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

'Laura' (Otto Preminger, 1944) is a mystery film and a clear example of how the temporal structure of the plot can affect the construction of the characters. The main purpose of this essay is to analyze the use of flashbacks in 'Laura' as a way to manipulate the viewer's opinion of Waldo (Clifton Webb), making us think that he is innocent when he is not.

The Power of Flashbacks

Flashbacks are often used to recount past events, but in this case, they are used to manipulate the viewer's minds and make them think differently. The syuzhet will also play an important role in this film to achieve this purpose. From the very beginning of the story, Waldo is introduced as one of the main characters, along with Mark McPherson and Laura, making us identify... Continue reading "Manipulating Perception: The Use of Flashbacks in 'Laura'" »

**Something That Happened to Me (Earthquake)**

On July 4th, 2015, my parents and I were in a museum in Madrid, looking at a painting. Suddenly, all the paintings started to move. We were really scared.

At first, we ran to the door and saw what was happening outside. We were surprised to see that an earthquake was striking Madrid. We decided to stay inside and wait until the earthquake finished.

Finally, after two hours, the earthquake ended. We were happy and relieved because no one was injured.

**The One That Is Average (La que se avecina)**

La que se avecina is a very funny television series that deals with the problems that occur in a neighbors' community. Each episode deals with a different problem, so it doesn't get boring and is very entertaining.... Continue reading "Personal Experiences and Entertainment" »

Hello, my name is Carlos, and last summer, I went to Barcelona on a trip with my family. There are many places to visit. The most used means of transport is the subway. I went to the Sagrada Familia, visited my cousins, and watched the Barcelona vs. Madrid match. It was the best day of my life. The party was great with my family. After the game, I went to Valencia. It was a very nice experience. I want to go back to Barcelona.

1. Listen to the three speakers talking about Britain. Answer the questions with Hannah, Anna, or Roberta.

1. Doesn't like the food. 1H.

2. Likes eating food from many different countries. 2R.

3. Likes the atmosphere at work. 3A.

4. Likes the parks. 4H.

5. Thinks the traffic is terrible. 5A.

6. Thinks that people are nice to... Continue reading "Exploring Barcelona and Beyond" »

Eating out can be a very pleasurable experience. Having dinner with a friend, eating a romantic meal while on a date or celebrating some special event with a party at a restaurant are all things we enjoy doing.

Even so, there are few people who eat out all the time and eating at home has many points in its favor. It is cheaper to eat at home. It is healthier to eat at home and it is usually much more comfortable.

Cheaper and Healthier

Firstly, eating at home is much less expensive than eating in a restaurant. Obviously, when we eat at home we do the preparation, cooking and serving of the food ourselves and, therefore, do not need to pay the labor costs of cook, waiter and other restaurant staff.

Secondly, eating at home is much better for our... Continue reading "Benefits of Eating at Home vs. Restaurants" »

FUTURE SIMPLE (WILL)

Use: Future predictions, spontaneous decisions.

FUTURE SIMPLE (BE GOING TO)

Present Tense

• He isn't wearing a hat
• Is she cleaning the windows?
• She isn't writing a letter
• Are they watching a football match?
• She is making a pizza

Imperatives

• Go
• Don't swim
• Do

Present Simple

• They don't work
• We live

Past Tense

• Sophie and her mom read
• Uncle Franck catches
• Do my little brother hang out

Past of Regular and Irregular Verbs

• Take (takes)
• Goes (go)
• Do you do (you do)
• Watch (watch)
• They usually go for holidays to R
• I am never rude to my parents
• In the morning, children always eat my breakfast
• Bring (brought)
• Buy (bought)
• Eat (ate)
• Get (got)
• Go (went)

Time Expressions

• It's four forty
• It's seven o'clock
• It's ten past twelve

True/False/Doesn't Say

• She has so many friends

Third Person

• He sends
• She plays
• He listens
• She knows
• It expects
• She loses
• He delivers
• It has
• He wants
• She does

Countable/

Mary's Perspective on Life and Death

In the fifth stanza, Mary presents death not only as positive but also life as negative. This is a typical Catholic move, to undersell earthly life in favor of eternal life after death.

Mary did have a turbulent life. She married a French Dauphin, and after his premature death, she married Lord Darnley, a womanizer and alcoholic who committed murder out of jealousy. Darnley was later found dead, and Mary married the prime suspect of the crime, the Earl of Bothwell. She was then chased by the Scots and imprisoned for 17 years, suspected of plotting to overthrow Elizabeth, until her execution.

In verse 19, we read: “my speedy death has shortened long annoy”; she would have spent more years in prison had she... Continue reading "Martyrdom and Release: A Catholic Interpretation of Mary Stuart's Execution" »