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

Black Beauty: A Horse's Enduring Story

"Black Beauty" is a timeless classic novel, told from the unique perspective of a horse. This poignant narrative by Anna Sewell delves into themes of animal welfare, human kindness, and the harsh realities faced by working animals in Victorian England.

Early Life and Birtwick Hall

The story begins on Farmer Grey’s farm, where young Black Beauty grows up content and happy, learning obedience and strength in a calm, peaceful setting. His idyllic early life, however, takes a significant turn when he is sold to Squire Gordon and moved to the esteemed Birtwick Hall. Here, he experiences a period of excellent care, treated kindly by the compassionate coachman John Manly. At Birtwick, Black Beauty forms bonds... Continue reading "Black Beauty's Journey: A Horse's Tale of Resilience" »

Perceptions of British People

At first, Antonio perceived British people as unfriendly. However, as he traveled, he realized their inherent kindness. This shift in perception was shaped by several encounters:

• A man engaged him in conversation in Trafalgar Square on New Year’s Eve.
• A woman on a train to York spoke to him and even recommended a guest house.
• In a pub in Cornwall, a man sat with him and shared local stories.

Embracing British Traditions and Celebrations

Festivals and Events

• Royal National Eisteddfod: This modern version of an ancient competition for poets and musicians is one of Europe's largest cultural festivals. It celebrates the Welsh language, art, drama, music, and poetry.
• New Year's Eve: Celebrations take place in iconic locations

Ozymandias vs. London: A Poetic Comparison

Key Quotes and Their Significance

1. Ozymandias – "Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!"

   • Command Verb (Imperative)

     The verb "Look" conveys Ozymandias’s arrogance, attempting to assert dominance over future generations, suggesting an inflated sense of power. This contrasts with the powerless citizens in London, whose suffering is imposed upon them by external forces, not self-proclaimed power.

   • Irony

     The juxtaposition of "despair" with the ruined state of the statue highlights the futility of Ozymandias’s power, emphasizing the transience of human legacy. Similarly, London highlights the decaying impact of unchecked power through the physical and emotional scarring of the city’s inhabitants.

   • Noun:

Stranger Things: A Thrilling Netflix Series Review

Stranger Things is a thrilling and suspenseful Netflix original series that masterfully combines science fiction with horror. Set in the 1980s, the story unfolds amidst mysterious occurrences in the small town of Hawkins.

Unraveling the Mystery of Hawkins

The narrative begins with the sudden disappearance of a boy named Will. His friends and family embark on a desperate search, encountering a girl with extraordinary psychokinetic powers named Eleven. As the series progresses, they uncover deep government secrets, explore alternate dimensions, and confront terrifying creatures. Each season introduces new characters and escalating adventures, maintaining high viewer engagement.

Why Stranger Things

Writing for and Against

Introduction (No Opinion)

Lately, not only has ____ been a popular topic, but it has also led some collectives to voice criticism of the mainstream attitude. It should be a crucial target for the (administration, government, state, whole society) to____, due to____. In this paper, two approaches which ought to be taken into account will be discussed.

Advantages

Those who are in favour claim that ____. To begin with ____. Besides ____. Another major advantage is that ____.

Disadvantages

Nevertheless, in spite of the advantages, there are the main drawbacks. One of the biggest concerns is ____, in other words, _____. Another negative aspect is that ____. Lastly ____.

Conclusion

Having looked at both sides of the argument, I really... Continue reading "Crafting Persuasive Essays: Argumentation and Opinion Writing" »

Section 1: Comprehension and Vocabulary

1.1 Emotional Impact & Symbolism

1. They can provoke strong feelings, similar to how personal photos do. (Lines 3-4)
2. It is important because the polar bear on melting ice represents global warming and the human effect. (Lines 17-18)

1.2 Vocabulary: Synonyms

• Conducted: Carried out
• Very funny: Hilarious
• Extremely sad: Heart-breaking
• Brutal: Harsh

1.3 True or False Statements

• False. (Lines indicate a third of the participants would save their photographs.)
• False. (The birds made the writer smile.)
• True. (Lines indicate he froze in fear.)

1.4 Multiple Choice Answers

• c)
• c)
• a)

Section 2: Grammar Practice

2.1 Verb Tenses & Conditionals

1. left / will be relaxing
2. not to take / had listened / wouldn't have made
3. wanted / had ...

Engaging Your Voice Assistant: Essential Prompts

Discover a comprehensive list of questions and commands to interact with your voice assistant, from everyday queries to humorous and thought-provoking prompts. Enhance your experience and uncover unique responses.

Basic Interactions & Everyday Commands

• Call me [Name]: Your assistant will use this name when addressing you.
• Knock Knock.
• Show me the money.
• What are you wearing?
• How are you?
• Where are you?
• What do you look like?
• Where are you from?
• How's it going?
• Thank you.
• Talk to me.
• Good morning. (Try saying this at night for a unique response.)
• Happy Birthday!
• Merry Christmas.
• LOL.
• Ha Ha!
• Ha Ha Ha!
• Why?
• Why not?
• It's all good.
• Blah blah blah.
• Guess What? ...Correct.
• You're right!
• I'm happy.
• I'm tired.
• You are boring.

A Retrieved Reformation Questions

1. Jimmy's Plans Clue

   Which of Jimmy’s actions gives a clue to his plans for continuing to crack safes?

   Answer: B. He goes to his room to pick up his burglar’s tools.

2. Jimmy's Character

   Jimmy wears fancy clothes, eats well, and robs banks for quick money. What does this tell you about him?

   Answer: B. He likes “the good life.”

3. Ben Price's Interest

   Why is Ben Price interested in Jimmy Valentine?

   Answer: B. Ben Price wants to arrest Jimmy.

4. Jimmy's Reaction Prediction

   What can you predict that Jimmy will do when he notices Annabel coming out of the bank?

   Answer: A. He will find a way to meet her.

5. Shoe Business Reason

   Why does Jimmy Valentine decide to go into the shoe business?

   Answer: A. He likes fancy clothes.

6. Plot Element

English Verb Tenses: Active and Passive Voice

Past Perfect

• Affirmative: Subject + had + past participle
• Negative: Subject + hadn't + past participle
• Interrogative: Had + subject + past participle + ?

Passive Voice

• Present Simple: writes ~ is written
• Past Simple: wrote ~ was written
• Future (will): will write ~ will be written
• Present Continuous: is writing ~ is being written
• Past Continuous: was writing ~ was being written
• Present Perfect: has written ~ has been written
• Past Perfect: had written ~ had been written
• Be going to: is going to write ~ is going to be written
• Modal Verbs: can write ~ can be written

Past Perfect

• Affirmative: Subject + had + past participle
• Negative: Subject + hadn't + past participle
• Interrogative: Had + subject + past participle + ?

Victor's Journey to Geneva and Encounter with the Monster

1. On his journey to Geneva, Victor spent the night in the village of Secheron, but he couldn't sleep.

Victor couldn't sleep, and he decided to go and find the place where William had been murdered. During the storm, he saw a figure standing beside some trees; it was the monster.

Justine's Trial and Conviction

2. Justine defended herself in court.

Justine was called to defend herself. Crying, she told them what she remembered.

But it did no good. The judge had reached his verdict, and Justine had been found guilty. She was sentenced to death and would be executed the next day.

The Monster's Plea and Victor's Reaction

3. The monster raised his hand and began to speak.

Victor was shocked.

The monster... Continue reading "Frankenstein: Key Plot Points and Analysis" »