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

Break down

If a machine or vehicle breaks down, it stops working. E.g. My car broke down on the way to Motril.

Catch sb out

To surprise someone and put them in a difficult position. E.g. The exam is designed to catch you out.

Come across

To find by accident. E.g. I came across my old school reports when I was clearing out my desk.

Count on / Rely on

To trust someone.

Cover up

To hide, try to stop people knowing. E.g. It was a real scandal, but the school tried to cover the whole thing up.

Find something out

To discover a fact or piece of information. E.g. We may never find out the truth about what happened.

Get back

To return to a place after you have been somewhere else. E.g. If you get back in time, you can come with us.

Get on / off

To enter (get on) or... Continue reading "Common English Phrasal Verbs: Definitions and Examples" »

Capable

• The camel can go for long periods without water.
• The camel is capable of going for long periods without water.

Succeed

• Management failed to convince the workers to end their strike.
• Management didn’t succeed in convincing the workers to end their strike.

Unable

• Although he can’t play any instruments, Steve wants to form a rock band.
• Despite being unable to play any instruments, Steve wants to form a rock band.

Able

• It’s a pity I couldn’t go to the concert with Leslie.
• I wish I had been able to go to the concert with Leslie.

Incapable

• He just cannot seem to get to meetings on time.
• He seems completely incapable of turning up to meetings on time.

Manage

• I’m afraid I wasn’t able to buy the brand of dog food you asked for.
• I’m afraid I didn’t

Carol Ann Duffy

Carol Ann Duffy was born in Scotland in 1955 and comes from a working-class background. Duffy grew up with four little brothers and was born into a Catholic family. She had a very good relationship with her mother, to whom she dedicated the poem 'Premonitions' after her death in 2005.

When Duffy was six years old, her family moved from Glasgow to Stafford. She attended the University of Liverpool and majored in Philosophy. After that, Duffy worked in some freelance jobs until the mid-80s when she decided to become a full-time poet.

Carol Ann Duffy wrote her first poem when she was 11 years old, and after realizing she had talent, her teachers encouraged her to pursue poetry. Currently, Duffy works as a professor of Creative Writing... Continue reading "Carol Ann Duffy: A Democratic Voice in Poetry" »

Analysis

The poem, A dialogue between the Soul and Body by Andrew Marvell contains vivid and concrete imagery, and makes use of a number of conceits imagery, and metaphysical kind. In fact, the very basis of the poem is the metaphysical kind. In fact, the very basic of the poem is the metaphysical concept that the Soul and the Body are separate entities. The body feeling itself to be a victim of the Soul tyranny, and the Soul believing itself to be a prisoner inside the Body are metaphysical conceits.

Stanzas

1. In the opening speech, we have a graphic picture of a prisoner being held in chains and fetters, and about to be hanged on the gallows
2. In the second speech, we have a vivid picture of the Body going about like a walking precipice.
3. We have the

Letters Giving Advice

Introduction

Paragraph 1 - Thanks for the letter and express understanding of the problem.

Main Body

Paragraphs 2, (3) - Suggestion(s) and reason(s).

Conclusion

Final paragraph - Closing remarks.

Useful Language for Letters Giving Advice

Opening Remarks

Formal

• Thank you for your letter requesting...
• I am writing in reply to your letter asking for advice about...
• I hope the following advice will be of some help to you, etc.

Informal

• I just got your letter and I think I can help you...
• I was sorry to hear about your problem. Here's what I think you should do, etc.

Suggestions

Suggestions can be introduced with expressions such as:

Formal

• I strongly recommend that...
• I would suggest that...
• I believe the best course of action is...
• I would advise

Key Figures

Ken Robertson: Journalist and photographer at the Daily Dispatch.

Mamphela Ramphele: A 20-year-old black woman working at the Daily Dispatch.

Plot Summary

Preliminary Situation

Woods learned about the mistreatment of black people by white people, reported in the Daily Dispatch. Ramphele approached the editor about Biko. Biko was interested in Woods to publish his ideas.

Inciting Event

Woods visited Biko, who was under house arrest for inciting revolution. They visited a clinic in Zanempilo and a black township to show Woods the living conditions of black people.

Rising Action

Biko spoke at a stadium advocating for black rule, equal laws, and non-violence. He was arrested. Police attacked a church, reported in the newspaper despite risks.... Continue reading "Cry Freedom: Story of Struggle and Escape" »

My Love for Cinema

I like going to the cinema. Last week I went to see "El Ilusionista."
It was made in 2006 by Neil Burger. It is a dramatic film. It's a screen adaptation of the book The Illusionist, written by Steven Millhauser, who won the Pulitzer Prize.
It's an American film. The film is about a young magician who knows a beautiful young princess. It was around 1870 in Vienna. It has a happy end.
I like both American and European films. I think American films have more budget and effects than the Europeans.
In Spain, we have very famous directors and actors. Pedro Almodovar is one famous director who has won an Oscar, and Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas are two very good Spanish actors, even in Hollywood.

At the moment, something is becoming... Continue reading "Cinema, Film Preferences, and the Beauty of Doñana Natural Park" »

Vocabulary

Social Interactions

• Back up
• Fall out
• Finish with
• Friendship group
• Gossip about
• Hurt somebody's feelings
• Take an instant dislike to
• Let down
• Life and soul of the party
• Look out for
• Make up
• Rely on
• Talk behind somebody's back
• Split up
• Upset

Opinions and Attitudes

• Approve of
• Be ashamed of
• Attitude towards
• Be aware of
• Belong to
• Bias against
• Decrease in
• Depend on
• Different from
• Fearful of
• Prevent/protect from
• Puzzled by
• Result in
• Similar to
• Typical of

Phrasal Verbs

• Do away with
• Die out
• Take over
• Carry on
• Get on
• Talk someone into
• Get across

Time and Scheduling

• Ahead of schedule
• The last minute
• At times
• Catch up on
• Deadline
• From time to time
• Get behind
• In the nick of time
• In two weeks' time
• Keep somebody waiting
• Remember
• Retain
• Rush
• Slow down
• Take your time
• Time to spare
• Turn up

Emphasis and Specificity

• Specially
• Especially
• Particular
• Particularly

Additional

Enhance your understanding of common English words and phrases with this comprehensive list of terms and their clear definitions. Perfect for language learners and anyone looking to improve their vocabulary.

Plaster

A hard, white substance that protects broken bones.

Survey

A study.

Abroad

In a foreign country.

Actually

In fact.

Advertisements

Commercials.

Argue

Angrily telling someone you disagree.

Bargain

Something whose cost is significantly lower than its value.

Bargain Hunter

A person who looks for special offers to buy.

Be Aware Of

To know about something.

Blood Pressure

The pressure with which blood flows around the body.

Breaking News

The most recent news.

Broadcast

To send out a program on television or radio.

Broadsheet

Serious newspapers.

Browse

To look for