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

Speaking Part 1

1. What is your name?

My name is Keira.

2. Can you spell your last/surname name?

It’s S-a-n-t-e-l-l-a-n.

3. How old are you?

I’m 10 years old.

4. Where are you from?

I’m from Mexico City.

5. Where do you go to school?

I go to Queen Mary School.

6. How do you go to school?

I go to school by car.

7. Do you have any brothers or sisters?

I have one brother.

8. Do you have a pet?

Yes, I have a dog. It’s names are Lili and Frida.

9. What is your favorite subject at school? Why?

It’s Art because it’s fun to use different colors of paint.

10. Which is your least favorite subject at school and why?

I don’t like history because I have to memorize dates and then I forget them. I like geography because I learn more about cultures.

A2 Key Speaking

Effective Complaint Letters & Emails

Dear ________________,

Introduction

Choose one of the following opening statements:

• I am writing to complain about _________________.
• I am writing this letter/email because I would like to take this opportunity to express my __________ / opinion about _________________________.
• I am writing / We are writing this email/letter to express my/our agreement / disagreement _____________.

Body

Use different paragraphs and linkers to connect your ideas. Consider using the following:

• First of all,
• Apart from that,
• As well as that,
• Moreover,
• So,
• It is important to mention that,
• Besides,
• According to,
• Whereas,
• In fact,
• However,
• Due to,
• On the other hand,
• Finally,
• That is to say,
• Concerning,
• What's more,
• For instance,
• For example,
• Such as…

Conclusion

Hello Laura

How are you? I'm looking forward to the trip. I think that we are going to have a very good experience.

The first day, we can go to visit the centre of Pamplona where we can go shopping on Carlos III, a beautiful street full of shops, mostly clothing stores. Then, afterwards, we can have lunch in a restaurant called Foster Hollywood. I really love this place.

The second day, we can go to see the Ciudadela and the old part of Pamplona. You will love the Caballo Blanco. In the afternoon, we can go to the cinema to watch a film at Golem Yamaguchi.

I hope we will have a good time together.

See you soon, Nahia

Gerunds and Infinitives (TO/ING)

Practice using gerunds (V-ing) and infinitives (to + V) correctly after specific verbs and phrases.

• I began going snowboarding.
• There wasn't any point trying to windsurf.
• We continued to train for the race.
• I stopped to rest after the run.
• Remember not to go to college.
• I started doing rock climbing.
• Don't forget to bring plenty (of supplies).
• It wasn't worth continuing up the mountain.
• My family stopped visiting Scotland.
• I prefer to sail on the sea.
• I was offered a place travelling (around the world).
• I meant to tell Oliver.

Phrasal Verbs and Collocations with TAKE

The verb TAKE is used in many common phrasal verbs and fixed expressions:

• Everybody is welcome to take part in the race.
• Jack was injured, so Andy took his place

Essential English Vocabulary for Advanced Learners

• Diagnosis, Circulation, Burglar, Demolition, Spotless, Congested, Affluent, Attempt, Live, Buzz, Voice, Trap, Housing, Urban, Rough, Good deed, Full, Small.
• Standards, Officer, Appalling, Thrilled, Inflation, Condition, Rep (Representative/Reputation), Scheme, Abolish, Abolition, Fraudulent, Heavy, Stereotype, Bemused, Steep, Assume, Commerce, Soak, Increase, Struck, Work, Get, Rip, Tackle.
• Close-knit, Heavy, Long, Quick, Verbal, Diverse, Central, False, Running elite, Safety pin, Power drill, Latest craze, Corruption, Punishment, Evasion, Happen, Commit, Protect, Attempt, Carry, Rant, Cynic, Incompetent, Amicable, Annul, Trashed, Instigate, Chronic, Shoulder, Award, File, Throw, Drift, Pay, Has,

Diamond Facts: Natural vs. Man-Made

Physical and Chemical Properties

Man-made diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically identical to mined diamonds.

Price Comparison

Regarding price, there is a significant difference:

• A one-carat yellow diamond from nature costs about $20,000.
• A man-made one costs about $6,000.

Artificial Diamond Production

The process involves subjecting a piece of coal to extremely high temperatures and great pressure over a period of various days. This information is often promoted by those in charge of companies that produce artificial diamonds.

Related Terminology

Keywords associated with diamond processing include: overseen, lump, graded, and inscribed (corrected spelling).

Grammar Corrections

• The hardest substance on Earth.

I just came from France, the capital of Paris.

Everyone told me that I would have a great time. They told me that there was a lot to see there. They were right! Paris is a city with a long history, but it's also a very modern city. I visited the museum, and it's very modern. Besides visiting the tourist attractions, Paris is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in the world. The air is so clean! The manager explained that they used renewable energy sources and that they recycled waste.

I really recommend a visit!

Is it Important to Have a Healthy and Balanced Diet?

Thursday, May 6, 2015

A Balanced Diet

Have you noticed how many people in recent years are unhappy due to excess weight? This has become a serious health problem for many young people who, due to strict diets, are actually suffering from diseases such as bulimia.

Our society is influenced by fashion that pushes us to consume not only mobile phones but also fast food. To be beautiful and feel good, you have to go to the gym, go swimming, go running, and, above all, be thin. All these activities, if not accompanied by the required hours of rest and a balanced diet, will just take their toll. Our country is known for its Mediterranean diet, which means eating vegetables, fruit, fish, and olive oil.... Continue reading "Healthy Diet and New Technologies: Impact on Life" »

80 Essential Irregular Verbs: Forms and Meanings

This comprehensive list provides the base form, past simple, and past participle for 80 common irregular verbs, along with their Spanish translations. Mastering these forms is crucial for achieving fluency in English.

Verbs A–D

Be (Ser, Estar)

• Base Form: Be
• Past Simple: Was / Were
• Past Participle: Been

Become (Convertirse en, Hacerse)

• Base Form: Become
• Past Simple: Became
• Past Participle: Become

Begin (Empezar, Comenzar)

• Base Form: Begin
• Past Simple: Began
• Past Participle: Begun

Bite (Morder)

• Base Form: Bite
• Past Simple: Bit
• Past Participle: Bitten

Blow (Soplar)

• Base Form: Blow
• Past Simple: Blew
• Past Participle: Blown

Break (Romper)

• Base Form: Break
• Past Simple: Broke
• Past Participle: Broken

Bring (Llevar, Traer)

• Base