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

Tangible:

Capable of being touched or felt.

Quarry:

The object of a hunt; prey.

Disarming:

Removing or overcoming suspicion.

Cultivated:

Refined or cultured in manner.

Amenity:

Something that adds to one's comfort or convenience.

Droll:

Amusingly odd or comical.

Scruples:

A feeling of uneasiness that keeps a person from doing something.

Solicitously:

In a manner expressing care or concern.

Uncanny:

So remarkable as to seem supernatural.

Instigate:

To stir up; provoke.

Vestibule:

A small entryway within a building.

Agile:

Able to move quickly and easily.

Falter:

To hesitate from lack of courage or confidence.

Ransack:

To search or examine vigorously.

Prudence:

The use of good judgment and common sense.

Ravage:

Serious damage.

Assertion:

A statement.

Coveted:

Greedily desired

Present Simple: For things we do every day, week... I usually work at home. It doesn't often rain here. Do you speak French? Does Alice like jazz?

sangrar-bleed-bled-bled / encender-light-lighted-lighted

The Emperor of Ice-Cream

Poem Structure

• Two stanzas, each with eight lines.
• Unrhymed, not blank verse.

Title Significance

• The poem's title, "The Emperor of Ice-Cream," is repeated twice within the poem.
• It emphasizes the phrase "the only emperor."

Poetic Voice and Imperatives

• The poetic speaker directly addresses the reader or a group, using imperative verbs like "call," "let," and "bid."

First Stanza: The Kitchen Scene

• Preparation of food, likely ice cream.
• Sexual connotations are present, notably with the word "concupiscent" and the alliteration of the plosive /k/ in "cups concupiscent curds."
• Phallic symbolism: "big cigar" and the description of a muscular man.
• Girls are depicted having fun and flirting in the kitchen while ice cream is being made.
• The

5SOS - Don't Stop

I can refresh you, so can a holiday.
You got me thinking that we could run away.
You are my ticket out; you tell me where and when.
I take your number, said you don't have a phone.
It's getting late now; I gotta let you go.
Everybody wants to take you home tonight.
I'm gonna find a way to make you mine.
Don't stop doin' what you're doin'.
Every time you move to the beat, it gets harder for me.
And you know it, know it, know it.
Don't stop 'cause you know that I like it.
Every time you walk in the room, you got all eyes on you.
And you know it, know it, know it.
Got me close now; sure, I can taste it.
You've got me tongue-tied; I can't escape it.
I remember what you got, the way you push me back.
Everybody wants to take you home tonight.
But... Continue reading "5SOS 'Don't Stop' and 'Heartbreak Girl' Lyrics Analysis" »

Verb Tenses

Conditionals

Passive

A Change of School

Everyone knows that a change of school can be difficult. It doesn't matter why you change schools, it's hard. However, is it really that difficult?

Certainly, there are many advantages. For starters, you can meet new people and experience new customs. In addition, there may be more modern facilities than in your other school. And for this reason, there may be a different way of learning, although this could be a disadvantage, because you are not used to this way of learning.

More disadvantages could be that sometimes you lose contact with your old classmates. And there are new teachers who you have never seen before, and maybe new subjects, too.

To sum up, if you are going to change schools, go for it! It will be a new experience... Continue reading "A Change of Schools, a Scary Dream, and a Job Application" »

Character Studies: Isolation and Identity in Of Mice and Men

Crooks: Intelligence Amidst Isolation and Delusion

John Steinbeck subtly reveals Crooks' intelligence despite his profound isolation. His room, filled with books, immediately suggests a knowledgeable individual. Significantly, Crooks possesses a copy of the California Civil Code. This detail implies a desperate hope for control over his future, a poignant delusion given the systemic denial of Black civil rights during that era.

Curley's Wife: A Portrait of Loneliness and Objectification

Curley's Wife stands as the sole prominent female character on the ranch, making her a unique figure in the novel. Steinbeck portrays her husband, Curley, as intensely possessive. This is underscored by... Continue reading "Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men: Isolation, Identity, and Vulnerability" »

Dear John/Hi John,

It's great to hear from you after so long! How are you doing? I'm so excited about your visit next summer. Let me give you some tips so you can get ready.

First of all, there are some places which you can't miss! For example, here in Barcelona you should totally visit Sagrada Familia, an ancient cathedral. It was nominated to become one of the new seven wonders of the world. Also, don't forget to check out Castelldefels viewpoint - you will have the best views of Barcelona and the whole city.

As for clothes, remember that it can get super hot in Barcelona, especially for foreigners! So forget about long sleeves or trousers and just pack some shorts, T-shirts, and sandals. Oh, remember to bring a cap, too!

By the way, do you have... Continue reading "Tips for Visiting Barcelona: What to See and Pack" »