skyscrapers, including one that is very well known because it is the tallest building. In this part of Chicago, you can also see ancient museums, like the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Museum of History. A lot of parks are located here, where there is the fascinating monument because it looks like a big bean.

A popular tourist attraction is riding a boat on the Chicago River. It’s amazing because the views are beautiful and you can see the skyline. In Chicago, there are a lot of malls where you can go... Continue reading "Travel, Family, and Friendship Stories" »

Words about Money

251. AFFLUENT – wealthy, having an abundance of money. We laughed at our teacher’s statement that she was fluent in French and affluent in China, where the U.S. dollar can buy a lot.

252. AVARICE – greed, desire to get something. Scrooge McDuck is noted for his avarice; he is always scheming to get even more money.

253. CUPIDITY – greed for gain, inordinate desire to appropriate another’s wealth or possessions. We were astounded by the cupidity of the woman who compromised her integrity and reputation just for the sake of getting more money.

254. DESTITUTE – without resources, in poverty. The treasure hunter bemoaned the fact that the sunken ship he spent millions to find had been transporting worthless musical instruments,... Continue reading "Words About Money: Definitions and Examples" »

1. The following sentences do not make sense. Correct them by replacing each word in bold with a word in bold from a different sentence.

1. I signed the contract yesterday.
2. Go overseas to help yourself to some cake.
3. There was nothing unusual about the performance. It was very ordinary.
4. Mike has been to many different countries. He has travelled worldwide.
5. I like to go overseas to remote places.
6. The meal was very satisfying. I am full.
7. My best friend lives nearby, so I can walk to her house.
8. My friends and I traded clothes with each other.

2. Replace the words in bold by forming a new word with a prefix. Then add a sentence that reflects the meaning of the first sentence.

1. I think your idea is impossible. It won't work.
2. I dislike this hotel. It hasn't got

Conditionals

0 Conditional

if + Present Simple + Present Simple

Situations that are always true or happen repeatedly.

1st Conditional

if + Present Simple + will (verb)

Describes what happens if a condition is met.

2nd Conditional

if + Past Simple + would (verb)

Imaginary future situations, hypothetical cases, unlikely events.

3rd Conditional

If + Past Perfect, would have + Past Participle

Impossible conditions as they refer to the past.

The Passive Voice

Present Simple: The waiter serves the customers (A) --> The customers are served by the waiter (P)

Present Continuous: ...is serving... --> ...are being served...

Past Simple: ...served... --> ...were served...

Past Continuous: ...was serving... --> ...were being served...

Present Perfect Simple:

Anthropomorphism is the act of describing animals, objects, etc., as having human qualities. I am not trying to sound smart when I mention this beautiful word, nor am I quoting from the Zootopia trailer. In fact, I may have even pronounced the word wrong and made several grammatical mistakes during the definition. However, if I were an animal, say a gecko, would I be embarrassed by my pronunciation and grammar skills? Obviously, no. But wait, how do I know that the gecko species does not have a complex system of language and maybe has the same amount of vocabulary and grammar as French? We humans, when thinking of animals, especially our pets, often classify them as four-legged or no-legged people. To partially understand animals, we need to... Continue reading "Understanding Anthropomorphism: Insights into Animal Behavior" »

Social Interactions: Participants and Occasions

Participants in Social Events:

Takes part in:

1. Acquaintances (ezagunak)
   • a. Blind date 1, 12, 13
2. Business associates (socios)
   • b. Business meeting 2, 3
   • c. Celebration meal 2, 3, 6, 7, 11
   • l. Conference call 2, 3
   • m. Social-networking site 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 13
3. Clients
   • b. Business meeting 2, 3
   • c. Celebration meal 2, 3, 6, 7, 11
   • l. Conference call 2, 3
   • m. Social-networking site 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 13
4. Delegates (politikoak)
   • d. Conference 2, 3, 4, 9, 10
5. Ex-classmates
   • e. Dating website 12, 13
   • j. School reunion 5, 6
   • m. Social-networking site 1, 2, 3, 5, 11, 13
6. Friends
   • c. Celebration meal 2, 3, 6, 7, 11
   • f. Dinner party 6, 7, 11
   • i. Housewarming party 6, 7, 8, 11
   • j. School reunion 5, 6
7. Guests (gonbidatuak)
   • c. Celebration meal 2, 3, 6, 7, 11
   • f.

Chapter 1: Walter Hartright's Encounter

• Describe the woman Walter met on his way home. A woman dressed all in white.
• What did the woman in white say to Walter that surprised him? She asked him if he knew the way to Regent's Park.

Chapter 2: Introducing Key Figures

• Who is Frederick Fairlie? Laura's uncle.
• Who is the woman in white? Anne Catherick.

Chapter 3: Walter's Departure from Limmeridge

• Why did Walter have to leave Limmeridge House? Because he was in love with Laura.

Chapter 4: A Frightening Graveside Meeting

• How did the woman at the graveside react when she saw Walter? She was frightened and screamed.

Chapter 5: Sir Percival's Arrival and Secret

• How did Laura Fairlie greet Sir Percival when he arrived at Limmeridge House? She did not greet him.
• What