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

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" »

The Ghost of Coyote Canyon

"Tell me about the old Chumash cemetery and Mr. Richardson," said Nick, as they walked to the barbeque at Blue River Park.

"Oh, you won't believe it, Nick!" said Bill. "People at Coyote Canyon say that on nights when there's a full moon they see an American Indian Warrior. He has a black horse and gallops through the canyon. They think he's a ghost and they're scared!"

"The ghost of an American Indian warrior?" asked Nick, surprised.

"Yeah," said Michelle, "and some people want to sell their new homes!"

"I'm sure Mr. Richardson isn't very happy about that," said Nick.

"No," said Bill, "but he continues building there."

"He and his wife live at Coyote Canyon," said Michelle.

"Have they ever seen the ghost of the warrior?"... Continue reading "The Chumash Cemetery and the Coyote Canyon Legend" »

King for a Day

Pierce the Veil ft. Kellin Quinn

[Verse 1]

Vic:
Dare me to jump off of this Jersey bridge,
Kellin:
I bet you never had a Friday night like this.
Vic:
Keep it up, keep it up, let's raise our hands,
Kellin:
I take a look up in the sky and I see red.
Vic:
Red for the cancer, red for the wealthy,
Red for the drink that's mixed with suicide.
Kellin:
Everything red.

[Pre-Chorus: Kellin]

Please, won't you push me for the last time?
Let's scream until there's nothing left
So sick of playing, I don't want this anymore.
The thought of you is no fucking fun.
You want a martyr? I'll be one
Because enough's enough,
We're done.

[Chorus: Vic]

You told me, "Think about it."
Well, I did, now I don't wanna feel a thing anymore
I'm tired of begging... Continue reading "King for a Day: Lyrics & Meaning" »

Essential English Irregular Verbs List

This table presents a comprehensive list of common English irregular verbs, including their infinitive, past simple, and past participle forms, along with their Catalan translations. Mastering these verbs is fundamental for achieving fluency in English.

Why People Love Attending Live Concerts

Connecting with Your Favorite Artists

More and more people are traveling to different cities to see their favorite singers perform live. Concerts offer a unique opportunity to connect with artists and experience their music in an immersive way. It's an exciting event that allows you to enjoy live music without relying on internet radio or recordings.

The Magic of Live Performances

Live music is a special form of entertainment. While ticket prices can sometimes be high, the experience is often worth it. The energy of the crowd, the sound quality, and the visual spectacle create an atmosphere that can't be replicated. In cities like Zaragoza, affordable concert options make live music accessible to a wider... Continue reading "The Joy of Live Concerts: An Immersive Musical Experience" »

Reporting Verbs

Some common reporting verbs include:

• admit
• agree
• announce
• ask
• complain
• explain
• invite
• offer
• promise
• refuse
• tell
• warn

Direct Speech - Reported Speech

When changing from direct speech to reported speech, several changes occur:

Time Expressions

• now - then
• today - that day
• tomorrow - the next day/the following day
• yesterday - the day before/the previous day
• last year - the year before/the previous year
• five years ago - five years before
• next week - the next week/the following week

Pronouns

• I - he/she
• you - I/she/he/we/they
• we - they
• me - him/her
• you - me/him/her/us/them
• us - them
• my - his/her
• your - my/his/her/our/their
• our - their

Tense Changes

Present Simple - Past Simple

"I fancy you" - He told me that he fancied me.

Present Continuous - Past Continuous

"I'm going... Continue reading "A Guide to Reported Speech in English: Mastering Direct and Indirect Speech" »

Asking for Information at a Travel Agency: Gap-Fill Exercise

Thomas needs a holiday. He goes to the travel agency.

• Travel Agent: Good morning. How can I help you?
• Thomas: I'd like to go away for a holiday—somewhere in the sun.
• Travel Agent: Have you any particular destination in mind?
• Thomas: Spain, I think.
• Travel Agent: Mainland Spain or one of the islands?
• Thomas: The Canaries would be nice. Yes, I'd like a hotel beside a beach.
• Travel Agent: OK. Here are a few brochures about the Canaries, with information about hotel accommodation and self-catering apartments too. When would you like to travel?
• Thomas: I'd like to go for a week in June. Is that high or low season?
• Travel Agent: I'm afraid it's the start of the high season.
• Thomas: OK. Thanks very

At the end of the film, Sebastian is able to own his own jazz club, while Mia is living in Paris and starting her acting career. While both of them are making their dreams come true, Mia and Sebastian are following different ways in their lives. When Mia returns to LA, now married to someone we don't know, she and her husband went to Seb’s (Sebastian’s jazz club), where Sebastian is playing. Mia smiles at Sebastian, while contemplating what their life together could have been like. Mia leaves the club, but sharing one last look with Sebastian. Personally, I liked the final, but I would have done different, because all the film talks about the romance of Sebastian and Mia and at the end we can see that Mia is married with another boy, and... Continue reading "La La Land: A Bittersweet Love Story" »

Synonyms

• Whether
• Chances
• Restore
• Skills

Passive Voice

Passive:

1. Stability was thought to be the most important thing in a society.
2. Children aren’t brought up in families here.
3. My uncle was sent some beautiful roses.
4. A lot of alcohol is being drunk at the party.

Rewrites

1. John must have copied...
2. We will have our windows washed tomorrow.
3. I shouldn’t have left my soma...
4. You aren’t allowed to have long,.../ You Can’t have
5. I bought a Mercedes to impress my new girlfriend.

Translations

1. You should give that disgusting director a taste of his own medicine.
2. That sweet smell brought back memories of my childhood.
3. Children are being taught while they sleep in the New World.
4. I like perfumes that set off emotions.
5. Some shops use very subtle scents so that the customers